Cordillera Gong Festival Community Event

Residents of Staten Island and New York City are invited to an afternoon of vibrant culture, music, and community spirit at a special fundraising event for the inaugural Cordillera Gong Festival North America. The event will take place on May 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Immanuel Union Church Hall, 693 Jewett Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. The event is organized by the Cordillera Cultural Ensemble members: MJ Milo-Payos, Rex Payos, Gerry Dupingay, Edward Frenzel Yapyapan, Janet Yapyapan, Gertrude “Jane” Albin, Jasmine Faith, and Joyce Laoagan

This public event offers a unique chance to experience the rich indigenous heritage of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines—a diverse region often called the “Baguio” area, encompassing provinces like Ifugao and Kalinga.

A Day of Culture and Fun for Everyone
Attendees are promised a festive afternoon featuring:
Lively Entertainment: Enjoy popular line dancing, heartfelt singing performances, and the mesmerizing indigenous dances of the Cordillera people, complete with the iconic sounds of the gong—a symbol of unity and community.
Delicious Food: Sample traditional and community-favorite food and treats.
Community Connection: A chance to socialize and celebrate with diverse members of the New York community.
More Than a Fundraiser: Celebrating World Indigenous Culture
While the event directly supports the main Cordillera Gong Festival planned for October, its appeal extends far beyond the Filipino-American community.
“This is a celebration of human heritage, not just Filipino heritage,” says a representative of the Cordillera Cultural Ensemble (CCE). “Non-Filipinos, especially those interested in world indigenous culture, music, and dance, will find this event profoundly enriching. It’s a rare opportunity to witness and support the intergenerational transmission of a unique and vital cultural tradition, right here in our own borough.”

Your attendance and contribution are vital to preserving these cultural practices—from the intricate gong music to the traditional attire and regional languages—for the next generation.
Join the Celebration:
When: May 30, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM
Where: Immanuel Union Church Hall, 693 Jewett Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314
Entry: $25 per person. Donations are also gratefully accepted.
Book your entrance fees HERE.
This event is open to the public. To learn more, book your entry, and make a donation, please visit www.cordilleraculturalensemble.com. CCE is a fiscally sponsored entity by The Ally Artists Group, a Non-profit, 501©(3) organization.