MUST WATCH: Top 10 incredible videos that will inspire you to visit Cordillera

The Cordillera region in the Northern part of the Philippines, also known as the Igorot land is being loved, protected and worshiped by its people as it offers tremendous beauty, inspiring culture and unique traditions.

These phenomenal grandeur of the Cordillera are captured, recorded and made available to us by tourists, vloggers,  and video enthusiasts who visited the land and wanted to share the magnificent view they have witnessed.

Here are top 5 of them.

TOP 5:  Hungry Syrian's Native Ifugao Cottage experience.

How does it feel living in a unique Ifugao hotel in Banaue. Basel, a Philippine-based vlogger from Syria shares his experience. 

 

TOP 4:  Banaue and Batad are Insane - Loz's Liesure 

Visiting for the first time, Loz's adventure to Batad rice terraces is insane. "Can't believe the northern Philippines rice terraces are this beautiful" he titled his vlog.

TOP 3: My Journey into Norther Luzon Philippines - Gareth Leonard

In his vlog - Gareth Leonard shares his travel experience to Bila, a small town in the municipality of Bauko, Mountain Province. The town is a developing tourist destination under the initiative of Eddie, a resident of the place and the founder of Tao Philippines. Leonard experienced unique Igorot culture and total hospitality of the locals.

TOP 2:  Finn Snow's Kalinga Bodong Festival Experience

He titled his vlog, LAND OF NO RETURN. When you visit Kalinga, experience their wonderful culture while you immerse your self with the people, going back home won't be in your option. You want to stay more days and enjoy the many things, Kalinga could offer. 

 

TOP 1: Kyle Jennerman (Becoming Filipino) - Road Trip From Bontoc to Kalinga.

Kyle Jennerman popularly know by his Filipino street name 'Kulas' documented his road journey when he visited Cordillera. " This could be not just of the greatest mountain roads to drive in the Philippines...but in the Wordl! Wow! Driving along the mountain sides in Kalinga is beyond breathtaking, and at times very intimidating," Jennerman wrote is his video description. 

Indeed, Cordillera has a lot to show to the world. To name a few among the many wonders of Cordillera, it  includes the breathtaking scenery, amazing culinary experiences when it comes to food and coffee, wonderful people, diverse culture and unique tradition to experience and learn from. Thus, it is undeniably true that Cordillera is one of the best place in the Philippines to visit. 

Searching for unique travel experience this Christmas season? Cordillera is waiting for you. 

Video and Photo Courtesy || The Hungry Syrian, Loz's Adventure, Gareth Leonard, Finn Snow and Kyle Jennerman YT channels.

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Proud Igorot from Mt. Province receives two prestigious award from the University of Florida

Photo Courtesy: fullbright.org

Cordillera - A Fulbright from Bontoc, Mountain Province was given two prestigious awards by the University of Florida (UF), according to fulbright.org.ph.

Mark Preston S. Lopez, was awarded the International Student Certificate of Excellence of the College of Education and was also conferred the University of Florida International Center Alec Courtelis Award during the International Students' Week awarding ceremony held on November 14, 2018 at the President's Ballroom, Emerson Alumni Hall in UF. 

Lopez was also given a scholarship worth $1,500 dollar, a plague and a certificate.

Earlier in September, he was chosen as one of the recipients of the International Student Certificate of Excellence of the College of Education (COE) following the nomination from his academic advisor and professors for his outstanding academic achievement, commitment to service and leadership that are not only integral to the success of the College but more importantly to his achievement as a student and scholar. 

In April 2018, Lopez won the best paper award on the COE research symposium for his study on the implementation of the national language policy on mother tongue-based multilingual education in Mountain Province.

"I had never imagined that I would realized such achievements. When I came to UF, my goal was to obtain my doctoral degree which is an enormous challenge by and of itself, and return to the Philippines and continue serving the country." Lopez told when he asked about the recognition. 

"At some point, I realized that I wanted to do more than just focus on my academics, so I emerged out of my shell and explored the vast opportunities waiting to be embraced and conquered," he added.

According to fulbright.org, Lopez is currently working towards completing his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, major in ESOL/Bilingual Education in December 2019. He is obtaining support form a Fulbright Graduate Scholarship through the Philippine-American Education Foundation (PAEF), a UF assistantship and a partial funding grant for the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines.

source || fulbright.org.ph

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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. 

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

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

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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.

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

Photo Courtesy: Tracy Dizon FB

Cordillera - The traditional Cordilleran fabric "Inabel" is already having an international recognition as it made its  way to the New York Fashion Week which was held last week.

Filipina fashion designer Tracy Dizon with the help of a fellow Cordillera designer Harvic Dominguez made the effort for this traditional Inabel fabric to be recognized abroad. 

Photo Courtesy: Redford Mancio via spot.ph

With her fascination with textiles from different regions in the Philippines, she has created numerous dresses which include a baby doll dress made with Cordillera fabrics. The dress can be used in any formal or casual occasions. 

