Photo Courtesy || Erjohn Dela Serna
Cordillera - Filipino beauty queen and model, Miss Krishnah Marie Gravidez is the official representative of the city of Baguio in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageantry.
The 21-year-old young and fresh Gravidez was among the top 40 delegates for the Miss Universe PH. She shares her story in the new episode of HER STORY by Empire Philippines in YouTube.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Krishnah Gravidez |
Photo Courtesy || Jozef Maynard Borja Erece
Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran from Baguio city is being hailed as genius, a polymath, a child prodigy, profoundly gifted and extremely talented.
When he was a kid, the Psychology Center in New Zealand conducted an IQ test for Jozef Maynard Borja Erece and the result showed he exceeded the IQ level of 160 using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III (WISC III).
The WISC III also showed Jozef verbal IQ scale was off the charts and his full scale IQ score was also beyond the standard IQ scores.
Jozef also took the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test II (WIAT II) and the result indicated that his performance and achievement was at very superior level against his age group.
The Education psychologist and lead educators who conducted that test concluded that Jozef is profoundly gifted with an IQ beyond the 160 limit.
Who is Jozef Maynard Borja Erece
Jozef Maynard Borja Erece is a young legal prodigy from the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia, who is considered the youngest person in the world to be admitted to the legal profession.
He completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Southern Queensland and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Queensland University of Technology in 2015.
At the age of 18, he was admitted to the roll of barristers and solicitors by the Supreme Court of Queensland in a widely publicized ceremony held at Brisbane City Hall.
He is also recognized as the youngest law graduate in the history of Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Jozef is also a book author, an accomplished basketball player and taekwondo jin.
Jozef is the son of Dr. Maynard Victor Erece who went to Magsaysay Elementary School in New Lucban, Baguio city and worked as a criminal lawyer, prosecutor and an educator.
Her mother, Dr, Josephine Ana Borja Erece, a medical doctor by profession went to St. Louis Center and graduated as valedictorian.
The city government of Baguio has passed a resolution to recognized and commend Jozef for giving honor to the city and the country as the youngest law graduate and practicing lawyer in the world.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Jozef Maynard Borja Erece / everybodywiki |
Cordillera - A Filipino-New Zealand-Australian gifted child becomes the world's youngest law graduate at the age of 18.
Jozef Maynard Borja Erece, a proud Cordilleran is arguably the youngest person ever admitted to the legal profession and youngest law graduate in the history of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Mr. Erece was born in New Zealand in 1996 to Filipino parents and was recognized as a gifted child.
By the age of 3, he was already reading, and by 11, he was in high school, graduating as Valedictorian in 2011 from St. Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge.
In 2011, he was offered a spot in Stanford University's Institutes' Program, a special course for gifted youth, but declined the opportunity. Instead, he chose to attend the University of Southern Queensland in 2012, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Law in just three years.
Jozef is the son of Dr. Maynard Victor Erece who went to Magsaysay Elementary School in New Lucban, Baguio city and worked as a criminal lawyer, prosecutor and an educator.
Her mother, Dr, Josephine Ana Borja Erece, a medical doctor by profession went to St. Louis Center and graduated as valedictorian.
Jozef Maynard Borja Erece is known for his exceptional abilities, being called a genius, polymath, and child prodigy.
He has received widespread recognition for his achievements and his journey has been widely covered by the media.
READ ALSO: Dexter Santos Valenton: First Aeta to pass the Criminologist Licensure Exam
His gifts and talents have been the subject of research by experts in the fields of gifted and talented education, psychology, neurology, and child development.
The city government of Baguio has passed a resolution to recognized and commend Jozef for giving honor to the city and the country as the youngest law graduate and practicing lawyer in the world.
Photo Courtesy || Neil Clark Ongchangco
Cordillera - Two World Class Toilets of Baguio city located in Botanical Garden and Wright Park bagged the "ASEAN Public Toilet Award' from the prestigious 2023 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards.
