Rocky Mt. Adventure Unlimited - Newest Attraction in La Trinidad, Benguet

Cordillera - Want to experience perching on the moon that sits on top of a rocky mountain? There's a new attraction in La Trinidad, Benguet that is perfect just for that and  for adventurers like yourself. 

The Rocky Mountain Adventure Unlimited is the newest spot that was built on top of the mountain overlooking the great scenery of  the salad bowl of La Trinidad town. 

This fascinating scenery can be found in Tayawan, Tawang, La Trinidad, just a short drive from Baguio City. The place is perfect for those looking for a nice moon photo with a backdrop of La Trinidad.

Photo Courtesy || Calla Lilly

As shown in a photo by Calla Lilly on Facebook, the place has several hanging lights on both sides of the pathways leading to the 'C-shape' moon installed on the edge of the hill.

Based from the photos, the perfect time to visit is during night time when the moon will be lit.

For P100 entrance fee, you can have your time strolling, relaxing and taking photos of the moon.

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Baguio temperature drops to 12 °C; La Trinidad 13 °C; Atok, Benguet 9 °C

Photo Courtesy || Biyahero si Bes

Cordillera - Baguio and Benguet residents and visitors woke up to a chilly morning today December 3, 2021 as the temperature drops. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) records 12 degrees Celsius in the summer capital, 13 degrees Celsius in the town of La Trinidad and 9 degrees Celsius in Atok, Benguet at 5AM today.

PAGASA said that the drop in temperature is brought by the northeast monsoon or "hanging amihan" from the northern hemisphere.

READ ALSO: Baguio city impresses foreigner: It's the best place to live because people respect you

It is expected that the temperature may further drop in the coming days. 

The coldest temperature over recorded in the city of pines was 6.3 degrees Celsius on January 18, 1961.

To protect someone from the bad effect of the cold weather, residents and tourists in Baguio are advised to dress warmly and wear warm and waterproof footwear.

READ ALSO: Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

They should dress in layers, wear clothes with wind resistant outer layer, wear a hat and mittens. If necessary they should also wear facemask and scarf or neck tube.

When is is very cold or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Protect the body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes because these are the parts that easily lose heat fast.

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READ: Message of hope and encouragement from La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda

Photo Courtesy || Mayor's Office - La Trinidad FB

Cordillera - A true public servant and like a concerned father to his children, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda wrote a heartwarming message of hope and encouragement to his constituents to keep them strong amid the pandemic.

Read his full message below:

Dear Kailyan:

I understand the suffering you may be experiencing right now: hopelessness, quarantine fatigue, confusion, anxiety, isolation or an inexplicable sense of doom and despair. But in experiencing these, remember that you are not alone. Everyone does. And it is okay. 

The brighter side to being human is that we are capable of being and doing much, much more. So amid the daily struggles and the pandemic, do not lose hope. Never lose hope. More so: Never, ever take your own life.

To our youth and children:

When you feel like the world’s uncool, everything’s uncool, your day’s uncool, remember that the world doesn’t end with a heartache or a frustrating friend or a lousy grade. Believe that a day of profound love, laughter and a diploma will soon come, since it always surely does. 

Remember your dreams and why they are worth waking up for, living for, every minute of the day. Yes. Bad times there will be, but so will good times; and the more you grow, you will soon see how each experience actually nourishes you, strengthens you to be the best of who you are.

Keep the faith. You have so much ahead you. You are filled with so much promise and are capable of so much goodness. 

You are loved. You matter. Your opinion matters. Your feelings matter. Share them. Your parents, your friends, your teacher, Pastor, Priest or counsellor, they’ll be there. Always, there will be an ear willing to listen, a hand willing to help, a friend who will laugh even at your corniest jokes. So hang in there, okay? Everything will be okay.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

To the parents: Times are tough; and in our daily struggles, we may be missing out on why we are working hard in the first place: our children. So, always find time for your children. Reach out. Talk to them. Know the warning signs. And more importantly, once spotted, swiftly act on them.

