What is BIMAK?
Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga is an acronym for the five major hill-tribes, indigenous to the Cordillera Region of Northern Luzon, Philippines — its peoples collectively known as Igorots (translated as “of or from the mountain”).
When was BIMAK Established?
BIMAK Los Angeles was formed in the 1960s as a community support and social group for recent immigrants in Southern California. It served as a welcome place to foster camaraderie in a new land, create helpful social and economic ties, and to provide an environment for the younger generation to learn about traditional cultural practices, language, and arts of the Igorot people. BIMAK Los Angeles is all-inclusive, welcoming anyone who seeks to help build on the Igorot ideal of community and camaraderie.
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Igorot immigrants in north L.A. area begin gathering for social events and mutual support.
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Formation of BIBAK group and first set of officers, with projects such as death assistance and employment opportunities.
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Growth of BIBAK to over 200 active members with regular meetings, election of officers, and creation of departments such as BIBAK Dance Ensemble, Youth Club, and Seniors Group (later BIBAK Trailblazers).
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BIBAK Dance Ensemble secures federal and state arts grants, leading to application of non-profit status.
“Igorot Quarterly” launched, the first Igorot–related publication outside of the Philippines, wholly edited and published by BIBAK Los Angeles.
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Non-profit status awarded.
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BIBAK Los Angeles hosts the first Igorot International Consultation (IIC) in West Covina, a gathering of over 500 Igorots from all over the world – leading to the establishment of the Igorot Global Organization. There have been over 13 IIC’s since.
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Cultural Exchange with students from Wydown Middle School in the city of Clayton, MO – the site of the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair which infamously featured an Igorot Village.
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Reformation of BIBAK Los Angeles by 2nd generation Igorots.
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BIBAK Los Angeles to host IIC-15.
What do you do?
From workshops to social gatherings and support, we are a community offering Igorots, Filipinx-Americans and allies a space to learn, grow and thrive.
Do you perform for events or shows?
Yes we do! Send your performance inquiry to bimaklosangeles@gmail.com and include the following details.
Event Name
Event Occasion
Performance Date
Performance Time
Duration of Performance (minimum # of minutes of performance)
Performance Venue Location (address and describe stage)
Please note we require as much advanced notice as possible for best availability for your event; preferably 3 - 6 months in advance. Our group requires two dressing rooms and restroom access.
Yes we do! Email your inquiry to bimaklosangeles@gmail.com and include the following details.
Event Name
Event Occasion
Event Date
Event Start and End Time
Duration of Workshop (minimum # of minutes for workshop)
Workshop Venue Location (address and describe meeting room setup)
Materials we must provide
Please note we require as much advanced notice as possible for best availability for your event; preferably 3 - 6 months in advance.