Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Commends Ifugao Boxer Carl Jammes Martin

Photo Courtesy || Isko Moreno Domagoso FB page

Cordillera- The mayor of Manila, Isko "Yorme" Moreno Domagoso commended the undefeated Ifugao boxer, Carl Jammes Martin.

In his Facebook post, Yorme proudly recognized Martin's impressive titles in his boxing career.

"Ikinalulugod po namin sa lungsod ng Maynila kilalanin si Carl Jammes 'Wonderboy' Martin, 20 taon gulang, ipinanganak at lumaki sa Baseco Port Area," Moreno wrote in his Facebook post.

The 20-year old  Jammes "Wonderboy" Martin has a spectacular track record of 56-0 in the amaternal level and a 15-0 in the professional level. In the professional level are 14 knockouts (KO)  and a unanimous decision in the Bantamweight Division.

The Ifugao undefeated boxer, who was believed to be the next Philippine boxing champion like Manny Pacquiao, is the current Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) Philippine Bantamweight Champion.

He was also the former World Boxing Council-Asia (WBC), former World Boxing Organization Oriental Youth (WBO), and former World Boxing Association-Asia (WBA) Bantamweight title holder.

READ ALSO: Boxing experts and fans believed this 20-year old Ifugao boxer is the next Manny Pacquaio

Martin, who was born and spent part of his life in the Baseco Port Area in Manila, made the Mayor pleased.

"The Baseco kid is awesome! Manileno is awesome!" he added in his Facebook post.

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Mt. Pulag in Benguet included in Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice 'Not to Miss' destination in Luzon

Photo Courtesy || Mt. Pulag National Park - Bulletin

Cordillera - The Luzon Island in the Philippines was voted by Tripadvisor's readers as the World's Top 2 Trending Destination in the 2020 Travelers' Choice Awards. 

Luzon landed in the 2nd spot of traveler's popular destination in Luzon just after Kochi in India based in the list of Top 25 Trending Destination in the World released on February 25, 2020.  

According to Tripadvisor, "Travelers are flocking to the island of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, to experience one of the more unique locations in the world."

The island of Luzon houses some of the world top destinations for tourist and travelers including  the National Museum of Manila, Fort Santiago in the Walled City of Intramuros and Cordillera's Mt. Pulag National Park which is one of UNESCO's list of World Heritage Center.

Mt. Pulag National Park is located in Kabayan, Benguet and it is the third highest mountain in the Philippine next to Mt. Apo and Mt. Dulang-dulang. 

It was proclaimed a National Park through Pres. Proclamation No.75 on February 20, 1987 covering an area of 11,550 hectares. 

Mt. Pulag is part of the Cordillera Biogeographic Zone and is a National Integrated Protected Areas Programme site.

The mountain also known as the 'playground of the gods' is famous for its "sea of clouds" and the view of the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn, which has attracted many tourists who wanted to experience the 'heavenly' scenery.

It has attracted at least 50,000 tourists in 2019 according to the latest data from the local government of Kabayan.

On Thursday (February 27, 2020), Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan issued EO 23-2020 to lift the temporary suspension of all tourism activities in Mt. Pulag due the threat of the Coronavirus. 

Tourists who are planning to visit Mt. Pulag however, need to follow protocols set by the local government to ensure their safety and prevent the spread of the virus. 

In an advisory issued by the municipality of Kabayan, all tourists, tour organizers and tour operators should require their guests/clients/customers and all tourist do declare their travel history before being permitted to visit the park. 

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WATCH: Erwin Tulfo features Benguet farmer Joel Paquito's success story in farming

Cordillera - The success story of Joel Paquito, an electrical engineer turned farmer has been featured in Erwin Tulfo TV program 'Tatak Erwin Tulfo Weekend Edition. 

Joel Paquito is one of the few farmers who become successful in farming and proved that one doesn't need to go abroad and leave your family to earn a decent income. 

