Majestic To'wing Falls in Sablan now opens to public

Photo Courtesy || Sablan Tourism

Cordillera - Looking for a perfect spot for swimming, hiking, camping and viewing this holiday season? The To'wing Waterfalls located in Sablan, Benguet is waiving for you. 

The local tourism office of Sablan, Benguet has formally announced the reopening of the To'wing Falls after two-years closure. 

According to Mayor Alfredo Dacumos of Sablan, Benguet, tourists from across the world and locals alike may now travel to and enjoy the magnificent natural marvel situated in Barangay Lower Poblacion.

Dacumos hoped that reopening of the falls will help revive the local economy of the municipality.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing water provided by the four waterfalls and three pools after walking the 488 man-made concrete steps.

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Cordilleran soldier, singer to compete in world singing contest in America

Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran soldier from Kalinga is set to compete in the upcoming world singing competition - the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) which will be held in July 2023 in California, United States of America.

Corporal Sessy Lou Bucalen Salazar assigned at the 5th Division in Isabela is among the representative the Philippines in the said competition after passing two auditions, and now heeding to Manila for a bootcamp in preparation for the event. 

Corporal Salazar has been an active duty of the Philippine army for nine years and she is the vocalist of the 5ID Band of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela.

In 2021, Salazar represented his province in the local singing competition "Tawag ng Tanghalan"

WCOPA is an international competition often cited as the Official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers and entertainers, according to its website.  

Contestants are coming from different parts of the world including the USA, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

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Son of Mt. Province represents Baguio in Mr. Earth Philippines

Photo Courtesy || Mister Earth Philippines & Alessandra Imperial

Cordillera - Proud Cordilleran, Kurt Justin Santiago will be representing the city of of Baguio in the upcoming national male pageant - Mr. Earth Philippines (MEP) 2022. 

Santiago, who traces his roots to Sagada and Bontoc, Mountain Province is among the final 12 who will be competition in the 10th Edition of National Search for Mister Earth Philippines which will be held on December 14-18 2022 in Iba, Zambales

MEP is the only and credible male pageant in the Philippines that showcases young and ambitious males around the country. It is an avenue of Socio Environmental Platforms and Nationalism, serving a creating a future leaders and ambassadors.

The 12 Finalists of the MEP 2022 who will be vying for the most coveted crown are:

1. Mothelo Jess Bantolo - Antique

2. Kurt Justin Santiago - Baguio City

3. Yajjie Perez - Batangas

4. Reyson Jan Carlos - Bulacan

5. Rex Awiten - Cagayan De Oro

6. Jake Tam - Camarines Sur

7. John Mark Tan - Davao

8. 

9. Kurt Ababa - Matanao

10 Anson Kyle Tanumtanum - Pampanga

11. King James Padit - Pasig City

12. John Mark Apilan - Quezon City

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Queen of Javelin from Baguio wins 4 Gold Medals in PH Masters International Athletics Championships

Photo Courtesy || Selavan Ponciot

Cordillera - Former Baguio Cop and SEA Games multi-gold medalist Major Linda Lavandia took home 4 Gold Medals in the 2022 PHILIPPINE MASTERS INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS for Women 70 Category on November 11-12, 2022.

According to NMSSAP president Jose Ang Jr., the tournament has attracted foreign entrants from Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. It is put on by the National Masters and Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines.

In 2019 Major Lavandia, one of the greatest javelin throwers in the history of Southeast Asian games won four golds in different throwing events namely javelin throw, discus throw, shotput and hammer throw South East Asia Athletic Championship held in Singapore from May 4 to May 5, 2019.

Lavandia told in a news interview that she keeps on training, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep to be able to stay fit and strong.

"Thorough training. Kailangan magtraining ng maigi. Dapat may dedication, determination and discipline... Kailangan on time ka matulog, yan ang sikreto ko doon," Lavandia said.

Lavandia's goal is to always be a world champion and wants to compete with best athlete from the USA.

