Embracing Filipino Culture: The Heart of Kilusan Pilipino

Photo provided by Miranda Duarte

 Recently named Student Organization of the Year, Kilusan Pilipino continues to make a meaningful impact.

Kilusan Pilipino, University of the Pacific’s Filipino cultural club, is a community and a family that allows students to make new friends and embrace Filipino culture no matter their background. Founded in 1994, Kilusan Pilipino (KP) has been hosting many cultural events like Barrio Fiesta, Manong-Manang Luncheon, Isang P.U.S.O. Benefit Concert, and the annual Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN). Kilusan means “movement” and this serves as an important message for students in this community of culture and connection. 

According to the club’s president Mataio Malana, “Kilusan Pilipino is a Filipino-American organization that not only contributes to University of the Pacific's Stockton campus but also communities around and outside of Stockton, collaborating with non-profit organizations, like the FAHNS (Filipino American Historical National Society) museum and Little Manila Rising to contribute our efforts in promoting community and student engagement. Overall, Kilusan Pilipino strives to educate, network, and provide community service. As a group, we have been involved in many activities in both Pacific and Stockton communities to recognize, welcome, and thrive on diversity.” 

I spoke with some of KP’s graduating seniors and KORE Board members about the importance of Kilusan to them, their favorite memories in the club, and what they gained from being a part of KP:

Why did you join KP?

Mataio Malana/KP President: “I joined Kilusan Pilipino because the organization has given me something that led me to become the person I am now. First year, I got inspiration. Second year, I became part of this strong community giving me a Pamilya (family). And right now, I was given an engaging perspective from a memorable and inspiring story on places I have been and wanted to be. Kilusan Pilipino has been a place of taking a chance on finding myself and expressing who I am.”

Tiana McCarthy: “I originally joined KP because I was interested in participating in the cultural dances. Although I was familiar with my Filipino culture, I had never done any cultural dances before, so I decided to join PCN 2023. From then on, I became more active, and I am so glad I did.”

Xavier Martinez/KP Community Coordinator: “My friend Ryan was the Vice President at the time and invited me to eat lumpia at the first GBM (general body meeting)! The better question is why I stayed. The answer is I loved hanging out with all the people in KP. The events were something to look forward to besides school.”

What makes KP special to you? 

Mataio Malana: “The environment is what makes KP so special! Kilusan Pilipino is welcoming to everyone, we are not strictly open to people who are Filipino. KP has grown not only as an organization but as a diverse community bringing everyone together and engaging in various activities our organization offers throughout the school year.”

Tiana McCarthy: “Prior to coming to UoP, I was very close with my family, and was used to always hanging out with my cousins. I was sad that I would be seeing them less once I started college, but the people and dynamic I have found in KP has been like another family for me. Not only have I been able to make lasting friendships, but I also still have that sense of familiarity and connection from the events and activities.”

Xavier Martinez: “KP is special to me because of the way it has positively changed my college experience. Before KP, I was a commuter student with only two friends in college. I found my people in KP and was able to make so many friends. I was also able to get out of my comfort zone. I tried dancing, singing, leadership, you name it and KP has probably got me to do it!” 

What is your favorite KP memory?

Mataio Malana: “My favorite KP memory is and will always be PCN 28! Pilipino Cultural Night has been a life changing journey for me to connect with the culture through participating in drama and almost every cultural dance, including the modern dance crew, “Hooligans.” On show day, performing on stage was a once in a lifetime opportunity to share with college students and guests a meaningful story that revolves around Pilipino culture and the community.” 

Tiana McCarthy: “I would say my favorite memory has to be our Pilipino Cultural Night of 2024. Leading up to our performance day, we dedicate that entire week to practicing, “hell week”, and during this week, I made so many more friends, and got closer to a lot more people in general during that week. So many laughs were shared, so many inside jokes made, and I learned some very beautiful dances this year as well. Overall, this experience was definitely one of my most memorable.”

Xavier Martinez: “My second year at Friendship Games when all of KP went to Hai Di Lao, a hot pot place! We won 3 games and had to celebrate.”

What is one thing you are going to miss about KP after you graduate?

Mataio Malana: “I am going to miss the KP journey that has helped me grow and adapt not only as a leader but as a college student connecting with the Pilipino culture through meeting people with different backgrounds, attending events, and inspiring others to engage within and beyond our community.”

Tiana McCarthy: “I am definitely going to miss the people! All of the events I have participated in have especially been fun because of my friends that I have made during my time in KP. Not only my close friends, but everyone in the club that I have met. I choreographed for a few dances during my time in KP, and every time, all of my dancers have made teaching so fulfilling. I am glad to have been able to make somewhat of an impact during people’s time in the club, just like others have done for me.”

Xavier Martinez: “One thing I will miss about KP when I graduate will be my friends! I will be in graduate school so I will still be around, but most of the friends who I made when I first joined KP will be gone! Singing the anthems at GBM and saying the chant at the end of GBMS will always be missed.”

As these students explore their love and appreciation for the club, we also celebrate Kilusan Pilipino being awarded Student Organization of the Year! This recognition reflects the impact this community has had not only on Pacific, but also in students’ lives and personal journeys.  Come show your support for KP and its amazing students at the annual Faith Davies Student Leadership Awards reception and ceremony on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6:30-8pm on Knoles Lawn.