All The WOW News in Cordillera

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Nine cadets from Kalinga graduate from PNPA Hinirang Class 2021

Cordillera - A total of 225 cadets comprising the Hinirang Class of 2021 have graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) on Wednesday (April 21, 2021) via virtual ceremony.

Among the successful graduates were nine (9) cadets who traces their roots to Kalinga province. 

P/CDT John Kevin Mangwag - Pinukpuk, Kalinga 

P/CDT Sydmar Baawa Ableg Augas - Pasil, Kalinga 

P/CDT Jeremy Baligod Bongabong -Lubuagan, Kalinga

P/CDT Koullin Asiaben Canabang -Pangol, Tanudan, Kalinga 


P/CDT Patrick Reyes Dasayon - Pinukpuk, Kalinga 


P/CDT June Canao Gayawet - Pasil, Kalinga 

P/CDT King Bagtang Giwed - Tinglayan, Kalinga 

P/CDT Brent Guilao Guimba -Tinglayan, Kalinga 

P/CDT John Jr. Agnaya Tacloy -Tabuk City, Kalinga

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año officially announced the appointment of the members of the graduating class as new police lieutenants, jail inspectors, or fire inspectors in their chosen services.

source || PNPA FB page

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WATCH: Award-winning Igorota actress Mai Fanglayan to star in new movie "Salidumay"


Photo Courtesy || Salidumay - a film by Dexter Macaraeg

Cordillera - After her best actress wins at the 2018 ToFarm Film Festival and Urduja Film Festival for playing the title role in the award-winning indie film "Tanabata's Wife," which also earned her nominations at the Gawad Urian and the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, Cordilleran actress Mai Fanglayan, will be back on the big screen via "Salidumay" a short film by Dexter Macaraeg, for Sine Abreño.

Mai portrays Ayo, a Tingguian with mix Ibaloi blood from Abra, who goes on her first date ever at a Korean restaurant. 

READ ALSO: Gawad Urian Best Actress is an Igorota from Mountain Province

Franz (Kenneth Jhayve Bautista), a former seminarian who grew up in Abra but moved to Baguio City, can't seem to find love through dating apps, he decides to use his culture's methods to arrange a marriage. 

Their differences leads to a small collision of expectation and perspectives, but what it opens up in the tension offers a glimmer of hope for the would-be couple.

Aspiring actor and model Kenneth Jhayve Bautista (Finalist, Mr. World Ambassador 2020), will portray as Mai's love interest; Seth Wayne Blas Chacapna (Mr. Benguet 2019 titleholder), Austin Docyogen locally known as 'Sayote Man', Janet Mondata and Eric Kelly.

READ ALSO: How a high school graduate with no degree in film-making produces one of the top Igorot movies

Introducing Vicky Macay and Lilian Ocan Siapol Castro. 

'Salidumay' creative team are all from Benguet Province, namely Shem Padua, Jonnie Lyn Dasalla, Romnick Bayeng, JC Patnao, Julius Legoen Lumiqued, Ellen Castro Herrera and Melinda Ocan Castro, with some Baguio-based talents. Theme song by Sherylene Bagayao.

source || Salidumay - a film by Dexter Macaraeg


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Monday, April 26, 2021

iKalinga wins Gold Medal in 13th World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea

Photo Courtesy || KTA Tabuk City

Cordillera - A proud iKalinga has won gold medal in Taekwondo during the recently concluded 13th World Taekwondo Culture Expo in South Korea. 

Engr. Jeffrey Ysmael, an employee of the city local government and working at the City Building and Architecture Office took home the award in the Under-40 Men Poomsae category.

The competition was held online due to the pandemic so Ysmael decided to make his own video and sent it to the organizers. 

He was surprised to win the 40-under category besting other taekwondo practitioners from countries like Croatia, Greece, Iraq, Ghana, Finland, the United State of America, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Zambia.

He won an award package that includes a gold medal, a certificate and a whole set of uniform and a shirt.

Ysmael is a member of the Philippine Taekwondo Association team which competed in various Taekwondo competitions in the world. 

He also organized local taekwondo associations as part of his contribution of keeping the youth away from bad influences.

source || PIA

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Sunday, April 25, 2021

Igorot cop from Benguet is new Police Chief of Pasig City

Photo Courtesy || Pasig City Police

Cordillera - The city of Pasig has installed PCol. Roman Cornel Arugay as its new Chief of Police. 

