2011 Spring Picnic

Thanks to everyone who attended our Spring picnic yesterday.  Even though rain and chilly weather made its way to our location, we still had a wonderful turnout.  It was great to see new and old faces, but it was even better to see all the young children who attended.  We had plenty of food, dancing, games and singing.

The picnic was a clear indication that frequent gatherings are key to growing BIBBAK Illinois.  Every time we gather and participate in events, our bond and sense of community becomes stronger.  Knowing this, we decided to have another picnic this coming July 16th.  Please check the events calendar  for updates and details.  Until then, enjoy the pictures and video of yesterday's wonderful picnic.

SPRING PICNIC - Memorial Day Weekend

Come celebrate the coming of Spring, Memorial Day, and our wonderful Igorot heritage this coming Saturday (5/28/11) at Whalon Lake.  See event calendar for more details.

Dancing in the Park

Marlon teaching the girls

Hello everyone!  We just finished our first practice for the Passport to the Philippines (P2P) parade/performance that will be held at Navy Pier this next month.  The turnout was far from what we need it to be, but we made the best of it anyway - like any Igorot would.

The sounds of our gangsas and sulibao created curiosity from people passing by.  In fact, a chef from Egypt stopped by to talk about how similar our instruments are with some of his country's instruments.  It's always nice to see and meet people who are interested in other cultures, particularly ours.

The chef is just a smidgen of what we might encounter at Navy Pier as we parade down the entire pier amidst tourists and unsuspecting onlookers.  Our interest in performing at the P2P is primarily fueled by our desire to share our Igorot culture to the world, so please help us out by coming out to our practices and to the P2P event.  

We need as many boys and girls to participate in our dancing.  We also need the support of those of you who have been active with BIBBAK-IL in the past.  Please see our events calendar for times and locations of our P2P practices.

Getting Ready for Passport to the Philippines at Navy Pier

We will be gathering every Saturday in May to practice our dances for the Passport to the Philippines (P2P) parade/performance in June.  Our gatherings/practices will be outdoors when weather permits.  We plan on having as many of our kids participate at P2P, so please bring your children.  In addition to practice, we will have food at each gathering.  If you plan on coming, please bring a small dish to share.

For more information, see our events calendar.

Please pray for the family of Agustin Sarmiento III

Agustin A Sarmiento III

February 10, 1964 - March 26, 2011

It is with great regret to inform everyone of the loss of one of our extended Igorot brothers, Agustin A. Sarmiento III (Joey), who passed away on March 26, 2011.  He is the son of Agustin (Joe) and Ida Sarmiento, who are one of the founding Igorots of BIBBAK-IL.  At the age of 46, Joey left behind a beautiful family.  Please take the time to visit the link below to find out more details and view his pictures.  Also, while visiting the site, please take the time to send his parents and family your condolences by signing the guest book located on the right side of the page.


Obituary: Agustin A. Sarmiento III

Welcome Elginites!

Last month members of BIBBAK-IL traveled to "not-so-distant" Elgin, where we met more fellow Igorots during our dance & music gathering.  Not only did we play our gangsas and practice several dances, but we also enjoyed great food.  Our new friends, the Pataras family, who hail from Benguet, made all of us feel at home with their homemade pandesal and watwat.

We are very happy to have them join BIBBAK-IL, and we are looking forward to having more Igorots from Elgin join our BIBBAK-IL family.

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