Igorot MMA fighter Stephen Loman retains belt, still BRAVE CF Bantamweight Champion

Photo Courtesy || Jeremy Pacatiw

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Igorot Mixed Martial Artist Stephen  Loman successfully defended his bantamweight title  against challenger Louie "Leonidas" Sanoudakis of Canada during the main event of Brave Combat Federation 30 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana, India on November 23, 2019. 

The 23-year-old Loman who is training out of Team Lakay gym in La Trinidad put on a dominant display of striking power and amazing defense against Sanoudakis. 

The judges declared Loman the winner via unanimous decision after the last round and improved his professional MMA record of 14 wins and 2 losses.

Loman, holds the record as the youngest MMA champion in Europe and in the Middle East. 

He is still undefeated in the history of BRAVE CF and also got the record as the longest reigning Bantamweight World Champion of the Bahrain-based Mixed Martial promotion. 

He has now maintain a four successful title defense bouts since joining BRAVE CF.

Loman is a proud Cordilleran who traces hits roots from Bauko and Barlig of Mt. Province and Banaue, Ifugao. 

He is part of Team Lakay that trains many of the Igorots MMA champions like Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Joshua Pacio, Geje Eustaquio and Honorio Banario.

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Igorot cop assumes post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

Photo Courtesy || Jonathan Lt. Col. Jonathan Pa-ac Pablito

Cordillera - An Igorot cop is the new police chief of the famous Boracay Island in the municipality of Malay in Aklan. 

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pa-ac Pablito is responsible in securing the country's main tourist destination and leading his police team to secure tourist and residents of the Island according to panaynews.com.

Lt. Col. Pablito will assumed the post of the outgoing chief of police Major Jess Baylon. 

Prior to taking his new post, Lt. Col. Pablito was the station commander of Station 1, then became the chief of Strategy Review Branch of the Regional Police Strategy Management Unit in Iloilo. 

His task was to ensure the implementation of Philippine National Police (PNP) Patrol Plan 20130.

"It is my honor to have served Iloilo City. Madamo guid nga salamat sa tanan. God Bless and Godspeed," Lt. Col. Pablito said in a post.

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Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer graduated from US Coast Guard Academy

Abra Police officers act of kindness help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

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Baguio City eyes P400-M zoo at the Botanical Garden

Pixabay

Cordillera - Animal lovers will no longer travel far outside  Baguio or Cordillera just to see their favorite animals as the city government is studying the plan of putting up a zoo in the city.

Avilon Wildlife Conservation foundation had recently submitted a proposal to put up a 7.5 hectare zoo inside a 3.8 hectare portion of the Botanical Garden according to the Baguio Public Information website. 

In order to cover the proposed 7.5 hectare, Avilon said it will build an elevated walkways around the zoo for the viewing public to be able to see all the animals. 

Avilon Zoo is currently the largest zoological institution in the Philippines and responsible for building the 19 acre zoo facility in Rodriguez, Rizal. 

The Avilon Zoo in Rizal houses more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife representing more than 600 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes and invertebrates. 

The foundation wanted to establish similar zoological sanctuary in the North. 

It said that the city government is going to earn income through the lease, amusement and other taxes when the zoo will be operational. 

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, however, requested the proponents to consider putting up the zoo in the wider city property in the Sto. Thomas area so that it will fit the zoo area requirement of 7.5 hectare.

According to the Baguio Public Information website, the city government is waiting for the foundation's decision regarding Mayor Magalong's request to submit another proposal for the zoo to be built in Sto. Tomas instead of the Botanical Garden. 

Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer to graduate from US Coast Guard Academy

Photo Courtesy || Julius Maguiwe

Cordillera - An Igorot officer made the Philippines proud when he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut in the United States.

Julius Maguiwe from Mankayan, Benguet was sponsored by the Philippine Coast Guard and was appointed as an international officer to the USCGA. 

In his Facebook post Maguiwe thanked the academy and the PCG for the opportunity bestowed to him. 

"My sincere gratitude to United States of America for a fulfilled American dream experience. Thank you PCG for the trust and confidence for giving me the opportunity to represent the Philippines," Maguiwe said.

"I'm humbled to be the first Igorot to complete a Course in this Academy, Leadership Development Center. Thank you to all my seniors and leaders out there who inspired me so that I can also inspire others in my own little way," he added. 

Maguiwe also noted his achievements at the Officer Indoctrination School 2019 where he received the highest grade in Survival at Sea, highest grade in marksmanship and earned the US Pistol Sharpshooter. 

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

He also got the highest grade in Physical Fitness Test (FPT).

