Exploring the Heart of Europe

12^th Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK-Europe (ICBE) Conference
ULB Campus du Solbosch, Bâtiment S, Salle Dupréel, Avenue Jeanne 44,
1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

29 May – 1 June 2025

Exploring the Heart of Europe 
By Betsy Galuga, Venus Magoo & Airen Kalley Rüttimann 

Three buses were organized by Cordi-Bel for the delegates to explore Ghent, Bruges and Brussels. The aim was to visit the key historical sites including the place where Jose Rizal published his book: El Filibusterismo and the Timicheg Tunnel named after a Bontoc Igorot, Timicheg. 

One of the bus drivers, Patrick, who is the husband of a Filipina, toured us into some of  Brussels’ important landmarks. Avenue Louise – which is according to our guide Vilma Noran, is a shopping area for the rich. That one would need at least €500 to shop there. Porte de Namur – a shopping area especially for people from different ethnic backgrounds. We also passed by General Montgomery statue who was the general responsible for liberating Brussels from the Germans during World War II in 1944. Looking at the buildings and listening to our driver and guide, the city is indeed rich in architecture, history and culture. 

From Brussels, we waited for each other in Ghent. We tended to stick with familiar faces from our own background, but everything changed the moment we stepped off the buses. It was quite a big group of young and old marching together. At each stop, borders dissolved. Conversations sparked, laughter echoed, and new friendships blossomed. It was joyful to watch how naturally everyone mingled, like long-lost friends reunited in a new setting. The walk was not just about the scenery — though that, too, was breathtaking — it was a chance to meet others, share stories, and enjoy one another’s company. What stood out the most was the care shown by everyone. No one was left behind. We checked in with each other, waited patiently, and ensured everyone was included. The kindness was as refreshing as the views around us. Photos were taken in groups — some to commemorate reunions after years apart, others to mark the start of new friendships. The name tags we wore turned out to be small but powerful tools of connection. At one point, Betsy saw a name that rang a bell. She walked up to her, curious, and in a sweet twist of fate, she turned out to be the little girl from the neighboring barangay where Betsy had grown up. When Betsy told her that she used to date her older brother in high school, they both burst out laughing. It was one of those unexpected, heartwarming moments that make events like these truly special.

The big group composed of children, Moms, Dads, Lolas and Lolos naturally split into smaller groups due to the varying walking paces. At one point, we lost track of our tour guide but with the help of navigation, we reached the memorial site where Jose Rizal published his novel, El Filibusterismo in 1891. Dozens of photos were taken making sure the landmark is visible – a symbol of heritage, pride and memory we wanted to carry forward.

On our way back to our buses, we enjoyed the scenery of the beautiful Sint-Baafs Cathedral taking photos and some even dancing in front of the Cathedral.

Other groups were able to reach the Timicheg Tunnel. Judith Magoo related a moving story:  upon reaching the bridge, she felt something strange. She then sat down with another delegate who understood what was going on and together they offered a traditional prayer. Timicheg was one the Bontoc Igorots who was brought to the 1913 World Exhibition in Ghent as part of a “Filipino Village” exhibit. Patrick, the driver, related to us that Timicheg died of dysentery because nobody took care of him.  The naming serves as an apology and act of respect, recognizing past injustices and honoring the humanity and memory of Timicheg.  Coming from Bontoc, I never heard the name Timicheg but Tinmakcheg. Could it be that the Belgians had difficulty in pronouncing Tinmakcheg and named him Timicheg instead?

From Ghent, we all travelled to Bruges. While walking, I heard one of the delegates saying that Bruges is the little Venice of Belgium. Indeed the canals, boats and restaurants offer a scenic view similar to Venice, Italy. The city was so packed with tourists that we had to squeeze ourselves to get our famous original waffles topped with chocolates, berries and cream. Others enjoyed refreshing ice cream. 

Tired from walking but filled with joy we arrived in our hotel at about 18:00 hours to prepare ourselves for the Book Launching event.