Cordillera's First Solar Power Plant to rise in Kalinga province

Pixabay

Cordillera - A solar power plant that could be able to generate 5 megawatts is soon to rise in the province of Kalinga. 

A leading global solar power company, Sunpower Renewable Energy Corporation (SREC) has been eyeing the province of Kalinga to put up a solar power plant, according to Tabuk city Mayor Darwin Estrañero during an executive meeting last Month.

"The people of Tabuk City are expecting Sunpower Renewable Energy Corp. to put up a solar power plant in the city the soonest possible time to unburden us of paying high electricity rate," Estrañero said. 

READ ALSO: Kalinga rice farmer earns P1 Million from his farm; wins Outstanding Rice Farmer award 2019

Report said that Kalinga is one of the provinces with the highest cost of electricity and putting up a solar power plant will not only augment the power supply but will lower the cost of electricity by P2 per kilowatt hour.

"Through solar energy, not only will electricity prices get cheaper, it does not produce any greenhouse gases making it pollution free," Estrañero added.

He said that the Tabuk city government is ready to issue SREC business and building permits after being endorse by the Province Board of Kalinga and submit the construction plan to the Department of Energy for approval.

READ ALSO: Kalinga high school students awarded for solar-powered rice insect trapper invention

Estrañero highlighted some of the advantages of turning into renewable energy such as solar power plant. Using solar energy reduces reliance on oil and coal that are mainly exported from other countries. 

source || Manila Times

Read More

Kalinga entrepreneur wins 2019 Micro-Entrepreneurship Award

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - The Citi Microntrepreneurship Award (CMA) has granted the Special Award for Preservation of Tradition to Caroline Jamias of Tabuk City, Kalinga. 

Jamias, a Kalinga entrepreneur who promotes traditional Kalinga products was recognized as the winner in the 2019 CMA special award for the preservation of tradition. 

Jamias received the award for successfully establishing her own profitable clothing business and later hired locals to trained with her at the Department of Trade and Industry.

With the small capital she borrowed from a lending company Alalay sa Kaunlaran Microfinance Social Development Inc. (ASKI), Jamias was able to grow her business. 

Now, Jamias reported that she is earning around 1.5 million pesos annually or around P125,000 monthly.

This year's winners includes Lea Mancera of Daniel's Handicraft Weaving and Metal Frame, Luzon Regional Awardee; Merly Domingo of Ebina Garment Manufacturing, Visayas Regional Awardee and Lucrecia Nero of Manna's Alternative Herbal Products and AtiManna Organic Hub, Mindanao Regional Awardee.

The Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Award was granted to Romualdo Blanco, Jr. of Maja's Special.

The special award for agri micro-business was awarded to Rosanna Sinapilo of Coco Deli. 

CMA program is a global financial inclusion initiative that recognizes the contributions of microentrepreneurs to their local economies and highlights the importance of microfinance in supporting the economic development of low-income individuals. - cmagroup.com

Read More

WOW!: Kalinga's "Sissiwit" song hits nearly 2 Million views on YouTube

Photo Courtesy || Hilair Wacdangan

Cordillera - Believe it or not, Kalinga's "Sissiwit" became the most popular song among Cordillerans in 2019. In fact, it's the first Cordillera song that reaches nearly 2 million views on YouTube (1.8 million views as of this writing).

Uploaded 2 years ago by Simple Tone, Kalinga YouTube channel, "Sissiwit" has been the number one song in the Cordilleras.

If the Koreans have the "Gangnam Style", the Cordillerans have the "Sissiwit". Its popularity is phenomenal. It's the most requested song at concerts, wedding occasions and community gatherings, among others. It also an ongoing viral post on Facebook today.

Like any other viral video, "Sissiwit" has reached  many Cordilleran OFWs abroad and it become a song of inspiration to them. 

It also inspired many YouTubers and song composers to create their own cover song out of it including the most popular Ilocano singer and composer The Four-Decade Dou.

The "Sissiwit" is a Kalinga word that means bird. The song was originally composed and sung by Hilair Wacdagan of Tanudan, Kalinga. 

The cheerful and lively melody of the song make it well-liked and perfect accompaniment for any traditional Cordillera dances.

There's even a trending "Sissiwit Challenge" on Facebook inviting anyone to post their "Sissiwit dance".

