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

Photo Courtesy || Gwendolyn Pascua

Voyage to space is one of the most difficult task of any astronaut. But with the help of a mission controllers such as engineers, experts and engineers here on Earth, the journey to space is possible.

One of the scientist working in a Mission Control Center at the Biotechnology Space Support Center (Biotesc) in Lucerne University in Switzerland is a Cordilleran from Kalinga.    

Her name is Gwendolyn Pascua, who hails from Tabuk, Kalinga and she is the Project Planning and Coordination, Operation Lead Engineer and the Ground Controller at BIOTESC in Switzerland.

READ ALSO: Kalinga pilot, the first Filipina to be in-command of a Philippine Air Force C130

BIOTESC acts on behalf of the European Space Agency that is tasked to guide scientists who are conducting experiments with astronauts and the International Space Station.

International Space Station (ISS) [Photo: pixabay.com]

“We prepare [the astronauts’] experiments and procedures starting from planning their experiments, coordinating with scientists and payload developers. We do all tests necessary on the ground before they are sent to the ISS (International Space Station),” Pascua said. - [Estanislao Albano Jr] via inquirer.net

READ ALSO: Ibaloi doctor awarded by President Duterte as among the 2016 Outstanding Young Men and Women

Gwendolyn Pascua was in the Mission Control Center of BIOTESC who successfully flew Thomas Pequet  aboard the Soyuz MS-03 on November 17 of last year.

Thomas Pequet was the first French Astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA) who was blasted into space aboard the Soyuz spacecraft to the ISS for a six month space tour under the European Proxima mission project.

Soyuz MS-03 [Photo: Spaceref.com

Being an astronaut has been an aspiration for Gwendolyn since she was a kid and now all the efforts and sacrifices she had done to pursue her dream are slowly coming into reality now that she is working with a renowned space agency in Europe.

Congratulations! May you become an inspiration to a lot of Filipinos and Cordillerans to continue pursuing their dreams.

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

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The Cordilleran warrior from Ifugao is back: Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon to fight on April 21

Cordillera - Just a month to wait and the "The Silencer" Kevin Belingon will return into the ring to show once again what a true Cordilleran fighter he is.

The 29-year-old Belingon, a native of Ifugao will return to the cage on April 21st to face Finland's Toni "Dynamite" Tauro in the undercard of ONE: Kings of Destiny.

Under Team Lakay, Belingon is one of the most feared strikers on ONE Championship's bantamweight division. He has a record of five KOs victories on his resume.

Belingon (14-5) will be one of the four Team Lakay fighters on the card who will be fighting alongside Eduard Folayang in the main event in the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

Talking about his opponent Tauro who has defeated one of his teammate Geje Eustaquio, Belingon   is confident that he can put a good fight and will win the game.

"I've been a staple of this weight class for a long time. I've fought the best of the best. I know Toni Tauru's caliber as a fighter. I am not taking this fight lightly. My focus is on walking away with my name being announced as the winner," Belingon said.

He also has given a warning to Tauru to be prepared, that although he is taller than him, he is going to come in there with his speed and punching power that definitely will stun him and put a winning advantage on his part.

Belingon is now in full training for his incoming fight. He said that he is training with other Team Lakay's members who are taller than him to get used to Tauru's height and Length.

source: One FC, ABS CBN Sport

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Mt. Province's "Lang-ay Festival 2019": Everything You Need to Know

Photo Courtesy || Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan

The people of Mountain province and the rest of Cordillera are anticipating this year's annual festival that highlights the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the different municipalities of the province. This is a yearly festival wherein each of the participating municipalities will have the chance to showcase their indigenous music, dance, costume and their traditional tools and symbols.

The event will also signify the unity among the many diverse tribes of Mountain province to come together for one purpose, to "Lang-ay".

1. What is Lang-ay? 

The word "Lang-ay" is a native term of the iBontoc which means coming together for sharing which could be anything, from food, happiness, friendship, wisdom, talents and resources. When someone invites you for a "Lang-ay", there is no excuse not to go for everyone has something to share.

2. When is Lang-ay festival 2019?

This year's Lang-ay Festival is the 15th and it will be celebrated from April 1st April 8th.

3. How do people of Mountain Province celebrate Lang-ay Festival?

The festival is participated by the 10 municipalities of Mt. Province which will gather together in Bontoc for numerous activities such as street-dancing parade and competitions, cultural presentations, musical events, sports, exhibits and many others. Please see attached photo for the lists of events.

Lang-ay Festival 2019 Calendar of Activities. Photo Courtesy || Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan

4. Is the festival for just for locals or can anyone get involved. 

The festival is open for anyone and everyone, whether you are local or international tourists, you are very much welcome to watch and learn the culture of Mountain Province.

