Baguio boy to represent Philippines in International street dance competition

Photo Courtesy || Josh Albelda

Cordillera - Baguio street dancer Mickey Paolo Yatar is set to compete in the international street dancing competition after winning the Red Bull Dance Your Style street dance event on July 23, 2022. 

Mickey won the competition after beating Taz in the final round. He will be representing the Philippines in the national stage, competing against over 60 dancers from 30 countries that will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa in December 2022.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a street dance competition with a unique battle format featuring the latest hits and timeless classics that challenge a dancer's freestyle and improvisation skills.

Red Bull Dance Your Style will need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote. Testing freestyle and musicality skills through unpredictable mainstream tracks ranging from recent global hits to classic beats, Red Bull Dance Your Style will have the crowd deciding who will rule the dance floor.

Read More

Igorot Stone Kingdom is 'intact and unaffected' after 7.3 magnitude earthquake

Photo Courtesy || Igorot Stone Kingdom

Cordillera - The owner of the famous Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio has given update on the situation of the structure after the region has been hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

"No damage, not a single crack on the structure and on the groundworks, not even a single stone fell. A proof of the reliability of the Igorot way of Stone laying," Pio Velasco wrote on a post.

He attributed to the Igorot engineering that is being in communication with the natural properties and contours of the ground.

"It is literally down to earth, thereby it is a system closer to nature.  To those who did not believe and who pre judged us of having constructed an unsafe facility, we are so sorry to disappoint you. The Igorot Stone Kingdom passed the test," Velasco added. 

In anticipation of aftershocks, the facility had to be temporarily closed.

Read More

LOOK: Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, coach Julius Naranjo tie the knot in Baguio

Photo Courtesy || Nice Print Photography

Cordillera - Filipina Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her long time coach Julius Naranjo tied the knot in the city of pines on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

The newly wed couple's photos has been shared online by Nice Print Photography    and Exige Weddings.

Photo Courtesy || Nice Print Photography

Hidilyn wore a wedding gown designed by Francis Libiran.

“Today marks the first anniversary of our winning the Gold medal in the @olympics for the Philippines. And today also will be a memorable day for @imjulius and me, we will get married today,” Hidilyn posted on her Instagram.

"One year has passed since the historic Gold medal, here’s a recap of this historic moment. With what @hidilyndiaz and I accomplished last year, now it’s on to forever," Julius posted.

READ ALSO: Unique wedding in Benguet goes viral for using vegetable as decor

Earlier on Monday, Hidilyn and Julius paid a courtesy call to Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong at the Baguio City Hall.

Read More

Enchanted Kaparkan Falls in Abra Now Open For Tourist

Photo Courtesy || Abra Tourism

Cordillera- The tourism office of Tineg, Abra has announced the opening of the Kaparkan Falls in the municipality of Tineg. 

In an advisory "The Public is hereby informed that the Kaparkan Falls in the municipality of Tineg is officially open for tourism this rainy season of CY2022. Effective July 15, 2022.

Kaparkan Falls also known as Mulawin Falls is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. 

Since its discovery in 2015, Kaparkan Falls located at Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg, Abra is considered as one of Abra's prime tourist destination.

Its unique spring terraces of waterfalls can be best experience during rainy season.

Reaching this amazing fall is a challenge but it's worth. It takes you couple of hours to travel by bus or car from manila then you have to take the “giant truck” from the town center going to the place and the ride is like a roller coaster by land. 

From the the parking area you have to take a hike down to the main fall about 20-30 minutes depending on your pace.

Read More

Good Taste Restaurant introduces its first-ever robot server 'Bellabot'

Photo Courtesy || Good Taste Restaurant

Cordillera - A famous restaurant in Cordillera, the Good Taste Restaurant introduces its first-ever robot server in one of its branches in Baguio city.

The robot server called 'Bellabot' can bring customers order in their assigned table at ease and without delay. 

To be served by Bellabot, just order your favorite food and proceed to your assigned table, seat back and relax, wait for it to come and it deliver your order right beside your table. 

All you have to do is pick your food, and Bellabot will bid you farewell and attend to other orders. 

The robot is only available at Good Restaurant - Otek branch. 

Many diners were amused to see a robot serving their food for the very first time. 

Robot food server had become one of the trending idea of customer service being looked-out by restaurant owners in the country. 

This year, Dunkin Donuts had also introduced their very first robot server "Number 1". 

