“In Bontok society, childcare is seen as a cooperative effort between the wife and husband. Both males and females are distinguished identities relevant to the child's growing years. Men are expected to be around, especially during a difficult childbirth and as they grow and learn the right way to live amongst their society.

Fathers have also been recognized as the decision-makers in the family. In Cordillera region, the decision-makers primarily comprise older men among the Ibaloy, Kankana-ey, and Bontok. In some cases, they also came from distinguished families with functions of directing, advising the head of families.The anum'nemen' or impamana (Ibaloy) or lakay or amam-a ( Kankana-ey and Bontok) are composed of men whose primary function is to settle disputes between person and families. They also settle cases of conflict between neighboring communities. In general, they are seen as the decision-making council of certain ili, a truly distinguished position in the community.

Naragsak nga aldaw iti amin nga Tattang, Ama, Papa, Daddy, ken Lolo dita!! Ay-ayaten da kayo!

References:Prill-Brett, J. (2009). Tradition and Transformation: Studies on Cordillera Indigenous Culture”

— caption by One Cordillera (via. https://www.instagram.com/one.cordillera/ )

BIBAK BC’s Annual Christmas Party of which was in hiatus since 2020 was brought to culmination on December 11th

After nearly 2 long years of not being able to gather with fellow Kailians during the Christmas Holidays it was a welcome experience to celebrate the birth of Christ in fellowship, truly an Adivay!

The Benguet Society of British Columbia: Adivay!

A celebration of the various peoples within the Province of Benguet from the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Northern Philippines held at the Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC.

Adivay is an Ibaloi word that means “coming together”

A cultural celebration that brings together entire villages, communities and people even if we are abroad.

This event culminates a celebration of unity and resilience within the peoples whom trace their roots to the province of Benguet, both Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Kalanguya and other indigenous and residence from which we call our ancestral home.

“Today, the BIBAK gathering was really refreshing especially after many months of quarantine. My loving kailian was really welcoming. At the gathering I’ve met some amazing youth and adults that I was able to connect with that made the day more amazing.”

— Ainslee Pihoc

The renewal and cleansing of the spirit after Calamity. It highlights the way of life of the Igorot people expressed in different rituals.

Annual Grand Canyao which was held at Victoria in August 2019, comprising of BIBAK Vancouver and VICA (Victoria Island Corillera Association)

Celebrating Canada day with all who call the country home, specially those who were first call this country home

Continuing the celebration of Filipino Heritage month in Vancouver and Burnaby

Celebrating Filipino Heritage Month in Surrey during the Filipino Heritage Festival

BIBAK Performance for the Filipino Food and Tourism fair at The Vancouver Art Gallery downtown

Historama is a show that is performed by a specific Filipino groups in Vancouver that show cases a brief retelling of the history of the Philippine Islands

“Moving together in unity” the theme of 2019

Lunar Festival on February 10th, it was a rough day, with the cold, the beautiful dreadful snow, and a super small stage. Even we had difficulty capturing the event, but everyone made do. Every one still put in their best.