PCol. Arugay, who traces his roots to Itogon, Benguet has replaced outgoing Chief Moises Villaceran. 

Pasig city Mayor Vico Sotto has commended Villaceran for his impressive performance during his stint as Chief of Police of Pasig. 

READ ALSO: Igorot cop assumes post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

In 2020, Pasig Police Station has been awarded the Best Police Station in the whole National Capital Region.. 

Mayor Sotto also welcomed the appointment of the PCol. Arugay as new Chief. 

"We welcomed PCol. Arugay to Pasig. Kung Pagbabasehan po natin ang track record niya, makakaasa tayong magiging mahusay din siyang COP ng Pasig," Sotto said during the turn over ceremony on April 21, 2021. 

READ ALSO: Igorot Chief of Police in Cebu awarded for his commendable performance

Prior to his appointment, Pcol Arugay worked as the Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division in the PNP Regional Headquarters. 

source || Vico Sotto || I Love Benguet FB

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Saturday, April 24, 2021

Proud Igorot cop chosen as Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer 2020

Photo Courtesy || Mhay Belle

Cordillera - A proud Igorot cop was chosen as the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for the year 2020. 

PLTCOL Jeff E. Fanged who traces his roots to Sadanga and Maligcong Bontoc Mt. Province is the current chief of PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG). 

Last year he was chosen as the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer and his unit was adjudged as the Best Field Unit in the entire country.

He is the current chief of the PNP IMEG which is a special unit designed to conduct intelligence build-up and law enforcement operations against PNP personnel who are involved in illegal activities, such as drug and human trafficking, financial crimes, cybercrime, malversation, graft and corrupt practices, and security violations covering the whole area of Luzon. 

Only police personnel assigned or detailed at the IMEG who pass the rigorous background investigation and screening process, including neuropsychiatric examination, and should be graduates of an intelligence course or seminars are accepted.

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Friday, April 23, 2021

Smart high school students in Abra win medal in World Robotic Games 2021

Photo Courtesy || DepEd Philippines

Cordillera - Students from Abra High School who were part of the Robotics Team of the Philippines had won bronze medals in the recently concluded World Robot Games 2021.

The theme of the World Robot Games 2021 online edition is “New World After Covid” where students were challenged to create an innovative robot in line with this year’s theme. 

The team invention is a Portable and Dual-Powered Renewable Energy Source Hands-Free Hand Sanitizer Station. The group was led by their school principal Mr. Jose Bernardez and coach Jephunneh Gasmen.

Despite the trials brought by the pandemic this year, the group was still successful in their mission. 

Venice Balbin, one of the participants in the contest said, “Despite facing difficulties during our training because of the protocols, we did not stop. 

"My parents would drop and pick me up at our training place and I really appreciated it. Our team would also have group chat meetings. Life definitely throws challenges in the pursuit of our dreams, but in this situation, no matter how hard life is, we should not surrender," she added.

Regional Director Estela Cariño also gave a message for the participants. 

“DepEd CAR congratulates the Abra High School Robotics Teams composed of Venice, Marc Dei, Keneth, Shefally, David, and Ma. Teresa for winning bronze medals in the World Robot Games 2021! Your representation of our country is already an achievement which is worthy of a spot in our history books! Congratulations also to your ever-supportive parents, coach, principal, and Schools Division Office, "he said.

”As a student, all I can say is that believe in yourself. Never give up just because of a failure given that it is part of success. Don't let any hindrance stop you from pursuing what you want, ”Sheffaly Valencia told fellow students.

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

Cordillera farmers feed the country with 1 million kilos of vegetables a day


Cordillera - The country has a steady supply of fresh vegetables. Thanks to the hardworking Cordillera farmers who provides almost 1 Million kilos of vegetables a day. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, the region has been the main contributor of food that feeds Filipinos in the whole country.

READ ALSO:  Generous Igorot farmer donates 10,000 kilos of vegetables to Raffy Tulfo in Action 

Dr. Cameron Odsey, DA-CAR regional director, on Thursday said the region is the no. 1 producer of highland vegetables in the country.

"We supply 80 percent of the highland vegetable requirement in Metro Manila, and in other lowland provinces," he said.

READ ALSO: The 'Comboys of Benguet' - The Igorot hard workers who bring fresh veggies to your table

On average, he said Cordillera sells around 1,000 metric tons (MT) or 1 million kilograms a day.