To all community members: Check in on someone - especially, our young ones - you may be concerned about. Listen to what they have to say, how they say it and show them kindness and support. Drown the noise of stigma and spread the message of love instead. Suicides find feeble footing in an atmosphere of love.

Let us not allow our present circumstance to dim the prospects of a better tomorrow – a brighter tomorrow, for one day, it will come. 

I call on all members of the La Trinidad community to be one supportive community. A burden shared is made lighter by each hand willing to carry that weight. Let us thus join hands – at least, figuratively, for the moment – in carrying that weight in our shared pursuit to heal as one.

For our LA TRINIDAD SUICIDE PREVENTION Hotline, please do not hesitate to text or call the following: 

Ms. May Claire Jimenez: 0917 859 2657

Ms. Cristina Anioay: 0910 343 6595

MAYOR ROMEO. K. SALDA

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Congratulations to the New Licensed Medical Doctors of La Trinidad, Benguet

Photo Courtesy || Zhanonn Peary Ng Lagpey, Ingrid Mariz B. Langpuyas,Bea Lorenza Gallardo Prangan, Allan Castro

Cordillera - The office of the Mayor - La Trinidad, Benguet extends their warmest Congratulations to the new licensed medical doctors who traces their roots from La Trinidad, Benguet. 

Here are the names of the new medical doctors from La Trinidad.

Dr. Allan Castro

Dr. Safrone Jade Dicam

Dr.Henrietta Macanes

Dr. Roshan Ulpindo

Dr. Jan Althea Sales

Dr. Brandon Jayle Beray

Dr. Ingrid Mariz B. Langpuyas

Dr. Matthew Apollo Acop

Dr. Bea Lorenza Gallardo Prangan

Dr. Jael Kei Nebrija

Dr. Zhanonn Peary Ng Lagpey

Dr. Sarah Mae Sanchez

Dr. Lovelynx Kee Bayating

Dr. Manuel Poncian

Dr. Kim Tipayno Luminang

READ ALSO: Congratulations! Bakun, Benguet has four new licensed physicians

WowCordillera would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our medical doctors from Cordillera. 

READ ALSO: Former Miss Kalinga-Tourism Pia Monina Now a Licensed Doctor

May you continue to thrive in your chosen profession and be a blessing to our kailyans in Cordillera and to the nation. 

Congratulations!

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La Trinidad's beautiful gardens now open for Baguio and Benguet residents

Photo Courtesy || Lei Hsang

Cordillera - Are you looking for a place to relax and improve your mental wellness this pandemic?

The municipality of La Trinidad has open 11 tourists spots to Baguio and Benguet residents only. 

In a post from the Municipal Mayor's Office Facebook Page, here are the list of spots open for tourists:

Photo Courtesy || Darjanes Flower Garden & Mayor's Office FB

1. Mount Costa Nature Preserve

Longlong, Puguis

Entrance Fee: P 200 (MGCQ rate) includes guide

Pre-book @ 09774097004

2. Darjanes Flower Garden

Shilan, La Trinidad

Entrance Fee: P 150 (includes snacks and unli coffee)

Pre-book @ 09998787544

3. Lily of the Valley Organic Farm

Ampasit, Puguis

Entrance Fee: P120 (with lecture)

Pre-book @ 09206858281

4. Avong nen Romy

Upper Wangal

Entrance Fee: P50

Pre-book @ 09982279343

5. Living Gifts Cactus Farm

Riverside Alno

Entrance Fee: P 100

Pre-book @ 09284475013

6. Mt. Kalugong

Tayaoan, Tawang

Entrance Fee: P 100

Pre-book @ 09293024287

7. Bell Church

City limit, Km. 3, Balili

Parking Fee:  P20 (Entrance: Any Donation)

Pre-book @ 09331504606

8. Garden Nen Ines Anthuria

Shilan

Entrance Fee: P100 (w/ snack or token)

Pre-book @ 09087807006

9. Cosmic Farm

Beckel

Entrance Fee: P100 (with farm tour)

Pre-book @ 0926724928

10. Admirals Farm Park

Lamtang, Puguis

Entrance Fee: P25 (short visit)

Pre-book @ 09161532128 / 09106603483

11. BSU Orchidarium and La Trinidad Orchidarium MPC - Strawberry Fields, Betag

video courtesy || Igorot Vlogs

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La Trinidad MPS awarded "Best Municipal Police Station" in the country

Photo Courtesy || La Trinidad Mps

Cordillera - The La Trinidad Municipal Police Station in Benguet has been awarded the "Best Municipal Station" in the region and in the entire country.

