All The WOW News in Cordillera

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Igorot PMA cadet from Benguet fought tooth and nail in pursuit of his dreams

Photo Courtesy || PMA Facebook page

Cordillera - From being a timid young civilian, Cadet 1CL JHONRICK L AWAKAN fought tooth and nail in pursuit of his dream of becoming a military officer. 

Entering the Philippine Military Academy molded him into an extraordinary individual who set the example to the people around him. 

Through determination and hard work, he is calling all aspirants to unleash the great warriors within them in conquering new frontiers. 

Take the PMA challenge and be a steward of courage, integrity and loyalty!

source || PMA Facebook Page

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Proud iKalinga determined to become Military Pilot, takes the PMA Challenge

Photo Courtesy || PMA

Cordillera - "No matter how hard it is or impossible it is, never lose sight of your goal". This inspiring quote is from Cadet 1CL John Rozz Oggang who took the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Challenge to become a military pilot of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

1CL Oggang, who traces his roots to Tinglayan, Kalinga knew the financial hardship of going to a pilot school, but he is determined and inspired.

He left his college degree course of BS in Mechatronics Engineering and enrolled in the PMA to become a pilot.

Being the athlete that he is, he takes on new frontiers to learn, grow and develop his skills. 

Conquering challenges in the field of service with courage, integrity and loyalty, he encourages the youth to step up, take risks and dare to take the PMA challenge.

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5 sons of Sagada, Mt. Province graduated from PMMA Masidlayag Class 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMMA

Cordillera - Five proud Igorots from Mountain Province successfully finished their studies and training at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) on July 7, 2022.

These cadets are among the 114 graduates of the PMMA Masidlayag Class of 2022 who satisfactorily hurdled their training to become a merchant marines, naval and coast guard officers.

Drazen James Yodong - Sagada,Mountain Province

Oliver Egsaen Domanog - Sagada,Mountain Province 

Clayton Aclopen - Sagada, Mountain Province

Blake Baniaga Aclopen - Sagada,Mountain Province

Frenzel Somebang - Sagada, Mountain Province

READ ALSO:  Farmer's daughter from Mt. Province is Top 1 in BS Marine Transportation class of PMMA

‘MASIDLAYAG’ Class 2022 stands for ‘Mandaragat ng Silanganan na may Dangal Upang Maglayag at Gumabay sa Inang Bayan’.

PHILIPPINE Navy Flag Officer In Command Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado witnessed the 199th Commencement Exercises for the ‘MASIDLAYAG’ Class 2022 of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Saturday at the PMMA Complex.

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Baguio offers FREE BUS RIDES to tourists starting July 15, 2022

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Baguio

Cordillera - The city government of Baguio has started offering free rides to tourists with the revival of the Hop On, Hop Off (HoHo) bus that allow tourists to visit major spots in the city.

The Public Information Office of Baguio announced that the HoHo bus will be offering unlimited free rides to tourists with approved VISITA Quick Response Travel Permits (QTP) during Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The HoHo bus will depart from Baguio Convention Center (BCC) to Botanical Garden as the first stop; the Mansion House as the second stop; the Mines View Park will be the third stop and then back to Wright Park as fourth stop via Gibraltar Road to decongest traffic and finally exits via South Drive to the drop off point at Governor Pack Road where tourists may walk around the central business district as well as visit Burnham Park.  

There will be a waiting time 15 to 20 minutes for each stop but if the tourists want to stay longer, they can catch the next HoHo bus in 30 minutes.

Each passenger will get a bus pass which shall be surrendered when claiming back their vehicle parked at the Baguio Convention Center. A P25 fee will be imposed for every lost bus pass.

There are only two HoHo busses to operate with 30 minutes interval time per trip. The first trip leaves BBC at 8:30 in the morning while the last trip is scheduled at 6:20 in the afternoon departing from Wright Park to Gov. Pack Road drop off point.

