New Zealand-based Ibaloi singer gains praise and following for wearing traditional Cordilleran garment while showcasing her singing prowess

Kabayan, Benguet – New Zealand-based Ibaloi singer Joydah Mae Bernardo is gaining praise on social media not only for her soulful voice but also for proudly wearing a traditional Cordilleran garment, a symbol that connects her to her roots and ancestors.

The attire, which she describes as a reflection of her identity and heritage, underscores her deep pride in being a Cordilleran.

Drawing strength and inspiration from her culture, Joydah—who hails from Kabayan, Benguet but has lived in New Zealand since she was sixteen—uses music to give voice to her elders, children, and the elements of nature.

In a video posted on her Facebook page on October 7, 2025, Joydah can be seen wearing an Ibaloi-inspired blazer-like top, which she shared was a customized attire made by her aunt, while performing the iconic theme song of the Disney movie Pocahontas, “Colors of the Wind.” Her powerful rendition, paired with her cultural attire, quickly gained traction online, garnering over 180,000 views and widespread praise from fellow Cordillerans.

The Ibaloi Singer

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Joydah shared that her love for singing began in childhood—nurtured by a musical family and the rich cultural traditions of Kabayan.

Although she moved to New Zealand at a young age and faced societal doubts about pursuing music professionally, singing remained a constant source of healing and joy.

“Surrounded ak ti musicians in my life. Most of us can sing—sitting with elders, chanting kasdiay, and I think diyay talaga ti nai-konekak nga ditoy boses ko. However, idi immay ak ditoy New Zealand idi 16 ko, there’s a limiting belief nga nu musician ka, kunada nga haan ka nga ag-progress. So I didn’t pursue music because of that belief nga in-register ti society kanyak,” she shared.

Joydah explained that music became a healing journey for her—each song born from emotional and spiritual experiences. For her, singing is not merely an art form but a calling to represent her elders, the children, and the natural world.

Just last August, she returned home to Kabayan to share her Ibaloi compositions and collaborate with fellow Ibaloi artists, reconnecting with the very community that shaped her artistry.

Voice of the Voices

When asked what inspires her to keep singing even after years of living abroad, Joydah said she dedicates her gift to her guides, elders, and Kabunyan, embracing her purpose as a “voice of the earth and the voiceless.”

“I give credit to my guides, my elders, and to Kabunyan ta kastoy ti gift ko—being the voice of the earth, of the children, voice of the voices. So idtoy ti ayan ti serbisyok talaga. I’m pursuing this full-time and it’s not easy, but if adda ti tao nga ag-listen ken marikna da, salamat,” she concluded.