GBM #7: Iba at Pareho!

Iba at Pareho reminded us that while we all come from different backgrounds, there’s beauty in what connects us. We began with Tito Abet, who spoke about how privilege is something that happens to us— not something we choose. He introduced the concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, and how the cracks or “damage” in our lives can be filled with gold. A beautiful reminder that healing and growth can create something even more beautiful.

Tep then led a privilege walk, where members reflected on their personal experiences and how privilege shapes their lives. Seeing where we stood helped us recognize both our differences and our shared humanity. It wasn’t about comparison, but about awareness and empathy, helping everyone realize that everyone carries invisible struggles and how compassion can bridge those gaps. After the privilege walk and a group discussion, CJ lifted our spirits and brought everyone into a group hug!

To close the night, Aryanna reminded us why this meeting is called Iba at Pareho. Even though our experiences are different, there’s always common ground to be found. She led us through a grounding reflection, inviting everyone to pause, breathe, and write a letter to themselves about what they’re proud of and what they hope to achieve. We’ll return to those letters at the end of the year, as a reminder of how far we’ve come. In that moment, surrounded by community and reflection, we were reminded that Barkada is more than just an org. Barkada is a family where we can grow, heal, and find comfort in knowing we’re never alone.