Last Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, Boston University’s Filipino Student Association (BUFSA) celebrated the 20th anniversary of their show ISA: The World Is One. It is Boston University’s longest-running multicultural show.
“Isa” in Tagalog means “one.” ISA is a way to showcase and celebrate the diversity in BU’s community. The show consists of traditional Filipino dances and songs, along with modern sets. Other Boston University clubs that performed were Unofficial Project, Sabor Latino, Dear Abbeys, BU Ballroom Dance, and miXx K-Pop Cover Dance Crew.
This year, the show’s theme was Turning Points. Whether it be about starting college to graduating to getting out of your comfort zone in general, “turning points” meant something different, but special, to everyone.
As a sophomore who transferred last year, being a part of BUFSA made me feel right at home. At first, I was really scared about being a new student at BU because I knew absolutely nobody. I remember going to BUFSA’s first general meeting being surrounded by so many people, but feeling so overwhelming and so out of it.
But after just a few meetings, I got to get to know all the wonderful and welcoming people in the club. I eventually got a “big” and a “co-little,” and BUFSA has really become my family.
For this ISA, I performed in two traditional dances, one modern dance, and sang and played the piano as well. I also was a part of the filmmaking committee and got to edit two videos to show the process of how ISA came to be.
The day of ISA was one of the most hectic days ever, but it turned out so well. The weekly stressful rehearsals, the all-nighter rehearsal, the quick costume changes, the hiccups, the lack of sleep, and the tears really brought the true magic to the stage. It was a huge success.
My only regret this year was not doing more dances. Even though it was a lot of work, it was worth it. It was an amazing experience to be a part of this student-run production and I already can’t wait for the next few years.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend getting in touch with your culture by joining a club. BUFSA is very welcoming, so feel free to check out our events at any time! But really, BUFSA really changed my life in just a few months and I am so grateful.
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