This is the first time the city government of Baguio which managed the toilets were able to won the award.
The Baguio toilets passed the four main criteria which recommend how a public toilet must be operated and maintained.
These are Design and Environmental Management Safety, Amenities and Facilities, Cleanliness, and Safety.
The ASEAN Tourism Standard Task Force has laid down the Public Toilet Standard to ensure the quality, comfort, safety, and proper waste management of public toilets at tourist spots within the region.
"A basic yet vital component in the tourism industry that can make or break the tourist experience is when the tourist has to use the toilet," it said.
The awarding ceremony will be conferred next month at the Marriot Yogyakarta Hotel, Indonesia.
Capt. Stanley Ng, PAL presidents and CEO said during the stakeholder's meeting at the Baguio Country Club that they will be ready to fly their newest Bombardier Q400 turboprop and dual-class airplaine when safety audit of the Loakan Airport is done.
PAL is planning a four times a week flight, a 9:20 AM departure from Cebu and arrival by 11.20AM in Baguio city. A return flight is also expected by 1:20 PM on the same day, according to Bud Britanico, PAL vice president for sales.
Mayor Magalong expressed his gratitude to the Department of Transportation under Secretary Jaime Bautista for its commitment in improving the airport and helping the city government's economic recovery efforts.
Magalong is hopeful that the opening of the Loakan Airport will spur economic recovery of the city and would also encourage other airline companies like Cebu Pacific to cater air travel to the city.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Jefferson R. Coronado via Highlandtribune |
Cordillera - A Cordilleran artist from Baguio brought honor to the city when he bagged 2 gold medals and one bronze medal during the recently concluded 25th Annual Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Anaheim, California U.S.A. from July 22 - 30, 2022.
Jefferson R. Coronado, a resident of Hillside barangay in Baguio took home two gold medals in WCOPA broadway category and the original work category.
He also won bronze medal in the group production category together with Team Philippines including a semi-finalist pin.
Coronado, an alumnus of Saint Louis University-Glee Club and a vocalist of Baguio's premier pop/jazz band was among the 60 Filipinos who competed in the event which was participated by 60 countries across the globe.
READ ALSO: Igorot BJMP officer bags 3 Gold Medals in Jiujitsu
Meanwhile, the city government of Baguio City has passed a resolution congratulating and commending Jefferson R. Coronado for bringing pride to the city.
"With such world-class and top-brass accolades, it is just but fitting and proper to award this commendation to Jefferson Coronado for his excellent achievement that has brought pride and glory to the City of Baguio," the resolution states.
READ ALSO: Cordilleran cop wins Gold and Silver medals in World Police and Fire Games 2022
WCOPA is an international competition program for seasoned and up and coming performers and entertainers held every year and judged by "Hollywood" industry professionals.
During the competition, Philippine team bagged a total of 265 awards and medals with 38 gold, 59 silver, and 85 bronze and 44 semifinalist medals, eight grand finalist medals, one scholarship, 29 division winner plaques, and one extraordinary national director plaque.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Nice Print Photography |
Cordillera - Filipina Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her long time coach Julius Naranjo tied the knot in the city of pines on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
The newly wed couple's photos has been shared online by Nice Print Photography and Exige Weddings.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Nice Print Photography |
“Today marks the first anniversary of our winning the Gold medal in the @olympics for the Philippines. And today also will be a memorable day for @imjulius and me, we will get married today,” Hidilyn posted on her Instagram.
"One year has passed since the historic Gold medal, here’s a recap of this historic moment. With what @hidilyndiaz and I accomplished last year, now it’s on to forever," Julius posted.
READ ALSO: Unique wedding in Benguet goes viral for using vegetable as decor
Earlier on Monday, Hidilyn and Julius paid a courtesy call to Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong at the Baguio City Hall.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Pinoy Aviators |
Also deployed were the Sikorsky S-70i Blackhawk twin-engine medium lift combat utility helicopter and the Sikorsky S-76 Air Ambulance twin-engine helicopter.
