Laura Baeyens (Cordillera Community in Belgium) to ICBE Forum

My 7th ICBE Consultation Experience in Barcelona

BIBAK Barcelona did a good job organizing the 7th ICBE Consultation alongside Ma’am Yvonne, knowing that it’s their first time hosting such a big event. Sir Gil Catimo and the other organizers were accommodating, despite the many tasks they have in their hands and the lack of manpower.

Barcelona is a beautiful city. The tours around the city and in Montserrat were enjoyable despite the lack of time. I would have wanted to see other famous attractions in Barcelona though, such as the sea side and to be inside the FC Barcelona stadium. Also, I really enjoyed the food! The meals served in the consultation’s venue were scrumptious but were a wee bit too much.

Four days was truly not enough for all the activities included in the consultation. The theme, “Appreciating the Similarities and Differences of the Cordillera Ethnic Groups”, was well-addressed in different activities and performances during the workshop and the Gala Night but I feel there should have been more time and things done to fully understand what the 7th ICBE consultation was all about. There was not enough time to practice and prepare for the Gala Night and the workshop was too short. There were also only a few Igorot youths who participated, which was unfortunate. Also, uncontrollable scenarios happened at the last minute, such as Dr. Ngohayon, Ms. Apolinar-Abeya, and the IFSU delegates being unable to come. Instead of a mere 4 days, I think that it would have been better if the consultation covered more days, a week maybe?

All in all, I was happy and satisfied with my very first ICBE consultation experience. I could tell that the other participants from the different countries were also pleased and enjoyed the event. I’m really glad to have been part of the wonderful memories of camaraderie and laughter in Barcelona with my Igorot brothers and sisters. Cheers!