The vegetables usually come from Benguet, Tinoc, Ifugao, and Bauko, Mountain Province.

The vegetables found in “chop suey” dish are brought to as far north as Batanes to the southern part of the country in Mindanao.

WATCH: Korean TV features Cordillera's Unique Way of Farming

Computed at an average of PHP30 per kilogram of vegetables, around PHP30 million moves around, helping propel the economy.

“That’s a big production trade,” Odsey said.

He said the farming sector contributes a significant amount to the regional economy with around 70,000 vegetable farmers tilling 25,000 hectares, with the bulk being in Benguet.

source || PNA


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Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Proud iKalinga tops SAF Basic Airborne Course

Photo Courtesy || Eisenhower Bucalen
Cordillera - A proud iKalinga has topped the Special Action Force (SAF) Basic Airborne Course that ended on April 21, 2021. 

PCPT John Balliyao Agod, a graduate of PNPA Class 2016 received the Parachutist Badge during the Graduation Ceremony held at the Special Action Force Headquarters, Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, Bicutan.

According to PCPT Agod, they started their SAF Basic Airborne Course and SAF Parachute Packing Course on September 25, 2020 however, due to unavoidable and unexpected reasons like typhoons and the current pandemic, the course was extended several times until April 21, 2021. 

READ ALSO:  iKalinga is Top 1 in Philippine Navyseal Course

PCT Agod added that out of the original 97 trainees, only 86 commissioned officers plus the 78 non-commissioned officers were able to graduate.

"If other countries had a very successful conduct of operations through Airborne insertion, we are also very successful here in our country," PCPT Agod said.

READ ALSO: Young iKalinga wins Gold medal in wrestling in Spain

As we advance in the modern technologies, the troops who have this kind of training will play an important role in every operation. The very important disciplined that should be learned in the training are Mental Alertness and Presence of Mind wherein, in every operation, you should decide as quick as you can depending on the situation and without causing any prejudice to your fellow operators, Agod added. 

source || Eisenhower Bucalen

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Proud Igorot Marine Officer Top 1 in Philippine Navy's Civil Military Operation Course

Photo Courtesy || Dennis D. Sadlay

Cordillera - An Igorot marine officer has graduated number 1 in the recently concluded Basic Civil Military Operation Course (CMO) by the Philippine Navy. 

Captain Dennis D. Sadlay who hails from Mt.Province and Baguio City received the certificate of distinction for being the number 1 in the class of 27 students who joined the course.

The CMO Basic Course is under the curriculum of the Civil Military Operations Group-Philippine Navy. 

The course provides students with information and skills necessary to work in partnership with relevant agencies to pursue objectives in the operational and strategic level. 

A Certificate of Distinction is given to a student who has achieved exemplary performance during the course. 

Cpt. Sadlay is the Commanding officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 of the 23rd Marine Company.

Throughout his term as the Commanding Officer, his company received the BEST RIFLE COMPANY award for three consecutive years in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

While his Company has been maintaining the Best Rifle Company award for several years, his company also grabbed the GRANDSLAM BEST COMPANY award.

In addition, his company was given the BACK TO BACK BEST IN ATHLETIC award for 2019 and 2020.

His great leadership being a Marine officer as well as a commanding officer didn't go unnoticed when he was honored as the BEST OFFICER in 2019.

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Benguet's rice burger with "kinuday" recipe wins 1st place in DA's regional cookfest contest

Photo Courtesy || DA

Cordillera - Benguet cuisine, Cordillera rice burger with ‘kinuday’ recipe, bags 1st Place represented by Charity Joy Dulnuan of Sablan, Benguet during the Regional Cookfest conducted by Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) via virtual screening at the New Conference Hall, Guisad, Baguio City on April 21, 2021.

This is in support to the celebration of the National Filipino Food Month (FFM) also known as “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” this April 2021. The FFM takes place to promote, preserve, and ensure the introduction of vast Filipino culinary traditions to the present and future generations.

On the other hand, Percy Innog of Kalinga (‘binungor’ cuisine), Ramos Puracan of Apayao (‘sinursuran’ cuisine), Analyn Farongyad Kayad of Mountain Province (‘pinikpikan with etag’ cuisine), Celito Taguyongan of Ifugao (‘inlagim na pato’ cuisine) , and Belen Blanza of Abra (‘miki’ cuisine) ranked 2nd to 6th Place, respectively. 

Regional Technical Director for Operations Danilo P. Daguio expressed his appreciation to the attached agencies, local government units (LGUs), farmers, fishers, and institutional partners on their active support and involvement to the activities being implemented by the department. 

He added that the agency continues to support activities that promote indigenous food systems and cultures in the region as well as to provide support to farmers and fisherfolks.

Further, Elmer Macalingay, owner of Ecolodge and Health 100 Restoreant in Baguio City; Glorinita Lasuden, and Tessie Lingbanan of Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera (ATI-CAR) are the judges during the regional contest.

Prior to the regional activity, the provincial cookfest for the six provinces was also facilitated and documented by the AMAD in coordination with the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) following the minimum IATF protocol brought about by this pandemic

source || DA Press Release

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Young iKalinga wins Gold medal in wrestling in Spain



Cordillera - A young iKalinga has won Gold medal in free wrestling in Spain during the Andalusian Championship held last March 2021 in Maracena, Granada.

17-year old Mark Tawyne Saga-oc who hails from Dalupa, Pasil, Kalinga dominated the Junior and Senior 57kg free wrestling category. 

His team Carmona has achieved the most wins and became the overall champion in all categories. 

Photo Courtesy || Norma Saga-oc

It was an unprecedented success for the team considering the challenge brought by this pandemic, but the the team has managed to train under its coach Santiago Moreno. 

Moreno has a lot of respect to Mark Saga-oc and his fellow team mate Adrian Lopes who without doubt has made his best to become champion. 

Both fighters achieved accolade after fighting in nine bouts in one day. 

Team Carmona is looking at the next wrestling contest in the Spanish Championship which will be held in Santiago de Compostela.

Meanwhile, Mark's sister Mariane also won 2nd in the wrestling tournament. 

Congratulations to both of you and may you continue inspiring our Cordilleran kailyans to excel in sport.


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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Honest iKalinga woman returns lost P98,000 cash to owner

Photo Courtesy || Pearl Domalleg Namar

Cordillera - An honest iKalinga woman has returned to the owner a bundle of cash worth P98,000 that she found.

Pearl Domalleg Namar, a real state agent and a native of Mangali, Tanudan posted on her social media account the money that she found and called the attention of the owner to contact her. 

According to Namar, she was standing in front of JVA Hospital in Bulanao and waiting for a taxi when she noticed a bundle of money left at the side of the road. 

Namar's conscience kicked in and what came to her mind is to return the money so she immediately posted on her Facebook account the lost money.

She believed that the money is intended to be used for someone's hospitalization because she found it near the vicinity of JVA Hospital.

"Iti adda iti panunut ko, nu ngay mausar nu ma-opera diay tao, ta batog garud iti hospital. Ti panpanutek ket nu ngay pang emergency use na piman. Konsensiya mon a diay," Namar said via gurupress-cordillera.

Meanwhile netizens, expressed their admirations to the act of honesty by Namar. 

One netizen said, "God bless you ma'am Pearl Domalleg Namar,...more blessing to come. 

Another one said, "This woman should be given award for her honesty and not those politicians showing plaque of appreciation".

The honesty of Ma'am Namar is a testament to the Cordilleran culture of "Inayan" which prohibits anyone from consuming or taking anything that he/she does not own. 

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International vlogger NAS DAILY features world's oldest tattoo artist Apo Whang-od of Kalinga

Photo Courtesy || Nas Daily

Cordillera - The oldest tattoo artist in the world Apo Whang-od of Kalinga has been given another shot of media exposure as she was featured by international vlogger NAS DAILY. 

The 28-year-old Nuseir Yassin, better known to his social media name as Nas Daily tells the story of a 103-year old Apo Whang-od and why many tourists came to the Philippines, travels hundreds of kilometers just to get a tattoo from her. 

READ ALSO: Proud iKalinga tops SAF Basic Airborne Course

Nas Daily crew traveled 2 days from Manila to Kalinga, took a local transport and trek the mountainous part of Buscalan. 

Watch his vlog below. 

Nas Daily has gained popularity on social media through his 1000 daily one-minute videos which he documented his travels and meetings with different people around the world. 

A few years ago, he launched Nas Academy where he offers vlogging courses to aspiring students who would want to become successful in vlogging.

READ ALSO5 Amazing Igorot Vloggers/YouTubers you should subscribe to

He also offers live classes where he teaches content creating courses and advance video editing. 

Started in 2016, Nas Daily has gained over 30 million followers on different media platforms and has inspired a lot of youth and millennials in to the world of vlogging.

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Monday, April 19, 2021

Two Cordillerans in TOP 10 of PNPA Hinirang Class of 2021

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Cordillera - Two sons of Cordillera was among the top 10 graduating cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) HINIRANG CLASS 2021. 

P/CDT Joel James Jose De Guzman from Ifugao landed in Top 3 while P/CDT Ian Poyaon Limbawan from Baguio City landed in Top 8. 

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

De Guzman is the second child among the six children of Mr. Joel T. De Guzman, a retired soldier from the Philippine Army, and Mrs. Mercy D. De Guzman, a humble housewife, growing up in a farm.

Learn more about P/CDT De Guzman: Cordilleran from Apayao is TOP 3 PNPA HINIRANG CLASS OF 2021

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Meanwhile, Limbawan is the eldest son of PLT ROGELIO T LIMBAWAN, a police officer from Lamut, Ifugao, and Mrs. Jesusa P. Limbawan, a Laundry Service Cashier from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, he was early exposed to the difficulties of life: difficulties that fueled his determination in achieving his goals.

Learn more about PLT Limbawan: Baguio Boy lands TOP 8 in PNPA Hinirang Class 2021

Here are the other top graduating cadets of the PNPA Hinirang Class 2021:

Top 1 - F/CDT KENNETH JOHN ESPALLAGAR ETUCAS - General Santos City

Top 2 - P/CDT Carljobel Perez Lofranco - Bohol

Top 4 - CDT Kenneth Van Alegasin Encabo -Davao

Top 5 - P/CDT JOHN KENNETH FLORENTINO - Lanao Del Norte

Top 6 - CDT 1C CORNELIO - Zamboanga Del Norte

Top 7 - P/CDT GERALD ARQUILLANO LOPEZ - Samal, Zamboanga Del Norte

Top 9 - P/CDT CHERVIL LERIOS FERENAL - Lanao Del Sur

Top 10 - F/CDT MICHAEL ALLEN PABUSTAN LENON - Tarlac

On Monday, PMGEN Rhoderick C Armamento, Director, PNPA formally introduced to the Chief, PNP PGEN Debold M Sinas and to the public the Top 10 Graduating Cadets of HINIRANG CLASS of 2021 during the NHQ Press Conference held at the MPC.

CONGRATULATIONS to the TOP 10 Graduating Cadets, Special Awardees and to all members of PNPA HINIRANG CLASS of 2021.

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Baguio Boy lands TOP 8 in PNPA Hinirang Class 2021

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Cordillera - P/CDT IAN POYAOAN LIMBAWAN, one of the members of the HINIRANG CLASS of 2021 or the Chosen Ones, took his first glimpse of the world on the 14th day of September 1998 in the City of Baguio. 

Born as the eldest son of PLT ROGELIO T LIMBAWAN, a police officer from Lamut, Ifugao, and Mrs. Jesusa P. Limbawan, a Laundry Service Cashier from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, he was early exposed to the difficulties of life: difficulties that fueled his determination in achieving his goals. 

With such determination coupled with the call to lead, he was designated as the Regimental Executive Officer and soon climbed the echelon and became the Regimental Commander. Looking back to his track, he never failed to display exemplified excellence, both in academic and leadership aspects.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran from Apayao is TOP 3 PNPA HINIRANG CLASS OF 2021

He finished his primary education at Aguinaldo Elementary School as the Class Salutatorian despite his responsibilities as the President of the Pupil Government Organization and an active Platoon Leader of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. 

When PCDT LIMBAWAN finished his secondary education at Pines City National High School, he again kept the Salutatorian title amidst being the President of the Supreme Student Government, both in school and Division Levels, and an accountable Senior Crew Leader of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. 

Although exposed to the different co-curricular activities such as Poster Making Contests, Math and Science Quiz Bees, Cheer and Dance competitions, and different jamborees by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, he never took his Academics for granted. 

Upon reaching college, he opted to take the BS-Criminology course at the University of the Cordilleras wherein he continued to excel as a Dean’s Lister Scholar while joining different clubs and organizations in pursuit of enhancing his skills in leadership. 

Granted with multiple talents and achievements he was, but PCDT LIMABAWAN’s life did not go well as it may seem.

