8-year old Igorot kid wins 2nd place at first-ever Triathlon in New Clark City

Cordillera - An 8-year old triathlete from Baguio city ruled 2nd place for the 8 - 10 category in the first-ever Triathlon that took place on Saturday (October 20, 2019) at the brand new world class sports facility of the New Clark City.

Remsen Cayowet  loves running and cycling since he was 5 years old and had joined the aquathlon and won awards in his age group.

His parents were both from Sagada, Mt. Province.  His mother, who is also a triathlete motivated him to run and participate in the aquathlon. 

"When I started running, hinihila ko siya. Nahihila ko siya and then he started running at nagstart naman siyang nagrun. And then he already started joining aquathlon. So nung nag-aquathlon siya, nanalo din." Remsen's mother said in an interview with Bagong Morning Kapamilya.

Remsen is currently enrolled at the Gifted and Talented class in SPED and he was the representative of Baguio in the recently concluded triathlon event last Saturday. 

Asked for his comment about his achievement, he said "It was fun". 

His secret of success is to have the right balance when it comes to studying and training.

Aside from being a triathlete, Remsen revealed that he is also a yellow belter of taekwondo. 

Remsen's parents had always been very supportive of his sporting activities because they believed that sport could be a fun and engaging way for him to learn some important lessons about life. 

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Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

Cordillera - Baguio City was hailed as the fourth Most Improved Highly Urbanized City in the country this year, a huge leap compared to its previous ranking in 2018. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Competitiveness Bureau released the result during the 7th Regional Competitiveness Summit on Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Baguio placed fourth in the "economic dynamism" category behind Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Paranaque.

WOW NEWS: Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

Economic dynamism measures the economic activity and productivity of the local government in a particular city jurisdiction. 

The rankings of cities and municipalities are based on the ratings of the four pillars which include economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency.

Booking.com

The ranking serves as an opportunity for local policy makers and public officials to do more, to become innovative and to utilize and manage resources more effectively. 

GOOD NEWS: Baguio City to house the Philippines' first STATE OF THE ART Integrated Command Center

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez encouraged each city and municipality to "focus on addressing critical challenges and working together through coordination with the government and collaboration with stakeholders from private sectors." 

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San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang offered to build elevated highway around Baguio City

Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong talks to SMC president Ramon Ang on the proposal to build elevated highway in the city. Photo Courtesy || Benjie Magalong FB page & community.simtropolis.com

Cordillera - San Miguel Corporation (SMC) had a proposal to solve the worsening traffic situation on Baguio's main roads.

Mayor Benjie Magalong on Thursday said the SMC president Ramon Ang has expressed his interest to build an elevated highway around the city.

GOOD NEWS: Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

In addition, Ang also said that he is interested to operate and manage the Loakan Airport. 

"RSA expressed interest to operate and manage the Loakan Airport and offered to build an elevated highway "traffic reliever" around the city", Magalong wrote in his official FB page.

READ ALSO: Burnham park's new look under the proposed redevelopment plan

The country's biggest food, drinks and infrastructure conglomerate will use its technical experts to prepare the design and will submit it to Mayor Magalong in due time. 

The local government of Baguio is open to any recommendation and doable solutions on how to effectively and efficiently address the traffic problems of the city so that residents and tourists will not suffer from the effect of monstrous traffic jams around the city. 

Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade earlier this month had also offered a proposal to build a cable car system from Pugo, La Union to Baguio. 

Here is a sample of an elevated expressway, the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10.

The Department of Transportation also offered to help the local government to set up a monorail line from La Trinidad to the city. 

READ ALSO: Department of Transportation eyes to build cable car system from Pugo, La Union to Baguio

Many believed that Baguio will soon be dead if nothing is done to address these problems. 

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LOOK: More beautiful Burnham Park under the proposed redevelopment plan

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office -Baguio City FB

Cordillera - It seems improving the 34-hectare Iconic Baguio Burnham Park is going ahead as the Department of Tourism (DoT) has committed P500 million to fund the rehabilitation plan. 

A news article said that DoT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat has vowed to fund the proposed Burnham Park rehab to improve its current condition.

Earlier, the city council this week has approved the resolution approving the conceptual master development plan that aims to redevelop the 34-hectare Burnham Park. 

The resolution said that the popular park deserves improvement to be worthy of its prestigious designation as the United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City.

READ ALSO: First Zoo in Cordillera to put up in Baguio City

"The proposed redevelopment of Burham Park includes the facelift of the Melvin Jones grandstand and football field, the Burnham lake, the children's park, the put up of the desired creative center right in the site of the old orchidarium, the put up of a senior citizen's park near the children's park, the improvement of the Ibaloi Park and heritage garden, the improvement of the site of the orchidarium and the development of the whole of the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the area of the Pine Trees of the World", says the article from the city's public information website.

