SAMAHAN Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble. Photo: DVY Films
SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center, Inc.
Filipinx/Filipinx-American arts and culture
SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center was established in San Diego in 1974 with the purpose of training the local community in Filipinx folk dances and music, while also instilling in Filipinx-American students an appreciation for their cultural heritage. Their programs include Filipinx folk dance and music classes, public and private workshops, a Train-the-Trainer program, and performances for community and private events. Folk dance classes, regularly held in two locations, are offered to students of all ages, from 5 to over 80 years old, of various ethnicities and genders.
Living Cultures Grant
2026
T’Boli Dance, Music, and Attire Workshop Series
Funds will support a workshop series led by our research team following an April 2025 immersion in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines. Workshops will share direct teachings from T’boli master culture bearer Lyn Lambago Yebong on T’boli dance, music, and attire, with support for materials, coordination, and documentation.
2021
In 2021, grant funds supported workshops and performances of the indigenous dances and music of Maguindanaoans, an Islamic tribe in Mindanao, Southern Philippines. Interactive workshops, developed and taught by culture bearers and artists trained in Mindanao by Maguindanaoan master artists, will be held with intergenerational participants at community events.
