With a relaxed atmosphere, the first meeting of the Filipino club, “Samahan,” started off with icebreakers that included introductions among members along with their favorite type of underwear. Samahan, which is the tentative name for the Filipino club, means, “come together.” The Filipino club focuses on doing just that, club members say.

At this first meeting members brainstormed goals, explained current projects, and opened a discussion of what they wanted from the club. Some of the club goals determined at the first meeting included making friends, creating awareness, contributing to the entire community not just the Filipino population, and finally educating people about the Filipino culture.

Students who wanted to spread knowledge of Filipino and Filipino/American culture revived Samahan. These students had concerns that there was no Filipino club at De Anza College.

“We wanted to start it up again because there’s a large population of Filipinos, and it’s sad that there’s no representation,” said club member Vanessa Torino.

The previous Filipino club ended last spring due to transferring active students and the fact that interest faded. Also, the past Filipino club was “really exclusive,” said club member Carlos Alexander.

The newly revived Filipino club seeks to be more inclusive. Members hope to benefit the community at large. Anyone with interest in the Filipino and Filipino / American culture is welcome to join.

The procedure of future meetings will be to first introduce a segment of Filipino history, and then to open a forum to discuss issues facing the Filipino community today.

The current projects in development will accommodate an end of the year picnic; a comedy show featuring established Filipino comedian Rex Navarette, and a possible Filipino culture night, which will include dancing and performances of De Anza College students.

Samahan seeks to form alliances with other Filipino clubs at different community colleges.

The Filipino club will meet every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the El Clemente Room, upstairs in the Hinson Campus Center.