Sampaguita Dance Group

The Filipino-American Sampaguita Club of Tucson (FASCOT) was founded in 1972 and performed at the first Tucson Meet Yourself in 1974. The group is now called Sampaguita Dance Group, and remains a cultural arm of (FASCOT). We are directed by Neneng Babanto Fassler, a recipient of a 2018 Master-Apprentice Artist Award from the Southwest Folklife Alliance.

We perform regional folk dances from the Philippines. These dances come from traditions of farmers, fishermen, hunters, and laborers and are expressions of daily life, respecting Mother Earth’s abundance. Filipinos are hospitable people. We treat strangers as our own and welcome visitors with an offering of flowers. Thus, the “Bulaklakan” dance is performed during fiestas to welcome everyone. Our dancers/performers respect the originality and authenticity of our cultural heritage. The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 300 years, which means Spanish influences and fusion can be seen in our dance, “La Jota Moncadena.”