The Bayanihan (pronounced as buy-uh-nee-hun) is a Filipino custom derived from a Filipino word “bayan”, which means nation, town or community. Bayanihan is a spirit of civic unity and cooperation among Filipinos, helping each other to achieve one goal.

I was inspired to create an illustration depicting bayanihan in the present times, and how it’s been practiced even here in Halifax, especially at North End. I’ve divided the illustration to different parts representing North End: Wonder’neath studios, Local Source Market, the neighbourhood, North Branch Public Library, Halifax Pride, My Mother’s Bloomers. These are just few of things you could enjoy at North End. I wanted to show how the colourful and diverse community of North End connects and takes part on building and helping each other. Each takes an important role; they are the story and foundation of this community. All are different, but all have one goal, to build the community once again, especially after the pandemic.

Bayanihan or the act of helping the community could also be done through simple gestures, it doesn’t have to be grand. By supporting local products and businesses; by simply appreciating what your neighbourhood has to offer; participating, exploring and discovering new experiences. These are just few that helps this community. We can’t prosper on our own, we all need each other’s support.