What is PCN?
Every year, PCE puts on a production called Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN). PCN is a annual tradition in many colleges and high schools across the nation to celebrate and showcase Pilipino culture and history. It is a phenomenon born of the “identity crisis” experienced by the first generation of Filipinx-Americans to go off to college in the United States in the late 70s and early 80s. Emerging initially on the West Coast, PCN was a new way for Filipinx-American young adults to learn the stories of the Filipinx individuals that came before them in an experiential way. These students began to explore the Pilipino history, culture, and identity that they were never taught about in school. PCNs performed today are comprised of traditional Pilipino dance suites, modern dances, choral performances, and script-based skits or plays. PCN allows Filipinx-Americans and the greater community to be immersed in the richness of Pilipino culture through a unique expressive art form that has become a longstanding annual tradition.
The History of Our PCN
In the 1970s, PCE began a show called Panahon Na, which means “The Time is Now.” It began as a performance sponsored by the Stockton-based Luzviminda Dance Troupe and evolved into a number of dance performances and fashion show, accompanied by a home-cooked multi-course Filipino dinner. In 1992, PCE hosted an all-day Pilipino Cultural Fiesta on campus. By the late 90s, Panahon Na and the Fiesta became Pilipino Cultural Night, performed in the Performing Arts Center on campus when it was first built.
Since then, PCN has been one of PCE’s biggest events, with general members sharing their gifts of singing, dancing, acting, and set design to bring Pilipino culture to life on stage year after year. PCNs have explored many different important events and time periods in both Pilipino and Filipino-American history, taking the audience from Bataan during WWII to Little Manila in Stockton during the Manong generation. Every year, performers work tirelessly to rehearse for this annual production, both in weekly rehearsals and tech week, which is arguably the best part of the experience. Whether you are Filipino or not, a performer or an audience member, you play an important role in this ongoing tradition.
How can I be involved?
Script: Act on in our script! Auditions help the PCN coordinators with casting, but everyone has a role!
Performing Groups: Perform on stage with one of our non-audition performing groups! Our choir, Ating Himig, traditional cultural dance troupe, Kasayahan, or modern dance group, Modern.
Marketing: Work with WMM to create content and promote the show!
Tech Crew: Get involved with PCN behind the stage. This involves building sets/props and helping the PCN coordinators with setting and lighting the stage!
Be on the lookout at general meetings for updates about this year’s PCN and how you can get involved!
PCN on Youtube
This playlist contains some of our previous shows! Enjoy!
Alumni Note: If you have a digital copy of a previous show and would like to add to our collection, please email us pce.cpslo@gmail.com!
Meet Our 2023-2024 PCN Coordinators!
KiLliN it
Kristin Gascon, Naeryl Ronquillo, & Lauren Yoon