The Pinoy Barkada Club at Aliso Niguel High School strives to spread awareness of the Filipino community and culture to unite all Filipino Americans at Aliso. The Pinoy Barkada Club is more than just a club, it is also Fa community of students who share a passion for Filipino culture and traditions.
The club’s mission is simple: to create an environment where Filipino students feel included in their culture and to allow all Aliso Niguel students the opportunity to love the Philippines and its culture.
The club’s president Jairah K. Torres (10) claims, “As a Filipino-American student who has not had the chance to visit the Philippines, I understand how essential it is to feel a connection with one’s roots. Pinoy Barkada provides an opportunity for students like me to learn about Filipino culture and traditions.”
During the meetings, members engage in activities like giving short lessons on the Filipino language, Tagalog, by teaching basic vocabulary and sample sentences. Then, delicious Pinoy food is provided while sharing some traditions that take place in the Philippines.
The club members learn about the culture through food, language and traditions while having fun with their friends and making new ones. The club’s activities are not only informative, but also enjoyable.
The club’s vice president, Angela Dizon (11), shared, “We plan activities like karaoke where we sing popular Pinoy songs that are known by almost everyone. Singing karaoke is a significant part of Filipino culture, and it is a popular activity at almost every Pinoy gathering. We also bring Pinoy food to every meeting, which allows our club members to bond over delicious food and create a stronger connection.”
The Pinoy Barkada Club is not just a club for Filipino students. It is a club for everyone interested in learning about Filipino culture. All the club members come from different backgrounds and cultures, but they all share a common interest in learning about the Philippines.
It is essential to the club officers that everyone feels welcome and included. Their goal is to help bridge the gap between different cultures and create a sense of community within Aliso Niguel High School.
In her interview, Jairah K. Torres (11) also claimed, “As I graduate high school, I plan to establish another Pinoy Barkada club if there is not one already. I will continue to share my experiences and perspective as a Filipino-American on my social media to raise awareness and promote Filipino culture. The Pinoy Barkada Club has helped me feel more connected to my roots, and I hope it continues to provide the same for generations to come.”
The club’s mission is to create a sense of belonging and community for Filipino students and to allow everyone to love the Philippines and its culture.
