What do tourists say about taxi drivers in Baguio City

Cordillera - We've gathered all the comments and messages from tourists and passengers who have expressed their positive experiences with taxi drivers in Baguio City and here are what they said.

Taxi Drivers in Baguio give back the passengers their exact change.

Visitors coming from other cities in the Philippines observed that taxi drivers in Baguio city always return the change even if that is only 1 peso.

"Kudos sa mga Baguio City Taxi Drivers. I just got back from Pinas and I notice na talagang ibabalik ang sukli mo kahit under P5 compared to Manila na sasabihin na wala daw siyang sukli sa P100 kaya sa Grab Taxi na lang ako." from Wagchen

"Agree! Kahit piso na sukli mo ibibigay nila." From Johny

"This is so True. Salute sa lahat ng taxi drivers ng Baguio... Ultimo piso ibabalik nila yan. Eh dito sa Manila, 100 bigay mo 70 ang patak. Wala daw sukli." - from Mitch

"Grabee binabalik nila hanggang huling piso sa sukli mo. kukulitin mo pa silang tanggapin yung tip. Sana maging standard ang ganyang pag-uugali." from Earle

"This is very true during my college days, di namemresyo at kahit 1 PESO na sukli mo ibabalik pa." from Emma

"Yes, I credit to all Baguio Taxi Driver. They return your exchange even if it's centavo." from Xiexia

"Agree! Kahit magkanong sukli mo ibibigay, kahit super ahon ang daan ng pupuntahan ihahatid kayo ng walang reklamo." from Xyza

"Pati yung sukli, parang pagmamahal ko. Walang labis, walang kulang kahit sentimo." from Gasmel

"This is legit. Stayed 5 years in Baguio and I never had any bad experiences. Fare is fair as well." from Trisha

Baguio City Drivers return any valuable item left by passengers in their cars.

"Very true. Naalala ko nun nung sumakmay kami ng taxi nung time na nasa Baguio City kami. Tapos nung driver samin "Wait lang po mam, may dadaanan lang po tayo saglit naiwan kasi cellphone nung pasahero na sumakay sakin kanina" Natuwa naman ako," from Zarah

"Yes.. totoo po..salamat kay Tito taxi driver noong nag exam kami ng board sa Baguio ibinabalik niya yung naiwan kong transparent envelope, especially yung NOA at receipt ko sa kanyang taxi, kasi napakaimportante yun sa aming magtatake ng board," from Joe

"Not only taxi drivers but jeepney drivers as well. Last week I dropped my phone inside a jeep bound from Centermall to Motorpoll via Pico then this jeepney driver find a way to gave it back to me. Thanks much. Haan ko naala jay plate number jay jeep or name man lang piman jay driver. GBU," from Jolz

"Agree much, my grandson left his cell phone in the taxi, the driver returned the cell phone by driving back to where my grandson was dropped and it was returned with no conditions, very honest," from Adecisa

"Personal experience when I was a Baguio boarding at Cadaklan village, while going to school (University of Baguio) umuulan that time at foggy. Nang may dumaan na taxi kaya sumakay ako... may isang babae sa look ng taxi and I know the driver and the lady are son and daughter of Cordillera, the lady asked me, "Anya ti nagan mo ading?" Meaning anu pangalan mo Aking Nakababatang kapatid? Then I've replied Rey Ann, Rey Ann Pagrogado, cguro na curious bakit iba sa usual na Cordillera yung family name ko. then she asked again, tagalog ka ba? Wen (Yes) auntie (Hindi ko na sinabi na Ilonggo aku). Saan ka nag-aaral, she asked. Sa UB aunti, then since traffic along Loakan road napahaba yung kwentohan namin, hanggan sinabi niya sa driver na ipasok niya yung taxi malapit sa entrance ng building ng UB, at nang aku ay magbayad na, tinanggihan ito ng driver ng taxi na nakikinig lang pala sa kwentohan namin then I've found out na yung babae pala yung may ari ng taxi at bago ako bumaba the lady told me some words na hanggang ngayon ay "MAG ARAL KA NG MABUTI ADING, WAG MING SAYANGIN ANG PAGOD MO, KASI YANG ANG MAGDADALA SAYO SA PANGARAP MO.This is true, And yes they're kind people. MOST OF THE KIND PEOPLE IS LIVING IN CORDILLERA...BASTA SIAK IGOROTAK, NOT BY BLOOD BUT IN DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE TOWARDS SUCCESS." - from Huma

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Some have commented that taxi drivers in city of Baguio are friendly and they love to talk to their passengers during the trip. They also give advice, suggestion and recommendations on the best place to go around the city. 