The city government wished the revival of the HoHo bus would decongest the terrible traffic situation in the city. 

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Cordilleran cop from Baguio to represent PH in 2022 World Police and Fire Games in Netherlands

Photo Courtesy || PSSg Miguel Carranza
Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran cop from Baguio City is set to bring honor not only to the organization to which he belongs but also to the land of his birth. 

Police Staff Sergeant Miguel Carranza was included in the more than 200-man Philippine National Police team that will compete in the more than 60 athletic events at the 2022 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) to be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from July 22 to July 31.

PSSG Carranza is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cordillera.

PSSg Carranza is expected to compete in two individual events - half marathon and 10 -kilometers cross country against Top Athletes from more than 70 countries including the police and fire departments.

It can be recalled that in 2017, PSSg Carranza was the first active member of the PNP to participate and successfully completed the 166-kilometer Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).

The WPFG is a biennial and an Olympic-style competition that includes active and retired police and firefighters around the world.

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Igorot hottie to represent Benguet in Hari ng Pilipinas 2022 male pageant

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Claud Dela Cruz

Cordillera - A proud Igorot, Mr. Kevin Claud Dela Cruz Beray was officially chosen to represent Benguet province in the upcoming Hari ng Pilipinas 2022 which will be held in Ormoc City in October. 

20-year old Beray traces his roots to Bokod, Benguet but currently resides in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Beray is a student of Saint Louis University (SLU) taking up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science course. 

As a proud iBenguet, he wishes to champion Benguet's eco-tourism and culture on the national stage.

"It is evident that our province has a huge potential for eco-tourism. We just need the right mechanism and a medium to promote our cause. As the province's humble ambassador, I want to use the HNP stage as my medium to promote Benguet's Eco-Tourism and advocate for cultural preservation. [I want that] it is not only the natural aesthetics of Benguet to be known but also its people and its culture. After all, we are "the rose of the northern mountains" for a reason," Beray stated during the interview via PIO-Benguet.

Beray is calling his kakailyans specially the Benguet people to support him towards getting the most coveted Hari ng Pilipinas' crown.

"I am humbly appealing to all our kakailyans. To know that my people are with me in this quest is more than enough to fuel my passion and light up my path toward the crown. I am earnestly asking for your support. Viva Benguet," Beray said as he hopes to get the support of iBenguet.

It can be recalled that Arthur Soriano Jr., the first Igorot to join the Hari ng Pilipinas pagent in 2021 was awarded as Hari ng Pilipinas 2021 Datu Matikas. 

The Hari ng Pilipinas is a national male pageant that aims in discovering, developing, and advancing Filipino men on the world stage.

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Full Rehabilitation of Kennon Road among priority projects of Marcos Admin


Cordillera - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has identified Kennon road as among the priority public-private partnership (PPP) projects for implementation under the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Over the weekend, the Marcos admin has bared numerous PPP projects that will be implemented including new Cebu and Nueva Ecija Expressway.

According the DPWH, a total of Php12.45 Billion will be allocated for the Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Improvement, Operation and Maintenance of Kennon Road, one of the major route to Baguio City and Benguet Province.

Meanwhile, Benguet Congressman Eric Yap was thanked Marcos for the inclusion of Benguet major road in his priority projects.

“We thank our President Bongbong Marcos for heeding our call to prioritize Benguet, particularly the rehabilitation of Kennon Road. Hindi tayo binobola noong sinabi niya noong kampanya na he will help our province," said Yap in a statement.

"This upcoming project will spur growth, it will boost our tourism activities in Benguet, it will provide jobs, it will create economic opportunities, more than the safe passage of people traversing the Kennon Road. Maraming salamat Mahal na Pangulo,” he added.


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Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Farmer's daughter from Mt. Province is Top 1 in BS Marine Transportation class of PMMA

Photo Courtesy || Daisy Rose Gubia-on

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran who hails from Mt. Province graduated top of her class in Bachelor of Science Marine Transportation of the Philippine Marine Merchant Academy held on July 7, 2022. 

