LOOK: Pinoy artist creates P5000 bill inspired by Kalinga tattoo artist Apo Whang-od Oggay

Photo Courtesy || Michael Angelo Sarate

Cordillera - Filipino Artist Michael Angelo Sarate reveals on social media his P5000 paper bill art creation that was inspired by the legendary Kalinga tattoo artist Apo Whang-od Oggay. 

Sarate highlighted Apo Whang-od's remarkable accomplishments and contributions in the field of art.

"Taking inspiration from the recent masterpiece of Fashion Designer Mark Bumgarner, Michelle Dee’s evening gown, at the Miss Universe 2023, here’s another tribute to “a legendary Filipina who has become an icon, preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tattoo art.”", he wrote. 

The P5000 bill is in plain black color to denote the color of Whang-od's tribal tattoo ink which is made up of charcoal and water. 

The portrait of Apo Whang-od in the front of the bill is taken from Vogue Philippines' cover in the April 2023 issue. 

At the back of the bill is the photo of Padjao rice terraces located in Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga - the hometown of Whang-od. Buscalan became a popular tourist destination for adventurers and tattoo enthusiast coming from the different parts of the country and abroad. 

Along with the image of Buscalan, you can also see the Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus) a kind of eagle endemic to the Philippines and can be found on most of the major islands of the country except Palawan.

Also visible in the design concept's back in the Apo Whang-od doing her art of tattooing and a tattoo pattern painted vertically on edge of the bill.

Michael Sarate is self-taught graphic designer and content creator promoting tourist destination based in Iloilo. 

He also created a Php2000 paper bill inspired by the late Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

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Distinct Species of World's Largest Flower Discovered in Kalinga - Rafflesia Banaoana

Photo Courtesy || Cris Thorogood

Cordillera - Botanists from the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) have made a significant discovery in the world of botany by reinstating a species of Rafflesia, known for housing the world's largest flowers. This achievement is detailed in a recently published paper in Phytotaxa.

The species in question, Rafflesia banaoana, had previously been mistakenly identified as another species, R. leonardi. Through meticulous examination of previously overlooked characteristics, the scientists have conclusively demonstrated that these two species are distinct entities. This finding elevates the total count of Rafflesia species in the Philippines to fifteen.

Adriane Tobias, a forester and Rafflesia expert at UPLB, stressed the importance of careful observation of previously unexamined characteristics and ecological factors to avoid the oversight of similar but separate species.

According to the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum website, Rafflesia banaoana was initially documented by Professor Pastor Malabrigo Jr. in 2010, who was introduced to the plant by the Banao Indigenous Cultural Community in a remote forest in the Kalinga Province of northern Luzon in the Philippines. The species was named in honor of this community. The Rafflesia banaoana is an exceptionally rare flower, growing up to half a meter in diameter, and is known for its unpredictable and infrequent appearances.

The joint team from Oxford and Los Baños has been actively researching this enigmatic group of plants since 2019. They have conducted numerous expeditions across Luzon in the Philippines, as well as in Java and Sumatra, Indonesia, in their quest to study Rafflesia.

Dr. Chris Thorogood, Deputy Director and Head of Science at Oxford Botanic Garden, expressed the privilege of being part of this crucial work in collaboration with UPLB, emphasizing the pressing need to understand the diversity of these extraordinary plants, especially in the face of habitat destruction and species extinction.

The team plans to continue their collaborative efforts with scientists across Southeast Asia to further enhance our understanding of species limits, ecology, and evolution in the world's largest flowers.

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WATCH: A Thrilling but Dangerous Tram Ride Experience in Buscalan, Kalinga

Photo Courtesy || Jet Lau Rider

Cordillera - Have you ever considered adding a dash of adventure and thrill to your visit to Kalinga? 

Well, a group of curious tourists in the town of Buscalan certainly hadn't, until someone proposed an unconventional idea - a tram ride. 

Without a moment's hesitation, they decided to take the plunge into this unexpected adventure, and what ensued was a whirlwind of excitement they'd never forget.

The tram, a seemingly humble contraption, served an indispensable role in the lives of the locals. It bridged the gap between two sides of a formidable mountain, making journeys that would normally take them 30 minutes to an hour, as swift as a fleeting breeze, lasting just around a minute.

