Vanjoss Bayaban wins 'The Voice Kids Philippines' season 4

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

Cordillera - Vanjoss Bayaban was named the grand champion of the show 'The Voice Kids Philippines season 4 on Sunday (November 3).

Bayaban got an overall 62.11 percent votes, followed by Carmelle Collado with 24.74 percent and Cyd Pangca with 13.15 percent. 

Vanjoss, a young boy from Pangasinan, who is part of Sarah Geronimo's team edged the competition with his rendition of "You Raised Me Up. 

Coach Leah Salonga praised his performance and told Vanjoss how smart he was to follow her advice.

"Vanjoss, mula sa blind audition mo ipinakita mo talaga 'yung power, and tonight, full power ka talaga. Ang masasabi ko lang, this is for your mom, sulit ang pag-uwi mo," Coach Leah said. 

Vanjoss' mom is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and his dad is a self-employed welder. Vanjoss learned to sing since he was 4 years old, with his father being his mentor. 

"Working with Vanjos has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me.Napakahusay pero marunong makinig sa mga payo," Leah added.

"Working with Vanjoss has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me. Napakahusay pero marunong makinig sa mga payo," she added.

Before the grand final, Vanjoss has asked his fans to support him. He also called his fans from Kalinga where his grandfather from to vote for him.

Vanjoss will take home Php2 million pesos, a house and lot, and a recording contract according to Abs Cbn.

He will take home P2 million, a house and lot, and a recording contract, among others.

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Cordilleran wushu star Daniel Parantac to represent Philippines in SEAG 2019

Photo Courtesy || Philippines Sportswriter Association FB

Cordillera - Philippines' wushu star Daniel Parantac will be leading the team of Filipino Wushu-Taulo practioners in the upcoming 30th South East Asian Games (SEAG) 2019 in November 30.

The two-time SEA games gold medalist Parantac has set aside his plan of retirement to join the SEAG 2019 for the last time. 

"Yes that is my last goal. That's my year of retiring," Parantac said during his 2018 Asia Games taijijian performance.

Parantac is hoping that Philippines will get the Gold and want his team to take advantage of the opportunity to train at the venue where the competition will be held.

"If we can train in the actual venue at least two weeks before the competition, it will be good for us. Actually, the earlier, the better," Parantac said during the Philippine Sportwriters Association (PSA) on October 29 at the Amelie Hotel in Manila.

The Wushu game is scheduled to be held from December 1 to 3 at the Philippines International Convention Center (PICC). 

"If we train in the venue two or three days before the competition, that's enough. We need to get used to the surface," he added. 

Parantac has won in various international wushu competitions. He won one gold medal and one silver medal in the 2013 South East Asia Games in Napiyadaw, Myanmar and won gold and two silver medals in the 2015 SEAG held in Singapore. 

Parantac is determined to give all his best to repeat his podium finishes in the past. 

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Igorota from Mt.Province is World of Difference 2019 Awardee in Sydney, Australia

Photo Courtesy || Inabe Livelihood Group, Inc

Cordillera - Due to her initiative and outstanding work in the empowerment and advancement of women in her community, Zefora Bastian-Bosongan is one of the awardees of this year's World of Difference Award from the International Alliance for Women(TIAW) on October 18.

The World of Difference award is a recognition and appreciation to the world's outstanding corporative initiatives for women's economic empowerment.

Bosongan is the only Filipino among the 14 recipients from various countries who have been awarded for their important work in their own community. 

Bosongan is the founder and president of Inabe Livelihood Group, Inc located in Angcabat, Guinzadan Central, Bauko, Mountain Province. 

The group was established to create job opportunities to women in the countryside by giving them training and practice how to weave traditional and modified hand-woven fabrics. 

Photo Courtesy || Inabe Livelihood Group

The final products includes fashion dresses, bags, home accessories and souvenir items that are all made with traditional Cordilleran hand-woven fabrics. 

The Inabe Livelihood Group was pleased with the recognition Bosongan received. 

According to the group, Bosongan had works in some projects runway for OFWs women in Hongkong and in the locality with Civic Groups. 

She also works in the employment of less fortunate women and delivered talks internationally for the advancement of women. 

