Cordilleran architect gives tips how to check house after earthquake

Photo Courtesy || Oliver Austria & BFP

Cordillera - Cordillera-based architect and youtuber Mr. Oliver Austria offers life-saving tips on how to check your houses after an earthquake. 

To guide homeowners inspect the credibility of their houses after being shaken by a high magnitude earthquake, Austria pointed out the importance of scanning the beams and posts for structural cracks. 

There are two types of structural cracks that may be seen on concrete structure after an earthquake, flexural cracks and shear cracks.

Flexural cracks are vertical or horizontal cracks while shear cracks are diagonal cracks.

Austria pointed out the virtual checking of diagonal cracks because these are the most dangerous one. 

He also discouraged continuing any works related to pouring concrete on slabs or posts because of aftershocks that could follow after a major earthquake. 

On Wednesday July 27, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Cordillera at 8.43 am local time which caused damage to several structures and triggering landslides.

The province of Abra has sustained the major damages and people had to leave their houses to avoid being hurt cause by aftershocks.

The local and national government quickly mobilized its emergency teams to aid those affected by the earthquake.

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Cordilleran cop wins Gold and Silver medals in World Police and Fire Games 2022

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera

Cordillera - Police Staff Sergeant Miguelito Carranza bagged gold and silver medals in the cross country event of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2022 in Rotterdam, Netherlands on 28 July 2022.

With the motto of “In Sport, We Unite”, different first responders and emergency workers across the world compete in the more than 60 sporting events of the WPFG 2022. 

PSSg Carranza is the only representative from the Cordillera, from the 200-strong Philippine National Police Team that was sent to join in the different sporting events. 

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

PSSg Carranza already competed and won 2 medals in the cross country event while he is set to compete again in the half marathon event on July 31. 

More than 10,000 competitors from 70 different countries participate in the WPFG2022. 

They competed in 63 sports, including CrossFit, athletics, water polo, kite surfing and the ultimate firefighter. 

The World Police & Fire Games 2022 will use sport as a means of establishing encounters between first responders. 

The aim is to stimulate sportsmanship and to generate respect for all those emergency workers who are ready for us day and night.

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PMA announces requirements, qualifications for PMA Entrance Exam 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMA Facebook

FORT GENERAL GREGORIO H DEL PILAR, Baguio City –The country's premiere military institution is opening its doors to qualified individuals with the potential qualities to become part of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines. The PMAEE is conducted yearly to recruit the best and the brightest among the Filipino youths who opted to accept the PMA challenge: "To be a Steward of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty." PMA cadets shall later serve as military officers and leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Qualification for cadet candidates must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, at least a Senior High School graduate (or currently Grade 12), single, have never been married nor pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support a child or children. Interested cadet applicants must be physically and mentally fit, with a minimum height of five feet, no criminal background, and of good moral character, at least 17 years old and not more than 22 years old on June 1, 2023. Applicants may submit their application through regular mail or courier services. They may also take advantage of the online application through the academy's website at www.pma.ph. The deadline for mail and online application is on August 1, 2022.

The PMA Entrance Examination aims to measure applicants' mental ability in Math Calculation (Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Basic Statistics), English Reading and Writing (Grammar, Composition, and Reading Comprehension), and Special Aptitude Test.

Walk-in applicants on the day of the examination, with complete documents, may take the examination as the last priority candidate. Walk-in applicants should bring the following: Duly accomplished application form, two pcs 2x2 ID Picture (White Background), Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate and Form 137/138 (for High School level) or Transcript of Records (for College level), Mongol Pencil #2, Valid ID, and Vaccination Card and Negative Antigen Test within 24 hours. 

Following are the benefits and privileges waiting for successful cadet candidates to compose the PMA Class of 2027, such as noble privilege in serving the country and its people, free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, monthly pay and allowances of P48,000 per month, progressive career as an Officer in the Army, Air Force, or Navy, specialized professional training for military, and exceptional training and billeting facilities.

PMA entrance examination will be conducted in forty-seven different testing centers all over the country. PMA will administer the test on the following dates as follows: Mindanao testing centers on 27 and 28 August 2022, followed by Visayas Testing Centers on 10 and 11 September 2022, and lastly, Luzon Testing Centers on 24 and 25 September 2022.

For more information visit Philippine Military Academy Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/philippinemilitaryacademypublicaffairs 

source || Philippine Military Academy Facebook

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"Kindness and Generosity", Good Taste Restaurant shares meals for free

Photo Courtesy || Laarni Ilagan

Cordillera - A famous restaurant in Baguio City has gone viral on social media after giving free food to bystanders and passersby just after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Luzon on Wednesday morning. 

Good Taste Restaurant has shown act of kindness to random people by distributing packs of food for free to the public.

A photo shared by Laarni Ilagan on Facebook showed the Good Taste's staff handing food to people who are outside the restaurant.

"Kindness and Generosity. Amidst the panic and fear of aftershocks leaving some people stranded in the city, Good Taste Restaurant is currently giving free food to the public," Ilagan captioned the photo.

Ilagan said there was no announcement by the restaurant, they just give food to passersby since they are near the road.

Meanwhile, netizens commended the restaurant's display of kindness and generosity. 

"More blessings to your resto. The generosity of being kind hearted shows in times such this. Kudos Goodtaste!", one netizen wrote.

Another netizen wrote, "Good taste thank you so much for your warmth thoughts and generosity. Much more blessing to come you. God Bless," 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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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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