Bellabot and Number 1 are made by Pudo Robotics, an international high-tech enterprise dedicated to design, R&D, production, and sales of commercial service robots.

The latest delivery robot designed by Pudu, BellaBot inherits the outstanding characteristics of the previous generation, while being endowed with superior human-Robot interaction capabilities. Featuring an innovative bionic design language, cute modeling,multi-modal interaction and many other new functions, BellaBot provides users with an unprecedented food delivery robot experience.

Read More

LOOK: Bontoc General Hospital receives brand new CT Scan machines from DOH

Photo Courtesy || MP-PIO

Cordillera - The brand new CT scan of Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) will start operating as soon as its License to Operate will be issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the update published by the Provincial Government of Mt. Province.

The CT scan was delivered to BoGH on May 2022 as part of the various assistance from the DOH like the previously delivered mobile x-ray machine and incubator.  

Provincial Health Officer II Annie Claire B. Pekas said there's an ongoing in-house training for the two radiologic technologists, three nurses, three radiologists and three electricians who will be manning the said machine.

Dr. Pekas said that the BoGH is conducting dry run for actual patients as part of the test procedures. 

"10 of our patients have already undergone the procedure and it was during this test period that we saw some things which we still need to address. With the strong support of our Provincial Government officials,  we hope to address our lack of human resources for a well-manned CT Scan unit. We will in time, God-willing," Dr. Pekas said.

"We also beg for everyone's understanding as there will be certain adjustments and hitches along the way with this new and additional health service that we are offering. Anyhow, we will try our best to address issues or concerns as we journey towards an  enhanced healthcare facility," she added.

Read More

Beautiful new attractions in Benguet now open for tourists to visit

Photo Courtesy || Tayao Garden

Cordillera - The Provincial Tourism Office of Benguet has released an initial list of newly opened attraction sites in the province that includes eleven sites from four different municipalities. 

Popular destinations in Atok such as the Tayao Gardens, Wagangan Rock Formation; Kenvin's Garden, and Kiyomie's Garden in La Trinidad welcome tourists outside and inside the province.

Tourists can also visit sites in Tuba such as
the Ethans Swimming Pool, Hidden Paradise Swimming Pool, Kiwas Resort, and the Green Narra Campsite. 

In Tublay, two new sites, the Alokip-Pinan Eco Trail and Glamping Site were also opened.

Opening of tourist sites in areas in Benguet will help promote wellness and boost the economy in the province.

Tourism activities are allowed however visitors are required to practice minimum health standards. 

source || PIO - Benguet

Read More

Dr. Andrie Domogo - First Igorot PhD graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP)

Photo Courtesy || Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Baguio

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran from Sagada, Dr. Andrie Domogo made history as the first PhD graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) - Baguio. 

Dr. Domogo, the current Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod dons the UP Sablay and proudly wore the famous bahag used by indigenous tribe of Cordillera during the Pagtatapos 2022.

READ ALSO:  Cordilleran graduate receives bouquet of 1,000 peso bill worth P75,000 during graduation

Dr, Domogo currently work as an assistant professor in the same University after serving as a Gurong Pahinungod for two years when he finished his undergraduate studies. 

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

He is the second child of the late Fr. Joseph Domogo and Dr. Penelope Aquino-Domogo.

Read More

LOOK: iKalinga graduate receives bouquet of 1,000 peso bill worth P75,000 during graduation

Photo Courtesy || Xeena Apil

Cordillera - A student from Tabuk, Kalinga was surprised when she received a money bouquet and garland during her graduation day.

Xeena Amirey Dapasen Apil was surprised by her mother and elder sisters with a bouquet and garland of 1,000 peso bill worth P75,000. 

READ ALSO: Daughter of Kalinga Top 1 in BS Marine Transportation at PMMA.

Her parents decided to gave her a cash present after succesfully finishing her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a general weighted average of 92 percent and two gold sports award at the Cagayan State University (CSU).

A photo of Xeena holding her well-organized money-bouquet had gone viral in the online community.

Read More

Igorot from Benguet wins Mr. World Universe International 2022 1st Runner-up

Photo Courtesy || Kenneth Jhayve Baustista

Cordillera - Proud Igorot Kenneth Jhayve Bautista proved that Igorot looks can shine on the international stage after finishing 1st runner-up in the recently concluded Mr. & Ms. World Universe International 2022 held a the SKY HOA Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on July 16.