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Cordilleran from Ifugao RAdm Toribio Adaci Jr. is the new Philippine Navy Chief

Photo Courtesy || Hans Bryan Lim PN / NPAO

Cordillera - Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, took the helm as the Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer In Command following the Change of Command Ceremony on November 24 at the PN headquarters here.

The AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, presided over the ceremony as Rear Admiral Adaci succeeded PN Vice Commander, Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, who had served as the acting Navy Chief since September 9.

Lieutenant General Bacarro lauded the 40th FOIC for reaching this significant milestone in his military career and expressed confidence that Rear Admiral Adaci’s “stellar record and distinguished experience in naval operations, education and training, and personnel management and administration will prove effective and beneficial for the Philippine Navy and entire AFP as well”.

The AFP Chief likewise thanked Rear Admiral Valencia “for holding the Philippine Navy’s fort with competence, diligence, and foresight even for very brief period” which ensured the continuity of Navy’s operations.

The newly-designated Navy chief is the first to serve for a fixed term of three years as set by Republic Act No. 11709, a law prescribing fixed tour of duty for military officials who are holding key positions.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Adaci acknowledged his predecessors “who have ushered the way and enabled us to be where we are today” and vowed to continue the PN’s “trajectory as a modernizing naval defense force” with “consistency, connectivity, and, most importantly – efficiency.”

Among his priority thrusts include the enhancement and sustainment of personnel trainings, rationalization of the organization, modernization program, real estate and bases management, international defense and security engagements, self-reliant defense posture, and advancement of the Navy’s interests.

Rear Admiral Adaci, who hails from the Province of Ifugao, is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Makatao'' Class of 1989. Some of the key positions he held prior assumption of the top Navy post includes the Commander of the Naval Installation Command, and the Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF), the Navy’s national maneuver force. He is also a lawyer, having finished his Law Degree in 2000 and passing the Bar Examinations in the same year.

source || Armed Forces of the Philippines

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Stephen Loman ranks 3rd in ONE Championship after beating Bibiano Fernandez

Photo Courtesy || SCMP

Cordillera - Ifugao pride Stephen Loman has proven that he is one of the best Filipino talent in ONE Championship after his convincing victory over former One Bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandez in November 19, 2022. 

The 27-year old warrior from Cordillera pummeled Fernandez with his deadly ground-and-pound strikes to outscore Fernandez and took a favorable win from the judges. 

Loman scored the biggest and most impressive victory in his recent fight lifting his ranking in the 3rd spot in the ONE Bantamweight division after Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker. 

Fans are excited to see Loman takes on John Lineker who defeated fellow Team Lakay Kevin Belingon. 

According to One, Loman is on the cusp of a ONE Bantamweight World Title shot, and should he win the crown one day, then he would join the ranks of Team Lakay greats such as Honorio Banario, Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Geje Eustaquio, and the current ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio, all of who have earned the coveted gold.

With his first two ONE Championship fights ending in his favor, Loman has demonstrated that he fits right in with the organization’s elite bantamweights.

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Cordillera pride Menchi Abahan champion in Altitude OCR World Championships Mount Everest

Photo Courtesy || POSF

Cordilleran - The Cordilleran elite-trail runner has conquered the world's highest mountain - the Mount Everest in the Himalayas. 

Miss Sandi Menchi Abahan was hailed as champion in the just concluded Altitude World Championships Mount Everest on November 8 - 22, 2022.

The Igorota Sea Games Gold Medalist has successfully conquered 10 obstacles, climbed the snowy and chillin' mountain of Mount Everest and was declared champion.  

Just a month ago, Abahan obtains the title Spartan Pro after winning 1st Place at the 30-39 years-old Category of the 50K Borneo Trail Classic in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, held from October 15 to 16, 2022.

It can be recalled that Abahan is one of the five Filipinos who was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records during World’s Highest OCR & Altitude OCR on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania on 19 September 2021. 

