EVENT BASICS

1. When and where is the Inaugural Alumni Legacy Gala taking place? 

The gala will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 5:30pm to 9pm at the San José State University Ballroom, located on the 2nd floor of the Student Union.

 

2. What is the purpose of this gala? 

The gala aims to uplift, connect, and celebrate generations of SJSU Filipino alumni community.

 

3. Do I have to be Filipino or a SJSU alumni to attend?

No, you do not have to be Filipino or an SJSU alumni to attend. All who wish to celebrate and honor our SJSU Filipino community are welcome! 

 

4. Is there an age restriction for the event?

Yes, the event is only for attendees ages 21 and over, with special exception to the families of our honorees.

 

5. Are children allowed at the gala?

Children will not be allowed to attend this event, with special exception to the families of our honorees. 

 

6. Is there a hashtag I should use to post about the Gala? 

Yes, we encourage you to share your excitement and experiences on social media! Please use the following hashtags when posting about the Gala:

• #FANAlumniLegacyGala2024

• #FilipinoAlumniNetworkSJSU
   

TICKETS & REGISTRATION 

7. How can I purchase tickets for the event?

Tickets may be purchased online at https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1771/16/wide.aspx?sid=1771&gid=2&pgid=2183&cid=6101

 

8. Will ticket prices change over time?

Yes - Ticket sale dates are as follows:

• Early Bird Tickets: July 1 - August 4   

• General Tickets: August 5 - September 7

 

9. Is there a deadline to buy tickets?

There is no cutoff date for ticket sales, but space is limited. We recommend purchasing your tickets soon to reserve your spot and ensure you can join us for this special event!

 

10. Can I buy a ticket at the event?

No ticket sales will take place at the event. All attendees must pre-purchase their tickets to be registered for this event. 

 

11. Can I reserve a table for a group?

Yes, tables of 8 can be purchased for a discounted rate. Please email SJSUFANGala@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and number of tables requested for more details.

 

12. What if I purchase a ticket but later find I can't attend? 

We appreciate your commitment to supporting our event. Due to the nature of event planning and our commitments to vendors, we are unable to offer refunds for purchased tickets. However, if you can't attend, we encourage you to consider gifting your ticket to a friend or colleague who might enjoy the gala. This way, your contribution still supports our community, even if you can't be there in person.

 

ATTIRE & DRESS CODE

13. Is there a dress code for the event?

Yes, the dress code is semi-formal. While it’s not mandatory, we highly encourage attendees to wear traditional cultural attire like Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog to celebrate our heritage. Let's embrace the occasion in our finest attire!

 

14. Where can I buy traditional attire?

You are welcome to purchase traditional attire from our exhibitors, CMC Boutique (https://cmcbaronglv.com/) and Barong & Formal (https://www.barongandformal.com/). Both online boutiques offer a variety of Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana styles.  Use code SJSUFAN2024 at checkout for a 10% donation to FAN SJSU or discount.

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Be sure to support these amazing alumni owned businesses also with a great selection of traditional attire:

• Lola Weavers (https://www.instagram.com/lola.weavers/)

• M&N Imports (https://www.instagram.com/mnimports209/)

 

EVENT DETAILS

15. What activities are planned for the event?

The event will include a small business exhibit, time to network, a photobooth for attendees, an open dance floor, and more!

Once the program begins, we will be hosting an alumni awards ceremony, recognizing student scholarship recipients, and holding space to honor extraordinary Spartans through FAN's Hall of Remembrance. Additionally, a special announcement will be made about the new Filipino American History Mural Project.

 

16.  What is the Filipino American History Mural Project?

This is a new project that will be announced at the gala by SJSU's President, Cynthia Teniente-Matson. More details will be shared at the event.

 

17. Will there be food and drinks at the event?

Yes, dinner and beverages will be provided with your ticket purchase.

 

We have carefully curated a special Filipino buffet for you, to be provided by our caterer, Mari Jao. In addition to a variety of savory ulam, Mari Jao and her team will prepare lechon, desserts, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. 

 

Wine will be provided by local vintner, J. Lohr: J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay and J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 

18. Will there be entertainment at the gala?

Yes, after the awards ceremony, we will dance the night away to music provided by DJ Jaymeebaaby, an SJSU alumna (Class of 2015). She's known for her versatile music style including Hip Hop, Pop, Top 40, and Dance Music, and has experience playing at various venues and events across the West Coast.

 

Additionally, we will have a special performance by SJSU’s Akbayan Cultural Dance Troupe.

 

19. Will there be exhibitors at the gala? 

Yes, the gala will feature several small business exhibitors, including:

• Lola Weavers: Handwoven fashion by the Tinguian Tribe (SJSU alumni-owned)

• M&N Imports 209: Filipiniana clothing and accessories (SJSU alumni-owned)

• LEAD Filipino: Nonprofit cultural and educational organization (SJSU alumni-operated)

• Ugat Clothing: Filipino streetwear brand

These exhibitors will showcase a variety of products and services related to Filipino culture and heritage. Be sure to check them out and show your support!

 

20. Will seating be assigned?

Apart from our VIP Honorees, Speakers, Sponsors, and Group Table Sales, seating will not be assigned. 

 

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so please be sure to arrive on time. Each table seats up to 8 guests.

 

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

21. Is parking available for the gala?

Yes, parking is available. However, parking will not be hosted, meaning all attendees have to pay for their own parking. The parking garage closest to the Student Union is the North Garage located at 65 S 10th St, San Jose.

 

For more information about parking options and to pre-purchase your parking permit, please visit the SJSU parking website at: https://www.sjsu.edu/parking/permits/visitor-guest/daily-short-term.php

 

22. Are there public transportation or rideshare options available to attend the gala?

Yes, there are several transportation options available:

• Public Transportation: SJSU is well-served by public transit. For information on direct lines to SJSU, please visit: https://www.sjsu.edu/as/departments/transportation-solutions/vta/DirectLines2Campus.ph

• Rideshare: Popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area and can provide transportation to and from the event.

We encourage attendees to plan their transportation in advance and consider using these options, especially if they plan to consume alcohol at the event. Carpooling is highly encouraged.

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