Camp John Hay, Baguio City- John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) recently hosted the Gong Festival at Camp John Hay, Bell Amphitheatre, last 14 October 2018. With a historic venue, the act of remembering and honoring the indigenous peoples’ ancestors was even more significant.
The Baguio Gong Festival started as a community cultural festival in 2013 to celebrate the indigenous peoples month in October.
This year, different activities were conducted in various venues inside Baguio City. Activities include the following: Tudtuchu; Pamana Art Exhibit; Film showing; and, the main event, the Gong Festival.
The Gong Festival was attended by thousands of spectators, ethnic and non-ethnic alike, that signifies the oneness of the people in Baguio City. Participants were all dressed in their native attire, which added a lively mood to the festivities.
Allan R. Garcia, the JHMC President and CEO, openly embraced the Cordillera culture, having been new to the region as his roots hail from Pampanga. With high hopes, he wishes that the Gong Festival should be a yearly celebration inside Camp John Hay.
