Join the Kaya Conversation!

Introducing Kaya Conversations, an inside look at the issues and people we can’t stop talking about. Join us and our Seattle team as we chat with local Filipino artists. Better yet, meet us in person at our latest event: Kalinawan, an Arts Showcase & Open Mic.

The Kalinawan event poster features Filipino tattoo motifs from Lane Wilcken’s book on tattooing. It’s a geometric, abstracted mandala with an eye at the center representing clarity. The larger design of an eight-legged spider represents Venus, the morning star our ancestors used to navigate and orient themselves. It symbolizes purpose and direction, traits attained when one achieves clarity that arises from a deeper sense of self.

By Kristen Navaluna

As Kaya Collaborative continues to grow as an organization, we’ve established our first regional team within the United States: Kaya Co. Seattle. Historically, Seattle has been home to populations of Filipino migrant workers, activists, and artists, such as Carlos Bulosan. It’s also the birthplace of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). In light of this rich history, Kaya Co. Seattle aims to continue the legacy of its deeply rooted community.

Kalinawan, a Filipino word for clarity, peace, tranquility, or discovery of something lost.

Our Seattle chapter currently consists of 5 team members (Adrian Alarilla, Pauline Corporal, Desirée Gomez, Daniele Meñez, and Kristen Navaluna), who came together to bring Kaya Collaborative’s mission to their local community. Kaya Co. Seattle is hosting its inaugural Arts Showcase & Open Mic called Kalinawan, a Filipino word for clarity, peace, tranquility, or the discovery of something lost. In our efforts to build bridges back to the Philippines, the Seattle team will bring together artists to explore issues of identity, history, and diaspora.

Within the next couple of weeks leading into Kalinawan, Kaya Co. Seattle will share artist interviews as part of Kaya Conversations, our new series on Constellations. They’ll be tackling questions on a variety of topics, ranging from migration background to creative influences. Our hope is not only to showcase the art of the Seattle Fil-Am community, but to also use personal stories to foster solidarity and support social initiatives in the Philippines.

Kaya Co. Seattle would like to thank the Filipino Lawyers of Washington (FLOW) for sponsoring our upcoming event.

To get more details on Kalinwan, Arts + Open Mic, visit our event page.