Panagbenga events bared; tourists up, bookings show

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) bared higher tourist arrivals in the city for activities lined up for the 29th edition of the Panagbenga.
    Panagbenga media committee chair Andrew Pinero said that since the staging of the 74th January Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament in late November up to the middle of December last year, the Baguio Country Club (BCC) and other hotels in the city had realized 90 to 95 percent occupancy rate which is already considered high in the industry as there were only a few rooms that were vacant due to sudden cancellations from guests due to various reasons.      

He added at the start of the new year, the occupancy rate of the hotels and other accommodation establishments in the city was pegged at around 80 to 90 percent, which is still quite high based on industry standards.

The Panagbenga media committee chair said with activities for the 29th edition of the flower festival rolled out, tourists have started making reservations with accommodation establishments for their visit to the city during the major highlights of the flower festival, particularly the grand street dancing competition on Feb. 22 and grand floral parade on Feb. 23 including the week-long Session Road in Bloom on Feb. 24 to March 2.

According to him, for the regular attendees of the annual alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), reservations had already been made when they checked out to guarantee their accommodations for the following year.

The BFFFI lined up some eighteen traditional events for this year’s edition of the flower festival that will run from Feb. 1 to March 2, 2025 with the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries.’
Pinero assured tourists numerous accommodation establishments in the city were ready to cater to their needs when attending flower festival events. -- PIO

Read more...

2024 Panagbenga fest events bared

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government and Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc.  recently launched the 28th edition of the Panagbenga, the city’s major crowd-drawing event, that will run Feb. 1 to March 3.
    The theme of the 28th edition of the flower festival is “Celebrating Traditions, Embracing Innovation.”
    On Feb. 1 to March 3, 2024, official entries of participating professional landscapers will be featured in the ‘Panagbengascapes: A Garden Exhibit” held at Burnham Park.

    Baguio Blooms: A Market Encounter featuring a flora and flavor fair will also be held during the month-long festivities.
    The grand opening parade and formal opening ceremony is set Feb. 3 followed by the annual Spring Festival on Feb. 10, 2024.
    The usual Fresh Floral Fusion: a school-based competition will be held on February 11, 2024 which will be followed by the Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom: The Art of Blooming; Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio: The Family Fair and the 9th annual Panagbenga kite flying challenge.
    On Feb. 15-17, 2024, the annual Philippine Military Academy grand alumni homecoming will be held in the city followed by the judging of the school-based landscaping competition.
    The famous floral parade at Burnham Lake and Panagbenga Cultural Dance Competition will be held on Feb. 18.
    The grand street dance parade featuring competing contingents will be held Feb. 24, 2024 while the grand float parade featuring participating floats was set Feb. 25. On Feb. 24-25, 2024, there will be the usual Panagbenga Sponsors Exhibit coinciding with the conduct of the two major flower festival parades.
    The week-long Session Road in Bloom where the city’s main road will be converted into a promenade area will be held on Feb. 26 to March 3, 2024 while the Panagbenga Flower Tee Golf Classic was scheduled March 1-2, 2024.
    The closing program, awarding ceremony, the floral cadence: the PMA silent drill competition and the Celestial Blossoms: Panagbenga aerial fireworks display will all be held on March 3, 2024.

 
 
 

Read more...

Baguio launches flower fest 'Panagbenga 2024'

This Dec. 18 photo shows a scene during the launch of Panagbenga 2024. -- PIO

BAGUIO CITY — This summer capital launched its 2024 edition of the famed flower festival, “Panagbenga,” Monday morning, six days before Christmas and more than month before the month-long fest on February.
    On its 28th year, Panagbenga (or invented local term for a Season of Blooming) 2024 celebrations was themed: “Celebrating traditions, embracing innovation.”
    Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. president Frederico Alquiros said the festival will draw tourists in Baguio on newer and bigger heights.

