We are a non profit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia and are a conglomeration of British Columbians who ascribe to the Igorot heritage by virtue of birth, descent or affiliation.

B.I.B.A.K. stands for:

Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc (Mountain Province), Abra / Apayao, and Kalinga

Members of BIBAK are those that claim this heritage and are tied to the land from which these Provinces birthed our people. We are the Igorot people, the indigenous folk that hail from the mountains of the Cordilleras of Northern Luzon.

Though we now live abroad in diaspora within Vancouver, Canada, we are still celebrating, honouring and continuing our culture and traditions.

Kierby Dagas playing the gansa

What is BIBAK?

BIBAK is an acronym that combines the 6 major mountain provinces (plus one chartered City - Baguio) in the Cordillera Administrative Region that represent the Igorot peoples of the Philippines. Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc (or mountain province), Apayao as well as Abra, and Kalinga are the 6 mountain provinces that make up BIBAK. Baguio City however is chartered meaning it is administratively separate from the rest of the surrounding Province of Benguet. Baguio was conisdered the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines and has been a historic city within the CAR.

Who We Are

The BIBAK BC is an organization that is passionate about preserving and representing Igorot culture through our teens and young adults. We focus on providing Igorot youth the opportunity and resources to learn the time-honoured traditions, customs and history of the mountain provinces of which they come from, while forming a supportive community that keeps the culture alive.

What We Do

We strive to honour our roots and are passionate about educating Igorots and non-Igorots about our heritage by displaying the most integral part of our culture - dance. Weekly workshops are held at St Michael's Anglican Church where various cultural dances of the five mountain provinces are directed and taught by our leaders and mentors. With informative lessons and fun practices, we turn our native dances into special performances to fulfill our goals of sharing our culture and showcasing Igorot pride.

Our Performances

Our performances are tied to traditional dances which have been passed down through generations, only for us to be a living continuation of that heritage. These practices have been steeped in tradition and are considered sacred.

There have been several BIBAK Youth performances organized around Metro Vancouver, such as in the Surrey Filipino Heritage Festival or our Tengaw production at UBC’s Historama event. However, we’ve not only performed locally, but have also represented BIBAK in Victoria and Seattle, performing at Victoria's Grand Canyao and Seattle's Pagdiriwang Festival.

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OUR VISION

We envision a unified Igorot community in British Columbia, Canada.

OUR MISSION

To inspire and strengthen unity of Igorots in British Columbia, Canada in preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.

ORGANIZATIONAL FEATURES & PURPOSES

-The name of the organization is BIBAK Organization of British Columbia.

-BIBAK organization of British Columbia is an independent, nonpartisan, and a non-profit organization. It may engage in fund raising to support its programs and objectives. (This provision is unalterable)

-The organization shall be independent of other Filipino associations. It shall not be a chapter of other associations.

-Members, as independent individuals may participate in the cultural activities of other associations. (This provision may be altered).

Purposes of the Organization

To promote the unity and advancement of the Igorot community in British Columbia.
To preserve and enhance the Igorot cultural customs and traditions.
To promote active participation of members in their commitment to community life in Canada.
To provide an avenue for information and cultural interactions with other cultures in Canada and worldwide.
To promote good citizenship and the development of leadership skills in our youth.
To provide support for Igorot immigrants to social, cultural integration with the life in Canada.