by Jeanene M. Wilkinson
Staff Writer
For more than a decade, the members of the University of Houston Filipino Students' Association said they have been dedicated to representing the ideas and interests of college-level Filipinos.
Constantly striving for unity among Filipino students on campus and across the country, the association has begun the spring semester with an array of activities. Rosemarie Lauron, a sophomore FSA member, said the organization is not only planning a Filipino Awareness Week, but is hosting the Fifth Annual GoodPhil Games at UH.
"The GoodPhil games is a get together with the other FSAs from UT-Arlington, UT-San Antonio, UT-Austin, Texas A&M University, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi," Lauron said. "Basically, it's different sporting events. We have opening and closing ceremonies."
Students will be able to participate in tennis tournaments, basketball, football, and softball competitions.
The games will give FSA member Lori Sarreal the opportunity to participate in sports she would not normally partake in.
"It's the only time I get to play sports," said Sarreal, a UH freshman. "I want to participate in basketball and flag football - any sport except for tennis, because I won't win anything."
The GoodPhil Games will run March 21-23 at the Melcher Gymnasium and fields. Opening ceremonies will be March 21. Winners will receive trophies and T-shirts.
In order to cover expenses, FSA is requesting help and support from the student body and the UH community. Members are currently selling advertisements in their monthly newsletter, Flipside, to defray the cost of referees and gym rentals.
"We're raising money now through fund-raisers," said Lauron, who is majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. "We have a bake sale coming up on March 19."
FSA will also host the Filipino Awareness Week in April. The week will include activities dedicated to teaching the student body about the things that represent the Filipino culture.
"There will be singers (to) sing the Filipino national anthem and other songs," said Jennifer Boyd, FSA vice president.
Music will by heard throughout the UC and exhibits will be on display in the UC Underground.
"We perform traditional dances. One is called the Tinik-ling," Lauron said. "We also cook traditional foods like pancit, which is noodles and vegetables with pork, chicken or shrimp."
The week will give students and FSA members raised in Texas the opportunity to learn more about their culture.
"This is my second semester in FSA - almost a year," Lauron said. "FSA has helped me get to know a lot of Filipino people. There aren't many here on campus."
If students would like more information about FSA, they can come by the FSA office in Campus Activities.
Boyd said membership dues are $10 per year.