    "It is not just a festival, but a pride of the City of Baguio where diverse cultures of the people come together to showcase the beauty of the City of Pines,” Alquiros said.
    "This envisages the festival as a beacon for the harmonious coexistence of the old and new. It is an invitation to experience the richness of Baguio's floral and cultural heritage and to participate and to participate in the innovative spirit that promises a thriving a resilient future for the City," he added.
    "Panagbenga" was created in the year 1995 by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet of the then John Hay Poro Point Development Authority.
    It started during the term of former Baguio City Mayor and lawmaker Mauricio Domogan, as a symbol of the rising up of Baguio from the rubbles and devastation from the 1990 killer earthquake.
    Cordillera Tourism director Jovy Ganongan said she was hopeful the 2024 Panagbenga topbilled by the BFFI Inc., the private organizer, will be a very exciting celebration.
    Chairman of executive committee of the Baguio Flower Festival and board of trustee of the BFFI Inc. Anthony de Leon, who is general manager of Baguio Country Club (BCC) said the organizing committee aligning with the festival’s theme “will have to come up with more adaptable events that can be tourism-friendly and at the same time friendly to the environment.” 
    "We will focus on that more," he added.
    De Leon urged more participation from the community and people around Baguio,” because we can just be half successful if we get the support and participation of the community.”
    Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong promised neighboring towns around Baguio (La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan and Tuba) of greater participation and economic benefits from the upcoming festival as he expects “more tourists coming in,”
He estimated some 1.8 million tourists attending the whole festival duration.
    The mayor said the festival is “a private sector-led, but government supported” endeavor. 
    "We will provide all the support needed from the local government," Magalong said.
 

Read more...

Benguet ‘grand canao’ held to mark 123rd anniversary

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A grand canao was held Thursday, Nov. 23 as highlight of the 2023 month-long Adivay festival in this capital town in celebration of the 123rd founding anniversary of Benguet with exciting events.
    The Benguet Day grand parade was held earlier in the morning followed by the Grand Can֮ao at the Benguet Sports Complex and Battle of the Bands at the gymnasium.
    The Benguet Awards Program was held at the New Town Plaza Hotel in nearby Baguio City on Nov. 22.
    The Agri-Tourism fair came to a close Nov. 24, followed by the Coronation Night of the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet on Nov. 25 all at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium.
    Today (Nov. 26), biking enthusiasts will show their skills in the Hari ng Ahon Bike Challenge from the Ambuclao dam area to Beckel; the annual dance sports at the Ben Palispis Hall and closing of the agro-industrial trade fair.
    The event entitled Jesus Reigns is set Nov. 27, followed by mass wedding of couples at the St. Paul Parish in Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet on Nov. 28.
    Employees and officials of the provincial government will be participating in the Employees Adivay Night at the Capitol covered court on Dec. 1, while the annual Adivay and Benguet founding anniversary activities will commence with Christmas lighting on the same day.
    On Dec. 2, bodybuilders will show their prowess during bodybuilding competition at Ben Palispis Hall while the Adivay Fusion Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition will be held at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium on Dec. 9.
    Theme of this year’s festivities is ‘Benguet: Gateway to Unforgettable Getaways.’
    Gov. Melchor D. Diclas said Adivay kicked off earlier with the traditional Kapihan sa Benguet at the Ben Palispis auditorium starting with eucharistic celebration followed by pre-pageant for the Search for Mr. and Miss Benguet on Nov. 6.
    Vice Gov. Ericson “Tagel” Felipe during the kickoff, talked about “honoring the past, reveling in the present, and recognizing the resilience and integrity of the people of Benguet.” 
    Activities included lapan (rabbit meat) cooking contest, pageant, cultural dance competitions, Benguet quiz bee, job fair, and even a mass wedding for Benguet couples. 
    Mining stakeholders participated in the Mining and Environment Forum at Benguet Sports Complex (BSC) gymnasium on Nov. 9 followed by opening of the agro-industrial trade fair, 2nd Adivay quiz bee and Benguet cultural dance performance on Nov. 11.
    Cultural dance troupes of the municipalities of Benguet stirred anew the consciousness of the Benguet people of their rich cultural heritage with story-telling through cultural dances and performances.
    The Cultural Performances Competition was showcased Nov, 11 at the BSC.
    Diclas said Benguet people were proud of their cultural heritage and through it, they were being bound as one.
    He added performances showed significance of preserving cultural wealth of the province.
    Students from the Lepanto National High School of Mankayan, Benguet told the story of “Sangbo” that featured a ritual for good luck brought about by a mysterious event.
    They received P40,000 cash prize for their performance.
    Meantime, the Municipality of Buguias represented by Buguias National High School students performed the story of “Dang-as” highlighting the culture of “Ubbo” or community cooperation. The students went home with P35,000 cash prize for their effort.
    The Municipality of Kapangan represented by students of Gov. Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School, on the other hand, showcased the Legend of “Pongayan” narrating the story of Sayod, a “beautiful lady with buxom bosoms” as they placed third, earning them the P30,000 cash prize.
    In other developments, La Trinidad was awarded the Best in Storyline, Itogon with Best Folkloric Performance, and Bokod as Best in Visual Impact Award. Each was given P5,000 cash prize.
    All Benguet towns are now showcasing their agri-tourism destinations through opening of the fair at the Benguet Sports Complex on Nov. 14, 2023 followed by the traditional acoustic competition Nov. 15 at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium.
    Last Nov. 16, activities included the Senior Citizens Adivay at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium; skills competitions at the trade fair area in Wangal; inter-local government unit volleyball championships at the Capital covered court; Farmer’s Day at cold chain area and Stellar Health Achievements yearly Awards (SHAYAW) at Ben Palispis auditorium.
    The inter-local government unit basketball championship is on at the Capitol covered court while the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet pre-pageant was held at the Sports Complex gymnasium on Nov. 17.
    The Benguet Fusion Fashion Showcase was held at the Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium Nov. 18.
    The annual Children’s Congress, the Lapan, rabbit meat, cooking contest and the awarding of the Best Integrated Farming System and Best Rabies Program Implementer is set on Nov. 21.
– With a report from Aldwin Quitasol
 

