On behalf of BIBAK San Diego, We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and acknowledge the support all our guests the following organizations:
The Ifugao Association of California (IAC), Tagudinian association Baguio-Cordillera Association BIBAK Los Angeles BIBAK Northern California BIBAK Las Vegas BIBAK Pacific Northwest BIMAK District of Columbia (DC) Benguet 13 Kalingas-North America Network, Inc.(KANA) Filipinas Performing Arts of WA State (FPAWS) Institure of Native Arts (INA) Abranian – San Diego Organization Betan Elite Society - SLUBHS Alhambra United Golf Club (A.U.G.C.) PASACAT
August 16 evening photos taken by Ernie Mina August 17 photos taken by Sam Saldaen
Congrats JR & kailyans. A friend who attended mentioned it was a well attended affair.
Oh my Gosh Manong, it was such a splendid event. Guests were really impressed with the performance, attendance, hosting, and parties starting Friday thru Sunday. Everyone had such a great time...
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Charlene Ocab Subject: Re: BIBAK San Diego Canao - Article appearing in Cordillera Today- August 10,2008
Robbie!
Can't thank you enough for being such a gracious host to numerous BIBAK groups! The event lit a fire under us and hopefully will keep burning from San Diego to PNW to the east coast! Your hard work truly was worth it and now you can relax!!! Yippee!! take care brutha!
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Juliet Cheatle Subject: RE: On Behalf of BIBAK San Diego, THANK YOU VERY MUCH
YOU ARE VERY WELCOME Robbie!
Jenny, Janelle, Christine had an awesome time and THANKS also for your hospitality. Thanks for taking care of Christine while we the major ladies hop on the bus for Tijuana. Christine and I were telling the rest of the FPAWS dancers about San Diego during our dance practice yesterday evening. We don't have pictures to show them yet of the Banga dance.
You have a wonderful BIBAK group there and you all did a fantastic job.
jrgamina wrote on Aug 22, '08, edited on Aug 22, '08
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Rudi Liporada Subject: Re: BIBAK San Diego Canao - Article appearing in Cordillera Today- August 10,2008
Robbie, congratulations on the big success of the Grand Canao. Kurang laengen ti basi ken nuang ket talaga nga adda tayon idiay banbantay ken tur-turod iti Montanosa. I salute you all, kakabsat. Rudy L
jrgamina wrote on Aug 22, '08, edited on Aug 22, '08
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Marshalfield Wandag Subject: San Diego BIBAK Canyao
Greeting kailians!
It was heartwarming to meet as many i-Kalinga during the last BIBAK San Diego First Grand Canyao last Aug. 16th...too many to enumerate.
We all had a good time. Some of us helped the San Diego i-Kalinga with the Kalinga dances presentations and as usual we got the outstanding applauses from all corners. Thank you very much to Moding Gunnawa-Amiling, Jackie Donaal-Fianza and Robbie Mina for giving us the chance to share our music and dances. It was like the "amungs" at home.
Lastly but not least, the affair was a record breaker with the number of guests....about 750 and more. Kudos to Moding and Bert Amiling and the rest of the i-Kalinga of the SD BIBAK club. Ambaro! Ikasin tako! (Let's do it again!)
Thanks again to all.
The KALINGAS-NORTH AMERICA NETWORK, Inc. (KaNA), organized 2000, is a duly incorporated non-profit and public service corporation for cultural, educational and charitable purposes, primarily for the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of the traditional arts and culture of the Kalinga (and other Cordillera) indigenous groups of the Philippines. It has been granted tax-exemption under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Donations to KaNA are tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor. Thank you for your support.
Marshall A. Wandag President & Chairman of the Board (323) 286-9280 email: kananetwork@sbcglobal.net KaNA Website: http://kananetwork.org
jrgamina wrote on Aug 22, '08, edited on Aug 22, '08
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Anamaria Labao Cabato Subject: RE: An invitation for PASACAT
Hi Jessie!
Thank you for accommodating our members yesterday. They enjoyed the celebration and were touched by the chants and dances presented that at times it gave them goose bumps. Congratulations on bringing the BIBAK together and I look forward to other opportunities to support each other groups.