Some have said that drivers are also very helpful in helping their passengers who are drunk so that they can safely reach their homes. 

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Venus Bajarin: First Female Cordilleran Brigadier General of the AFP

Photo Courtesy || Venus Bajarin

Cordillera - The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Chief Nurse Venus Bajarin was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on Tuesday, November 12, in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters Building. 

AFP Chief Nurse Bajarin receives her first star following her promotion as Brigadier General. 

BGen Venus Abbacam Magwelang-Bajarin is from Pinukpuk and Pugong, Pasil, Kalinga. 

AFP Chief of Staff General Noel Clement administered the donning of ranks along with 10 other key AFP officers who were promoted to the next higher rank. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) Major General Erickson Gloria was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police S/Supt. Jesus Cambay to be promoted one star general

"Your promotion to higher ranks bespeaks of your hardships, sacrifices, and victories. Your experiences in the service and the habits you developed along the way attest to your commitment to perform your duties with utmost commitment and highest standard," General Clement said via the AFP website.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran soldier Pvt. Louis Dulawan promoted PSG Officer donned by President Duterte

"Congratulations to all of your on your well-deserved promotion. Let me also give due honor to your families and to the people who have been your constant support in your journey in the challenging path of military service. To your families, we also share this milestone with you," General Clement added. 

READ ALSO: Honest Kalinga Jeepney driver returns mobile phone left by a passenger

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Kalinga rice farmer earns P1 Million from his farm; wins Outstanding Rice Farmer award 2019

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Tabuk's multi-awarded rice farmer and leading agri-preneurs Honorio Clemencia won the much-coveted Outstanding Rice Farmer award in the 48th Gawad Saka Awards of the Department of Agriculture.

On October 23, 2019, Clemencia was given the plague of recognition and a P250,000 cash prize from Presidential Communication Martin Andanar and Agriculture Secretary William Dar for his exceptional contribution in rice-based integrated farming in the country. 

Clemencia from Tabuk has become an expert in the field of integrated farming as he dedicated his life in the development of Tabuk's agricultural industry and promoting government's self-sufficiency program. 

He won the award for cultivating a highly productive rice-based integrated system which makes use of both agricultural forestry management techniques and technologies, according to Crispina M. Buco of the Office of the City Agriculture Services.

"Mr. Clemencia's four-hectare farm serves as a model for his community members and other farmers. With the integration of technical knowledge and skills as well as adoption of improved technologies the farm yields itself as a standout of productivity," Buco said via Tabuk Life.

The multi-awarded rice farmer has been able to generate a collective net income of P998,387.23 and P1,298,195.29 in 2016 and 2017, respectively from his integrated farms. 

Clemencia said that he was able to support the education of his six children and improve his family's quality of life.  

"Nothing is more gratifying than being a farmer. I can personally say that farming really improved my life regardless of its difficulties for it requires hard work and dedication," he said.

The good outcome of his dedication and hard work has inspired him to conduct training and technology demonstration to help the local farmers.

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Sagada mobilizes "Oplan SAYOTE" to help North Cotabato earthquake victims

Photo Courtesy || Mt.Province DRRM Office

Cordillera - As part of the efforts to extend assistance to the earthquake victims in Mindanao, the local government unit of Sagada mobilizes "Oplan Sayote" to collect sayote vegetables from farmers and donors.

A truck traveled around the town of Sagada to pick up Sayote from farmers and donors. They have collected about 25 large sacks of Sayote to be transported to the Department of Agriculture Cordillera office and will be delivered later on to Cotabato.

Photo Courtesy || Mt.Province DRRM Office

Photo Courtesy || Mt.Province DRRM Office

In a post from Sagada muncipality Facebook page, it says "Sagada is blessed with the abundance of Sayote. For the victims of Earthquakes in Cotabato, Sagada sends its abundance to the victims of this calamity. We pray for your safety. 

On October 29, North Cotabato was rocked by a 6.5 magnitude earthquakes that killed more than a dozen people and severely damaged buildings and houses and left people abandoned their homes for safety.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, an estimated 12,000 people were evacuated to government shelters because their homes have been destroyed and some of them are afraid to return. 

