Cordillera choral group wins gold medal in the 8th Bali International Choir Festival

Photo Courtesy || Jayson Manuel L Osong

Cordillera -- A choral group from the Cordillera Regional Science High School (CRSHS) wins Gold medal (Level 1) in the Teenagers Category and another gold medal in the level 4 Championship Qualifier in the ongoing 8th Bali International Choir Festival held in Indonesia. 

The said choir festival was participated by 99 choral groups around the world.

The choir group from La Trinidad, Benguet acquired 81.65 points in the Folkloric Championship round which enabled them to amass additional gold medal from the competition.

The CRSHS Glee Club is the First-ever High School from the Cordilleras that represent the Philippines in an international choral tilt. 

The competitions were adjudged by 16 internationally acclaimed choral experts. 

The Bali International Choral Society (BCIF) is a project that involves levels of choirs from children's choir, to choirs of youth and seniors. It involves various institutions, choral communities, schools, and churches from all over Indonesia and internationally. 

Moreover, the visions has been developed by organizing events that involves hundreds to thousands of participants. 

It  was founded by Mr. Tommyanto Kandisaputra in July 2000 with a vision to build a strong choral life in Indonesia.

The events can include concerts, seminars, workshops, choral music camps, collaborations, choral clinics, competitions and symposiums. 

The projects helps singers and conductors gain experiences by building skills, knowledge, and attitude in workshops, rehearsals and concerts. 

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Honesty Store in La Trinidad Benguet now open

Photo Courtesy: Mayor's Office- La Trinidad FB

Benguet-  The first Honesty store in La Trinidad Benguet was opened on Wednesday during the La Trinidad Highland Vegetable Industry Week. The store will sell fresh organic agricultural products.

The Honesty store in Batanes wowed and informally educated every tourists who visited the place. This inspired the opening of  the La Trinidad Honesty store aiming to offer fresh and safe organic vegetables.

There are two chillers in the store to preserve and store vegetables to prolong shelf life and ensure freshness.

Supported by the La Trinidad employees' cooperative, La Organica, Organic vegetable farmers and the municipal government, you can find the Honesty Store in the municipality of La Trinidad which is open to all.

There will be a log book to record your purchases so you can leave your payments or get your change at the counter. For the members, it will be deducted in their payroll.

The Municipal Agriculturist, Filicitas Tecbaen said that once farmers bring their products, these will be registered to the cooperative so that consumers can easily buy the products 

From the name of  the store itself, this will promote honesty to all consumers who wish to purchase their organic vegetables in the Honesty Store. As there will be no one around to receive your payments,  the only policy in the store is honesty.  

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2019 Batang Pinoy- Cordilleran athletes to receive victory cash prizes

Photo courtesy: Batang Pinoy-Philippine Sports Commission

Baguio City-  A bonus amounting to nearly  ₱900,000.00  from the winning prizes of Batang Pinoy (BP) national finals in September last year was released for the 295 athletes to receive.

The city government released the cash prizes to the athletes after a few months from winning the national competition.

"More than 90 percent of the total athletes have already received their bonus.....They got 30 percent of the amount of the incentive," said Paul Rillota, one of the facilitators from the Baguio government's city sports office.

Athletes who won the gold, silver and bronze medal received  a cash  amounting to ₱3,000.00, ₱2,000.00 and ₱1,000.00  respectively.

The incentives distributed to the athletes came from the ₱3,000,000.00 cash price received by the city for winning the overall crown from the Philippine Sports Commission.

Last year,  among the 298 young athletes who won the gold medal received ₱10,000.00, silver medal received ₱6,000.00 and bronze medal received ₱4,000.00. 

Majority of the athletes who are 15 years old and below have already started receiving their cash prizes in May.

In 2016, the city government passed the athletes incentive ordinance stating the amount athletes can receive in certain levels of sports competitions.

Likewise, athletes who won the Palarong Pambansa 2019 received a total of ₱395,000.00. 

Source || PNA

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Benguet Provincial Police Officers went the extra mile on their outreach program at Talinguroy Elementary School

PNP Officers, parent and teachers at TES

Benguet- Cordilleran police officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Benguet Provincial Police Office (BPPO) went beyond their law and order enforcement duties to extending their outreach programs in the education sector.

Led by PLTCOL. Tessie Sarmiento, the group of snappy police officers from Benguet volunteered as teachers  for a day at Talinguroy Elementary School in Wangal, La Trinidad. Like teachers usually do, they danced, sang, and taught the children in the classroom. They even prepared some food and had a boodle fight lunch with everyone. 