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Mia Abeya Subject: RE: Pictures! Importance: High
Thank you for these beautiful pictures and for the equally beautiful memories - we had fun and were quite excited in meeting all our friends and newly made friends in San Diego. Keep the light burning and we hope you could all come to the East Coast Canyao also each last weekend of July in Williamsburg, VA.
SHARING COMMENT and INVITATION: From: Mia Abeya RE: Pictures! Importance: High
Hello Robbie, can you please send us your Uncle's name and email address so that we can keep him abreast of the happenings here in the east coast. We will look forward to having you and BIBAK San Diego at our East Coast Grand Canyao next July. I heard that the Ocabs and others from LA will be attending our East Coast Canyao next year.
BIMAK DC folks, please welcome Robbie Mina who is the president of BIBAK San Diego - their canyao which was attended by 750 people from all of California, Seattle, and Las Vegas, was grand and we hope they will also find ours just as grand. The performance of their young members was quite grand and very encouraging! We do hope to see them as our special guests at the East Canyao next July.
Robbie, let us know how many of you will be attending so we can arrange for your accommodations. Plan to spend the entire week so that you can also enjoy nearby rec parks like Busch Gardens, King's Dominion, and Water Country and historic America.
SHARING COMMENTS: From: joseph allen r. ramirez Aside from that, it was a really great program and I enjoyed myself greatly. The most powerful part was when the youths proclaimed that they are first and foremost Igorot-Americans. It brought a smile to my face and I told many of my colleagues who are also of tribal ancestry that as a community, we should proclaim that we are Katutubos who have never forgotten our roots and unlike many Pilipinos, we are not try to find or return to our roots, we never left ours.
I know this is a stretch, but maybe one day in the future, all of us tribal folks can come to celebrate – the Igorot-Americans, the Lumad-Americans, the Lipis-Americans, and the Moro-Americans. Something to hope for.
Thanks again for the great opportunity and may the youth continue on what our ancestors have began.
SHARING COMMENTS: From: NOVER VELASCO Subject: [bibaknets] San Diego Bibak
My congratulations to President Robbie Mina, his Officers and members of the BIBAK San Diego for their great performance, achievement , held at the Sheraton Inn on Aug 16, 2008.
They have youths and adult performers of the native dances from the Pacific Northwest , The Ifugao Dances, The Kalinga, Apayao Dance, Bontoc War Dances, The Benguet Dances and the famed Benguet Bendian Dance performed by the San Diego Group Ladies, and as usual with the participation of the guests. Floreno Anquitay, Gabby Abiaro, Frank Tanacio played the instrument very well and the participation of the guys and dolls, clearly defined the dances as was done by our elders.
My hat is off to John Pulsingay for his leadership in instructing the ladies of the 13 municipalities Of Benguet including Baguio for their super showmanship of fashion. and those busy bee receptionist.
There were guest from the east coast, pacific northwest, Northern California, and Nevada Joe Laoyan from Tennessee, Ed and Mia Abeya from Virginia, Victor and Mrs. Cosalan, Glory C. Dirige From N Carolina, Marion Lardizabal, Bryan Aliping, Philippines, from Northern Ca. D.Hizon ,A.Bulayo, J. Aliping, Vick Pengosro A. Aguaio, and wives. Mark Pengosro, M.Minong and others
The affair continued on to the 17th but had enough so we left that night with my better half Betty,,my daughter Melody and Cenia Bernardo. The Allans , Amilings, Marines, Cosalans and the Bernardos wants us to stay over for the next days affair, but duty calls.
