Baguio World Class Toilets win ASEAN Public Toilet Award

Photo Courtesy || Neil Clark Ongchangco

Cordillera - Two World Class Toilets of Baguio city located in Botanical Garden and Wright Park bagged the "ASEAN Public Toilet Award' from the prestigious 2023 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards. 

This is the first time the city government of Baguio which managed the toilets were able to won the award. 

The Baguio toilets passed the four main criteria which recommend how a public toilet must be operated and maintained. 

These are Design and Environmental Management Safety, Amenities and Facilities, Cleanliness, and Safety.

The ASEAN Tourism Standard Task Force has laid down the Public Toilet Standard to ensure the quality, comfort, safety, and proper waste management of  public toilets at tourist spots within the region. 

"A basic yet vital component in the tourism industry that can make or break the tourist experience is when the tourist has to use the toilet," it said. 

The awarding ceremony will be conferred next month at the Marriot Yogyakarta Hotel, Indonesia.

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La Trinidad made history, baked world largest strawberry shortcake

Cordillera - In 2004, the town of La Trinidad in Benguet, made history for baking a giant strawberry shortcake that weighed 9,622,24 kilograms. The massive dessert was created to celebrate the municipality's annual strawberry festival and to promote the local strawberry industry.

The giant strawberry shortcake was made with locally grown strawberries and was constructed using a steel frame to support its weight. It was decorated with cream and more strawberries, making it a truly impressive sight. The entire process of constructing the giant cake took several days and required the help of over 10,000 people.

The giant strawberry shortcake was sliced and served to the thousands of visitors who came to the festival. It was not only a delicious treat, but also a symbol of the hard work and dedication of the local farmers and community members who made it possible. The giant strawberry shortcake helped to raise awareness of the town's strawberry industry and attracted even more visitors to the annual festival in the following years.

Additionally, the giant strawberry shortcake also helped to boost the local economy as it attracted more tourists and generated more business for the town. The giant strawberry shortcake also helped to put the town of La Trinidad on the map, making it a popular tourist destination in the Philippines.

The giant strawberry shortcake of La Trinidad in Benguet in 2004 is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the local community. It not only provided a delicious treat for visitors, but also helped to promote the town's strawberry industry and boost the local economy. The giant strawberry shortcake will always be remembered as a delicious and impressive achievement in the history of La Trinidad.

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WATCH: Igorot wushu sensation Kevin Belingon knocks out Russian wrestler

Cordillera - When Igorot fighter Kevin Belingon met with a Dagestani wrestler in 2012, they made an exciting fight. The Russian star Yusup Saadulaev was determined and somewhat confident he will finished Belingon in the first round. But the young Igorot fighter fought back with his striking capability and caught the Russian with a powerful punch. 

Watch their fight below.

Who is Kevin Belingon?

Kevin Belingon is a professional mixed martial artist from the Philippines, a member of Team Lakay and competes in the bantamweight division of ONE Championship. He is a former ONE Bantamweight World Champion and is widely considered one of the best bantamweight fighters in the world.

Belingon began his professional MMA career in 2007 and quickly made a name for himself in the Philippines. He amassed a record of 7-1 before signing with ONE Championship in 2011. He quickly established himself as a top contender in the bantamweight division and earned a shot at the title in 2014, but came up short against then-champion Bibiano Fernandes.

After losing to Fernandes, Belingon went on a tear, winning six straight fights, including a split decision victory over Fernandes in 2018 to win the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. Since then, Belingon has successfully defended his title twice and has become one of the most popular and respected fighters in ONE Championship.

Belingon is known for his aggressive style and powerful striking. He is also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, making him a well-rounded fighter. He currently holds a professional MMA record of 22-5 and is widely considered one of the top bantamweight fighters in the world.

In addition to his MMA career, Belingon is also a dedicated family man and is known for his humility and sportsmanship outside the ring. He's a true inspiration to many young Filipinos. He serves as an advocate for fitness and healthy living, and often uses his platform to encourage others to lead active lifestyles.