The mechanism was deceptively simple: sturdy metal cables securely anchored on both sides of the mountain, a rugged cage designed to haul goods, and a wheel-equipped car to set it all in motion. 

It was a marvel of ingenuity, a lifeline for transporting essential supplies across the challenging terrain.

However, a word of caution – this tram wasn't designed for human transport, and for good reason. Safety concerns loomed large, and it was not recommended for adventurous souls seeking a joyride. 

The tram was a lifeline, a thread connecting two worlds, a unique facet of life in Kalinga, but one best left to its intended purpose: the humble yet vital task of transporting goods.

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LOOK: Pinoy Artist transforms Apo Whang-od into a Stunning Young Lady

Photo Courtesy || Vogue and lowcostedit

Cordillera - In the vast world of art and technology, there are creators who can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. 

One such artist is the Filipino digital wizard known as "lowcostedit" on TikTok and Facebook. 

His recent masterpiece has taken the internet by storm, as he ingeniously transformed the iconic 106-year-old Filipino tattooist, Apo Whang-od, into a stunning young woman, leaving everyone in awe.

With the perfect blend of artistic talent and cutting-edge technology, lowcostedit worked his magic on Whang-od's old-age photo, skillfully eliminating all signs of aging. 

Wrinkles vanished, blackheads disappeared, and her once-fading colors returned with vibrant life. The result was a breathtaking, youthful beauty that no one could have imagined.

Apo Whang-od, a living legend from Kalinga, is celebrated as the oldest traditional tattooist in the Philippines. 

Her expertise lies in the ancient art of 'batok,' a unique hand-tapping technique using lemon tree thorns and charcoal soot. 

Her fame reached new heights when she was featured in Vogue magazine, an American fashion and lifestyle publication.

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INSPIRING: Former Ice Candy Vendor/Palamig Seller becomes a Judge of Atok-Tublay, Benguet

Photo Courtesy || James Abalos Fernandez

Cordillera - Here is a true inspiring story of Attorney James Abalos Fernandez who didn't give up on his dream of becoming a lawyer despite the financial hardship he experienced during his school days. 

Read Atty. Fernandez's inspiring story as he recounts his journey from being an ice candy vendor to becoming a municipal court judge in Tublay and Atok, Benguet.

"I was born to a poor family in our province, Kalinga. My father is a carpenter and my mother is an ambulant vendor. My father died when I was 10 years old. After his burial, I started selling ice candy in the neighborhood. This is so to help my mother in our daily expenses. From elementary to high school, I used to sell banana cue, barbeque, palamig, halu halu, lumpia and hot cake. I help my mama cook the food she sells in the neighborhood and other places near Bulanao to barter for rice or vegetables. My mother was a very industrious woman!

In college, I was also a working student. I was a grantee of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) during summer and became student assistant in our school library during school days in order for me to have money to use for my daily need.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran genius from Baguio becomes the youngest law graduate in the world, at age 18

I enrolled in law school while working as an employee of Baguio LGU particularly with the accounting office.

I passed the bar in 2014 and became a Public Attorney in 2016. Yesterday, March 20, 2023, we, the newly appointed MTC Judges, had our meet and greet with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. This is the beginning of my new journey!

READ ALSO:  Inspiring Story: Igorot security guard turns Attorney

I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me to be in this position right now especially to my Mom, my family and relatives, my bosses and colleagues in my work, acquaintances and to all my friends. I dedicate my success to my parents, who are now both in heaven. I hope I made you proud up there, Mama and Papa!

Of course I am very thankful to our Lord God who is always there keeping His promises to help, strengthen and uphold me."

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Baguio's Finest has new Chief from Tanudan, Kalinga

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera FB Page

Cordillera - Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) welcomed its new Chief, Police Colonel Francisco Bulwayan Jr. during the Turn-over of Command Ceremony held at the BCPO Multi-Purpose Hall, Baguio City on October 5, 2022.

PCOL. Bulwayan Jr., a native of Tanudan, Kalinga replaced fellow Cordilleran Police Colonel Glenn D. Lonogan who was assigned as the new Chief of Cordillera Regional Personnel and Records Management Division (RPRMD).

