Ramapo College’s Filipino-American Student Association prepares for “Barrio” Community Event

By ISABELLA SANTOS

MAHWAH, N.J. –Ramapo College of New Jersey’s Filipino-American Student Association began the audition process for their annual Barrio event on Feb. 10 marking the start of their preparations for the extravaganza.

Barrio: Neighborhood

As the organization’s largest event held each school year, Barrio entails months of preparation and hard work. The purpose of the event is to connect the members of FASA with not only the Filipino community, but the Ramapo campus as a whole. The event’s name, “Barrio,” translates in Tagalog to “neighborhood,” once again promoting the idea of a community and unity.

“Throughout your lifetime, there aren’t going to be many chances where you get to say that you were able to work on a big project with all of your friends,” Dylan Dennis, the club’s treasurer, said. “Opportunities like that are rare, so it’s cool that we get to do this once a year.”

High School Musikal: High School Musical

This year’s Barrio is inspired by High School Musical and its members are seeking actors from all over the campus. The first round of auditions for the leads of the show was held on Feb. 10, the leading roles of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez awarded to Bianca Segovia and Adrian Anthony.

“I saw a Facebook post telling me that I got the part and it took me a while to sink that in,” Bianca, a sophomore, said. “I was really excited and extremely happy to get the part!”

Through a series of performances and skits, the club works towards weaving the school year’s lessons into a show that bring a taste of the Filipino culture to the audience. Those involved can choose to participate in modern, traditional, and ballroom dances, performances with the band, Jack Slurpee, or share their acting skills.

“I can’t wait to get closer with the other Barrio members,” Rachel Lim, a Junior at Ramapo, said. “It’s really just such an exciting time.”

Bukas sa Lahat: Open to All

FASA itself is focused on spreading the Filipino culture and heritage among the student body at Ramapo College. The club meets once a week to discuss events and participate in FASA Education, a time in which members talk about historical events of the Philippines and how such times can bridge the gap between first and second generation Filipino-Americans. Although the name may cause outsiders looking in to perceive the club as a strictly Filipino based organization, FASA prides themselves in carrying out the Filipino virtue of acceptance. Regardless of an individual’s cultural background or upbringing, new and old faces alike are welcomed with open arms by the organization.

“The club is meant for everyone who wants to be a part of that experience and learn another culture or more about their own,” Co-President, Aliana Reyes, said.

Fasamiliya

This message of intercultural understanding is constantly promoted throughout the organization. With the number of members increasing with each semester, FASA demonstrates their desire to build a stronger community which members often refer to as their “Fasamilya.”

“I think it has to do with Filipino culture itself,” social coordinator, Phil Fuster, said. “This club has been active for years now at Ramapo and regardless of how its members have changed, it’s still kept that close familial bond.”

With Barrio preparation in full swing, FASA is working diligently to ensure that the show is the best one yet. With preliminary auditions finished, musical numbers are being arranged, and choreography is being finalized, members of the club are eagerly counting down the days for April 9.

“Being a former Barrio head, I can definitely say that the experience is extremely stressful,” Stephie Flores, Ramapo alum who graduated in the Fall 2015 semester, said, “but when you take a step back to see all that everyone has worked so hard to achieve, you can’t help but be thankful to have been a part of it.”