Kevin Belingon is a true warrior, a fierce competitor and a true representative of Philippines in the international martial arts scene. He will continue to inspire many aspiring fighters to follow their dreams, to never give up and to always strive for greatness.

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Igorot footballer Audie Menzi joins Philippine national football team AZKALS

Photo Courtesy || Kaya FC

Cordillera - Proud Igorot footballer Mr. Audie B. Menzi now a member of the Philippines national football team - Azkals. 

The 28-year-old Menzi, who hails from Kapangan and Tublay, Benguet is now the first and only Cordilleran to join Azkals. 

The 1.72 meter-tall Menzi is now part of the national team that represents the country in international football competitions. 

Before becoming a professional football player for Azkals, Menzi played under Kaya Futbol Club, a football team based in Iloilo, the highest tier of football in the Philippines. 

Kaya FC has won one UFL cup and two Copa Paulino Alcantara, and has also competed in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.

The Philippines national football team, also known as the Azkals, represents the Philippines in international football competitions. It is controlled by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and competes as a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Southeast Asian Football Federation (SEAF). 

The team made its debut in the Philippine Football League (PFL) in the late 1990s. They have been successful in the Southeast Asian Games and AFF Suzuki Cup and have been consistently ranked highly in Southeast Asia. The team's most successful period came in 2010s, they reached the semi-finals of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, before reaching the finals in 2012.

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Batad, Banaue are World's Most Beautiful Rice Terraces

Photo Courtesy || BecomingFilipino

Cordillera - Cordillera's Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Northern part of the Philippines. These terraces were carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people, and are still used today to grow rice.

The terraces are often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" because of their incredible engineering and the fact that they are still in use to this day. They cover an area of over 10,000 square kilometers and are considered to be a masterpiece of human ingenuity.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are not only an important cultural and historical site, but they also play a crucial role in the local economy. Rice is the main staple food in the Philippines, and the terraces provide a source of income for many of the local farmers.

The construction of the terraces was a massive undertaking, and required the use of simple tools and manual labor. The Ifugao people used a technique called "sloping cultivation" to create the terraces, which involved cutting into the mountain and building walls out of rock and soil to create the terraces. This method is still used today to maintain the terraces.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are not only a beautiful sight to behold, but they also serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and determination of the Ifugao people. They are a testament to the human ability to create something beautiful and functional out of the most challenging of landscapes.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of maintenance and limited government support, the terraces are slowly deteriorating. The terraces are also affected by climate change and weather patterns. The government and local community are working together to preserve and maintain these terraces for future generations.

Visiting the Banaue Rice Terraces is an unforgettable experience, and is an opportunity to see firsthand the incredible work of the Ifugao people. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and agriculture. The terraces are accessible by bus or jeepney from Banaue town, and there are a number of tours and guides available to help visitors explore the area.

In conclusion, The Banaue Rice Terraces are a unique and awe-inspiring wonder of the world that showcases the ingenuity, determination, and hard work of the Ifugao people. They are a valuable cultural and historical site, as well as an important source of income for the local community. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and agriculture, but it is also a reminder that we need to take action to preserve it for future generations.

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Bauko firefighters help pregnant woman give birth baby inside car

Photo Courtesy || Sadsadan Fire Sub Station

Cordillera - A pregnant woman who went into labor inside a car received assistance from firefighters in safely giving birth to her baby. 

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, personnel from the Sadsadan Fire Sub Station in Bauko together with personnel from the RHU-Sub Station responded to a call to help a mother give birth to a baby. 

Fire Officer 3 Efrain L. Ngade from the said sub station, in an interview on Wednesday, said Sub Station Commander SGO3 Sherwin G. Cogasi and his trained personnel  successfully helped a pregnant mother from Tabikong, Monamon Norte. 

FO3 Ngade lso emphasized that the Bureau had medical emergency training. Back to basics medical training is also being provided.

Indeed, the Bureau of Fire Protection is always ready to give service and assistance at any time and anywhere.

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Igorot model Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Pageant Trend

Cordillera - Son of Benguet Mr. Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023 held on January 7, 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

The proud Igorot also won two major awards which includes Best in National Costume and Best in Swimwear. 

