Cordillera - Senator Dick Gordon on Monday hinted a possible rehabilitation of Baguio City to prevent further damage and preserve one of the country's gems. The senator is calling for a "new Baguio" to save the city's former glory.
On his Facebook page, Gordon wrote Baguio is now overpopulated and city is suffering from too much pollution. "Napakaganda ng Baguio noon. Umaga palang naamoy mo na ang pine tress. May fog pa na nag uusok sa bibig mo kapag nagsasalita ka, "Gordon wrote. "Pero ano ang nangyari sa Baguio ngayon? Overpopulated na, puro smog at traffic pa. It's time to make a NEW BAGUIO. We will do this for the people," he added. Many people specially those living in Baguio who observed the slowly degradation of Baguio were also wishing the government to take action in order to preserved the city just like what they did in Boracay Island. Gordon said the rehabilitation of Baguio should also be considered a national priority. "Like Boracay, the rehabilation of Baguio City...should also be considered a national priority. Baguio is also one the gems of our Country.
Cordillera - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) formally opened new alternative routes going to Baguio City and Benguet province on November 26, 2018. DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar led the inauguration and opening of the bridge complimented by an alternative road that leads to Benguet's Asin Hot Spring and Baguio City.
The two major infrastructure projects of the government are the Aringay-Tubao alternative road and Anduyan Bridge, both were formally opened to motorists on Monday. JOB NEWS:4,000 Job Opportunities at Clark Christmas Job Fair on Nov. 29, 2018 According to DPWH, the 14.24 kilometers Anduyan Bridge will greatly reduce the travel time of 2 hours and 25 minutes from Tubao, La Union to Baguio City to just one hour. The new bridge with sidewalks on each side and reinforced concrete railings practically abandoned the use of bamboo raft for people of Barangay Rizal and Alog East in Tubao, La Union to cross Aringay River. It was made of two (2) abutments and a total of 11 piers all resting on bored piles 1,600 to 1,800 millimeters in diameters to ensure stability. Read Also:MUST WATCH: Top 10 incredible videos that will inspire you to visit Cordillera Motorists using this new alternative route going up to Baguio will benefit from the scenic view of the province of La Union. It will also help in lessening traffic congestion along Agoo to Baguio City or Naguilian Road. The ceremonial inauguration on Monday was attended by DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan, Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Martin Valera and other government officials of La Union. Related News: Senator Dick Gordon suggests rehabilitation of Baguio like Boracay
source || DPWH; Video || dimitrivalencia YT Channel
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