5. What is the best highlight of the festival that I should not miss?

Every event on the festival would definitely be a must watch for everybody. The street dancing and cultural presentations will get you the chance to see the native costume of the each of the 10 municipalities of Mt. Province. Also, don't miss the chance to watch the indigenous games such as "Khug uyod", Inet-etaan" and "Sangkhor". Please refer to the Lang-ay Calendar of Events.


6. Where to stay in Bontoc to watch the 14th Lang-ay Festival 2019?

Looking for an accommodation in Bontoc would never be a problem for visitors since the town offers great choices of accommodation. Navigating the town to look for hotel is relatively simple due to its size and you can do that on foot.

So, if you're planning to go on a trip for the Lang-ay Festival in Bontoc, then don't cancel it. Ready your backpack, cameras, phones and let's head to Mountain Province. You're almost guaranteed you'll have a lot of fun and you'll end up satisfied after your visit.

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Areas near Baguio Convention Center believed to contain Yamashita Treasure

If you think Yamashita treasure hunting is gone and no one is interested about it, well, not yet. When talking about gold in Benguet not to mention of course about mining, Yamashita treasure is gold and they do still exist and they were just around the corner.

Thanks to Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita and his forces who looted valuable treasures in Southeast Asia and allegedly buried them in many parts of the Philippines.

This time a group of treasure hunters in Baguio City has said that there are certain areas near the Baguio Convention Center (BCC)that contain Yamashita treasures, this prompt the group to acquire permit from the city government to conduct treasure hunting in the area.

According to the group representative Eliseo Cabusao, a 90-year-old US immigrants with a Japanese descent had told him that he had helped bury a truckloads of gold near the BCC during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

To have an extra money for the government, the city council had allowed the treasure hunter to conduct drilling exploration on six different spots of the BCC for two days. If it is positive, excavation and retrieval will be followed but with the close monitoring of city government personnel.

If the treasure is found, whatever it is, maybe a bullion of gold of silver, the national government will take its 35% share, local government will take 35% and the rest will be for the treasure hunters, reports Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Photo: Baguio Convention Center via Google Street View

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Let's support our Cordilleran candidates who will join BFP Miss National Fire Olympics 2017

Cordillera - The Bureau of Fire Protection-Cordillera in its Facebook Page is asking the people of Cordillera to join the Online Voting in support for the three candidates who will represent the region for the MISS NATIONAL FIRE OLYMPICS 2017.

The online voting has started on March 11 and will end on March 17 (Friday) at 12 noon.

In order to participate, just got to BFP Miss National Fire Olympics 2017 Facebook Page and look for the name of Miss Olivia Lambayong who represent BFP Cordillera, Miss Jenalyn Rodas who will represent Industrial Cordillera and Miss Zeny Rose Gorospe for Barangay Cordillera.

Just Like and Share the Photo of each candidate. One like is equivalent to 1 point while one share is equivalent to 3 points.

Links of each candidates are embedded below from Facebook. Just click on the photo then hit Like and Share.

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WATCH: Joshua Pacio from Benguet comes out victorious in One Warrior Kingdom

It's a grueling, an intense and a non-stop action between Filipino mixed martial artist Joshua Pacio against former world champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke in the ONE: WARRIOR KINGDOM in Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Joshua Pacio from La-Trinidad, Benguet who trained under Lakay La Trinidad Gym scored a massive split decision win against the Thai Champion on March 11.

Pacio has shown his tremendous skills in two rounds via takedowns and well-executed ground and pound leading the Thai champion looked uncapable of taking a good win.

Pacio's impressive victory has made him improve his record to 9-1 and a possible title rematch againts current ONE Strawweight Champion Yoshitaka "Nobita" Naito who defeated him in their previous bouts.

Joshua Pacio was the only lone Filipino fighter who took home victory after three of his countrymen bowed down to their respective opponents.

Watch the highlight of the fight below.

Video/Photo Credit: One Championship

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Top 3 of PMA Class of 2017 is a proud Cordilleran from Buguias, Benguet

PMA FB page

Cordillera - Cadet First Class Eda Gliss Buansi Marapao of Baguio City is the top 3 of PMA Class "Salaknib" 2017, the only Cordilleran who made it to the top 10 in the graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy.

Marapaom is also among the 8 women in the top 10 graduates of the PMA Salaknib (Sanggalang at Lakas at Bukay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan.) led by female valedictorian, Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez of Cabanatuan City.

Marapaom is a proud Cordilleran who came from Buguias, Benguet and residing in La Trinidad. She had studied Civil Engineering course before entering the Academy as she was encouraged by her father who was a retired Army.