Again my congratulation to the BIBAK SAN DIEGO for the affair worth mentioning over The internets
Nover Holman Velasco B13 Assoc, president So. California
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Ellen Tanacio I was just reading all this appreciations and last Sunday I was talking to a friend telling her how the Party went well. So I thought that it is also nice to let all those who work hard( OFFICERS AND MEMBERS- too many to mention), who gave their time to make this Canao happen know how happy and thankfull we are. With all your sacrifices, your initiative, a job well done. You all deserve all the positive comments, you made a mark in the History of BIBAK San Diego. To the youth, you are a good example to the young ones. I met one of my school mate from Arizona and they were asking, "Apay every year nga ada party yo?", and I told them we have major events like Thanksgiving, christmas, New year parties etc, but we have parties at the park almost everyweek. And they said "Imbag pay dakami ket once a year mapilpilit kami pay nga ag atendar". Over all, what we want to say is, "THANK YOU, we had a good time". We enjoyed.
SHARING COMMENTS: From: isabel wolfe Subject: Fw: [bibaksandiego] Bibak Youth You Stole The Event
Manong Preston, Yes indeed,the Bibak San Diego kids highlighted the event.Thank very much for your patient teaching them and thank very much to our talented kids.
SHARING COMMENTS: From: PRESTON COMAFAY Subject: [bibaksandiego] Bibak Youth You Stole The Event
Bibak Youth, I don't know how to express myself on how to say to you all, that you are my heroes. The performance that you have presented and showed, stole the hearts of hundreds that have witnessed the event. They have never seen anything like it in most of the Igorot gatherings that they have attended. You truly showed what a first class presentation is all about. You have send the visitors from far and wide a story that they will enjoy to share when they reach their homes. You have put an impact on other Igorot youths, that their nothing to be ashamed of being an Igorot. There is only one August 16,2008, and what you did that night will never be taken away from you. It can not be repeated, so keep it, because it is yours. You could always look back someday and you can say, "YES INDEED." Take care of yourselves now, as you go back to school. My prayer is that, with all the dedication, energy and zeal, that you did in all our practice, apply the same principles in your studies, knowing what your priorities are. I am sure that you can achieve higher grades and be a better student than last school year. God Bless!
MESSAGE: There was a great crescendo of appreciation of how the Benguet presentation was played from beginning to end by mostly our local attendees. MIA ABEYA, the wife of the guest speaker who herself is an Avid Program Coordinator said that their East Coast Benguet 13 will adapt our program style. She asked for the lyrics of the Benguet Song and the lines paraphrasing the individual municipalities. She even added that allowing the Old Greek gentleman ( Bibiana's husband) to crash dance with the bendian dancers is a unique idea. ( it was'nt planned that way but he is such a sweet old gentleman that we will take it in stride) Again, THANK YOU beautiful Benguet Performers. YOU ALL DID GREAT.
From: "octavio" To: bibaksandiego@yahoogroups.com Hi All,
That was indeed an outstanding show by our youth! You guys made us proud. Thanks for your patience and interest in learning our culture. Thanks also to Manong Preston and company who are always willing to take time to teach our youth.
Congratulations also to all participants who represented the different tribes. You also did a wonderful show.
A big thank you to all officers and committees. Congratulations to those who worked hard behind the scenes. While we stood aside, you took the lead and made it happen. From keeping track of hundreds of tickets and assigning them seats to producing an awesome souvenir program, you guys did it all. You fed hundreds of hungry people near a beach and still come back the next day to feed hundreds more is amazing. I am sure there were plenty more “little” things that you guys did from the day we as an organization approved of the plan to hold a grand canao to the time we said goodbye to our last visitors. Our sincerest appreciation to all your hard work. Your efforts made this BIBAK San Diego member stand taller and prouder.
From: Marshall Wandag Subject: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!
Wow!!! That Canyao you hosted was a record breaker like in the current Olympics. We really thank you all so very much for sharing an opportunity for our family to enjoy your company. It was really swell joy for all of us especially meeting old and new friends from all over. That event would be very hard to emulate for those coming soon. We pray your BIBAK San Diego continue to be the record breaking BIBAK in the nation.
And to you Kirin, we miss you at the party but we are also overjoyed that soon you gonna have that baby soon in your arms. Congratulations to you and Ben and your families on both sides!
We love you all!
