Fordham University and FUPAC (Fordham University Philippine-American Club) hosted this year’s Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (F.I.N.D.) on November 5th and 6th. Nineteen schools with their own Filipino cultural clubs and 1200 delegates from all over the East Coast of the United States attended the event.
F.I.N.D. is a student-run, workshop-based dialogue that seeks to educate and empower its delegates with Filipino culture and identity. The theme for this year’s F.I.N.D. was “Boses,” which in Tagalog means “voice.” The goal of the workshops was to help the delegates find their own voices concerning events that relate to the Philippines and the culture. Also, the workshops showed the benefits of dialoguing about an issue rather than resorting to force. Along with the workshops were sale booths and a cultural show. The booths sold both food (delicious food at that!) and clothes. The performances included FUPAC’s dance team Def Jam For Cutie, singers and YouTube sensations Jay Legaspi and Erika David, and incredible dancer Karla Garcia from the show So You Think You Can Dance.
The event was hosted at Fordham University for the first time this year! Every year, the number of international students grows, which strengthens not only the diversity of the Fordham community, but also fortifies cultural awareness across the university. This is a prime example of how Fordham University is making an effort to encourage international students to become a part of Fordham community. Another example is that at the beginning of the school year 2010 ~ 2011, KSA (Korean Students Association) became an official cultural club. Every year, not only Fordham exerts its efforts to increase cultural affairs, but the students are driven to let their culture and heritage be known throughout the university.
Delegates sitting in Freeman Lecture Room for a Presentation
Delegates posing with Ruby Veridiano, a Filipina arts activist
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