Happy Holidays party people! This week we’re taking you back to the House of Blues Anaheim for the back to back SOLD OUT Island Block Concert Series featuring the long anticipated 10 Year Anniversary Tour of Kolohe Kai alongside the hottest artist coming out of the 808, FIA as well as the dynamic duo out of the Bay Area, CRSB.

The lovely Myz Lulu takes you backstage to tap in with FilAm lead man Roman DePeralta of Kolohe Kai as they discuss his music being the soundtrack to so many lives that spanned a generation. Myz Lulu also checks in with Fia as he shares his early beginnings in music. CRSB talks about being creative during the pandemic.

This episode will also give you that up close and personal experience as we highlight some of the live performances in front of a two night SOLD OUT crowd. This is an episode you definitely don’t want to miss. Watch it below with exclusive performances you can’t catch anywhere else.

What can you expect at the Island Block Party? You will be able to see exclusive interviews, live performances & music videos from your favorite ISLAND, pop, hip hop, reggae and R&B artists alongside spotlight features of community icons, entrepreneurs & Pacific Islander owned businesses. So keep it locked and help spread the word.

ICYMI here is the best of the CSUF 2020 Friendship Games presented by myx, kumu & Kollective Hustle highlights representing over 40 college campuses across the country:

Kolohe Kai tugged on our “Heartstrings” and performed in the middle of the ocean in Hawaii:

“Tito” JR Aquino took the students back to his classics while performing new renditions and making everyone laugh with his stand up comedy in between songs. He was joined by his wife for a special performance:

Nieman blessed over 5,000+ LIVE viewers on kumu x YouTube with his smooth like butter voice and his unique background:

Cedrice kicked off the night of 2 headlining performances with her infectious voice and energy. The former Voice contestant on Team John Legend was welcomed with open arms & emojis in the chatroom,

The 35th Annual Friendship Games is presented by myx, Kollective Hustle & KUMU featuring amazing headlining performers like Kolohe Kai, JR Aquino, Cedrice & Nieman. It is the largest student-run Pilipinx American annual event in the nation, hosted by @pasakaibigan of Cal State Fullerton, October 23-24, 2020 at 5 P.M LIVE on CSUFPASA on the KUMU live-streaming app & YouTube. Last year myx & Kollective Hustle helped bring social media superstars Ceraadi & Jeremy Passion to perform for the 5,000+ crowd and the tradition will continue with the best in Filipino talent.

Headlining Artist Schedule: 10/23: Kolohe Kai & Cedrice 8P PDT | 10/24: JR Aquino & Nieman 8P PDT

ABOUT FRIENDSHIP GAMES:

Friendship Games began in 1985 and features over 40 Pilipinx American student organizations from college campuses representing California, Nevada, and Arizona that participate in a day of friendly, but competitive picnic games, performances and to celebrate “S.P.U.F” – Spirit, Pride, Unity, and Friendship. Schools compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies. The school that shows the most S.P.U.F is awarded an 8-foot tall trophy!

The very first champion of the picnic games, Kasama, hailed from Mt. San Antonio College.

Thirty-five years later, Friendship Games has become the highlight event of the Pilipinx-American college experience.

Is your organization going to take home the 8-foot trophy this year?

THE PURPOSE

The purpose of Friendship Games is to dedicate a time and place where people of different backgrounds can come together to celebrate and learn about Pilipinx culture. Along with that, many of those who are already a part of the Pilipinx culture can come together to share their own experiences with the rest of the Pilipinx-American community. This is achieved by using many modern ways to integrate as many people possible such as visual arts, vendors, exhibitors, and special performances.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

1. Spirit, Pride, Unity, and Friendship (S.P.U.F) is a form of celebration derived from many indigenous tribes that are a part of the Philippines. Such tribes would use chant-like expressions to communicate with one another. Schools compete to have the most S.P.U.F and they are mimicking the expressions of these tribes by creating their own cheers. A special tradition that comes along with that is the exchange of gifts so that they can share their spirit, pride, unity, and friendship with everyone.
2. On the day of Friendship Games, the attendees will be able to enjoy and learn about the many aspects of Pilipinx culture. One of the main sources is the different vendors and exhibitors that are present at the event. Attendees will be able to enjoy food as they learn about the Pilipinx-American community at Friendship Games. Through this, attendees will have the option to learn more about Pilipinx culture both at a local and global level.
3. One of the main values in Pilipinx culture is being family-orientated. In our history, laborers were forced to work together to reach one common goal at the end of the day. All the organizations that come to participate help showcase this aspect since they uphold the family value of respecting one another and working together. Everyone is encouraged to participate or learn about the different family values surrounded by Pilipinx culture. This value is demonstrated by competing in S.P.U.F and the five unique picnic games we created.
4. Music and dance play a prominent role in Pilipinx culture. Dancing is a way to tell the story of our culture through various styles; however, at FG, we mostly focus on modern dance. Through roll call and Infinite PASAbilities, FG celebrates the modern style of dance through upbeat performances in a positive environment. In 2019, a cultural aspect was required for all roll call performances. For the halftime show, we do our best to select performances that are relevant to our community. Halftime performers are required to explain their cultural significance in their performer application. American culture has influenced traditional music and it is constantly evolving – just like how Friendship Games is evolving every year.

CSUF PASA Kaibigan’s Mission Statement

The Pilipinx-American Student Association at California State University, Fullerton, is a student based group set out on promoting Pilipinx unity through education, responsibility, and character. This is accomplished with good communication, organization, leadership, recruitment and retention. By teaching Pilipinx culture among the youth, we aim to build Integrity & Friendship, so that one day they themselves can make a difference.

Visit www.csufpasa.com for more information.