AkbayanSJSU's 38th Annual Pilipinx Cultural Night

Faith Castro is a 4th year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biochemistry at San Jose State University (SJSU) and is currently serving as AkbayanSJSU’s Pilipinx Cultural Night (PCN) Coordinator. She is a first generation Pilipina American born in Stockton, California and grew up in Stockton, California. Faith comes from an Ilocano background in La Union, Philippines and has a love for Pilipinx culture and her community. Outside of school, Faith is passionate about performing arts, like dancing, singing, and writing original music. In high school, Faith was an active member of her high school’s Cultural Club, and in college with AkbayanSJSU, she has participated as a cast member and Cultural Liaison for PCN 37: Para Sa’yo. Faith aims to pay homage to and combine aspects of her family and personal life in this year’s production of the show.

Dale Socito is a 4th year undergraduate student majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at SJSU and is currently serving as the Secretary for AkbayanSJSU. He is a first generation Filipino American born and raised in San Diego, California. Both of Dale’s parents came from the province of Cavite in the Philippines. He has a passion for technology, video games, film, music, and film. Since high school, he enjoys going out with friends and meeting new people. Dale transferred to SJSU in Fall 2024 where he would join AkbayanSJSU and be a part of a Pilipinx Organization for the first time. He participated as a cast member for the first time in PCN 37: Para Sa’yo. He hopes to help create a space for those to participate in PCN and feel the same spark he had during his time in PCN.

Devin Elizarde is a fourth-year Theatre Arts major concentrating in Production Design & Technology. He currently serves as AkbayanSJSU’s Treasurer for the 2025-2026 school year, as well as PCN 38’s Financial Manager. Devin is a second-generation Filipino American from Daly City, California, having family roots in the provinces of Aklan and Pangasinan. He has been an active member of the organization throughout college, and credits PCN for igniting his love for the performing arts and Pilipinx culture. Being a part of AkbayanSJSU has helped him grow outside his comfort zone, and he hopes to encourage others to do so for themselves.

OUR GOAL

The PCN is a program that has been a tradition for many Pilipinx American organizations throughout the United States. For AkbayanSJSU, this is our 38th anniversary. For two nights, PCN 38 will showcase its members through the expressive arts, including but not limited to cultural, contemporary, & modern dances, choir & band, tech, attires, & props, as well as acting & scriptwriting. In addition, we expose our members to opportunities in marketing, public relations, graphic design, and financial planning.

HOW YOU CAN 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. These funds contribute to the cultural attire, venue, lighting, music, and more. This year, our shows will take place at Santa Clara Convention Center and with 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.