Music and laughter spilled into the cool October night as students filled the corner of Centennial Campus for “Lola’s Coffee House,” an annual event hosted by NC State’s Filipino American Student Association (FASA). The low hum of conversation mixed with live performances and the rhythmic beat of Tagalog songs, turning an ordinary campus space into a celebration of Filipino creativity and belonging. For one evening, the field pulsed with warmth, community and a shared pride that felt like home.
Hosted annually during Filipino American History Month, “Lola’s Coffee House” serves as more than a student showcase, it’s FASA’s way of honoring the artistry and hospitality central to Filipino culture. The event featured local vendors, handmade crafts and student performers, giving attendees a taste of Filipino community life while highlighting cultural expression. For many students, the night offered both a reminder of heritage and a space to share that feeling with others.
For FASA President Snow Aung, a third-year accounting major, “Lola’s Coffee House” represents the organization’s mission to spread Filipino culture and uplift the community on campus, Aung said.
When asked what the most rewarding and challenging parts of that role were, she reflected on her journey. “Becoming president was definitely a challenge. I started as a first-year representative, then moved through different chair positions before being voted in as president. It’s really rewarding because I get to be part of such an amazing e-board. We put so much of our own time into this, and at the end of the day, we might just be a student org, but it feels like so much more than that.”
When asked how she would describe FASA’s mission and her role on the board, Alexis De Castro, a junior studying fashion and textile management and FASA’s external vice president, said the organization’s purpose is rooted in connection and culture. “We do that through events that get people excited about Filipino culture, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos, while also creating a sense of community within our Filipino population at NC State.” De Castro, who oversaw outreach and vendor coordination for “Lola’s Coffee House,” said the most rewarding part was seeing her team’s work come to life. “It was stressful trying to balance everything, but seeing everyone enjoy themselves makes it worth it,” she said.
Aung and De Castro’s words captured the night’s spirit, a mix of pride, dedication and cultural celebration that resonated across the room.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for me to showcase the talent God gave me and share that with other people,” said Ethan Serrano, a third-year civil engineering major. For Serrano, performing at the event was about more than just singing, it was about creating joy and connection. “I just want people to have a good time,” he said.
Amerie Delfin, a second-year textile engineering major, who performed a traditional dance, said it has become a way for her to connect deeply with her roots. “It’s a really big part of my life because I’ve been dancing traditional Filipino dances since 2019,” she said. “Ever since then, I’ve really embraced my Filipino culture. Being able to coordinate dances that allow other people to feel the same way I did when I first started is a really good feeling, and I love showing how beautiful and colorful Filipino culture is.”
As the lights dimmed and the music faded, Lola’s Coffee House left behind more than applause. It left a sense of pride and connection that carried through everyone who attended — a small reminder that culture thrives when it’s shared.