New Food Fair "Mangan Taku" to showcase Cordillera's indigenous cuisines

Photo Courtesy || The Igorot FB Page

Cordillera - When the word Cordillera comes to mind or being talked about especially to most outsiders, they think of the images of bright and colorful attires (the bahag for men and tapis for women). Many also would think about the playing of gongs and solibaos during especial occasions or ceremony (kanyao).

But there is also a part of the Cordillera culture that hasn't got much attention to outsiders and this is Cordilleran cuisines. 

Culinary adventurers and those who love tasting different food are welcome to the new Food Fair called "Mangan Taku" organized by the Department of Tourism - Cordillera (DOT-CAR) set on April 8 to 14 in the Baguio City. 

The aim of the food fair is to bring all indigenous cuisines from the whole region to Baguio for locals and tourists to experience a different kind of gastronomic indulgence here in the city of Pines.

DOT-CAR officer in charge Jovita Ganongan said it is important to remember that dishes from the different provinces in the region have a special place in the culture to which it belongs and is special to those who prepare it. 

"Baguio will serve as the host of the Cordillera food fair considering that it is the most visited tourist destination in the region," Ganongan said.

"We should embrace our heritage through food. It is a portal into our culture and it should be treated as such," she added. 

The food fair will not only promote the culture of the Cordillera but it will also showcase some of the cooking talents of the Indigenous People or IPs.

Holding the event in the month of April is a perfect time as more tourists are coming to Baguio to take a break from the summer heat. 

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) record shows that this mountain resort city received a total of 1.5 million tourists in 2017, or 77 percent of the region's total tourist arrivals of 1.96 million living up with its tag as one of the leading tourist destinations. 

source || PNA

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UC and SLU among top 15 in the 5th Philippine Startup Challenge by DICT

Cordillera - Two of Cordillera's top universities are among the 15 finalists of the 5th Philippine Startup Challenge by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

The University of the Cordilleras (UC) and Saint Louis University in Baguio city together with other finalists coming from different universities across the country were named by the DICT to compete in the final round on April 5, 2019 at the Grand Xing Hotel in Iloilo City.

The top 15 finalists out of the 30 semifinalists were handpicked by the selection committee made up of tech and business startup leaders.

These 15 universities have the most promising startup ideas from their students and they will be competing in the final round next month.

According to the DICT, the finalists were chosen based on customer validation (40%), execution and design (30%) and business model validation (30%).

Qualifying startup ideas for this year range from off-the grid charging device solution to web-based application for donations.

The PSC5 Top five Winners will receive Php200,000.00 each from the Department of Science and Technology's Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) to assist the teams in product prototype development.

The PSCC5 National Winner will also become part of Huawie's Seeds of the Future Program, a two-week college undergraduate study program to be held in China that shall equip them with ICT-based skills and knowledge. They also automatically qualify for the 2019 IdeaSpaceBootcamp.

The University of the Cordilleras Team Y.A.N.A's startup idea is called Proximap, an augmented reality advertising and navigation mobile application. It uses Geolocation as well as voice and image recognition.

Meanwhile Qantina from Team Magis of Saint Louis University is a platform that lets college students, officer workers or health buff to order and have meals delivered from home-cooks, aspiring chefs or restaurants around them.

The other startup from SLU is called Qrent developed by Team Victorem. It is a web-based and mobile platform that is designed for safe, secured, and convenient rental transaction between renter and item owners.

source || DICT

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DOST is now accepting 2019 Junior Level Science Scholarship: CLICK for more info

Photo Courtesy || DOST-SEI FB Page

The Department of Science and Technology had announced the opening of its scholarship program for 2019. 

The new scholarship program dubbed "Maging DOST Iskolar" under DOST-Science Education Institute is now accepting applications for the 2019 Junior Level Science Scholarship to all incoming 3rd year college students enrolled in STEM courses. 

Who may apply for DOST scholarship?

Applicants and regular second year standing for the second semester of any 2018-2019 who meet eligibility requirements of the JLSS and have met the following conditions:

- Have not taken any previous DOST-SEI Examination.

- Have taken the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Examination but did not qualify for the scholarship.

- Qualifier for the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship but did not avail of the award. 

Students whose DOST-SEI Scholarship have been terminated should not apply.

What are the priority courses for the DOST-SEI scholarship?

Click to Enlarge. Photo Courtesy || DOST-SEI FB page

What are privileges of a DOST-SEI Scholar?

1. Tuition and other school fees worth Php40,000.00 per academic year

2. Book Allowance worth Php10,000.00 per year

3. Monthly Living allowance of Php7,000.00

4. Round trip fare transportation allowance in economy-class

5. Group Insurance

6. Post Graduation Clothing Allowance worth Php1,000.00

The deadline for submitting applications is on April 29, 2019 and the examination date will be on June 2, 2019. 

You may download the 2019 JLSS Application Form and Brochure here: http://sei.dost.gov.ph/images/downloads/2019JLSSAppBrochure.pdf

You may also contact DOST-SEI to know more:
Website: http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/
Email: seischolarship@gmail.com
Mobile Phone: 09278868816

source || DOST-SEI

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Congratulations: Danny Kingad defeats Senzo Ikeda via Unanimous Decision

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Updates: Cordilleran fighter Danny Kingad defeats Senzo Ikeda via Unanimous Decision in Tokyo, Japan. 

All judges scored the bout in favor of Danny Kingad. He has now advanced in the Grand Prix where he will have the chance to face his idol Demetrious Johnson. 

ONE: A New Era is considered the biggest event in ONE Championship history as it features the best fighters in the world. 

In the main event, ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang of Team Lakay will defend his belt against known foe Japanese MMA star Shinya Aoki.

Likewise, in the fight card is a trilogy between long time foe ONE Bantamweight Champion Kevin Belingon, also from Team Lakay,  will be defending his title against challenger Bibiano Fernandez. 

Speaking of fighters from Team Lakay, the fight card in Tokyo also includes flyweight star Danny Kingad who will be facing a new opponent former Pancrase Flyweight World Champion Senzo Ikeda.

Ikeda replaced Andrew Leone who suffered injury during training and was out of the tournament, according to ONE Championship. 

Join the contest now, share the video below and don't forget to leave a comment.

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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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