This year, Abahan and fellow Pinoy elite-runner Andrico Mahilum brought pride to the country as they were hailed champion in the said race event.

The Altitude Obstacle Course Races are events held in high altitude environments. Racers for the Mount Everest had to finish the mountain's extremely high altitude of 18,000+ feet or 5,500+ meters to be declared winner. 

Abahan grew up in Baguio city. Here mom is from Mountain Province and her father is from Ifugao. 

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Igorot from Sablan wins Great Man of the Universe PH Culture & Tourism

Photo Courtesy || Andy Cayna & Glomark Pahignalo

Cordillera - Benguet representative to the first Great Man of the Universe male pageant, Mr. Stephen Harold Lilley Jr. has been crowned the Great Man Culture & Tourism during the coronation night of the Great Man of the Universe 2022 held at Novotel Manila on November 13.

Lilley who hails from Sablan, Benguet also received the Best Model Award, Award, Hotness Overload Challenge Award, Best in Runway Challenge, Nanostix Award, and the Genix Award.

In the Top 10 Speech category, where each contestant spoke on how they can be a "Man and a Gentleman despite all the horrible things going around the globe," Lilley focused on promoting environmental protection and rainforest preservation.

In a thank you note posted in his social media account, he thanked all those who have supported him in his Great Man of the Universe journey.

“Thanks a lot to those people out there, kapamilya, kailyans, my fellow torogi/ igorot who gave their full support in my GMU journey; this is our Victory. I hope I made you proud guys,” he said.

“A great man is a man who stands by what he believes in, and a gentleman who has the heart to serve others," he added.

Great Man of the Philippines is a national male pageant participated by different candidates from around the country. It aims to promote tourism,culture, education, sports, and arts.

At least six Cordillerans who came from different regions in Cordillera had made it to the final list of aspirants for the male pageants which will be held in Manila this November 2022. They are Lucas Empiso of Kapangan, Benguet, Delefher Comising of Itogon, Benguet, Miguel Jarrel Bas-ilen from La Trinidad, Benguet, Irvin Tan of Baguio City, John Rowel Recile representing Mt.Province, and Stephen Harol Lilley, Jr. from Sablan, Benguet.

Team Cordillera is directed by sir Paul Paran.

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Cordilleran sisters from Abra win Gold, Bronze in Taekwondo

Photo Courtesy || Abrenean.com

Cordillera - Sisters from Abra, Ms. Jezy Grace P. Daoaten and Ms. Jhilianne P.Daoaten bagged Gold and Bronze medal during the just concluded 2022 National Age Group Poomsae and Kyurugi Taekwondo Championship on November 19-20, 2022.

Jezy Grace, a grade 4 student earned the Gold medal while her sister Jhiliane, a grade two student won the bronze medal.

The sisters received their medals and certificate signed by sir Robert Aventajado, the current president of Philippine Taekwondo Association.

The competition was participated by many taekwondo jins from all over the country who gathered to showcase their skills in the sport.

Poomsae is the Korean word for "Forms," which are carried out through meticulous timing of movement against a single or more imagined opponents. It comprises coordinated hand- and foot-based motions as well as blocking, striking, thrusting, and kicking maneuvers.

The event is supported by the Philippine Sport Commission, Philippine Olympics Committee, Milo and Smart Communication.

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Benguet's Adivay Festival 2022 Jobs Fair set on November 21-22, 2022

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Benguet

Cordillera - The province of Benguet is celebrating its 122nd Foundation Anniversary through Adivay with the theme "A Peoples' Festival of Culture, Nature, and the Future. 

The word "Adivay" is an Ibaloi term that means "coming together". The celebration is a gathering of Benguet's 13 towns in the provincial capital, with focus on the culture and products of the municipalities. 

This year's celebration started on November 7th and will end on the 30th. 

According to PIO-Benguet, some of the lined up activities that will highlight the unique culture and industry of the Province includes the Mr. and Ms. Benguet Pageant, the Inter-Municipality Battle of the Bands, the Agri and Trade Fair, the Benguet Awards, the Inter-Regional Market Encounter, and the Parade and Grand Cañao that will be held on the 23rd.

