Pillars

Akbayan SJSU was founded on three pillars: Social, Community and Political Affairs, and Cultural with the addition of Academics in 2015. With the fours pillars, the organization strives to give our members an opportunity to learn about the Pilipinx culture, develop a sense of community, achieve academic excellence, and embrace in friendship.

 

cultural

Hello!

My name is Anne-Marie Patdu (she/her/siya), but you can also call me Anne! I’m currently a 2nd year Biological Sciences major with a concentration in Microbiology. I’m also part of Fancy Fam, and I am truly honored to serve as your Cultural Chair this year!

I joined Akbayan in Fall 2023 during my first year at SJSU, not really knowing what to expect from the organization. That semester, I became involved in two programs: KAAMP and the Internship program. Through KAAMP Hero, I was lucky enough to be paired with my Ate Ashley and Starline, and through the Odyssey Internship class, I was able to learn so much about my identity and my place within the community! In the Spring, I got to express my love for theater by joining the production of PCN 36: This is Why, being a part of the Cultural Dance and BTS aspects.
My hobbies and interests are always changing, but right now, I’m really into playing Mario Kart! I’m honestly not that good (yet), but it’s been one of my favorite ways to destress after a long day. Some things I’ve always loved include Minecraft, musicals, and word games (I currently have over 3000 wins on GamePigeon!).

If you ever want to chat or get to know me better, don’t hesitate to reach out on Instagram @annmarjp. I can’t wait to connect with all of you!

ACADEMICS

Alright, let’s do this one more time…

Hello hello hello~! My name is Riko-Ricardo Crudo (just Riko is OK!), my pronouns are he/him/his, and I’m a 5th year Design Studies major with a concentration in Animation/Illustration, and a double minor in Digital Media for Mass Communications and Asian American Studies! Try saying that ten times fast ahaha…

…but my first involvement in Akbayan was actually back in Spring 2021 when I attended R.A.A.P.: Cross the Line as a high school senior. I wasn’t able to join until Fall 2023 as a third-year though, but the wait was all worth it. In KAAMP Hero, I got picked up into TRU Fam by my Kuya Chris - into UWU Line - with my twin-technically-sib Trinity, and ever since I’m now the proud Kuya of three Adings: Loraelyne/Molly, Rei, and Miguel aka Miggy! I then served in PCN’s 36 & 37, Core-Chella (CoPo Core) in Spring 2024, and COREthagorean Theorem (Academic Core) for the 2024-25 school year - shoutout to my chair’s Sean and Jade! Additionally, I became one-half of your TRU Fam Reps during KAAMP Voyage where we earned the title of Fam of the Year <3 I LOVE MY TRUU-PER BESTIES!!! 🤞✨🌙

Outside of Akbayan, I love exploring new study n’ chill spots around the bay, creating graphics using Illustrator and Procreate, grabbing nutella milk tea and popcorn tofu from Boba Bar, playing Roblox with my BADDIESSS!!!, and playing on my Switch or 3DS :) I’m very obsessed with Splatoon, Fire Emblem, Tomodachi Life, Genshin Impact, and recently back into Pokémon - on the TCGP game, I have over 4,000 cards including 3 crowns and 9 immersives! I also love to shiny hunt; my first ever shiny was a random encounter Pansear in Pokémon X!

Although I may be your go-to for Academics, I’ll always be your advocate and hype man first and foremost! If you ever wanna connect or need a friend to talk to, I’m a DM away on Instagram at @puerto.rikoo. Can’t wait to see you around, and please grind and unwind (on your academics) responsibly!

social

Hellooo everyone! My name is Niko Ruiz (he/him) and I’m a 2nd Year Sociology student! I’m a part of ICON Fam and I proudly serve as AkbayanSJSU’s Social Chair for the 2025-2026 Academic School Year!

My Akbayan journey began last year when I entered SJSU as a first year. I have always enjoyed being involved within multiple communities, and coming into my first year of college Akbayan always sparked my interest! I joined Akbayan to involve myself in a widespread community that focuses on welcoming all forms of people. I wanted to keep myself busy and meet new people during my 1st year at SJSU. Fortunately, I have found a 2nd family!

A fun fact about me is that I am the middle child of 8 other siblings! 

  • PERSONAL IG: @nikojruiz