One of her award winning collection is the Cordilleran ensemble worn by Filipina actress and singer Johanne Morisette Daug Amon, better known by her stage name, Morisette.

Photo Courtesy: Tracy Dizon FB

Among the attire showcased in the Fashion show were fabrics made with Ifugao textiles, Cordillera fabrics, Yakan and Iloko Inabel. 

Dizon will be showing her Pinoy Pop Life fashion collection for Spring Summer 2019 at the prestigious New York Fashion Week and will be putting Filipiniana-inspired designs and indigenous fabrics.

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Abranean assumes new role as Man of the Philippines-UEA 2018

Filipina student proudly performed IFUGAO dance with a twist to international students in Taiwan

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In 2017, Tracy Dizon won the Rise Art & Design Fashion Designer Competition in New York City with her Southeast Asian-inspired fashion collection besting many talented NYC fashion designer contender. 

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Igorot MMA fighter Stephen Loman prevails as champion, defeats Brazilian foe at Brave 18

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Igorot Mixed Martial Artist Stephen Loman from Team Lakay defeated Brazilian Felipe Efrain and successfully defended his title for the second time in the main event of Brave Combat Federation 18 at the Khalifa Sports City Arena, Isa Town, Bahrain.

In the octagon battle which took place in Bahrain on November 16, 2018, Loman "The Sniper" showed his incredible striking power and amazing defense against Felipe who is known to be a knockout artist. 

In the 2nd round, Loman escaped a very tight guillotine chock from the Brazilian before eventually took an upper position and punished the Brazilian with barrages of punches and elbows. 

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Loman now holds the record as the youngest MMA champion in the Middle East and Europe.

Stephen Loman from Team Lakay a New World Champion from the Philippines

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After 5-minute rounds, the Cordilleran champion was declared winner by the three referees via unanimous decision.

The 23-year old Loman, who trains out of Baguio under Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao improved his MMA professional record with 11 wins and 2 loses. 

His last fight against former IMMAF gold medalist Frans Mlambo in the United Kingdom was his first historic title defense.

Loman expressed his gratitude to all his Filipino fans worldwide especially those in Bahrain who supported and motivated him. 

Read Also: Full Fight - Kevin Belingon defeats Bibiano, become undisputed World Bantamweight Champion

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Miss Philippines Dona Marie Balaoro from Cordillera wins 1st Runner Up in Miss Lumiere International World 2018

Photo Courtesy: Abra Province FB

Cordillera - A young beauty queen from Abra was crowned 1st Runner Up in the recently concluded Miss Lumiere International World 2018 which was held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on November 10.

Donna Marie Jan Saludez Balaoro, 25-year-old, who represented the Philippines in the pageant was crowned 1st runner up in the contest. 

Balaoro lives in Trece Martires, Cavite but a native of Barangay Patucanay, Bangued Abra, according to a post from Abra Province official Facebook page. 

Although she wasn't lucky to get the most coveted crown, Balaoro was very proud that she was able to represent her country in the beauty pageant. 

"I am proud to represent my country and to tell the world that I am adopted and raised by a member of the LGBTQIA community - a lesbian. I was raised by my 'amma' to be strong, faithful woman," Balaoro said during an interview. 

Photo Courtesy: Abra Province

The beauty queen from Abra studied at the Lyceum of the Philippines University and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in International Travel Tourism Management.

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Abranean assumes new role as Man of the Philippines-UEA 2018

 International students in Taiwan cheered at Filipina who performed Ifugao dance with a hip-hop twist

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Mis Belgium Olivia Talaronek was crowned Miss Lumiere International World 2018. Other winners were Sri Langka - 2nd runner-up; Zambia, - 3rd runner-up and India - 4th runner-up. 

Miss Lumiere International world is a beauty pageant for luminous woman who cultivates a core peace and self awareness. It develops women to rest confidently in their own original essence  so that they can appreciate the gifts and beauty of others without the sense that they diminish her in some way. 

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Bontoc municipality bags highest award for good governance in 2018

Photo Courtesy: Municipality of Bontoc FB

Cordillera - The local government of Bontoc, Mountain Province received the 2018 National Seal of Good Governance (SGLG) during the Awarding Ceremony held at Manila Hotel on November 6, 2018. 

The SGLG is one of the highest recognition awards given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to LGU which recorded exemplary performance in government service. 

For the record, Bontoc is the only municipality in Mountain Province, and one among the only seven Local Government Units (LGU) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) that received the award.

Among the awardees in the Cordillera region are the municipality of Bucay, Dolores, Penarrubia, La Paz, San Juan and Tubo, which all from the province of Abra.

Bontoc successfully passed the seven required core areas to include financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order; business-friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, and tourism, culture and the arts.

