Celebrating Philippine Arts

We invite you to engage with Filipinx American History Month with "Celebrating Philippine Arts!" Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 12–1 p.m. in Thacher Gallery, as we learn from culture bearer Lyn Amfan Buti, along with a Sama-inspired courtship dance performance (Tariray) from DANC 250/YPSP 251.

Lyn Amfan Buti is a proud full-blooded T’boli from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Affectionately known as “Yebong”—a T’boli term meaning “big aunt” or respected elder—she is widely recognised as a cultural bearer and tradition keeper of her people. A Tboli chef featured on national television, she has appeared nine times on GMA 7 and ABS-CBN between 2015 and 2023. Beyond the culinary arts, she is a Tboli cultural master, ritual specialist, artist, and performer dedicated to preserving and sharing ancient indigenous knowledge. Since 2007, Lyn has actively organised and empowered her community through cultural initiatives and advocacy. Her work has reached international audiences, including a performance in New York in 2022. This year, she will represent her heritage once again as a participant in Moda de Filipinas 2026 in London.