There is also a job fair scheduled on the 21st and 22nd at the Provincial Capitol covered court where local jobs from various agencies and companies are offered those looking for work.

Some of the jobs available includes language teachers, chef, engineers, plumbers, painters, technicians, welders, nurses, accountants, customer service representatives, architects, heavy equipment operators, pharmacists, security guards, cashiers, riders and others.

To check the complete lists of job available, please visit PIO-Benguet official Facebook page here

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SLU is among top universities in Asia by QS World University Rankings

Cordillera - Sixteen (16) higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines were included in the list of best Asian universities, according to QS World University Rankings.

Among the top Asian universities is the Saint Louis University in Baguio which took the 103 spot in the South-Eastern Asia region and placed 651-700 across  Asia.

SLU received a Three-Star of Excellence for their achievements in research publications, faculty and student data, program sustainability, employment statistics, internationalization, and environmental, social, and governance sustainability.

The University of the Philippines meanwhile remained the country's best institution as it topped all PH universities on the list. It ranked 87th.

Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and University of Santo Tomas (UST) all followed it, taking the 134th, 171st, and 175th spots, respectively.

The QS is regarded as the biggest global network for higher education. Each year, it publishes a list of the best universities in Asia.

A number of criteria are used to rank universities, including research, teaching, internationalization, academic development, online learning, innovation, arts and culture, facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusion, environmental effect, and specialist criteria.

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Cordilleran Scout Ranger graduates U.S. Army Ranger Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA

Photo Courtesy || SRAA

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran Scout Ranger from Kalinga is among the graduates of the United States of America Army Ranger Course held at Ford Benning, Georgia, USA.

1st Lieutenant Castillion Antalus (Inf) PA, who hails from Sumadel, Tinglayan was part of the five chosen Philippine Scout Ranger graduates who were sent to the US to train at the U.S. Army Ranger School.

The U.S. Army Ranger School is a 62-day small-unit tactics and leadership course, established way back 1950s. The course is designed to develop functional skills directly related to enemy engagements in close combat and direct-fire battles. The 8 weeks course is divided into 3 phases; Benning, Mountain, and Swamp Phase.

The training started on July 19, 2022 as part of Class 09-22. The first part that Antalis went through is the Ranger Assessment Phase (RAP). During RAP week, out of more or less 400 trainees, 40% was removed from the course, resulting in 115 remaining trainees. 

As Antalis recalls, the training would often result in food and sleep deprivation, and each phase often carries more challenges. He mentions that during patrol routines, they can only get 2 meals per day, and little to none in sleep.

During the Swamp Phase at Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Antalis was recycled to the next class, Class 10-22 where he met fellow foreign students from Columbia and Italy. He eventually graduated as part of the Class on October 14, 2022.

source || SRAA

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WATCH: Ifugao fighter KJ Natuplag knocks out Thai boxer in 2nd round

Photo Courtesy || Darwin Miller Dap-ay

Update: KJ "The Ipugo" Natuplag won the WBO Oriental Featherweight last night after defeating Thai boxer in the 2nd round on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Dubai.

Watch his fight below:

Cordillera - Reigning WBC Asian Boxing Council Featherweight Champion KJ "The Ipugo" Natuplag is one hundred percent ready to bring home the WBO Oriental Featherweight belt this month.

The 26-year old Cordilleran boxer will face Boonrueng Phayom of Thailand on November 12, 2022 in Dubai, UAE.

According to Natuplag who hails from Ifugao, he is fully conditioned to fight Phayom after finishing more than three months of training to improve his lateral movement as well as his good defense and offence.

The young champion from Cordillera thanked his promoter, the Cordilleran community and the Overseas Filipino Workers for their unending support.

It can be recalled that Natuplag was crowned the new featherweight king of Asia after defeating Thai boxer Attanon Kunlawong on June 25, 2022.

