Cordilleran genius from Baguio becomes the youngest law graduate in the world, at age 18

Photo Courtesy || Jozef Maynard Borja Erece / everybodywiki

Cordillera - A Filipino-New Zealand-Australian gifted child becomes the world's youngest law graduate at the age of 18. 

Jozef Maynard Borja Erece, a proud Cordilleran is arguably the youngest person ever admitted to the legal profession and youngest law graduate in the history of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Mr. Erece was born in New Zealand in 1996 to Filipino parents and was recognized as a gifted child. 

By the age of 3, he was already reading, and by 11, he was in high school, graduating as Valedictorian in 2011 from St. Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge. 

In 2011, he was offered a spot in Stanford University's Institutes' Program, a special course for gifted youth, but declined the opportunity. Instead, he chose to attend the University of Southern Queensland in 2012, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Law in just three years.

Jozef is the son of Dr. Maynard Victor Erece who went to Magsaysay Elementary School in New Lucban, Baguio city and worked as a criminal lawyer, prosecutor and an educator. 

Her mother, Dr, Josephine Ana Borja Erece, a medical doctor by profession went to St. Louis Center and graduated as valedictorian. 

Jozef Maynard Borja Erece is known for his exceptional abilities, being called a genius, polymath, and child prodigy. 

He has received widespread recognition for his achievements and his journey has been widely covered by the media. 

READ ALSO: Dexter Santos Valenton: First Aeta to pass the Criminologist Licensure Exam

His gifts and talents have been the subject of research by experts in the fields of gifted and talented education, psychology, neurology, and child development.

The city government of Baguio has passed a resolution to recognized and commend Jozef for giving honor to the city and the country as the youngest law graduate and practicing lawyer in the world.

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Japan's legendary Shinya Aoki visits home of the champions in Benguet

Photo Courtesy || One Championship & Eduard Folayang

Cordillera - Team Lakay's head coach Mark Sangiao revealed in a Facebook post that Shinya Aoki of Japan has visited their gym on Tuesday to meet with Eduard Folayang and the rest of Team Lakay athletes. 

Shinya Aoki is a professional mixed martial artist and grappler from Japan. He is currently signed with ONE Championship and is a former ONE Lightweight World Champion. 

Aoki has a professional record of 46-11 and is considered one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. He is known for his exceptional grappling skills, having won multiple Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling championships. Aoki is also a black belt in judo. 

He began his MMA career in 2003 and has fought for various promotions throughout his career, including DREAM, PRIDE, and Strikeforce. He has notable wins over Eddie Alvarez, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Antonio McKee. Aoki is known for his aggressive and exciting fighting style, making him a fan favorite among MMA enthusiasts. 

Eduard Folayang is a Filipino professional mixed martial artist and a former ONE Lightweight World Champion. He is currently signed with ONE Championship. 

He has a professional record of 22-9 and is considered one of the top lightweight fighters in Asia. He began his MMA career in 2006 and has fought for various promotions throughout his career, including URCC, Pacific Xtreme Combat and ONE Championship. 

He is known for his striking skills and his striking style is a combination of wushu, boxing and kickboxing. He has notable wins over Shinya Aoki, Kotetsu Boku, and Adrian Pang. 

He is also a former Wushu champion. He is considered as one of the pioneers of MMA in Philippines and has been a role model for many young fighters in the Philippines.

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Frost hits Benguet's Mt. Pulag, Luzon's Highest Peak

Photo Courtesy || Silva Pacliwan

Cordillera - The country's second highest mountain, the Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet had frost Tuesday morning. 

Frost is a type of precipitation that occurs when the temperature of a surface falls below freezing point and the water vapor in the air condenses into ice crystals. 

This can happen on Mt. Pulag, as the summit of the mountain reaches elevations of over 2,900 meters above sea level. 

At these high elevations, the temperature can drop well below freezing, making frost a common occurrence.

Frost is most likely to form on Mt. Pulag during the dry season, which runs from November to May. 

During this time, clear skies and low humidity make it easier for the temperature to drop and for frost to form. 

Visitors to the mountain during this time period should be prepared for the colder temperatures and potential frost, and dress accordingly.

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Igorota Beauty Queen wins 1st Runner-Up in I Am Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Pageantry News International & Missosology

Cordillera - Daughter of Benguet won the 1st Runner-up of the recently concluded modeling competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on January 20, 2023. 

Miss Maida Faith Basilio who hails from Tuba and Sablan, Benguet was crowned the 1st Runner-up in the I Am Model Search International (IAMS) 2023.

Maida is a nursing instructor at the Benguet State University - College of Nursing. She won the Ms. Sablan 2019 and was also the winner in the Ms. Tuba 2022. 

READ ALSO: Baguio girl named Miss Model Search International 2023

In a Facebook post, Maida thanked the support of her kakailyans of Benguet as well as her Filipino kababayans. 

