Stephen 'The Sniper' Loman voted Fighter of the Year for Brave

Photo Courtesy || Brave CF FB

Cordillera - Brave's Bantamweight King Stephen Loman has been chosen by fans to be the Fighter of the Year for 2018, Brave CF announced yesterday. 

The Ifugao MMA champ has won the majority vote from fans dominating fellow Brave Champs Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady, Jarrah Al-Selawe, Ikram Aliskerov and Jeremy Kennedy. 

Lomans performance over the past years has been very exciting for MMA fans all over the world. He was the first champ to defend his crown twice against Frans Mlambo and Felipe Efrain; earning him another record being the longest reigning bantamweight champion in Brave's fight history. 

The 27-year old Loman is ranked the 4th of 217 active pro bantamweights in Southeast Asia and ranked 2nd of 86 in the Middle East. 

He is currently holding a record of 12 Wins and 2 Loses.

This year 2019, Loman is set to defend again his belt in the main event of Brave 22, which is scheduled to happen on March 15th at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

This will be the first time Brave Combat Federation boxing event will take place in the Philippines - the  home country of Stephen Loman. 

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Inspiring Story: Igorot security guard turns Attorney

Cordillera - Gone are the days when all of his friends and colleagues called him 'guard' because as soon as the news came that he was among the 1,731 takers who passed the bar exam for lawyers, he now has a new name 'Attorney' Roy Lawagan - a name he truly deserves after many years of sacrifices and dedication to finish his degree in law.

His story has gone viral back in 2016 and has given a lot of inspiration to all those working Filipino men and women who strive to do their best to finish an honorable education while working and supporting their families.

Roy Lawagan who hails from Sagada, Mountain Province used to work as a security guard at the Regional Office of the Commission of Audit in La Trinidad, Benguet.

He was humbled and overjoyed yet couldn't believe that he passed the exam.

"Hindi pa din ako makapaniwala pero tuwang-tuwa po ako. Nakakailang na tinatawag nila akong attorney ngayon, guard lang po kasi ang tawag sa akin," Lawagan said during an interview.

READ ALSO: 100 year-old Igorot man credits long life and health with eating camote, banana and squash

Lawagan, a Criminology graduate at the University of Baguio and a graduate of Bachelor of Laws at Saint Luis University had to help himself out by working as a security guard.

Lawagan  had a fair share of struggles and  hardships  while studying and preparing for the bar exam. He said, he works as a security guard at night and take care of his family at day time. In his days off at work, he reviews for the bar exam and used the COA office as his review center.

READ ALSO: 

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The security guard who just recently turned attorney encouraged everyone to persevere in their studies and not give up with their dreams.

"Sa lahat ng tao, kahit sino man, magpursige kayo hanggang matupad nyo ang pangarap niyo. Pag nadapa kayo bangon agad, para maabot ang pangarap," Lawagan said.

Let Attorney Lawagan's  journey to success inspire not only students but everyone from all walks of life to strive hard and be persistent to realize  their dreams.

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Cordilleran female cadet graduated from Australian Defense Force Academy

Cordillera - One of the two young cadets who graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy was a young female officer from Cordillera. 

According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website, Filipino cadets Midshipman Yvette Baybay and Officer Cadet Jaryd Nicolasora were among the successful graduates from the Australian Defence Force on 13 December 2018 in Canberra. 

Both Cadet Baybay and Cadet Nicolasora had completed a three-year training and academic program with Australian military officers.

The Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force as well as officers from other countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines.

Read Also: 

PH candidate for Miss Multinational pageant Kimi Mugford proud of her Igorot roots

US FBI-trained Igorot cop makes one of cebu's municipalities drug free

After their graduation, Midshipman Baybay will be joining the Philippine Navy, while officer Cadet Nicolosora will be joining the Philippine Air Force.

Australian Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) recognized the graduating students and he "encouraged them to take what they have learned in service to their respective countries and maintain the friendship they have built during their time in Australia".