The song would continue to be the most-played Cordilleran music this coming year 2020. "Sissiwit" is an inescapable cultural phenomenon which serves as an introduction to Cordilleran culture and talent among Filipinos and around the world.

Original songwriter Wacdagan could not believe his composition could reach this milestone.

"Agyamanak unay ti adu adu nga suporta yu kakabsat ken kakailyan iti Cordillera, nakatataba po ng puso, haan ko namnamaen nga aglatak toy kanta tayo nga isut mangted ti ragragsak tayu tunggal ada okasyon nga isut maysa ah kararagsakan nga maisalsala tayo," Wacdagan said in his Facebook post.

The popularity of the song could diminish in the next 2 - 3 years, like most songs, however, it leaves us the mark in our musical mind that for sure whenever we listen to it, we'll definitely get up to sing and dance.

Sissiwit Lyrics

Awad tun dinukmaak

Un kaay-ayumak

Intarok ta ammaak

Sissiwit un naatap

Nu kad nu oggoman yo

Tukkayan na ima yu

Isunga ammaan yu

Satu un sissiwit ko

Chorus:

Sissiwit ko, o sissiwit ko

Nu lumawa ak, buburrun ko

Sumulag nu oggoman yu

Ta sakon di nampaamo

Immoy ko binisita

Igaw di sukbut na

Nangitlog si duwa

Maam-ammaan siya

Nu pion yu maam-ammo

Mampakada kayo

Tapnu maoggomman yu

Sa un sissiwit ko

Chorus:

Sissiwit ko, o sissiwit ko

Nu lumawa ak, buburrun ko

Sumulag nu oggoman yu

Ta sakon di nampaamo

Read More

US travel magazine lists Apo Whang-od among 10 Filipinos transforming the nation through sustainable tourism

Photo Courtesy || Department of Tourism

Cordillera - New York-based travel magazine Travel And Leisure had listed Apo Whang-od as one of the great Filipino personalities who are transforming the country through sustainable tourism. 

The magazine has partnered with the Department of Tourism to feature Filipinos who are making big differences in their community through thoughtful and sustainable tourism. 

Among them was Apo Whang-od Oggay, also known as Maria Oggay, the last and oldest mambabatok from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga. 

"At 103 years old, Apo Whang-od - member of an indigenous group that inhabits the mountains above the Chico River - is a living treasure of Kalinga, Province. Whang-od inked her first design at the tender age of 15, and nearly a century later, she's still giving charcoal-ink tattoos to visitors in her tiny village of Buscalan, using the thorn of a calamansi tree to draw intricate patterns, She's also looking to the future, training locals to carry on Kalinga tattooing traditions." reports Travel + Leisure website.

In 2018, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) had conferred to Apo Whang-od the prestigious Dangal ng Haraya Award at Tabuk City. 

Whang-od was nominated for the National Living Treasures Award (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) in 2017. 

Up to this day, Whang-od is still giving tattoo sessions to local and international tourists who come to visit her at her place in Buscalan. 

Read More

READ: The Cordilleran soldier who single-handly killed 27 rebels in a 3-day intense firefight

Cordillera - This is the story of Lieutenant Colonel Herbert D. Dilag who received the highest Military Award in the Armed Forces on the Philippines (AFP). A story of  unparalleled bravery,  exceptional heroism, and highest degree of leadership coming from a Cordilleran warrior.

"In April of 2000, 2 Suicide Squads composing of 14 volunteer scout rangers were formed to attack the 210 fully armed members of thee Abu Sayaff Group who were holding 28 hostages at the notorious 898 Hill inside Camp Abdurajak. The young and dashing 2Lt. Dilag volunteered himself to be the Team Leader of the other suicide squad.

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines

Uncertain of what could happen to them, the members of the Squads, left their valuables to their supporting comrades to be further given to their love ones, in anticipation of their deaths. The Squad headed by 2Lt. Herbert Dilag rushed-up the 30-meter 80-degree slope and bypassed 48 enemy improvised landmines. With cunning stealth, the "Suicide Squads" were able to secure and clear the area.

The 3 day intense firefight resulted to the killing of 68 member of the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the recovery of the unharmed hostages.

The 14 Ranger man team suffered massive casualties but 2Lt. Dilag carried his men one by one and place them to a safe location while he single-handly stand his ground and act as the team one sniper shooting the enemy mortar operator and machine gunners. 2Lt. Dilag killed 27 rebels during the assault which resulted in the demoralization of the enemies forcing them to back down and paved the way for the main troops to finally secure the area.

