Celebrating Filipino Heritage with Riot Games: A Night of Martial Arts and Culture
This Filipino American Heritage Month, Pamana Kali had the distinct honor of returning to Riot Games in Santa Monica for a night of cultural celebration and martial arts demonstration. This event, filled with energy and pride, marked our second year collaborating with Riot Games to honor the contributions of Filipino American heritage through the art of Filipino Martial Arts.
Our evening began with our youth members and the dedicated Action Lab team, a group of actors and stunt performers who train with Pamana Kali. Together, they captivated the audience with a series of basic forms, including the Inosanto 24-count, Pekiti Tirsia open-count 7s, and the umbrella 6-count series, as well as our MT Hand Kickboxing counts. The room buzzed with excitement as the Action Lab team seamlessly transitioned from stick to knife to empty hands during the advanced Sombrada or Box Pattern exercises.
Our Chief Instructor and founder, Guro Alvin Catacutan, further demonstrated Silat, showcasing traditional pre-colonial martial arts from the Southern Philippines. He performed takedowns and finishes, leaving the audience in awe of the fluidity and effectiveness of the techniques. Attendees, including several Filipino American employees from Riot Games, were given the chance to participate, learning the basics of stick fighting after signing waivers. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and engagement as they got a taste of our martial art’s rich history and applications.
The evening wasn’t just about martial arts, though. It was a celebration of Filipino culture as a whole. After our performance, PKE, PakaraguianKulintang Ensemble took the stage, presenting Southern Philippine dances and music with traditional instruments such as the Kulintang, gongs, and drums. The atmosphere was alive with vibrant beats and the joy of shared heritage.
Riot Games, known for their commitment to diversity and inclusion, were the perfect hosts for the event. Their generosity made it possible for us to deliver the best show possible, providing everything we needed to perform. Vendors from the Kubo Collective, selling Filipino children’s books and merchandise, also contributed to the event’s success, further enriching the cultural experience.
It was particularly meaningful to see the connection between Riot’s diverse employees and their representation in gaming. The character Neon, a Filipina fighter in Riot’s popular game Valorant, resonated deeply with the Filipino community. My own daughter was moved to tears when the character Neon was introduced to the game in 2022. She was filled with pride to see a character who reflects her heritage on such a global stage. This representation matters—it empowers and elevates Filipino Americans, and we are proud to have been part of that celebration with Riot Games.
Events like these not only promote Filipino Martial Arts but also highlight the importance of cultural preservation and representation in mainstream media. By showcasing the richness of Filipino heritage, we can ensure that our stories, traditions, and art are shared and appreciated by future generations. We are grateful to Riot Games for giving us the platform to celebrate and honor Filipino American Heritage Month in such a meaningful way.
Together, we hope to inspire more companies and organizations to embrace diversity, promoting a broader understanding of the cultural fabric that makes up our communities.
