Pag-asa: Philippine Cultural Night 2025

Pag-asa, meaning “hope” in Tagalog, is the theme of this year’s PCN. Words cannot fully express the deep pain that has been brought by these dark times. War, genocide, climate change, economic uncertainty, political chaos, and avarice have characterized the state of our world. In the midst of all this, it is easy to fall into despair and forget what we have now, how far we have come, and the futures we are capable of building. It is easy to forget what keeps us moving forward: Pag-asa.

Through the theme of Pag-asa, we wish to express our Filipino culture and heritage as a means of holding onto hope for the future. The beautiful, diverse Paggunita—remembrances—of our people continue to be studied, honored, and shared. Through our Pagdiriwang—celebrations—the words of our languages continue to ring throughout our country, the dances of our ancestors continue to be performed by our youth, and the traditions we cherish continue to be observed. The Pag-ibig—love—we feel in our hearts for our family, friends, communities and those dear to us, continues to thrive and sustain us. Are these not things worth living for? Are these not things worth holding onto Pag-asa for? 

We cannot change the world overnight, and we may not even live to see the futures we dream of. But our ancestors held onto hope wherever they could find it, and through their struggle, they transformed that hope into a reality for generations to come.  So let us continue to dream, to strive, to build, and to hope for freedom from all that burdens us today.

 As the patriotic song, Bayan Ko, proclaims: “Aking adhika, makita kang sakdal laya.” My aspiration is to see you truly free.

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