Stunning Places You Should Visit When in Kapangan, Benguet

Contributed By: Daniel's Eco-Travels

Cordillera - Kapangan Benguet heralds the famous Grand March dance. It is also the hometown of the late Gov. Bado Dangwa, one of the prominent Cordillera figures. But did you know? Kapangan also hosts fascinating tourist spots worthy of exploration and admiration. Slowly, it's hitting a spot in the growing ecotourism world. 

Danielsecotravels.com visited Kapangan and here are the best places to visit and how to get there:

1. Badi Falls - it the most popular among the many waterfalls in Kapangan. This is actually a series of at least five beautiful waterfalls at a remote outskirt of Barangay Sagubo. The highest of which, measures more that 50 meters high. Some of the falls also have naturally-built pools with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. Aside from swimming, rappel is often done here. To get there, one needs to hike for more or less two hours from the community proper. Good thing, the trails is well-established though there are steep and slippery parts. Badi falls is a tourist spot in Kapangan you must not miss. 

Badi Falls: Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Eco-travel

2. Pey-og Falls - Located in Barangay Boklaoan. It measures more than 100 meters high, making it the highest falls of Kapangan. The get there, trek for an hour or two from the barangay. You will be passing by forested trails, making it even more rewarding and rejuvenating. Upon reaching the falls, its sheer height and beauty offers an instant relief. Its water cascade in layers like drizzles from the heavens. Even from as far as Halsema Highway in Atok, the waterfalls can be seen especially when it's on full force during rainy months. 

Pey-og Falls: Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Eco-travel

3.  Balabag Mummy Cave, found in barangay Beleng-Belis. It sits at the foot of Mt. Balabag. Oh yes, you can also gaze on stalagmite and stalactite formations here. From the barangay proper, it takes more or less three hours of hike to get there. After visiting the cave, you can trek to Mt. Balabag and enjoy its rustic and scenic views. 

Balabag Mummy Cave. Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Ecotravel

4. Catampan Rice Terraces. It is just one of the several rice terraces of Kapangan, Benguet, Heirloom rice varieties are grown here. It is best to come here just before the harvest season or just after the planting season. 

Catampan Rice Terraces. Photo Courtesy || Daniel's Eco-travel

Read More Tourist Spots in Kapangan @ danielsecotravels.com

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Kiangan Homestay Association bags ASEAN Homestay Award 2019

Photo Courtesy || DOT Cordillera

Cordillera - The Kiangan Homestay Association were among the five recipients for the prestigious Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Homestay Award for 2019-2021.

The award is given by the ASEAN to groups which create a new brand of tourist experience showcasing local family traditions through affordable holiday.

According to PTVnews, a total of 36 tourism enterprises in the Philippine were recognized for meeting minimum requirements set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards in the Philippines. 

Rebecca Villanueva-Labit, director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) - Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation, said the DOT-organized award manifests the agency's commitment to sustainable tourism. 

"It also proves the capacity of our private and public partners to best itself and be consistent with the development of sustainable tourism activities, destinations, and practices," she said in a speech during the awarding in Manila on Friday. 

Recognized as ASEAN Community-based Tourism Standard Awardees are the Palaui Environmental Protectors Association from Cagayan Valley, the Tour Guide and Recreation Association, Inc from Rizal and the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association from Puerto Princesa. 

Meanwhile for the ASEAN Public Toilet Standards, four were given awards. These were G&B Restaurant, Nueva Viscaya; Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio City; Maramag Commercial Center B-LGU Maramag, Bukidnon; The SM Store CDO Downtown Premier, CDO. 

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Cordillera records 120 people living longer life at age 100

Photo Courtesy || Juicy Vlog

Cordillera - The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has recorded 120 individuals who are centenarians according to the latest survey conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

"As of March 21, the Cordillera has recorded 120 residents who have reached the age of 100", DSWD Cordillera marketing unit chief, Nerizza Faye Villanueva said. 

Included is the list of centenarians was "Apo Whang-Od" of Kalinga. Whang-od is considered as the oldest traditional "mambabatok" or tattoo artist in the country. She uses an old traditional method of tattooing where she incorporates the use of ink from the mixture of charcoal and water and uses three thorn to imprint through skin. 

Whang-od is the ninth centenarian from the province of Kalinga and she just celebrated her 100th birthday last March 7.

