The spirit of Bayanihan was vibrant at the Copernicus Center on February 21st during the 2026 Battle of the Bamboo. We are overjoyed to announce that PSA Barkada from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign took home the 1st Place trophy!
Their winning piece, Semgulang Tawan Sohul (Semgulang Afflicted by Madness), was a breathtaking epic directed and choreographed by Cultural Chairs Jacob Daza, Ryan Romualdo, and Rena Manching.
A Mythic Journey on Stage
The performance transported the audience into a world of spirits and legends. It told the story of the hero Semgulang and his love for Lemfayon, the Lady of the Moon. When a broken promise led to a curse of madness, the stage transformed into a battleground of sorcery and nature spirits. Through a powerful ritual involving the Guardians of the Sun (Betel) and Moon (Monkey), Semgulang’s sanity was restored, and his power was reclaimed.
The depth of research and the precision of the choreography served as a beautiful reminder of the richness of our indigenous traditions.
Supporting Our Roots: The Tiyangge Connection
While we celebrate their victory on the big stage, the Rizal Center family knows these students for their equally important work off the stage.
PSA Barkada members are the driving force behind our annual Tiyangge (community market) fundraiser. Every year, these students volunteer their time and energy to help raise the vital funds that keep the Rizal Center running. Their dedication ensures that our community hub remains a sanctuary for Filipino culture, language, and connection in Chicago.
To the students of PSA Barkada: Thank you for proving that the “next generation” isn’t just the future—you are the leaders of today. Your win is a win for our entire community!
Watch the video of the championship performance here: https://youtu.be/beScXdc2x4M?si=-sgmZtlR1mjiR4KG
Photos courtesy of Battle of the Bamboo
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