The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and further developed in Turkey, which is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot, high environments and adverse geographical conditions, both day and night.
The T129 ATAK is equipped with a 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon in a nose turret with 500 ammunitions capacity and up to 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support. The helicopter is also equipped with up to 8 UMTAS 160 mm long range anti-tank missiles, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles, 8 air launched Stinger short range air-to-air missiles.
The T129 ATAK helicopter also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capability in the battlefield. The electronic warfare and countermeasure systems of the helicopter features Radar Warning Receiver System (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer System (RFKS) and Laser Receiver System (LIAS) in addition to Warning System (FIS), Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS), IR (Infrared), and Countermeasure System.
Thanks to the management of the city government unit, Session Road is now close to the nature with its new look and new road designs.
Photos from Metro Pines shows a green lane for bikers and bookshelves and benches for book readers.
 |
| Bookshelf and benches at Session Road. Photo Courtesy || Metro Pines |
 |
| Green Lane for Bikers at Session Road. Photo Courtesy || Metro Pines |
 |
| Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO |
Cordillera - Here is another exciting spot for every turistas coming to Baguio City for relaxation - a beautiful ecopark right on the former Irisan dump site.
The former dumpsite converted to an ecological park with a budget of P17 million is set to be completed in 6 months.
Once completed, people will enjoy walking around the park which is decorated with different kind of flowers and plants.
Eugene Buyucan of the General Services Office said the ecopark will have cemented pathways, pave roads, parking spaces and huts made out of bamboos.
Browse some of the photos from the Baguio Public Information Office - FB
 |
| Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO |
 |
| Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO |
Photo Courtesy || baguio.gov.ph & LCP
Cordillera - The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has expressed its utmost support and unwavering faith in the leadership of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
LCP National President and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has sent a letter to Mayor Magalong lauding his leadership as the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) Contact Tracing Czar.
The LCP president said Magalong's comprehensive and systematic contact tracing approach empowers various local government units using Baguio's innovative ICT solutions.
“Under his clear direction as the city mayor, Baguio City managed to reduce their COVID-19 transmissions consistently. The city was allowed to gradually re-open its local economy while still following health protocols,” Leonardia said in his letter adding this was lauded nationwide as best practice.
Recently, Magalong was heavily criticized on social media for attending a social gathering wherein many believed the mayor had breach health protocols which then prompted him to resign as contract tracing czar.
The LCP commended Magalong for admitting his lapses and offering resignation saying such action according to LCP is an act of humility and integrity.
"We commend his strong commitment to accountability and justice that serves as a beacon of hope to his fellow city mayors and other public servants," the LCP letter reads.
source || JMS via Baguio Public Information Office FB.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Dexmar Comesario via Philippine Star |
On December 24, 2020, a passenger Mr. Dexmar Comesario has posted in his Facebook account a photo he took inside the taxi which says "Blessed Merry Christmas Enjoy Your Free Ride" written in a piece of white paper.
Comesario wrote: "Naglalakad kami pababa ng Ambiong Road. Since walang jeep, hirap sumakay. Then habang naglalakad, pinara namin si Kuya. Nag-stop siya tapos mga five minutes siguro bago ko napansin yung nakadikit sa upoan na "Blessed Merry Christmas Enjoy Your Free Ride."
He then noticed that the taxi meter was not turned on.
When they finally arrived at their destination, the taxi driver refused to receive their payment.
Comesario thanked the driver for his little way of sharing and celebrating Christmas.
"Kudos sa'yo kuya for sharing and celebrating Christmas with others in your own way. Thank you very much," Comesario said.
|
| Photo Courtesy || Charles Robinson |
Cordillera - The Bamboo Eco-park in Baguio City is a perfect spot for nature lovers as it offers tranquility brought by different species of tall bamboo trees.