Photo Courtesy || Julius Maguiwe

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Abra Police officers act of kindness help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

Igorot cop to assume post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

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The United State Coast Guard Academy is the service academy of the United States Coast Guard located in New London, Connecticut.

It was founded in 1876 and it is the second smallest of the five federal service academies and provides education to Future Coast Guard officers. 

The PCG has announced that they are looking for qualified civilian applicants nationwide to study for the International Cadet Program of the USCGA Class of 2024.

Successful candidates will be provided with free tuition, monthly pay and allowances, free board and lodging, transportation expenses and government benefits, according to PCG. 

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Baguio City council passes resolution declaring Judge Nelson V. Lago persona non grata

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office - Baguio City

Cordillera - The Baguio City council passed a resolution on Tueday (November 18) declaring Cabanatuan Municipal Judge Nelson V. Lago as persona non grata in the city of Baguio. 

Baguio's Public Information Office said in a post today that "Upon the request of Mayor Benjie Magalong, the city Council passed Resolution Number 429 (series of 2019) declaring judge Nelson V. Lago as persona non grata in Baguio City."

READ ALSO:  Supreme Court asks Judge Nelson Lago to answer why he summoned Baguio enforcers who were just doing their jobs

The Resolution came after Judge Lago issued a subpoena to Baguio traffic enforcers who handed him a ticket for illegal parking and confiscating his vehicle's plate number.

Mayor Magalong questioned why the Judge need to issue a subpoena to the traffic enforcers for merely doing their job while he can just file a case to re-question the city ordinance. 

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

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Meet Rambo - Batad's friendliest and intelligent four-legged tour guide

Photo Courtesy || Department of Tourism

Cordillera - Are you planning to take a vacation or a trip to the most beautiful place in Cordillera, the majestic rice terraces of Batad in Ifugao? There is a chance you'll meet Rambo, the four-legged intelligent dog standing by waiting for you and ready to tour you around.

At Batad rice terraces, Rambo is known for helping tourists by becoming a tour guide. Rambo knows well about the top spots in Batad and he can guide tourists go to these places. 

The trusty canine will walk you through centuries-old terraces, passing by traditional huts where you can catch stories of folklore from friendly locals, according to the Department of Tourism. 

In fact, Rambo became the town's unofficial cultural ambassador for helping in the preservation of Ifugao old traditions. 

Ramon Vinaled, the master of Rambo and the owner and manager of Ramon Homestay said that Rambo learned to guide tourist since he was still young.

"When Rambo was still young, he goes with me anywhere I go, he learned from there. Then later, without me, he goes with the other tour guide until he knows what to do, he just follow," Ramon Vinaled said.

Rambo is very friendly like the locals too. When he sees guest walking around, he goes and accompany them towards their destination. Along the way, Rambo waits patiently for the guests to rest and always stayed with them.

The 10-year-old Rambo can be found at the drop off point in Batad.

You can ask Rambo to guide you for free, but don't forget to give him the best treats he deserves.

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LOOK: Philippines' biggest Ube unearthed in Tuba, Benguet

Photo Credit || Abs Cbn News FB

Cordillera - A farmer from Tuba, Benguet has been dubbed the "Ube Man" after growing a gigantic 'Ube' from his garden.

Homer Menzi was able to uproot a 6 ft. tall white 'Ube' in his garden weighing 28 kilograms.

According to Menzi, this was the first time he was able to grow this size of 'Ube'.

"We planted this before but we just harvested it recently because we went to Agoo and we just saw this today so it's a bit bigger than usual," Menzi said.

Menzi's neighbors were amazed so they posted it in the social media.

"There used to be something similar,  but it only weighed 13 kilos. We were happy because of the size of the 'Ube', we were just amused to post it, " Jayson Pacio, Menzi's cousin said.

According to the agricultural technologist of Tuba, Menzi's white ube is unusual.

"The longer the ube stays under the ground, the more it shrinks, it will decrease in size or there's what we call 'palayon' or it will rot to the ground. So we will subject this for further study," Michel Saingan said.

It is believed that having a giant 'Ube' depends on the good quality of soil.

"It is better if the soil is soft, not hard, so that it can easily grow, just like this the soil is fertile," Menzi said.

Nevertheless, Menzi sold the white ube to Good Shepherd, one of the most famous Pasalubong shop in Baguio.

Good Shepherd was also surprised with Menzi's ube

"Besides being our organized farmers, the seedlings that they plant are also of good quality, so the  harvest is also of good quality, I was just surprised to see an 'Ube' that big," Michael Amagod, the purchasing officer of Good Sheperd said.