The young Bautista who hails from Ucab, Itogon, Benguet was also named Best in Interview during the competition. 

Kenneth Jhayve Bautista is a member of Keep Going Baguio, a community organization or support group pushing for greater mental health awareness and the welfare of people living with mental disorders.

Kenneth is also a volunteer of Hawak Kamay Pilipinas, a disaster and calamity volunteer group.

He is an alumnus of St. Louis High School of Antamok, Inc., Batch 2014. In his four years of stay in SLHSAI, he had been an active member of the Dance Troupe and the Sons and Daughters of Migrants.

Kenneth had been joining a number of pageants locally and internationally, to name a few, Mr. Itogon, Mr. Continental Philippines, and Mr. Teen International.

Bautista is also an aspiring young actor. He appeared in the local film Salidummay by Cordilleran film maker Dexter Macaraeg. 

Read More

Igorot General Bantag to remain as BuCor chief under Marcos administration

Photo Courtesy || Gen Bantag, Pres. Marcos

Cordillera - Igorot General Gerald Bantag will stay as the chief of the Bureau of Correction under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This was announced by DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla after his meeting with General Bantag.

In 2019, President Duterte appointed Gen. Bantag as BuCor chief replacing Nicanor Faeldon.

Duterte handpicked Gen. Bantag as Director of the bureau because of his vast experience in BJMP.

“But in the meantime, gusto ko siya kasi nagtatapon ng granada daw. Gusto ko ngang magkuha ng santo wala naman, ganun rin. Magkuha ng military, wala. Dito ka sa talagang may experience sa BJMP (In the meantime, I want him in because I heard, he throws grenade. I was looking for a saint but I couldn’t find anyone. I searched the military but none [qualified]. So (I) picked the one with experience in BJMP).

On August 11, 2016, an explosion happened inside an office at the Paranaque City jail when Bantag was then the jail warden. The explosion killed 10 Chinese detainees who had been charged with drug trafficking.

In his 4-year term as BuCor Chief, Bantag has implemented major improvement of the penitentiary which includes the demolition of the makeshift quarter of inmates in the New Bilibid Prison (NPB) and the reduction of drugs being produced in the NPB.

Read More

BSU opens Criminology, Elementary Educ course in Kapangan, Benguet

Photo Courtesy || LGU-Kapangan

Cordillera - Students in the municipality of Kapangan and nearby municipalities may not need to go to La Trinidad or Baguio city to study Criminology and Elementary Education course as the Benguet State University (BSU) - Kapangan campus will be opening the said course in August this year.

The premier state university in Benguet proposed the opening of the two courses in line with the opening of the BSU-Kapangan campus within the Gov.Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School (GBDAIS) and the Kapangan Central National High School (KNHS).

The local government unit of Kapangan in its official Facebook page announced the opening of the BSU-Kapangan Campus and is inviting those interested students to contact the following:

GBDAIS

Sir Edgar Wong Sapigao

Phone Number: 09209483907

Messenger: Edgar Wong Sapigao

Email: edgar.sapigao@gmail.com

KCNHS

Ma'am Cherrelene A. Comom 

Contact Number: 09303523201

Messenger: Cherrelene Comom

Read More

WATCH: Baguio, La Trinidad scenes in new TV5's movieserye "Suntok sa Buwan"

Photo Courtesy || project8projects

Cordillera - The summer capital of the Philippines Baguio city once again be featured in TV screen as a new movie series is set to be premiered today (July 18, 2022) by TV5 network. 

Multi-awarded actor Aga Muhlach together with Gawad Urian Best Actor Elijah Canlas, Maris Racal, among others are the stars of the network's first movieserye entitled "Suntok sa Buwan".

Muhlach said, he was happy that the movie was shot in Baguio because the city is close to his heart. 

In the serye, Muhlach is plays Jimmy Boy, a retired boxer who now works as a taxi driver in Baguio and is the father of young boxer named Dos. 

While acting as his son's coach, Jimmy gets involved with a criminal group, and is later arrested and jailed. There, he reveals to his son that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Suntok Sa Buwan will be the first movie series to air on Philippine television once it airs on TV5. 

Produced by award-winning tandem Antoinette Jadaone and Dan Villegas, the serye is directed by Geo Lomuntad and co-produced by Project 8 Projects and Cignal Entertainment. 

The movie serye’ will be aired starting this July 18 on TV5 at 7:15 PM.

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More