Little Manila Park in Woodside, NYC formally opens

By Marivir R. Montebon

NYC - The mood was festive when the first Filipino park, a tiny piece of land which was once idle and wasted, formally opened on 70th Street in Woodside.

Initiators Noel Gamboa, an architect, and wife Dori Gamboa started the campaign to develop the land in 2023. Community organizations gradually joined the call to create the park in honor of Filipino nurses, culturally known to be compassionate caregivers.

Little Manila Park opens on June 13, 2026 on 70 Street, Woodside, Queens. Formally cutting the inaugural ribbon philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, Noel and Dori Gamboa, Consul General Senen Mangalile, Assemblymember Steven Raga, and Amb. Mario de Leon Jr.

Formally cutting the inaugural ribbon were Loida Nicolas Lewis, Assemblymember Steven Raga, Consul Gener Senen Mangalile, and Amb. Mario Lopez de Leon Jr. on June 13, 2026.

Three gazebos were installed in the park, named after the three major islands of the Philippines - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Visayas gazebo is sponsored by the ABS CBN TFC media in honor of the late Gina Lopez, environmental and child rights activist and scion of the Lopez family.

The Mindanao gazebo is sponsored by Dr. Emilio Quines and wife Dr. Angie Cruz while the Luzon gazebo is in search of a sponsor to maintain its upkeep.

Local cultural group representing Mindanao, Kinding Sindaw, performs during the grand opening.

A station is dedicated in memory of Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the park.

Although almost fully finished, facilities such as water, electricity, and public restrooms are among those which have to be developed.

Amb. Mario de Leon, Mrs. Eleanor de Leon, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and DCG Adrian Cruz cut the ceremonial ribbon for the Luzon gazebo.

The Visayas gazebo is dedicated to environmentalist Gina Lopez of the ABS-CBN and TFC company.

The Mindanao gazebo is sponsored by Dr. and Dr. Emilio Quines.

Philanthropist Loida Lewis acknowledged the visionary leadership and persistence of the Gamboa couple in developing Little Manila Park. Noel and Dori Gamboa said the park is a result of bayanihan (community effort) in Woodside.

Consul General Mangalile encouraged Filipinos to continue the cooperation amongst themselves in order to sustain the park.

Groups can utilize the park in the spring, summer, and fall, upon schedule.

Woodside in Queens is by far the home to most Filipinos in New York.#