By this display of exceptional courage and a high degree of leadership, SECOND LIEUTENANT DILAG distinguished himself in combat, keeping the finest tradition of Filipino Soldiery. He was awarded MEDAL OF VALOR the highest award in the AFP for bravery. 

2Lt. Dilag's statement while he teared up upon receiving the MEDAL OF VALOR awarded by the President of the Philippines.

"We woke up at 2:00 then we took off. We hadn't slept and it was raining. Our progress was slow due to the thick jungle growth. When we engaged the enemy, we had to use one hand to hold unto tree roots, while the other hand fired the weapon. For 24 hours we withstood the steep terrain, hunger, tension and fatigue.  Then you would hear the groans of your wounded comrades saying, 'Sir, let's retreat, I'm suffering blood loss. My wounds hurt, will I live sir', words to that effect. You will then discover that you do have an untapped reservoir of courage." 

Source ||

Uncommon True Valor Story of 2Lt Herbert D. Dilag

by Lt. Col Ruben Guinolbay, Medal of Valor Nominee

Via Kalinga Tourism, Philippines Facebook Page

Read More

Kalinga high school students awarded for solar-powered rice insect trapper invention

Photo Courtesy || PIA CAR

Cordillera - High School students from Camalog National High School of Pinukpuk, Kalinga wins the SIBOL Award for their rice insect trapper invention. 

The team composed of three students namely Alice Bayle, Brent Altero and Emmanuel Benzon won the SIBOL Award - Student Creative Research for High School Category of the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) held on November 19 - 20. 

The rice-insect trapper has a solar-powered eco-friendly physical light, a blower and a collection chamber. 

The light attracts insects then a blower strike them down into a collection chamber where they will be trapped.

The Camalog team received a certificate of recognition plus P20,000 cash reward. 

They will also have the opportunity to represent the Cordillera region in the 2020 National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) SIBOL Award - High School category, according to PIA report.

SIBOL Award is given to the most outstanding invention or creative research of high school and college students. 

RICE is the marquee event for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) which is a biennial activity which showcases Filipino efforts that embody the nation's inventive, creative and innovative spirit.

Every other year NICE features the Filipino innovative creativity by giving due acknowledgment and appreciation of the best inventions, innovations, and researchers in the Philippines. 

Read More

Venus Bajarin: First Female Cordilleran Brigadier General of the AFP

Photo Courtesy || Venus Bajarin

Cordillera - The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Chief Nurse Venus Bajarin was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on Tuesday, November 12, in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters Building. 

AFP Chief Nurse Bajarin receives her first star following her promotion as Brigadier General. 

BGen Venus Abbacam Magwelang-Bajarin is from Pinukpuk and Pugong, Pasil, Kalinga. 

AFP Chief of Staff General Noel Clement administered the donning of ranks along with 10 other key AFP officers who were promoted to the next higher rank. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) Major General Erickson Gloria was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police S/Supt. Jesus Cambay to be promoted one star general

"Your promotion to higher ranks bespeaks of your hardships, sacrifices, and victories. Your experiences in the service and the habits you developed along the way attest to your commitment to perform your duties with utmost commitment and highest standard," General Clement said via the AFP website.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran soldier Pvt. Louis Dulawan promoted PSG Officer donned by President Duterte

"Congratulations to all of your on your well-deserved promotion. Let me also give due honor to your families and to the people who have been your constant support in your journey in the challenging path of military service. To your families, we also share this milestone with you," General Clement added. 

READ ALSO: Honest Kalinga Jeepney driver returns mobile phone left by a passenger

Read More

Kalinga rice farmer earns P1 Million from his farm; wins Outstanding Rice Farmer award 2019

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Tabuk's multi-awarded rice farmer and leading agri-preneurs Honorio Clemencia won the much-coveted Outstanding Rice Farmer award in the 48th Gawad Saka Awards of the Department of Agriculture.

On October 23, 2019, Clemencia was given the plague of recognition and a P250,000 cash prize from Presidential Communication Martin Andanar and Agriculture Secretary William Dar for his exceptional contribution in rice-based integrated farming in the country. 

Clemencia from Tabuk has become an expert in the field of integrated farming as he dedicated his life in the development of Tabuk's agricultural industry and promoting government's self-sufficiency program. 