Prior to his new post, PCOL. Bulwayan was the former Chief of PRPMD and the Director of Tabuk City Police Station.

He is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy "Tanglaw-Lahi" Class of 1999.

Meanwhile, as he assumed his office, PCOL Bulwayan Jr. urged the men and women of Baguio CPO to work together for the attainment of a progressive and safe city.

“To the men and women of Baguio CPO, let us work together in ensuring the City as the safest place to reside, visit, work and do business….and I hereby swear that this designation whether long or short, shall be dedicated to serve and protect the people of Baguio,” PCOL BULWAYAN Jr. said.

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Miss Earth's Long Gown Competition to be held in Kalinga Province

Photo Courtesy || Miss Earth & Becoming Filipino

Cordillera - The beautiful province of Kalinga will be welcoming delegates of the Miss Earth 2022 as the local government of Kalinga has approved the hosting of the Miss Earth's Long Gown Competition on November 18-19, 2022.

The Provincial Local Government of Kalinga has agreed to host Miss Earth's Long Gown Competition to showcase Kalinga culture and boost the weaving and tourism industry of Kalinga.

Miss Earth is among the Big 4 international pageants for women which include Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International. 

As one of the major and most important beauty pageants in the world, Miss Earth will be a perfect avenue for Kalinga to be able to promote the province not only in the Philippines but in the world.

The province of Kalinga is one of the many places in the Philippines that still produces traditional Hand Woven Back-strap loom, such as traditional cloth for commercial and ritual activities, household decors, souvenirs, bags and accessories.

It is also the home of the legendary traditional tattoo artist Apo Whang-od of the Butbut tribe from Tingalayan, Kalinga.

The Miss Earth Pageant is an International Environmental Event channeling the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool to promote environmental awareness.

Apart from a strong emphasis on environmental protection programs, MISS EARTH also aims to showcase and promote various tourist destinations. Every year, more than 80 delegates from all over the world compete on beauty and knowledge of environmental issues.

The winner of Miss Earth will serve as the Ambassador to environmental protection campaigns worldwide.

Miss Earth continues to build its reputation as the most relevant and worthwhile beauty event in the world, setting a legacy of beauty and responsibility.

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Legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-od is recipient of the 1ST HIYAS AWARD for Indigenous Art

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines

Cordillera - Philippines's oldest surviving traditional tattoo artist, Apo Whang-od from the Butbut tribe in Kalinga is one of the recipients of the 1st HIyas Award for Indigenous Art to be conferred by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) this September.

The Hiyas Award gives recognition to deserving individuals and/or organizations in Luzon who have exemplified commendable work and services in cultural and artistic endeavors, and have been in the forefront of the research, development, preservation, education and promotion of arts and culture in Luzon for at least fifteen (15) years or more. 

The general criteria indicate that an awardee must have made exceptional accomplishments in creative work, leadership, resource management, education, artist support, audience development, community service, solidarity and partnership.

Apo Whang-od, in a confirmation of acceptance letter extends her gratitude in behalf of the Kalinga people for being selected as one of the awardees.

The 101 year-old Apo Whang-od has been practicing the traditional tattooing method since she was 15. She was declared as a national artist in the Philippines.

In 2017, she was nominated for the National Living Treasures Award (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) and conferred the Bantayog Award.

source || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines

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LOOK: iKalinga graduate receives bouquet of 1,000 peso bill worth P75,000 during graduation

Photo Courtesy || Xeena Apil

Cordillera - A student from Tabuk, Kalinga was surprised when she received a money bouquet and garland during her graduation day.

Xeena Amirey Dapasen Apil was surprised by her mother and elder sisters with a bouquet and garland of 1,000 peso bill worth P75,000. 

READ ALSO: Daughter of Kalinga Top 1 in BS Marine Transportation at PMMA.

Her parents decided to gave her a cash present after succesfully finishing her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a general weighted average of 92 percent and two gold sports award at the Cagayan State University (CSU).

A photo of Xeena holding her well-organized money-bouquet had gone viral in the online community.

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Kalinga's Scenic Bulo Lake to be featured in a new Netflix film

Photo Courtesy || Christopher Ng.

Cordillera - Largest subscription-based streaming service Netflix is set to stream a new film that features Kalinga province.