Watch his story below. Our hope is that his story will inspire Filipino farmers not to abandon farming.

You can also read his story here:

 From engineer to farmer: Hardworking farmer from Benguet proves you don't need to go abroad to have a good life

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Honorio 'The Rock' Banario defeats Thai foe via split decision

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - iMankayan mixed martial artist Honorio 'The Rock' Banario made a successful return to the featherweight division after defeating Shannon Wiratchai of Thailand via split decision. 

The Igorot fighter has proven that he has not yet slowed down in the mixed martial sports after showing great improvement in the fight against Wiratchai during their match-up in ONE: King of the Jungle on Friday night in Singapore. 

His successful return in the featherweight division helped him break his three-fight losing streak from his previous fight. 

Banario invested heavily in his ground and pound strategy to keep Wiratchai on the ground, mainly in the later part of their bout. 

The former ONE featherweight champion improved his record with 15 wins and 10 losses. 

Congratulations Honorio Banario

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Igorot Boxing Promoter to receive 2019 'South East Asia Promoter of the Year' award

Cordillera - An Igorot boxing promoter, Mr Brico Langbay Santig, is set to receive an award as the 2019 'South East Asia Promoter of the Year' from the Asian Boxing Council on March 14-16 in Bangkok, Thailand. 

"WBC Asian Boxing Council is most pleased to inform you that you have been selected to receive the 2019 'South East Asia Promoter of the Year' award. The awards presentation will be held during the Gala Dinner night, on March 14 - 17, 7pm - 10pm, at the Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand," said in the letter sent to Santig. 

According to WBC, Santig was chosen to receive the award because of his big contribution in the promotion of boxing and Muay Thai in the region. 

Santig is the owner of the Higland Boxing Promotions located in La Trinidad, Benguet where most talented boxing champions come to train. 

He also put up his own boxing gym in Manila and also in Bangkok, Thailand, where his family currently resides. 

In 2019, he was awarded as the Boxing Promoter of the Year from the Kafagway/Kordillera International Sport Luminary Awards Podium. 

His boxing promotion also recognized as being the Best Boxing Promotion in the Philippines.

Congratulations!

source || Bombor Radyo Baguio

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Canadian working in an airline wrote heartwarming message about the Igorots

Cordillera - After reading the uplifting comment of 'Becoming Filipino' vlogger by the name of 'Kulas' appreciating the toughness of the Igorots, a Canadian airliner worker Mr. Guy Beaulie couldn't help but share his heartwarming message to all Igorots. 

In his message, he expressed his admiration to the wonderful Igorots who, despite the fact that they are sometimes being discriminated by outsiders, they are very hospitable and humble people. 

Beaulie said that his 'Love, respect, and admiration' to the Igorots made him decide to build his house near Kabayan, Benguet.

Read his full message below: 

"Hey Kulas. I could not have said it better myself. I'm Canadian just like you and I traveled the world as I work for an airline. After visiting the Philippines and particularly the Cordilleras region and meeting the Igorots there, I must agree 100% with you. These people work so incredibly hard under incredibly harsh condition and they get so little of their labor. Yes, they are discriminated against by some but also admired by others like you and me and many others. I have, like you, taken the time to talk with them, eat with them, listen to them and live with them in their humble house. I ate their food. Danced their dances. Laughed with them, listen to them and cried with them. Yes they are shy. But once they get to know you they will open their arms and give you everything they can to make you feel welcome just like the Chilean people who also are similar to them.

I love the Cordilleras region and I LOVE, RESPECT, AND LOVE and ADMIRE what they do. So of all places, I decided to build a house in Benguet, in Besang close to Kabayan. I love it there. I love the peaceful people there. The children are so different than the children in Canada. The children who walk through mud, trails, mountains, rivers for hours in the rain and sometimes typhoon to go to school and back. No bus to take them there. Only the flip flops on their feet. But this is what makes strong people. People with character. People with values. People who appreciate what they have because they work so freakin hard to get it. So I'll live with them when I retire. I'll love them more this way and try to help them feel loved and appreciated. 

