Thursday night, high amounts of laughter and positive energy were heard outside the Zinfandel Vineyard from the Filipino American Association of Sonoma State (FAASSU). A total of 30 students attended the event that was offered to all Sonoma State Seawolves. 

The FAASSU has been around for quite some time. President Leah Vallespin explained how the club has been active for nearly three decades at Sonoma State, and what it has stood for the entire time, “The main goal of this club is to bring together [Asian Americans] students who feel isolated and make sure they feel comfortable on campus.” 

The game night began at 6 p.m. As people started to file in, students got to know each other with an ice breaker bingo sheet. While mingling with community members, chips, refreshments, and homemade cookies were being passed around the group. Everyone appeared to be overjoyed to be in each other’s company. 

Monica Lising, along with her co-social chair, explained their approach in planning these events, “[FAASSU] wants Seawolves to experience the school through the perspective of Filipino culture. It’s important to us that we generate a safe environment for members to bond, be our friends, and hang out.” One of Lisings most memorable events that celebrated Filipino culture was Karaoke night. Even though the FAASSU focuses on culture from the Philippines, they are a multicultural club that strives to be inclusive to any and all people. 

 Lising explained how she initially knew nothing about Northern California or Sonoma State when she transferred last year, “When I found out what FAASSU was, I felt an immediate connection because I could naturally relate to them and share a common ground.”  

As the night progressed, and more games were being played, it was clear that SSU students were entertained from the game night event. With activities such as musical chairs and telephone charades, students were interacting with club members and sharing a laugh with each other. With the bond that the FAASSU club creates amongst its members, third year student, Sasha Wedner believes the group feels like a “unisex sorority or fraternity”.

In the month of October, one the most anticipated events the Filipino American Association of Sonoma State puts on every year is the Big Sister and Big Brother reveal. Similar to the Big/Little Greek life tradition within sororities and fraternities, but with a cultural twist, FAASSU identifies its club members using Tagalog; the native language spoken in the Philippines. Instead of referring to each other as a Big or Little, the club uses the word Kuya (koo-yuh) for big brother and Ate (ah-teh) for a big sister. 

The Filipino American Association of Sonoma State is always looking to include students in activities and club meetings. Transfer student Jordan Nakamoto was at the HUB Cultural Center when he found out about the FAASSU, “I was attending the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) support group when the club President of FAASSU announced the game night.” 

In order to hear about future FAASSU events that are coming up, browse the SSU Student Involvement page, as well as follow their social media account on Instagram, @FAASSU. Also, until the end of October, students can find the Filipino American Association of Sonoma State tabling at Seawolf Plaza, be on the lookout for the red table cloth! The FAASSU tables Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11-2 p.m.