Ensign Daisy Rose Gubia-on, 26-year old was able to secure the Top 1 spot of the graduating cadets of "MASIDLAYAG" class of 2022. 

Photo Courtesy || Daisy Rose Gubia-on

Gubia-on also received the Vice President Saber Award, Discipline and Leadership Training, and the Best in Thesis Award. She will be joining the Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy “Masidlayag” Class of 2022 has opened its commencement rites to the parents and loved ones of the Graduating class.

The graduation was a momentous event both for the cadets and PMMA as it opened its gates to those who wanted to witness the start of the journey of cadets to professional life. 

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Monday, July 4, 2022

Kalinga's Scenic Bulo Lake to be featured in a new Netflix film

Photo Courtesy || Christopher Ng.
Cordillera - Largest subscription-based streaming service Netflix is set to stream a new film that features Kalinga province.

The City Tourism of Tabuk has said Mavx Production has chosen the scenic Bulo Lake to shoot a new film because of its picturesque scenery and lush grassland.

Mavx Road Manager Tricia Ladiao traveled to Tabuk City to conduct a site inspection and logistic validation. Together with Romero Salas and Edward Blanco, they discovered that Bulo is the perfect location for their film.

According to Ladiao, the film will feature Ms. Kylie Padilla and Mr. Gerald Anderson. Albeit it has no working title yet, she revealed that one of the protagonists is originally sojourn in Kalinga who went to meet his/her partner in the Netherlands.

The production team will start recording scenes in the city in the coming months. Once completed, the film will be shown in movie theaters nationwide and on Netflix next year.

Netflix is still the leading premium streaming service, with over 200 million worldwide subscribers. 

It offers thousands of movies and TV shows to binge watch, including its always growing list of original films and series, including Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, and many more.

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Sunday, July 3, 2022

Cordilleran works as US Marine H-1 Aviation Electronics Technical Instructor

Photo Courtesy || abrenean.com

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran from Abra province is a member of the United States Marine Corps. 

Isaac Isaiah Millare Kear who hails from Bangued, Abra has been serving the United States of America for 5 years now. 

Photo Courtesy || abrenean.com

Kear is a US Marine Corps Sergeant E-5 and an H-1 Aviation Electronics Technical Instructor of the US Marine Corps.

READ ALSO:  

Igorota PH Coast Guard appointed scholar to United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)

Igorot soldier working in US Marine Cops received 1st Marine Aircraft Wing's Sailor of the year

He received numerous awards and titles as follows:

2016 - 2017: US Marine Corps Private First class

2018: US Marine Corps Lance Corporal

2019: US Marine Corps Corporal

2020 - Present: US Marine Corps Sergeant.

source || Abreanean.com

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Saturday, July 2, 2022

Biggest Trees in Cordillera located - DENR-Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || CGV Explorer

Cordillera - Among biggest trees in the region have been located.

Through the Search for the Biggest Trees launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CAR, the biggest coniferous and broadleaved trees were found. 

The measurement is based on diameter at breast height (DBH) which is the standard for measuring trees.

Based on the entries, the biggest of the coniferous species was a Benguet pine tree found at Gueday, Cayapas, Baculongan Norte, Buguias, Benguet. It has a circumference of 454 centimeters (cm) and a height of 30.8 meters. The entry was submitted by a Jona Cabaling. 

The second biggest is also Benguet pine tree situated at Mt. Mapao, Agawa, Besao, Mt. Province. It has a circumference of 437 cm and a height of 15.24 m. 

The third biggest is another Benguet pine tree found at Moling, Cayapas, Baculongan Sur, also in Buguias, Benguet.

Of the broadleaved species entries, the biggest were found in Danglas, Abra. 