He won the award for cultivating a highly productive rice-based integrated system which makes use of both agricultural forestry management techniques and technologies, according to Crispina M. Buco of the Office of the City Agriculture Services.

"Mr. Clemencia's four-hectare farm serves as a model for his community members and other farmers. With the integration of technical knowledge and skills as well as adoption of improved technologies the farm yields itself as a standout of productivity," Buco said via Tabuk Life.

The multi-awarded rice farmer has been able to generate a collective net income of P998,387.23 and P1,298,195.29 in 2016 and 2017, respectively from his integrated farms. 

Clemencia said that he was able to support the education of his six children and improve his family's quality of life.  

"Nothing is more gratifying than being a farmer. I can personally say that farming really improved my life regardless of its difficulties for it requires hard work and dedication," he said.

The good outcome of his dedication and hard work has inspired him to conduct training and technology demonstration to help the local farmers.

Read More

Vanjoss Bayaban wins 'The Voice Kids Philippines' season 4

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

Cordillera - Vanjoss Bayaban was named the grand champion of the show 'The Voice Kids Philippines season 4 on Sunday (November 3).

Bayaban got an overall 62.11 percent votes, followed by Carmelle Collado with 24.74 percent and Cyd Pangca with 13.15 percent. 

Vanjoss, a young boy from Pangasinan, who is part of Sarah Geronimo's team edged the competition with his rendition of "You Raised Me Up. 

Coach Leah Salonga praised his performance and told Vanjoss how smart he was to follow her advice.

"Vanjoss, mula sa blind audition mo ipinakita mo talaga 'yung power, and tonight, full power ka talaga. Ang masasabi ko lang, this is for your mom, sulit ang pag-uwi mo," Coach Leah said. 

Vanjoss' mom is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and his dad is a self-employed welder. Vanjoss learned to sing since he was 4 years old, with his father being his mentor. 

"Working with Vanjos has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me.Napakahusay pero marunong makinig sa mga payo," Leah added.

"Working with Vanjoss has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me. Napakahusay pero marunong makinig sa mga payo," she added.

Before the grand final, Vanjoss has asked his fans to support him. He also called his fans from Kalinga where his grandfather from to vote for him.

Vanjoss will take home Php2 million pesos, a house and lot, and a recording contract according to Abs Cbn.

He will take home P2 million, a house and lot, and a recording contract, among others.

Read More

LOOK: Kalinga just built a state of the art Public Library

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Province

Cordillera - Book lovers and students in Kalinga have something to be proud off, their state of the art library that was recently launched today at the Eco-Tourism Center of Rizal. 

New and modern library furniture such as shelves, podium, tables and chairs had been set up and are ready to be used. 

There are also 18 units of computer with high speed internet that are available for those who would want to search the internet. 

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Province

A kid zone was also built for children to encourage them read and use the library for their research.

According to the Province of Kalinga FB page, the Rizal, Kalinga Public Library was funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation and turned over it to the Rizal Local Government Unit. 

Gerda Henkel Foundation turned over the contents of the Public Library worth 100,000 EU and was used in the procurement of new books from the National Bookstore.

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Province

Ms. Mylene Lising, an acheologist from the National Museum and one of the founders of the Library said, it was the people of Kalinga who inspired them to put up the Public Library through the help of the foundations's country coordinator Dr. Alfred Pawlik. 

Provincial Governor Engr. Ferdinand B. Tubban congratulated the Municipality of Rizal for being the luckiest municipality in the country to receive the grant from the foundation. 

source || Province of Kalinga

Read More

Kalinga sisters fight for "Ultimate Artista" in GMA's StarStruck

Photo Courtesy || GMA7

Cordillera - Two sisters from Kalinga are vying to become the "Ultimate Artista" in GMA's new season of reality show StarStruck. 

Carmel and Riobeth Alcanzarine from Tabuk, Kalinga Province are trying to fulfill their dreams to become the first Kalinga celebrities. 

"Doon po sa amin wala pa pong nag-aartista kahit isa so ang goal po namin ay i-represent kung saan po kami nanggaling" the sisters told in an interview. 

The two sisters traveled from Kalinga all the way to Manila to join the audition for a chance to be part of the GMA's popular TV show.

Asked how they feel if only one of them will be successful to join the show, the sisters said that they are fine with it as long as one of them will get the chance. 