The feeling of visiting the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan is only 30 minutes or so from the city center.
The towering bamboo trees at the Bamboo Eco-park in Pacdal, Baguio are perfect backdrops for your Facebook and Instagram photos.
Wooden paths are carefully put in place for visitors to walk in the middle of the thick bamboo trees.
Take a look at these stunning photos taken by Charles Robinson:
|
| Photo Courtesy || Charles Robinson |
|
| Photo Courtesy || Charles Robinson |
|
| Photo Courtesy || Charles Robinson |
The Bamboo Eco Park is now becoming a popular tourist destination in the city of pines.
The park is located at the St. Francis Xavier Seminary at Liteng, Pacdal, Baguio City. You can reach the park by private cars, jeepney or taxi.
If you wish to visit the place, the LGU of Pacdal reminds everyone to be mindful of not vandalizing the beautiful trees.
Photo Courtesy || UB
Cordillera - The University of Baguio received four (4) distinguished awards from Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) in the recently concluded 31st Annual General Assembly via zoom conference.
Moreover, PACUCOA conferred Level III Reaccredited Status to three programs-- BS Tourism Management, High School and the Science High School.
The three programs were accorded the distinction of being the FIRST to have been granted LEVEL III Reaccredited Status in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
These accomplishments and achievements of the University of Baguio once more testify to the University of Baguio’s unwavering commitment to quality and wholesome education.
source || UB
|
|
Photo Courtesy || Goldie Yabes via GMA |
Using normal make-up kit and a mirror, 21-year old Goldie Geanne Allawan Yabes was able to blend her entire face with the scenery of Burnham lake.
Yabes shares her amazing artwork on social media and has inspired many Filipino artists.
She also regularly upload videos of her doing make up tutorials on her YouTube channel.
Recently, Yabes became viral on social media and received praises from users after doing a camouflage face painting of the mountains and skies of Dampre, Floridablanca in Pampanga.
READ ALSO: Baguio makeup artist creates incredible illusion painting on her face.
Her incredible talent has been shared and featured by several websites and tv shows.
Yabes said in a statement that she was overwhelmed with the positive reactions of netizen about her artwork.
"This is so overwhelming and unexpected. I didn't expect that people would respond to my work this way," Yabes said.
|
|
Photo Courtesy || Grace Nabus & RCN London |
The Rising Star Awards recognise excellence in patient care, innovation, and leadership from London’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) nursing community. RCN London received more nominations than ever in 2020, a year that has seen nursing at forefront of London’s response to COVID-19.
This year’s winners were recognised for giving a voice to staff and patients, for empowering themselves or encouraging others to take action, and for showing compassion, innovation, and leadership. The winners work across a range of settings including in hospitals and out in the community, and in clinical areas such as critical care, paediatrics, mental health and end of life care.
Rising Star winner Grace Nabus of the Royal Hospital Chealsea said via PTV-Cordillera:
"I am pleased to have receive this award from the Royal College of Nursing here in London. It is totally unexpected. The award is taken me by surprise because I did not expect to be awarded for doing my job."
She said that the award was also an indication of the level of respect for Filipino nurses in the United Kingdom.
Filipino nurses in the U.K. has been known for hard work and dedication to their profession.
"It shows that we are valued as an individual in this profession. It also means that Filipino nurses are up there among the very best in the world. I know that because I've been witness to the care and dedication of Filipino colleague," Nabus added.
Congratulations ma'am Grace Nabus
Photo Courtesy || BBCCC
Cordillera - The Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative (BBCCC) was declared winner in the 2020 ASEAN BUSINESS AWARD 2020 under "Combating Covid-19 category.
BBCCC was given the award for its important contributions to the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic thought the Asean region.
"With the Judging Committee's strict and fair working process based on comprehensive evaluation criteria developed by Deloitte Vietnam, we have come up with the final list and Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative is one of winners of this year's award", judges citation reads.