All of the centenarians had received a Php100,000.00 cash gift from DSWD and a letter of felicitation from the President and also a special incentives from their local government. 

According to PNA.gov, there are 30 centenarians in Abra, 27 in Mountain Province, 21 in Benguet, 13 in Baguio City, 11 in Ifugao, 9 in Kalinga and 9 in Apayao. 

An interesting story of a centenarian from Bontoc shared his story how he was able to reach the age of 100. 

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

Mr. Herbert Malecdan Todyog, a native of Bontoc 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 said that he has never been hospitalized, has strong legs and has a clear eyesight.

Todyog received Php100,000.00 from the social welfare department and another cash worth Php30,000.00 from his local government. 

Under Republic Act 10868, all Filipinos who reach the age of 100 will receive cash gift worth Php100,000.00 and a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines, whether they are residing in the country or abroad. 

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

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DFA to bring mobile e-passport processing in Mountain Province

Cordillera - The local government of Bontoc, Mountain Province is encouraging the public to take advantage of the mobile e-passport processing to apply or renew their expired passport at the Multi-Purpose, Provincial Plaza on April 5, 2019.

As announced through the official Facebook Page of the Municipality of Bontoc, the mobile e-passport processing will be conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA - OCA) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Mountain Province.

The mobile e-passport processing is the 2nd time the DFA will be conducting in the province.

Interested individuals may visit the Municipal Tourism Office at the Bontoc Municipality Capitol or the Office of the Provincial Governor at the Provincial Capitol to have their names be listed for reservation of slots. 

New Passport Application Requirements for Adult

- Accomplished Application Form

- Original copy of Philippine Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate

- Original copy of NSO/SPA Marriage Contract for married females

- Original and Photocopy of valid IDs. 

New Passport Application Requirements for Minor

- Accomplished Application Form

- Personal Appearance of Minor applicant and either parent or authorized adult companion with complete requirements (Special Power of Attorney and Affidavit of Support and Consent)

- PSA Birth Certificate

- Passport or Valid ID of either parent and School ID for eight years old and above

Passport Renewal Requirements for Adult

- Accomplished Renewal Application Form

- Current ePassport with a photocopy of the data page

- Original PSA documents that will support the change of name if applicable to include Marriage Contract, Annotated Birth Certificate, Annotated Marriage Contract and Death Certificate of Spouse. 

Passport Renewal Requirements for Minor

- Accomplished Renewal Application Form

- Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent of authorized adult companion with complete requirements (Special Power of Attorney and Affidavit of Support and Consent)

- Passport or Valid ID of either parent, current passport of the applicant and School ID for eight years old and above

Lists of Acceptable IDs for adult applicants

- Social Security System (SSS)/Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

- Unified Muti-Purpose Identification Card

- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Driver's License

- Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) ID

- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)/Integrated Department of Labor and Employment (iDOLE) Card

- Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Voter's ID or Voter's Registration Record from COMELEC Head or Regional Office

- Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms License

- Senior Citizen ID

- School ID (for students)

- Current Valid ePassport (for renewal of ePassport)

An applicant has to pay the Passport Fee of P1,200.00 and Courier Fee of P150.00.

source || Muncipality of Bontoc

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29 Cordillerans to graduate from PNPA SANSIKLAB Class of 2019 on March 22

Photo Courtesy || Philippine National Police Academy FB

Cordillera - Twenty nine cadets who will be graduating as member of the SANSIKLAB Class of 2019 or Sigasig na Itaguyod ang Kapayapaan at Ipaglaban ang Bayan are from Cordillera. 

Of the Twenty nine cadets, 26 are males and 3 are females according to Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) spokesperson Superintendent Byron Allatog. 

Allatog said that cadets from Cordillera top the list of the 201-member graduating cadets which is composed of 154 males and 47 females. 

Police Cadet Ferdinand Mark Haguiling Lagchana from Ifugao was the only Cordilleran who made it to the top 10 of the graduating class.

Cadet Lagchana grew up from the town of Mayoyao, Ifugao. He is 22 years old and  the youngest among his six siblings. 

His mother is a nurse and his father was a security guard. But according to Lagchana, his father passed away when he was 12 years old. 

Despite growing up without a father, Lagchana studied hard until he had a chance to enter the academy and now among the top 10 of the PNPA SANSIKLAB Class of 2019. 

Lagchana enrolled Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering but shifted to BS Criminology at Saint Mary's University, Bayombong Nueva Viscaya before joining the PNPA.