Read More

Kalinga soldier receives second highest combat medal from Pres. Duterte

Photo Courtesy || PCOO

Cordillera - A new recruit in the Philippine military who battled in Marawi back in 2017 were among the three recipients of the second highest military medal for combat. 

Private Jerry N. Wassig from Kalinga was awarded with the The Distinguished Conduct Star (DCS) which is the second highest military award in the Armed Forces. 

No other than President Rodrigo Duterte gave the award to Pvt. Wassig and two other soldiers Sgt. Arnel S. Alberto and Cpl. Roel P. Delos Reyes during the celebration of the Philippine Military 122nd Founding Anniversary on Thursday (March 21, 2019).

Pvt. Wassig was only 9 months in the military service when he was assigned to fight in Marawi in September 2017.

He served as the tail scout of the 1st Platoon of the 11th Scout Ranger Company tasked at confronting the enemies in battle and rescuing comrades who was fatally hit. 

Pvt. Wassig showed ultimate bravery in combat as he fearlessly crawled to the position of his comrades to rescue two casualties despite heavy gunfire exchange between the government forces and the Maute fighters. 

---

Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger to save hostages

Igorot soldier 1st Lt. Fagyan shares his experience fighting in Marawi

---

He was able to extricate his team leader first and later on his commanding officer "even as enemies continued to fire at his position". 

Pvt. Wassig risked his life three times to rescue his wounded comrades individually and his team leader.

"Imbued with profound sense of responsibility and dedication to duty, Private Wassig audaciously crawled inside a sewer upon seeing his commanding officer was fatally hit and his team leader's condition was slowly deteriorating," his citation read.

Read Also: 

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

Cordilleran from Ifugao among top 10 of PNPA Class 2019

Read More

Authentic Kalinga-made products available for purchase during Kalinga Treasure Fair 2019

Photo Courtesy || Lifted from Tabuk Life FB

Cordillera - The Kalinga Treasures Fair 2019 has been formally opened yesterday with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by Kalinga Provincial Officials. The fair is part of the activities inline with the celebration of Kalinga's 3rd Bodong Festival which runs from 3rd - 17th February. 

According to Tabuk Life FB page, the Kalinga Treasures Fair will be opened from February 4 to 17, 2019. The event will feature a vast array of Kalinga products from processed foods, ethnic accessories, decorations, souvenir items, ornamental plants, furnitures and among others. 

Photo Courtesy || Lifted from Tabuk Life FB

Coffee lovers will also have a chance to buy the famous Kalinga Coffee. Kalinga is one of the country's main producers of coffee, especially the Robusta, Civet, and Arabica beans. 

Treasures Fair vendors are encouraging everyone to come visit the trade fair event and buy their products as this will help farmers and product producers financially. 

READ ALSO: Icelandic-American vlogger Finn Snow amazed at Kalinga's ancient culture of Head-Hunting and 'Bodong'

Kalinga Governor Baac commended the local producers for their outstanding contribution in the economic development of the province considering that last year they were able to generate a total of P10.2 million. 

Photo Courtesy || Lifted from Tabuk Life FB

"We always say that because of you, we were able to uplift the socio-economic well-being of our province," Baac said to event organizer. 

"I hope that this year, you will surpass your collection last year, he added. 

READ ALSO: DA Sec. Manny Piñol visits Tinglayan, Kalinga, grant farmers P50 million loans and 10,000 coffee seedlings

Department of Trade and Industry (DT) Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Grace Baluyan cited the Kalinga Treasures Fair as a benchmark for success among the provinces in the region considering that it is the only privately initiated fair being conducted in CAR through the Chamber of Kalinga Producers, Inc. 

Read More

Cordilleran priest from Kalinga receives numerous recognition in California

Photo Courtesy || Leonard Oakes

Reverend Leonard Oakes from Tabuk, Kalinga Philippines received numerous recognition from different government officials and the Embassy of the Philippines in San Francisco California.

The Holy Child and St Martin Episcopal Church  in Daly city held a big celebration for Father Oakes' 10 years in service as a Vicar on November 17, 2018. It was celebrated joyfully with different individuals, groups, friends, families and "kakailyan" who showed their warm and loving support through music with Choirs singing hymns, worship and traditional songs, and the traditional Kalinga dance.

"His party was very organized. He had many guests coming from Baguio and Benguet. They also had canao" Ohmee Cortez, a  resident of Daly City California said.