She thanked all those who had extended support and help in her studies especially her parents retired Army  Edgar Marapao and Helen Marapao.

The Top 10 graduates of PMA Class 2017 are as follows.

1. Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez, Cabanatuan City
2. Philippine Modesto Viscaya, Ligao City, Albay
3. Eda Glis Marapao, Baguio City
4. Cathleen Jovie Santiano Baybayan, San Fernando, Pampanga
5. Carlo Emmanuel Manalasan, Canlas, Pampanga
6. Shiela Joy Ramiro Jallorina, Balabag, Nueva Viscaya
7.Sheil Marie Calonge De Guzman, Manaoag, Pangasinan
8. Joyzy Mencias Funchia, Butuan City
9. Resie Jezreel Arrocena Hucalla, Compostella, Valley
10. Catherine Mae Emeterio Gonzales, Zamboanga City

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Rotary Club Baguio to conduct Free Medical Mission on March 4

Rotary Club Baguio FB page

The Rotary Club of Baguio will be conducting a free medical mission on March 4 starting at 9 AM to 4  PM at the Baguio City Hall Grounds. 

According to the information posted on RCB's Facebook page, there will be services and items to be given such as free medical consultation, OB GYNE consultation, dental services, minor surgery, eye check up and acupuncture. 

They will be also giving fee medicines and vitamins; free used clothing and eyeglasses frames. 

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LOOK: First SAF Monument in Lepanto, Mankayan Benguet inaugurated.

The Special Action Force (SAF) monument has been successfully inaugurated today at Lepanto National High School ground in Mankayan Benguet.

The SAF monument was built in honor of the 44 SAF commandos who were killed during an encounter with members of the MILF in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 2015 according to PSupt. Mario Mayam-es Jr., of the 2nd Battallion SAF commander.

Three of the SAF troopers were a graduate of Lepanto High School. They were SPO1 Noel Golocan, PO1 Angel Kodiamat and PO2 Noble Kiangan.

The inauguration was attended by widows and family members of the SAF troopers, local government officials, police officers and Lepanto High School alumni.

Also present in the inauguration are two of the SAF survivors PO2 Adolfo Andrada and PO3 Christopher Lalan.


Source: Bombo Radyo, Philippine Information Agency Photo: Kim Amoy

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Japan-Inspired Sakura Park in Atok Benguet slowly attracting tourists

There is a new exciting destination for tourists to visit in the Cordilleran region - the Japan-inspired Sakura Park located in Paoay, Atok Benguet.

The park is the first ever Sakura or cherry blossom park to be established in the Philippines. There are about 30 kinds of cherry blossom trees that are expected to be seen out from the hundred trees that were planted back in 2015.

Although the trees are not yet fully grown up and blossoming, there are now several tourists who are starting to go picnicking in the said Sakura park in Paoay according to Atok Municipal Agricultural technologist Felix Pedro.

The Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera (DENR-CAR) is committed to support the park to become a tourist destination for both local and International tourists.

Benguet Representative Ronald Cosalan has proposed the development of the road going to the park for easy accessibility for visitors.

Source: CNN Philippines, BomboRadyo Baguio

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WATCH: Baguio traffic enforcer praises for helping a disabled man in a busy intersection

A traffic enforcer in Baguio city was caught on video helping a disabled man to cross a busy intersection along Magsaysay Avenue.

In a video that was posted on GMA's Facebook Page, it shows a traffic enforcer in a busy intersection talking to a disabled man sitting under an overpass.

Not later than  40 seconds of the video, the traffic enforcer picked up the man's backpack and carried him across the road.

James Villaverdee, the owner of the video shared the clip hoping that it can  give inspiration to others.

Many netizens have commended the kindness that was shown by the traffic enforcer who has exerted his effort to help the disabled man despite his busy work of directing traffic.

One netizen however, has criticized the local government of Baguio for failing to address the needs of disabled pedestrians who want to cross the road. The netizen suggested putting up escalator or lift in overpasses or redesign them to be usable by Persons With Disabilites or PWD.

Watch the video below

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WATCH: Korean guy dances traditional Cordilleran dance 'pattong'

The deafening yet harmonious sound of the beating of gansas and the Cordilleran folks enjoying 'patong' dance is too much for this Korean guy not to get his own gansa and join the party.

A half-minute video posted on Jeyrick Sigmaton Global Fanpage shows a very happy Korean man playing the gong while performing the Igorot dance.

According to the post, the Korean guy was the owner of the facility where Jeyrick Sigmaton or popularly known as the Carrot Man was held at. His name is Jeon Seong Chan.