The initial estimated damage has amounted to P4.55 million, particularly in North Cotabato.

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Watch: Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio Chokes Rene Catalan in Round Two

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Igorot mixed martial arts Joshua "The Passion" Pacio delivered another stunning performance to defeat Rene Catalan by submission to retain the ONE Strawweight World Title. 

In the fully sold out Mall of Asia, Pacio successfully defended his strawweight title against the challenger Catalan via 2nd round arm-triangle choke in the main event of ONE: Master of Fate on Friday night. 

The youngest fighter of Team Lakay seemed to be the favorite by his home town crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena as he came stronger defending his World Champion title. 

But Catalan proved that can defeat the younger Pacio as he attempted leg submission in the first round.

Pacio, however, manage to get out of the attempt by rolling over the canvass until Catalan loses grip.

In the second round, Pacio decided to take the fight to the ground, where he was able to pin down Catalan to full mount and maneuvered an arm-triangle choke that forces Catalan to tap out. 

No one expected Pacio to be able to submit Catalan via arm-triangle choke.

Booking.com

It was a beautiful and stunning way for Pacio to retain his world title in front of his fans. 

Meanwhile, Filipino hero Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang gets the unanimous decision over Amarsanaa Tsogookhu after an unintentional class of heads prompts a technical decision.

Congratulations!

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Igorot Geje Eustaquio knocks out Tauro with a beautiful spinning back kick

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Former ONE Flyweight Champion Geje Eustaquio of Team Lakay is back following an impressive win against Finnish fighter Toni Tauro on ONE: Master of Fate at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The former champ delivered a powerful spinning back kick to the right side of Tauro causing the latter to undergo a body shutdown and fall to the canvas. 

"I was inspired by Kevin with that turning back kick. We keep on repeating [that technique] inside the gym", Eustaquio told Mitch.

Eustaquio dedicated his fight to his son who inspired him to pick himself up and continue fighting.

READ ALSO:  Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio Submits Rene Catalan in Round Two

"I would like to dedicate this fight to my son who is my motivation, to Rose, my coach Mark and to all my brothers and sisters in Team Lakay, and to all Filipinos who came out to witness this historic event," Eustaquio added.

He also dedicated his victory to the people of Mindanao who suffered from the recent devastating earthquake.

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Igorot Muay Thai Champion going for gold in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games 2019

Photo Courtesy || Bryan Scott Vincent Olod FB

Cordillera - Cordilleran pride and IFMA World Champion Lee Ariel Lampacan is going for the gold in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games 2019. 

The 29-year old Lampacan of Baguio City and Itogon, Benguet became a world champion when he took the Gold in the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur-World Championship in Cancun, Mexico last year. 

He was the only gold medalist among Filipino fighters in that event.

From a humble miner to a world champion, Lampacan is set to compete in the SEA Games in Manila along with other Filipino boxing athletes. 

Lampacan become a multi-national Medalist under coach Billy Alumno who is the head coach of MAP National Team. 

In 2017, he won the World Muay Thai Charity Asia bantamweight champions belt in Hong Kong when he defeated the more veteran fighter B Kwok of Hong Kong in the 54 kilograms.

Photo Courtesy || Bryan Scott Vincent Olod FB

The Igorot martial arts' ethics is known to be phenomenal and his dedication is superb. Despite lack of financial support and resources, he managed to find time to train. 

Lampacan has four wins and one loss in his MMA career. 

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50th Malasakit Center opens at the Baguio General Hospital to serve the public

Cordillera - The 50th Malasakit Center at the Baguio General Hospital is now open to serve the public, especially the poor and indigent patients who are in need of medical assistance from the government. 

Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, was the guest of honor during the launching of the Malasakit Center on Thursday (Nov 7), together with BGHMC Medical Chief Dr. Ricardo Runez Jr., Baguio Congressman Mark O. Go, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and other government officials.

The Malasakit center is a one-stop shop where patients in need of medical assistance will only need to sign a single form in order to avail of the program. 

The center will serve as an office that hosts different government agencies that provide medical and financial assistance such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. 

Funding of the Malasakit Center for medical and financial assistance would come from the budget of concerned agencies with programs for the poor and indigents patients.

Sen. 'Bong' Go reminded that the Malasakit Center program was conceived to improve the easy and quick access of many Filipinos to government healthcare services. 

