The Pilipino American Collegiate Endeavor (PACE) is serving up a different kind of Spam.

It’s not canned, but still has much flavor.

Showcasing Pilipino Artists and Musicians (SPAM) is a celebration of local Filipino artists and entertainers, being held at SF State’s Jack Adams Hall on Oct. 8.

The show’s name “SPAM” was adapted five years ago at SF State, but the actual showcase dates back to the 1980s. SF State is the first school of all of the Bay Area colleges and universities to put on this event.

“It’s a good way for people to see the talent in our culture,” said Jennifer Bautista, 21, a business administration student and head coordinator of PACE.

PACE was created during the height of the civil rights movement, in an attempt to create opportunities for Filipinos.

“Everything PACE does is based around self-determination,” said Bing Lim, 26, a psychology graduate from SF State and former member of PACE. “SPAM was created for Filipinos to have the chance to perform and to be exposed.”

From hip-hop, to rock, to jungle and dance groups, SPAM offers a wide variety of talent for their audience.

PACE seeks artists at other showcases throughout the Bay Area like the SoMa festival and through social networking Web sites like MySpace, which allows listeners and other artists to sample the music.

Some artists featured in this year’s show include rapper Kiwi and rockers SPL.

“Events like SPAM expose young Filipinos to artists and performers who reflect their experiences too,” said Kiwi, manager of Health Initiatives for Youth who has performed at other PACE events. “Performing and connecting with a crowd is a spiritual experience for me. It’s my church.”

This year will be the first time SPL will perform at SPAM. Ryan Flores, the bass guitarist of SPL, said he hopes to meet new fans at the show.

“This Filipino showcase will resurrect performing artists and bring new life to the SF State community,” said Flores, 27, also a support analyst. “When everyone thinks of Filipino acts, they automatically think hip-hop.

"But we want to bring something new and different into perspective – alternative rock (by Filipinos).”

The support the entertainers receive does not necessarily stop when SPAM is over. PACE assistant head coordinator, Aloysius Rotor, hopes this event will create a continuing fan base for them.

“People will be exposed to different things at SPAM and hopefully will like what the see,” said Rotor, 21, a design and industry major. “We hope the audience will keep following them.”

Seeing Filipinos in the spotlight is not so common in mainstream media.

Shows like SPAM give Filipino artists that outlet.

“It makes me proud to be Filipino-American,” said Jon Lingad, 22, a junior economics student. “My community is doing something to get others involved. SPAM isn’t just for Filipinos. It’s for anyone who wants a fresh perspective of what talent is.”

Another student, Christine Reyes, said she enjoys the fact that the show isn’t focused on traditional Philippines-based performances.

“It’s fun and exciting to see Filipinos going outside the typical cultural dances,” said Reyes, 20, a liberal studies major and continuing SPAM attendee. “They sing, dance and rap. It’s real entertainment that anyone can appreciate.”

But this show isn’t all about supporting local Filipino artists. It’s also about supporting the Filipino community, which is important in the Filipino culture.

The money raised at the show helps PACE run workshops, internships and community involvement for their members.

Local organizations, a Filipino bookstore, and other artists like movie producers, set up booths for people to get involved in their activities too.

“SPAM is a great platform to expose our name and spread the word that there are Filipino-Americans creating, producing and directing films,” said Tim Heraldo, 25, co-producer of “Leave It to Chance,” a film being promoted at SPAM. “It’s a place where everyone can recognize that Filipinos not only have talent, but have a presence and a voice in the community.”

PACE hopes to provide a show full of entertainment and raise awareness of Filipino talent.

“One of the hardest things for artists to do is have a stage and get their voice out there,” said Roeul Custodio, 22, liberal and asian american studies student and public relations officer of PACE. “With SPAM, we try to provide that place for them.”

For more information, including show time and ticket sales, visit
www.PACE1967.com