All The WOW News in Cordillera

Friday, September 29, 2017

Baguio Cab Driver gets full scholarship to study in Australia because of his honesty

Baguio City, - Do you still remember  Reggie Cabutotan - a taxi driver from Baguio who has returned a lost luggage of an Australian businessman last January? He is now an app developer and he is creating a transport app for Baguio tourists.
It can be recalled that Reggie was awarded a full scholarship by an Australian who had left his valuable items inside his the cab. 

Because of his honesty, the Australian businessman also offers him guaranteed internship with an Australian company when he finish his course that could pay him with a starting salary of up to 1.7 million pesos per year.
Reggie Cabutotan was offered a full scholarship to study in Australia by the owner of the lost luggage. He is now studying at Vivixx Technical Academy and now nearing to complete his app called " Taxi Coder Tour Guide" which is an app for tourist. 

"It is an app similar to the system used by Grab but is specially designed for tourist who come to Baguio," Cabutotan said. 

App development is an in demand skills today and Cabutotan is very lucky to have this opportunity to study coding and programming. 

An app designer is someone who create and design a computer application for computers, mobile phones and other types of electronic devices. 

Cabutotan is among the first batch of students who will finish the four-week coding bootcamp. He is studying with 19 other students who are chemical engineers, medical technologists, college dropouts and high school graduates. 
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Thursday, September 28, 2017

MUST READ: Five reasons you must be proud as an IGOROT

Cordillera, - If you are starting to get the feeling of disliking your identity as an Igorot just because many outsiders or people from the lowlands use the term 'Igorot in a prejorative manner then, these five reasons will revive your spirit and help you love your identity as mighty dwellers of the majestic Cordilleran highlands.

Here are five reasons why you should be proud as an Igorot.

1. Our Ancestor were among the bravest of Filipinos.

The way our Igorot ancestors fought the Japanese invading army during World War II is a testament of  their bravery. Their gallantry and heroism were recognized by General MacArthur of the American Army prompting him to say these words:

"Many desperate acts of courage and heroism have fallen under my observation on many fields of battle in many parts of the world. I have seen forlorn hopes becomes realities. I have seen last-ditch stands, and innumerable act of personal heroism that defy description. But for sheer breathtaking and heart-stopping desperation, I have never know the equal of those Igorots riding the  tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell story, stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots. As members of the Philippines commonwealth, they have prove to be excellent fighting men." - published apparently in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Chicago Tribune.

2. Igorots built the 8th Wonder of the World - The Rice Terraces of Cordillera

The terraces are located in the remote areas of Cordillera mountain in the northern Island of Luzon. They are the product of the ingenuity and high engineering knowledge and skills of the Ifugao ethnic group who occupied these mountains over 2,000 years ago.

The UNESCO has put these interesting remarks about the rice terraces. It says:

"The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment. Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. They are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization." - Unesco.

3. The Igorots produce 80% of vegetables that supply the entire country. 

Imagine the Philippines without Igorots who are tirelessly cultivating, planting and harvesting high quality vegetables that are the main ingredients of Filipino's favourite foods such as pancit, chopsuey, pinakbet, kalderata, bulalo, pizza and many more. Don't you know that your favourite french fries and burger at Max Restaurant are sourced out from vegetable farmers from Benguet?

The province of Benguet  holds the record of being the main source of vegetables that supplies the entire country. At least 80% of vegetables supplied to Filipino kitchens come from farmers in the highlands of Benguet.

4. Igorots are the best MMA fighters in the Philippines. 
onefc.com

As proof of their ancestors being the "NO FEAR" men and women, Igorots today are known to be among the best MMA fighters in the Philippines.

If you try to google Filipino MMA figthers, the names of Igorot fighters such as Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario and many more  will definitely popped up. If you trace their roots, you will be amazed to know that these MMA warriors are Igorots from Cordillera.

Today, Eduard Folayang is regarded as a symbol of Phillipine Martial Art together with World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquaio.

5. Igorots are hardworking, intelligent, handsome/beautiful and  romantic. 
Photo Credit: Chriz Dulagan FB page and Miss Millennial Baguio City FB page

The fact that we Igorots are not well represented or depicted in Philippine media and TV shows doesn't mean we are not what were describe above.

The being hardworking and intelligent aspect of an Igorot are clearly seen on how we turned the whole mountain into a rice terraces and vegetables terraces. You can't find any book about how to design a mountain into an incredible source of livelihood. You feel inspired and awed by the beauty of the transformation but behind those terraces is a hardworking and intelligent Igorot men and women.