 Thank you Kulas for all your blogs about the Philippines. Becoming Philippino is indeed becoming kind, polite, respectful and loving. I hope to meet you in person one day and invite you to my house in Besang and meet my family there. Some are farmers and some are teachers, nurses, doctors and engineers. Yes some of them pursued their studies at the university in Baguio and became professionals at a cost that seems impossible to understand. I cried then and still cry now when I think about the sacrifices these people made to get where they are today. 

Filipinos, I can say with no hesitation, are the most polite and loving respectful and enduring people I have ever met. I decided to live with them because I love them and they love me. Keep doing what you are doing Kulas. I'll continue to watch you with them as you become Filipino, just like I am. God bless you. God bless the Philippines. God bless the Igorots.

READ ALSO:  'Igorots are one of the most civilized people' - Canadian Vlogger Kulas

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Kalinga teacher braves dangerous hanging bridge and mountains daily to reach her students

Photo Courtesy || Front Row

A teacher from Kalinga has to hike muddy mountain trails and cross a perilous hanging bridge to reach her school everyday.  

The hanging bridge that teacher Maribel, students and residents of Pinukpuk, Kalinga was destroyed during typhoon Lawin back in 2016 but  was never repaired until today.

Everyone who wants to get to the other side of the mountain has no other choice than to cross this impassable bridge because their is no other way. The risk it takes in every step on the slippery bamboo and every grip on the rusty cable wire is like betting on your life.

It has been three years since she had her first assignment at an elementary school in a far flung village in Pinukpuk. What made her stay despite the struggles she has to endure in fulfilling her teaching career?

She could have taught within her comfort zone  or work near her house so she can spend more time with her family or even eat with them at home during lunch break. She could have worked in the city with less hassle on  transportation or applied for a teaching position abroad.

In her interview with Front Row, teacher Maribel shared what inspired her to keep her teaching job despite the sacrifices she has to make everyday to teach her classes. It is her passion to teach and her previous teachers were her great inspiration in following their footsteps.

Indeed, teaching and mentoring the next generation is teacher Maribel's way of life. May her story inspire the youth, spark some hope and encouragement to future teachers and give pride and honor to all those in the teaching field.

May the local government or other NGO's take notice and do something to help alleviate the struggles of the local residents of Pinukpuk, Kalingga. Three years has been long over due to fund for a repair or even a new hanging bridge.

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PNP Chief Gamboa admired Cordilleran Police for their excellence in service

Photo Courtesy || PNP Chief Archie Gamboa

Cordillera - The chief of the Philippine National Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa expressed his admiration to Cordilleran Police during his first visit to the regional office this week. 

"Stand out talaga ako sa galing ng Cordillera, Probably because of your culture, because of the values you develop here. Congratulations. May your tribe continue to thrive," PNP Chief Gamboa said in a statement. 

The PNP chief visited the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-COR) on Monday and encouraged members of the PNP Cordillera to continue their relentless campaign against illegal gambling, crimes, illegal drugs and lawless activities. 

He also challenged Cordilleran Police to maintain the region's battle cry as the 'Most Disciplined Cops' in the country. 

READ ALSO: 

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 PNP-Martime Group headed by Igorot cop receives award for Best Regional Maritime Unit of the year

PNP Chief 'Bato' dela Rosa applauds Police-Cordillera for impressive performance against illegal drugs

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General Gamboa also visited Baguio Police office and issued order to all regional directors on the crackdown on jueteng. 

"To the concerned regional directors of the PNP, I have forwarded to you a list of operators in your respective regions. I'm giving you a week. If you cannot stop jueting, I will relieve you," Gen Gamboa said in  ba pressriefing. 

He also reiterated the PNP's "No Take Policy" from operators and protectors of the illegal numbers game. 