As a reward, Bontoc received the 2018 National SGLG Awardee marker and is entitled to the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) in the amount of P3.2 Million which is allotted by the national goverment to the LGU-SGLG recipients for funding projects.

Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey personally received the award and expressed his gratitude to everyone and credited the award to all the employees of Bontoc LGU and partner agencies who worked together to achieved their goal.

"All our efforts have paid off. This award is for all of us. The municipal government cannot claim full credit for passing the SGLG national assessment. This success is due to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders," Odsey said. 

source || Municipality of Bontoc FB

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Filipina student proudly performed IFUGAO dance with a twist to international students in Taiwan

Photo screen grab: Imelda de Guzman YT

Cordillera - A Filipina student in Taiwan had shown and proven that the traditional dance popular in the north of the Philippines can be blended with modern hip-hop music.

Emelda de Guzman, with an Ifugao descent, proudly represented her tribe and country when she performed the Ifugao traditional dance in front of several foreign students during the 2018 Foreign Students Chinese Public Speaking Competition at the National Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei Taiwan.

In her performance, Guzman was dressed in her traditional colorful "tapis". She started her dance with a the usual slow and graceful movements with the traditional Ifugao song. After 2 minutes mark, the crowd in attendance begin to rap with a hip-hop beat, according to taiwannews.com.

Guzman has nothing to do with the more louder music but to changed her tempo to match the hip-hop beat but still performing the Ifugao dance move.

The audience in the hall, who are mostly her fellow students, clapped to the beat and cheered Guzman until the end of her performance.

READ ALSO: Ifugao boxing sensation Carl Martin knocks out Korean foe, retains undefeated record

During an interview, Guzman said the event was an opportunity for her to represent her country. She competed with more that 60 students from 14 different countries in the 46th edition of the annual competition.

Guzman is a student currently taking a Chinese language course at National Chenchi University and has been living in Taiwan for 15 months.

Latest Story: Cordilleran soldier Pvt. Louis Dulawan promoted PSG Officer donned by President Duterte

Watch Guzman's performance below

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

Photo Courtesy: RTVM YT channel

Cordillera - Sixteen police and military personnel have been promoted Presidential Security Group (PSG) officer on November 10, 2018 at the PSG Quarters, Tactical Operations Group XI in Davao City. 

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administered the donning of ranks to the sixteen police and military personnel. 

Private Louis Dulawan  is a Cordilleran from Tinoc, Ifugao. He was among the lucky member of the armed forces to be promoted officer of the PSG. 

The PSG is the lead agency tasked with providing security to the President of the Philippines, the Vice President and their immediate families. The PSG is stationed at the Malacanang Palace.

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Other member who were promoted officers are:

Cpt, Marcialito Escudero, 

Cpt. Robert Salvan, 

Cpt, Rocky Migrino, 

1Lt. John Michael Jamero, 

SSg. Rolando Timog, 

Ruel Barruga, 

SSg, Jerwin Nation, 

Sgt. Charlie Palicas, 

Sgt. Michael Costales, 

Cpl, Marlon Ypil, 

Cpl. Brian Balatero, 

Cpl. Raffey Lagrimas, 

PFC Salvador Elbo, 

Pvt. Edward Berion, 

and PSI Renante Aritalla.

Latest Story: Honest Baguio cab driver returns iPhone and Laptop left from his taxi to owner

Watch the Video below:

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Honest Baguio cab driver returns iPhone and Laptop left from his taxi to owner

Photo Courtesy: Xania Gerardo FB

Baguio City - There have been countless of stories we heard about honest cab drivers around Baguio with regards to returning valuable items left inside their taxi.

Here is another true experience shared by Xania Gerardo on Facebook. She posted that her friend who lost her iPhone and Laptop was able to claim them after they were returned by the honest cab driver.

"Kuya Cleto of Kian Jay Taxi returned the Laptop and iPhone of my friend Krista this morning, November 10, 2018," Gerardo wrote in her FB account.

She is hoping that Mr. Cleto will be recognized by the city government for his exemplary deed because he is an excellent model to follow by all PUV drivers.

"Such manifestation of a Good Deed is worth emulating. Hope the City Government will recognize this Honest and Loving Father and Husband of our Beloved City. The pride of Baguio - Honest Taxi Drivers. Naway Pagpalain pa po Kau at Mabuhay po kaung Lahat," she added.

READ ALSO: Baguio City is home to the most honest taxi drivers in the Philippines

Screenshot from Xania Gerardo FB

Taxi drivers in Baguio are known to be honest and trustworthy. Many of them are now making rounds of appreciation on social media for returning items accidentally left by passengers inside their car.

Some of them even go the distance and make an extra effort to locate the owner as much as they can do because they knew these lost properties are important to the owner.

Sharing stories of this kind of good deeds by Baguio cab drivers on social media is a good thing. Recognizing and appreciating them will motivate others to do the same.

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