UVA Law Celebrates its First Filipino American History Month

All Photo Credits: Kelly Wu ’27

On October 30, the Law School came together in Spies Garden to celebrate its first-ever Filipino American History Month!

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA), the event invited students, faculty, and staff to enjoy Filipino food and culture in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Guests sampled traditional Filipino foods and pastries, including lumpia, ensaymada, pan de sal, and other treats generously provided by Little Manila Resto and the Kalye 80’s Bakeshop (Look them up and support local small businesses!). At the event was also a tinikling demonstration—the traditional Filipino bamboo dance—performed by Sarah Concepcion ’27 and Donald Allen Sarra ’27, who encouraged attendees to join in the fun.

Sarra, who serves as the Vice President of APALSA, helped organize the event alongside Concepcion, Leah Lee ’27, Sophie Zane ’27, and Trixie Valdezco ’27. When reflecting on what the event meant to him, Sarra stated: “I felt that it was important for APALSA to recognize and celebrate the Filipinos/Filipino Americans at the Law School. We’re working to make sure that APALSA is inclusive and representative of all the richness and variety embedded in the term ‘Asian’—which sometimes comes across as pretty monolithic. And personally, I am glad that through this event, I—along with all of those who helped plan—was able to showcase and share more about my culture.”

The celebration marked an exciting step toward greater cultural recognition and inclusivity at UVA Law—and, for many, a proud and joyful moment of connection.