This post was written by Hatchet reporter Carly Stern.

In a purposely off-pitch voice, Philippine Cultural Society president Kirstie Espiritu belted out “I came in like a wrecking ball” in the opening scene of the group’s 14th annual showcase, “Tandaan.”

While the sampling of the popular Miley Cyrus song brought some lightheartedness, the focus of the performance was anything but humorous. The group’s piece “Rise Above” portrayed the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines last fall, and the rise in human trafficking in the region.

“Since the Philippines is a very poor country and especially after the Typhoon, people lost everything and they’re devastated, so they resort to other means of making money,” said Sarah Bacani, a sophomore and the show’s co-writer.

Juxtaposed with 10 cultural dances, the play told the heart-wrenching story of a family in the aftermath of the typhoon and how two protagonists were forced into human trafficking. It hoped to demonstrate the resilience of the Filipino people and their ability to overcome adversity.

Past showcases have centered on racial discrimination in the workplace and 1990s Filipino gangs. Espiritu said the performance is meant to “provide perspective into a different culture.”