APIDA annual celebration: A night of culture and community

Photo by Makenna Kunimura, Staff Writer

The Piazza bloomed with culture as the Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA) hosted Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA): In Bloom, featuring performances and community celebration. 

Chapman’s student organization, APSA, put on their annual event on April 10 in the Attallah Piazza. Members of APSA, alongside other clubs and student organizations, shared their culture by performing cultural dances and singing. This event featured Asian singers, cultural performances, vendors and Asian food and drinks. 

Lauren Chen, secretary of APSA and sophomore communication studies major, said she hopes students walking by the event on campus will see the love and community that APSA offers. 

“I hope people walking by will stay to watch, even if it’s just for a few minutes,” said Chen. “I hope that this event can just bring people joy.” 

Chen said that she thinks APIDA is a crucial way to show that the Asian community is accepted on campus. 

“APIDA is important for Chapman because it really shows that the Asian community is visible and welcomed on campus,” said Chen. “We want to make sure that everybody feels included, especially now, when it's becoming harder to ensure that people are protected. We want to give people a safe space. And I think having us come together in a whole celebration just shows that there's so much to celebrate about our differences.”

Despite people’s differences, APSA always creates a safe environment for everyone, said Rachael Crawford, a performer at APIDA and sophomore biology major. 

“I go to APSA meetings quite regularly and I might not be Asian myself, but I still love the culture lessons they offer and the community they have built,” said Crawford. 

Manuel Pangelinan, a APSA, Floor 13 and Kapamilya performer at APIDA and sophomore computer science major, said how being able to do what he loves with the community he loves brings him bliss. 

“Dancing is one of my biggest passions and I love the community at APSA, so being able to perform at this event is so amazing,” said Pangelinan. “I have learned so much about all the different Asian cultures from being a part of APSA, and I have learned to have so much respect for all of them.” 

Junior health sciences major and performer for the intercollegiate group featured in the show called Seishun Taiko, Audrey Yoshimura, explained the feeling she had while hitting her drums on the Piazza stage. 

“It's super amazing to be able to celebrate culture and community with all my friends,” said Yoshimura. “It feels so empowering, hitting our drums while celebrating our culture.” 

Chen hopes to keep the APSA community alive both for future APIDA celebrations and for those seeking support and community. 

“Every Thursday, 7 (p.m.) to 8 (p.m.) in AF 119, we celebrate Asian culture and welcome anyone to come as they are,” said Chen.