HISTORY

Northeastern University's Barkada began as a small group of Filipino/Filipino-American students who aspired to have their culture recognized at the university. They wanted to have an organization that united people who embrace Filipino culture and wish to spread it through cultural, educational and social activities.

With hard work, dedication, and the aid of their club advisor Dean Perkins, Barkada became an official NU organization on January 26, 1998.

Throughout its years

as an established student organization, NU Barkada has grown to become a bigger family than its founders had ever imagined. However, the organization holds true to the guidelines and values set forth by its founders, and continues to build upon their strong foundation.

Our Logo

"Barkada" is a word from the Filipino Language, Tagalog, which means "group of friends." However, we embrace each and every one of our members as not only friends, but family, as well.

NU Barkada's logo, from one aspect, resembles the Nipa Hut, a bamboo shelter built in the rural, coastal areas of the Philippines. Barkada, like the Nipa Hut, provides its members with support and is built to withstand adverse conditions, day-in and day-out.

Sheltered within the Nipa Hut beneath the sun and the moon, the flag of the Philippines symbolizes the rich Filipino culture from which Barkada draws its roots.

The logo also resembles two people, hand-in-hand, dancing Tinikling, a Filipino cultural dance. This encompasses one of the primary goals of NU Barkada, which is to educate others about the Filipino culture and try to bridge the gap that separates people from different walks of life.

WHAT WE DO

Barkada has become one of the most prominent student groups at Northeastern University. Always striving to hold true to its mission statement, Barkada gets involved in many ways.

Cultural
Barkada promotes Filipino culture through interactive general meetings, potluck events featuring authentic dishes, and dance showcases where we perform traditional pieces. Catch us at our “Filipino History 101” or “Cooking 101” meeting, or watch us perform at the International Student and Scholar Institute’s Carnivale. Whatever event it may be, Barkada always aims to promote the Filipino culture.

Educational
We are committed to educating our members about not only the Filipino culture, but other issues surrounding the Asian American community as well. Barkada is an active organization in the Pan Asian American Council (PAAC) here at Northeastern University, which in turn is affiliated with the Asian American Center (AAC). Through PAAC and AAC, we are able to further educate our members in issues that go beyond the Filipino culture.

Community
Barkada gives back. Whether it’s at the Greater Boston Food Bank, Relay for Life, or the Mission Hill Road Race, Barkada has been making giant strides in our philanthropic efforts.

Social
Through family dinners and weekend activities, Barkada aims to build a strong close-knit community. Through the Biggie Smalls program, freshmen have the opportunity to be paired up with upperclassman that will serve as mentors. The program will help freshmen with their transition into college, acting not only as a resource, but hopefully as a good friend as well. Barkada would be nothing without the members. Through social events, Barkada helps build the character of each and every one of its members.