Cardinal Gibbons offers more than 40 student clubs, ranging from pickleball to Science Olympiad. In addition to extracurricular activities, the school emphasizes diversity by supporting affinity groups that allow students of similar cultural and racial backgrounds to connect and build community.

The Asian Student Union is a student-led organization that promotes inclusion by celebrating Asian culture and supporting Asian students. The club encourages students of all backgrounds to come together through activities such as trying traditional foods, watching cultural dances, and connecting with classmates. 

Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, expanding its events to include movie nights and regular meetings focused on planning future activities. 

In recent years, the club added a Fall Festival during the first semester, providing a new opportunity for cultural celebration and community engagement.

“Therese Odulio, who is at Chapel Hill now, wanted to be able to connect to other schools and their own Asian Student Unions, so she decided she wanted Gibbons to be that space where everyone can come,” said Therese Panganiban, a current senior leader. 

On Nov. 11, 2024, the Asian Student Union hosted its first ever Fall Festival on the front quad from 4-7 p.m., drawing a large crowd of students. 

“This year the planning process was absolutely insane,” Panganiban said.  “There’s a lot that goes into it, knowing how many tables we need, a speaker, an aux.” 

Although the festival took place at Cardinal Gibbons, Asian Student Unions from across the Triangle collaborated to help host the event by bringing supplies, food, and activities, including a karaoke machine. Participating schools included Leesville Road, Rolesville, Millbrook, Wakefield, Green Hope, Green Level, and Apex. 

“It was really fun working with these schools because usually I’m used to thinking about other schools with athletic competitions,” Panganiban said.  “However, with this I’m just thinking I’m going to buy your food and I want to get to know you.”

However, with so many schools involved, planning can quickly go sideways. 

“I’m glad that we have seven leaders, there was definitely a lot of distribution, we had to make sure we had the ambassadors checking up on the other schools.” she explained. 

As 4 p.m. rolled around, the front quad quickly filled with students with different cultural backgrounds and schools. Throughout the afternoon and evening, the festival featured a variety of stage performances, including traditional fan dances, Bollywood routines, and modern K-pop dances. The performances captured the audience, with an additional solo vocal performance. 

Panganiban even performed herself, playing guitar with her brother and playing Beabadoobee, a popular Filipino artist. 

Beyond the stage, the festival offered interactive activities that engaged attendees of all interests. A scavenger hunt encouraged participants to explore the event while they learned more about Asian culture. Athletic events such as spikeball and volleyball were set up across the quad, allowing students to release much needed adrenaline. 

For those seeking a calmer environment, the henna booth was especially popular, with many attendees receiving intricate designs on their hands. Other creative activities included origami, face painting, providing a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of people performing dances or spikeball.

This event was made possible in association with Heritage and Horizons, a nonprofit that emphasized cultural education and service. As a part of the festival, students were invited to write letters to impoverished elderly individuals in Vietnam, reinforcing the importance of compassion and service. 

As the evening eventually came to an end, the Fall Festival reflected the mission of the Asian Student Union not only at Cardinal Gibbons, but across the Triangle. 

Through food such as Spam musubi, matcha ube cookies, and spring rolls, as well as cultural performances and hands-on activities, the festival educated students, promoted cultural appreciation, and brought people together from diverse backgrounds. 

“It’s important to let other kids know that they have a community they can go to, especially if they feel like they don’t have a lot of people that look like them in school,” Panganiban said. 

The next Fall Festival is scheduled to take place on Nov. 11, with the ASU encouraging everyone to come and participate!