The Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan

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 spear-like 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 mood - serious 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 that allows one to be a champion, uphold the values we all aim for, and is the countermeasure for the traits of ‘crab mentality’ (marked by jealousy, envy, cynicism), ‘ningas-kugon’ (half-hearted effort), ‘mañana habit’ (procrastination), indifference, division and mistrust, that permeates our community.

Some people may say about EPIC, “What’s in it for me?” or “What do I get in return?”. Well, the answers to these questions have so many levels. How do you feel when watching an international event, like the Olympics, and you see the Philippine flag hoisted up? Or when you’re in a different country, and you see the country flag? Imagine and relive that feeling of pride and belonging. In Edmonton, there are a number of cultural centres: the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre; Sejong Multicultural Centre; Edmonton Korean Community Centre; Ukrainian Cultural Centre; La Cite Francophone; Edmonton Chinatown MultiCultural Centre; Portuguese Cultural Centre; Italian Cultural Centre; Slovenian Canadian Cultural Centre; Hellenic-Canadian Community of Edmonton & Region; German-Canadian Cultural Centre; Dutch Canadian Centre; Edmonton Japanese Community Association; Edmonton Tamil Cultural Centre; Serbian Canadian Cultural Society, to name a few. With Filipinos as the third largest growing cultural group, with a long history in Alberta and contributions in the sectors of education, health, business, hospitality, arts and not-for-profit sectors, is it not paramount to have a community hub that reflects our values and heritage?

What does EPIC offer? The building has a banquet hall that is being transformed from a Celtic Hall to a Philippine Hall - a place that is available for bookings, the revenue of which will be used to cover current operational costs and seed money for the long term plan of purchasing and building a Philippine facility. The same for the 2nd floor rooms with a smaller function room and offices. It is a hub for Filipino service providers - maintaining a list of accredited businesses for events rentals, i.e. cleaning services, photographers, videographers, emcees, performers, custom cakes, make-up artists, among others. With EPIC partner Umbrella Kitchen, there are two commercial kitchens available for booking, for home-based businesses, and a bistro for pop-up restaurants and dining, and an additional concert venue to the Hall. With the large parking area, outdoor events and celebrations are in the works. Further to venue rentals, members enjoy special perks and promotions in participating businesses. As a business owner, there is great advantage to be included in that list - both as a marketing opportunity and enhancing the corporate image.

Many years ago, we stressed the magnitude of work in establishing a centre. Three years after its launch, we remarkably have found a centre. The focus now is the ability to sustain it. And here, we invoke a continuous bayanihan spirit and effort for EPIC. Be a member, donor, sponsor, volunteer and client of EPIC. We have waited and worked hard for this for so long. This is our chance and our time, we have to make it count.

Note: The Edmonton Philippine International Centre is located at 10104 32 Avenue NW, Edmonton. For more information on how to get involved, visit epicalberta.com

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*This article was published in the Alberta Filipino Journal, April 2023 issue.