First Cordillera Christmas Gathering Shines in Tampere

By: Fargo Bcn

In the heart of Tampere, Finland, the first Cordillera Christmas gathering brought warmth to a winter night and brought our community together. We came from different paths, each with our own stories and the everyday challenges of living far from home. Still, as Cordillerans, resilience connects us. We are survivors, keepers of culture, bearers of our heritage, and builders of bridges. Dax Allan’s heartfelt welcome set a unifying tone, stirring our spirits and reminding us why we gather. The message of BIBAK Suomi president, Jam Espada, echoed that spirit with clarity and conviction, affirming our shared commitment to strengthening Cordillera ties wherever we are. Together, their words honored our roots, celebrated our resilience, and called us to carry our connection across every place we call home.

Kellvin and Tishan lead the dancing. A graceful sway and a steady stride. A humble way of honoring our Igorot ancestors with respect and pride.

The celebration was filled with lively singing, dancing, prayer, and shared meals: the pinikpikan, the kokod, dayaket/diket, and everything we have been missing from grandma's kitchen, and, above all, speaking our native tongue. These simple moments felt like home. People of all ages, from different provinces and representing many tribes, stood side by side, sharing blessings, lessons, laughter, and quiet strength. We honored our roots while embracing our new city, showing that our identity grows stronger when we share it. In each song and shared dish, we rebuild home from afar, proving that belonging is an action.

This milestone was more than just a gathering. It was a promise. No matter where we are, we connect to support each other.

What stood out to me most is how much simple gatherings like ours matter. In a new country, where having just one Cordillera friend used to be enough, we are now building a real community. It is a place to listen, comfort, warn, and protect each other from false promises and misleading information. For these programs to truly help, we need to share honest stories, hold recruiters accountable, and make sure that hope in coming here is not used against us, especially not in this safe and beautiful country that has become our home away from home.

The young bearers of our Igorot ancestry and the promise of our fatherland.

We thank everyone who attended: the volunteers who prepared food, the kakailians who traveled from nearby cities, and every individual and family who made the night possible. We are especially grateful to the Lutheran Parishes of Tampere, which provided the venue for the event even on short notice. Yes, we were offered to use the Old Church to gather. With its convenient, functional amenities, it accommodated our group with warmth and comfort. Our gathering was not just a celebration but historically blessed in the making. The generosity shown to the Cordillera people reminded us that community is both a refuge and a responsibility.

From this beginning, we commit to doing more: language and culture circles, mentorship for newcomers, mental wellness check-ins, and partnerships with local groups. We can make a home in our adopted country while keeping our roots and Igorot identity alive. Next year's gathering starts now, with every message, visit, and helping hand.

We are Cordillerans. We endure, we uplift, and we come together wherever we are. For the Igorot diaspora, Christmas becomes our yearly vow: to keep culture alive, and face the coming year together—with grit, gratitude, and grace. May the spirit of this first Christmas gathering continue to guide us in Tampere and beyond.

Ipey-as Kabunyan nan bindisyon na ken datako amin! Kapya, layad, ragsak ken salun-at isnan baru ay tawen. Men gagawis tako amin!

PHOTO GALLERY: Special acknowledgement to the contributors of the photos used in the gallery: Seven Gaile Fangki, Lala Runez, Jeriza Capones, and Flora Magannon.