The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Center for Philippine Studies (CPS) is marking its 50th anniversary with a series of special events for fall 2025. From art and history to performance and storytelling, the programs invite the public to celebrate the richness of Filipino culture while exploring the future of Philippine Studies.
The anniversary theme, “Rooted in the Past, Growing Together,” honors the history of Hawaiʻi’s Filipino community while inspiring collective action to guide and uplift future generations.
“We’re proud to present a dynamic range of programs in the coming year that reflect our commitment to education, culture and community engagement,” said Patricia Halagao, co-director of CPS.
Founded in 1975 with the support of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, CPS has been a home for scholarship and community.
Events open to the public
Kulturang Makulay: Colorful Cultures of the Philippines exhibit
October 12–March 15, 2026, East-West Center Gallery
- Filipino fashion, music, art and artifacts curated by artist and fashion designer Iris Gil Viacrusis. Free admission.
Collaboration with UH Athletics
October 10–11, 7 p.m., Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
- “Filipino Night” during the UH Wāhine Volleyball game vs Cal Poly.
Filipino-inspired Warrior “H” logo designed by artist Ara Laylo for exclusive UH apparel. Buy at UH Bookstore.
Philippine Rare Collection Workshop-Cartographies of Skin and Soil
October 15, 5:30 p.m. and October 16, 3 p.m., Hamilton Library 4th Floor, Asia Reading Room
- Discover how rare 16th-Century Philippine maps and traditional Filipino tattoos tell powerful stories of identity, resistance and survival. Guided by Philippine librarian Elena Clariza, the workshop will unpack how both the body and the land were marked. Space is limited. Reserve in advance. Free admission.
Dancing in the Diaspora: Celebrating 50 Years of the Center for Philippine Studies
November 14, 15, 21, 22 (7:30 p.m.) and November 23 (2 p.m.), Kennedy Theatre
- Mainstage dance production exploring the experiences of Filipinos navigating belonging and exclusion in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Featuring Filipino Indigenous storytelling, music, hip hop and street dance.
- Ticket information
Additional events
iJeepney Launch: Empowering the Next Generation
October 4, 2–4 p.m., Filipino Cultural Summit at Leeward Community College
- Originally developed by the Smithsonian in 2006, “iJeepney” is reborn as a dynamic, youth-driven online platform for Filipino history and culture.
- Register online.
Center for Philippine Studies Anthology Book
November 2024, UH Mānoa
- The center’s first anthology will feature reflections from past and present directors, faculty, and community partners, documenting CPS’s 50-year history and vision for the future of Philippine Studies worldwide.
Parangal Kay Tita Lindy
September 20, 11 a.m., Biomedical Sciences Building B103
Harmonies across the Pacific
October 10,11, 12, 13, Various locations. Free admission.