For being handsome and beautiful. If we refer to the so called skin-deep beauty, there is an abundance and overflow of such qualities in Cordillera. In terms of beauty and handsomeness pleasing to the eye, we Igorots have those.

For being romantic. They say that Igorots are not romantic, well that depends on where we based our meaning of the word romantic. But we can say we are romantic in the sense that we value a certain ideal to a higher degree. Igorots value their love ones, family and friends more than anything else and we find romance by doing our best to show them we care by the best way possible.

We might not often give our girl flowers but we strive to fulfill our promise to love them forever. We might not be holding hands when walking but we see to it that we give them the best protection they need. We might not treat them dinner to a fancy restaurant, but we make sure they won't be hungry in our side.

There's a lot to say about the Igorots that we can't write on this blog. If you have some comments that you want to add, just write on the comment box below.
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Monday, September 25, 2017

EB's Miss Millennial Paranaque contestant performs Kalinga's Banga dance


Baguio City, - In today's episode of the newest TV program of Eat Bulaga's Miss Millennials Philippines 2017, contestant Sofia Jane Panapanaan who represents the city of Paranaque performs one of Kalinga's traditional dance called the "Banga" combined with the traditional dance "Ngilin".


The Banga dance which literally means pot dance is a contemporary performance of Kalinga in the Cordillera region in the Philippines. The dance illustrate the languid grace of a tribe known as fierce warriors. A series of heavy earthen pots as many as seven or eight are balance on the the heads of maidens as they trudge to the beat of the 'gangsa' or wind chimes displaying their stamina and strength as they go about their daily task of fetching water and balancing the banga. 

At the same time, the performance of Miss Millennial Paranaque includes the "Ngilin" dance which is a traditional marriage dance by the Kalinga people during rituals and celebration, such as the budong or peace pact. The choreography mimics the courtship of a rooster and hen. 

Many netizens who have witnessed the performance of Miss Paranaque, especially those from Cordillera were thrilled to see the performance but also questioned the somewhat divergent show of cultural performance. 

Miss Millennials Philippines which airs Monday to Friday on GMA is a show where candidates are given the chance to showcase the culture and tradition of their respective places of origin. 

Winner of the contest will take home half a million pesos and a condominium unit. The winner's province or city will also receive one million pesos to be used for the city's or province's projects.



source: GMA and seasite.niu.edu 
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Thursday, September 21, 2017

Baguio City is home to the most honest taxi drivers in the Philippines

Photo Courtesy || Chinita Panganiban Viray

Baguio City, - In a world where news of crimes such as robbery, snatching, rapes and killings bombard us everyday, they make us to believe that no one these days can be trusted. Surviving in this world is hard and many people people uses that as an excuse to do bad things in order to survive. These non-ending news of crimes make us question, are there people out there who still choose to live in an honest and right way despite the hardship they had in life?

Passengers took to social media (Facebook) to extend their appreciation and give praise to taxi drivers who returned their forgotten belongings without asking any favor in return.
Some of these taxi drivers even go the distance to make a way to return a smartphone of a passenger that was left inside his car.


Just lately, according to a Facebook post from a named Sofia Wisdom, Mr. Paul William a driver of taxi with plate number AAB 3571 was recognized because of his effort to find ways to return a smartphone he doesn't know how to operate.

The owner of the smartphone said she accidentally left her phone inside the cab. She tried calling the phone through her son's phone but it just keep ringing and no one is picking it up. They tried calling the phone and after two hours, someone answered and told her to pick her phone in a store located near her house.
The reason why the Mr. William is not picking up the phone is because he doesn't know well how to operate such modern phone gadget.
Paul William finds a way to return a smartphone he doesn't know how to operate. Photo: Sofia Wisdom's FB account. 

"The driver knew well that the phone was ringing but he's not knowledgeable to operate the phone, so he just left the sound disturbed his ears that long," Wisdom wrote. "He alleged that he went twice to our residence (as far as Tam-awan) expecting that someone would be up there at the gate waiting, but to no avail. What he did was to park his vehicle beside the store and let someone answer the phone for him," she added.

Wisdom commended the driver for his action including the passenger who found the phone and turned over it to William.

"May this dear manong be showered with abundant blessings for his deed. The phone is just an item which can be replaced, but his man is commendable whose act is to be cherished. My salute too to the young passenger next to my son." Wisdom praised.

