Impression by Lydia Udasco-Konarski

7th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK Europe (ICBE) Consultation

Barcelona, Spain

9-12 May 2013  

IMPRESSIONS

By Lydia Udasco-Konarski (U.S.A.)

First of all, I apologize for taking so long to write you back. Coming home after 7 weeks of absence was not much fun. To be confronted with reality of house and garden work, I have to prioritize what to do first. At any rate things are in order now and I can again sit and reflect my thoughts and look at several pictures I took when I was in Europe.

My route to Barcelona came to fruition when Claire mentioned it to me two years ago when we were in the Philippines and I told her I have not seen  Barcelona, that I would venture with her and Martin as a part of my birthday vacation. I really did not intend to represent USA, as they say, “I was along for the ride.” At any rate I was really looking forward to meet the BIMAAK of Europe.

I am very impressed with the cohesiveness of your group. Too bad that our BIBAK in USA is no more! I hope that we should always uphold our ethnic roots, and our diversity should bond us and not be a point of dissension. For the differences in our ethnic beginnings enriches our culture, that we should be proud to belong to a region of the Philippines that is rich in folklore, rituals and values!

To the Barcelona group, kudos to them for executing a wonderful program. The trip to Montserrat was a great diversion from the city of Barcelona. I do wish to visit it again, for a week was not enough to enjoy and see the sites and museums of the city.

To Gil, who I understand worked tirelessly in coordinating the venues, I admire his fortitude in carrying the yoke to host the conference. Job well done!!!!

I am also glad to meet new friends, like the ladies from Madrid, the group from Austria, The Netherlands, Rome and Bologna Belgium, London and to meet your family. I will forever treasure the memories!!

Mahalo for all the e-mails and updates. Yvonne, you are the “guardian and backbone.”  Laurels to you.

CIAO, ALOHA and till we meet again! I would like to share with you this Apache blessing!!

MAY THE SUN BRING YOU NEW ENERGY BY DAY,

MAY THE MOON SOFTLY RESTORE YOU BY NIGHT,

MAY THE RAIN WASH AWAY YOUR WORRIES,

MAY THE BREEZE BLOW NEW STRENGTH INTO YOUR BEING,

MAY YOU WALK GENTLY THROUGH THE WORLD AND

KNOW ITS BEAUTY ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE....

(EXCERPT FROM AN APACHE BLESSING)