12th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference

ULB Campus du Solbosch, Bâtiment S, Salle Dupréel, Avenue Jeanne 44,

1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

29 May–1 June 2025

Prayer to Apo Kabunian

By Henry Foken

Tukab.... na-ay kami kasin ay igorot ay nagapo isnan intiro ay sulin nananay lobong na apon kami sina. Tukab ...naayay nadagup kami ay Mangischos nan gawis ta nanay ongong-a... ta no way madis masabat mi dat kigada ay lumisi Ken da kami. Tukab..... manit pabaknangem da kami am-in ta waday ganasna... Tukab dakayo pay ay ungo-a it wasdin maki asawa uloy simpo-o nan anak yo. At ey ta umamado nan igorot sina Europa. Tukab.... buktan mi nan danum yanan tenapey nan iBelgium it. Tukab ....buktam nan luwalo ta.  Nay dawatem sa Peter.

Transcreation 

By Ric Cuyob

Be it uncovered... Here we are again as one Igorot. Though we are scattered in the different areas of Europe and other countries of this world, here we come together.

Be it uncovered... Here we are gathered to demonstrate to our next generations who are mostly born in the diaspora about the good and still viable practices of our ancestors. May they be spared from evil things that come across their paths.

Let it be open... as You pour your blessings to all of us.

Let it be open... We implore you, our grandchildren and descendants, to be industrious and raise children as many as you can. Multiply the Igorot genes, be worthy as human beings. 

Be it uncovered... the same way as we open this fruit of our labor and like the water that flows freely to be enjoyed by our fellow creatures, may this rice wine made by our friends here in Belgium be savored by everyone to make us one in our aspirations and in our vision.

So be uncovered and now you may openly add your prayers. I pass to you Manong Peter.

Peter Agnaonao’s enjoined prayer:

Abuyugam et kod ay Apo Kabunian ta temet ewa nan ena inbugaw. Ta nan na-iwaras ay uung-a isnan intero ay bitawa ya iturong mu ta esten da ay makibiyag ya makiili sin lugar ay mangsangaili ken daida…

Transcreation

By Ric Cuyob

I beg you Almighty Kabunian to second the motion the wish that has been shouted out by my brother. So that our Igorot generations who are born and raised in the diaspora may practice the art of living harmoniously with fellow human beings and with the environment of their host country.

(Drink the tapuey... And for the rest to follow.)

12th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference
ULB Campus du Solbosch, Bâtiment S, Salle Dupréel, Avenue Jeanne 44,
1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

29 May–1 June 2025

Written documentation of the evening’s activity
By Amy Balbawang

Day 1 of the 12th ICBE Conference, entitled “Welcome Night,” set a warm and inviting tone for all participants on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The afternoon began with the arrival and registration of participants. Everyone was greeted by Susan Kilakil and the organizing committee, who gave a tote bag and lanyard to each participant. The registration provided an opportunity for attendees to reconnect with old friends and meet new faces, all while enjoying some light refreshments. 

Dinner was served from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., giving everyone a chance to relax and fuel up for the evening’s activities. 

The official program kicked off at 8:00 p.m. at the ULB auditorium with Aurora Basali from Cordi-Bel as moderator. Cristobal Agnaonao from ChiCo (Children of the Cordillera, second-generation organization of Cordi-Bel) gave the opening remarks. Afterwards, the  gusi (rice wine jar) was opened to literally symbolize the formal opening of the 12th ICBE Conference. This was done by Peter Agnaonao, Lawrence Buyuccan, Ric Cuyob and Sherwin Khayad with the prayer to Apo Kabunyan by Lawrence, who invoked His blessing and guidance to all participants for the conference duration. 

A highlight of the evening was the turnover of responsibility for hosting the conference from Myra Colis, Founding Chairperson, MABIKAs Foundation-The Netherlands to Karen Palangchao, Internal Chairperson of Cordi-Bel, symbolizing unity and collaboration among the different Cordilleran organizations. 

Another highlight of the evening was honoring the ICBE pioneers from Cordi-Bel, Igorot UK, Igorot Organization Austria, Germany, BIBAK Switzerland and The Netherlands. (Unfortunately, the pioneers from BIBAK Switzerland were unable to attend.) Each of the pioneers shared their reflections. Afterwards, members of Cordi-Bel representing the second-generation Igorots, went to the stage and gave a gift to the ICBE pioneers. 

Marivonne Pumihic Cuyob and Cristobal Agnaonao produced a panoramic video presentation, “ICBE Through the Years.” It featured the photos taken from the first gathering of Igorot Cordillerans in Gent, Belgium in 2002 through the succeeding ICBE conferences in Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Austria, Italy and The Netherlands. This video provided an overview of ICBE’s history and significance. 

Marjorie Guidangen-Akistoy of Igorot Organization in Austria gave an update on the 15th Igorot International Consultation (IIC-15) to be held in Montebello, California, USA on July 24-26, 2026. Hosted by BIMAK Los Angeles, the event’s theme is “Igorot Sustainability: Connecting Culture & Community. The IIC is a biennial event of the Igorot Global Organization (IGO). During the evening, Adelina S. Wandag and Natividad S. Shiu of BIMAK Los Angeles, USA distributed flyers on the IIC-15.  

The night continued with group introductions, a lively house rules orientation by Ric Cuyob of Cordi-Bel, and a group photo session to capture the memories. The groups introduced were from Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the USA.  

The evening wrapped up with a joyful session of singing Cordilleran hymns bringing everyone together in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. Day 1 truly set the stage for a meaningful and memorable event, welcoming all kakailians with open arms and warm hearts. And in the mess hall, the pattong reverberated and warmed up the gongs until midnight. 

(Note: Ric Cuyob and Yvonne Kay-an Belen provided some details to the article.)