Thousands of miles from home, the Apayao community in Hong Kong proved that distance does not dilute identity. On March 16, 2025, Charter Road in Central, Hong Kong transformed into a stage of culture, camaraderie, and pride as Dayag ti Apayao Hong Kong 2025 celebrated the first anniversary of the Apayao Organization with a festivity rich in heritage and community spirit.
With the theme “Showcasing Our Culture Through Diversity, Perseverance, Unity, and Peace,” said event gathered Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Apayao’s seven municipalities. Indigenous dances like Taddo and Talip reverberated through the streets, colorful banners carried municipal pride, and tables were laden with household flavors—pakkal with sinursur, pinalatan, adobo, and other Cordilleran delicacies that felt like home on a plate.
Adding weight to the occasion were guest speakers Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua and Mayor Evelyn Martinez, who delivered messages that rung deeply with the yApayao OFWs. Pascua reflected on Apayao’s evolution from a struggling province to a rising force in regional development. “Apayao is no longer on the list of the 20 poorest provinces. We now rank among the top in good living conditions in the region,” he noted, crediting the feat to leaders who have steered the province toward growth.
Meanwhile, Martinez acknowledged the sacrifices of OFWs, calling them modern-day heroes whose hard work abroad fuels the aspirations of their families back home. She urged them to take pride in their yApayao roots and to keep the culture alive no matter where life takes them.
The Dayag ti Apayao HK pageant brought another layer of excitement to the celebration. Mery Lian Palogan of Santa Marcela was crowned queen, with Crisel Gabuyo of Pudtol and Elvie Corpuz of Conner as her runners-up. Joining the celebration were Santa Marcela Sanggunian Bayan (SB) Member Rasher Alegre, and Pudtol Tourism Officer Jenny Claire Ilayat, who, along with the mayors, were warmly received by the Apayao OFW community.
For the OFWs, the event was a bridge to home. Voices sang in unison, feet danced to rhythms passed down through generations, passing the message that Apayao is a home and spirit carried wherever its people go.
With the overwhelming success of this year’s celebration, the OFW community is already looking ahead, hoping that Dayag ti Apayao Hong Kong becomes a tradition that keeps the province’s culture strong beyond its borders. By Loremia Pareja
