Photo Courtesy || FDG Stages, Gorgeous George, IcordilleraKid.ak, The Igorota Vlogger, Vagabond Igorot |
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
5 Amazing Igorot Vloggers/YouTubers you should subscribe to
Friday, January 1, 2021
Three Cordillerans graduated from Officer Candidate Course (OCC) “Baghawian” Class 54-2020
Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army |
Cordillera - Three (3) Cordillerans graduated from Officer Candidate Course (OCC) “Baghawian” Class 54-2020 on December 22, 2020 at the Officer Candidate School, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac and they are:
1. P2LT Chariser Mari Macasing PA – Balbalan, Kalinga
2. P2LT Paul Anthony G Gavino PA – Tabuk City, Kalinga
3. P2LT Melvin B Pocdihon PA – Baguio City, Benguet
READ ALSO: Proud iKalinga is Top 2 in Officer Candidate Course (OCC) “Baghawian” Class 54-2020
P2LT Chariser Mari Macasing PA graduated with flying colors. She received the Heneral Antonio Luna Kampilan ng Kahusayan for graduating as the Top 2 with a general average of 92.12% in a class of 153 Officer Candidates. She also received the Plake ng Lakas ng Lahing Kayumangi for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test (PFT) with a general average of 97.70%. The PFT is a tool to measure the Officer Candidates strength in push-up, sit-up and 3.2-kilometer run. Indeed, she showed that in a profession dominated by men, a woman can be the number 1.
The OCC is a one-year course that hones individuals to become mentally, physically, and emotionally trained future leaders of the Philippine Army. These individuals were among the many aspirants who applied but only the cream of the crop were recruited to undergo the OCC. Upon completion of the course, the graduates will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Philippine Army.
The Commanding General, Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana PA graced the graduation as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. There were 153 Baghawian members comprised of licensed and registered professionals from different educational profiles and ethnic groups, 117 were males and 36 were females.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation ceremony is not allowed to be attended by the public and was only witnessed via live streaming.
“Baghawian” stands for Brave Army of God Heroes with Audacity Wisdom and Integrity in Achieving National Pride.
source || Philippine Army
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Army installs Cordilleran soldier from Abra as the new Battalion Commander of 3IB
Photo Courtesy || Jay Jay Tayamen via abrenean.com FB |
READ ALSO: Cordilleran soldiers sought-after in Mindanao because "they are full of courage and they don't complain" - PCO Asec. Banaag
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
DSWD Sec. Bautista admires the culture of Cordillera: "Hangga't kaya nila ay hindi sila nanghihingi"
Photo Courtesy || PIA-Cordillera |
source || PIA Cordillera || theigorotdigest.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Igorota Policewoman is one of Most Influential Women in Asia
Photo Courtesy || PCI Kimberly E. Molitas |
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Canadian working in an airline wrote heartwarming message about the Igorots
"Hey Kulas. I could not have said it better myself. I'm Canadian just like you and I traveled the world as I work for an airline. After visiting the Philippines and particularly the Cordilleras region and meeting the Igorots there, I must agree 100% with you. These people work so incredibly hard under incredibly harsh condition and they get so little of their labor. Yes, they are discriminated against by some but also admired by others like you and me and many others. I have, like you, taken the time to talk with them, eat with them, listen to them and live with them in their humble house. I ate their food. Danced their dances. Laughed with them, listen to them and cried with them. Yes they are shy. But once they get to know you they will open their arms and give you everything they can to make you feel welcome just like the Chilean people who also are similar to them.
I love the Cordilleras region and I LOVE, RESPECT, AND LOVE and ADMIRE what they do. So of all places, I decided to build a house in Benguet, in Besang close to Kabayan. I love it there. I love the peaceful people there. The children are so different than the children in Canada. The children who walk through mud, trails, mountains, rivers for hours in the rain and sometimes typhoon to go to school and back. No bus to take them there. Only the flip flops on their feet. But this is what makes strong people. People with character. People with values. People who appreciate what they have because they work so freakin hard to get it. So I'll live with them when I retire. I'll love them more this way and try to help them feel loved and appreciated.
