Three honest kids in Ifugao praised for returning lost bag containing cash

Photo Courtesy || PNP Ifugao Hingyon

Cordillera - Three honest kids in Ifugao province returned a lost bag containing cash they found to the police station and later given to the owner. 

These three good-hearted kids were definitely taught by their parents the value of honesty at a very young age. 

The kids could have kept the money or used it to buy things they wanted but they have decided to turn it over to the police station in Hingyon, Ifugao. 

Recently, the Facebook page of PNP Ifugao Hingyon has shared the good deeds of these three kids. 

The post says, "A lost belt bag containing cash found along Paypay, Poblacion, Hingyon, Ifugao was turned-over to this office by three good Samaritans of the day namely: Dexter Lagmoy, Bryson Dagumay and Zaijan Dagumay, all residents of Poblacion, Hingyon, Ifugao. Thanks to these little but responsible kids of Poblacion. God bless you a thousand fold. 

Netizens were quick to appreciate and commend the honesty of these three kids. 

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Ifugao Hingyon

A Facebook user said, " Those kids were well raised by their families. Bless their hearts for their good deed. There reward will be a thousand folds."

"This is a proof that when kids are taught the right way, they will carry out those good attitudes through out, kudos to the parents of the kids! God bless kiddos, God bless Ifugao people," one user commented. 

"God bless these three honest boys.. you are the pride of your parents.. keep up the good traits in your being honest, discipline and kind-hearted children.. you have set a good example to others and worthy to be followed." another netizen wrote. 

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Police in Kiangan, Ifugao donates hazard pay to provide relief packs to 32 indigent families

Photo Courtesy || Kiangan Municipal Pulis Station

KIANGAN MPS, Ifugao (April 26) [PRESS RELEASE] - Police Major Edgar L. Tapo, Chief of Police of Kiangan Municipal Police Station (MPS) donated his hazard pay to provide relief packs to the 32 indigent families affected by COVID-19 pandemic living in the remote areas at Barangay Julongan, Kiangan, Ifugao this Sunday morning, April 26, 2020.

Breakdown of the families benefited from the distribution of relief packs are as follows: 

Sitio Motwa-on - 4 families

Sitio Iyak - 2 families

Sitios Pulitang and Nuntu-ul - 8 families

Sition Banaguy and Tikma - 2 families

Sitio Muyyung - 2 families

Sito Gayum-ud 1 family

Sitio Bilid - 1 family

Sitio Manuling - 1 family

Sitio Pud-awan - 3 families

Sitio Wingiyon - 8 families

Each family received relief pack containing rice, sugar, coffee, salt, can goods, dried fish, and bread. The relief packs given to them will augment their daily basic needs in order to survive with this pandemic crisis.

The distribution of relief packs is anchored to the PNP Adopt A Family "Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko!" program which aims to help indigent families who are greatly affected by this public health emergency crisis.

Meanwhile, other personnel who joined the distribution of relief packs were Police Senior Master Sergeant Edward P. Belingon, Police Staff Sergeant Keilyn B. Ballacay, Police Corporal Donabel T. Immadpang, Police Corporal Errickson H. Baglan, Patrolman Mark Hil M. Habawel, and NUP Jessica B. Olnangon. 

The team was assisted by three barangay officials of Julongan namely, Kagawad Eddie Agustin, Kagawad Filemon Guimbongan Jr, and Kagawad Romy Tuguinay.

Source || Kianga Muncipal Pulis Station

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Ifugao Scout Ranger Officer Ruben Guinolbay recommended AFP Medal of Valor

Photo Courtesy || Youlike Cordillera & Capt. Guinolbay

Cordillera - Captain Ruben Buyucan Guinolbay, who lead the 70 men Scout Rangers in defending the town of Lamitan from the deadly attack of the Abusayaf group back in 2001, was recommended for a Medal of Valor, the country's highest military award. 

He was also responsible for leading his men in the successful rescue of Father Nacorda who was held hostage by the group in 2001. 