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office -Baguio City FB

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office -Baguio City FB

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office -Baguio City FB

A multi-level parking facility at the Ganza parking area will also be constructed to cater parking needs of park goers including a basement parking in the creative center. 

A feasibility study of the said redevelopment will be conducted after a public consultation by the members of the local legislative body to come up with the necessary suggestions and recommendations before it will be finally approved for implementation.

source || The City Government of Baguio Official Website

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La Trinidad Municipality announces JOB FAIR on October 24, 2019

Cordillera - The La Trinidad Public Employment Office is urging job seekers to take advantage of the job fairs that their office will be conducting on October 24, 2019 at the Municipal Gymnasium KM 5, Pico, La Trinidad. 

In line with the scheduled celebration of the COOP Month, the office has organized the job fair that is meant to help job seekers find for their dream jobs. 

The office posted in its official Facebook page some local and overseas job offers. 

Local Job Offers:

Deliver Rider

Showroom Cashier

Dealer Sales Personnel

Delivery Helper

Pump Attendant/Gasman

Cashier

Station Supervisor

Overseas Job Offers

Nurse bound to KSA and United Kingdom 
Female Nurses bound to KSA
Female Cleaners
Barista Trainer/Barista/Waiter

There are also job available for Japan such as careworkers, automotive mechanics, bakers, poultry processing, fish processing and many more.

The PDEA is also joining the job fair to open up positions for those interested to become intelligent officer 1. There are 125 vacancies for the said position with a salary of P20,754. Lucky applicants will be assigned anywhere in the Philippines.

The office advise applicants to come with copies of their resumes and other relevant credentials. Overseas applicants are advised to take their passport with photo copy. 

The job fair will start at 8 AM until 8 PM.

source || Peso la Trinidad

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Researchers found four Cordillera plants effective against multi-resistant bacteria

Pixabay Photo

Cordillera - Researchers from the University of the Philippines-Baguio have discovered four indigenous plants found in the Cordillera Administrative Region to have medicinal properties that could be used as an alternative to antibiotics bought in the market. 

The researchers had confirmed these indigenous plants namely Nepenthes alata, a pitcher plant locally known as kakallong, Bauhinia pupurea or butterfly tree, Ficus septica or tibig, and Melastoma malabathricum or bakgi to be effective against a type of multi-resistant  bacteria. 

According to a study conducted by the researchers, enzymes extracted from these plants can kill the multi-resistant bacteria that cause pneumonia and bloodstream infection.

"Their bioactive compounds can be used as an alternative to the commercially available antibiotics since they can significantly control the growth of the multi-resistant P.aeruginosa," read the paper published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading pathogen among patients with lung disease that has the ability to develop resistance to antibiotics.

In a study conducted by biologist Charlotte Elmido, Kryssa Balangcod and Teodora Balangcod, they found out that enzymes extracted from the steams of tibig plants and from the leaves of butterfly tree to be the most effective in killing the bacteria. 

They also said that tibig contains enzymes known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, while the butterfly tree has potential bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Their study also confirmed kalkallong to have antibacterial properties while the leaves of bagki also contain enzymes that can heal wound and reduce pain.

The researchers have underscored the unexplored diversity of indigenous plants in the Cordillera and their potential in the field of pharmaceutical and medicine. 

source || philstar.com

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Bontoc's short film “Tokwifi” wins Special Jury Prize at QCinema International Film Festival

Photo Courtesy || QCinema

Cordillera - A total of 8 different films were given awards during the annual QCinema International Film Festival held in Quezon City on Friday. 

Bontoc's short film titled "Tokwifi" by Carla Pulido Ocampo was awarded the Special Jury Prize for the QCShorts Competition. 

Tokwifi is a story of a 1950 mestiza star who was trapped inside a television that fell from the sky, dreaming romp on the rice terraces, with a Bontoc Igorot man who does not know how to kiss.

"Babae at Baril", a story of the daily struggles of a department store saleslady, took home the top awards including Best Director for Rad Red, and Best Actress for Janine Gutierrez.

"Cleaners," won the trophies for best screenplay and best film. It's a story of a high school classroom cleaners. 

The complete list of winners are:

"Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss: Audience Choice Award, QCShorts Competition

"Cleaners": Audience Choice Award, Asian Next Wave Competion

"Babae at Baril": Gender Sensitivity Award

"Cleaners": Best Screenplay, Asian Next Wave Competition

"Nakorn Sawan": Best Artistic Contribution, Asian Next Wave Competition

"Tokwifi": Special Jury Prize, QCShorts Competition

"Babae at Baril": Best Actress, Asian Next Wave Competition

"The Long Walk": Best Actor, Asian Next Wave Competition

"Babae at Baril": Best Director, Asian Next Wave Competition

"Tagyamon": Best Film, OCShorts Competition

"Suburban Birds": Netpac Jury Price, Asian Next Wave Competition

"Cleaners": Best Film, Asian Next Wave Competition.