Not only Mr. William's action is a testimony of Baguio City as home of honest taxi drivers. There are countless stories that have been told with the same incidence where passengers who claimed they were able to get back their lost items because of the effort of the drivers.
Baguio Cab driver returns forgotten belongings of an Australian businessman. Photo: Ace Estrada




Well, of course, we are not saying that only in Baguio that you can encounter honest taxi drivers. It is not the place that will make you a good person. Honesty is a moral attributes rooted deep in all human beings whether you are a taxi driver or not.


Telling stories of honest taxi drivers on social media to be shared with and read by others is a good thing. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts and good deeds will motivate them to become a model for others to follow.

Although they are not expecting any kind of reward or praise, they deserve our attention to keep them motivated and become a good example for others.

"Honesty is the best, the most noble, of all human values - and it is always deeply inspiring" a good food for thought for us to keep in mind.


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Stock brokerage COL Financial brings stock investing seminar to Baguio

Baguio City,- Philippine top stock market brokerage COL Financial will be in Baguio to conduct free stock market investing seminar on 30 September at Marco Polo Function Room, El Cieto Inn, Baguio City. 

The seminar with the topic "Build Your Wealth Through The Stock Market" will cover the basic information and guidance on how you can invest in the stock market.

If you are looking for other ways on how you can increase your passive income aside from doing service business, online business, real state investing, then you should try going into stock investing.

It's an information-rich half day session that will introduce to you the basic concepts and knowledge on how you can grow your money by investing in the Philippine stock market. This is a half day free seminar (no string attached).

COL Financial Group, Inc. (COL) is the fastest growing online stockbroker in the country today with over 200,000 customers who are benefiting from the knowledge and market expertise shared by COL experts through its user-friendly online trading platform.

Investors using COL online investing platform can access up-to-date and comprehensive research to help them gauge their investing decision when buying shares.

COL Financial also conduct regular seminars at their training center located at 24F East Tower, PSE Centre, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

On the 30th of September Saturday, COL Financial will be in Baguio to offer free seminar for interested individuals who would want to build their financial wealth through stock investing.

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Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Book of Ibaloi doctor and author Ryan C. Guinaran wins the best book for youth in the 11th Cardinal Sin Book Award

Photo credit: I love Benguet FB Page.
Baguio City, - Ibaloi author Dr. Ryan C. Guinaran's book "To My Fellow Igorot Youth: Poems, Stories, and Essays  was awarded the best book for the youth category in the 11th Cardinal Sin Book Catholic Awards (CSCBA) held on 13th September in Pasay City.

Nominees for youth category are books that gives values formation to young individuals ages 13 and above including stories of faith, virtues, morals, heroic deeds, and special youth documented activities.

Dr. Guinaran's book comprised of  stories, parables, poems and sketches about the Cordillera and the Igorot culture.

This is not the first time a book authored by Guinaran's has won award. In 2010, he was also awarded with a CSCBA trophy for his inspirational book of anecdotes for health students during the 32nd Catholic Mass Media Awards.

The CSCBA Throphy is awarded to a winning entry that scores 90% and above while a Special Citation Plaque is awarded to a winning entry that scores below 90%.

Dr. Guinaran is actively promoting the preservation of Igorot history, culture and indidenous knowledge, system and practices through initiation and collaboration in programs and publications.

He is also the founding Executive Director of DITENG- Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally Competent Training, Education, Networking and Governance in 2008 which aims on pioneering work on cultural competence in indigenous health, outreach services, health trainings and projects, educational material development, and research and publication.

Watch the awarding ceremony during the 11th CSCBA held in Pasay City.

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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

"Best Version of Eduard Folayang" to be showcased against Martin Nguyen of Vietnam on Nov.10

Cordillera, - Fans of Igorot One Lightweight World  Champion Eduard Folayang around the world are now excited to see their champion step into the cage once again as ONE championship has just announced in a press release fight between two world champions, Eduard Folayang himself against Martin Nguyen of Vietnam.

The two champions will clash in another 'blockbuster evening of world-class martial arts' dubbed as ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD on 10 November at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, according to ONE Championship.

"The two world champions in their respective weight classes are set  to go head-to-head in a cross-divisional showdown that will be talked about the world over," Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship said in a statement.

 Eduard "Landslide" Folayang of the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City, is one of the Philippines' most experienced martial artists. After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, Folayang has amassed an impressive 18-5 professional record. The 33-year-old veteran is currently riding a four-bout winning streak against high-profile opponents, including an empahitic technical knockout victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki. He also successfully defended his title against challenger Ev Ting of Malaysia last April.