Read more...

Benguet eyes Panagbenga-like Adivay fest 2024

By Liza Agoot 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet is planning to make the Adivay fest like the Panagbenga of nearby Baguio next year complete with all the works like sizzling to entice more tourist sin the province and make the locals enjoy more festivities. 

    Lone District Rep. Eric Yap, in an interview on the sidelines of this year’s 123rd Foundation Day program on Thursday, said he has already spoken to two top provincial officials about the plan.
    "I was talking with the governor and vice governor that maybe it is high time that we show the country what we are as people of Benguet, what we do during Adivay,” he said.
    By inviting tourists in the province to join the celebration, Yap said businesses would flourish and more income will go to Benguet residents and the local government.
    “For the Adivay celebration falling on the foundation anniversary, we hope to get the 13 municipalities’ and the capitol’s support to the plan, especially in terms of logistics,” he said.
    Benguet is known as the "salad bowl" of the country, with vegetable gardens carved into its mountains and a picturesque landscape.
    “I want to show the tourists about our resilience as Benguet people. We have been through numerous calamities like floods and earthquakes but we remain steadfast and standing, fighting and continuing to make a living,” Yap said.
    Other tourist attractions in the province include the famous Mt. Pulag National Park; the mummy burial caves in Kabayan town; the strawberry fields in La Trinidad, and the recently popularized flower gardens in Atok municipality, among others.
Animals for offering
In line with the Adivay festival, Yap said more than a hundred fully grown pigs, aside from cows, were butchered during Day One of the three-day celebration in observance of the cultural practice of offering meat.
    The rituals started on Nov. 22 with the butchering of pigs as an offering to the gods and the ancestors.
On Thursday, the grand cañao had eight pigs and two cows butchered for the provincial government’s tent, which was partaken by the public.
    On the last day of the ritual, more pigs will be butchered in the traditional way called “owik”, with the native priest interpreting the size, shape, and position of the animal's bile.
    The centuries-long practice of the Benguet people remains alive with the dancing, beating of the gong, and the sipping of rice wine together with partaking of the meat simply boiled in water without any spice, that each person will have, or can bring home. – PNA
 

Read more...