The QCinema International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Quezon City, Philippines. The festival showcases local and international films, documentaries, and short films and gives grants to their creators. 

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Bibiano Fernandes invites Kevin Belingon to train with him in Canada

Photo Courtesy || Fight Game Asia

Cordillera - Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon and Bibiano Fernandes ended their rivalry at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Japan in the co-main event of ONE: Century.

The Team Lakay stalwart was forced to tap out in the second round after Fernandes caught him in a rear naked choke.

After their fight, Belingon said that Fernandes offered to help him with his training and even invited him to train in Canada.

"Bibiano Fernandes and I met in a restaurant after the fight, we had spent some time talking. He kindly offered to help me with my training and even invited me to train with him in Vancouver, Canada," Belingon said.

"He also believes I'm going to be a World Champion again," he added.

READ ALSO: ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong admits Danny Kingad is still one of the best in the world

Fernandes is a Brazillian professional mixed martial artist currently ranked as the 5th Bantamweight in the world. He is currently residing and training at a local gym in Canada.

His invitation to Belingon would be an opportunity to the latter to improve more in his grappling skills.

Many comments had been made that Team Lakay is lacking in ground skills. The team headed by multi-awarded coach Mark Sangiao had placed an extra focus or refining his fighter's skills in the aspect of ground game. 

Sangiao has placed a great emphasis in improving his fighters through consistent grappling drills. 

READ ALSO: Team Lakay Lito Adiwang defeats Japanese Senzo Ikeda via first round TKO

"Losing is the greatest teacher, and sometimes in victory, you cannot see your faults. The losses helped our athletes re-evaluate their abilities, their weaknesses and how we can become better," Sangiao made the statement. 

source || Fight Game Asia

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16-year-old student from Abra invents a robot that use AI to pick and sort garbage

Photo Courtesy || Liza Agoot /PNA 

Cordillera - A 10th grader student from Abra has developed a robot called 'enviro' robot that can pick and sort out garbage from canals and waterways.

Meljon Reyes Viste, a 16-year-old student wanted to make something that is useful to the environment. Because of his interest in robotics and Lego toys, he wanted to build a robot that performs useful works. 

"I want to do something that is useful. I am worried with the state of our environment that is why I improved what had been developed in the past," Viste said via PNA news website.

Viste said he came up with the idea of building a robot that can pick up and sort out trash after they were required by their school to do a research and and propose possible solutions to problems in the province.

Viste approached that challenge just like any other good inventor. He built his robot using parts of an old electric wheelchair which he retrieved from scrap in a waste facility. 

His robot uses a conveyor that will pick up trash and a sensor that determines which type of trash whether metal or plastic. Then it  segregates the metal from plastic in  separate containers.

Viste said that he will improve the version of his enviro robot and plan to bring it on the upcoming robot competition in Australia in the third week of October. 

Last August, Viste brought home a medal after winning 3rd place in the 5th World Robot Games held in Thailand. 

source || Liza Agoot / PNA

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ONE Championsip CEO Chatri Sityodtong admits Danny Kingad is still one of the best in the world

Photo Courtesy || One Championship & Team Lakay

Cordillera - ONE Championship founder, chairman, and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said Danny "The King" Kingad is still one of the best in the world. 

"As for Danny, he is still one of the best in the world and he is just getting started as a young athlete," Sidyodthong wrote on his official FB page. 

"Danny will be king of the division in the future. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be a world champion one day" he added. 

Philippines National Wushu Champion Danny Kingad lost to former UFC Champion Demitrious Johnson via unanimous decision during ONE: Century held in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.

READ ALSO: The igorot warriors that bring Philippine MMA to the world's spotlight

Veteran Johnson admits Kingad was his toughest opponent since joining ONE Championship. 

"Danny Kingad was tough, I knew his grappling was strong, I had to try to finish him," Johnson said after the fight. 

Johnson nearly finished the Filipino in the first round via Kimura but Kingad eventually managed to break free. 

"I tried the kimura but he was tough, "Johnson said. The biggest thing is he throws everything he's got, you have to keep the distance," he added. 

ONE Championship founder Sidyothong thanked all the athletes who participated in the biggest event in the history of martial arts. 

"I always say that fighters truly live honorable and courageous live because it is the truth. In chasing your dreams and following your hearts, you bare your souls to the world with every triumph and every failure. And you do so with honor, grace, and love," Sidyothong said.

"Thank you for inspiring the world with your greatness, passion, heart and humility. Bar none, you rank among the world's greatest martial artists," he added. 

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