Photo Courtesy || Australian Defence Force FB Page

According to DFA, Australia is the Philippines' second largest partner in defense and security cooperation and that has 36 military and civilian students who were given scholarship grants and training courses in Australia last year.

"The presence of Filipino military students in Australian institutions year after year is a hallmark of the shared history and values of our two countries. The defense cooperation and interoperability of our our forces is a priority of our government," Ambassador De La Vega said.

source || DFA

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PH candidate for Miss Multinational pageant Kimi Mugford proud of her Igorot roots

Photo Courtesy || Miss Kimi Mugford Instagram

Cordillera - Philippine representative for the Miss Multinational pageant Miss Kimi Mugford, a  Filipino-Canadian who is vying for Miss Multinational crown is asking support from her 'kakailyan' in Cordillera.

Miss Multinational is the international beauty pageant for girls across the world with a goal of becoming competitive as one of the top 6 pageants in the world.

In her intro video,  she mentioned that her family is proud of their Igorot heritage and she is learning how to speak the kankanaey dialect.

"My family has roots in Bangnin, Bauko, Mt. Province. My mother is proud of her heritage teaching me kankanaey."

Read Also: 100 year-old Igorot man credits long life and health with eating camote, banana and squash

Her advocacy is focused more in the field of education wishing  to preserve The Igorots'  way of life despite outside  influence and other ideas being introduced in this fast changing world. She also hopes that the public recognize the Igorots' unique lifestyle.

Photo Courtesy || Miss Kimi Mugford

She believes that education is the key to more opportunities.

Miss Mugford is proud to represent her country and the Filipino people. She is also grateful for everyone's love and support in her presentation video.

Read Also: Cordilleran female cadet graduated from Australian Defense Force Academy

"I'm proud to be here competing on behalf of my country and to all Filipinos around the world. Thank you so much for the love and support you have shown me. My heart is full."

Yesterday, the Igorot-Canadian beauty queen has arrived in India and is very excited to compete for the Miss Multinational crown on January 21, 2019.

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Ex-PNP chief Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa admitted he loves Cordillera culture and the people

Photo Courtesy || Municipality of Bontoc

Cordillera - Retired police chief Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa visited Mountain Province this week  on the 9th January 2019 and has said that he loves everything about Cordillera especially the culture, place and the people. 

Dela Rosa also admitted that the province is one of the places closest to his heart that's why he keeps coming back to visit the province.

With a remark, "para na rin akong kinantahan ng aking ina", Dela Rosa became emotional when the Bontoc Market Vendors Association (BOMARVA) members who were mostly women welcomed him with a serenade during his visit at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.

He said that he is proud of his given name "Moling", in his message. "Moling" means "unbreakable " or "firm" in Bontoc dialect. It also means a river boulder that is hard, smooth and almost unbreakable. 

His Ibontoc name Moling, was given to him in April last year during the Mountain Province Founding Anniversary as sign of being an adopted son of the province, which he gladly accepted with pride and honor.

Likewise, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey warmly welcomed Dela Rosa as their brother and extended the best regards of the people and officials of Bontoc. 

Photo Courtesy || Municipality of Bontoc

"You are our brother "Moling". I know that it is a sentimental trip for you to come back home as an adopted son of Mountain province", Odsey said.

Read Also: 

100 year-old Igorot man credits long life and health with eating camote, banana and squash

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He was welcomed by the employees and officials of Bontoc Municipal Government, officials from the 16 barangays of Bontoc, members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), members of the BOMARVA, Bontoc women's brigade, senior citizens from the central barangays, stakeholders and the whole Ibontoc community.

No wonder why Moling loves to keep coming back because it can't be denied that he is truly welcomed, loved and respected by his adoptive family in Cordillera.

source || Municipality of Bontoc FB page

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Hardworking student in Baguio sells 'pugo balot' and 'chicharon' to support studies.

