For students looking to experience culture, build friendships, and become part of a welcoming community, the Philippine American Society (PAS) at CSI offers students a place to connect through food, traditions, and shared experiences. 

Led by President Miguel Padilla, PAS focuses on sharing Filipino culture while creating a sense of belonging for students across campus. Padilla, a Molecular and Cellular Biology major in his final semester at CSI, says the club’s mission has always been centered on inclusivity and community. 

Meeting bi-weekly on Thursdays in 1S-218, PAS regularly brings together around 20 to 25 students, with approximately 30 active members involved throughout the semester. During meetings, members engage with Filipino culture through food, art, sports, and language, creating an interactive and inviting environment for everyone who attends. 

“The main goal of PAS is to share the rich Filipino culture and create a welcoming community for all students at CSI,” Padilla said. “In every meeting, we try to share bits of Filipino culture through food, art, sports, and language.” 

In previous semesters, the organization helped support research efforts focused on mental health within Asian American communities, giving students opportunities to engage with important issues beyond the classroom. 

As the club looks ahead to the next semester, members are exploring new ways to keep students engaged and continue introducing Filipino culture to the campus community. 

One misconception Padilla hopes to change is the idea that PAS is only for Filipino students. 

“Everyone is welcome to our events,” he said. “Not just Filipinos.” 

According to Padilla, the club’s strongest quality is the sense of connection members build with one another. Many students who join PAS form friendships that continue outside of meetings and campus events. 

“I think the environment we bring is unmatched,” Padilla said. “We’ve created a bond and community within our members every time we have an event.

“You should join if you are open to seeing what other cultures are like,” Padilla said. “Especially, who doesn’t like Filipino food?” 

Padilla described the club in three words: Community, Culture, Energy. 

By S. Manai