The word "community" took on a new definition Saturday as the Penn State Filipino Association celebrated its 6th annual Barrio Fiesta.

Barrio Fiesta, which means neighborhood celebration, is a gathering of Filipino culture through which different Philippine neighborhoods celebrate their patron saints.

Beginning in 1995, Barrio Fiesta sought to educate the Penn State community about Filipino culture. Each year the event has become increasingly popular.

"Every year Barrio has gotten bigger and bigger," said co-cultural director, Mai Quach (junior-business logistics).

The celebration included a buffet-style dinner featuring an array of Filipino foods, an open mic portion and performances of traditional and modern dances.

Bernadette Calingasan (junior-economics), said the purpose of Barrio is "just showing unity and expressing our Filipino heritage to inform the rest of the Penn State community."

A line of spectators stretched from the doors of the HUB's Alumni Hall to the student ID office in anticipation of the dance performance.

This year's Barrio included more than 50 dancers who are club members themselves.

"A lot of preparation goes into dancing. We sacrifice weekends to practice," dancer Christine Alonzo (junior-electrical engineering) said.

Dance and stage, performance and operations committees come up with ideas and choreography for the presentation.

"It's a long process, but it's definitely worth it and the closeness of seeing each other all the time makes the group become a family," Alonzo said.

The Barrio Fiesta integrates group effort and dedication from each member of the organization.

"We plan a year in advance; after this Barrio we think about next years," said Calingasan.

Vice President Paulo Limgenco (sophomore-information systems) agreed with Calingasan, saying, "I think it's the fact that we learn from each year and try to build on it to make it a bigger, better Barrio each year."