Police officers dancing and singing with grades  1 and 2 pupils at TES

The  Police Officers also handed out some school supplies and slippers to which the children received with gratitude and excitement.

TES pupils receiving their gifts from BPPO

The PNP officers who volunteered and inspired the children at this outreach event are as follows: PLTCOL Tessie Sarmiento, PEMS Rufino Tarnate, PSMS Dwight Arukod, PSSg Ronelo Mates, PSSg Sandy Golocan, PCpl Reynold Abyado, Pat Geraldine Samortina and Pat Violy Poc-oran. 

On her Facebook post, the school principal Dr. Agnes Malinias expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the BPPO and Police Officer volunteers for such a memorable experience they imparted to the school children of TES.

Children with the Police Officers on a boodle fight  lunch

"Thank you sirs and ma'ams from the Benguet Police Provincial Office for the time, effort, resources and love you gave to the learners of Talinguroy Elementary School. You acted as their advisers, music teachers, values education teacher, and physical education teacher. Indeed you left a wonderful experience in the hearts of the children which they really treasure throughout their life," Dr. Malinias said.

Police officers are indeed heroes not only in the eyes of the children but also in the community they serve. The BPPO's program in developing community relations through reaching out to schools and working hand in hand with teachers in educating the young  is really commendable.

Photo courtesy: A. Malinias FB

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Baguio improved bar of hiring workers lauded by Civil Service Commission

Baguio City Municipal Hall
Photo by WowCordillera

Baguio City-  The Civil Service Commission (CSC) awarded the city government certification for its improved services to clients by reforming its systems and procedures in hiring workers. Back then, the city government was originally accredited by the CSC using the old standards in 2013.

"The city governemnt met the Maturity Level 2 indicators under the enhanced Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence on Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM)," Atty.Marilyn Taldo, CSC-Cordillera Director, said on Monday.

The PRIME-HRM award is the CSC's institutionalized system of meritocracy where workers get hired according to merit and qualifications.

"By having this award, they are confidently able to keep pace with others, benefiting not only the agency but also give their service to the city and the people," she added.

Baguio is the first local government in the region and the 9th among the 133 agencies  recognized for its four core human resource initiatives. 

The four core Human resource (HR) areas include recruitment, selection and placement; learning and development; performance management system; and rewards and recognition.

Edith Dawaten, assistant city human resource officer, said the PRIME-HRM award authorizing the city to issue appointments of co-terminus employees and permanent employees go through the process of placement and recruitment.

"We take pride in the fact that employees hired by the city go through the process or flow of recruitment, promotion and replacement where the top applicant is generally hired, although the law recognizes the authority of the appointing power to choose among the top qualified applicants in  a position," Dawaten said on Wednesday.

All city personnel shall go through the   pre-employment examination, technical examination for those who are applying for a technical position, critical examination, and personality tests. Likewise, they go through a panel interview by the placement board of the city government consisting of representatives of the department involved, the city council, the employees' association, and the association of city executives.

Therefore, the notion that applicants must have a "backer" to be hired will no longer be an issue because there is a system that the city applies.

To cite an example, "We have a classic example where the employee, who is an outsider, was the one appointed to the position. That was true for that person because of his qualifications," Dawaten proved.

Source || PNA

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Cordilleran Daniel S. Balbin Jr., magna cum laude of Benguet State university brain picked

Daniel S. Balbin, Jr. Magna cum laude of the
94th commencement exercise at Benguet State University.
Photo courtesy: BSU FB

La Trinidad - Daniel S. Balbin, Jr., a Bachelor of Library and Information Science student, graduated as the magna cum laude on the 94th commencement exercise of Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet  on 19 June.

Balbin, Jr. was born and raised in Loakan, Baguio City tracing his roots from Ifugao and Pangasinan.

With the hope to inspire the youth and fellow Cordillerans, WowCordillera interviewed Daniel to share  a piece of his mind on how he became who he is today.

Like any other students he also struggled his way to making it through college yet tried hard to balance his lifestyle and schedule. 

He chose not to join activities that wouldn't enhance any competencies  he will be needing in the future. He chose to spend his time wisely. 

While he struggled having a bad handwriting making him not want to take notes in class, he trained himself to listen and developed his listening skill instead. 

"Honestly, listening to your instructors and professors is the key," he said.

