About Us

Here’s a video of some of the events that Akbayan has to offer!

Akbayan means, “Embracing in Friendship.” Along with the SJSU community, other universities, the Filipino community, and the larger community, we strive to increase our knowledge of the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture and share the beauty of the heritage.

Akbayan started out with a group of Pilipino/Pilipino-American college students from SJSU gaining consciousness about their heritage and culture. The group was inspired to create an organization based on the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture. In 1976, Akbayan was born. Initially, it started out as a social group where Filipinos had a chance to meet new people. Over the years, it has evolved to become an organization concerned with cultural and political concepts as well.

Akbayan is noted for its Pilipino Culture Night show (PCN). In this event, organization members are given a chance to perform traditional dances hailing from different regions and provinces of the Philippines. In addition, budding writers get a chance to write out scripts reflecting their Pilipino/Pilipino-American lives. The spirit of PCN is all about having fun, creating friendships, and getting to know more about the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture.

Aside from PCN, Akbayan has participated in/supported/spearheaded the following:

Community

• The Annual Pil-Grad (Pilipino Commencement, Graduation)
• Collaborations with the Jacinto Tony Siquig Northside Community Center
• The rally against the unjust lay-offs of Filipino airport screeners after 9/11
• The fight for the Filipino Veterans’ Equity Bill (HR 677)
• The movement against unjust deportations.
• The fight against unjust Police Brutality (Custodio Family)

Cultural

• Cooking / Language Workshops
• Cultural Dance Workshops with Rancho Middle School for Talent Shows and Independence High School’s Mabuhay Cultural Club for their annual Pilipino Cultural Night

Social:

• CSU Fullerton’s Annual Friendship Games
• Akbayan’s Annual Winter Formal
• “Movie Night” at the San Jose Family Shelter

K.A.A.M.P.

• Mentorship Programs at Rancho Middle School
• Extension of K.A.A.M.P. Program to Independence High School

Other organizations we have worked with in the past, and continue to work with, include: Pilipino-American Collegiate Endeavor of San Francisco State University and Pilipino-American Student Association of CSU East Bay (TriForce), Barkada of Santa Clara University, and other Bay Area universities/community colleges.  We have also worked with SAVE (Student Action for Veterans’ Equity), The Tony Siquig Northside Community Center, Mabuhay Cultural Club of Independence High School, San Jose Family Shelter, Alpha Kappa Omega, Bagong Bayan, Alpha Phi Omega.

Akbayan with PACE of SFSU and PASA of CSUEB at Friendship Games

Today, Akbayan still grows stronger. It is through the traditions of activities and bonds created in the beginning that keep the organization alive. Akbayan is more than just embracing in friendship; it is a place where people can all gather to learn more about themselves and the Pilipino/Pilipino-American culture and community.