A dao tree was found the biggest. It is situated at Mt. Sedir in Nagaparan, Danglas, Abra. It has a circumference of 2,000 cm and a height of 35 m. The entry was submitted by Norriel Montejo, Dominique Acnam, Redentor Tauro, Danny Blanes, and Randy Bernal.

On the second place is a dao tree with a circumference of 1,400 cm and a height of 30 m; while the third place is a pasakla tree with a circumference of 1,400 and a height of 27 m. 

Cabaling and Montejo received P25,000 each for their winning entries.

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LOOK: Philippine Air Force welcomes its new Commander in Chief with helicopters FLYBY

Photo Courtesy || Pinoy Aviator
Cordillera - The Philippine Air Force conducted  helicopter flyby     as part of the welcome remarks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the new commander in Chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila on June 30, 2022. 

The 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, with its S-70i Blackhawk Helicopters, led the AFP's Rotary Fleet during the Inauguration Ceremony Flyby of the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines.


Also joined the flyby is the PAF ATAK T-129 and AW109 attack helicopter from the 18th Attack Squadron "Falcons" and AH-1 Cobra Attack helicopter from the 20th Attack Squadron "Firebirds" of the 15th Strike Wing.


On July 1, 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. graces the 75th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on July 1, 2022.

During the celebration, the Commander-in-Chief, assisted by PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas, Sr., administers the presentation of awards to PAF units and personnel who showcased exemplary performance in military service.  

This year’s anniversary carries the theme, ‘Patuloy sa Paglipad Tungo sa Mas Matatag at Maaasahang Hukbong Himpapawid para sa Diyos, Bayan at Pilipino.’

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She got her first teaching job, thanks to kind Baguio cop, sir Say-eo

Photo Courtesy || Angel Taruc Sta Maria-Merez

Cordillera - A lucky teacher shared her experience on social media on how she got her first teaching job. She was extremely grateful for the help of a Baguio cop sir Say-eo who gave him cash for a taxi ride so she can arrive to her job interview on time. 

Below is the story shared by Angel Taruc Sta Maria-Merez.

Few minutes back it's unfortunate that I forgot my wallet coz I was in hurry for a job interview, I just noticed it while on my way riding on Libreng Sakay. Sabi ko, okay lang yan kase sa libreng sakay din naman ako sasakay mamaya pauwi. Suddenly, pagbaba ko nagtanong ako sa isang pulis man his last name is Sir SAY-EO I asked him kung saan yung school na pupuntahan ko (I mentioned the school), pero sabi nya malayo pa raw yun, I need to ride in a taxi but paano wala akong wallet! But Sir SAY-EO gave me a hundred pesos. I was overwhelmed and thankful, really! He insisted it so I had no choice but to accept his offer since nagmamadali talaga ako. To make the long story short, I came to the school on time and had my demo and interview and after that the school principal introduced me to the owner of the school and they ask me to prepare requirements such as pag-ibig, sss, etc.

Tunay na napakabuti ng Diyos at masasabi kong napaka swerte ko ngayong araw. Today, I finally got my first teaching job!

At dahil wala akong pang taxi naglakad lang ako hanggang sa makita ko ulit yung pulis na nagbigay sakin ng pera at natuwa sya at nag thank you pa nung sinoli ko yung sukli. HAHAHA jivaa, sya pa nag-thank you. (Jk. Saludo ako sa'yo Sir, maraming salamat po!) So ayun, nag abang na ulit ako ng libreng sakay.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Who is the Funny Green Soldier of Baguio City

Photo Courtesy || Pep.ph & Tito Noel Official

Cordillera - You've probably seen this guy on the internet or seen him performing along Session Road making everybody smile and granting people's wish for a selfie. 

He is Jhonwel Reyes, a street performer who goes by the name 'Green Soldier' of Baguio City. 

But how exactly Jhonwel Reyes became so popular that his performance has become a hit among tourists visiting Baguio?