The Cordilleran captain who traces his roots from Boliwong, Lagawae, Ifugao was awarded Medal of Valor for displaying courage and leadership in defending and saving the lives of the people of Lamitan, Basilan.

Capt. Guinolbay bravery in battle was never forgotten. 

During the heavy battle in Lamitan, 4 of his Rangers were killed and several were wounded. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Captain awarded 'Distinguised Conduct Star' medal by President Duterte

Guinolbay personally dragged many of his men to safety and ministered to the wounded. All 4 of his men died in his shoulder and 3 of them asked his permission to die and the last Ranger who was hit in the head was carried by Capt. Guinolbay and while putting back the spilling brains of the dead Ranger in his own pocket while's he's shouting and giving instructions to his men to gain morale in combat.

Capt. Guinolbay did not order his men to hold the line instead he ordered constant attack to the enemies while standing alone in the battle ground to show his men that the snipers and the mortars of the enemy will not hit him, according to Carlito Pablo or Inquirer.

"Hindi na iba sa akin yung mga tao ko, kapamilya na ang turing ko sa kanila, magkasama na kami sa hirap at ginhawa. Ang pinakamasakit sa lahat at yung mamatay na yung tao mo tapos ang unang tatawagin ay ang opisyal nya tapos sasabihin sayo na: Sir kahit anong mangyari, paparatingin niyo ang katawan ko sa pamilya ko!," said Capt. Guinolbay.

READ ALSO: Heroic story of Herbert D. Dilag - The Cordilleran soldier who received the highest award in the AFP

Capt. Guinolbay was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 94. 

He completed his Scout Ranger Course and became the Top 1 of his Class. He was later sent to Fort Benning in America to train in one of the best Airborne Rangers School. 

source || Carlito Pablo; Inquirer.

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Stranded tourists in Banaue turn Community Quarantine into an unforgettable farm experience

Photo Courtesy || Sherwin Lee

Cordillera - Instead of worrying about what will happen to them in Cordillera due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine, these tourists decided to experience farming by helping locals in a farm. 

In a Facebook post by Sherwin Lee, two young tourists were seen transplanting rice seedling somewhere in Banaue, Ifugao. 

These tourists see the positive side of the ECQ and took the chance to learn how Cordillerans live and provide food to their families.

Netizens were delighted to notice the tourist and commended them for turning the ECQ into a unforgettable farm experience. 

"It's ok to be stranded in the province rather than Manila. There are lots of adventure and experience that will never be forgotten... Your experience will teach you how to survive in any crisis," a netizen wrote.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran farmers choose generosity over profit; Sell veggies for less to help government in relief operation

Netizen Christopher Calyaen said, "That's the good thing these virus send because tourist can learn from us on how we live and do our sources in life. We have to see the positive side of these ECQ. In other Cordillera places they enjoyed farming and do the usual things as they plant in the farm. While in urban they are fighting cock and full of covid mouth. Kudos to the tourist it's praticum time to plant rice and learn more."

Another netizen is inviting to the two tourists to come back after 4 months to experience harvesting the rice they had planted.

READ ALSO: Sadanga, Mountain Province refuses food packs, donates it to less fortunate instead

"Memories to tell in your home country. Come back after 4 months for the harvest time to complete the fun," Fely Pangwi said.

In Ifugao, There is a tradition called "Urpi", the planting season in Banaue where in only women are assigned to sow the rice seedlings for reason of fertility and good harvest, according to netizen Corazon Nacionales.

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Baguio cop donates his one month salary to stranded students in the city of Baguio

Cordillera - Knowing the needs of his kailyans, mostly students who are stranded in Baguio during the community quarantine, a  Baguio cop decided to donate his one month salary for them to have cash to buy for essential needs. 

Hagabi Bilibli, a native of Kiangan, Ifugao and a member of the Special Action Force (SWAT) teamed up with his fellow iKiangans to pitch in for relief goods to the stranded student. 