The 'Ube' plantation in Tuba is about 12 hectares, second of the largest plantation in province of Benguet.

source || ABS CBN NEWS

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Honest Kalinga Jeepney driver returns mobile phone left by a passenger

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - A jeepney driver from Tabuk in Kalinga has been recognized for being honest after he returned a mobile phone left by a passenger. 

Eddie Gayol, a 57-year-old public transport driver who resides at Purok 4, Bulanao, Tabuk City Kalinga, returned the phone his son found inside his jeepney.

The honest driver told Tabuk Life that this is not the first time he returned lost items. But in many occasions he also returned lost money or things found inside his jeepney. 

"Adu iti naisubli kon nga gadgets wenno kwarta nga nabatbati da ngem masapul a nga isubli ta saan ko met a bagi (I have found many gadgets or money that passengers left but I have to returned them because they are not my belongings.)," Gayol said.

"Makonsensya ta met nu alan ta iti saan ta a kukua," he added. 

Gayol said that some lost items were taken by other passengers so he can not be able to returned them. 

According to Gayol, being a jeepney driver has been his source of income since 1986 and he has been able to raised and put his five children to a school and now they are all professionals. 

One is a medical doctor, the other is a nurse, a computer engineer and the other two are IT graduates.

"Kasla nga pampalipas oras ko laengen daytoy pinagpasadak ta narigat met a tallikudan iti nakasanayanen a trabaho (It's just a past time for me now to drive because it's hard to abandoned my former job)," Gayol said.

When the father of the owner of the phone tried to  offer financial reward for his good deed, he refused to accept it, because it was inappropriate to receive money for the return of an item to the owner. 

Eddie Gayol is among the growing list of ordinary drivers who have made us proud to be Filipinos because of his honesty. 

May his story be an inspiration to us, whether we are drivers or not, to be honest in our dealings with our fellow man. 

Kudos sir Eddie Gayol.

source: Tabuk Life FB page

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Abra Police officers act of kindness: help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

Cordillera - Instead of the usual weapons that they carry in their day to day patrol, these Police officers in Abra took hand sickles (kumpay) to help a woman who they found in her farm harvesting grains of rice alone. 

According to Pidigan Police Station, at around 8 AM Friday morning, officers from Pidigan, Abra headed by PCPT Facundo B Guinsad were patrolling the town when they noticed the woman working alone in a wide farm.

READ ALSO: Brave Policemen of Kalinga risk their own lives to save a family lost at NPA ambush point 

Out of their kindness and their mandate to help local farmers in any way they can, the cops immediately brought their sickles and help the woman harvest her rice grains. 

Photo Courtesy || Pidigan Police Station

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Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer graduated from US Coast Guard Academy

Igorot cop to assume post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

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Police officers make a positive impact in the community from keeping the people safe to small acts of service like helping farmers in the field. 

They go above and beyond their job duties to become real-life superheroes for society's littlest citizens.

Kudos to the polices of Pidigan, Abra.

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Supreme Court asks Judge Nelson Lago to answer why he summoned Baguio enforcers who were just doing their jobs

Photo Courtesy || scmp/scphilippines

Cordillera - The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ordered Judge Nelson Lago to explain why he summoned Baguio traffic enforcers to his court for issuing him a citation ticket. 

"Court Administrator Midas P. Marques has requested Deputy Court Administrator for Luzon, Raul B. Villanueva, to ask Judge Nelson Lago to comment on these news reports," SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said in a message to reporters. 

It can be recalled that Judge Lago has issued a subpoena to Baguio traffic enforcers who handed him a ticket for illegal parking and confiscating his car's plate number.

The subpoena was issued to the city's public order and safety division to appear at the sala of Lago and explain why they should not be found in indirect contempt. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Thursday defended the traffic enforcers saying they were only enforcing local ordinance.

READ ALSO:  What do tourists say about taxi drivers in Baguio City

"Maayos naman ang pakakasita sa kanya... Nagpapatupad lang tayo ng ordinansa rito," Magalong said in a radio interview. 

"Pwedi naman po siyang mag-file ng kaso at i-requestion ang ating ordinansa. Bakit naman gagamiten mo ang iyong posisyon para lang mag-exert ng influence eh alam mo namang mali kayo," Magalong added.

He also said that even his son who once ticketed for illegal parking did not contest, instead paid the fine. 

"Iyong mga may awtoridad dapat magpakumbaba sila at sumunod na lang po sa ating batas," he added. 


Booking.com source || (PNA)

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