In a social media post, Kenneth expressed his gratitude to all those who supported him during the competition especially the Filipino and Cordilleran community. 

In July 2022, Kenneth was the 1st runner-up in the Mr. & Mrs. World Universe International 2022.

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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Proud Cordillera students from Kalinga to represent PH in World Robotic Competition

Province of Kalinga

Cordillera - Three Kalinga students were chosen to represent the Philippines in the upcoming World MakeX Robotics Competition to be held in China this April 2023. 

Grade 10 students from Tabuk City National High School, Clarence Sunday Rodriguez, Ceasar Ace Malannag and Jeanzhen C. Gayagay, together with their coaches, Engr. Paul Quines, Engr. Elizer Vallderama, and Computer Programmer Chester Bawagan earned the spot to raise the flag of the country in an international robotic competition after besting 32 teams from  all over the country during the  2nd National Creotec Makex Robotics Competition 2022  last December 10 in Laguna.

The group which they called it "Robotanastics" is in full swing preparation as they set to compete in the biggest robotic competition in the world. 

The group said they need more time to practice and review more programs to be able to absorb more skills and knowledge.

The three students, Clarence, Ceasar Ace and Jeanzhen are all honor students since Grade seven. They all studied in the Science Technology Engineering section. One of them wants to be a pilot in the future and the two are undecided but they both love to invent new things and innovate.

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Multi-billion Balili Bypass Road to connect La Trinidad and Baguio Proposed

Cordillera - A multi-billion bypass road from the town of La Trinidad to the city of Baguio is being proposed to help alleviate  traffic congestion that commuters experience when traveling between La Trinidad and Baguio.

The municipal council of La Trinidad, Benguet, has passed Resolution No. 25, series of 2020 calling for the national government to contribute 5 billion in funding for the project.

The bypass road project has the potential to benefit both areas by decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution experienced by commuters and residents.

Meanwhile, the city government of Baguio backed the resolution saying for the proposed construction of the multi-billion bypass road.

“Excellent and thankful that the city also sees our resolution as a solution to the problem. It is a welcome support that will benefit all those that travel to the north thru the Baguio-Bontoc road, including the vegetable truckers that carry highly perishable items," La Trinidad Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan said.

Awingan said their resolution was a result of a study conducted by the Saint Louis University (SLU)-Architecture and Engineering Department and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The study also included the possibility of putting up a structure that will also serve as a flood control.

“We saw the need for a separate road from the national highway, which is the only road that is generally used by the motorists in going to Mountain Province, Ifugao, parts of Benguet connecting Baguio City because there are many occasions when travel along the six-kilometer road takes a long time,” he added.

He said the Baguio-Bontoc Road is also the only road used by truckers transporting vegetables to other provinces.

It also connects Baguio City to their town used by tourists who visit the Colors of Stobosa, (sitios of Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap), the vegetable trading post and the strawberry farms.

It is also the same road used by public utility vehicles going to Sagada in Mountain Province, the vegetable gardens in Atok and Buguias towns of Benguet, and other attractions.

source || PNA

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Look: Carved Wood Dog Coffin in Ifugao

Photo Courtesy || YouLike Cordillera PH

Cordillera - An Ifugao man, inspired by his father's love for dogs, wanted to do something special to honor him. 

After much contemplation, he decided to commission an Ifugao artist to carve a wooden dog coffin as a tribute to his father's fondness for canines. 

The result was a stunning and intricate piece, with every detail carefully crafted to reflect Ama Binwag's love for dogs.

In addition to the wooden dog coffin, the man also decided to construct a horse-shaped burial tomb to pay homage to his father's passion for horses. 

Both the coffin and the tomb were true works of art, showcasing the exceptional carving skills and creativity of the Ifugao people.

The Ifugao people are an indigenous group from the mountains of Northern Luzon in the Philippines. They are known for their skilled woodcarving, an important part of their cultural heritage.

