ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong: Team Lakay is the number one team in the world

Photo Courtesy || Nissi Icasiano FB

Cordillera - ONE Championship founder, chairman, and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said Team Lakay of Baguio is the number one team in the world. 

"There is no question that Team Lakay is the #1 team in the world. They have achieved so much on the wold stage with so little," Sityodtong made the statement in his official FB page.

"With a humble little gym in Baguio, Team Lakay has stopped some of the greatest teams and athletes in the world through its passion, tenacity, excellence, and humility. Thank you for showing the world that nothing is impossible and for exemplifying the true meaning of martial arts" he added. 

The 47-year-old Sityodtong also congratulated Eduard Folayang in his extraordinary performance against Singaporean  Amir Khan on Friday, saying that Eduard just proved himself to those doubters, haters, and naysayers who are telling him to retire after he lost the belt from Nguyen.

"Congratulations to Eduard Landslide Folayang on becoming the ONE Lightweight World Champion again! You inspire all of us with your courageous journey of overcoming adversity, defeating odds, and chasing dreams... It was truly the best Eduard Folayang that I have ever seen in the almost 10 years we have known each other," Sityodtong wrote.

Moreover, Sityodtong did not miss to congratulate the Philippines for getting a new record of a country that owns 5 world championship titles. 

"Lastly, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to the entire country of Philippines for now owning 5 world championship titles, the most of any country on the planet! It is no secret that Filipinos are warriors, but your achievements as a country is truly outstanding. I stand with you to celebrate and honor your heroes together. 

Indeed, it was a remarkable journey for Team Lakay to have reached this glorious moment on the history of MMA in the Philippines. With a world class coach Mark Sangiao and the whole team of Igorot warriors, Team Lakay is truly a world class team. 

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Igorot Hottie's Renz Lou Lagria makes it to the final on Southeast Asia's Toughest

Photo Courtesy || KIX

Cordillera - Igorot hunk Renz Lou Lagria has made its way through the final on Southeast Asia's Toughest competition 'R U Tough Enough'. 

Renz who represented the Philippines was among the six countries in Southeast Asia which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam who made it to the final. Finalist from this six countries will be competing for the title of "Southeast Asia's Toughest" and will win a grand prize of USD15,000.

Last year, Lagria was crowned the Toughest Pinoy 2017 held at the SM Mall of Asia.

Known as one of the so called 'Panagbenga Hotties', Renz Lagria will once again prove to the world that Filipinos are the toughest in this year KIX much bigger event called R U Tough Enough which will be held in Kuala Lumpor, Malaysia.

Lagria, who is now considered one of the hottest and sexiest Igorot pageant model today, drew his strength and mental toughness from being an Igorot who grew up from the mountains and being a construction at a very young age.

This years' KIX and Fisherman's Friend R U Tough Enough contest aims to seek male and female participants from six different countries in Southeast Asia who has the physical strength, the mental endurance, and the emotional resilience to be crowned the toughest. 

R U Tough Enough competition has now grown wider scope this year as it expanded to Singapore and next will be Vietnam. Since its launched in 2014, it has attracted thousands of participants in various countries and crowned many deserving contestant including Renz Lou Lagria from Cordillera, Philippines. 

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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".

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Eduard Folayang beats Amir Khan, reclaims ONE World Lightweight title back

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay top fighter Eduard "Landslide" Folayang's journey to the Promised Land has been finally reached as he defeated Amir Khan of Singapore in ONE: Conquest of Heroes on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Folayang has proven that he is not yet done with the sport, after beating younger fighther Amir Khan who defeated his teammate Honorio Banario via first round submission.

In the 2nd round of the bout, Folayang showcased his ring superiority by pummeling Khan with series of spinning back punches. Both fighters survived until the fifth round but all rounds are clearly won by Folayang. 

Three judges scored the bout via unanimous decision giving victory to the Baguio native. 

The 35-year old Folayang finally got his birthday wish, winning back ONE Lightweight World Title.

"There's no greater gift I can receive on my 35th birthday other than winning the ONE Lightweight World title back," Folayang said. "And there's no better place to do it but in front of my countrymen" he added.

As the most coveted belt in the world is now in his possession, Folayang improved his record to 21 wins with only 6 defeats.

Likewise, his teammate Honorio Banario won via unanimous decision against his Indian foe.

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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.

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

Photo Courtesy || Michael Kimmayong

Cordillera - Another Filipino has been added to a few numbers of Filipino law enforcers who are joining Canada's Police Force. 

This time, he is a proud Cordilleran. According to the Association of Cordillerans in Manitoba, Michael Kimmayong successfully passed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force with flying colors. 

 "We, the members and officers of the Association of Cordillerans in Manitoba, wish to congratulate our ACM Vice President Michael Kel-mi YoungKim-ay Kimmayong for successfully passing with flying honors in entering the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force," ACM posted in its FB page.

"Kim, as he is fondly called, finished the rigid training course held in Regina, Saskatchewan, it added.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCPM) internally known as the Force is the the federal and national police force of Canada. They provide policing in the eight provinces of Canada and responsible for enforcing federal laws throughout Canada.-wikipedia.

Kimmayong now joins fellow Filipino Don Laurel who is serving as a constable in Toronto, Canada.

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Laurel is a former child actor who he appeared on several Philippine TV dramas and films back in the '90s. For the past six years, he has been a frontline police officer of the 32nd Division of the Toronto Police Department.

Congratulations! sir Michael Kimmayong. You made Filipinos and Cordillerans so proud. 

Other Story: 

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

Mark Preston Lopez - Fulbrigther from Bontoc receives prestigious award from the University of Florida

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President Duterte declares Nov. 22 Special (Non-Working) holiday in Benguet

Cordillera - The Palace announced the 22nd of November 2019 to be a special non-working holiday in Benguet Province. This is to celebrate the 119th foundation day of the top vegetable-producing province in the country.

Proclamation 851 stated that, "It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Benguet be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate on the occasion with appropriate ceremonies" which was issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Photo Courtesy || Mayor's Office La Trinidad

The much anticipated trade fair has been started on Nov. 10 and will run until Nov. 24 to showcase products of different municipalities in Benguet. 

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Watch: Syrian Guy shares his incredible experience living in a native Ifugao hotel.

Watch: Foreigner visits Cordillera for the first time and he was amazed with the beauty of the place

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The Adivay Festival will close with a thanksgiving ceremony on Nov. 24 and the employee's night on Nov. 29.


Read Also: Biggest Bendian Dance of Benguet attempts Guinness World Record

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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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