IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
The spirit of Southeast Asia came alive at the Northwest Campus Auditorium at the University of California, Los Angeles on April 24 as the ASEAN Women Circle of Los Angeles (AWCLA) presented Rhythms of ASEAN, an evening of music, dance and cultural diplomacy celebrating the richness, diversity and shared heritage of the ASEAN region.
Presented annually by AWCLA, the showcase brought together cultural performances representing member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in a moving expression of unity through the arts. Comprised largely of spouses of ASEAN Consuls General in Los Angeles, AWCLA has long fostered friendship, cultural understanding and humanitarian outreach through events and fundraisers that strengthen collaboration among Southeast Asian communities. ASEAN, founded in 1967, continues to promote regional peace, economic cooperation and socio-cultural exchange among its ten member states.
The evening opened with a stirring tribute featuring The Royal Compositions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, whose musical legacy set an elegant and regal tone for the night. The program then unfolded into a vibrant tapestry of traditional dance and music from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines, each performance reflecting the beauty and distinct identity of its nation while reinforcing a shared regional spirit.
A special point of Filipino pride came through the performance of Mark Mabasa, former X Factor Philippines finalist known to many as the “Golden Voice,” who represented the Philippines in the cultural showcase. As one of the featured Filipino artists invited to perform, Mabasa captivated the international audience with heartfelt renditions of “Babalik Ka Rin” and “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas,” two songs deeply rooted in identity, homeland and national pride.
“Babalik Ka Rin” (“You Will Return”) is a nostalgic ode to homecoming, carrying emotional resonance for many Filipinos in the diaspora. It speaks to the enduring pull of homeland, family and memory—the idea that no matter how far one journeys, one’s roots remain.
“Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas” (“Choose the Philippines”) is a stirring affirmation of patriotism and belief in the beauty, resilience and promise of the Filipino people. It calls on Filipinos to embrace and celebrate their heritage with pride.
Together, the two songs became an ode to belonging and national identity, beautifully capturing the Filipino spirit within the larger tapestry of ASEAN.
Mabasa also moved the audience with a powerful performance of “Heal the World,” transforming the evening into more than a cultural showcase, but a shared moment of humanity. With its universal message of peace and compassion, the song resonated deeply among guests from different nations, many singing along in a spontaneous expression of unity. It was a moving reminder of music’s power to transcend borders.
His performance became one of the evening’s most applauded moments, drawing enthusiastic support from the audience and shining a spotlight on Filipino artistry on an international stage. For many in attendance, Mabasa’s presence symbolized not only artistic excellence but the global caliber of Filipino talent.
The evening also featured Thailand’s folk and ceremonial dances, Malaysia’s graceful Sri Intan Payung, performances from Myanmar and Indonesia, and a dramatic presentation of Khon, the classical Thai masked dance tradition. From royal compositions to folk storytelling through movement, each presentation served as a reminder that culture can be both heritage and bridge.
Beyond the stage, Rhythms of ASEAN drew a distinguished audience from across the Filipino American and broader Asian American communities. In attendance were members of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), representatives from Asian Journal, community leader Perla Bermudez Santos and members of the caregiving and community organizations she has championed, along with Catherine Cruz, spouse of Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz, representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, and staff from the Philippine Department of Tourism.
Supporting Mabasa at the event were members of his creative team, including talent manager Patricia Arnel Dulay-Roy and hair and makeup artist Kimora Bernabe, alongside internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Puey Quiñones, whose presence added to the evening’s strong Filipino representation.
Under the leadership of AWCLA President Sirigamon Saralamba, the evening served as more than a cultural showcase—it was diplomacy through performance, reminding audiences that culture can be both preservation and bridge, and that the arts remain a powerful language for understanding among nations.
Held on the UCLA campus, the program also underscored the university’s role as a gathering place for global dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. For many in attendance, Rhythms of ASEAN was more than a performance—it was a celebration of memory, identity and belonging, where rhythm became language, tradition became dialogue, and performance became a shared vision of community.
In a time often marked by division, Rhythms of ASEAN offered a powerful reminder: through music, movement and shared stories, nations can come together in harmony.
And in one of the evening’s proudest moments, Filipino artistry stood center stage—reminding all in attendance that Filipino talent is, indeed, world-class.