Reflections as our Pioneers by Patrick Bounggick Sr and Cristabel Olat Bounggick
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12th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference
Salle Dupréel, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Solbosch Campus
Avenue Jeanne 44, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
May 29-June 1, 2025
REFLECTIONS by our ICBE PIONEERS
By Patrick Bounggick, Sr & Cristabel Olat Bounggick
Hi everyone,
Patrick and I wish we could be with you in person at this 12th ICBE gathering
--- but even from afar, our hearts are with you. We’re especially grateful to one of Kalinga’s daughters and pride, a true leader and mentor in promoting the Kalinga culture, our dear friend Naty, for standing in for us and conveying our words to you today.
When we think back to that very first ICBE gathering, it brings up so many memories. And now, here we are at the 12th, that truly says something about who we are; about what we’ve built. It’s been a journey of love, grit, and a whole lot of cultural pride.
When we first came to Austria, we were walking into the unknown --- unfamiliar language, different ways of living, and a deep homesickness for the mountains we left behind. But we carried what mattered most: our Igorot values --- dignity, hard work, community spirit, and deep reverence for our traditions.
One value that really shaped our lives here is “INAYAN” --- that quiet but powerful reminder to live in a way that doesn’t harm others, to stay grounded in integrity, and to think beyond ourselves. We brought that into our homes, our workplaces, and how we built community. And that’s what helped us find our place, even far from home.
It wasn’t always easy. There were times we felt alone. But we found strength in each other. We gathered, even in small numbers. We sang our chants, danced our dances, and told stories so that our children would know where they come from.
Now, when we see our young ones --- many born or raised here --- we feel a mix of joy and responsibility. Joy, because we see the spirit of the Cordillera alive in them. Responsibility, because it’s on us to guide them, mentor them, and keep our stories alive.
We also pause to remember those who’ve gone ahead --- the ones who helped pave the way for this community to grow. Their presence is still felt in every gathering, every song, every shared laugh. They may not be here in body, but they’re with us in spirit.
To the next generation, we say this:
Be proud of your Igorot heritage. Wear it with quiet strength and humble confidence. Let “INAYAN” guide your choices. Honour your elders. Hold on to your kin. And wherever life takes you, remember: you carry the Cordillera with you.
To our fellow pioneers --- some no longer with us --- we say thank you. Your sacrifices built this community. And it’s still standing strong.
We’re proud to walk this journey with all of you --- rooted in our past, steady in our present, and hopeful for what’s ahead.
With love and unity,
Patrick (Layugan) Bounggick and Cristabel (Dono) Olat Bounggick