The Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan

Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

Early this month, the Edmonton Philippine International Centre (EPIC) held a Bayanihan Day for the refurbishment of the facility. Bayanihan is referred to as the spirit of communal unity, work and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. About 40 people showed up - bringing food, beverages, tools and supplies, and sharing their time and energy in revamping the old Celtic Hall to a truly Filipino centre. Some came out of curiosity, to learn and understand the collective vision for displaying and highlighting the Filipino presence and contributions in Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada.

The day was spent meticulously scraping and removing wallpaper,

Celtic symbols from glass windows, putting down tapestries, heavy spearlike rods, banners and moving heavy iron throne-like chairs. Others made commitments of support. In true bayanihan fashion, all these were done in a happy and festive moodserious in the performance of tasks and lighthearted in conversation. At the end of the day, many made it a point to us that they be informed of the next Bayanihan Day and a promise to help again. To this, we are extremely grateful and humbled with the selflessness demonstrated.

The most traditional concept of bayanihan is the practice in earlier times of neighbours carrying a whole house to help a family relocate. With the Edmonton Philippine International Centre, it is not about relocation, but about institution. It is about collective, and not individual, benefit.

The bayanihan spirit is a custom continued on page 23►