Student performance competition hosted by the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center as part of API Heritage Month.
By Viri Garcia Gallardo, Executive Editor
Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month kicked off at CSUDH with a series of campus events, including the second annual “A.P.IDOL Talent Night”—a student performance competition hosted by the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center. The event on Apr. 10 served as a way to celebrate the creativity, community, and cultural expression of the API community on campus.
Other APCC events scheduled this month include cultural workshops, guest speakers, community dialogues, and film screenings that explore identity, storytelling, and solidarity across API communities.
“A.P.IDOL is about showcasing the many talents of our API students—and really, of everyone,” said third-year student and program activity leader Vincent Sanchez. He added that events like A.P.IDOL matter because they create space for students to express who they are and feel recognized by their community.
“It’s very inclusive. It allows students to express themselves, whether through dancing, singing, or even just showing off their unique talents,” Sanchez told The Bulletin.
Sophomore journalism and theatre arts student Joshua Zuniga took the stage with a high-energy performance inspired by Kendrick Lamar, using the moment to explore a faster pace and reflect current events through his art.
“It was really something,” Zuniga said. “I wanted to challenge myself with something faster, more down-to-earth—especially with everything going on lately, I feel like this is a way to channel that energy. I enjoyed it.”
Zuniga’s performance came fresh on the heels of his appearance at “The S#!t Show”—the Theatre Department’s annual year-end student showcase. He described the song selection process as intentional and challenging, carefully curating a piece that matched the tone and time constraints of the night.
Zuniga’s efforts were recognized with one of the event’s two $25 gift card prizes. (The other gift card was awarded to a participant in the open mic portion later in the evening.)
Another highlight was student Eric McGory, who brought energy and emotion to the stage with two powerful dance performances. His first was a freestyle set to “Boom” by The Roots, followed by a heartfelt tribute to his sister and their shared love of dance.
“She’s the one who really got me into it. I wouldn’t have been able to do anything out there without her,” McGory explained. “I love b-boying and breakdancing. There’s a whole culture behind it, and I’ve been dancing for 17 years.”
API Heritage events continue through this month and into May with the Asian & Pasifika Night Market on May 1 at the Sculpture Garden, featuring food, performances, and student-led activities. The APCC is currently seeking volunteers to help with the event; applications are open through Apr. 22.