Akbayan's 35th Annual PCN
Akbayan SJSU is the nonprofit student-run Pilipinx American organization on campus. In the Filipino language, Akbayan means “Embracing in Friendship.” For over 42 years, our organization has developed different programs and events under our four pillars of academics, social, community and political, and cultural. Because of our professional and organized execution of events and programs, Akbayan is one of the largest organizations on campus with over 650 active general members. In addition to facilitating a safe and welcoming space for a diverse population, we continuously give back to the Pilipinx American community. As a student organization, we’ve developed a mentorship program that aims to pair members with other students as mentors to ensure success and a high retention rate in our demographic. As a cultural and social organization, we educate our members through workshops specializing in the arts as well as our history. Our organization’s true purpose is to encourage students to “embrace in friendship” while facing the struggles of academia, mental health, and cultural identity.
Why are we raising the money?
The Pilipinx Cultural Night (PCN) is a program that has been a tradition for many Pilipinx American organizations throughout the United States. For SJSU, this is our 35th anniversary. For two nights and one matinee show, PCN will showcase its members through the expressive arts, including but not limited to cultural, contemporary, and modern dances; band & choir; acting & scriptwriting; in addition to the aspects that are the backbone of our production that operate behind the scenes like programs, attires, tech & props. We expose our members to opportunities in marketing, public relations, graphic design, and financial planning. This is only our second production back with in-person rehearsals aimed for two nights and one matinee fully in-person premier since our production of PCN 32: Morena back in 2020.
How can you help?
As the success of our student-run production rises, we require more funding to contribute to the growing production and attraction for the many years to come for our Pilipinx Cultural Nights. This year, our venue has been secured at the Santa Clara Convention Center and we have a cast of roughly 100 members. All the proceeds made through this program go directly towards the organization to continue a legacy of giving back to our community and sharing the voices of our youths and ancestors.
$25
The Barrio Suite
The Barrio suite embodies the simple life of country folk through dance. Your $25 contribution will celebrate the gathering of our 90+ student cast and the venue costs for our weekly practices and theater production. Donors at this level will receive a Special Thanks during the show.
$50
The Maria Clara Suite
In this suite, our strong female characters wear beautiful, intricate dresses while the males wear traditional embroidered barongs. This $50 contribution will be graciously flaunted through our costumes that we will be throughout the production as well as future PCNs. Donors at this level will receive Limited Edition PCN Stickers (2) and a Special Thanks in the Show.
$100
The Lumad Suite
The Lumad suite reflects the different indigenous people of the many tribes scattered throughout the Philippines who have resisted colonization. Their stories depict a variety of different rituals: worship, courtship, thanksgiving, and so much more. This $100 contribution will help tell the story of this production with props and lights that will set the mood for everyone in the production. Donors at this level will receive a Limited Edition Poster (1) and a Special Thanks in the show.
$250
The Southern Islands Suite
The Southern Islands suite emulates the dances of the Mindanao Island in the Southern Philippines. Their graceful and fluid movements are similar to that of the ocean, where most of the dances are inspired by. This $250 contribution will be paraded through the performers of this production and the backstage help, for this will help ease the costs of their fees. Donors at this level will receive a Hiraya Manawari DVD (1) + Limited Edition Poster (1) + a Special Thanks in the show.
$500
The Igorot Suite
The Igorot suite represents the warriors in the mountain regions. The dances in this suite demonstrate the fierceness of these people and their many lifestyle rituals that include ones for war, courtship, and worship. This $500 contribution will bring about more during this production with shirts, pins, and stickers to provide for audience members. Donors at this level will receive a Limited Edition Poster (1) + Limited Edition PCN Stickers (5) + Hiraya Manawari DVD (1) + Special Thanks during the show.
$1,000
Hiraya Manawari Suite
Your $1000 contribution will benefit all aspects of our PCN. Donors at this level will receive Reserved Front Row Seating (up to five seats and includes tickets) + Stage Call + Poster + Program + Shirt + Hiraya Manawari DVD + Stickers (5).