He currently has 10 wins with 9 wins coming by way of knockout and has 3 losses while his opponent has 10 wins with only one loss.

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Former university janitor, now Master's Degree, PhD holder

Cordillera - When his classmate told him "Janitor ka lang, wala kang patutunguhan", 29-year old Joemar Capinlac took this as a motivation to study hard and pursue his dream to finish college. 

Now Capinlac has a Master's degree, finished his Doctor of Philosophy or PhD and currently working as high school teacher at Pines City National High School in Baguio City.

Capinlac believed success has always been a product of hard work. Success is the result of preparation, hard work, learning to rise from failure and with the help of the Lord.

"Through hard work I have achieved dreams in life that seemed impossible to me," Capinlac shared via pep.ph

"But with the help of our Lord, I have reached an unexpected success in life."

Capinlac finished with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) in 2015.

During his four years at the college, he also worked as a janitor to support his study.

After graduating from college, he immediately got a teaching job.

While teaching, he was reviewing for the board exam which he passed in November 2015.

Capinlac didn't end up pursuing his dream, so while working as a teacher he was also obtaining his Master of Arts in Filipino at Benguet Sate University  (BSU) and finished it in 2018.

He pursued his PhD in Filipino at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet in 2019 and graduated in July 2022.

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SLU Baguio Among Top Performing Schools in the October 2022 Electronics Technician Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || SLU Baguio

Cordillera - Saint Louis University (SLU) Baguio made it to the list of the top performing schools in the country during the October 2022 Electronics Technician Licensure Exam.

As per the exam result released by PRC, SLU ranked 4th in the top performing schools with 81.69 percent passing rate. Out of the 71 examinees who took the exam, a total of 58 students passed. 

Two students of SLU also in the list of topnotchers, Mrs Roilo Ardan Acosta Majarucon who managed to secure the 2nd spot with a rating of 88.00 % and Paul Marc Miguel Santiago Valdez in top 3 with a rating of 87%.

According to The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), there are a total of  1,546 out of 2,005 who passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medical Technology.

The exam was administered in different cities of the country including Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

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Daughter of Mt. Province graduates PH Army's Officer Candidate Course

Photo Courtesy || Miss Bhea Jeem Docyogen

Cordilleran - GMA's online newscaster Miss Bhea Jeem Docyogen joins the Philippine army as a second Lieutenant.

2LT Docyogen who hails from Mountain Province was among the 229 new graduates of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 56 "Ikarigatak" 2022.

She used to work as an online newscaster of GMA's news segment 'Stand For Truth' before joining the Philippine army.

The OCC is a one-year course that hones individuals to become mentally, physically, and emotionally trained future leaders of the Philippine Army.

READ ALSO: Igorot from Mt. Province is TOP 3 in Officer Candidate Course 56-2022

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Philippine Airlines to launch direct flights between Baguio, Cebu

Photo Courtesy || PAL

Cordillera - The national flag carrier Philippine Airlines announced on Wednesday the beginning of direct flights between Cebu and Baguio by December 16, 2022.

PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng said, "This will be PAL's comeback to the very first destination we served nearly 82 years ago, so we are happy to be flying back to where it all started.”

“At the same time, we’re inaugurating a brand-new service, linking two progressive tourist and business destinations – the Queen City of the South and the City of Pines," Ng added.

In a press statement, PAL said Baguio-Cebu direct flights will start operating on December 16. PAL's flights would operate four times a week on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

These are the flight schedules: 

PR 2231 Baguio-Cebu 

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday - departing at Baguio at 11:10 a.m., arriving in Cebu at 1 p.m. 

PR 2230 Cebu-Baguio 

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday - departing Mactan Cebu at 8:50 a.m. arriving at Baguio Loakan Airport at 10:50 a.m.

An 86-seat De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft will be used for the flights to Baguio.

PAL urged passengers considering flights to Baguio and Cebu to visit their website (www.philippineairlines.com.) for the most up-to-date travel requirements and other details of their destination. 