Ifugao woodcarvers are skilled in creating a wide range of objects including decorative pieces, household items, and ritual objects. One of their most famous creations is the "hagabi," a large wooden bench that serves as a throne for tribal leaders and is highly prized for its intricate carvings.

The Ifugao also carve wooden rice granaries, known as "pala'o," which are used to store and protect the rice that is central to their way of life. These granaries are often decorated with complex carvings and are considered works of art.

The Ifugao woodcarvers use a variety of tools, including adzes, chisels, and knives to create their intricate and detailed carvings. The process is labor-intensive and requires a great deal of skill and patience.

The woodcarving tradition of the Ifugaos is an important part of their culture and is passed down from generation to generation. It is a testament to their creativity, ingenuity, and artistic skills.

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10th Sagada Etag Festival set to be celebrated on February 2-5, 2023

Cordillera - The municipality of Sagada is set to celebrate its 10th installment of the Annual Sagada Etag Festival for the Year 2023 with the theme: "Napigsa ay Kultura ya Pammati, Wedweday i-Gabay ya Isikan di Umili," on February 2-5, 2023. 

The Sagada municipality unveiled the Calendar of Activities lined up in the upcoming celebration of the festival. 

These includes the Civic Parade & Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Lord Jesus Crist which is schedule on February 2, 2023; Cultural Day on February 4, 2023; Agro-Gastro Fair & Launching of the Sagada Tourism Tagline on March 4, 2023.

The Sagada Etag Festival was conceptualized in 2010 by the Sangguniang Bayan of Sagada. The conceptualization of the Festival name was in consideration of the economic and social values of the Sagada Igorots.

ETAG refers to a salted meat processed for preservation in different ways. It is a most important part of any ritual performed for any occasion in the life of Sagada. In rituals, it is used by itself or cooked with chicken, and with the prayers of the old men. “Gobbaw”, weddings, building a house, offering of prayers are just some of the rituals where ETAG is a key ingredient.

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PANAGBENGA FLOWER FESTIVAL 2023 Schedule of Events and Activities

Panagbenga Flower Festival 2023 Schedule of Events and Activities. Photo Courtesy || Wikimedia CC

Cordillera - Panagbenga is an annual flower festival held in Baguio City, located in the northern part of the Philippines. The festival is held in February, and it is meant to celebrate the city's abundant flowers, particularly the roses that bloom during this time of year. 

The word "Panagbenga" means "season of blooming" in the local Kankanaey language. The festival includes various events such as parades, street dancing, and flower exhibits. It is a popular tourist attraction, and it is known for its colorful floats that are decorated with fresh flowers.

Panagbenga Festival 2023 Schedule of Events and Activities

February 1, 2023 (Wednesday) - Panagbenga Grand Opening Parade

February 18, 2023 (Saturday) - Panagbenga Cultural Dance Competition

February 19, 2023 (Sunday) - Fluvial Parade, Mardi Gras at the Lake

February 25, 2023 (Saturday) - Grand Street Dance Parade

February 27 - March 5, 2023 - Session Road in Bloom

March 5, 2023 (Sunday) - Grand Areal Fireworks Display

For the complete schedule, please see the photo below

Photo Courtesy || Panagbenga Festival FB Page

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December 26, 2022 is Special (Non-Working) holiday nationwide

Cordillera - Philippine President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr. has declared December 26, 2022 (Monday) as a Special (Non-Working) holiday through out the country. 

In a Proclamation No. 115 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin it says, the additional non-working day will “give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones.”

“A longer weekend will encourage families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment, and will promote tourism,” the proclamation read.

The president has ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue the appropriate circular to implement the proclamation for the private sector.

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Igorot wrestler from Benguet wins silver medal in South East Asian Wrestling Championship

Cordillera - A wrestler from Benguet province brought pride to the country as he bagged silver medal during the recently held Southeast Asian (SEA) Wrestling Championship held in Cambodia on December 14-18 2022. 

24 years-old Jason Baucas, SEA Games gold medalist took home the silver medal in the 72kgs Greco Roman category.

Jason Baucas is part of the Philippine National Wrestling Team who represented the country in the SEA Wrestling Championship in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. 