Marshall & Adele and Family Marshall & Adele Wandag
SHARING COMMENTS: From: George Lino Subject: [bibaksandiego] we have achived our goal
Congratulations bibak san diego. I can definitely say that we have achieved our goal in organizing the grand canao. The all out emotion and down to earth performance of our youth (sandiego and pacific-northwest likewise) is a confirmation that our children are ready to carry on with the igorot legacy of cooperation and hard work to keep the beat going. Thank you members, officers and anybody who contributed to the success of this affair. we did really make a mark in th bibakworld. The sound of our gongs last saturday and sunday are still being heard internationally. judith lino and family
THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD,MACHAD- AYAW AY BIBAK SAN DIEGO.....WE DID IT,WE DID IT AHAAAAA!!!!THANK YOU!SPECIALLY THE YOUTH.WHAT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.IT AIN'T OVER YET BECAUSE THE BEAT STILL GOES ON AND ON AND ON ......
SHARING COMMENTS: Raymond Chaong To: bibaksandiego@yahoogroups.com BIBAK SD Youths, what a very impressive performance! !! Let's not also forget that behind the great performance lies excellent "TEACHERS." And you know who you are!!! Congrats!!!!
hurrah!!!! to that... my guests loved it and went home wanting for more. most of all they were impressed with the organization of the shows, participation by the other Igorot organizations and the best youth participation they have ever seen daw. They had fun with the corriography of the Bontoc show, the follow-up gathering at the Adm. Bakers park and wish they have the same thing where they come from. Thank you to all the officers, the working committees, volunteers and all members who got together and make the event very fun and memorable.
From: jessie mina Subject: BIBAK San Diego, WE WERE SUCCESSFUL and MADE A MARK IN THE BIBAK COMMUNITY... CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH AND EVERYONE
All, Good morning, just woke up - jumped of bed thinking - oh shoot I forgot something - I'm late - have to cook breakfast for my guests... Walked out of my room and I didn't find guests in the house except flies and remnants from Friday night still scattered at my house. whewwwhhhh its over...
ANYWAYS, TO ALL THE BIBAK SAN DEIGO MEMBERS - THROUGH ALL YOUR DEDICATION, SWEAT, SACRIFICE, AND DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED - WE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN OUR QUEST FOR A GRAND CANAO. FEEDBACKS FROM GUESTS WERE ALL POSITIVE BOLSTERING A CHALLENGE FOR A GRANDER EVENT FOR THE FUTURE TO NOT JUST BIBAK SAN DIEGO BUT TO OTHER BIBAK ORGANIZATIONS. WE MADE A STATEMENT IN THE WHOLE BIBAK COMMUNITY ALL OVER THE WORLD.
BIBAK SAN DIEGO, WE WERE GREAT. GIVE YOURSELVES A PAT IN THE BACK FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT. CONGRATULATIONS. .. WE SUCCEEDED.
SHARING COMMENTS: From: "amy Estandian" My Special THANKS to manong Preston Comafay for all his hardwork and dedication in helping our BIBAK YOUTH delivered an OUSTANDING PERFORMANCE , our guests enjoyed..And to our youth, you guys ROCK , thanks to all of you! from estandian family!
WOW WHAT A CROWD!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE SAN DIEGO BIBAK. THANKS THE LORD INDEED! MORE POWER AND KEEP IT UP. SIA CHADLO SA. GOOD JOB TO YOU ALL!
SAN DIEGO GRAND CANAO Aug 16, '08 7:54 AM for everyone Article appearing in Cordillera Today- August 10,2008
GONGS RESOUND FOR THE GRAND CANAO IN SAN DIEGO
Many Igorots continue to find reason to celebrate a canao, wherever they find themselves. On August 15-17, 2008 San Diego will reverberate when Igorots from the US and other parts of the world converge in a Grand Canao hosted by Bibak San Diego (SD). As the Bibak SD president Jessie Robbie Mina would say “ Grand Cañaos were started by our ancestors to thank God for a bountiful harvest. This summer, join us as we revive that unique spirit.”