They were able to distribute food packs and one thousand pesos (P1,000) each to the students. 

Such generosity exists among Cordillerans. They possess the willingness and motivation to sacrifice some of their money to help those who needed the most.

They are not rich like the country's tycoons but they have big hearts to help in any way they can to help their fellow human beings. 

We are very grateful to sir Bilibli, Eng. Oliver Wansi Isnaw OJ (his brothers and sisters), to Ma'am Michele Talosig Lamsen Mitchiko, manang Salva Bilibli from UK, sir Hagiyo Atade and Golly Dulnuan for you contributions and donations to our kailyans. 

Our Kailyans will always remember your generosity and efforts that despite the hardship caused by this global pandemic, you have found time to extend your assistance. 

May the Lord bless and protect you all the time.

source || YouLike Cordillera PH

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OFW in Japan donates his one month salary worth P100,000 to Banaue, Ifugao

Photo Courtesy || Daniel Mongolnon

Cordillera - A generous overseas Filipino working in Japan has donated his one month salary worth 225,000 Japanese Yen to his townmates in Banaue, Ifugao. 

Daniel Mongolnon, a native of Banaue and currently working as an OFW in Nagoya, Japan has posted a short video of his response to the call of billionaire Francis Leo Marcos to do the "Mayaman Challenge" which is urging the rich and famous Filipinos to help their hungry countrymen. 

"Sir Francis Leo Marcos, tinatanggap ko po ang iyong hamon. Isa po akong OFW dito sa Japan. Idodonate ko po ang isang buwan kong sahod sa aking mga kababayan sa Banaue, Ifugao," Mongolnon said. 

Mongolnon hopes that his donation helps his countrymen cope with the covid-19 crisis.

"Bale ho one hundred thousand (P100,000) po ito in Philippine money. Nawa'y makatulong po itong konting pera sa aking mga kababayan sa gitna ng krisis na ating kinahaharap," he added.

Mongolnon was among the Filipinos who responded to the call of helping the poor who were badly affected by the enhanced community quarantine being imposed in Luzon. 

Meanwhile, netizens expressed their admiration to the good deeds of Mr. Mongolnon. 

"Thank you sir Daniel M. for your wonderful and big heart to have this kind of help to many people especially now that we are facing an extreme crisis... May the Lord bless you and your love ones. To God be the glory," one netizen wrote.

"Snappy salute to you sir boss Daniel... May you live long, blessing and prosperity to all of us," another one commented. 

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12-year old kid from Ifugao wins gold medal in badminton in France.

Photo Courtesy || Yaakov Tun

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran young lady from Ifugao wins gold medal in an international badminton competition held in Strasbourg, France last month. 

12-year old Inwaya Tundagui, a daughter of Jacob Tundagui of Hingyon and Irish Dimple Tundague of Quirio won gold in the Perfly French International Borders UI3 in France.

Although, Tundagui does not represent the Philippines in the competition, she still showed to the world that she is proud Ifugao by bannering her 'Tundagui' name printed on her shirt. 

Tundagui is set to compete again in another international competition on April 11 to April 13, 2020 in Edegem, Belgium. 

She will be competing for the trophy against various athletes from different countries.

Congratulations Inwaya Tundagui and Good Luck to your next competition.

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Boxing experts and fans believed this 20-year old Ifugao boxer is the next Manny Pacquaio

Photo Courtesy || Carl James Martin & Manny Pacquiao FB

Cordillera - Philippine's boxing icon and now senator Manny Pacquiao of General Santos City has put the Philippines on the map of the greatest world boxers of all time with the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson and more.

Pacquaio is a legend in boxing as he was bestowed the "Fighter of the Decade" by the Boxing Association of America and hailed "Fighter of the Year" by The Ring magazine for three times.

A young prospect from the province of Ifugao in Cordillera was considered by boxing experts and fans to become the next Manny Pacquaio once the legend has decided to finally hang up his gloves for good.

Watch Martin's latest fight against Cuerdo.