Asked about his study habits that made him excel in his academics, "read a lot and read ahead...I just don't want to waste my time sitting in the classroom without gaining anything. so make the best out of lecture and class activity.... In short, listen well, read a lot and know yourselves," he answered.

The brilliant librarian Balbin Jr., advocates for developing a good reading culture among every Filipinos. 

He  envisions  a mobile library by bringing reading materials to the community giving an easier access to everyone and hoping that every barangay and purok  have their reading centers if possible. 

He also encourages parents to buy their young children radiation-free reading materials instead of gadgets that might harm their health.

Being raised in a family of Jehovah's Witnesses, Balbin, Jr. grew up loving reading as he had an easy access to reading materials like the Awake and Watchtower publications. 

As he recalled, he already knew how to read  and write before being sent to school for formal education because he had these magazines and brochures to practice with.  

"It is also where I gained a lot of knowledge not just about Jehovah God but also about the world..We also learned values, manners and right conduct according to Bible's principles," he added.

"You might think it is so hard to have a lot of restriction, but I learned to understand that these are protections. My religious principles dragged me away from vices and bad associations. You see! There are a lot of perks of being a Witness," he shared further.

Asked about his message to fellow youths and students, "My advice is do not just achieve higher because you want a Latin honor or a recognition. Do well in your studies so that all of your parents and your own sacrifices would not be wasted. It is useless graduating as an honor student if you never learned along the journey or process. Remember that we all go to school to learn and to become a useful member of the community. We do not go to school just to earn award and recognition,"

"This is for everyone. Either you already finished studying, or you are planning to study, or you are still studying. Do not just make your education nostalgic and memorable with those diplomas, yearbooks or graduation pictures. Make them last by keeping what you have learned forever. keeping them in your heart and using them to make the world become better." were his words of encouragement.

Picking from the brain of a smart and wise fellow Cordilleran is indeed worth it. Let's give heed to his encouragement and words of wisdom and keep on living the essence life.

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Igorot folklore in a comic book launched by Cordillera artists

Staff of Gripo, comic books publisher in Baguio
Photo courtesy: K.V. Damian

Cordillera- Igorot mythological creatures "Pinading", "Gatui" and "Lampong" are now making a scene as stars in a comic book, Gayang  launched last Saturday.

A group  of Senior High School students studied and discovered stories about Igorot mythological creatures in the high lands of Cordillera. This inspired the making of Gayang that includes some of the artworks of the students, Gerald Asbucan, the creator of Gripo comics brand, said. 

Gatui of Ifugao is one among the favorite characters. Gatui is believed to feast on the souls of people most specially unborn children. It has a slight resemblance of the well known  "manananggal".

Likewise, Pinading is another Tuwali Ifugao creature. It is believed to be a spirit wearing a yellow hair that looks like a European fairy.

Lampong on the other hand, is like a dwarf  and known to be the protector of nature.

A selection of comic books published by Gripo.
Photo courtesy: K.V. Damian

The group wants to share the Igorot culture through these untold legends, Asbucan said.

"We barely scratched the surface of the Igorot folklore so we will put more effort into research to be able to feature more highland myths," he added.

In six months time, the next Gayang series will be out.

Source || Inquirer.net

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Getting to know Igorot Roque Daligan Belino of "Idol Philippines"

Mt. Province- Roque Daligan Belino, a local talent of Besao and Tadian Mt. Province joins national singing competition in the local T.V. show, "Idol Philippines."

The 20-year old singer found his passion in music and the outpouring support from everyone especially his "kailyans" even those from abroad motivated him more to pursue his love in singing and join the national competition level.

The humble and young singer Belino was overwhelmed  to continually receive unexpected popularity when he joined Idol Philippines and personally witnessed the unending support that Igorots  generously offer to their fellows. It is indeed one of the traits that identify Igorots. 

"Giving support, be it in kind, physical and moral is like a normal thing to us Igorots. It is like a reflex because we do it automatically whenever we see fellow Igorots excelling in their respective fields," Belino said via an interview by the Mountain Province Provincial Information Office.

Belino lived in Mt. Province for seven years then relocated to Quezon, Isabela with his family. Even so, he  was still attached to his roots as he lived in a community with friends and relatives who were mostly from Mt. Province just the same. 

Growing up with a usual Igorot childhood, he was acculturated with the rich heritage and tradition like wearing the "wanes" by himself, playing and dancing with the beat of  "gangsa", and being raised with the moral values not to mention the principles of "lawa" and "inayan."

