Filipino and American groups joined the Government of Bahrain and the Bahrain Mobility International Center in marking this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), celebrated annually on December 3. The event took place on December 6, 2025, at Sama Bay, and coincided with International Volunteer Day on December 5, marked a significant milestone with the inaugural participation of representatives from the Filipino and American communities, led by the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club Bahrain (T2).
This year’s festival was a lively celebration of social inclusion, featuring a marathon for children, youth, and adults, as well as designated areas for organizations to present their programs and services. The involvement of Travelers Tribe and its partner organizations indicated a new era of cross-cultural community engagement in the kingdom’s efforts to support individuals with disabilities.
“We are deeply honored to be the first to represent the vibrant Filipino and American communities at this wonderfully inspiring festival,” stated by Mitch de Guzman, president of Travelers Tribe Masonic Club Bahrain. He further added, “Our mission has always been grounded in fellowship, service, and fostering connections within the community. This event provided an excellent opportunity to embody those values, bring joy to faces, and stand in solidarity with individuals with disabilities. The warmth and hospitality we experienced were genuinely humbling.”
The presence of Travelers Tribe added a vibrant touch to the celebration, highlighted by their lively “T2 booth” that created a festive and cheerful atmosphere. The booth featured a popcorn machine, a cotton candy station, a balloon artist crafting colorful shapes for children, branded T2 tumblers and goodie bags, and an assortment of chocolate giveaways that delighted attendees of all ages.
Travelers Tribe was joined in this historic representation by several other notable Filipino and American community organizations, including the Filipino American Association of Bahrain (Fil Am Bahrain) represented by its president, Orlando Fontanilla, Tri Step Lodge 99, and Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), Triskellion International Kingdom of Bahrain, and Good Cause Bahrain.
Gydabelle B. Naval, Principal of the Philippine School Bahrain, joined other participants in the event, including Hurricane Alpha Racing Dragon (HARD), the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Phil Bahrain Caregiver Society, and Katilingban sang mga Ilonggo sa Bahrain (KIB), alongside other community partners.
T2’s participation underscored the Filipino community’s humanitarian commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs), while fostering social inclusion and raising awareness throughout Bahraini society.
With volunteers and leaders from the Filipino and American communities lending their support, the group emphasized the importance of making every PWD feel seen, valued, and genuinely included.
“The event is a powerful platform for unity and progress. We celebrate the contributions of all communities in building a more inclusive society,” said Dinah Sta. Ana, President of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), the largest Filipino women’s group in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Antonette Avila of Good Cause Bahrain emphasized the importance of supporting such initiatives:
“Bahrain is our second home, and this event reminds us of our shared responsibility to uplift and empower every member of the community.”
Hundreds of persons with disabilities attended the event, representing a diverse range of conditions, including individuals who are deaf or mute, those with visual impairments, mobility challenges, autism, Down Syndrome, and various mental health concerns.
The celebration marked a meaningful milestone, demonstrating Bahrain’s continued efforts to create a more inclusive society, now strengthened by the growing involvement of expatriate communities eager to contribute to its humanitarian and social development goals.