The competition was participated by different countries in South East Asia including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and the host country Cambodia. 

The team was able to secure 1 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals, courtesy to:

Alvin Lobreguito - Gold Medal (57kg, Freestyle Men's event)

Michael Cater - Silver Medal (55kg, Greco Roman)

Margarito Angana - Bronze (60kg, Greco Roman)

Jefferson Manatad - Bronze (87kg, Greco Roman)

Jia Pingot - Silver (50, Freestyle Women's)

Mariane Mariano - Silver (59kg, Freestyle Women's)

Maribel Angana - Bronze (53kg, Freestyle Women's)

Ronil Tubog - Silver (61kg, Freestyle Men's)

Jhonny Morte - Bronze (65kg, Freestyle Men's)

Jefferson Calingayan - Bronze (70kg, Freestyle Men's)

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Cordilleran pride Mr. Kurt Justin Santiago crowned Mr. Earth Philippines- Air 2022

Cordillera - Proud son of Mt. Province Mr. Kurt Justin Santiago was crowned Mr. Earth Philippines - Air 2022 during the grand coronation night held in Cainta, Rizal on 17, December 2022. 

Santiago, who hails from Sagada and Bontoc Mt. Province was chosen as Mister Earth Philippines - Air Ambassador. 

The Cordilleran pride also won Best in Leap, Mr. Congeniality, Best in Swim Wear, Online Choice Award, and Best in Arrival Award.

Meanwhile, the lucky winner for the Mr. Earth Philippines was Anson Kyle from Pampanga. 

Other winners of the said competition was Rjay Awiten of Cagayan De Oro - Mr. Earth Philippines Water; Kurt Jay Ababa of Matanao - Mr. Earth Philippines - Fire; Mothelo Jess Bantolo of Antique - Mr. Earth - Eco Tourism; and King Javes Padit or Pasig City - Mr Earth Philippines - Teen

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.

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WATCH: Martin knocks out foe in 2nd round, now the new IBF–Pan-Pacific super bantamweight champ

Photo Courtesy || Carl James Martin

Cordilleran - Cordilleran boxing prospect Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin has been named as the new International Boxing Federation o IBF-Pan-Pacific super bantamweight champion after defeating Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand on December 17, 2022 in La Trinidad, Benguet. 

The undefeated fighter from Ifugao province won via 2nd round technical knock out after unleashing powerful shot to the body of the Thai fighter. 

The Martin-Nantapech bout was considered the biggest boxing match in Cordillera since Rey Tham fought Japanese fighter Apollo Yoshio in November 1977.

Darwin Miller Dep-ay of Pinoy Boxing Prodigy Promotions has compared Martin to the legendary Benguet fighter Rey Tam of Cordillera who won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight belt. 

Rey Tam was undefeated in his 20 fights, 11 wins came by way of TKOs while Martin has earned all his 16 wins via TKOs.

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Lady cop from Mt.Province is the first Igorota General of Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || Office of the Chief PNP

Cordillera - A proud Igorota from Sabangan, Mountain Province was among the Cordilleran cops promoted to Police Brigadier Generals at the Camp Crame on December 12, 2022. 

PB General Jezebel Dominguez Medina is the first Igorot woman to be promoted Police Brigadier General. 

PG Gen. Medina is the acting director of the Philippine National Police Health Service. She was a former dentist before joining the PNP Class of 1993 through lateral entry.

During her tenure as Chief of the Quezon City Police District Medical and Dental Unit, where she and her unit were awarded the Best District Support Unit in 2005, she pioneered the "Bagong Ngiti sa Dating Bungi" Program, a free denture initiative that helped hundreds of NCRPO officers. Now, under the name "Serbisyong May Ngiti para sa Kapulisan," the aforementioned initiative is being implemented in many regions in the country.

Her remarkable leadership abilities were consistently acknowledged in the numerous jobs she had. She was named Dental Officer of the Year in 2008 and Best Support Unit Chief twice, in 2008 and 2014, respectively. She was also named Best Regional Health Service Chief and Outstanding Regional Service Unit at the national level in 2017. For three years in a row, the Regional Health Service 3 was named the Best Regional Health Service 3.