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Philippines named 2nd most instagrammable place in the world

Photo Courtesy || Rehina Gutierrez

Cordillera - The Philippines was hailed as the second most “Instagrammable” place in the world for 2021 following Tokyo, Japan when it comes picturesque destinations according to travel website Big 7 Travel.

Big 7 Travel based the result on a scoring system that analyzed the amount of hashtags per destinations, survey results from social media and input from it editorial team.

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Are you looking for a massive, magical sunflower fields for your next Instagram post? 

This sunflower farms located in Shilan, Benguet, a 12 kilometer ride from Baguio City offers you a garden of fully bloom 10,000 sunflowers. 

Photo Courtesy || Cordillera's Pride

You can have plenty of Instagram-worthy photos in different angles. We believe these fields will bloom until next month. 

The location is not very far from Baguio. You can take jeepney ride from Magsaysay Avenue to Shilan. Look for the jeepney with Acop-Tublay route.  

Booking.com

There's a 5-6 minutes walk from the national highway. 

Tourists who are going to visit Paoay flower farms in Atok can also drop by in Shilan to visit this farm. 

If you have your cars with you, don't worry about parking because the place has plenty of parking space. 

You can also enjoy their unlimited hot Benguet brewed coffee before and after you take your Instagram-worthy photos at the farm. 

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Hardworking farmer from Benguet builds Dream House from vegetable farming

Photo Courtesy || Agribusiness

Cordillera - While young people of this generation abandon farming and go to the city, get a college degree and work as an employee of a company, this engineer from Benguet chose the opposite. 

Joel Paquito, abandoned pursuing his career being a full time engineer after finishing his degree on electrical engineering and went back to farming instead. 

Paquito, now a full time vegetable farmer in his local town in Bugiuas, Benguet said in an interview with Agribusiness that his heart was in to farming. 

"May puso kasi ako sa farming. Yung namulatan kung trabaho ng magulang ko, lalo na yung tatay ko... Talagang yung puso ko bumalik sa farm," Paquito said.

Unlike from being an employee in a company where you have a boss, Joel said that in farming you are the boss and no one is pressuring and controlling you in whatever you want to do. 

He said that what he learned from his degree in electrical engineering, he can also apply them in his work being a farmer.

Asked about the common problem of farmers who suffer from bankruptcy due to pest and oversupply of vegetables in the market,  Joel admitted that he too suffered from not getting returns from his capital due to a disease that affected the soil.

However, Joel didn't easily give up otherwise, he will be the loser in the end. He gave an advice to his fellow farmers what to do when they  face challenges and are affected with problems.

"Bilang farmer, kailangan mo ring maintindihan na ang lugi ay hindi ibig sabihin na yun na ang huli. Pag ang nasa isip natin ay tapos na baka hindi mo na mabawi [ang puhunan mo]. 

Joel said that you have to plant again even if your first plant was unsuccessful. 

He also pointed out the importance of having some savings. 

"Kailangang mag-ipon ka. Kung may pera kailang hindi mo dapat iwaldas lahat, darating ang panahon na yung tanim mo rin malulugi, meron tayong back-up," Joel shared.

"Karamihan talaga sa mga  farmers pag may pera hindi iniisip ang kalugihan... Dapat sa mga farmers alam ang [pinagkaiba] ng 'needs at wants'... Alam natin ang kailangan natin sa farm at sa buhay, hindi lang puro 'wants'," he added.

Joel shared some tips to his fellow farmers in managing their finances when starting to farm. Since farming takes a  month or two for soil preparation up to harvest, he advised that farmers should have an emergency fund allocated for the two months that they don't have an income. They can also take some extra work to get income while waiting for the harvest.

Joel proved that you don't need to go abroad or get a job from the city to make a good life. Because of his good principle in farming, he was able to buy his own car and build his own house. 

Watch the whole interview of Joel below from Agribusiness

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