He discovered his passion for music earlier in his High School years while helping his fellow students play the bandoria. He then took Agricultural Engineering at Benguet State University in La Trinidad Benguet as a self-supporting student working as a miner.  

He shared that he eventually stopped attending college to work full time but if given the chance, he wants to finish a degree.  He is a miner by day and play few gigs at night in Baguio City until opportunity stepped in through the competition. 

According to Belino, he was inspired by the many Igorot talents he worked with and other musicians he saw playing around Baguio. 

Witnessing such potentials and being a fan of many talented people from Cordillera, he also hopes that more of them will be discovered and be featured as well.

Belino wishes to extend his gratitude for the full support that he receives from everyone. He also encourage the youth to continue working hard and not give up in pursuing their dreams till making it a reality.

Source || BBKM- MPPIO FB

Watch Belino's message here below:

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Jerry Olsim and Dave Banguigui victorious in ONE warrior series 6 in Singapore

Cordillera-  Igorot fighters Jerry "Bokodian Warior"  Olsim and Dave "Kintas" Banguigui were both victorious in the same card on the One Championship: ONE warrior series 6 held in Singapore recently.

Jerry "The Bokodian" Olsim
Photo Courtesy: Team Lakay FB

Team Lakay fighter, Jerry Olsim's  penultimate fight of the night was a much more attrition affair as he came out on top winning by unanimous decision against Myeong Gu Kim.

The fighter from Bokod, Benguet Olsim  is anticipating for a possible contract with ONE Championship, Asia's largest mixed martial arts promotions after overcoming featherweight prospect Myeong Gu Kim.

Dave "Kinsay" Banguigui
Photo Courtesy: Team Lakay FB

Meanwhile, Enlist Dave Banguigui  of Mt. Province stopped his  Indian opponent Susovan Ghosh in the second round as he made his One Warrior  Series debut.

Source || bleacherreport

Watch their fight here below:

Video courtesy || ONE Championship

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Arts exhibit for Cordillera athlete heroes to open on 16 June

Gladys Labsan's "Portrait: Heroes and Legends"
in the Baguio Museum arts exhibit
Photo courtesy:  Pigeon M. Lobien via PNA

Baguio City- Baguio Museum arts exhibit will include 27 Cordilleran athletes in the continuous celebration of heroism during the 121st Philippine Independence Day that commenced last Wednesday. 

Acclaimed artist Gladys Laciste-Labsan will feature the modern-day heroes of Cordillera who represented the country in international competitions on the "Portrait: Heroes and Legends". The exhibit will be on 16 June to 7 July. 

Jeordan Dominguez, the first Filipino to win a medal in the World Taekwondo Grandprix together with Divine Walley, former world wushu sanda champion will lead all active and retired athletes in the event that also serves as a tribute to the late  Narciso Padilla.

Padilla was a camp director of  "Gintong Alay", a sports training program in the 70's and 80's producing some of the country's iconic athletes. Such athletes include Lydia de Vega, Guido del Prado, Elma Muros, swimmer and former Philippine Sports Commission chair Eric Buhain, Mountain Province native Hector Begao, and javelin thrower Erlinda Lavandia.

Renowned sportsman Padilla passed away at 87 due to cardiac arrest last March. Before his passing he staged the TALA and Kafagway/Kordillera International Sports Luminary Achievement Podium in December last year. This is the completion of his 46 years "Silahis ng Pasko" program which lasted for a month.

Among the heroes who will be receiving the honors on Sunday's  "Portrait" are Wushu Taolu's Daniel Paantac, Thornton Sayan, James Inso, retired wushu players Karizha Chan and Natasha Laxama. 

Former wushu player Marianne Mariano, one of the first locals to win an Olympic bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Games and former world champion Ken Omengan are also one of the honorees.

Likewise, the exhibit will  recognize the wushu sanda roots of top mixed martial arts including Mark Sangiao, Edward Folayang, Geje Eustaquio, Kevin Belingon, Stephen Loman, Joshua Pacio and Danny Kingad.

Other honorees are Kareel Hongitan, Majoy Baron, Alice Kate Aparri, Mars Pucay and Luigi Paolo Wong.

The oldest honoree 67-year-old Lavandia leads four other great athletes such as Christabel Martes, Katherine Khay Santos, Sandy Abahan and JT Gonzales.

Sunday's exhibit will present  Joseph Domirez Jr.'s works on the Team Lakay, father and son racing tandem Carlos and Inigo Anton as well as professional cager Douglas Cramer.

Source|| PNA 

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