The City Tourism of Tabuk has said Mavx Production has chosen the scenic Bulo Lake to shoot a new film because of its picturesque scenery and lush grassland.

Mavx Road Manager Tricia Ladiao traveled to Tabuk City to conduct a site inspection and logistic validation. Together with Romero Salas and Edward Blanco, they discovered that Bulo is the perfect location for their film.

According to Ladiao, the film will feature Ms. Kylie Padilla and Mr. Gerald Anderson. Albeit it has no working title yet, she revealed that one of the protagonists is originally sojourn in Kalinga who went to meet his/her partner in the Netherlands.

The production team will start recording scenes in the city in the coming months. Once completed, the film will be shown in movie theaters nationwide and on Netflix next year.

Netflix is still the leading premium streaming service, with over 200 million worldwide subscribers. 

It offers thousands of movies and TV shows to binge watch, including its always growing list of original films and series, including Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, and many more.

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This Igorot musician from Kalinga sings like Freddie Aguilar

Photo Courtesy || Sherwin Tayab

Cordillera - This talented artist/musician from Kalinga sings so well that he literally sounded like the legendary folk singer Freddie Aguilar.

Mr. Sherwin Tayab is one of the talented Cordilleran singers and composers out there. He may not be popular but you might mistake him as Ka Freddie. 

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Foreigner touched by humility, hospitality of the Kalinga people

Photo Courtesy || Becoming Filipino

Cordillera - "I was really starting to get overwhelmed.  Giving, Caring, Open, Friendly, Trusting, Positive... Manong Teddy is exactly what we should all strive to be. It really touched my heart interacting with him in this small mountain village of Kalinga."

These are the words of appreciation by Kyle Jennerman to a kindhearted Kalinga man who offered coffee and invited him to his house in Lubuagan, Kalinga.

When Jennerman, popularly known as Kulas visited Kalinga for the very first time a few years back, he met Manong Teddy, a 57-year old farmer who happens to be the most hospitable and open person in the village.

READ ALSO: Igorots are the most civilized people - Kulas

In his Facebook post, Kulas narrated how he was inspired to the act of kindness and genuine hospitality shown by Manong Teddy.

Watch the video below of how Kulas meet Manung Teddy in Lubuagan, Kalinga.

Read Kulas' post below:

"Meet Manong Teddy.  I didn't know him, he didn't know me, but we crossed paths and shared moments together I will never forget. 

Here I was in Barangay Upper Uma, Lubuagan Kalinga.  Out of curiosity, I trekked down to this little village nestled under mountains and surrounded by rice terraces... it was just so beautiful.  Alone and unaware of my surroundings, I still felt comfortable.  Heading towards this village I just felt like I was in the right place, and surrounded by good. 

Walking up through rice fields and getting closer to houses, I saw a man sitting on the ground...

"Brother! How are you!"

This 57 year old man who introduced himself as Teddy smiled and spoke beaming with happiness.  He didn't speak much english, and my Tagalog wasn't perfect in the least... but we worked it out.  A simple conversation was had.  As I stood up and walked away I heard Teddy once again:

"Coffee?  At my place?"

I decided to turn back and accept it.  And so I found myself in Manong Teddy's house.  It was a simple house with very few appliances, but filled with love... you could just feel it.  And when he handed me fresh coffee, and apologized:

"Sorry, I have no bread."

That was when it all started to hit me.  

I quickly interrupted him... "Manong... no, no... let me get the bread!"  There was no bread in the village sari-sari store.  But i managed to get some crackers.    

Back in Manong Teddy's house I noticed a picture on the wall.  Turns out his son was away in Sulu.  He joined the military and was away from home, serving the Philippines.  The minutes ticked away... we sat down, talked about life, educated each other about our languages, and I even used my Philippines map tattoo to explain where I was from in Mindanao.  I was a complete stranger... but Manong never hesitated to open up his life, and his home to me.  He even apologized for "not having enough to offer me".  

Excuse my language here. Really I don't swear and I apologize for this, but I want you to feel my emotion here...  I don't F***ing deserve that!  How dare he apologize for giving.  GIVING.  That is all he had been doing the past 45 minutes! But you see, that is the Philippines... a place where giving is a part of life.  Where people pride themselves on JUST GIVING.  

