Filipino Community in Barcelona

The existence of Filipino community in Barcelona started around early 70’s with few overseas workers until it grows. It was only during the 90’s when several students come to study for semester and stayed longer when they finally learn to speak Castellano and Catalan. Back in the 1999, two decades have passed; the face of Filipino community is very different since then.
The demographic became a lot more diverse in such a short time. Apart from the overseas workers, language students and different based embassy staff and Philippine national banks started to branch out in the city. Now we have people from all walks of life here in Barcelona. Instead of going back home after their language study, these students further their language study. They went through extensive selection process to be able to enter one of many acknowledge Spanish state universities with limited seats for foreigners. They don´t stop there. Many even pursue their masters degree and face fierce competitive with tens of thousands fresh graduates securing a job.
Those who don´t believe in white collar life style brave themselves as entrepreneurs and put up their own business. It is hard enough setting up your own business; let alone doing it in an ever changing country like Spain. Yet, somehow these hardworking fellows thrive. Their business varies from home based catering service to multi-business engagement.
This diversity is not a barrier for us to stay together in a foreign land. Filipinos are global minded people yet have strong bond with where we come from. We have a deep sense of belonging, and we feel the need to be together in some ways. In Barcelona, there are many existing organizations, religious groups and networking associations for us to gather and share our experience and passion. One particular worth mentioning is an organization called BIBAK. BIBAK Barcelona was newly organized by Cordillerans/Igorots residing in the province of Catalunya.
Through BIBAK, Cordillerans meet regularly ones a month in forms of social events and meetings. In the long run BIBAK aims to link programs with other Filipino associations in Barcelona and further integrate it to the Catalunian community. This hopefully will help creating better relationship between the two countries and act as a sign that Filipinos are not just capable of being noticed but eager to enlighten the international public that Filipinos can do it.