THE beautiful sound of the gongs and gangsa echoed in the air at the Waikele Golf Course Restaurant and Ballroom in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA as Bibak Hawaii celebrate their 40th anniversary.
For 40 years Bibak Hawaii has been actively involved in promoting their unique cultural heritage and the preservation of the Igorot culture and tradition in Hawaii.
Helmer Dela Cruz, a member of the group said the projects and numerous contributions to the Filipino Hawaiian community and to the Igorots living in Hawaii especially to the Igorots living in the Philippines were highlighted by Bibak Hawaii president Hugo Prill in his speech during their anniversary celebration.
No less than consul general of the Philippines in Hawaii Joselito Jimeno lauded and gave recognition to the group for all their efforts in promoting, upholding, and sharing the Igorot culture through music and arts.
“BIBAK Hawaii is a reliable partner in the Philippine Consulate General’s cultural diplomacy initiatives. My sincerest wishes for your continued success,” Jimeno said in his message read by his wife Araceli Jimeno who represented him in the event as a guest speaker.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wayland Quintero, an executive member of the Committee of the International Council for Traditional Music Study Group and manages the Slant Performance Group and EPOCH delivered a talk on Millennial Cultural Values underscoring the importance of the active participation of the youth in preserving and promoting their own culture.
The anniversary celebration on November 10 became also memorable by the performances of Filipino Folk dances of the Pauahi Ladies Dance Group headed by Aurelia Sonson with Trini Ramento as one of the dancers. The folk dancers presentations with the music “Himig sa Nayon” and “Manang Biday” made the spectators remember back home.
Dela Cruz added that other highlights of the activity was the presentation of Balangbang dance and the BIBAK ladies fashion show flaunting the beautiful Cordillera Indigenous attires and accessories.
According to Dela Cruz through the years BIBAK Hawaii has also been sponsoring and providing grants for scholarships to several deserving Igorot students in the Philippines.
The Igorot culture will surely continue to live on even in Hawaii through Bibak Hawaii.
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