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Igorot warriors against the world on December 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - As ONE Championship returns to Manila, Philippines, four Team Lakay warriors are set to be showcasing their skills inside the cage against different fighters from around the world. 

Coming up this December 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena four Igorot MMA fighters are being added to ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks card.

The long-awaited clash between ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio against American challenger Jarred "The Monkey God" Brooks will be the main event of the night.

Another exciting fighter of Team Lakay, Danny "The King" Kingad is back and will be defending his fourth rank against Gurdashan "Saint Lion" Mangat in the ONE Flyweight Division. 

Meanwhile, former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio is also in the Manila card and will be sharing the cage with ONE Hero Series alum Hu "Wolf Warrior" Yong.

Also included in the card is Jeremy "The Jaguar Pacatiw who will be facing Tial "The Dragon Leg" Thang from Myanmar.

Another exciting Filipina Mixed Martial Artist Jenelyn Olsim is also in the list to face hard-hitting Meng Bo of China.

Support our Team Lakay fighters from Cordillera. You can buy your tickets at:  https://smtickets.com/events/view/11439

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Benguet Beauty to represent UK, Philippines in Mrs Universe 2022 pageant

Photo Courtesy || CJ Liddle

Cordillera - Daughter of Cordillera, Mrs. Cesdon Joy Liddle will be representing the United Kingdom and the Philippines in the upcoming Mrs Universe 2022 pageant. 

Mrs. Liddle, a proud Igorota from Benguet is the first Cordilleran to compete in the said international event which is scheduled to be held in South Korea on December 3-11, 2022. 

Mrs. Universe is an international event for the most honorable married, divorced, and widowed woman who came from different countries in the world vying for the most coveted title and crown.

READ ALSO: Igorota Beauty Queen from Sadanga is Miss Aura Philippines 2022 1st Runner-up

Candidates must be within 18 and 55 years old who have a family and career, and are involved in a significant cause. The current and reigning queen and titleholder for Mrs Universe 2021 is Mrs Ana Siradze from Georgia. 

Mrs. Liddle is a very grateful for the opportunity to represent the UK where she currently resides and the Philippines, her home country.

"I am an official candidate of Mrs Universe Ltd and I’ll represent UK and Philippines in Mrs Universe international stage.I’m the first Cordilleran to compete in the said international event and I’m really grateful for this opportunity," Mrs. Liddle wrote in a message to wowcordillera.

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Igorota Beauty Queen from Sadanga is Miss Aura Philippines 2022 1st Runner-up

Photo Courtesy || Miss Lawingan

Cordillera - A proud Igorota from Sadanga, Mountain Province received numerous award including the Miss Aura Philippines 2020 1st Runner Up during the inaugural national search for the country’s representative to the Miss Aura International Pageant held at St. Francis Shangri La Place in Mandaluyong on June 25, 2022.

Miss Heavenly Lawingan was a big winner in the event as she bagged special awards like the Ms. Aura Beauty, Miss Aura Silka, Ms. Eurotel 2022, Ms. MX3 and Ms. Royal Prince.

In a thank you post in her social media account, Miss Lawingan thanked all those who supported and helped her in her journey to becoming a queen. 

READ ALSO: Benguet Beauty to represent UK, Philippines in Mrs Universe 2022 pageant

"Who would’ve thought in a span of 9 months I would achieve all this? I am just so grateful that all my hard work and dedication paid off. But I stand here a mindful queen knowing that this would not have been possible if not for so many supporting me and helping me become the queen that I have become," she said.

"To be a beauty queen is something I aspired to be in a short amount of time. And to have achieved that in a short amount of time is something I manifested but still in awe that I reached this dream. But it’s not yet over, Miss Aura Philippines 1st runner-up is just another beautiful beginning to a journey of this queen who longs to inspire and be a worthy inspiration throughout her life. Because a true queen lives and leads by example," Miss Lawingan added.

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