After months of balancing Campbell’s soup cans on his head in preparation for a traditional Filipino dance, University sophomore Gilbert Sace finally showed off his moves in front of an audience.
On Friday, Sace and other Filipinos participated in the Philippine Student Association’s Tenth Annual Fashion Show.
The event blended traditional dancing and singing, hip-hop and fashion to celebrate a decade of the association’s shows.
This year’s show, titled “Inertia,” had a more symbolic feel, said Shirley Ragudo, the association’s co-president.
“It represents the movement of our organization. We have existed for more than 50 years, and we hope to exist for another 50,” she said.
To the emcees, the name signified the energy of the show and “having these young, new kids out here doing these unforgettable moves,” co-emcee Aric Asuncion said.
The show marked the first time college-age Filipinos performed the traditional dances.
“It really means a lot to us that we’re able to do that, able to display our culture and display our heritage to the campus community,” Ragudo said.
Sace participated in these traditional dances, including one where they balanced candles on their heads while performing the steps.
“It does take coordination, it does take balance,” said Sheryl Cristobal, the association’s treasurer, who also danced.
Enter the tomato soup cans, designed to perfect these skills. The male dancers also worked on their abs to better perform the more difficult moves, Sace said.
The emcees provided comedic transitions from dancing to fashion, and models strutted the catwalk to an audience of more than 450. David’s Bridal, The Buckle, Gingiss Formal Wear and Wet Seal sponsored the displayed clothes.
The audience also watched numerous hip-hop and pop dances, completing the blend of traditional and modern aspects that helped the association celebrate Filipino culture and the show’s 10-year anniversary.
Through “Inertia,” students and people of Filipino heritage from the community could express themselves, Asuncion said.
“To know yourself is to know your culture,” he said.