Two affinity group celebrations took place in the Upper School cafeteria during the week of March 23, hosted by the Latine and Filipino student and parent affinity groups. 

The Latine Parent Affinity Group organized a Fiesta de Primavera potluck on Wednesday evening to celebrate the spring season and foster community exchange. Attendees brought a variety of fruits, chips and dips, and desserts.

The event drew families with children of all ages, along with students and faculty, and centered on relaxed conversation. 

On Saturday, the Filipino affinity group held a martial arts workshop taught by the Pacific Combat Arts Academy. Head coach Brenda King, introduced to the group by computer science teacher Wes Chao, led the workshop alongside other coaches. King holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while teaching chemistry and physics by day. 

After explaining the history behind Filipino Martial Arts, the academy demonstrated different Kali moves—the traditional martial arts of the Philippines—that involve more weapon-based fighting. 

Attendees were then able to try out some of the techniques themselves, including learning to “defang the snake.” The goal of this move is to quickly strike the opponent’s weapon-wielding arm with a stick.

Outside of the workshop, attendees brought Filipino cuisine, including beef kaldereta, pan de sal, turon, pancit bihon, and lumpia. 

“The whole community enjoyed ourselves and learned a lot,” said Pearl Bauer, faculty advisor of the Filipino affinity group. “It was especially meaningful to learn so much about our culture and history.”