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"Baguio City still remains to be very peaceful" - BCPO City Director PCOL Allen Rae Co

Cordillera - The Baguio City Police Director PCOL Allen Rae F. Co on Tuesday has announced during a panel interview at the city hall that Baguio city still remains to be peaceful.

"Basically, Baguio City remains to be very peaceful even compared as to last year" PCol. Co said. 

He said that the index crime dropped by 31 incidents compared to last October in the previous year with 427 incidents down to 396 this year. 

He added that the non-index crime or violations of special laws was reduced to 1,083 incidents from 2,500 incidents recorded from last year. 

GOOD NEWS: WATCH: Amazing Baguio featured on CNN Philippines' Building Bridges TV program

Co accredited the continuous fall of crime rate in the city due to the projects and program created and implemented by BCPO, as well as the cooperation and help by the people of Baguio.

Watch this 4K video of Baguio City by Wind Walk Travel Videos

"This is of course born out by the projects and programs po na ginagawa namin but also yun pong cooperation at tulong po na ating mga mamayan" Pcol. Co said.

READ ALSO:  Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

"I am again calling on you. Sana tuloy-tuloy po ang pagbigay niyo ng trust sa amin at ito naman po at susuklian namin ng mas maganda, mas progresibo, at mas peaceful na ciudad ng Baguio," he added.

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

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

Photo Courtesy || Wikipedia

Cordillera - Tourists who want to visit Baguio by plane do not wait any longer, as the city is working hard to open the Loakan airport for domestic flights.

The time has come for the local government to move forward with the plan of developing and reopening the Loakan Airport. 

This would allow easier way for tourist to get to the summer capital of the Philippines.

In fact, none other than Mayor Benjamin Magalong stated that Philippine flag carrier PAL Express has already bought five aircraft that could fly to and from Loakan Airport. 

The mayor also added that even Cebu Pacific had also informed him of their plan to open domestic flights to Loakan.

The Loakan Airport is classified as class 2 principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and has been closed to commercial flights since 2009. 

The airport only serves chartered and military flights as of this moment.

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

Earlier, the city government tapped the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to shell out P160 Million for the takeover and redevelopment of the airport.

The funds will be used to renovate and upgrade the airport into "an all weather commercial airport".

With the plan to open the airport for domestic flights, there are significant benefits for both business in the region and to increase the number of tourist arrivals in the Cordillera.

READ ALSO: WATCH: Amazing Baguio featured on CNN Philippines' Building Bridges TV program

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WATCH: Amazing Baguio featured on CNN Philippines' Building Bridges TV program

Cordillera - Watch CNN Philippines feature on Building Bridges. This week program features the summer capital of the country - Baguio. 

This city nestled up in the mountains of Benguet has been a popular destination for anyone who wants to have a real chill moments and relaxation. 

With the rapid development of road networks and highways that connect central Philippines to the north, local and international tourists find it more convenient to travel. The influx of tourists to the city is attributable to the opening of TPLEX.

READ ALSO: Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

Baguio City Supervising Tourism Operation Officer Alec Mapalo said TPLEX reduce the travel time from Manila to Baguio, allowing tourists to reach the city as fast as 4 hours.

CNN Philippines features the famous tourists destination like Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mines View Park and Tam-awan Village. 

It also introduces Baguio's famous pasalubong such as Ube jam, peanut brittle, strawberry jam, Kalinga coffee and many more.

Video Courtesy || CNN Philippines YT Channel

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Philippines' top song artists Leah Salonga and Sarah Geronimo wear Ifugao fabric in The Voice Kids

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

Cordillera - The Cordilleran 'inabel' is now trending as a popular attire among top celebrities in the Philippines. 

This week's episode of "The Voice Kids Philippines", the two judges coach Leah Salonga and coach Sarah Geronimo are wearing the Ifugao inabel from Kiangan Ifugao. 

Many Cordillerans are so appreciative that celebrities are starting to notice how beautiful Cordilleran inabels are. 

Weavers from the Cordillera  now have more reasons to give value to the local weaving industry. 

Handwoven products are known for their quality as these are made from natural materials and are created by local weavers who had gained expertise over many years.

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

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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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