Sama-sama Kultura: Exploring Filipino Heritage, Together!

The Filipino community and Edmonton at large recently celebrated the vibrant two-day festival, Sama-sama Kultura: Exploring Filipino Heritage, Together!, which took place on September 27th and 28th at the Strathcona Community League. Presented by the Edmonton Philippine International Centre (EPIC), the event was a Host Celebration Site for Alberta Culture Days.

More than just a festival, Sama-sama—meaning "together"—was a truly collaborative celebration that successfully invited attendees to connect with the rich diversity of Philippine art, music, food, and tradition. The heart of the event lay in its dedication to hands-on cultural immersion. Instead of simply observing, visitors were actively encouraged to participate. Activities included:

• Art exhibit - by the Edmonton Philippine Artists League (EPAL)

• Create Your Own Capiz Art Windchime - a self directed activity, facilitated by EPAL, where participants painted or drew directly onto beautiful, translucent capiz shells, strung the shells together to create a unique windchime that catches the light and makes a gentle, soothing sound. It was a wonderful way to express their creativity and take home a beautiful piece of art that also serves as a peaceful reminder of the day.

• Try to Weave - a quick demonstration and hands-on activity by Hibla PH Canada on handwoven textiles from different regions of the Philippines.

• Sama-Sama: Let's Sing! A Filipino Choral Session - with Koro Filipino, participants explored basic vocal techniques, harmonies and performed classic songs.

• Sounds of Tradition: An Introduction to the Rondalla - a workshop by the Filipino Canadian Saranay Association that introduced the magical sound of the rondalla, a traditional string ensemble that is the heartbeat of Philippine heritage.

• Our Stage, Our Stories: An Open Mic for Spoken Word and Song - Ting Pimentel Elger hosted a special Open Mic session, which provided a safe and supportive space for anyone to express themselves through spoken word.

• Faces of Fun: Learning to Draw Caricatures - participants learned the secrets behind drawing hilarious and expressive caricatures with artist Janvic Victorio.

• Dance of a Thousand Uses: Learning the Malong Folk Dance - the Philippine Arts Council conducted the workshop on the versatility of the malong, a dance that is both a symbol of utility and a celebration of art in motion.

• Strike, Block, and Defend: An Introduction to Filipino Martial Arts - Oliver Salvador provided hands-on experience, teaching basic strikes, blocks, and stances using sticks and open hands.

The air throughout the weekend was filled with creative expression, thanks to a roster of talented performers and groups. No Filipino celebration is complete without food, and Sama-sama Kultura had attendees covered. Macao Imperial Tea Parsons Road served up Filipino street food classics and their signature refreshing beverages.

The success of the event was a testament to the power of community partnership with the various organizations. It formed a beautiful tapestry woven from the dedication of countless volunteers and groups, all committed to celebrating diversity and unity.The Sama-sama Kultura provided a warm and welcoming experience for all ages, successfully achieving its goal of exploring Filipino heritage - together!

Sama-sama Kultura underscored a vital truth: that the richness of Philippine culture is an indispensable offering for Alberta Culture Days. By sharing traditional arts, contemporary voices, and community collaboration, these Filipino heritage events don't just celebrate one community—they enrich the entire province, transforming our collective cultural landscape into a more diverse and vibrant place for all.

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*This article was published in Alberta Chronicle, October 2025 issue.