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Battle of the Bamboo 2026: Pagsibol | Cheers to Our Youth
- February 21
- /Dariusz Lachowski
- /Current Events
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Battle of the Bamboo 2026: Pagsibol | Cheers to Our Youth
► DATE: Saturday, February 21st, 2026 TIME: 5:30 p.m.
► Copernicus Center Doors Open: 4:00 p.m.
►All ages welcome

Performer Names:
University of Illinois at Chicago – FIA Cultural
University of Illinois at Chicago – FIA Modern
University of Illinois at Chicago – FIA’Liwan
Loyola University Chicago – Kapwa
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – PSA Barkada
Niles North High School – Kapit Bayan
Northside College Preparatory High School – Isang Hakbang
Marquette University – Kultura
Purdue University – Pamilya
DePaul University – Kalahi Kultural
Lane Tech College Prep High School – Kapamilya Habang Buhay
University of Michigan Ann-Arbor – FASA Pamana
Battle of the Bamboo (BOTB) is a cultural dance showcase that has been hosted by Filipinos in Alliance (FIA) at the University of Illinois Chicago since 2003. Performers illustrate generational stories and retell them through a diverse collection of dances rooted in the Philippines. Now, in 2026, Filipinos in Alliance will be hosting our 23rd 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. We all come together via our shared love for Filipino culture. Filipinos in Alliance and the 2026 Battle Council are proud to present this year’s theme: “Pagsibol | Cheers to our Youth.”
Pagsibol – Tagalog (n.) sprouting; germination; growing
It is the moment when seeds break through the soil, reaching toward the sun with strength and promise. In this spirit, Battle of the Bamboo 2026 honors the beauty of growing up, the joy of celebrating our youth, and the courage it takes to step forward into new beginnings. As we say goodbye to the innocence of childhood, we carry forward the lessons, laughter, and resilience that shaped us. We celebrate youth not as a fleeting stage, but as a powerful force that fuels creativity, determination, and hope. Pagsibol reminds us that growth is both a continuation and a transformation, the act of holding onto our roots, igniting our creativity, and inspiring us to stretch into new horizons.
Event Producer: Instagram: @fiauic | Instagram: @battleofthebamboo | Website: fiauic.org
BOX OFFICE HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 10.00 am – 02.00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Not open on Holidays
For Ticket & Box Office inquiries please call 773-205-0044 or email [email protected]
Copernicus Center Event Patrons:
“An inherent risk of exposure to COVID exists in any place where people gather. COVID is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. You assume all risks, hazards, and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting COVID or any other communicable disease or illness, or a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen capable of causing a communicable disease or illness, while attending the event or otherwise utilizing Copernicus Foundation’s services and/or entering onto its premises, whether occurring before, during, or after the event. You further voluntarily release and waive all claims and potential claims against etix, Copernicus Foundation and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, successors and assigns and their respective officers, employees, contractors, consultants and agents, Event Organizers, the Venue, the Presenter, the Event, the Event Producers, and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, successors and assigns and their respective officers, employees, contractors, consultants and agents, in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID or another communicable disease or illness, bacteria, virus, or pathogen related to your attendance at the event and/or utilization of Copernicus Foundation’s services and premises. We reserve the right to unilaterally make changes to health protocols according to updated public health guidance and law. By continuing, you agree to these terms.”
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