Seeking Ifugao & Apayao Representative

We are seeking individuals to become the Representatives for the provinces of Ifugao and Apayao.  If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer your time by filling these positions, please send us an email.

Qualifications Required:

• Be of Ifugao or Apayao heritage
• Permanent residence in Illinois
• Willing to be actively involved
• Agree to BIBBAK's Constitution and Bylaws

2011 Kickoff Gathering was a Success

2011 Kickoff Gathering - Some of our Core Group

We held our first gathering this past Saturday, and we are pleased to announce that it was a success.  We had a good mixture of people who attended.  Among them were long-time members, somewhat newer members, brand new people and a good mixture of youth.

The gathering began with food and socializing.  Our "finger food" potluck turned into a nice showing of dishes like kambing papaitan, purple rice, fried chicken, dinakdakan, tapey, pizza, garlic peanuts, buffalo wings, pies and cheesecake.  As we enjoyed the food while music form the Cordilleras played in the background, new friends were made and old acquaintances renewed.

Our officers then introduced themselves before conducting a wonderful presentation about BIBBAK-Illinois and its vision for 2011 (see our Vision 2011 page).  At one point, everyone including the children broke into small workshop groups to collaborate and discuss their wishes for BIBBAK-IL while taking part in fun discussions about our Igorot culture.  Towards the end of the presentation, Rexcrisanto introduced the "I'm an IK" fundraising & awareness effort (see I'm an IK page).  After he raised the challenge to revive BIBBAK-IL, everyone sang "Nan Layad nen Sikhafan" to the strumming of a guitar.  Even though not everyone understood the meaning of the lyrics, it was beautiful and bonding none the less.

Two new people were added to our group of leaders.  We would like to congratulate and introduce you to Lynn Fackayan, who is our new Representative for Bontoc / Mountain Province, and Brendon Joseph, a new Sargeant of Arms officer.  Both are very excited to be part of BIBBAK-Illinois, and we are excited to have them on board.

Lynn Fackayan                        Brendon Joseph

As much as we are excited about the year(s) to come in BIBBAK-IL, we are also aware of the challenges that lie ahead.  For us to turn our Vision 2011 into reality, we need the help of all our members. Our membership registration is at an all-time low with less than 20 registered families.  This is a drastic reduction from past years.  The low census could be interpreted as bad news for most, but the true Igorot character within our core group of leaders refuses to surrender to any such colonization of pessimism, and therefore, are committed to turning things around by reviving the BIBBAK-Illinois community.  We hope you will join us.

Please, if you haven't registered yet, please do so by registering at our "Registration" page.