It all started way back in 2014, when he decided to relocate from Valenzuela City to Baguio where he started his mime performance. 

People began to love him with his Green Soldier costumes while posing cute and playing antics with his audience.

Video-sharing platform TikTok has played a major role on his popularity as many users enjoy watching and sharing his videos. 

Reyes never thought that he would become famous on social media. His only aim is to make people happy.

He admitted that his income as a street performer is enough to sustain the financial needs of his family.

Reyes used to be a construction worker, janitor, factory worker, pedicab driver and service crew. 

"Nagkaroon ng maraming trabaho at iba't ibang mapapasukan, na nagbago ang buhay hanggang sa narating ko na nga po itong pagiging mime dito sa Baguio City," said Reyes.

He also admitted that being a street performer is not an easy job. If people like him, they will give tips.

"Dito sa pagma-mime, hindi naman lahat ay gusto ako. Hindi lahat ay okey", he shared. 

For Reyes, the ups and downs of being a street performer has taught him a lesson to become stronger and get closer to God. 

"Patuloy po tayong gumawa ng kabutihan sa ating kapwa para mas lalo po tayong gabayan ng ating Ama," Reyes said. 

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Saturday, June 25, 2022

WATCH: Ifugao boxer crowned The New Featherweight King of Asia

Photo Courtesy || Asian Boxing Council

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran boxer was crowned the New Featherweight King of Asia by the WBC Asian Boxing Council after defeating Attanon Kunlawong of Thailand on June 25, 2022. 

KJ "The Ipugo" Natuplag who hails from Ifugao province and trained under Highland Boxing Gym improved his professional boxing record to nine wins since turning pro in 2015. 

In his latest fight against Kunlawong, he delivered a sensational second round TKO, courtesy to his powerful left hook to the jaw of his opponent.

Natuplag didn't expect the power of his punch could end in a knockout because he suffered a lot of punches from Kunlawong in the first round. 

He thanked all the individuals and groups that helped him during the training. 

Natuplag currently works as a fitness and boxing trainer in Dubai.

Congratulations Mr. Natuplag for the win. The whole Cordillera is very proud of you.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Innovative Cordilleran teacher redesigns classroom cozy for students feel calmed


Cordillera - They say the classroom should be a place for learning, inspiring and passing knowledge to the students. And to achieve that, a classroom should be set in a calming manner for student to concentrate and focus their attention to learning. 

This goal could be what Teacher Aivorie Ballangan of Supo Elementary School in Abra had in mind when she turned her boring classroom design into a minimalist cozy one. 

She painted the walls, cabinets, and drawers with a perfect balance of white and brown that doesn't dull the eyes of her students. 

She discouraged the use of too much decorations that usually hang or stick of the wall but replaced them with flowers and a map instead. 

According to Teacher Ballangan, she chose the type of classroom designs because she wanted her students fell calm during their 8-hours long stay inside of the classroom. 

READ ALSO:  College sweethearts inspire each other to graduate Magna Cum Laude

Teacher Ballangan knew that the classroom environment played a major role in student learning. 

A study in a university in the United Kingdom found out that a classroom with overwhelming decorations like posters and visuals actually distracts students attention but a classroom with minimal wall displays, clean and well-organize helps students concentrate and bring out their potentials.

She shared some photos of her classroom to inspire other teachers the importance of setting the classroom in a more relaxed and cozy environment.



Photo Courtesy || Aivorie Ballangan


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Igorota awarded Armor Company Commander of the Year by Philippine Marine Corps

Photo Courtesy || Assault Armor Battalion 
Cordillera - A proud Igorota Philippine marine was adjudged 2022 Company Commander of the Year (Assault Armor Battalion) by the Philippine Marine Corps.

Captain Kelly Alindeg Regalado from Tadian, Mountain Province received a Plaque of Merit for being the Company Commander of the Year during the 50th Armor Day Celebration in Zamboanga City on 1st May 2022. 