20-year old Carl James Martin slowly rose to the forefront of boxing when he defeated 14 opponents of his 15 fights via an impressive knockout.

Martin, who hails from Lagawe, Ifugao is believed to be the next Philippine boxing icon like Pacquiao according to former two-division world boxing champion and now trainer Gerry Peñalosa. 

"The kid has talent and charisma. He has the right materials to be the next Filipino boxing hero. Carl is explosive and left-handed," Peñalosa said.

"He reminds me of the young Manny and has tremendous power. He has potential," he added. 

Martin has never been defeated in his 15 bouts and currently reigns as the World Boxing Organization Oriental Youth bantamweight champion when he defeated Hashimuro Zuberi of Tanzania in 2018. 

In 2017, Martin took the Interim World Boxing Council and Asian Boxing Council Continental bantamweight crown after beating Artid Bamrunguea of Thailand. 

Martin accomplishment in boxing has prompted his father and trainer Abel to compare him to Senator Pacquiao.

"Carl fights like Senator Manny... Like the legendary Manny Pacquaio, he has power, speed, and great footwork. He also likes to throw a lot of punches. In my view, he is a complete boxer," Abel said.

Watch another fight of Carl James Martin.

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Ifugao never fails to amaze: shows double rainbow to tourist

Photo Courtesy || Rochelle H. Dañguilan

Cordillera - This couple who visited Batad, Ifugao is very lucky to have spotted rare double rainbow right on their hotel's balcony. 

A short video footage posted on Facebook by Rochelle H. Dañguilan on January 11, 2020 shows a perfect double rainbow extending from the other side of the mountain to the base of a rice terraces. 

"Double Rainbow in Batad, Ifugao. A little teaser from our 5th anniversary and Mr. D's birthday adventure. Thank you Lord for this amazing gift. We love it," Dañguilan said. 

Yes, indeed, the couple was very blessed to have witnessed this wonderful view right on the scenic Batad rice terraces on their anniversary. 

Occurrence of a double rainbow is relatively common, especially at time when the sun is low in the sky such as in the early morning or late afternoon.

It is formed when sunlight is reflected twice within a raindrop with the violet light that reaches the viewer's eye coming from the higher raindrops and the red light from lower raindrops.

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Criminology grad from Ifugao ranks 7th in Criminology Licensure Exam

Cordillera - A graduate from the Ifugao State University (IFSU) was among the topnochers in the November 2019 Criminology Examinations, according to the results published by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on January 8, 2019. 

Franie Buyayo Bumilao from Kiangan, Ifugao ranked 7th with a score of 90.10 percent. 

Meanwhile, four universities and colleges in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were among  the top performing schools. 

These are Kings College of the Philippine - Top 3; University of the Cordilleras - Top 4; University of Baguio - Top 7; Ifugao State University - Top 8.

Fahadale Saripada Abbas, a graduate of John Paul II College in Davao City ranked top 1 in the list with a score of 91.20 percent. 

He was followed by John Patrick Aguado Privado, a graduate of Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (Manila) in the 2nd spot with a score of 90.75 percent and Aldrin Abata Aquino of the University of Cagayan Valley in the 3rd spot with 90.5 percent score.

According to PRC which administered the exam, there were 19,191 out of 43,512 who passed the examinations that took place last November 2019. 

The exam was conducted in different testing centers in the country including Manila, Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Tacloban and Tuguegarao.

Send your congratulations to Ms. Franie Buyayo Bumilao in the comment box below and don't forget to share this post in Facebook. 

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Meet Rambo - Batad's friendliest and intelligent four-legged tour guide

Photo Courtesy || Department of Tourism

Cordillera - Are you planning to take a vacation or a trip to the most beautiful place in Cordillera, the majestic rice terraces of Batad in Ifugao? There is a chance you'll meet Rambo, the four-legged intelligent dog standing by waiting for you and ready to tour you around.

At Batad rice terraces, Rambo is known for helping tourists by becoming a tour guide. Rambo knows well about the top spots in Batad and he can guide tourists go to these places. 