"May this be an inspiration to my fellow youth that no matter what happens, never stop pursuing your goals because someday, everything will be worth it," Maida wrote.

READ ALSO:  Igorot model Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023

IAMS International 2023, organized by Double Event Management, is a platform that provides equal opportunities for aspiring models to gain exposure, make connections, and establish a foundation for an international modeling career.

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Dexter Santos Valenton: First Aeta to pass the Criminologist Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || Dexter Santos Valenton

Cordillera - A future police officer in the making, Dexter Santos Valenton has recently made history after becoming the first Aeta to passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination held last December 2022.

The Zambales native proved and demonstrated that one's race does not dictate their level of success, rather it is their determination, hard work, and perseverance that truly determine their achievements.

Mr. Valenton was among the proud 11,098 examinees who passed the licensure exam by the Professional Regulation Commission. 

Valenton is one of the successful scholars of Pampanga. He studied and finished Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the Celtech College in July 2022.

Congratulations Valenton! 

May your success serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those who dream of achieving greatness in the future. 

Let your accomplishments be a reminder that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, anything is possible.

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Baguio girl named Miss Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Maria Jonah Divina Bajum Draculan

Cordillera - Baguio girl Ms. Maria Jonah Divina Bajum Draculan, also known as Ponay Draculan, is the newly crowned Miss Model Search International 2023. 

She won the competition on January 7, 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

She also received other awards including Best in Talent and she was Top 3 in the Swimwear Competition. 

Draculan, a graduate of Saint Louis University (SLU) is a global social media strategist and accountant. 

She works as a freelance business and investment consultant and insurance agent. 

Draculan is also a member of the Binnadang Cultural Dance Troupe, a contemporary dancer and an actress in several short films. 

She believes in the power of mindset, attraction, and determination to reach her dreams of becoming a top global model and artist. 

The Miss Model Search International competition was owned by CEO Mr. Phan Ruby Company, and took place from January 3-7, 2023. The elimination round was held in Sun Valley Đa Lạt City, Vietnam and the finals in VHT Movie Studio 12 District Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam.

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Cordilleran from Atok, Benguet tops Criminology Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || Narcilisa Ponase

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran who hails from Atok, Benguet topped the December 2022 Criminology Examination as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission. 

Miss Narcilisa Ponase Talipnao could not believed that she was ranked number 1 with a rating of 91.60 percent in the recent Criminology exam. 

Talipnao finished Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the University of Baguio (UB) and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

According to her, when she was still young, she loved to watch action films which motivated her to become a law enforcer.

In her social media post, Talipnao said she never expected to be number 1 in the exam. 

She expressed her gratitude towards God and her family for their support and regarded topping the exam as the best gift she had received.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 11,098 out of the 33,489 examinees passed the licensure exam given the Board of Criminology last December 2022 in the different testing centers in the country.

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UC, King's College of the Phil. Inc-Benguet top performing schools in Dec. 2022 Criminologist Licensure Exam

Cordillera - The University of the Cordilleras (UC) and King's College of the Philippines Inc - Benguet are among the top performing schools in Cordillera during the December 2022 Criminologist Licensure Examination. 

The University of the Cordilleras ranked number 6 with a passing percentage rate of 84.62 percent while the King's College of the Philippines, Inc ranked number 4 with a passing percentage rate of 87.40 percent.

Meanwhile, an alumna of the the University of Baguio, Miss Narcilisa Ponase Talipanao topped the examination with a rating of 91.60 percent. 

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 11,098 out of the 33,489 examinees passed the licensure exam given the Board of Criminology last December 2022 in the different testing centers in the country.

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Longest Suspension Bridge in Southeast Asia is Found in Abra

Photo Courtesy || PIA-Cordillera

Cordillera - The Sabnangan Footbridge, located in the municipality of Luba in Abra, Philippines, is said to be the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia. 

The bridge, which was constructed in 2002, is made entirely of steel and has a span of 560 meters. It connects two barangays of the municipality, Barangay Poblacion and Sabnangan. 

Visitors who wish to visit the suspension bridge can visit the Municipal Tourism Office for guidance.

The Sabnangan Footbridge is not the only suspension bridge in the Cordilleras region. The Nabenngan Bridge in Sadanga, Mountain Province, is another popular destination. 

Also known as the Peace Bridge, this 230-meter long footbridge offers visitors a unique view of the lush green forest of Sadanga.

Additionally, the scenic hanging bridge in Barangay Cabiten in Mankayan, Benguet is gaining attention online among local tourists and travel vloggers. 

This steel bridge is 200 meters long and 200 meters high, providing visitors with a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

While the Sabnangan Footbridge is the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia, it is not the only one worth visiting. 

These other suspension bridges in the Cordilleras region offer visitors a unique and breathtaking experience. 

Whether it is the view of the lush green forest of Sadanga or the scenic view of Mankayan, these suspension bridges are a must-see for anyone visiting the Philippines.

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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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