A performance of Filipino artistry using traditional Filipino instruments
President Dr. Gil Contreras giving the "Valley Up" sign with co-coordinator Rangel Zarate and Leticia Hector
Rangel Zarate holding a paper fan and smiling with Marie Maghuyop
The Arts, Lectures & Diversity Committee celebrated San Bernardino Valley College’s centennial and Filipino culture with the Barrio Fiesta October 28.  
 
Attendees enjoyed traditional Filipino food, music, and performances. The event was the last in a series for Filipino American History Month, themed “Celebrating Generational Joy: Food, music, laughter, and love across generations.”  
 
The event opened with performances of the U.S. national anthem by SBVC alumna Jessie Koh and the Philippine national anthem by Crafton Hills College alumna Mary Tyree-Garcia. It was “a powerful expression of Filipino American dual heritage,” according to co-coordinator Rangel Zarate, associate professor of English.  
 
Kristine Jan Cruz Espinoza, assistant professor of education at California Lutheran University, delivered “a heartfelt address on cultural pride, education, and representation, reminding attendees that joy and identity are not just celebrated --they are carried forward,” Zarate said.  
 
Performances by the Filipinx American Student Organization from Cal State San Bernardino, the Filipino American Association of San Bernardino County, Ube Arte and the Philippine American Cultural School highlighted the richness of Filipino artistry.