The trusty canine will walk you through centuries-old terraces, passing by traditional huts where you can catch stories of folklore from friendly locals, according to the Department of Tourism. 

In fact, Rambo became the town's unofficial cultural ambassador for helping in the preservation of Ifugao old traditions. 

Ramon Vinaled, the master of Rambo and the owner and manager of Ramon Homestay said that Rambo learned to guide tourist since he was still young.

"When Rambo was still young, he goes with me anywhere I go, he learned from there. Then later, without me, he goes with the other tour guide until he knows what to do, he just follow," Ramon Vinaled said.

Rambo is very friendly like the locals too. When he sees guest walking around, he goes and accompany them towards their destination. Along the way, Rambo waits patiently for the guests to rest and always stayed with them.

The 10-year-old Rambo can be found at the drop off point in Batad.

You can ask Rambo to guide you for free, but don't forget to give him the best treats he deserves.

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Tappiya Waterfalls in Ifugao is one of the world's best waterfalls - The Guardian

Photo Courtesy || theguardian.com

Cordillera - The website Theguardian.com listed Tappiya Falls in the Cordillera region as one of the 20 Best Waterfalls in the World. 

The Guardian's Readers's Travel Tips gathers and compiles some of the best travel destinations from around the world from travelers who have personally visited and experienced these places.

One the best travel destination they have listed is the Tappiya Falls.

World travelers include Tappiya falls to be among the best together with the Aguafraggia Falls in Italy, the Gawa waterfalls in Austria, Swartiffos in Iceland, Baatara Gorge waterfall in Lebanon, the Gocta waterfall in Peru, the Snoqualimie in the U.S., the Nachi waterfall in Japan and others.

Tappiya falls is located in the small village of Batad in the province of Ifugao. 

READ ALSO: Sagada Coffee wins international award for the second time in Milan, Italy

Tourists who are looking for additional natural attraction to visit in Batad, apart from the stunning rice terraces can visit this waterfall. 

Traveler and Guardian contributor Laurence Britton wrote this description of the Tappiya Falls.

"In a valley of the Cordillera mountains, the journey to the Tappiya Falls involves making your way to the small village of Batad, among the Ifugao rice terraces, a Unesco world heritage site (390km north of Manila). Hiring a local guide costs between £8 - £16 to take you on a trek along the luscious green terraces carving along mountains before a 30-minute descent to the falls. Here, the water plummets 30 metres to a huge, refreshing pool to swim in and wash off the sweat from the hike. Tappiya's beauty isn't solely in the fall (stunning as they are), but the journey to get there: to the remote village, the phenomenal terraces, and the tricky descent." - Laurence Britton via theguardian.com

The waterfall can be visited throughout the year. It will take around 2 to 3 hours trek from Batad center down to the falls which can be found at the bottom of the terraces. 

Tourists can swim, rest for a while and take some photos and selfies with the beautiful scenery of the waterfall.

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Ifugao runner Maria Cecilia Kiswa - The first female to finish grueling 160-Kilometer race in Quezon

Photo Courtesy || Sandugo FB

Cordillera - Maria Cecilia Kiswa was among the top finishers in the recently concluded local running competition Sandugo Pacific Coast Ultra 100 held at General Nakar in Quezon last October 4 - 6.

Kiswa from Ifugao province was the first female champion to finish the 160K distance for the Sandugo Pacific Coast Ultra 100, 3rd Edition. 

Prior to participating in the Sandugo PCU this year, Kiswa maintained her winning streak in every racing competition making her one of the best female runners in the country. 

The 3rd Edition of the Sandugo Pacific Coast Ultra 100 took runners in a 100 mile footrace at the coastal town of General Nakar in the Province of Quezon. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Marathon Queen Christabel Martes among Filipinos who dominated the Laguna Phuket run

The Ultra trail running event's course passes through rolling hills, lush green forests, placid rivers and the town's pristine shoreline facing the Pacific Ocean. 

