About Us
Join SMU Barkada, SMU’s Filipino cultural club since 2009, as we share the richness of Filipino culture while fostering well-being, growth, and belonging within SMU. Step into our warm and welcoming space, where everyone is invited to experience Filipino heritage through a diverse range of engaging events, including cultural showcases, food festivals, and casual tambayan (hangouts).
The word barkada means a close-knit group of friends in Filipino, and that spirit lies at the heart of everything we do. At its core, Barkada is about connection, belonging, and celebrating culture together.
Whether you are a Filipino seeking a sense of home or someone curious about our vibrant traditions, SMU Barkada is your gateway to cultural discovery. Embrace the warmth, joy, and camaraderie that define our community, and create unforgettable memories with us. Mabuhay and welcome!
Key Events
- Balik Bayan
“Balik Bayan!” is Barkada’s back-to-school celebration inspired by the Filipino tradition of homecoming, bringing that same spirit of warmth and reunion to campus. For many Filipinos, balik bayan represents the joy of returning home and rekindling bonds with friends and family. - Barkada’s 18th Birthday Debut
Barkada’s 18th Birthday Debut is our signature milestone event, inspired by the Filipino tradition of celebrating a coming-of-age at eighteen. Through traditional Filipino party games, shared meals, and celebratory moments, it’s a night where members and friends gather to mark the occasion and celebrate Barkada’s 18th year together. - Barkada Kamustahan
An annual event whereby SMU Barkada warmly welcomes newcomers in a night filled with a lineup of exciting team-bonding activities and Filipino cuisines. - Paskong Pinoy
Paskong Pinoy is SMU Barkada’s end-of-year celebration inspired by the warmth and festivity of a Filipino Christmas party. Through traditional Filipino games and a gift exchange, it’s a night where members come together to unwind, have fun, and close out the year on a festive note. - Karaoke Night
Filipino Karaoke Night is a cultural and community-building event designed to bring together students for an evening of music, fun, and camaraderie. Rooted in the rich tradition of karaoke in the Philippines, this event aims to celebrate Filipino culture through the universal love of singing.
Our People in Action
How To Join
Anyone can participate in our events! Just join our Telegram channel to stay updated about our latest events.
However, students who have been actively participating in and supporting our events will receive an invite to become official members of our club, where they can enjoy certain benefits. Check out our FAQs to learn more.
To become a part of our executive committee, you have to undergo an interview conducted by our current position holders.
FAQ
Yes, SMU Barkada is open to all nationalities and you don't need to know how to speak Tagalog!
To qualify as an official member of our club, you just need to either be a Filipino OR have attended at least 2 of our events! Once either of this has been met, you will receive an invite via email and a link to join our Members Telegram chat.
As a member of the club, you will enjoy the following benefits: lifetime membership, priority access to event sign ups, invitations to exclusive events and gatherings, and building connections within the community!
Yes! Our events are open to all students. Just keep an eye out for our EDMs or updates on our Telegram channel.
Commitment to our club is very flexible. The events we hold range from 2 to 4 per semester, but they are not compulsory. We also get to meet Filipinos in other local universities through our events! Feel free to join us when you can! We can also meet on and off just to eat some good food and chat!