Mindanao, Southern Philippines is a wondrous place mainly because it is home to some of the purest unbroken lineages of indigenous Filipino people.

During a recent trip to NYC, I came across a performance in New York City by a dance company called Kinding Sindaw.

What I learned about Mindanao from them really surprised me.

Before I left Photographer Jacob Maentz in Siquijor, I told him the next stop on my trip was to visit the T’Boli community. They live in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

He told me, “Look for a Filipina chanter named Ye Gas.”

Little did I know, my T’Boli host already had it in mind to introduce me to a chanter.

Because of my parent’s courageous decision to leave their home in the Philippines and survive NYC, one of the craziest cities on the planet, I get to tell you this story today.

Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy has been making the world belly laugh since he started his stand-up career in Las Vegas coffee shops in the early 90s. Today, Jo is at the height of his career.

So, who is JOY KOY?

In 2022, we saw THREE musicians with Philippine roots who are nominated for the Grammy Awards. H.E.R., SAWEETIE and OLIVIA RODRIGO.

What’s even greater is that these amazing women are telling the world LOUD and PROUD that they are Filipina.