There are other Cordillerans who joined the race and emerged as top finishers.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran marathoner James Tellias successfully finishes most difficult trail run in France

Mankayan native Jovencio Luspian finished second in the male category of the 160-kilometer race.

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Cordilleran General appointed as the new commandant to cadets of the Philippine Military Academy

Cordillera - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has appointed new top officials for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) following the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio due to hazing. 

AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Noel Clement made an announcement on September 26 the appointment of Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr. as the new commandant of cadets of the Philippine Military Academy. 

Brig. Gen. Brawner Jr. is the son of the late and former Baguio and La Trinidad Regional Trial Court Judge and Commission on Election Commissioner, Justice Romeo Brawner Sr.

Brawner is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)  "MAKATAO" Class of 1989. 

He finished his elementary and secondary education at the Special Education Center and University of the Philippines (UP) College Baguio High School.

In 2013, he was awarded as one of the country's Most Outstanding Filipino soldier. 

The Baguio born soldier was pulled out of his assignment as the commander of Army's 103rd Brigade in Marawi City to become the new commandant replacing Brigadier General Bartoleme Bacarro.

As the new commandant of cadets, Brawner has declared war against hazing after the fatal death of a freshman cadet.

"As the new commandant of cadets, let me proclaim this: I am declaring a war on hazing. And I expect everyone under my jurisdiction, especially the Cadet Corps to tow the line," Brawner said. 

READ ALSO: Battle-tested Igorot Police Officer from Besao promoted the highest rank of PNPA class 1998

Brawner said that it is now time to change the mindset of some cadets regarding the culture of hazing instead, replace it by a culture of peace and culture of understanding. 

Brawner reminded all officers and cadets with a stern warning.

"If you are not willing to wage a war against hazing, then you better leave. There is no place for you in this organization and I mean business," Gen. Brawner added. 

WATCH: The Super Cops of Cordillera.

Photo Courtesy || Baeshora Aim Ace

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Young student from Ifugao awarded Most Outstanding Delegate in UN conference event

Photo Courtesy || Michah Dayag Salvador FB

Cordillera - When a young accountancy student was awarded the most outstanding delegate in a recently concluded Asia Youth International Model United Nations 2019 (AYIMUN) event held at Putrajaya International Convention Center in Malaysia, she was very happy and honored to had the award. 

The student was Michach Dayag Salvador, a student of Ifugao State University in Lagawe. 

Salvador, who hails from Kiangan was one of the 98 lucky delegates who was selected among 35214 applicants.

READ ALSO: High School student from Abra wins 3rd place at 5th World Robot Games in Thailand

Salvador said in a local TV interview that the AYIMUN conference helped her gain insights about the world and enable her to acquire knowledge that she can apply in her local community to help the youth .

READ ALSO: Highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System is now found in Tinoc, Ifugao - DPWH

Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) is an annual conference where young leaders from all over the world sit together in an assembly called Meeting Session and each of them will act as diplomats of the country they were assigned to. 

Photo Courtesy || Michah Dayag Salvador

Salvador was assigned to become the diplomat of Denmark and given the Myanmar Rohingya Crisis to tackle. 

READ ALSO: The Banaue Rice Terraces was built by the Ifugaos of Cordillera, NOT by the Chinese

AYIMUN 2019 with a theme Human Security in a Globalized World was participated by 1518 delegates from 85 countries from all over the world. 

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Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin to face "dangerous" Indian boxer in June 9

Photo Courtesy || Carl Martin "Wonder Boy" Martin FB.

Cordillera - Ifugao youngest boxing sensation Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin is set to face "dangerous" undefeated Indian boxer on June 9 at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City. 

Martin is undefeated with a record of 12 wins with all 11 wins came by way of technical knockout (TKO). 

The 20-year-old Martin's last fight was against the veteran Thai champion Pethchorhae Kokietgym who suffered a TKO in the third round during their encounter on February 16 at the SM City North Edsa. 