Thank you Kulas for all your blogs about the Philippines. Becoming Philippino is indeed becoming kind, polite, respectful and loving. I hope to meet you in person one day and invite you to my house in Besang and meet my family there. Some are farmers and some are teachers, nurses, doctors and engineers. Yes some of them pursued their studies at the university in Baguio and became professionals at a cost that seems impossible to understand. I cried then and still cry now when I think about the sacrifices these people made to get where they are today.
Filipinos, I can say with no hesitation, are the most polite and loving respectful and enduring people I have ever met. I decided to live with them because I love them and they love me. Keep doing what you are doing Kulas. I'll continue to watch you with them as you become Filipino, just like I am. God bless you. God bless the Philippines. God bless the Igorots.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Getting to know Igorot Roque Daligan Belino of "Idol Philippines"
Growing up with a usual Igorot childhood, he was acculturated with the rich heritage and tradition like wearing the "wanes" by himself, playing and dancing with the beat of "gangsa", and being raised with the moral values not to mention the principles of "lawa" and "inayan."
He shared that he eventually stopped attending college to work full time but if given the chance, he wants to finish a degree. He is a miner by day and play few gigs at night in Baguio City until opportunity stepped in through the competition.
Witnessing such potentials and being a fan of many talented people from Cordillera, he also hopes that more of them will be discovered and be featured as well.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Apayao PMA graduates encourage fellow youth to follow their footsteps
Photo courtesy: RMC-PIA CAR |
Navy Ensign Mike Tugaoen Photo courtesy: RMC-PIA CAR |
His desire to become a soldier of the country's armed forces to defend the people and the country came about with the history of his hometown in Marag Valley which was once called "no man's land". This was back in the 1970's when the New People's Army (NPA) took the Valley as their stronghold.
2nd Lieutenant Dexter Tucrang Photo courtesy: RMC-PIA CAR |
source || PIA
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Fearless and courageous young Igorota girl saves a child from an evil molester
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
9 Cordilleran policemen receive award for their hard work, cooperation and perseverance
Photo Courtesy || PIA - CAR |
TRENDING: NAPOLCOM says Cordilleran cops among most disciplined law enforcers in the country
READ ALSO:
Cordilleran Police Chief Supt. Empiso is the new head of PNP Special Action Force (SAF)
Ibaloi PNP-SAF presented exemplary award by President Duterte
source || news.mb.com
Monday, December 17, 2018
He died a hero: Igor drowns while saving two boys and his girlfriend drifting out to sea of La Union
Photo Courtesy || Pearl Alvarez FB |
He was identified as Igor Sebio Donga-el, 29-year-old and a local resident of Pico La Trinidad, Benguet.
Donga-el, a member of Team Lakay died last night on a beach where the team had gone to celebrate their advance Christmas Party.
"I looked closer to what was happening and was shocked to see three (2 boys, 1 lady) people going further and further away into the deep sea. I turned my back around, shouted for help along with others," Pearl Alvarez said on a Facebook post.
Many rescuers including residents and surfers nearby heeded to the call and came rushing to help.
Two boys and one lady (his girlfriend )were safely brought to the shore except Igor. His girlfriend went looking for him but she was told that only three of them made it to the shore. She didn't believe it because Igor was there carrying her, trying to make her float.
One of the boy said that Igor tried to keep him afloat by pushing his feet from under the sea and then disappeared.
When they can't find Igor, some good hearted residents rushed in the middle of the sea to check on him, according to Alvarez.
After several minutes of looking and waiting for Igor, the sea brought him back lifeless.
Igor was brought to the nearest hospital but he was not able to survived.
Read Also:
Team Lakay's Edward Kelly turns entrepreneur: Invests earnings in water refilling business
Igorot Champ Eduard Folayang VS. former UFC Champ Eddie Alvarez | Possible matchup in 2019
Team Lakay Coach Mark Sangiao wrote an encouraging message for Igor.