 "God bless your work. God bless your weaving and may your tapestry continue to reveal God's unshakable and expansive love and commitment and presence in this corner of God's creation" was the heartfelt  and uplifting message of the Diocese of California, Rev. Canon Abbott Baily, to Father Oakes  during the mass.

Father Oakes was ordained Sacred Orders of Priest in August 1997 and Migrated to the US with his wife Haidee Salbino.  He was then chosen as the third priest for HCSM in 2008

Aside from serving as a Vicar, he expands his ministry reaching out and contributing to the community. He is a member of BIBAK California and the serving president for 2019.

He extended his passion and commitment for his ministry outside his church and he is being appreciated for promoting and encouraging programs for the welfare and development of his congregations and community in San Francisco.

Because of his big contributions at the bay Area, he was given recognition by the San Francisco Philippine Consul  General Henry Bensurto.

Photo Courtesy || Leonard Oakes

Father Oakes was also recognized by the Colma Mayor Joanne del Rosario, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and San Mateo County Board of Supervisor David Canepa declared Novemeber 17 as Rev. Leonard Oakes Day.

 Rev. Leonard Oakes  gave an inspiring message for everyone  by saying, "Each one of us is  our own gifts of ministry. We need to recognize that. Share and shine that others may see that all things come from God and all things are being put into being".

Read More

Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez wears Kalinga warrior costume for Miss World

Photo Courtesy || Aces & Queens

Cordillera - The Traditional Kalinga costume is now becoming a trend for fashion and beauty pageants because of its unique materials and beautiful combination of colors and designs.

After the Ifugao-inspired costume for the movie Black Panther, the Kalinga warrior costume is also making its way to an international recognition.

The design of this  Kalinga costume was inspired by the ingenuity, exceptional artistry, and the rich history of the Kalinga tribe in the Philippines. 

The ensemble is made of a fully-embroidered and hand-embellished bodysuit. The custom embroidery art on the entire body suit represents the historic tattoo art  known as the symbol of the Kalinga people and their warriors.

Read Also: Cordillera Indigenous fabric 'INABEL' goes international, recognized at New York Fashion Week

The headdress is custom-made and decorated with feathers and the traditional "bongol", the native beads used to indicate a Kalinga woman's social status.

Photo Courtesy || Miss World

The country's representative to the international beauty competition, Katrina Rodriguez, had chosen to wear the Kalinga warrior costume as her national costume during the pre-pageant activities of Miss World 2018 at the Mangrove Tree Resort Parade in Sanya China.

Read Also: Kalinga's Finest "Apo Whang-od" musical hits big stage in Manila

Rodriguez's national costume intends to pay homage to Apo Whang-od, the last surviving original hand-tap tattoo artist from the Butbut tribe of Kalinga.

A famous and talented Filipino fashion designer, Francis Libiran, designed the costume.

Rodriguez is aiming for the  Miss World 2018 title during the the coronation night  on December 8, 2018. She won the first runner-up in the Miss International pageant in Egypt last January.

Read More

Kalinga's Finest "Apo Whang-od" musical hits big stage in Manila

Photo Courtesy: Ang Pahayang Plaridel FB

Cordillera - The De La Salle University Harlequin Theater Guild (DSLU-HTG) has successfully re-run the first musical play inspired by the life of Apo Whang-od - the legendary tattooist of Kalinga on November 17, 2018 at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, De La Salle.

The musical play explores the early traditions and rituals of Cordillera and also feature the personal life of Whang-od in the past: her struggle for choosing romantic love and the destiny offered to her. The play also mirror how the tradition of tattooing in Kalinga which served as a reward of honor to warriors has become part of Filipino culture. 

Apo Whang Od has long been recognized and respected in her community as a master tattooist. Her practice started in her early adolescence and has since tattooed elders, women, and warriors from her community in the traditional Kalinga practice - using charcoal as ink and calamansi/suha thorns to puncture the skin - National Commision of Culture and Arts.

Photo Courtesy: Ang Pahayang Plaride FB Page

Today, many local and international tourists have heard about Whang-od and flock to her house in Buscalan to get inked by her. Most of the time, Whang-od would inked her signature tattoo design which is a linear three-dot. 

Afraid of losing the traditional art of tattooing, Whang-od is teaching her nephew along with other Kalinga women her techniques. Now, her nephew is helping her tattoo some tourist who come to her home in Kalinga. 