Set on the 10th of November, Eduard Folayang will be showcasing the best version of an Igorot Champion as he go head-to-head with another champion from Vietnam.

"As a martial artist, I am constantly in search of the biggest challenges, the biggest test of my skills. As a champion, I welcome any and all challengers. Martin is one of the best in the world and it is an honor to share the ONE Championship cage with him. This is a bout for the fans, and I can't wait to perform in front of my hometown crowd in Manila once again. I have complete respect for my opponent's skills and together with my brothers at Team Lakay, my coach Mark Siangao, I am preparing to showcase the best version of Eduard Folayang on 10 November."

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Monday, September 18, 2017

Baguio's Cafe Yagam makes it to Google Business Group Stories Search 2017

Baguio City, - Google business group has announced the winner of GBG Stories Search 2017 and among the winners in the Philippines are Cafe Yagam of Baguio City and Virtualahan of Davao City.

Both Cafe Yagam and Virtualahan won the the Top GBG Stories by means of voting while the People's Choice Winner is Khalti.com of Nepal. 

Cafe Yagam is a restaurant located in Baguio City that promotes traditional Cordilleran dishes and serves coffee that comes only from the local coffee farmers in the Cordilleras. It is part of the mission of Cafe Yagam to help people of Cordillera and also visitors  understand the unique culture of the Igorots in the highlands. 


Winning the GBG Stories Search 2017 would mean Ms. Polenn Carla Rosito - the owner of Cage Yagam will have the opportunity to attend the prestigious Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California in 2018. 

The GBG Stories Search is a recognition awarded by Google to entrepreneurs who are using  the power of the internet and technology to empower others to do extraordinary things. 

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

Free Seminars for farmers at Agrilink 2017 on Oct. 5 - 7 in Pasay City

Photo: Agrilink
Baguio City, - A free seminars for farmers organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies will be held from October 5 to 7 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City during this year's Agrilink 2017 event. 

Numerous events are scheduled during the seminars that focus on how farmers can improve their crops production, enhance their post harvest facilities, increase and sustain agricultural productivity including ways and methods to increase their income.

The DA will hold free seminars, technical workshops, demonstrations, investment forum, and business-to-business (B2B) seminars where farmers can have the opportunity to market their produce to business establishments in the country.

Also in the event, is the chance of farmers to get fresh information and knowledge related to improving production and management of high-value crops such as pili nuts, cacao, coffee, etc.

For Cordillerans who are interested to learn new methods of raising organically grown native pigs and how to process the meat can benefit from the seminar conducted by senior science research specialist Wilmer Faylon of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on October 5.

Agrilink is the agribusiness exhibition and seminars held annually during the month of October where hundreds of exhibitors and visitors from different countries to come together to showcase latest information and innovation in the agriculture industry.

Agrilink also serves as the venue for the leaders of the agribusiness to come together and dialogue with the top leaders in the country to look into the problems of farmers in the region and come up with a solution.

Under the theme "Improved Varities and Postharvest Facilities: Essential to Profibility", farmers will definitely learn a lot from the seminar.

source: agrilink.org
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Thursday, September 14, 2017

POEA announces 5,000 new jobs for skilled workers in New Zealand


Baguio City, - The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has announced an almost 5,000 skilled workers needed this year in New Zealand.

Any Filipino who has experience in the construction industry can be a good candidate for the job since most employers prefer Filipinos who can work as carpenters, scaffolders, masons, farm workers, drivers and any other related jobs.

POEA listed several job orders for Filipinos who are interested to work in New Zealand.


  • Machine Operator
  • Painter
  • Laborer
  • Automotive Technicians
  • Pipe fitter/worker
  • Farmers
  • Mason
  • Carpenter
  • Fitter tyre/tech
  • Scaffolder
Competitive salaries are offered to those who will qualify for the job. Laborers, machine operators, drivers and mason can take home a monthly paycheck of around 3,520 New Zealand Dollar (NZD) or Php 131,000 while those who work as carpenter can earn as much as 2,400 NZD.

In line with this new job orders, POEA said recruiters for the jobs may prioritize those who have at least 3 years of working experience overseas or in the country. The experience qualification is a proof that an applicants is knowledgeable in operating modern equipment.  

It can be recalled that New Zealand has announced it offers around 30,000 job opportunities this year for foreign workers. 

Aside from the good salary that foreign workers can take, they can also bring their family members to stay with them in the country and after three years of working the worker will have the option to apply for permanent residency. 

Interested applicants who wish to apply for the job can inquire directly at the office of the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency for more information.
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Featured Post

Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...