Program

• 8:30 – 9:00 am • Set up of entries (Open for students/teachers only)
• 9:00 – 10:00 am • Judging of entries
• 9:30 am – Gates Open for Public
• 10:00 am – 10:30 am • Opening Ceremonies • Venue: Stage area
  • Welcome and Greetings – Bennette Misalucha, Chair, Sakada Day
  • Remarks – Patricia Halagao, UHM Center for Philippine Studies and College of Education
  • Remarks – Jerry Felicitas, Chair, Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaiʻi
• 10:30 – 1:30 pm • Focus on Student Exhibit areas and Community booths (Public to collect stamps for passports)
• 11:00 – 11:30 am • Spotlight: Student Performances • Venue: Stage Area
• 12:00 – 12:30 pm • Spotlight: Sakada Fashion Show • Venue: Main pathway
• 1:30 pm • Closing Ceremonies, Student Awards, Drawing of Ticket to the Philippines (via passports) • Venue: Stage Area
• 2:00 pm • Mahalos! • End

Event Categories

Students will participate in one of four event categories: Stage Performances, Visual Presentations, Booths and Fashion Show. The goal is to apply their understanding of Filipino history, culture, and identity to the event’s theme, which honors the contribution of Sakada workers in Hawaiʻi.

Presentations

Students create a visual presentation that highlights Filipino heritage, identity, or the history of the Sakada and Filipino migration to Hawaiʻi. Using any medium—such as painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, or short film—students will explore themes like migration, labor, community, and cultural identity. Each piece must be accompanied by a statement explaining its inspiration, cultural significance, and historical context. Students should also plan how their artwork will be displayed for exhibition.

Booths

Students design and host an interactive booth that educates visitors about a specific aspect of Sakada history or Filipino identity in Hawaiʻi. Each booth should focus on a researched topic—such as plantation life, cultural traditions, or Filipino contributions—and actively engage participants through games, activities, demonstrations, or multimedia displays. Created in teams of up to five, each booth must include a detailed plan outlining its theme, interactive elements, and setup requirements.

Performances

Students create and present a short performance that captures the struggles, contributions, and legacy of the Sakada or broader themes of Filipino migration and labor history. Performances may take the form of spoken word, poetry, drama, dance, or music—either solo or in small groups. Each piece should be grounded in historical or cultural research, drawing from oral histories, family stories, or documented sources. Creativity and audience engagement are encouraged to bring the Sakada story and Filipino heritage to life.

Fashion Show

Students will design clothing or accessories that educate audiences about Sakada or plantation history and Filipino identity in Hawaiʻi. Each piece should highlight a researched theme—such as migration, plantation life, or cultural traditions—and creatively incorporate elements like upcycled materials, palaka prints, or Philippine weaving. Designs should engage viewers while conveying a clear historical or cultural message. Projects may be completed individually or in teams of up to three members.

Judging

Entries will be judged in a manner similar to History Day, with a panel of judges evaluating each project based on five key criteria. Historical and Cultural Relevance (30%) will assess how accurately and meaningfully the entry reflects Filipino history, culture, and the legacy of the Sakada. Creativity and Originality (25%) will recognize innovative ideas and artistic expression. Clarity of Message or Theme (20%) will consider how effectively the main idea or story is communicated. Engagement and Audience Interaction (15%) will reward entries that actively involve and captivate their audience. Finally, Presentation and Preparedness (10%) will evaluate organization, quality, and overall delivery. Judges’ evaluations will determine the winners, and cash prizes will be awarded for the best entries in each category.

Food

Happy Belly
Waialua BBQ
Kamayan Club
SAMA SAMA
Cosmo Sweets
Lola the Bakehouse

Community Booths and Activities

Filipino American Historical Society of Hawai‘i
Filipino Association of University Women
Filipino Curriculum Project
Filipino Food Workshop (KCC, Ramar, FCP, CPS)
Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu
Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawai‘i
Philippine Living Heritage Initiative
UHM College of Education Tinalak Council
UHM Filipino Clubs – Club PI+ (Pinoy in STEM)
UHM Center for Philippine Studies

Donors

Alexander and Baldwin
Jerry Felicitas
Senator Bennette Misalucha campaign committee
Rose Galanto
Susanna Berardy
Elvie Sutherland
Jade Butay
Melody Calisay
Ame Casamina-Cabatu
Lina Mercado
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam