Two Cordilleran kickboxers win golds for Philippines in SEA Games

Photo Courtesy || PSC

Cordillera - Jean Claude Saclag and Gina Iniong Araos, both from Team Lakay have added two gold medals to the country's medal haul as they won their respective battles during the 31st Southeast Asian Games held in Vietnam. 

Saclag made a golden performance as he outclassed his Thai opponents in the men's low kick -63.5kg division title.

Meanwhile, Araos won against Warapon  Jaiteang of Thailand in the low kick women 60kg kickboxing finals.

Fellow Team Lakay kickboxer Honorio Banario settled for Bronze medal. 

The Philippine team wrapped up the first day in the 31st edition of the SEA Games with an overall medal haul of 5 golds, 11 silvers, 11 bronzes. 

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Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio to defend his crown against Jarred Brooks in June 3, 2022

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - The biggest clash of two big names in ONE Strawweight division is finally happening this June. 

Sports Illustrated has announced that reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio will be facing American challenger Jarred Brooks in the main event of ONE 158 scheduled on June 3, 2022. 

The Igorot champ will be defending his crown against top contender Brooks in Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

Brooks, a new comer in ONE earned him a spot for Pacio after defeating Lito Adiwang, Hiroba Minowa and Bokang Masunyane in a straight win. 

For Pacio, he retained his title until today and has been ready for Brooks' challenge. 

"I am the champion and ready to defend. I know Jarred will come as strong as he is, as ready as he is, but I'm going to use all the tools we've been working on. 

Pacio had defended his title against Rene Catalan, Alex Silva and Japanese Yosuke Saruta. 

He and his team has been preparing for the bout and is committed to cementing his title as the greatest Strawweight champion in ONE. 

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Igorota Miss Heavenly Lawingan crowned Queen of the North 2022.

Igorota Miss Heavenly Lawingan crowned Miss Queen of the North 2022.

Cordillera - Igorota from Sadanga, Mt. Province Miss Heavenly Lawingan was crowned Queen of the North 2022. 

The 22-year-old model won the hotly contested pageant produced and directed by Ramie Seron during the glittering coronation night held at the grand ballroom of Crown Legacy Hotel on May 12, 2022.

Photo Courtesy || R-Jay Falisong

Photo Courtesy || R-JAY Falisong

Heavenly bested other contestants in the annual North of the Queen regional pageant. 

The pageant aims to give women of the North a fair platform to showcase their beauty, talent, wit, and social cause. 

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Eric Go Yap proclaimed Congressman of Benguet Province

Photo Courtesy || Congressman Eric Yap - Benguet

Cordillera - The people of Benguet have decided to vote for Eric Go Yap as their congressman. 

The recent partial and unofficial Comelec's poll result showed Yap had gained over 117,749 votes as of May 9, 2022, 11:47 PM and from the 95.52 % of election returns. 

Meanwhile, Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan got a vote of 68,371.

He later conceded defeat to ACT-CIS Party-list Representative and Benguet Caretaker Eric Yap.

Who is Eric Go Yap. 

Eric Go Yap  is a Filipino politician serving as a party-list representative for ACT-CIS since 2019.

He was installed as the the legislative caretaker of Benguet when the former Congressman Fongwan passed away in 2020. 

He is the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations since March 2020.

Yap is among the principal authors of House Bill No. 5477 which was signed into law as Republic Act No. 11463 in December 2019 as an act to establish the Malasakit Centers—a one-stop shop for government medical and financial assistance and among the main proponents of House Bill 7778 or the establishment of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.

The solon also spearheaded various programs in Benguet such as Mobile Tulong, Mobile Oxygen, Youth Assistance Program, infrastructure projects and many more.

He also funded the construction of the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) molecular biology laboratory and the improvement of the Wangal Sports Complex.

source || wikipedia

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Baguio boy ranks Top 2 in PMA "Bagsik-Diwa" Class 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMA

Cordillera - Cadet 1CL Kevin John Pastrana from Irisan, Baguio city made it to top 2 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class "Bagsik-Diwa" Class 2022. 

CDT Pastrana will receive the Vice Presidential Saber, Philippine Air Force Saber, Australian Defence Best Overall Performance, Information Technology Plaque and the Air Force Professional Courses Plaque.

Here are the names of the cadets who made it to the Top 10 of the graduating class of Bagsik-Diwan.

1. Cadet 1CL Krystlenn Ivany Quemado (South Cotabato)

2. Cadet 1CL Kevin John Pastrana (Baguio City)

3. Cadet 1CL Ian Joseph Bragancia (Iloilo)

4. Cadet 1CL Faithe Turiano (Camarines Sur)

5. Cadet 1CL Yyoni Xandria Marie Tiu (Davao City)

6. Cadet 1CL Jake Anthony Mosquera (North Cotabato)

7. Cadet 1CL Jesie Mar Frias (Antipolo City, Rizal)

8. Cadet 1CL Elvin John Oyo-a (Butuan City)

9. Cadet 1CL Nerfa Minong (Zamboanga City) 

10. Cadet 1CL  Criselle Jane Rico (Zamboanga City).

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Baguio has chosen Benjie Magalong as their mayor for the 2nd time

Photo Courtesy || Mark Go, Benjie Magalong, Fausto Olowan, Mccoyocuaman Photography

Cordillera - Residents in the city of Baguio has chosen Mayor Benjie Magalong as their Chief Executive for the second time. 

With a significant lead in the partial unofficial vote count of almost 90 percent in the transmitted election returns, Magalong is poised to lead Baguio city for another 3 years (2022 - 2025).

The good cop - turned mayor gained almost 64,665 votes as of 11 o'clock last night. 

In a victory message to his supporters on social media the mayor thanked the people of Baguio for their trust in his leadership.

"Maraming maraming salamat Baguio at ipinagkatiwala niyo sa akin muli ang pagiging ama ng Baguio City," said Magalong.

"I am inspired to serve you even better and set a higher standard to what you deserve from your public servants. I look forward to serving you better—FOR A BETTER BAGUIO," he added.

In a ceremonial proclamation last night Magalong, together with his running mate for Congressman (Mark Go )and Vice Mayor (Faustino Olowan) were proclaimed winners after posting huge leads in the number of votes.

Congressman-elect Marquez Go garnered a total of 91,600 votes; Mayor-elect Benjamin Magalong while Vice Mayor-elect Faustino Olowan gained 60,885 votes.

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Igorot kickboxer Saclag secures silver, advances to the Final in the 31st SEA Games

Photo Courtesy || Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas

Update (5/10/2022) - Team Lakay Wushu practitioner Jean Claude Saclag has won silver medal in the Men's Kickboxing tournament held in Vietnam. 

Saclag outscored Trong Giang of the host country Vietnam to advance in the Final. 

Meanwhile, fellow Team Lakay women kickboxers Renalyn Dacquel and Claudine Veloso won silver medals in their respective bout categories.

___________________________

Cordillera - Igorot kickboxer Jean Claude Saclag won the first bronze medal for the Philippines in Men's Kickboxing in the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam. 

Saclag, a wushu practitioner won his quarterfinal match against Laos' Souliyavong Latxasak in the men's low kick - 63.5 KG. He now advances to the Semifinal.

The Cordilleran gold medalist is the only one of the PH kickboxing team who was able to advance to the semifinal as three other Filipino kickboxers fell to their respective opponents.

Watch the performance of Jean Claude Saclag below.

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Funny Igorot SocMed Influencer wins award during the 2022 BIYAG Festival

Photo Courtesy || Governor's Office - Benguet

Cordillera - Congratulations to Gorgeous George for winning the Arts and Entertainment Category of the 2022 Social Media Influencer Awards organized by the Provincial Government of Benguet. 

George is behind the hilarious short videos of true to life situations and the funny memes and characterization that made us giggle whether we are in the office, garden or at home. 

Here are the list of the other SocMed Winners published by Office of the Governor - Benguet.

Out of the many socmed local influencers nominated through the BIYAG official Facebook page and email, top three finalists per category were chosen by the 2022 BIYAG Youth Academy to join the awarding ceremony.

EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CATEGORY

Winner: FDG Stages

Finalists:

Kimkim Joni

Kadwa Michael

TRAVEL AND TOURISM CATEGORY

Winner: Valdred's Vlog

Finalists:

Igorot Tarzan

Igorot TV

CULTURE CATEGORY

Winner: The Formulator

Finalists:

Ibaloi Be Like

Igorot Tarzan

BENGUET POSITIVE VIBES

Winner: FDG Stages

Finalists:

Kaykay TV

The Formulator

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Benguet ranks 7th among top 10 revenue generators in the country

Cordillera - The province of Benguet in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has been awarded for the very first time for landing 7th in the top 10 local government units (LGU) in terms of year-on-year growth rate for the FY 2019-2020 nationwide. 

The office of the Benguet Governor wrote in a post that the province noted a 12.00 percent increase with P407.15 million compared to the P363.50 million Local Sourced Revenue (LSR) in 2019. 

Mary Lou Gamboa, LTOO IV at BLGF-CAR, said out of the provinces in the Cordillera region, only the Provincial Local Government of Benguet made it to the top 10. 

READ ALSO:  Baguio city to build glass walkway in Mines View Park

She also confirmed that this is the first time the Provincial Government of Benguet achieved an award for being a top LGU in terms of growth of locally sourced revenue such as real property and business taxes, fees and charges.

“Aside from the IRA (internal revenue allotment), malaki rin kasi ang kino-collect nila, like they can also depend on their collections,” Gamboa added.

Gamboa also acknowledged the Benguet Provincial Treasury Office headed by Ms. Imelda Macanes for their collective effort in achieving this milestone.

READ ALSO: Kalinga's Robusta coffee hailed among best in the Philippines

Gamboa, representing BLGF-CAR headed by Regional Director Florizelda A. Enriquez, handed the certificate of achievement to the Provincial LGU of Benguet at the Provincial Governor’s Office on May 5, 2022.

Governor Diclas expressed his gratitude to the Benguet constituents and to the Provincial Treasury Office as well as to all the offices concerned with the collection of fees and charges for their efforts in boosting the province’s revenue generation.

source || SAP Jr via Governor's Office Benguet

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Baguio city is home of the most modernized barangay hall in the country.

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Baguio

Cordillera - The newly constructed barangay multi-purpose hall that looks like a mall in barangay Bakakeng Central will serve as the model to be followed in constructing new barangay hall in the city of Baguio.

The City Buildings and Architecture has said that two similar projects are expected to rise this year, - the Quirino Hill and Irisan  barangay hall. 

The Quirino Hill barangay hall is expected to be completed this May while the construction of Irisan barangay hall already started and expected to be finished by the end of this year, according to City Buildings and Architecture Officer Arch. Johnny Degay.

Although the two barangays have smaller area, they will have similar features with that of Bakakeng Central. 

The facilities of the new barangay hall are basketball court, day care center, evacuation center, office for senior citizens and others.

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Baguio

The Bakakeng Central barangay hall has gotten positive feedback from residents because of its impressive designs that one would think it as a mall.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong envisioned that all barangay halls in the city will be modernized in the future.

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Igorot Taekwondo champ wins Gold medal at World Taekwondo Championship in Korea

Cordillera - Taekwondo prodigy Miss Juliana Mykahil Candelaria just won Gold medal in the recent World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship held in Goyang, Korea. 

A student of Cordilleran Taekwondo Coach Jeordan Dominguez, Juliana is currently rank number 1 in the world class cadet division.

She is training at Apex Tigers  Martial Arts in New Jersey, under the Guidance of Master Giduk Kwon. 

Juliana's parents are from Baguio City, Mr. Dennis Candelaria and Mrs. Janie Candelaria. She is the great grand daughter of former Baguio city mayor Jaime Bugnosen.

READ ALSO: Filipino-Canadian vlogger Mikey Bustos showcases Igorot attire

Juliana started taekwondo when she was 7 years old and won gold in several major competitions both in national and international competitions.

She has been a US National athlete in both poomsae and sparring.

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Baguio cop helps rider who ran out of fuel buy gas to get him home

Photo Courtesy || BCPO Tourist Police Unit

Cordillera - Good-hearted Baguio cop assigned at the BCPO Tourist Police Unit provided cash assistance to a rider who ran out of fuel in the middle of the night. 

At around 12:50 AM on April 28, 2022, the K-93 mobile of the Baguio Tourist Police Unit was patrolling Bayanihan Street when they noticed a rider pushing his motorcycle.

READ ALSO: Honest Baguio Cop returns lost bag with cash and credit cards to owner

They stopped and asked the man what happened to his motorcycle and he said he  ran out of fuel. 

The police then asked the rider to provide documents to show ownership of the motorcycle. The rider was identified as sir Sawal, a resident of Baguio city. 

READ ALSO: New Barangay Hall in Baguio City Looks Like a Mall

The cops gave him 100 pesos so he could refill at the nearest gas station. He was able to get home with his motorcycle with the help of the kindhearted policemen of Baguio city.

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34 years vagrant Lola rescued, rehab now lives a normal life

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office - Baguio 

Cordillera - A vagrant lola who used to roam the streets of Baguio city for 34 years has been rescued and rehabilitated now lives a normal life.

Thanks to the effort of the government and private sectors that Lola Calteya, 34-years-old now reintegrated with her family after a long time of living in the streets of Baguio.

“Ngayon si Nanay Calteya ay nag-aalaga ng apo, nagluluto, naglalaba at nakikisimba.  Tumatawa, nagbibiro at higit sa lahat nanumbalik ang ilan niyang ala-ala.  Na-enroll na rin si nanay bilang senior citizen at may social pension pa siya,” Ricky Ducas of the Baguio City Health Services Office Mental Health Program unit said.

After nine months of caring and support from both the private and government sectors, the seemingly impossible to be rehabilitated vagrant has been successfully reintegrated in the community.

Now, Lola Calteya is happily living with her family and taking care of her grandchildren, cooking her food, washing and even going to church. 

“Anak na din ang tawag niya sa akin at sobrang saya ng pakiramdam na nagawa natin ang akala natin ay imposible. Sa tulong ng Dios at kayo na may puso na gawin akong tulay sa mga tulad nila. Iyaman! Sumya tako!,” Ducas said issuing a challenge:

“Sana magawa natin ito sa lahat ng mga nasa lansangan na may psychosocial disability subalit una sa lahat dapat merong pamilya na handang yumakap muli sa mga tulad nila. Dahil may awa ang May Likha at maraming tao ang handang tumulong sa inyong kapamilya,” Ducas said.

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6,000 local, foreign jobs available at Labor Day job fair in Baguio city

Photo Courtesy || DOLE-CAR

Cordillera - At least 6,000 job vacancies can be applied for by job seekers during the upcoming Labor Day job fair in Baguio city on May 1, 2022, according to the announcement by the Department of Labor and Employment - Cordillera (DOLE-CAR).

Of the 6,000 job vacancies, the DOLE-CAR said 4,000 are from local employers and 2,000 are overseas vacancies.

Registered nurses are the most in demand job vacancies offered overseas including nursing aides, medical assistants, cleaning workers, mobile crane operators, and child cares.

Skilled workers, professionals, bakers, construction workers, engineers are also available for grabs during the one day Labor Day job fair.

A pre-registration will run from April 25 - 29, 2022 at the DOLE-Baguio-Benguet Field Office, Baguio City PESO Office, Barangay Employment Service Office, and at the Malcolm Square on April 30, 2022.

DOLE encourages job seekers to prepare needed documents like resume or biodata for application and advises them to come in proper and presentable attire.

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Igorota beauty queen enters showbiz, joins GMA's Sparkada

Photo Courtesy || Roxie Smith via Sparkle GMA Artist Center

Cordillera - Igorota beauty queen Miss Roxanne Baeyens who hails from Besao, Mt. Province finally made her decision to join showbiz as a way to give inspiration and make her fans happy by acting. 

Roxanne was one of the 17 young artists who are now officially member of "Sparkada" - a talent show launched by Sparkle GMA Artist Center. 

Handpicked by renowned Starmaker Mr. M., Roxie was among the young and fresh faces in the entertainment industry who had the potential to be the next leading stars in showbiz. 

READ ALSO: First ever Pinoy MasterChef is a proud Igorot from Mt.Province

In the recent interview by GMA network, she shared her inspiration behind her transition to become an actress.

"Na-realize ko na sobrang gusto ko pong maging artista. Alam mo 'yung sobrang 'pag pangit ang araw mo, 'pag feeling mo guguho na 'yung mundo mo, bubuksan mo ang TV mo, papanoorin 'yung serye tapos parang nawala na ang lahat ng problema mo," Roxanne said.

"'Yun 'yung saya na nabibigay ng isang artista. 'Yun 'yung nakikita kong para siyang service and that's how I want to live my life. Live my life of service. Gusto kong magpasaya ng tao sa pag-aarte." she added.

Before joining Sparkle, Roxie joined Miss Earth 2020 where she won the title Miss Earth-Water 2020. She also work in the commercial industry where she became the ambassador for a renowned hair care brand.

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New Barangay Hall in Baguio City Looks Like a Mall

Photo Courtesy || Rose Thorn

Cordillera - This barangay hall in Baguio City could be one of the best and biggest barangay hall in the country. 

In a Fabebook post, TikTok user Rose Thorn shared a video of the newly built barangay hall of Bakakeng Central in which she described the design of the building  looks like a mall. 

Looking from the outside, one might really think the building is a mall but definitely it is not, because it is actually the newest barangay hall of Bakakeng central.

"Sobrang ganda ng barangay na ito at maihahalintulad nga sa isang magarbong mall," Thorn described.

BARANGAY HALL PERO KASING SOSYAL NG MALL???? Atin nang bisitahin ang isa na yata sa pinaka bongga na barangay hall sa pelepens! BAKAKENG CENTRAL BARANGAY HALL! Angat na angat ang projects #SaBaguio

Posted by Rose Thorn on Sunday, April 24, 2022

The building that is designed by the Baguio City Buildings and Architecture Office has an exterior window wall cladding much like of a modern mall, the flooring are finished with tiles and the doors are made of glasses. 

The barangay hall has also its own spacious gymnasium where sport activities like basketball and some gathering events can be held. 

Meanwhile, Netizens were amazed to see this beautiful barangay hall which could only be found in Baguio city. 

"Bihira akong makakita ng magagandang buildings dito sa Benguet, kudos sa gumawa at nagdesign ng building, sana lang mapanatiling malinis, more projects na ganito," one netizen commented. 

"Wow, sa ganda ng Barangay hall nagpapakita rin ng kagandahang loob ng pamunuan sa usaping serbisyong barangay," another netizen wrote.

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BGHMC is now DOH-accredited kidney transplant facility

Cordillera - The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) is now a DOH-accredited kidney transplant facility - the first accredited hospital in the Cordillera Administrative Region to conduct kidney transplant . 

Patients in the region who are suffering from chronic kidney disease and wanted to undergo kidney transplant do not need to travel to Manila or La Union just to have a kidney transplant procedure. 

Kidney transplant is the cheapest and most recommended medical procedure to individuals with chronic kidney problems compared to dialysis which is done three times a week. 

READ ALSO: Benguet doctors successfully conduct first kidney transplant in Cordillera

BGHMC record shows that there are 2,000 chronic kidney patients undergoing dialysis with a 15-percent increase annually.

Health authorities are encouraging Filipinos to donate their organs to help prolonged the lives of others. 

They hope the public to be be aware of the importance of organ donation in helping saves the lives of other people. 

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Farmer's daughter ranked 10th in Order of Merit of PNPA “Alab-Kalis” Class of 2022

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Cordillera - P/CDT Alyssa Angalan Bantasan who hails from Guinzadan, Bauko, Mt. Province is the lone Cordilleran woman among the top 10 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy "Alab-Kalis" Class of 2022. 

P/CDT Bantasan is the second among the six siblings of Mr. Wilner Bantasan, a farmer and Mrs. Frida Bantasan.

Before braving her way to the portals of the academy, she finished her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology at Mountain Province State Polytechnic College on year 2018. 

Growing up, her father has indoctrinated in her the value of vying for great undertakings while knowing how to balance things up and be able take care of the responsibilities at hand.  

In effect, she grew up bearing in her mind the importance of hard work and setting dreams. Along with her good performance in her academics back in her early years, she also managed to be of an additional hand in her father’s farm works at the same time. 

She was able to receive a dean’s list award in college, an accolade she earned in the academy as well. 

Along the blood, sweat, and tears she exhausted in the academy for four years came with greater lessons and experiences that has truly shaped her character, to be of honor and integrity. 

Now graduating and bidding adieu to the beloved institution, she has her eyes set on taking novel journeys as a young Police Lieutenant.

source || PNPA

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Benguet CARES confers Joshua Pacio "Athlete of the Year" award

Photo Courtesy || Mark Sangiao

Cordillera - Igorot Mixed Martial Artist Joshua Pacio was awarded Athlete of the Year by Benguet CARES (Cordillera Athletic Recognition for Excellent in Sport) as recognition for his great contribution in the national and international sport competition. 

Pacio is the reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion and ranked number eight strawweight in the world by Fight Matrix - an independent, comprehensive, mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter ranking system portal. It is one of the sport's most recognized ranking websites in the world.

Athletes in the bodybuilding, boxing, taekwondo, kickboxing, muaythai, sambo, wrestling, wushu and other sports were given citations during the awarding ceremony on 22, April. 

Meanwhile, Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao was conferred the Coach of the Year Award. 

Other Cordilleran athletes like former boxing champion Rey Tam was given the Hall of Fame Award; marathoner Cristabel Martes - Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Frael Aquino - Sportsman of the year; Manuel Bitog - Executive of the Year. 

Kickboxing national fighters Islay Bomogao and Crisamuel Delfin were bestowed the Young Sports Achiever of the Year.

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Baguio City hosts biggest Food Expo from April 22 - 24 at Baguio Convention Center

Photo Courtesy || WOFEX

Cordillera - The summer capital of the Philippines hosts this year's World Food Expo (WOFEX) event which is described as the biggest and most impactful food expo across the country. 

The event is currently held at the Baguio Convention Center from April 22 - 24, 2022 and it is open to the general public for free starting from 10 AM to 6.30 PM. 

Food lovers can see different food and beverages related producers on display that showcase their new products fit for local business owners. 

READ ALSO: Young Baguio boys create chips made from 'talbos ng sayote'

On April 23, join Chef Chavi Romanac, a Mountain Man as he shares his experiences and success story in a Seminar "Learn How to Innovate Regional Specialties for a New and Venturous Market".

If you are interested in getting more out of your beer drinking experience, attend the Beer Tasting and Appreciation seminar on April 24, 2022 to learn how to appreciate taste, aroma, and flavor like a pro and the art of pouring a pint of your favorite craft beer.

For interested bakers who wanted to learn the art of baking, attend the seminar "The California Raisins On Tour Baking Demo" by chef Buddy Trinidad, owner of Park Avenue Desserts. The seminar will be held on April 23, 2022, 10 AM.

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