The hard-punching Martin is a native of Lagawe, Ifugao and had been training under his new coach and former world champion Gerry Penalosa. 

Martin was recently cited by the Ring Magazine as one of five Filipino prospects under the category "Keep An Eye On" and once compared to senator Manny Pacquao by Penalosa because of his explosiveness and left-handed punch.

"The kid has charisma. He's not hard to talk to. Carl is explosive and left-handed. He reminds me of Manny and has tremendous power."

Penalosa promised to keep testing and training Martin and hopefully will get a world title shot next year.

Martin currently holds the WBO Oriental Youth bantamweight title and the WBA Asia bantamweight championship. 

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Kiangan Homestay Association bags ASEAN Homestay Award 2019

Photo Courtesy || DOT Cordillera

Cordillera - The Kiangan Homestay Association were among the five recipients for the prestigious Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Homestay Award for 2019-2021.

The award is given by the ASEAN to groups which create a new brand of tourist experience showcasing local family traditions through affordable holiday.

According to PTVnews, a total of 36 tourism enterprises in the Philippine were recognized for meeting minimum requirements set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards in the Philippines. 

Rebecca Villanueva-Labit, director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) - Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation, said the DOT-organized award manifests the agency's commitment to sustainable tourism. 

"It also proves the capacity of our private and public partners to best itself and be consistent with the development of sustainable tourism activities, destinations, and practices," she said in a speech during the awarding in Manila on Friday. 

Recognized as ASEAN Community-based Tourism Standard Awardees are the Palaui Environmental Protectors Association from Cagayan Valley, the Tour Guide and Recreation Association, Inc from Rizal and the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association from Puerto Princesa. 

Meanwhile for the ASEAN Public Toilet Standards, four were given awards. These were G&B Restaurant, Nueva Viscaya; Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio City; Maramag Commercial Center B-LGU Maramag, Bukidnon; The SM Store CDO Downtown Premier, CDO. 

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Highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System is now found in Tinoc, Ifugao - DPWH

Photo Courtesy ||  Akiangan Manghi Fritzjannie via Cordillera Shoutouts FB

Cordillera - The Department of Public Works and Highways has verified the newly identified highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System according the the Department of Tourism Cordillera (DOT-CAR). 

The highest elevation can now be found in the Municipality of Tinoc, Ifugao along the Kiangan-Tinoc-Bugias Road. 

It has an elevation of 7,968.07 feet or 2,428.667 meters above sea level with the Geo-Location of 16.70168 degrees North Latitude and 120.88265 degrees East Longitude. 

This newly identified highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System has surpassed the Atok, Benguet highest peak of 7,400 feet above sea level. 

Field assessments were conducted along the said new highest elevation in Tinoc in January 2019 by the representatives from the Planning Service of DPWH Head Office, DPWH-CAR and Ifugao 1st DEO. 

The verification of the Tinoc, Ifugao highest elevation by the DPWH would pave way for tourists to visit the place and have a view of the beautiful road and the surrounding scenery. 

Those planning to visit the place can take Halsema highway route if you are coming from Baguio. Then take the Abatan-Loo-Lilit-Bot-an-Mansoyosoy-Lusab road until you reach the road where thick forest can be seen on the side of the road. 

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Two of the best Cordilleran World Bantamweight Champions come from Ifugao

Cordillera - The era of Philippine Mixed Martial Arts has begun and has been taking the center stage of the sports media nowadays. Thanks to all the Filipino fighters who put their time, effort and dedication to the sport. 

The Cordilleran martial artists are now making waves in major sport organizations like ONE Championship and Brave Combat Federation. 

ONE Championship promotion has Kevin Belingon who currently holds the World Bantamweight title while Brave Combat Federation has Stephen Loman who is also holding the same title.

Photo Courtesy || Brave Combat Federation

Both fighters are Cordillerans who happened to be from the same tribe, the Ifugao. They are both training under the stable of Benguet-based gym Team Lakay with multi-awarded coach Mark Sangiao.