It perpetuates tradition as the Igorots converged in Ifugao for the IIC7 last April then the BIMAK DC recently held the Canao in Seattle . Likewise, the recent anniversary celebrations of Benguet 13, the Bibak North California, the Bibak Vancouver and Bibak British Columbia were occasions where the gongs were beaten and the Igorots go a dancing. The upcoming Besao organization in Vancouver may likewise be a venue to celebrate our Igorotness.
The Ifugaos, Kalingas and Tinguians have more specific terms that they use for their festivities. For the Kankanaeys, Ibalois and other tribes of the Cordillera a general term like the Canao, Kanyaw is used for many celebrations that draw family, clans and tribes even how far they abode. Usually the celebration spread for several days where rituals are performed and genealogies are traced. These occasions make it possible to introduce new members in the family like children, naikamang (in-laws) and grandchildren into the community. In some societies where the celebration of a canao is not feasible some resort to a one-day reunions. The essence of these festivities is thanksgiving to the Spiritual Being, God, Kabunian, Wada daya for a great life, harvest and others. As the Igorot tribe now spans over seas, land and sky , we are seeing innovative ways of celebration.
San Diego will again capture the limelight, not because of an earthquake, but the beat of the gongs and laughter will fill the air starting with a welcome dinner at the house of Jessie Mina on Friday night. The next day, August 16, is the Canao lunch at Mission Bay Park and Playa 2 and a dinner at Sheraton Hotel Grande Ballroom in 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego. The following Sunday will be a picnic from lunchtime until Sunset. The weekend is surely loaded with activities that include the golf course, volleyball courts or visiting the various places of interest. Originally was prepared for 450 people, they now have more than 700 confirmed attendees.
I came to know of this Canao through Jessie and Patrick Mc Donough were signing up for IIC7. I was reminded about the canao when they ask for assistance in follow-ups of the messages of our elected provincial officials for their souvenir program and when my cousin mentioned that she got her visa to attend. My interest then is to continue promoting connective ness of the Igorot tribe by writing what Igorots are doing in various parts of the world.
The current officers leading the celebration include the President: Jessie Robbie P. Mina; Vice Presidents: Helen Balitang, Mark Leo, Celia Panganiban; Secretaries: Kaleena Aquino, Marina Badol;Treasurer: Malou Becasen;Auditor: Jones Domingo;PRO: Moding Amiling;Sgt. at Arms: John Allan, Ladd Badol and the Board of Directors Robert Amiling, Preston Comafay, Patrick Mc Donough, Denver Marines .At the same time there is a Bibak SD youth organization. It is apparent that various committees came together to make the affair something to remember. Their website is www.bibaksandiego.net.
The organization dates back from the 1980's when Igorots established themselves in the beautiful city of San Diego. As Bibak SD website relates “ For Andy Afuyog and James Ambasing, who first met at San Diego City College, it was apparent that there was a need for Igorots to reach out to other Igorots not only to help each other, but to socialize and know more kailians. From here the idea of a BIBAK San Diego was conceived and from that conception, came the birth of an organization on January 18, 1981. The first election of BIBAK San Diego Officers was held at the residence of Felix and Rose Lucaben. Their first president was John Pulsingay. Other past presidents include Lily Ritarita, Edwin Abeya, Denver Marines, Jonathan Aquino, Preston Comafay, Robert Amiling, Ronald Kollin, Hermie Sarmiento, Ed Chan”
And so the gong is beat from east to west, south to north and resounds in San Diego this August. Happy are those who come for they will surely be connected and blessed.
"And the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" Matt 24:14
WOW, How Happy! With 800 participants, that's really a big number. The more the merrier ngarud ah! Those smart Benguet ladies in Winnipeg, Canada were there, Lucia K. Walis and Esther Oyas from Itogon. For sure they added to the thrills. Kitang kita ko si Orlando and Edith. Cito and Demi there too. Patrick there too. Ed and Minda, ay addada. Saan ko pay mairupaan da Sally and Randy. Amin naka G-string agkarkarupa da pati baba.
At least everybody in San Diego ket adda da. Work, work work, without play makes Diego a dull boy but work, work then play makes everybody NATARAKI. Hehehe!
