Celebrating the proud distinction of being both American and Filipino is the focus of this year’s Sampaguita Ball, planned by students from both Saint Louis University and Washington University.

Approximately 25 students from SLU’s Filipino Student Association and Washington University’s Barkada will present an evening of food, dancing and talent at the Ball, scheduled for this Saturday, April 7 at Orlando Gardens on Watson Road in South County.

“The Sampaguita Ball is a way of celebrating our culture, our tradition and our values,” FSA President Josephine-Liezl Cueto said. “We just want to convey that we still have pride in our heritage and can define that beauty.”

Following dinner, the students will present a series of traditional Filipino dances, including the Tinikling, the national Filipino dance, which symbolizes a bird dancing among the rice fields native to the Philippines.

Cueto added that a modern hip-hop dance will also be presented, “just to celebrate that we are Filipino-American and to add that American aspect.”

A talent show will follow the culture showcase, featuring nine performers including singers, musicians and additional dances. One famous Filipino love song, “Ikaw,” will feature Cueto and fellow SLU senior Tim Yau.

Tickets for the evening’s culture/talent showcase will be available at the door at 8 p.m. for $10. Proceeds will go towards the two groups’ fundraising efforts.

Planning for the Sampaguita Ball began in January and included long hours of dance rehearsals for all members.

“I know they’re putting in a lot of practice time,” said co-emcee Tina Dewan. “The dances and music display a blend of cultures. The group dances are graceful and elegant but fun and aerobic at the same time.”

“Both groups want to inform, educate and share with others our heritage-not only with SLU, but with the St. Louis community,” Cueto said. “Since there are many non-Filipinos in our organization, it shows how that you can appreciate the mix we find in all cultures.”