"Pumasok po ako dito sa Academy para po makatulong sa pamilya. Gusto ko pong makatapos ng pag aaral ng hindi ko po sila binabahala. Gusto ko pong maging pulis at gusto ko pong maging bahagi sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad sa ating bansa." ("I entered the Academy to help my family. I want to finish my study without giving too much pressure on them. I want to be a cop and I want to be part in the crack-down of criminality in the country.") Lagchana said during a press-conference. 

"I came from a family wherein three of my brothers are graduates of the PMMA. From there, I've witnessed the hardship of my brothers working in other countries for months leaving their families behind. This made me change course and had chosen to enter in the police service through PNPA," he added.

Fulfilling his dream in becoming a police, Lagchana is set to graduate on March 22 in Silang, Cavite together with 201 members in the class. 

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Philippines' best strawberries are found in the Province of Benguet - DOT

Photo Courtesy || Pixabay

Cordillera - Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Arthur Boncato Jr. lauded Benguet province for producing the best quality strawberries. 

Boncato, who leads the Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation department of the DOT, said the strawberry farms in Benguet and in La Trinidad are being eyed as a tourism destination because of its best-tasting strawberries. 

WATCH: CNN Philippines features Benguet in Building Bridges Episode

During the program of the 38th Strawberry Festival, Boncato said there's nothing that tastes better than strawberries locally grown in Benguet compared to other farms found in the country. 

"There are farms in other parts of the country that grow strawberries but there is nothing that tastes better than the (strawberry of the) province of Benguet," Boncato said.

He also said that Benguet is "fortunate" because strawberry is considered a high-value crop and many tourists are flocking the valley to have a unique experience of picking fresh strawberries straight from the farm by themselves. 

Booking.com

"We are very fortunate that BSU (Benguet State University) is the main source of our strawberries here in Benguet. Our appeal to BSU is to sustain these beautiful strawberry farms. I know there will be expansion farms somewhere but let us think carefully not to make it as a destination for business but a destination for tourists all over the country," he said. 

The town of La Trinidad is currently celebrating its 38th Strawberry Festival from March 4 to March 29, 2019. The highlight of the festival is the rebuilding of a replica of the Guinness World Record biggest strawberry short cake. 

Cake lovers can have a taste of the cake on March 23, starting at 11 a.m at the Lednicky hall in the municipal building. 

There will be a free 50 slices to be served and the succeeding slices will be sold at Php20.00 per slice. 

READ MORE: La Trinidad to bake world-record giant strawberry cake to highlight Strawberry Festival 2019

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Stephen Loman considered 'biggest combat athlete in PH' like Manny Pacquiao - Brave CF President

Photo Courtesy || Brave Combat Federation FB

Cordillera - The president of the Brave Combat Federation has once again praised the Cordilleran warrior Stephen Loman as one of the 'biggest athlete in the Philippines'.

" I really believe that he (Loman) will take the sport of MMA to another level in the Philippines," Shahid said.

"He keeps on proving that he is a deserving champion. He is the biggest combat athlete in the Philippines along with Manny Pacquiao," he added. 

BRAVE President Mohammad Shahid believes Stephen Loman could be the next Manny Pacquiao (03/19/19

After his impressive performance against Elias Bouddegzdame last Friday, Stephen "The Sniper" Loman is no doubt could be the next super star in the combat sport according to Brave President Mohammad Shahid. 

Shahid made the statement after what he saw about Loman's performance and how the Filipino crowd and MMA fans showed total support to the Cordilleran fighter. 

Shahid is more than convinced that Loman is going to be the next combat sport superstar from the Philippines after Manny Pacquiao. 

"What happened tonight, you could not have scripted it better. This is just the beginning for Stephen Loman. I really believed that he will take the sport of MMA to another level in the Philippines. He proved he is a deserving champion." Shahid said. 

"He is the biggest combat athlete in the Philippine along with Manny Pacquiao. I said before and I'll say it again. People say we gave him the opportunity but it's actually the opposite, he gave us the honor of fighting in our organization. I was sad that not a lot of Filipinos knew him but now I'm the happiest man because the country found a new hero, a fighter who proudly represents the country. Today he showed up and performed for them. He mad sure that they will all go home happy." he added. 