PBGen. Medina was accompanied by her husband PBGen. Remus Medina and their children during the donning of ranks ceremony. 

Major Generals or with two-stars who were promoted were Edgar Allan Okubo who is the director of the PNP Special Action Force and Ritchie Posadas who is the Deputy Director of the APC Southern Luzon. 

The new Cordilleran Generals include PBGen. Mark Pespes, PBGen. Ramil Saculles, PBGen. Patrick Joseph Alan, and PBGen. Roderick Minong.

source || PNP PIO

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Lito Adiwang is back, to fight unbeaten Mansur Malachiev in January

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - After resting and recovering from injury, Team Lakay's hard-hitting fighter Lito Adiwang is finally back as he will return to action this January 2023. 

In an announcement by Team Lakay, Adiwang will be facing undefeated Mansur Malachiev on the undercard of ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 14, 2023 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Lito suffered an ACL injury last March and have been focusing on his recovery in the past months. Now, stronger and better, he will be back in the circle and remind the division who the Thunderkid is", the note said. 

For Adiwang, he is 100 percent ready for the fight after numerous unfavorable situations he was in.

“The desire to win this fight is one hundred percent. The monster in me has awakened again after all the pain and trials plus the losses of my teammates. I am coming to this fight with a bulletproof mindset,” Adiwang said.

“With back-to-back trials in my career and life, tasting defeats in the game, injury and losses in life, it's painful and demoralizing that I reached my breaking point. If I sank into these emotional and painful feelings it can be my downfall,” he added.

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WATCH: Jeremy Pacatiw submits Tial Thang via triangle choke, gets $50,000 bonus

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship via tiebreakertimes

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Jeremy "The Jaggernaut Pacatiw earned another win in ONE Championship as he submitted Myanmar's Tial Thang with a deep triangle choke in the 2nd round during the ONE:164 Bantamweight battle held in the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Igorot warrior of Benguet stood out for his impressive boxing moves and attempted to finish the fight early in the first round with an arm bar choke. 

In the 2nd round, Pacatiw unleashed powerful combination of punches to the head which the American-Burmese fighter responded with punches of his own. Both fighter enjoyed the exchange with the delight of the fans.

Half-way through the round, Thang attempted a take down but failed. Pacatiw took the chance and dragged Thang to ground to end the bout with an armed bar submission.

“Respect to brother Tial Thang. He was very tough and very talented and I know someday we’ll face him again in the cage. I took an arm bar, but it was slippery. I looked for an opening and he gave me the triangle choke. It was ‘good night, Irene’,” Pacatiw said in an interview.

Chatri Sityodtong, the CEO of ONE, gave him a substantial gift in the amount of $50,000 for his impressive performance. He is the 2nd one of Team Lakay to receive such bonus after Jhanlo Sangiao.

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Jhanlo Sangiao wins via 1st round submission, earns 50K USD bonus

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - Jhanlo Sangiao, son of legendary Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao earns his 2nd win in ONE Championship as he submits Anacleto Lauron via a rear-naked choke during their encounter at ONE 164 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

In a show of his grappling skills, Jhanlo took the fight to the mat and unleashed his vicious ground-and-pound against newcomer Anacleto Lauron. 

The Bantamweight prospect Jhanlo then choked Lauron by wrapping his arm around the latter's neck that forced him to tap at the 1:48 mark of round 1.

In his post-fight interview with the media, Jhanlo said he was confident to win the fight as he believed he was the stronger guy.

"I'm confident because I know I'm stronger than the guy. I'm stronger on the ground and in the stand-up," Jhanlo said.

Actually, I was supposed to strike with him, but I put him down and submitted him, I always practice my rear-naked choke in the gym," he added. 

Jhanlo was able to put the first win for Team Lakay after his two teammates Eduard Folayang and Jenelyn Olsim suffered a brutal knockout earlier.

He was also given the first USD50,000 bonus for Team Lakay athlete from ONE CEO Chatri Sidyothong for his incredible performance.

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