GRANTS, N.M. - Social media often depicts Filipino gatherings as happy parties filled with singing, dancing, and overflowing food. While those ingredients were certainly present, this year’s Bayanihan in Grants, New Mexico, held on December 12, 2025, mirrored a more selfless spirit.
“It’s not just a show this year,” shared Rodney King Lisondra, organizer and Cibola Arts Council member. “We dedicate the whole performance to the victims of floods and earthquakes in the Philippines. I contacted private organizations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to share the donations that we will get from the show as our main purpose.” At the outset, the direction was clear: culture unfolding in the service of the community. The council’s President, John Martinez, and Executive Director, Debra Doggett, affirmed this intention, emphasizing that the evening was meant to interweave celebration and empathy.
Cheenee Andrea Newberry expounded on this collective effort, saying, “To all the Filipinos here in Grants and in the nearby cities, thank you. Especially to Sir Marleo and Sir Marcie, who traveled and gave their time to practice and share their talents with us. Your dedication is a gift to this community.” She also emphasized that Bayanihan is always an invitation. “For those who would love to join us, we open our arms to you. Together, let us make next year’s Bayanihan brighter, bigger, and even more meaningful. It is our love, our unity, and our culture shared with everyone.”
This year, the audience witnessed more stories expressed through songs, dances, and a cultural fashion show, all standing out as living snapshots of Filipino identity.
Designer Aziel Amper described the growth of the fashion segment. “Designing for the show this year felt like a meaningful step forward from last year. We were grateful to feature twelve festival-inspired costumes, and I had the opportunity to contribute seven pieces, all done by hand—from beadwork to headdresses.” Several designs from the previous year— Sarimanok, MassKara, Kaamulan female, and Kalinga female—returned with improved detail and structure, while new designs, including the Pamaypayan Festival costume, required many days of careful work.
“Crafting has always been close to my heart, though fashion design was never something I imagined for myself,” Amper shared. “Despite a few costume mishaps, the overall event came together successfully, rooted in the spirit of Bayanihan.”
Fernan Fernandez, formerly a director of arts and cultural affairs in the Philippines, emphasized the importance of research to ensure the regalia were not only visually striking but culturally authentic. His commitment meant cancelled Thanksgiving trips that came with honoring tradition. The runway also welcomed the youngest members of the community Aisha Almazan, four years old, Hezekiah Delos Santos, and Aika Xanelle Alipio, both three years old, reminding everyone that culture endures when it is passed on early.
Mae Amor Flores said, “My southern Philippine roots inspired my designs for Bayanihan, highlighting a vibrant culture often overlooked yet rich and beautiful. Through my creations, I wanted to showcase the traditions and identity of the Southern people, from our breathtaking places and diverse cuisine to the warmth of our communities, encouraging others to celebrate where they come from.” I observed her quietly guiding the youngest participants, a small yet heartwarming expression of Bayanihan.
Arnold Lovato, a Grants local and New Mexican, described his participation as deeply personal. “Participating in the Filipino cultural fashion show as a Grants City local and New Mexican was a very special and meaningful experience for me. As an American, I felt welcomed to be part of such a beautiful cultural event.”
With dance and music being the core of the evening, Esel Sausa explained her choice of performances: “I chose Paseo de Narciso because it reflects the strolls and lighthearted courtship once seen in the plaza, celebrating community life and social connection.” Together with the children’s dance Mariposa, the performances highlighted how Filipino culture is sustained through guidance and care.
A teacher from Mexico, German Ayon, shared how amazed he was by the dances and how deeply moved he felt when the choir sang, proof that presence and support can be just as powerful as performance.
The Noypi Band, led by Oliver Paras, hyped the evening as both front act and dinner entertainment. The audience was engaged throughout the night. Gerlie Hernandez and Marcie Pesigan, who led the Love Jar initiative, confirmed that the generosity of locals turned the celebration into concrete and immediate help. Behind the scenes, official photographer Janica Medina documented moments of joy and connection, capturing not just images but the life of the moment itself.
This was not the Filipino party you were not invited to that circulates on TikTok. It was a warm space shaped by empathy and responsibility. Bayanihan moved past the stage and into altruism, not alone, but together, especially when others need us most.