"Igor, you taught us a very important lesson in life. "Nothing defeats the purpose of life when it ends for the purpose of sparing live. "You are a warrior, you are a hero," Sangiao wrote in his FB account.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Cordilleran Pride and Igorota Queen Ms. Joemay Leo vying for Miss World Philippines
Photo Courtesy: OfficialPage Joemay Leo FB Page |
Joemay Leo, a proud Igorota from Tuba, Benguet will have this wonderful chance to showcase the Cordilleran culture and tradition to the world as she was included to the official list of candidates of this year's prestigious Miss World Philippines.
A graduate from the University of Baguio, 22-year-old Leo has won numerous awards in the beauty pageants industry which includes Miss Tuba 2014, Miss Benguet 2014 first runner-up, Miss Baguio 2015 third runner up.
Miss Leo is also the reigning Miss Cordillera and currently serving as SK Kagawad in her local Barangay.
The Miss World Philippines is a beauty pageant in the country with a goal of selecting the country's representative for the Miss World contest.
The pageant has officially begun and the competition will come alive on 7 October 2018 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines.
Winner of the contest will succeed the currently Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehmann and will be crowned as the Miss World Philippines 2018 and finally to represent the Philippines in the international beauty pageant.
Watch: Banaue Rice Terraces featured in National Geographic YT Channel
Published on September 1, 2018, the video has now over 44,000 views and counting. The channel described Banaue Rice Terraces as a preserved cultural landscape that was passed down for 2,000 years.
Here is the additional description from National Geographic:
"A living cultural landscape is nestled into the remote slopes of the Cordillera mountain range in the Philippines. It serves as an example of sustainable agriculture with traditional techniques. For 2,000 years the mountains of Ifugao province have been cultivated with terraced fields that climb thousands of feet. These fields, and the knowledge to farm them, have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. They have long been central to the survival of the Ifugao peoples but they also occupy a central importance within their culture. Entire communities cooperate on seasonal systems of planting, pest control, and harvest. The coordinated efforts are tied to lunar cycles and sometimes accompanied with religious rituals. The UNESCO site encompasses five different clusters of rice terraces in the area. The Banaue Rice Terraces are the most famous of the lot. Banaue is approximately 230 miles north of Manila, and buses depart daily from the capital. It can take up to ten hours to make it up the mountainous terrain to the rice fields."Watch the video below:
video credit: National Geographic
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Canadian vlogger says Sagada and Kalinga are the most beautiful places he had visited in the Philippines
Photo Courtesy || Becoming Filipino FB |
Cordillera - A triumphant and memorable journey from the south all the way to the north passing through seas and mountains, Kyle Jennerman or popularly known as 'Kulas' had successfully concluded his road adventure in Batanes using his motorcycle he named 'Cindy'.
READ ALSO: Canadian vlogger "Kulas" admires the toughness of the Igorots and had a message to people discriminating them
READ ALSO: WATCH: Canadian Vlogger "Kulas" travels to the vegetable terraces in Atok, Benguet
Sunday, January 7, 2018
President Duterte added two more Cordillerans to join his cabinet
Two Cordillera presidential appointees. Photo Credits: Magalong twitter || Abrenian Fb page. |
Thursday, September 28, 2017
MUST READ: Five reasons you must be proud as an IGOROT
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.
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 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.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Museo Kordilyera in Baguio lets you time travel to the past and learn the rich culture of the Igorots
Since its official launching in February this year, the first ethnographic museum in the north has now been opened for visitors who want to have a glimpse on the rich culture of the Cordillera people through exhibits and displays of their ancient and treasured material culture.
The Museo Kordileyera was built not only to showcase the different indigenous culture of Cordillera but " dedicated to the preservation and enrichment" of them.
The museum is a good venue for anyone who wants to have an understanding and learn the identity and culture of the Indigenous people of the Cordillera and Northern Luzon.
If you want to know and learn the method of tattooing "Batok" done in Ifugao, know what a "hagabi" looks like, come face to face with a "Kadangyan" then head to this museum.
The museum is situated inside UP-Baguio campus, just a 5-minute walk from Victory Liner bus station. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday at 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Admission Fee for adult is only P60 and P30 for student.
Click to Enlarge |