How that needs to spread... Just give.  How I believe it will.  One day at a time if we strive to emulate it. 

As the afternoon ticked away, I realized I wanted to see the rice terraces before it got too late.  I thanked Manong Teddy and left his house... but even then he looked out for me.  Manong sent a group of kids from the village to guide me.  And as I explored and started to head up the far side of the terraces towards my motorbike... Manong was already waiting near the top.  He must have been watching out for me, and making sure I wasn't having any difficulties.  

We met again near the base of the trail up to my motor I noticed he was standing over some watercress:

"Kulas, would you like to take some watercress?"

Grabe!  He wasn't just watching out for me... Manong Teddy now even wanted to give me his vegetables!  I politely declined, and we proceeded to walk up the last bit of trail.  

"Kulas, you are always welcome here.  Your friends can sleep in my house anytime."

I was really starting to get overwhelmed.  Giving, Caring, Open, Friendly, Trusting, Positive... Manong Teddy is exactly what we should all strive to be. It really touched my heart interacting with him in this small mountain village of Kalinga.

I was so touched by all his acts of kindness and giving... I wish I had something I could offer him.

And right before I left I asked:

"Manong, have you ever seen Canadians here?  Ever met one?"

He responded:

"You are the first.  First one I have ever heard of in our place."

I didn't have much on me... but I did have my favourite Canadian jersey. I took it off and offered it to him.  Manongs first reaction:

"No! No!  It is cold..."

Yes it was getting towards night time, and it was cold.  Manong didn't want to accept my gift, because he recognized it would make me feel uncomfortable!  

NO.  NOT A CHANCE I WASN'T LETTING HIM ACCEPT THIS GIFT.  

He took it in the end with a big smile.  

And what I took with me for the rest of my life is a heart full of lessons from this Filipino Manong... on how WE AS HUMANS SHOULD BE.

The Philippines is full of people like Manong Teddy, and I am so blessed to be here learning from them... 

One day at a time.

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Cordilleran General is the new Regional Director of PRO 2

Photo Courtesy || PBGEN Ludan PRO 2

Cordilleran - A full-blooded Cordilleran General from Kalinga is now the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Region 2 (PRO 2). 

Police Brigadier General Steve Ludan who hails from Lubo, Tanudan, Kalinga replaced Brigadier General Crizaldo Nieves as the PRO 2 Director.

PBGEN Ludan formally assumed post during a turn-over of command ceremony and retirement honors at Camp Marcelo A. Adduru on July 19, 2021.

Prior to his new post, PBGEN Ludan worked as the director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Lab. 

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Tanglaw-Diwa" Class of 1992.

In his acceptance message, PBGEN Ludan vowed to intensify the campaign against insurgency, strengthen communication with local government units in the fight against criminality, and enhance their campaign on the Philippine National Police (PNP) cleansing policy.

As the new director of PRO 2, Ludan said he will work to craft better programs to improve the PNP's services to the people and to provide needed assistance of the public.

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Proud iKalinga is Top 2 in Philippine Coast Guard Officer Course

Photo Courtesy || Glen Lumanglang and EG Pangsiw

Cordillera - A proud son of Kalinga landed in top 2 in the Philippine Coast Guard Officer Course Class 27 - 2020 "Alpha". 

CG P/ENS Glenn Paul Agagon Lupnacan who hails from Tanudan and Balbalan, Kalinga was among the 52 officer trainees that successfully finished the course that convened on 21, December 2020. 

READ ALSO:  Igorot is Top 1 in Philippine Navyseal Course

Lupnacan got the 2nd highest overall grade of 90.57% and got the highest overall average grade of 95.08% in Physical Development Training Program.

There are also two iKalingas who graduated in the said PCG officer training course. They are CG P/ENS Levyn Jere P. Alngag, PCG and CG P/ENS Dexter M. Bucao, PCG both from Tinglayan Kalinga. 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted the recognition ceremony of the Coast Guard Officer's Course (CGOC) Class 27 - 2020 "Alpha", composed of 45 males and six females, at the PCG regional training center in Bagac, Bataan on February 2021.

