BYU–Hawaii’s Banyan Dining Hall recently clinched the top spot at the 2025 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards, securing the gold in the Residential Special Event of the Year category for its immersive Filipino town fiesta-themed dining experience known as “Pista Sa Nayon.” This victory was a significant achievement for the university, as it outshone competitors from larger institutions across the United States to claim the prestigious grand prize award. The event, held on October 23, 2024, completely transformed the dining hall into a lively Filipino village, complete with traditional cuisine, music, cultural performances, and a sense of community celebration.
The success of the event was attributed to the dedicated efforts of individuals like Marilou Lee, the manager of Banyan Dining Hall, and David Keala, the Food Services director at BYU–Hawaii. Lee emphasized that what set the celebration apart was its authentic and festive atmosphere, which resonated with attendees, evoking a genuine sense of Filipino culture and hospitality. The event was not just a showcase of culinary delights but a collaborative endeavor that involved student employees, cultural performers, and Filipino student leaders who infused the event with the essence of Filipino traditions.
Valery Kathryn Olea, a Filipino sophomore majoring in visual arts, played a crucial role as the event’s graphic designer, contributing to the visual aesthetics of the celebration through banners, posters, and decorations. She expressed how the experience allowed her to showcase her cultural heritage in a tangible and engaging way, fostering a sense of pride and connection with her roots. Similarly, Keizha Felix, a communications major from the Philippines, participated as a cashier and performer, showcasing both modern and traditional facets of Filipino culture through hip-hop and folk dance performances.
The event’s impact extended beyond mere entertainment, as it served as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. Jiiva Nicole Orcuse, a Filipino student double majoring in business management and political science, highlighted how her involvement in the event deepened her appreciation for her heritage and underscored the importance of preserving cultural identity through storytelling and experiential learning. Frances Rapanut, a psychology major from the Philippines, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the enriching experience of sharing her cultural heritage with a diverse audience.
Receiving national recognition for their cultural event marked a significant milestone for BYU–Hawaii, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering inclusive and meaningful experiences for its students. The event not only celebrated Filipino culture but also promoted unity and cultural exchange among the campus community. Raja Babu, a student manager from India, reflected on how the event resonated with his own cultural background, emphasizing the power of cultural expression in fostering connections and building bridges between diverse communities.
The success of “Pista Sa Nayon” at the Banyan Dining Hall underscored the university’s dedication to promoting cultural belonging, unity, and shared experiences. By creating a space where students from various cultural backgrounds could come together to celebrate and learn from one another, BYU–Hawaii exemplified its vision of fostering intercultural peace and unity through the embodiment of shared values and traditions. As the campus community looks forward to future events that celebrate diversity and heritage, the impact of this award-winning cultural event serves as a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange and inclusivity.
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