About

Battle of the Bamboo (BOTB) is a cultural dance showcase that has been hosted by Filipinos in Alliance (FIA) at the University of Illinois Chicago since 2003. Performers illustrate generational stories and retell them through a diverse collection of dances rooted in the Philippines. Now, in 2025, Filipinos in Alliance will be hosting our 22nd annual Battle of the Bamboo. This event has grown to attract thousands of spectators who attend to watch competing dance groups from high school and collegiate institutions, as well as a handful of performing exhibition groups. We all come together via our shared love for Filipino culture. Filipinos in Alliance and the 2025 Battle Council are proud to present this year’s theme: “Umaasa | Celebration of Hope.”

Another year of change has come upon us. Despite coming out of these difficult times of pandemic life and everlasting sociocultural dynamics, we continue to come back stronger every year. Battle of the Bamboo defines such growth and resilience; through this annual culmination of cultural appreciation, we have seen this event, and the people that make it happen, flourish extensively. We are unified, not only through the research that everyone puts into their performances, but also through the passion that it takes to perform on stage. We are also brought together via the learning, sharing, and reminiscing of Filipino culture and our own respective roots. We perform on and off the Battle of the Bamboo stage: in the preparation that our performers, sponsors, volunteers, and council members execute, in the audience members that come out to watch our visions come to life, and in the everyday push of our dreams and goals. Our shared passions and interests drive us to make BOTB a vibrant and connective space amongst friends, family, and peers. This year, we honor and reflect on Bacolod’s Masskara Festival to set aside our struggles and unite in joy, reminding us of the power a community has in the face of adversity.

Umaasa – Tagalog (v.) to hope for; to anticipate

Umaasa illustrates the spirit of Bacolod’s Masskara Festival, serving as a powerful testament to the ability to rise above adversity through creative and communal celebrations that originated from a time of economic hardship. Though inherent in the Filipino spirit, the vibrant masks worn during this celebration allow people from all walks of life to temporarily put aside their struggles and immerse themselves in joy and unity. This lively environment fosters the collective spirit of Umaasa and solidarity for social barriers to dissolve, highlighting the everlasting optimism the people of Bacolod emanate. Through the ardent appreciation of Filipino culture, this year’s Battle of the Bamboo serves as a poignant reminder to persevere in preserving a sense of community and unity amongst performers, spectators, and organizers. Alongside prospering our rich heritage, by celebrating local traditions and universal values of hope, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.