READ ALSO: Proud iKalinga tops SAF Basic Airborne Course

Commander of the Coast Guard Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Read Admiral Artemio Abu graced the ceremony.

The PCG said the class “Alpha” convened their training last Dec. 21, 2020 as they underwent military exercises, drills, and lectures on the Coast Guard’s customs and traditions, among other preparatory courses.

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Carrie Faith B. Magannon: First Cordilleran woman to graduate at the Royal Military College of Canada

Photo Courtesy || Ensign Carrie Faith Banglag Magannon

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran woman from Kalinga graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC).

Ensign Carrie Faith Banglag Magannon who hails from Sumadel, Tinglayan, Kalinga is the first Cordilleran and first PMA female cadet to have graduated from RMCC.

The Royal Military College of Canada is the military college of the Canadian Armed Forces which prepares officer cadets for a career in the profession of arms and continues the development of other Canadian Armed Forces members and civilians with an interest on defense issues.

ENS Magannon was among the chosen cadets by the Philippine Military Academy to study in RMCC.

In an interview by Mr. Eisenhower Bucalen of the Kalinga Journal, she said that nothing really prompted her to pursue foreign schooling. She just go with the flow. 

READ ALSO: Michael Kimmayong, First Igorot serving at Canada's Royal Police Force

However, she believed that this opportunity was God’s plan for her. Foreign schooling was mentioned to her when she reported back to PMA in March 2016 to join the class 2020. 

Photo Courtesy || Ensign Carrie Faith Banglag Magannon

She further said that the registrar in PMA told her and her mother at that time that foreign schooling is possible because she was still young. “I just took it as a joke “ang-angaw” and smiled. I never expected that someday it would be true, she added.

“I doubted myself several times if I am good enough to be sent to study abroad, but the thought that PMA will not send me if they don’t have confidence in me strengthen my spirit. To motivate myself more, I always tell myself, “If others can, why can’t I” and with God’s grace, I graduated”, she added. 

READ ALSO: Proud Igorota Nurse from La Trinidad won Rising Star Award in the United Kingdom

She finished her studies and training in Canada last December 2020. There was no graduation ceremony during that time so she was included in the RMCC’s May Convocation held last May 20, 2021. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this convocation was held virtually. 

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4 Cordillerans among topnotchers in Radiologic, X-Ray Tech Board Exams

Photo Courtesy || Abra and Kalinga Provincial Government

Cordillera - Four students who traces their roots to Cordillera were among the topnotchers in the recently concluded Radiologic Technologist and X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examinations in May 2021.

One is Gail Tullo Quinto who hails from Tangadan, San Quintin, Abra. She ranked in Top 2 in the May 2021 Radiologic Technology board exam with 90.20 percent passing rate. 

Another Cordillerans in the Top 10 are two proud iKalingas. They are Russel Eliza Amangan Cuaresma from Pasil and Charimar Nadine Cayoma Ordonio from Pinukpuk.

Cuaresma landed in the Top 3 with a passing rate of 90 percent while Ordonio landed on the sixth spot with 88.60 percent passing rate.

Meanwhile, Mayshell Baliling Basiag, also a proud iKalinga topped the May 2021 X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination. 

Basiag is an alumnus of the International School of Asia and the Pacific located in Tabuk City. 

The provincial government of Abra took pride of the achievement as this is the first time a school established in the province produced a topnotcher.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 776 out of 1,917 passed the Radiologic Technologist Licensure Examination while a total of 21 out of 77 examinees passed the X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination.

The PRC and the Board of Radiologic Technology conducted the licensure exam in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Tuguegarao on May 16 and 17, 2021. 

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iKalinga tops X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination

Cordillera - Congratulations to Mayshell Baliling Basiag of Kalinga who topped the recent X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination.

Basiag of the International School of Asia and the Pacific in Tabuk City, Kalinga topped the exam with rating of the 84.75 percent. 

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that a total of 21 out of 77 examinees passed the X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination.

The PRC and the Board of Radiologic Technology conducted the licensure exam in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Tuguegarao on May 16 and 17, 2021. 

Meanwhile a student of Saint Louis University in Baguio City has topped the examinees of the Radiologic Technology Examination. 