CONGRATULATIONS to the organizers and all attendees.
BIBAK San Diego, Thank you!!!!We had a Blast on the Kanyaw . The Youth had a standing ovation performance thier piece is so original and captivating. And all the other tribes presented thier Dances with thier own original interpretation of what thier culture means to them. The whole BIBAK San Diego exhibited an awesome smooth team work that made all the events impressively meaningful and touching.
Sorry for my delayed response. I echo the same sentiment as Mia. You folks in San Diego did a super job in hosting the first grand canao in the west coast. Although it was at hotel, the enthusiasm and the show was definitely something that one would experience in a canao back in the Cordilleras in the Philippines. Your youth showed an unparalleled display of genuine Igorot/Cordilleran dances. As I commented to Mia, your youth, especially the young boys, really wagged their tails beaming with pride of their Igorot heritage. Most of them are born here in the USA; yet, there is no doubt that they can really dance the dances of their Igorot ancestors. You've got the "beat going on", BIBAK San Diego! Keep up the good work!
As I stated in my speech, BIMAK DC will be hosting the East Coast Grand canao on July -24-26 at Cheatham Naval Annex in Williamsburg, VA. There are six BIBAK/BIMAK/Cordillera Organizations in the east coast that gather every year on the last weekend of July at this venue. We extend our invitation to you all in the west coast. Please spread the word. Stay tuned for additional information.
jrgamina wrote on Aug 25, '08, edited on Aug 25, '08
SHARING COMMENTS: From: Jun Bernardez jr
To San Diego Bibak, Just last weekend, several people from Las Vegas Nevada attended the San Diego BIBAKCanao. The joyful music and gong rhythm overwhelmed the crowd lifting our voices andproclaiming KABUNYAN'S unending love and goodness. We joyfully gave thanks and gave praises in informative gestures, dances and music. The different kind of talents shownby the youth and adults added up to the succes of that wonderful gathering. Ayeeeeeeeeeheeeeeyy yyyyyyyy. Siya chadlo di.
To the Aliping brothers matago tago tako kuma am-in ta mo waday kahin tako matugupanay men-ka ka ilyan et wada kuma di KUNG [BANAO VERSION "PIG"] hi entako paltiyen.
Saludo ak met ken ni Mr. Mina for his leadership. Siya chadlo chi.He is the DATU from Bontoc. For you guys who knows Datu in Bontoc, he walksneaked at the middle of the road chanting. That joyful Sunday party at the park organized by Sir Bob, I noticed Mr. Mina walks around talking to people nakedlike DATU. Dont get me wrong Mr. Mina, Keep up the good works.
Nice cap Harry, GAP stands for Gay And Proud kano met didiay.
I would like to say my big, big, big CONGRATULATIONS to San Diego BIBAK for a very successful gathering. It seems like there is no problem for San Diego to host a West Coast Kanyao every year like the East Coast. You have the appropriate venues for a big crowd. What is another 100 to add to the 700 strong San Diegans, Tapno makilambak kami met a with you.
robbie and all... really awesome.. now will write the article. Thanks Preston, Mark, Minda for the added inputs. Bibak & Igorots are proud of you! BTW, per AYIP definition of Igorot - by blood,by heart and by affinity - so we all fall in any of the definition.... Jessie, thanks again...
robbie and all... really awesome.. now will write the article. Thanks Preston, Mark, Minda for the added inputs. Bibak & Igorots are proud of you! BTW, per AYIP definition of Igorot - by blood,by heart and by affinity - so we all fall in any of the definition.... Jessie, thanks again...
benjz65 wrote on Feb 28, '09, edited on Feb 28, '09
I can remember my high school day in UB, let me put the words for this banga dance "Intako man sasado, Intako man sasado" "Dung-dung ay idong ilay (aayay)" "In salidum maay diway" Mabuhay kayo amin ditta apo" The ctivities you are doing will preserve our Culture and Traditions Wherever we are. GOD BLESS
Congrats JR & kailyans. A friend who attended mentioned it was a well attended affair. 