Bayanihan is in action among Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates for the 110th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12.

The opposite of individualism, bayanihan refers to the Filipino's innate spirit of co-operation or the formation of alliances to help those in need.

It is traditionally portrayed with a group of men communally carrying a family’s nipa hut in a transfer to another place of residence while the women cook a communal meal.

Art Los Baños, executive committee chairman of the Independence Day celebrations for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said bayanihan kicked in on April 28 when presidents of around 30 Filipino professional, recreational, civic, hobby, social and religious clubs in the six emirates decided to each chip in Dhs500 from their respective coffers.

The decision was made so that the event would not be limited to a few but could be attended by at least 3,000 Filipinos and their friends at the Al Nasr Leisureland on June 13.

"We only have a few weeks left. But we don't want to exclude anyone, so it was a group decision to do it the bayanihan way and put in place the initial funding we need," said Los Baños, who activated four working committees for the 31-day preparation. Preparations used to begin as early as February.

A job fair and a "Free Tawag (phone call) home are already being set up. Individual Filipino clubs from the north to the south of the Philippines are preparing for cultural dance presentations in an eight-hour program.

Filipinos from age 16 are also invited to register for the Philippine Independence Cup 2008 Ballroom Dancing Competition with six couple participants expected to outdo one another in two-minute jive and rumba dance numbers.

Gulf Today