The Philippines has accounted the largest number of awardees from a single country of which 13 out of 53 companies won awards.
Joey Conception, who chairs the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines was surprised to the result.
"I am pleasantly surprised by the turnout indicating the strong interest of the business community to participate in the awards. ABA is an excellent platform to bring local companies up to a regional standard, increase their competitiveness and strengthen cross-border collaboration," Conception said.
This year, ABA launched a new category - Combating Covid-19 to honor outstanding Southeast Asian business that contributed to the prevention of the pandemic.
Multisys Technologies Corp., led by David Almirol Jr.; Paymaya Philippines, led by Orlando Vea; and the Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative, led by Oscar Adversalo.
|
|
Photo Courtesy || DILG Cordillera |
The owner of the famous tourist spot's swan boats, Mrs. Vivian Celso, offered to to give the boats to be used by authorities and the search and rescue operations to affected residents in Cagayan.
Cagayan was suffering from mass flooding after Typhoon Ulysses struck the Philippines on November 11, 2020.
The Swan boats are ideal for rescue because it can carry 10 persons at a time and the hull is made up of fiberglass which is not easily punctured compared to rubber boats.
It can be recalled that Swan boats were also been deployed a decade ago in La Trinidad, Benguet to rescue residents stranded in their homes due to flood caused by Typhoon Peping.
The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and PRO-Cordillera brought the swan boats to Cagayan via Tabuk City in Kalinga.
The Burnham Park's Swan boats are now on its way of rescuing flood victims in Cagayan.
|
|
Photo Courtesy || Jayvee O. Moltio via BGMC Facebook |
The daughter of the patient expressed her gratitude especially to the health care workers who took care of her father. “God made you as an instrument. I hope that my father would be an inspiration to all COVID-19 patients,” she added.
Present during the send-off were Dr. Ricardo B. Runez Jr., Medical Center Chief, Dr. Ray P. Suanding, Chief Medical Professional Staff, Dr. Thea Pamela T. Cajulao, Adult Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Ray P. Aswat, attending Cardiologist, Dr. Larry C. Haya Jr., Emergency Department Head, and Joselito M. Datud, Chief Nurse.
During the ceremony, Dr. Runez stated that, "the discharge of the patient is a testament to our adaptation to the pandemic and striving towards resilience in our everyday life. A tribute is given to our doctors and nurses and the rest of the health care team for their dedication to work as translated to the challenges that were battled and surpassed.”
On the other hand, Dr. Cajulao reiterated that COVID-19 should not be taken lightly because most cases are mild but the number of severe and critical cases is increasing especially among the vulnerable population including the elderly and those with co-morbidities. “Our patient is a living proof that COVID-19 can be beaten. Remember that prevention is better than cure, but in instances that we cannot prevent it, early detection, treatment and isolation can help decrease the risk for mortality” she added.
As of writing, the hospital has admitted a total of 338 COVID-19 cases, 259 of them have already recovered while 63 are still active cases. There were 16 deaths, three of whom were dead on arrival.
A dance number was performed by the Infectious Disease Nurses headed by their Nurse Supervisor Czarina T. Mendoza. The centenarian now serves as an epitome of a COVID fighter in the City of Baguio and the Cordillera Region. Despite all the difficulties during his admission, he was able to prove that age is just a number.
source || Alberto T. Cuilan III via BGMC Facebook page
|
|
Photo Courtesy || Caniezo Hongitan |
Resty Camolo Bansag, a driver plying the Baguio-Itogon route used recycled juice packs as protective dividers for his jeep.
READ ALSO: A family in Kapangan builds beautiful fence using hundreds of recycled plastic bottles
|
| Photo Courtesy || Caniezo Hongitan |
|
|
Photo Courtesy || Caniezo Hongitan |
Good job Mr. Bansag for coming up with a well functioning protective barriers.
Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...
