Battle of the Bamboo is a cultural dance showcase that has been hosted by Filipinos in Alliance at the University of Illinois at Chicago since 2003. Performers
illustrate generational stories and retell them through a diverse collection of dances rooted in the Philippines. Now, in 2024, Filipinos in Alliance will be hosting our
21st annual Battle of the Bamboo. This event has grown to attract thousands of spectators who attend to watch competing dance groups from high school and
collegiate institutions, as well as a handful of performing exhibition groups. All come together via our shared love for Filipino culture. Filipinos in Alliance and the
2024 Battle Council are proud to present this year’s theme: “Magsindi | Light Your Passion.”

Another year of change has come upon us. Despite coming out of these difficult times of pandemic life and everlasting sociocultural dynamics, we
continue to come back stronger every year. Battle of the Bamboo defines such growth and resilience; through this annual culmination of cultural appreciation, we
have seen this event, and the people that make it happen, flourish extensively. We are unified, not only through the research that everyone puts into their
performances, but also through the passion that it takes to perform on stage. We are also brought together via the learning, sharing, and reminiscing of Filipino
culture and our own respective roots. We perform on and off the Battle of the Bamboo stage: in the preparation that our performers, sponsors, volunteers, and
council members execute, in the audience members that come out to watch our visions come to life, and in the everyday push of our dreams and goals. The
unification of all of our passions, interests, and curiosities are what drives us to make Battle of the Bamboo a sharing ground to our friends, family, and peers. This
year’s Battle aims to honor that passion that brings all of us together.

Magsindi- Tagalog (v.) to light; to set on fire

Magsindi illustrates the constant search for the passion that burns inside of all of us, exuding the action of lighting your goals, your dreams, and your
own fire. That passion burns not only through dances, but also through singing, leading, and living our lives to the fullest. We have experienced the never ending
question: What now? This question, along with the ardent appreciation of Filipino culture from our youth, mentors, and seniors, is what fuels this year’s Battle of
the Bamboo. We all strive to burn intensely and to show others that life can be unbelievable. We never lost our flames, but we are lighting them to be bigger,
brighter, and stronger. Join us in illuminating our fire.

PERFORMERS: https://fiauic.org/performers/
COMPETITION:
FASA Pamana – University of Michigan Ann Arbor / Isang Hakbang – Northside College Preparatory High School
Kapit Bayan Cultural – Niles North High School / Kapwa Cultural – Loyola University at Chicago
Kultura – Marquette University / PSA Barkada – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
EXHIBITION:
FIA Cultural – University of Illinois at Chicago / FIA Modern – University of Illinois at Chicago
FIA’Liwan – University of Illinois at Chicago / Kapamilya Habang Buhay – Lane Tech College Prep
Primo Dance Crew – University of Illinois at Chicago / Purdue Pamily – Purdue University