Police Major Cleff B. Vencio together with La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda received the award during the 119th Police Service Anniversary Celebration at Masigasig Grandstand Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad Benguet. 

READ ALSO: Igorot Chief of Police in Cebu awarded for his commendable performance

"Thank you very much La Trinidad LGU, Stakeholders and the Community for all the Support!!! Matagotago tako amin!!!, La Trinidad Mps said as a thank you note on its Facebook page.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) celebrates its 119th anniversary on Thursday which was conducted virtually with a live simulcast from the police headquarters and in all 17 regional offices across the country. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police: 'Tough As Rock"

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the occasion via live feed to all viewers over the internet and television where he delivered his message to the PNP. 

Police Service Anniversary is celebrated in commemoration of the establishment of the Philippine Constabulary as the country's first insular police force founded on August 8, 1901.

This year's virtual anniversary allowed guests and police personnel to join in the ceremony via live interactive platforms as an alternative to the traditional full-dress parade and review ceremony in observance of strict health protocols.

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20 million veggie, fruit processing plant to rise in La Trinidad, Benguet - DA

Photo Courtesy || Ace 

Cordillera - Agriculture Secretary William Dar has approved the proposal for the establishment of a P20-million food processing facility to complement the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad.

The facility aims to add value to the vegetables and fruits produced by thousands of farmers in Benguet and nearby provinces in the Cordilleras, and thus prevent wastage and losses during peak season.

Early this month, farmers from Tinoc, Ifugao were reportedly dumping tomatoes for lack of buyers and access to markets. Following this, the Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) enhanced its marketing channels particularly the Kadiwa Express to find buyers.

“We have also negotiated with other vegetable buyers to purchase tomatoes from farmers in Tinoc and adjoining areas,” said DA-CAR Director Cameron Odsey.

As of June 14, he said the Tinoc farmers were linked to eleven groups of new buyers, purchasing a total of 26 metric tons of tomatoes. This week, the farmers were able to sell 18.5MT of tomatoes, totalling P166,000. Moreover, seven other private buyer-entities committed to procure vegetables from other production areas in the region, Odsey said.

“There should be no reason for farmers to lose when harvest is abundant. Dumping will not happen again,” said Secretary Dar, during the regular quarterly meeting of the BAPTC project steering board, on June 19, at the DA-CAR office in Baguio City.

The agri chief said that the food processing center will not only serve as a processing hub, but also as a learning and training site for farmers interested to process their harvest into other high value products, thus providing them additional income, and more importantly transforming them into processors.

“We want our Filipino farmers to be more than growers. We want them to become entrepreneurs. This move will level-up their game, and give them more financial benefits,” he said.

The funding will be released by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) to the Benguet State University that oversees the management of the BAPTC.

The initiative is anchored on the DA’s vision of a food-secure and resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and fishers.

Secretary Dar underscored that the government will continue to work hard to help food producers in the Cordilleras to bring their produce to the markets, including the further improvement and institutionalisation of the BAPTC logistics and distribution system, and in the near future into a full-fledged vegetable and fruit processing facility, which will be relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the ‘new normal.’ ### (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID)

source || da.gov.ph

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Mushroom hunters accidentally discovered new cave in Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet

Cordillera - A newly discovered cave located in Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet has been revealed on social media lately by a group of mushroom hunters. 

Apparently, the cave was accidentally discovered by a group of young guys who went to look for mushrooms however, they ended up inside a beautiful cave that is seemingly untouched by humans. 