"Seong Chan was very impressed with what was happening in his place, but it's the cultural dance that has caught his interest the most. So he volunteered to join the pattong" the post said.

Although Seong Chan was not able to perform the dance well, he still proceeded to go beat his gong and enjoy the party with the Igorots in Korea.

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Mountain Province to be declared Drug-Free

By the effort and cooperation of the people, PNP and local officials of Mountain Province to get rid of drugs, the province has now been cleared of illegal drugs and has been set to formally declare as a drug-free. 

All of the ten towns with 144 barangays of Mt. province had been cleared of illegal drugs after they had complied with the 16 parameters set by the Dangerous Drug Board for declaring a barangay as drug-free. 

The recognition as a drug free barangays was validated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. 

From the report by the Philippine Information Agency website, provincial local police was able to account a total of 459 drug personalities, 441 had surrendered, 17 were arrested and one killed.  

PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt. Tellio Ngis-o said the with the declaration as a drug-free province, local police and officials will intensify information campaign against illegal drugs. He also recommends the creation of  Municipal Drug Action Center that will work on the rehabilitation program for drug victims. 

The success of Mt.province to become drug-free is mainly attributed to the local officials, government officials and other stakeholders in the province, Ngis-o said. 

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Lepanto Mining in Mankayan among mines ordered for suspension by DENR

Photo: lepanto website

Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company located in Mankayan Benguet is among the several mining companies in the country ordered for suspension by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Gina Lopez.

DENR Sec. Lopez on Thursday said she was suspending and closing operations of several mines due to violations of safety standards.

Among the lists of mining companies with environment certificate ordered for suspension are OceanaGold in Nueva Viscaya, CitiNickel Mines and Development Corporation in Narra, Palawan, Beron Nickle Corporation in Quezon, Palawan, and Ore Asia Mining and Development Corporation in Bulacan.

Meanwhile, Sec. Lopez ordered the closure of four mining operations namely the Benguet Nickel Mines, Eramen Minerals Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation and LNL Archipelago Mining Corp due to report that these mining operations has destroyed watersheds in the area.

Lepanto Mining which is listed in the Philippine stock exchange suffered a beating today with a price of .20 going down to as low as .17 with a decline of about 14 %.

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Igorot soldier Captain Capio described as the "Tarzan" for his bravery in battle

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte paid his respect to fallen soldier Captain L. Capio at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio yesterday.

Captain Capio was this year's first casualty in the ongoing fight against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf in Cabcaban, Sumisip Basilan on January 12, 2017.

Capt. Clintion Capio was hit during a nine-hour firefight with about 60 to 80 Abu Sayyaf members led by Furuji Indama in the jungle of Basilan.

Capio was the commanding officer of the 1st Special Force Company tasked to provide support to their fellow wounded soldiers who were pinned down. After two hours of intense firefight, Capio was hit by single enemy bullet in his right side temple, just a centimeter from the cover of his Kevlar helmet.

"He was wearing helmet but the angle of the cap might had been in an open position because they were moving in for assault when he was unfortunately hit, according to Western Command spokesperson Maj. Filemon Tan.

Captain Capio, who came from Bugias, Benguet was a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 2006 under the Mandala Class (Mandirigmang Dangal ng Lahi)

His fellow soldiers has described him as the "Tarzan" for his bravery and for being always on top in ranger course training.

He is a "fighting leader" who "fights from the front' said 1Lt, Ron, JR Villarosa from the 4th Special Forces Battalion. Capio will be remembered as a "fighting leader who never let his troops down."

Remains of Capt. Capio will be flown to Baguio via C-130 and later transported to his hometown in Buguias. He will be given a hero's burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani

- PCG and Philstar

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Cordilleran Educator, Francis Jim Tuscano is among the top 50 finalists of the Global Teacher Prize 2017

Photo: globalteacherprize.org

Francis Jim Tuscano, a teacher who came from Abra, is among the 50 shortlisted teachers from across the world in the running for the 2017 Global Teacher Prize.

The Global Teachers Prize was set up to recognize exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession and has shown to the world the important role of teachers in the society Now in its third year, a prize award of $1 million will be given to the winner.

Francis Jim Tuscano was among the 50 lucky educators to be selected from over 20,000 nominations and applications from 179 countries around the world.

In this bio written on the globalteacherprize.org website, Mr Tuscano was known for his studies examining the efficacy of iPad learning. Mr Tuscano believes that using and integrating technology in teaching will deepen the students learning and this proves him true since 94% of his students admitted iPad had helped them in learning.

"His students have demonstrated their improvements in an even more obvious way by becoming published authors, having written about their encounter with the students from the National School for the Blind and published it in the iBooks store," the website says.

