Kawan at UCLA

Kawan at UCLA is the Pilipino Catholic Association serving the Los Angeles, CA community through faith-based programming and cultural celebration. Founded in late 2021 at the University of California, Los Angeles, Kawan operates as an archdiocesan nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant Filipino Catholic student community. The organization provides comprehensive membership programs including immersion experiences, discernment opportunities, and fellowship gatherings that unite undergraduate and graduate students around shared Catholic values and Filipino heritage.

Kawan's programming focuses on seven core pillars: Catholicism, Culture, Health, History, Piety, Service, and Spirituality. The organization celebrates Filipino Catholic traditions through signature events such as Simbang Gabi, the annual Kawan Retreat, and the Kawan Banquet, creating meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and cultural connection. These initiatives are grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and inspired by the examples of patron saints San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod, both canonized Filipino saints recognized for their faith and service.

Based at the University Catholic Center at UCLA, Kawan serves as the official Filipino Catholic voice for Bruins while extending its reach to the broader Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The organization connects with sibling Filipino Catholic communities at other educational institutions and throughout the archdiocese, building networks of support and solidarity. Kawan welcomes students, alumni, and friends of all backgrounds who seek to explore the Christian faith through a Filipino perspective, creating an inclusive spiritual home for the UCLA community.