There were times that his parents faced difficulties in supporting his study and that of his younger brothers. To alleviate the circumstance, he strived to excel in his studies to avail the scholarship from the school. 

Another opportunity came when he knew about the Philippine National Police Academy while taking up the course in college. Taking the chance that faith vested upon him, he took the PNPA Cadet Admission Test and managed to ace among the thousands of Filipino youths who aspired to become a cadet and took his oath as an official member of CCPNPA on May 01, 2017. 

Through ups and downs, PCDT LIMBAWAN trudged the steep road of becoming a refined individual for four years, ready to serve as police commissioned officer just like his father. From the first ‘tion’ or the Reception to the day of the Graduation, everything pays off as the golden anahaw falls unto his shoulders.

source || PNPA 

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Cordilleran from Apayao is TOP 3 PNPA HINIRANG CLASS OF 2021

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Apayao

Cordillera - “Do not just dream for it, Do the best for it”. The Top 3 cadet from the Philippine National Police Academy, hails from Malubibit Norte, Flora, Apayao. 

P/CDT Joel James Jose De Guzman is the second child among the six children of Mr. Joel T. De Guzman, a retired soldier from the Philippine Army, and Mrs. Mercy D. De Guzman, a humble housewife, growing up in a farm. He already experienced hardships and the true meaning of hard work in order to earn and obtain food for their table. 

READ ALSO: Baguio Boy lands TOP 8 in PNPA Hinirang Class 2021

He finished his primary education at Malubibit Elementary School as a valedictorian and his secondary education at Flora National High School. He took up the course of Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Cagayan State University – Sanchez Mira Campus.

During his childhood days, he dreamt of following his father’s footsteps as a soldier of the nation. By some twist of fate he took the Philippine National Police Academy Cadet Admission test and was successfully admitted to be part of PNPA Hinirang Class of 2021.

For the next 4 years, his life inside the Academy was full of struggles, pressures and obstacles that he faced during his cadetship days. Despite daunting challenges, he successfully overcame all obstacles through sheer courage, perseverance and determination. 

Amidst all problems that he went through, he still managed to graduate from this prestigious institution and be conferred with the Top 3 award of his class. His journey is indeed a difficult one. Having the determination to succeed, he went on and faced difficult odds for he believed that nothing is impossible as long as you will always continue to push forward for your goal without hesitation. He always put his heart on everything he does. 

No matter how hard it takes, no matter what the odds are, he will always work hard in order to make his dream become a reality.


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Sunday, April 18, 2021

Cordillerans replicate Maginhawa community pantry to help fellow residents in need

Photo Courtesy || Miah Jebulan

Cordillera - A group of musicians from Cordillera is among those who followed the viral community pantry which aims to help fellow residents cope with the financial difficulties brought by the pandemic.

The pantry in Baguio is located along 68 Evangelista Street in Barangay Leonila Hill. 

This was the first makeshift community pantry in Cordillera that provides free basic needs to residents who were greatly affected by the pandemic. 

The pantry was installed by local musicians Miah Jebulan, Menchu Mullins, Jenalyn Tristeza, Rosanna Perce, Julie Mallado, and Albert Basilan of the Cordillera Entertainers Baguio-Benguet Based Associations, Inc. 

Photos which was shared by local media outlets shows commodities such as eggs, canned goods, instant noodles and some vegetables were being offered for free to residents who would want to avail them. 

Baguio city was among the communities in the country that followed the act of kindness being initiated to provide help to fellow Filipinos who got nothing to feed for themselves. 

The group is encouraging people with enough food to participate in the program by donating and sharing what they have to the community. 

"Give what you can, Take what you need," the group encouraged. 




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Thursday, April 15, 2021

Reynold "Cocoi" Domalsin - Igorot bodybuilder wins titles in Germany

Photo Courtesy || Reynold Domalsin

Cordillera - In 2017, an Igorot bodybuilder has brought pride and honor to Cordillera and the country when he won 2nd place in the National Athletic Committee Mr. and Ms. Universe bodybuilding competition in Humberg, Germany. 

Reynold Domalsin, or popularly called "Cocoi" from Baguio City and Barlig, Mt. Province is the son of the late bodybuilding legend Nick Domalsin Sr. 

He bested other athletes in the tough men's body III following Ukrainian Igor Hlukhodid on the 1st place.

Cocoi who competed in both local and international body building dedicated his every victory to his wife, his son and his father, who is among the central figures of bodybuilding in Cordillera and in the country.