Photo Courtesy || Pawid Gemar

Photos from inside of the cave show deep countless rock formations which was shaped naturally by nature over thousands of years. 

Photo Courtesy || Pawid Gemar

The interior of the cave is huge and impressive with a height of up to 20 to 30 feet.

Photo Courtesy || Pawid Gemar

The guys were seen enjoying seeing the breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites formations that comes in white, yellowish and red colors. 

Photo Courtesy || Pawid Gemar

The Tinedkaw cave is one of the hidden gem of La Trinidad ready to become a top tourist destinations for cave adventurer who wanted to have a glimpse of another planet down under the town of La Trinidad, Benguet.

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La Trinidad residents show discipline during community quarantine; follow government regulations

Photo Courtesy || La Trinidad Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office

Cordillera - Not only Baguio City residents are showing discipline during community quarantine. 

Residents of La Trinidad, Benguet are also strictly following the quarantine laws and regulations set forth by the local government. 

Knowing how serious the impact of Covid-19, residents of La Trinidad religiously follow the ECQ guidelines. 

As shown by the La Trinidad Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on Sunday (Apri19, 2020) on its Facebook page, major thoroughfares in the town were completely free of people.

Business establishments along KM 4 that were known to be very crowded suddenly became empty after La Trinidad LGU had implemented the enhanced community quarantine.

READ ALSO:  Landlord in La Trinidad waives rental fee of his tenants affected by community quarantine

Empty streets during quarantine show the cooperation and discipline of the people of La Trinidad. 

They are united as one and work together with the government to halt the spread of the deadly virus.

The government has been calling all citizens in Luzon to stay home and limit going outside without important purposes.

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Cordilleran Landlords are giving food packs to their tenants during community quarantine

Photo Courtesy || Food Packs: Mayor's Office - La Trinidad

Cordillera - Knowing the impact of the current pandemic crisis, Landlords in Cordillera are providing food packs to their tenants to sustain their food supplies during the implementation of the community quarantine. 

Landlords didn't wait for the government to provide relief packs to their tenants  but out from their own pockets, they bought basic needs and gave them to their tenants who were affected by the ECQ.

A landlord from La Trinidad, Mr. Denver Kis-ing has distributed relief packs containing kilos of rice, canned goods and instant noodles to all his boarders according to the office of the Mayor. 

Another tenants from the said town said they also received food packs from their landlord.

According to Kean Abat-Marzo, they always received vegetables from their landlady in Puguis even before the start of the pandemic. 

Also, Ms. Florelyn Sabadi, commented that their landlady Ms. Eileen Ayban Yabes distributed whole chicken to her boarders. 

Another landlord from Pinespark was also very generous to his tenants including their neighbors by cooking food for them since the start of the lockdown. 

Many of the landlords showed concern to their tenants in time of crisis by giving whatever they can provide such as waiving their rental fee, giving relief packs and cooking them food. 

Last month, President Duterte asked landlords to allow their renters and tenants to stay in their properties and promised to shoulder the rental fee if they could no longer pay.

"They are already on quarantine, they have nothing to eat and they are worrying about this [rent]. Now do not force them to pay. Let them stay in the place, I will pay. I swear to you upon my oath of office, I will pay if they can't pay," Duterte said.

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Landlord in La Trinidad waives rental fee of his tenants affected by community quarantine

Photo Courtesy || La Trinidad Guide FB

Cordillera - A landlord in La Trinidad decided to waive the rental fee of his boarders or tenants who were affected  by Enhanced Community Quarantine that was imposed by the government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In a post from La Trinidad Guide Facebook page, Mr. Keith Damogo of Pico, La Trinidad, the landlord, feel pity for his tenants who would not be able to go to work during a whole month quarantine, so he decided to waived their rental fee for a month. 

"Kas anu pi piman dagita boarders nu handa apan agubla. Uray nka ibaga jay boarders ta libre da daytoy nga bulan kaasi da met... nka ibaga ta saan da madanagan pagbayad da. (How about those boarders if they can't go to work. Please tell the boarders that their rental fee for this month will be free. Tell them not to worry about their rental fee.") Mr. Damogo said in a messenger chat.