Stephen "The Sniper" Loman is a passionate and dedicated fighter who will do all his best to win in every bout. He is an ultimate well-rounded fighter with powerful kicks and incredible hands. He has a lot of variety of weapons that he uses in his arsenal.

Loman is the first and only Brave Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion in the history of the promotion. He is currently on his sixth fight winning streak after defending his title against Frans Mlambo and Felipe Efrain back in 2018. 

This coming March 15, 2019, he will be defending his title against Elias Boudegzdame in the main event of Brave 22: Storm of Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

This is the first time Stephen will be fighting in front of his countrymen right in his own homeland. 

Meanwhile, his town mate Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon is one of the most exciting Filipino MMA fighter of ONE Championship because of his explosiveness and speed when he fights inside the cage. He is known for his powerful punches that when landed solid to his opponent, would be the end. 

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Belingon FB

Currently, Belingon holds the ONE Championship World Bantamweight title after grabbing it from the Brazilian fighter Bibiano Fernandes after their match in November last year. 

Belingon is set to face Fernandes for the 3rd time in the co-main event of ONE: A New Era on March 31 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan. 

The 31-year old Belingon showcased a lot of improvements during his last fight and is now in his seventh winning streak. 

The ONE: A New Era will also see the most anticipated fight in the main-event as ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang will defend his belt in a rematch with the Japanese martial arts icon Shinya Aoki.

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Congratulations: Cordilleran from Ifugao among top 10 of PNPA Class 2019

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Cordillera - The Philippine National Academy (PNPA) has released the official top 10 of SANSIKLAB Class 2019 who excelled in their four years of perseverance and determination to become member of the country's police force. 

Police Cadet Ferdinand Mark Haguiling Lagchana from Ifugao ranked top four of the graduating class. 

Cadet Lagchana grew up from the town of Mayoyao, Ifugao. He is 22 years old and  the youngest among his six siblings. 

His mother is a nurse and his father was a security guard. But according to Lagchana, his father passed away when he was 12 years old. 

Despite growing up without a father, Lagchana studied hard until he had a chance to enter the academy and now among the top 10 of the PNPA SANSIKLAB Class of 2019. 

Lagchana enrolled Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering but shifted to BS Criminology at Saint Mary's University, Bayombong Nueva Viscaya before joining the PNPA.

"Pumasok po ako dito sa Academy para po makatulong sa pamilya. Gusto ko pong makatapos ng pag aaral ng hindi ko po sila binabahala. Gusto ko pong maging pulis at gusto ko pong maging bahagi sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad sa ating bansa." ("I entered the Academy to help my family. I want to finish my study without giving too much pressure on them. I want to be a cop and I want to be part in the crack-down of criminality in the country.") Lagchana said during a press-conference. 

"I came from a family wherein three of my brothers are graduates of the PMMA. From there, I've witnessed the hardship of my brothers working in other countries for months leaving their families behind. This made me change course and had chosen to enter in the police service through PNPA," he added.

Fulfilling his dream in becoming a police, Lagchana is set to graduate on March 22 in Silang, Cavite together with other top 9 in the class. 

He will be awarded the top graduate of SANSIKLAB Class which stands "Sandigan ng Mamayan na may Sigasig na Itaguyud ang Kapayapaan at Ipaglaban ang Bayan. 

Below is the list of cadets who will receive the plaque of merits:

1. Cdt Jervis Allen Musni Ramos

2. Cdtte Merriefin Longcob Carisusa

3. Cdtte Mary Grace Mag-usara Pabilario

4. Cdt Ferdinand Mark Haguiling Lagchana

5. Cdt Christian Cuario Albus

6. Cdtte Janila Andrea Malejan Garan

7. Cdtte Ciara Ley Lustre Capule

8. Cdtte Marry Ann Balbuena De Los Santos

9. Cdtte Anna May Padroncillo Mangabo

10. Cdt Salvador Formanes Pidlaoan 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Captain Jovita G. Buclat feted OWLENSP award by President Duterte

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