Prayer to Apo Kabunian

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.)