Photo by Clifford Gabriel
Sportsfest
Sportsfest is a time where play parlor games and sports are played to build camaraderie among participants.
The first Sportsfest for BIBAK San Diego and Los Angeles participants was in 1993.
In 2011, a handful of Igorot organizations came together to host an Igorot Athletic Meet (IAM), a larger scale version of Sportsfest to include basketball, softball, volleyball and tug of war.
Photo provided by Darlene Basallo.
The fair became an annual effort organized and promoted by various members of the different Igorot groups involved. In 2013, Kirin Macapugay wrote on the youth BIBAK Facebook page about the history of games in Igorot culture, reflecting on the impact its had on our people.
The post stated:
"Post WWII, as Americans began interacting with the Philippines Cordillera indigenous people, there were agreements between tribal elders to hold sports-like competitions, e.g. tug-of-war, tree climbing, etc. to forge better relations between tribes as well as stave off centuries old headhunting and tribal fueds. BIBAK San Diego held it's second Sports Fest with kinfolk from BIBAAK Las Vegas, the Cordillera Organization Inland Empire, and Benguet 13 of California this past weekend to carry on those traditions. Pictured here are our youth participants with our chapter banner. (Picture is shared above)"
You can follow IAM on their Facebook page for updates on future gatherings.