Stephen "The Sniper" Loman is a passionate and dedicated fighter who will do all his best to win in every bout. He is an ultimate well-rounded fighter with powerful kicks and incredible hands. He has a lot of variety of weapons that he uses in his arsenal.

Loman is the first and only Brave Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion in the history of the promotion. He is currently on his sixth fight winning streak after defending his title against Frans Mlambo and Felipe Efrain back in 2018. 

His victory over Bouddegzdame last Friday has improved his record to 12 wins against 2 defeats with four knockouts and two submissions.

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Highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System is now found in Tinoc, Ifugao - DPWH

Photo Courtesy ||  Akiangan Manghi Fritzjannie via Cordillera Shoutouts FB

Cordillera - The Department of Public Works and Highways has verified the newly identified highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System according the the Department of Tourism Cordillera (DOT-CAR). 

The highest elevation can now be found in the Municipality of Tinoc, Ifugao along the Kiangan-Tinoc-Bugias Road. 

It has an elevation of 7,968.07 feet or 2,428.667 meters above sea level with the Geo-Location of 16.70168 degrees North Latitude and 120.88265 degrees East Longitude. 

This newly identified highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System has surpassed the Atok, Benguet highest peak of 7,400 feet above sea level. 

Field assessments were conducted along the said new highest elevation in Tinoc in January 2019 by the representatives from the Planning Service of DPWH Head Office, DPWH-CAR and Ifugao 1st DEO. 

The verification of the Tinoc, Ifugao highest elevation by the DPWH would pave way for tourists to visit the place and have a view of the beautiful road and the surrounding scenery. 

Those planning to visit the place can take Halsema highway route if you are coming from Baguio. Then take the Abatan-Loo-Lilit-Bot-an-Mansoyosoy-Lusab road until you reach the road where thick forest can be seen on the side of the road. 

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Senator Villar 'Kadem-ayan' is now adopted daughter of Bauko Mt. Province

Photo Courtesy || PIA

Cordillera - Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar is now an adopted daughter of Bauko Mountain Province. She was conferred the name "Kadem-ayan", a kankanaey term for a renowned woman who is rich materially, caring, generous and loving. 

Through Resolution no. 2019-045 passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Bauko, Villar is now officially declared as adopted daughter of the town. 

The resolution highlights Villar for her dedication and generosity in helping the Filipino people through her foundations and programs. 

"She is called the 'Mrs. Hanapbuhay' due to her dedication and generosity to serve the needy through her Villar Foundation, Sagip OFW and other programs. Adopting Senator Cynthia Villar as daughter of Bauko to open stronger ties and linkages from her world to her new home," the resolution reads.

Villar was officially welcomed into the community of Bauko during the celebration of the 13th Begnas di Bauko on March 13.

Villar graciously received the title bestowed to her By Bauko Mayor Abraham Akilit together with Sangguniang Bayan officials and stakeholders. 

Mayor Akilit encouraged his constituents to emulate Villar's principles in doing things. 

"Livelihood program is the brainchild of the senator. Whenever she has the chance to think, she thinks and sees the things as business, the value that we, Baukonians should inherit from her in order to survive." Akilit said. 

source || Sunstar Baguio

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Ifugao figther Stephen Loman delivers powerful knock out to secure victory

Photo Courtesy || MMA Philippines

Cordillera - A big moment for Cordilleran fighter Stephen "The Sniper" Loman as he successfully defended his bantamweight title against Algerian challenger Elias Boudegzdame during the Brave CF's "Storm of Warriors" at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.

Loman of Team Lakay put off an impressive performance during the fight as he masterfully used his striking power to get the victory he deserves.

Loman's superior power shots paid off during the 4th round as he tagged the Algerian with a solid left uppercut that sent him to the canvas. Loman then followed him with ground and pound to which the referee came to halt the fight. 

There was a short moment when Loman was delivering his ground and pound to Boudegzdame and kept looking at the referee to stop the fight. Loman knew how hard his punches were and would not want to put much damage to Boudegzdame. 

Loman dedicated his victory to the Filipino people and to his uncle who just passed away. 

"I'd like to dedicate this fight to all of you," Loman said. 

"I would like to dedicate this fight to my family and teammates. But also to my uncle, who passed away this month. This was for him, definitely", the champ added. 

Meanwhile his teammate Jeremy Pacatiw, advanced his winning record against Mark Alcoba via armbar submission.

Also Loman's teammates Harold Banario and Joman Pa-ac were also able to get a win that night. 

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