IP Lowell 2026 Thanks & Results
The Bayanihan Spirit Thrives at Iskwelahang Pilipino
Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone has been able to find time to rest and recover after the Lowell Folk Festival. This past year IP has hit amazing accomplishments; we celebrated 50 years of operating, we went on an incredible tour of the West Coast, and now I am happy to say that this past Folk Festival we raised $63,564! This was the most amount of money raised in a single weekend EVER since IP started vending in Lowell in 1987. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished this year.
By now, we all know that we have the largest lines. What I did learn from talking to the masses is that people come from all over the COUNTRY to check us out. One woman said that she attends the Lowell Folk Festival every year all the way from Miami, Florida just to eat our food. Another gentleman told me that he heard about us and came from San Francisco, California to eat our food. They didn’t say they came for the festival. They came to see US. Our reputation as a community extends further than what I could have imagined and again I find myself incredibly proud of how we came together to absolutely rock the festival.
I want to thank each and every one of you for all your help. And a special shoutout to all of you on the Lowell Planning Committee who stayed up much later than anyone would like to ensure this whole operation went smoothly. None of what we accomplished this year could have been done without your help. Often times, people ask me, “What’s your favorite part of IP?” My answer never changes. I love working the Lowell Folk Festival because it brings our community closer every year. It’s a chance for our community to embody the Bayanihan spirit and come together to work as one. It’s a chance for the families of our alumni to return the community that always welcomes them back with open arms. It’s a chance for the kids to practice real life skills and show them how powerful community can be when it comes together. It’s a chance for the new families to see what this 50 year old IP family is all about.
I am incredibly grateful to belong to and work alongside such a great community and I hope after everything we’ve accomplished this year, I hope you feel the same.
Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,
Kuya Gerry
Gerry Paradela
Lowell Committee Co-Chair