Photo Courtesy || Bombo Radyo Baguio

Cordillera - Knowing the great importance of education is a powerful weapon which can be used to change the world and an investment that pays the best interest.

This hardworking student in the city of Baguio worked out his way to support his own education by selling popular Filipino snacks during his free time.

A photo posted by Maria Michelle Awing-tauli on Facebook shows a young student still wearing his university uniform holding a basket full of 'pugo balot' in his left hand while holding a plastic bag full of 'chicharon' in his right hand roaming around the city establishments to sell his products. 

Photo Courtesy || Maria Michelle Awing-taulie

The hardworking student was identified as Jonel M. Tejedo, a student of the University of the Cordilleras and taking up BS. Hospitality Management based on his ID card. 

READ ALSO: 

Inspiring Story: Igorot security guard turns Attorney

 Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger, talks face to face with terrorists to free hostages

"Was so speechless when I saw him. I admire him for his act. May the young generation imitate his perseverance.. He came from school and need to roam around to sell balot pugo and chicharon. The road may be long and bumpy but the success is still at the end of the road." Maria wrote in her post.

Photo Courtesy || Maria Michelle Awing-taulie

The post has been shared almost 1.3K and 4K Likes as of this writing and many netizens has expressed their admiration to Mr. Tejedo.

One netizen wrote,

"This is something that young generations of today should learn from.. Ang edukasyon na minsan at kadalasan we take for granted... Keep going young man.. Your dreams will surely run after your in time."

Although, Mr. Tejedo didn't grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, he has the courage, resilience and 'diskarte' in life to earn money for his studies by being a working student of his own. He is considered a young entrepreneur on the making. 

Truly, may this young hardworking man become an inspiration to all students to always give value to their education. 

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100 year-old Igorot man credits long life and health with eating camote, banana and squash

Photo Courtesy || MSWDO 

Cordillera - There are no other secrets to having a longer and healthier life than choosing the right  and healthy food to eat and living a healthy lifestyle.

A centenarian from Bontoc, Mt. Province shared how he was able to reach 100 years of his life. 

Mr. Herbert Malecdan Todyog just reached another milestone in his life when he just turned 100 years old last year - a long years of living that most people can not reach. He was born in March 10, 1918 in Bontoc.

Todyog shared that living in the village eating organically-grown food like camote, banana, squash and legumes are the reasons he believed help him reach 100 years. 

He also claimed that he was never been hospitalized, can still walk and has clear eyesight, according to a post from Municipality of Bontoc FB page. 

The organically-grown vegetables in his backyard like camote and squash are pesticide-free and these gave him long life and clear eyesight despite his age.  

Read Also: Survey says Igorots are among the 'healthiest' Pinoys in the country

It's a known fact that camote or sweet potato are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, calcium and other nutrients that act as antioxidant, anti-cancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

READ ALSO: How to avail PHP100,000 Centenarian CASH Gift for you Lolos and Lolas who reached 100 years old

As a centenarian, Todyog recieved PHP100,000 from the social welfare department and another cash worth PHP30,000 from the local government of Bontoc.

Photo Courtesy || Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office

Social Welfare Officer III Araceli Shane Bayanos of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) said that Todyog was blessed with one child, four grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He has an adopted daughter who lives in Baguio City. 

Read Also: Health Benefits of drinking "Tapuy": Cordillera's traditional rice wine

Mr. Todyog chose to live alone in his house in Bontoc where his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren visit him, attends to his needs, and provide for his basic necessities. 


Photo Credits || bbcgoodfood, prohealthlaw, viggiebullet

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Government to compensate Cordillera vegetable farmers - DA Piñol

Photo Courtesy || Manny Piñol

Cordillera - Vegetable farmers in the Cordillera region who threw away truckloads of unsold vegetables will be compensated by the government according to Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol. 

The announcement came after he had received reports from Cordillera Agriculture officials that the reason why farmers weren't able to sell their produced was due to typhoon Usman that hit the Bicol region.