Meanwhile, netizens admired and praised Mr. Keith Damogo's kindness to his tenants wishing him that he will be blessed a thousand folds because of his good deed. 

"A real act of love in this time of crisis! May your tribe increase! God richly bless you sir, and your family," one netizen said.

Another one commented, " A big relief to your tenants. Enormous blessings in return. Salute you for your huge heart".

"Good samaritan, wish ko naway ganyan din landlord namin. Sana all." one netizen wrote. 

The COVID-19 has significantly affected thousands of workers because their places of work have been closed. These includes retail workers, service providers, construction workers, security agencies and employees of many businesses who were not given pay because they didn't go to work.

However, in these most trying times, Samaritan and good kindhearted people exist and help in any way they can to other people like Mr. Damogo. 

Kudos to you sir and may your tribe increase.

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Cordillera choral group wins gold medal in the 8th Bali International Choir Festival

Photo Courtesy || Jayson Manuel L Osong

Cordillera -- A choral group from the Cordillera Regional Science High School (CRSHS) wins Gold medal (Level 1) in the Teenagers Category and another gold medal in the level 4 Championship Qualifier in the ongoing 8th Bali International Choir Festival held in Indonesia. 

The said choir festival was participated by 99 choral groups around the world.

The choir group from La Trinidad, Benguet acquired 81.65 points in the Folkloric Championship round which enabled them to amass additional gold medal from the competition.

The CRSHS Glee Club is the First-ever High School from the Cordilleras that represent the Philippines in an international choral tilt. 

The competitions were adjudged by 16 internationally acclaimed choral experts. 

The Bali International Choral Society (BCIF) is a project that involves levels of choirs from children's choir, to choirs of youth and seniors. It involves various institutions, choral communities, schools, and churches from all over Indonesia and internationally. 

Moreover, the visions has been developed by organizing events that involves hundreds to thousands of participants. 

It  was founded by Mr. Tommyanto Kandisaputra in July 2000 with a vision to build a strong choral life in Indonesia.

The events can include concerts, seminars, workshops, choral music camps, collaborations, choral clinics, competitions and symposiums. 

The projects helps singers and conductors gain experiences by building skills, knowledge, and attitude in workshops, rehearsals and concerts. 

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Philippines' best strawberries are found in the Province of Benguet - DOT

Photo Courtesy || Pixabay

Cordillera - Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Arthur Boncato Jr. lauded Benguet province for producing the best quality strawberries. 

Boncato, who leads the Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation department of the DOT, said the strawberry farms in Benguet and in La Trinidad are being eyed as a tourism destination because of its best-tasting strawberries. 

WATCH: CNN Philippines features Benguet in Building Bridges Episode

During the program of the 38th Strawberry Festival, Boncato said there's nothing that tastes better than strawberries locally grown in Benguet compared to other farms found in the country. 

"There are farms in other parts of the country that grow strawberries but there is nothing that tastes better than the (strawberry of the) province of Benguet," Boncato said.

He also said that Benguet is "fortunate" because strawberry is considered a high-value crop and many tourists are flocking the valley to have a unique experience of picking fresh strawberries straight from the farm by themselves. 

Booking.com

"We are very fortunate that BSU (Benguet State University) is the main source of our strawberries here in Benguet. Our appeal to BSU is to sustain these beautiful strawberry farms. I know there will be expansion farms somewhere but let us think carefully not to make it as a destination for business but a destination for tourists all over the country," he said. 

The town of La Trinidad is currently celebrating its 38th Strawberry Festival from March 4 to March 29, 2019. The highlight of the festival is the rebuilding of a replica of the Guinness World Record biggest strawberry short cake. 

Cake lovers can have a taste of the cake on March 23, starting at 11 a.m at the Lednicky hall in the municipal building. 

There will be a free 50 slices to be served and the succeeding slices will be sold at Php20.00 per slice. 

READ MORE: La Trinidad to bake world-record giant strawberry cake to highlight Strawberry Festival 2019

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