The senator plans to put up Malasakit Centers in all 72 DOH-retained hospitals in the country.

On Wednesday (Nov 6), the Senate passed on second reading the measure of institutionalizing the Malasakit Center. 

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Sagada Coffee wins international award for the second time in Milan, Italy

Photo Courtesy || SGD Coffee FB

Cordillera - The SGD Coffee grown in Northern Sagada and the Mirabueno Coffee of Bukidnon won top awards at the 5th International Contest of Coffees Roasted in Milan on October 21, 2019. 

The two Philippine coffee firms bested 700 other coffee producers from 25 countries for the Gourmet and Bronze prizes in different categories. 

The award has proved that coffee from the Philippines are top-notched in terms of quality and are one of the finest in the world.

"We hope that with this recognition, we are able to highlight Philippines' coffee and the great work of Filipino coffee farmers like those behind Mirabueno Coffee and SGD Coffee, growing one of the finest coffees in the world to be true artisans of the Philippines' coffee industry," CHP official Richard Watanabe said.

The award was given by the Agency pour la Valorisation des Produits Agricoles (AVPA) to Chargé d'Affaires Mersole J. Mellejor of the Philippine Consul General's Office in Milan. 

AVPA is a Paris-based "non-governmental, non-profit organization, mainly composed of producers and taste enthusiasts. The association's goal is to enhance the value of agricultural products and to recognize the excellence of some producers, to often forgotten in the midst of mass marketing."

READ ALSO: Sagada organic coffee wins international award in Paris

This marks the second time for the Philippine coffee to bagged top awards in the coffee contest since Bana's Coffee from Sagada won the Gourmet prize in 2017. 

Coffee Heritage Project officer Butch Acop said the coffee competition is a way for them to showcase their work in the development of land through sustainable and ecological integration of coffee. 

"The coffee competition helps us showcase the broader work we do to reforest land with sustainable and ecological integration of coffee, the high returns and quality of life offered to coffee growers, and our endless pursuit of the next frontiers in coffee roasting and taste," Acop said.

READ ALSO:  Where to find the "best bread in the Philippines"? Answer: In SAGADA

The Department of Trade and Industry said Sagada Coffee and Mirabueno Coffee are part of The Coffee Heritage Project (TCHP) in the Philippines which takes 'quality-focused approaches in coffee production."

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Tappiya Waterfalls in Ifugao is one of the world's best waterfalls - The Guardian

Photo Courtesy || theguardian.com

Cordillera - The website Theguardian.com listed Tappiya Falls in the Cordillera region as one of the 20 Best Waterfalls in the World. 

The Guardian's Readers's Travel Tips gathers and compiles some of the best travel destinations from around the world from travelers who have personally visited and experienced these places.

One the best travel destination they have listed is the Tappiya Falls.

World travelers include Tappiya falls to be among the best together with the Aguafraggia Falls in Italy, the Gawa waterfalls in Austria, Swartiffos in Iceland, Baatara Gorge waterfall in Lebanon, the Gocta waterfall in Peru, the Snoqualimie in the U.S., the Nachi waterfall in Japan and others.

Tappiya falls is located in the small village of Batad in the province of Ifugao. 

READ ALSO: Sagada Coffee wins international award for the second time in Milan, Italy

Tourists who are looking for additional natural attraction to visit in Batad, apart from the stunning rice terraces can visit this waterfall. 

Traveler and Guardian contributor Laurence Britton wrote this description of the Tappiya Falls.

"In a valley of the Cordillera mountains, the journey to the Tappiya Falls involves making your way to the small village of Batad, among the Ifugao rice terraces, a Unesco world heritage site (390km north of Manila). Hiring a local guide costs between £8 - £16 to take you on a trek along the luscious green terraces carving along mountains before a 30-minute descent to the falls. Here, the water plummets 30 metres to a huge, refreshing pool to swim in and wash off the sweat from the hike. Tappiya's beauty isn't solely in the fall (stunning as they are), but the journey to get there: to the remote village, the phenomenal terraces, and the tricky descent." - Laurence Britton via theguardian.com

The waterfall can be visited throughout the year. It will take around 2 to 3 hours trek from Batad center down to the falls which can be found at the bottom of the terraces. 

Tourists can swim, rest for a while and take some photos and selfies with the beautiful scenery of the waterfall.

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