Officials from the DA-CAR reported that 'traders refused to buy the vegetables delivered by the farmers to the Benguet Vegetable Trading Center because the floods in Bicol prevented them from shipping the commodities to Bicol and the Visayas'.

When Tropical Depression Usman hit Bicol region last week of December, it caused flooding to the national highways thus, preventing traders to transport vegetables.

Photo Courtesy || Manny Piñol

Although some farmers were able to sell their produce, they have sold it with a very low price.

To help the Cordillera farmers, DA Piñol said that his department and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation will conduct a validation process next week to identify those affected farmers so that they will be given appropriate insurance payment. Issuance of payment could take two weeks.

"Tomorrow, the DA and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will start the validation process which would involve the identification of farmers who suffered losses and the estimated value of the vegetables they threw away," Piñol said.  

"I would like to assure our farmers that the administration of President Rody Duterte listens to the voices of our farmers and fishermen," he added. 

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United Arab Emirate (UAE) needs qualified 150 Filipino Emergency Medical Technicians

JOB POSTING - The Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has released a job posting yesterday that the National Ambulance Company in Abu Dhabi, UEA is in urgent need of qualified Filipino applicants to fill up its vacancy for 150 emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

The leading pre-hospital emergency care provider in the UAE accepts female or male applicants that are graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and should have completed internationally recognized Basic EMT course or equivalent training with minimum of four weeks duration, and have at least eight months of experience as EMT.

According to DOLE, applicants are advised to register online at www.eservice.poea.gov.ph and personally submit to the Manpower Registry Division, Window S or T, Ground Floor, Blas F. Ople Bldg., Ortogas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City the following requirements (fastened in a folder labeled RSF No. 180023-A, applicant's name, position applied for, country of destination, and e-registration number):

- Detailed resume with job description
- High School diploma and form 137
- College Diploma and transcript or records
- Valid BLS and BTLS certification
- PSEMT or AREMT registration covering at least the last 8 months
- Letter of good standing from the registering body
- Updated letter/employment certification showing experience as an EMT-B covering at least the last 8 months
- Colored copy of passport (valid for at least one year)
- Colored copy of valid driver's license
- Two (2) pieces 2X2 recent picture

Picture should be clear and with white background, colored top (polo) with collar, neat / masculine haircut for male candidate, face should not be covered with hair for male of female and teeth should not be exposed.

- Certificate of POEA online PEOS
-Printed copy or worker's information sheet/e-Registration

Applicants are required to present their original document for authentication. The deadline for submission of applicants is on January 31, 2019.

source || DOLE-CAR

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BRAVE CF confirmed Brave 22 to be held in the Philippines

Photo Courtesy || Stephen Loman

Cordillera - The Bahrain-based mixed martial organization Brave Combat Federation (Brave CF) has revealed that their next super fight Brave 22 will be held in the Philippines on March 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

"The Philippines have offered some of the greatest talents to ever perform inside the Brave cage and it's time to bring the fastest-growing MMA promotion to the land of true warriors! Brace yourself, Brave Combat Federation is coming to Manila!" Brave CF posted this in their Facebook Page.

Brave CF president Mohammed Shahid said they are now working their plans out to make their first fight debut to the Filipino MMA fans right in their home country. 

"Philippine had been a focus for Brave Combat Federation from the very beginning. From time and time warriors from Philippines had proved that they not only have the skill to compete in the International level. But also have the heart that matters when it comes to combat sports," Shahid said.

The Philippines is the home country of the reigning Brave CF bantamweight titleholder Mark Stephen Loman. 

Loman, a native from Ifugao is the only Filipino who currently hold a title in Brave CF and was crowned by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Last year, he successfully defended his title against Frans Mlambo during their rematch in the United Kingdom and on November 17 against Brazilian Felipe Efrain. 

He is expected to defend this title in front of the Filipino audience this March, according to Brave. 

source || Brave CF FB || RealFight.PH

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