Battle of the Bamboo 2021: Lumiwanag

Battle of the Bamboo is a cultural dance showcase hosted by Filipinos in Alliance at The University of Illinois at Chicago since 2003. Performers have portrayed stories that have been passed down for generations, retold through our rich cultural history and diverse collection of dances in the Philippines. The showcase consists of exhibitions and competitive performances from participants throughout the Midwestern United States. In 2021, Filipinos in Alliance will be hosting our 18th annual Battle of the Bamboo. This event has grown to attract thousands of spectators to watch dance groups from both high schools and collegiate institutions located all over the Midwest.

Filipinos in Alliance and the 2021 Battle Council are proud to present this year’s theme:
“Lumiwanag - “Still, We Rise.”
Lumiwanag - Tagalog (v.) to gleam, to brighten.
A year has elapsed, filled with adversity and tribulations, scarred by pandemic and civil
unrest. To many, this year has been lived in shadow, in darkness, as we are challenged by the
uncertainty of the future. Battle of the Bamboo has served as an annual culmination of cultural
celebration for 18 years, bridging together the extensive history and cultural stories of the heartland to the Philippine diaspora abroad. Despite the premise of unity, social distancing has isolated us from each other, for the collective health of our society. Therefore, these challenges have shaped a new era of Battle of the Bamboo.
Our culture has been shaped throughout centuries, from our eras of hardship to the pinnacles
of our achievements. As it has acclimated to the forthcomings of historical change, our culture
remains strong, powerful, and vibrant. Just like the brilliant colors of a butterfly’s wings, to the stars in the expansive heavens, we electrify our dreams, illuminate our journeys, and radiate amongst the darkness. Today, we are compelled to adapt. Not only in our everyday lives but with the approach we take to Battle of the Bamboo. We are living through a metamorphosis, a moment in which we take the dark times of today and transform our essence and beings into a new mindset, a new ideal, a new form. For beauty is found through hope amongst the tribulations of our times, because despite it all, we will not stand down, because still, we rise.
Performing Schools



Lane Tech High School - Kapamilya Habang Buhay
Northside College Preparatory High School - Isang Hakbang
Marquette University - Marquette Cultural
University of Central Florida - Fresh Off The Beat
University of San Francisco - Kasamahan
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - PSA Barkada
University of Michigan Ann Arbor - FASA Performance
University of Texas Arlington - UTA FSA Kultura
University of Illinois at Chicago - FIA Cultural
University of Illinois at Chicago - FIA'Liwan
University of Illinois at Chicago - FIA Modern

If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Principal Coordinators, Gabriel Aco and Samantha Dabu, via email at [email protected] See Less



Music:
[Twitch safe] Animal Crossing Lofi Chill Hop Mix 🎧 🌴

   • [Twitch safe] Animal Crossing Lofi Ch...  



Thank you to https://dova-s.jp/ for allowing us the use of their royalty-free music!



All content belongs to their respective owners