The result from PRC showed Noli Almazar Samonte of SLU top the exam with a passing rate of 90.80 percent followed by Kenneth Manabat Luciano of Saint Jude College-Manila. 

Two more students from Saint Louis University were in top 10, Ruselle Elixa Amangan Cuaresma and Russel John Garcia Paulo making the university this year's top performing school

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WATCH: Tanudan cops transport sick patient using bamboo and blanket

Photo Courtesy || Tanudan MPS

Cordillera - When there is no service of ambulance to transport sick patient to the hospital, villagers and cops in this small town of Tanudan, Kalinga uses bamboo and blanket instead called "Bulig".

"BULIG" it is the indigenous practice of iTanudan in transporting a sick or injured person from remote villages by means of carrying using improvised tools usually bamboo or wood with a blanket to carry the person to be transported to the nearest health facility for treatment. 

READ ALSO:  Kind Cops in Ifugao adopt a 90-year old woman who is living alone and can't provide food for herself

This is practiced in remote parts of Kalinga where it is inaccessible or when no transportation is available. Several able bodied men usually participate in the bulig to ensure that transport is unhampered. 

READ ALSO:  Lost Korean said he will never forget the kindness of the people of Barlig, Mt. Province

PNP personnel usually participate by augmenting the men who alternately carry the sick person.

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Ikalinga robotic engineer graduates with outstanding award from UC Berkeley, CA, California

Photo Courtesy || Paul Ivan Ceralde

Cordillera - A proud son of Kalinga graduated with outstanding award from the UC Berkeley, CA, California in 2019. 

Paul Ivan Bravo Ceralde who traces his roots to Tanudan, Kalinga finished Masters in Materials Science and Engineering from the said institution. 

Ceralde is now working on his own startup company called Morph Microfactories. He also started his own YouTube channel where he discussed about his startup journey. 

READ ALSO: Igorota Scientist is a Program Manager in University of Michigan, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program

"At Morph Microfactories, we are using the Mostly Printed Computerized Numerical Control (MPCNC) robotic platform to automate the fiber placement step of our composite manufacturing process. V1Engineering, the developer and designer of the MPCNC, made the design available to anyone under Creative Commons License with the vision of allowing makers wherever in the world to build their own CNCs," Ceralde explained about his project.

"The reason why Morph exists is to push the envelope in advancing the industrial adoption of carbon fiber composites by delivering at scale cost-effective parts with extensive design latitudes without compromising performance. Instrumental in achieving this goal are low-cost and open-source robots like the MPCNC," he added.

READ ALSO: Gwendolyn Pascua - First-ever Cordilleran mission controller for astronauts in Europe

If you are interested more on his CNC robot, you can visit his website at https://www.microfactories.tech/

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READ: Message from CDT 1CL. Paltongan - PMA Chief of Staff Saber Awardee

Photo Courtesy || PMA

Cordillera - CDT 1CL Tristan Pocais Paltongan was one of the awardees of the PMA "Masaligan" Class 2021 graduates. He received the Chief of Staff Saber Award in recognition of his remarkable efforts made as Brigade Commander of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Paltongan traces his roots to Baguio and Tabuk City joined the one hundred sixty-four (164) graduating cadets of Masaligan “Mandirigmang Samahan ng Lakas at Sandigan ng Bayan" Class 2021. 

Read his inspiring message below:

“Di ko inexpect magkaaward since sa knowledge namin na yung award will be given to the graduating Class Baron or Brigade Commander.

However, our Superintendent, pinush niya na dalawa kami ng mistah ko na baron ngayon. Both of us will be awarded with the saber dahil sa efforts namin para mabago ung Cadet Corps and likewise mahandle yung corps ng maayos despite na may pandemic.

“For the youth especially to our kailyan's ay I-Cordilleran, we should dream big and aim high. 

Likewise, we should not forget to pray, regardless of what church or religion you belong. Dreaming Big and having faith, nothing is impossible with God. 

Hindi bawal mangarap at ito'y walang hangganan. Tulad noon na sabi ko gusto kong maging ayer at sundalo someday, ngayon, sa lahat ng kahirapan at challenges na nameet ko sa buhay, ganap na akong graduate ng PMA at sundalo na ngayon. 

Let's just do our best. Para sa Diyos. Para sa Bayan."

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