One of the most recent achievements of Tuscano is his award from the Pineau-Clifford Educators for being an Outstanding Faculty at his school and was additionally made an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2015.

In 2016, his book on Religious Education was a finalist at the US iBooks author conference for best educational book.

Given the chance to win the prize this year Francis is planning to collaborate with the Department of Education to create a well-structured professional development plan for teachers.

The Global Teacher Prize winner will be announced on Sunday, 19 March.

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Baguio City Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) will open Jan. 16

The Baguio City Public Employment Service Office will be accepting qualified students for the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) 2017 on January 16 at the PESO at the City Hall. The registration will begin from 9 am up to 5 PM on January 16 until February 28. 

The Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) is a program based on Republic Act No. 7323 which seeks to give poor but deserving students employment during summer and/or Christmas vacation, through incentives granted to employers by the department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Qualifications for acceptance for the SPES

1. Must be bona-fide Baguio residents.
2. He/She must be physically fit and must be 15-25 years old at the time of registration.
3. Must be currently enrolled or a student who has not been able to enroll for the past semester/academic year but intending to enroll in the coming semester/academic year.
4. Parents/Guardians annual net income (after tax) do not exceed P116,898 per year. 
5. Have an average passing grade during the last school term attended. 

Documents Needed for registration 

1. Original copy of birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority or by the Local Civil Registrar on Baguio. 
2. Original copy of parents/guardian Income Tax Return (ITR) duly filed by the BIR or Certificate of Tax Exemptions issued by the BIR and sworn statement of affidavit if parent/guardians were exempted to paying tax in 2016.
3. High School applicants must present last year's grades for school year 2015-2016 while college and vocational students are requested to present their most recent grades from the first semester of academic year 2017.

NOTE: All documents must be photocopied before submitting at the PESO.

SPES registrants will have to undergo a qualifying exams on March 5, 2017 starting at 8 o'clock AM at the Dona Josefa Elementary School.

There will be a total of 350 qualified SPES trainees who will be given the chance to work and experience government and office works.

- PIA

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Mount Pulag temperature may drop to zero, Trekkers advised to stay in the campsite

The Civil Defense Cordillera has issued an advisory today about the weather condition in Mount Pulag that temperature could drop to zero this week. Trekkers and those who are planning to go hiking are told to bring their proper clothing for cold weather to avoid hypothermia - a medical conditions when body loses heat.

The advisory that was posted on CDR's FB account says, "Trekkers during the weekends are advised to avail the homestay or campsites at the Badadak Village. Temperature may drop to zero any moment especially night time. Please bring proper clothing for cold weather to avoid hypothermia."

Mount Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines, popular for hiking destination because of its "sea of clouds" and its milky-way galaxy scenery that captivated tourist who visit the place.

- CDR

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Baguio cab driver shares blessing by offering free taxi ride.

Cordillera - A taxi driver in Baguio city is offering free rides to commuters as a way of sharing his blessing. 

Raymundo Bersalona, a 55-year-old residence of Asin Road, Baguio City has been a taxi driver for 15 years said offering free ride is a yearly tradition for him. 

Mr. Bersalona's story was made viral by a commuter name Dee Ba Abbara, who posted her experience on Facebook when she happened to ride on Bersalona's taxi. 

According to Abbara, Bersalona didn't charge her for the trip and said he is giving free rides as a way of giving  back to community, ABS CBN reported

"I do this for the glory of God, sa ating Panginoon. Binabalik ko lang yung blessing na pinagkaloob Niya sa akin, dapat lang bawa't isang tao, kung biniyayaan ka ng pagpapala syempre kung meron kang puso na mapagbigay, bigay mo rin para tuloy-tuloy yung biyaya ng Diyos sa'yo," Bersalona said.

What an inspiring story worth of praise for Mr Bersalona. 

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Miss Universe candidates to visit Baguio on January 18, 2017

The highly and eagerly awaited Miss Universe pageant to be held in the Philippines this year will highlight some of the famous spots in the country which include Baguio and Benguet.

The Miss Universe candidates will travel to Baguio for strawberry-picking scheduled on the 18th of January.

Prior to visiting the summer capital of the Philippines, the candidates will first start their 16-day itinerary in Boracay, then they will travel to Vigan on the 15th, Manila on the 16th and in Cebu on the 17th.

The candidates will also have the chance to visit the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City. After that they will be going to Batangas for a beachwear photoshoot on January 19.

The Miss Universe candidates will be arriving in the country starting January 12.

Part of the candidates' activities is to pay a courtesy call to President Duterte on January 23.

The grand coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on January 30.

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