Pinoy students in US compete in 'Battle of the Bamboo'

Filipino students from different United States schools showcased their cultural dance skills at the annual "Battle of the Bamboo" at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Forum.   The "Battle of the Bamboo" is an annual Filipino cultural dance competition among different schools in Chicago and the Midwest, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a news release.  The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Philippine Student Association (PSA) group that performed the "Binaylan-Banog" emerged as the champion.   Ohio State University placed second while the Loyola University placed third.   The winners of this year's competition earned a place to perform at the Philippine Fest Chicago at the Crystal Gardens of Navy Pier on April 1.   "On its ninth year, the Filipinos in Alliance (FIA) hosted the yearly event with the mission to provide an environment where Filipino-Americans can challenge themselves to understand their Filipino American heritage," the DFA said.   Vice Consul Alena Grace Borra and Cultural Officer Berth Salvador graced the occasion at a packed auditorium.   Also in attendance were high school and college students, Fil-Am media, and members of the Filipino-American community in Chicago.   This year's competing schools/dance troupes included:

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Philippine Student Association
• DePaul University's Asian Cultural Exchange
• Loyola University's Kapwa
• Northside College Prep's Isang Hakbang
• Ohio State University's Sumon Bros., and
• St. Louis University's Filipino Student Association.