The Assault Armor Battalion (AABN) contains a Headquarters and Service Company, an Armor Maintenance Company (Armor Mnt Co), an Assault Amphibian Company (AAV Co), and a Light Armor Vehicle Company (LAV Co). 

It is tasked with providing the maneuver brigades with armored assets to support their operations. 

The unit's inventory consists of LAV-150s, LAV-300s, LVTP-5s and LVTH-6s. None of the LVTP-5s are currently in service but the Marines have been able to recondition four of the LVTH-6s for their use.

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Monday, June 20, 2022

Pedro Bangguiac: the 102 year-old Kalinga warrior who fought with US soldiers against Japanese invaders

Cordillera - Meet Lolo Pedro Bangguiac from the Lubo tribe of Kalinga province. He was among the Kalinga warrior who was part of the "bolo men" who fought with the American soldiers in repealing the Japanese invaders during World War 2.

TV journalist Sandra Aguinaldo of GMA traveled to Kalinga to interview Lolo Bangguiac about the tattoo on his body. 

The102 year-old Bangguiac revealed the tattoo on his body is an indication of being a warrior that fought for his tribe in his younger years.

According to Natividad Sugguiyao, Former Chief NCIP Kalinga, the tattoo also called batok is being practiced by Kalinga menfolk where in they only get this if they have killed somebody to defend their tribe or ancestral domain.

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Sunday, June 19, 2022

College sweethearts inspire each other to graduate Magna Cum Laude

Cordillera - "Okay lang na magkaroon ng girlfriend o boyfriend basta gawin itong inspirasyon, not destruction... (It's okay to have boyfriend or girlfriend as long as use this as an inspiration and not destruction...). 

This is the message of Magda Ria Piedad who graduated Magna Cum Laude at the Divine Word College of Bangued, Abra in 10th June, 2022. 

Her boyfriend Bonifacio B. Tumalip Jr. also graduated Magna Cum Laude at the same college. 

Magda Ria and Bonifacio  have been sweethearts for four years now and they took their relationship as an inspiration to finish their studies with honors. 

The couple were really proud of each other of their success because they proved that their college relationship was not a hindrance of reaching their goals.

Magda Ria said her boyfriend is not only a lover, but also his best friend, adviser and a brother to her.

The help and support they are getting from each other had been a great help in keeping their relationship even stronger.

"May own weakness and strength po kami na magkaiba so kung ano po ang kahinaan ng isa, 'yun po ang tinutulungan para mapunan... Kapag may mga subject ako na mga math at nahihirapan ako, nagpapa-tutor po ako sa kanya at ganoon din siya, kapag may mga essay na kailangan i-submit ay pinapa-tsek niya," Magda Ria said.

Bonifacio finished Bachelor of Science in Accountancy while Magna Ria finished Secondary Education Major in Social Studies.

"I am filled with so much joy for this success of ours not only because one of our dreams are unlocked but because of this, we can truly say that "hindi lahat ng nagboboyfriend/girlfriend habang nag-aaral ay hindi makakapagtapos, ang iba parehong nagiging Magna Cum Laude na magtatapos," Piedad said.

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Friday, June 17, 2022

Igorot boxer Carl James Martin now a reservist of the Philippine Army

Photo Courtesy || Carl Jammes Martin & Glory Balegan PTV News

Cordillera - Undefeated Cordilleran boxer from Ifugao, Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin is now part of the Philippine Army as a reservist. 

In a photo posted by Martin himself in his official Facebook account, he and other trainees are seen with their army uniform.

He now joins the 790,000 standby and ready reserves who provide development support and security operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. 

Martin is the current GAB super bantamweight title holder since December 2021 and the WBA Asia super bantamweight title holder since March 2022.

His professional record showed 19 fights in his boxing career with 16 wins coming by TKO and 3 wins by decision.

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Featured Post

Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...