He also dedicated his stints to his kababayans who are OFWs who noticed him in Germany.

"One of the best feeling in being recognized by your own, after winning in Germany holding my trophy on my way home to the Philippines a group of OFW took notice of me and started asking questions about what I won basing on the trophy that I am holding," he said. 

"I felt that they are proud of me as their kababayan took a picture with me and gave me chocolates to show that they are proud of me," Cocoi added. 

Aside from winning 2nd place in Germany, he also won fourth place in Muscle Contest-Masters Champion in 80kg+ category, overall champion in Mister Classic Philippines, champion in Global Classic in Hong Kong, second place in Mister Sangyaw Open, third place Mutant-Open, overall champion in Mister La Trinidad Open and 2nd place as Mister Panagbenga.

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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Kareel Hongitan - 1st Igorota to win 4 Gold Medals in 6th Southeast Asian Open Championship

Photo Courtesy || United Montanyosa

Cordillera - A young Igorota archer bagged four gold medals during the 6th Southeast Asian Open Archery Championship held in Yangon, Myanmar in 2017. 

Kareel Meer Hongitan who traces her roots to Natonin, Mountain provinces was the top 1 in the women's Olympic taking the gold medal while fellow Filipina archers Mary Queen Ybanez and Nicole Marie Tagle took the silver and bronze respectively.

19-year old Kareel was a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management graduate from the University of Baguio. 

She led the Philippine team to victory by bagging home six gold, four silver and two bronze medals during the event which was participated by over 100 archers from ASEAN countries including Hong Kong.

The city government of Baguio has issued a resolution commending Kareel and his father John, a long time coach.

Authored by Councilor Allad-iw, the resolution lauded Kareel for taking home four out of the six gold medals won by team Philippines. 

"Their feat brought pride and honor to their families and the Philippines and the City of Baguio, which have been placed in the glare of publicity once again," Allad-iw said.

Councilor Allad-iw added that Kareel's impressive win as a solo marksman has catapulted her status in the World Women's Recurve Ranking to 107th place. 

This status has allowed her to compete in the other international competitions such as the World Cups in China, Turkey, and the United States and in SEA Games Malaysia.

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Atty. Frisco Domalsin - The Cordilleran Cowboy Attorney who saved 5 boys

Photo Courtesy || Pio Velasco

Cordillera - Here is an admirable story of Attorney Frisco Domalsin also known as the "Cordilleran Cowboy Attorney" as penned by sir Pio Velasco, the property owner of "The Igorot Stone Kingdom". 

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I’m so proud and thankful that my good Friend and Kumpadre, the retired Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Director for Cordillera ATTY. FRISCO DOMALSIN stepped down from his saddle and from his easy life to come to the aid of 5 young boys. The boys aged just 18 and above were wrongly accused in a case. He helped defend the boys in court and had the best argument that held water leading to the boys acquittal from the case. 

For me and the families affected,  “AttorneyPadre” (As i fondly call him) is a Hero. Just imagine the future of 5 young lives destroyed if they were wrongly convicted. 

Atty. FRISCO DOMALSIN, dubbed “The Last Cowboy” due to his penchant in wearing cowboy attires is a brilliant Igorot lawyer. He won court cases that landed in the SCRAA of the Philippines Supreme Court. One landmark case he won when he was a Public Attorney was in defending a security guard who is wrongly accused of murder. This was a celebrated case in Baguio back then.  Atty. DOMALSIN’s brilliant defense acquitted the  innocent security guard. He solely faced a barrage of top Baguio lawyers at that time but he stood his ground and won the case. One more good thing is this Security guard is now a ranking Police officer. After he was acquitted, he was inspired to go to college and take up Criminology. This enabled him later to join the PNP.  Hopefully the boys whom Atty. DOMALSIN helped save now will have the same fate too. By God’s grace. . 

Now, for his good deeds, for his habitual cowboy attire “that was never questioned in court” despite the dress code, for his being a unique and an accomplished lawyer most especially for his having retired as a PAO Director, ATTY. FRISCO DOMALSIN deserves a spot in our future CORDILLERA HALL OF FAME. This is on the  modern side of the *Igorot Stone Kingdom. Here, he will be in line with other  personalities who made an impact or who brought fame to the Cordillera Region. 

Now i came to truly believe that OLD GUYS RULE for they really are AGED TO PERFECTION.

source || Pio Velasco FB 


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