Teacher Workshop: Kulturang Makulay, Colorful Culture of the Philippines

Hawai'i K-12 teacher workshop with guest artists and specialists.

About this Event

Join us for an immersive 1.5-day cultural and curriculum workshop that brings Filipino history, foodways, arts, attire, storytelling, and classroom resources to life for educators.

This K-12 teacher workshop is open to all primary and secondary school teachers statewide, offering lessons in curriculum, hands-on cultural activities, and exchange with fellow teachers, guest artists, and specialists.

Tentative schedule below, subject to change.

Held in conjunction with the East-West Center Gallery exhibition , and the 50th anniversary of the UH Mānoa Center for Philippine Studies.

Funding available for neighbor island teacher airfare and lodging. Snacks and meals provided (vegetarian options available).

Registration deadline: January 9, 2026

Registration fee: $20

Developed in partnership between the East-West Center Arts Program and the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC), these workshops are designed to support, inspire, and equip Hawai'i’s teachers with globally-themed curriculum ideas, classroom skills, and community resources necessary for teacher and student success.

Supported by generous donors to the East-West Center Arts Program and Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.

FEB. 6 (Fri)

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 Friday

🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Registration and Self-tour of the Exhibition

Info: With map and scavenger hunt activity

🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:15 PM
Welcome and Agenda Review

🕑: 05:15 PM - 06:15 PM
Introduction to the History and Geography of the Philippines

Info: A concise introduction to the Philippines’ diverse regions and migration histories, highlighting the journey and legacy of the sakada (Filipino plantation workers) in Hawaiʻi.


Jayson Parba, Assistant Professor, UH Mānoa Dept. of IPLL (Indo-Pacific Languages & Literatures); Michelle Aquino, Social Studies Teacher, Farrington H.S.

🕑: 06:15 PM - 07:00 PM
Introduction to the Filipino Curriculum Project (FCP) and iJeepney

Info: An interactive introduction to innovative Filipino educational resources, including the FCP, the student-driven initiative that designed and successfully advocated for Filipino social studies course now implemented in Hawai‘i’s high schools, and the iJeepney online platform, and how they support community-based learning.



Patricia Halagao, Co-Director, UH Mānoa Center for Philippine Studies (CPS); Brix Kozuki, UH Mānoa student (Major: Political Science and Chinese, Minor: Philippine Language & Culture); and FCP Board Member

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Kamayan Dinner with Cultural Connections & Explanation

Info: A communal Filipino dining experience where participants learn the cultural meaning of kamayan, eating with the hands, while sharing food and stories. Pia Arboleda, Professor, UH Mānoa Dept. of IPLL

FEB. 7 (Sat)

FEBRUARY 7, 2026 Saturday

🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:20 AM
Filipino Breakfast: Ibus, Bibingka, Pan de Sal, & Coffee/Tea

Info: A tasting of Filipino morning foods that introduces participants to everyday culinary traditions across the islands.Filipino Breakfast: Ibus, Bibingka, Pan de Sal, & Coffee/Tea An immersive tasting of Filipino morning foods that introduces participants to everyday culinary traditions across the islands.

🕑: 08:20 AM - 08:30 AM
EWC Arts Program and PAAC Overview

Info: Eric Chang, Arts Program Manager, East-West Center; Niki Shishido, Executive Director, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Teacher Icebreaker and Introductions

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Guided Tour of the EWC Gallery Exhibition

Info: A guided tour of the "Kulturang Makulay" exhibition that explores Filipino art, history, and cultural expressions. Iris Viacrusis, Iris Gil Designs, guest curator, and owner of the Habi at Baro Collection; Annie Reynolds, Exhibitions and Collections Curator, East-West Center

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Curriculum Lesson

Info: Focus on Dallot / Ilokano chant. Michelle Aquino, Social Studies Teacher, Farrington H.S.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Puso Weaving Workshop

Info: Participants weave and fill their own puso (coconut leaf rice packet) while learning its cultural significance in Filipino food traditions. Imelda Gasmen, Instructor, UH Mānoa Dept. of IPLL

🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Filipino Lunch

Info: Lunch featuring Filipino vegetable and seafood dishes, offering participants a flavorful introduction to everyday homestyle cooking.

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Curriculum Lesson, Discussion, and Debriefing

Info: Merle Grybowski, Director of Teacher Training, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council

🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Malong Wearing Workshop

Info: Participants learn hands-on the many traditional uses of the malong, a versatile tubular cloth worn across various Filipino communities. Jayson Parba, Assistant Professor, UH Mānoa Dept. of IPLL (Indo-Pacific Languages & Literatures)

🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
Introduction to Filipino Dance and Music

Info: Part 1: A fun, movement-based session where participants learn popular Filipino social dances—from budots to otso-otso—and explore their cultural meanings and community roots. Michelle Aquino, Social Studies Teacher, Farrington H.S.; Farrington High School Students. Part 2: An introduction to Philippine gong traditions where participants experience the sounds, rhythms, and cultural significance of instruments like the kulintang. UH Mānoa Kulintang Ensemble

🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:15 PM
Debrief and Reflections

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