Read Also: 

---

Apo Whang-od finally meets her idol Coco Martin of "Ang Probinsyano"

Robin Padilla sends heartwarming greetings to Kalinga people and Apo Whang-od

---

The Harlequin Theater Guild had been very honored to play the life of the Kalinga legend saying the production did not only seek to honor Whang-od, but also made her known as a Filipina who has lived a life full of dreams. 

Recently, the  National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) conferred the Dangal ng Haraya Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage to Apo Whang-od. 

She now joins the ranks of Senator Loren Legarda, architect Augusto Villalon, late senator Edgardo Angara and artist and former National Museum director Jesus Peralta.

Read More

New fossil discovery in Kalinga suggests early humans lived in the Philippines 700,000 years ago

Cordillera - A new discovery by a team of Filipino, French and Dutch scientists have shown evidence suggesting the presence of the so-called archaic humans in the island of Southeast Asia 700,000 years ago before our known species Homo Sapiens even existed.

The new evidence which was excavated in Kalinga of the Cagayan valley of Northern Luzon shows  rhino bones and stone tools. 

Scientists found marks on the bones that indicates sharp-edge tools were used in butchering rhinos and removing flesh and fats from the bones. 

Mike Morley, an archaeologist from the University of Wollongong in Australia said that the marks on the bones were signs of butchery by unknown species of hominins. 

"The stones tools and the cut marks on the bones certainly point to a butchery site, with the bone being fractured and scored presumably during the dismembering of the animal, leaving characteristics signs of this butchery on the bones; the hominins who did this remain unknown, however, as there are no hominins bones associated with the archaeological material and fossils", Morley said.

But researchers were not able to determine what species  of rhino hunters and tool-makers had inhabited Luzon long time ago due to the lack of hominin fossils in the site.

If the age of the fossils which is around 700,000 years ago would be the basis, Thomas Ingicco who lead the Kalinga site discovery said Homo Erectus who seems to have been present on those years may be the tool-makers because these species were present all over those years in Asia. 

Where did these hominins come from and how did they come to Luzon? The teams conclude that hominins of some kind must have come originally from Borneo to the southwest or from Taiwan to the north and they could have used some sort of watercraft.

Scientists also uncovered different bones belonging to a species of brown deer, monitor lizards, freshwater turtles and stegodons - a kind of extinct mammal similar to elephants and mammoths.

Using different dating techniques like the electron-spin resonance methods, archaeologists were able to date the bones to be around 777,000 to 631,000 years ago. 

source || theConversation || Gizmodo.com

Read More

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'. 

When he arrived in Batanes, he was met by Rated K TV crew and conduct a short interview about his journey. 

When asked about his top 5 most memorable places in the Philippines, Sagada and Kalinga are his top one choice. The reason - the views of Sagada and Kalinga are incredible. 

"We literally drove from Manila up to Sagada and then Sagada to Kalinga. Sobrang malaki ang mountains, crazy roads but the views are incredible", Kulas said. 

In his travel diary in his BecomingFilipino Facebook Page, he shared what he learned about the Apayao Province. 

READ ALSO: Canadian vlogger "Kulas" admires the toughness of the Igorots and had a message to people discriminating them

"Driving trough Cagayan Valley, I realized I was near the Provincial Capital of Apayao. So, I decided to take a little detour. Even though I haven't explore the Province, it was great to learn a little and better understand just how big and diverse Luzon is! Did you know that Apayao is only 23 years old, and split from "Kaling-Apayao".

Yup, nestled away amongst  farmland on the foothills of massive mountains...Apayao's Provincial Capital kind of looks like a heart. Make sense! Because for the brief moments I spent there a lot of love was thrown at me...

It was such as beautiful simple experience outside the Capital, and without a doubt it made me realize..in the future I MUST explore this Province in the mountains."

Staying in Sagada is an incredible experience for Kulas. The cool temperatures and natural climate, the delicious local brewed coffee and Blueberries and the hospitality of the people, these are all the things Kulas will never forget about the town of Sagada. 

READ ALSO: WATCH: Canadian Vlogger "Kulas" travels to the vegetable terraces in Atok, Benguet

"Sagada, your environment is incredible, and you offer so many simple things that truly add comfort and happiness to days spent in your charming town", Kulas wrote in his FB page. 

Read More