Tourists, folks flock Adivay fest events; grand canao set

Benguet revelries 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Tourists, visitors and local folks are now flocking the  2023 month-long Adivay festival in this capital town and celebration of the 122nd founding anniversary of Benguet with exciting events.
    This, after celebrations kicked off Nov, 6 at Provincial Capitol grounds.
    Theme of this year’s festivities is ‘Benguet: Gateway to Unforgettable Getaways.’
    Gov. Melchor D. Diclas said Adivay kicked off earlier with the traditional Kapihan sa Benguet at the Ben Palispis auditorium starting with eucharistic celebration followed by pre-pageant for the Search for Mr. and Miss Benguet on Nov. 6.
    Vice Gov. Ericson “Tagel” Felipe during the kickoff, talked about “honoring the past, reveling in the present, and recognizing the resilience and integrity of the people of Benguet.” 
    The highlight will be the Grand Cañao on Nov. 23, a feast with 30 pigs and two cows to share with the community, including tourists.
    Activities include lapan (rabbit meat) cooking contest, pageant, cultural dance competitions, Benguet quiz bee, job fair, and even a mass wedding for Benguet couples.     
    Mining stakeholders participated in the Mining and Environment Forum at Benguet Sports Complex (BSC) gymnasium on Nov. 9 followed by opening of the agro-industrial trade fair, 2nd Adivay quiz bee and Benguet cultural dance performance on Nov. 11.
    Cultural dance troupes of the municipalities of Benguet stirred anew the consciousness of the Benguet people of their rich cultural heritage with story-telling through cultural dances and performances.
    The Cultural Performances Competition was showcased Nov, 11 at the BSC.
    Diclas said Benguet people WERE proud of their cultural heritage and through it, they WERE being bound as one.
    He added performances emphasized significance of preserving cultural wealth of the province.
    Students from the Lepanto National High School of Mankayan, Benguet told the story of “Sangbo” that featured a ritual for good luck brought about by a mysterious event.
    They received P40,000 cash prize for their performance.
    Meantime, the Municipality of Buguias represented by Buguias National High School students performed the story of “Dang-as” highlighting the culture of “Ubbo” or community cooperation. The students went home with P35,000 cash prize for their effort.
    The Municipality of Kapangan represented by students of Gov. Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School, on the other hand, showcased the Legend of “Pongayan” narrating the story of Sayod, a “beautiful lady with buxom bosoms” as they placed third, earning them the P30,000 cash prize.
    In other developments, La Trinidad was awarded the Best in Storyline, Itogon with Best Folkloric Performance, and Bokod as Best in Visual Impact Award. Each was given P5,000 cash prize.
    All Benguet towns are now showcasing their agri-tourism destinations through opening of the fair at the Benguet Sports Complex on Nov. 14, 2023 followed by the traditional acoustic competition Nov. 15 at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium.
    Lat Nov. 16, activities included the Senior Citizens Adivay at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium; skills competitions at the trade fair area in Wangal; inter-local government unit volleyball championships at the Capital covered court; Farmer’s Day at cold chain area and Stellar Health Achievements yearly Awards (SHAYAW) at Ben Palispis auditorium.
    The inter-local government unit basketball championship is on at the Capitol covered court while the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet pre-pageant was held at the Sports Complex gymnasium on Nov. 17.
    The Benguet Fusion Fashion Showcase was held at the Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium Nov. 18.
    The annual Children’s Congress, the Lapan, rabbit meat, cooking contest and the awarding of the Best Integrated Farming System and Best Rabies Program Implementer is set on Nov. 21.
    The Benguet Awards Program will be held at the New Town Plaza Hotel in Baguio city on Nov. 22.
    The Benguet Day grand parade will be held Nov. 23 followed by Grand Can֮ao at the Benguet Sports Complex and Battle of the Bands at the gymnasium.
    The Agri-Tourism fair will come to a close Nov. 24, followed by the Coronation Night of the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet on Nov. 25 all happening at the Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium.
    Biking enthusiasts will show their skills in the Hari ng Ahon Bike Challenge from the Ambuclao dam area to Beckel; the annual dance sports at the Ben Palispis Hall and closing of the agro-industrial trade fair on Nov. 26.
    The event entitled Jesus Reigns is set Nov. 27, 2023 followed by mass wedding of couples at the St. Paul Parish in Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet on Nov. 28.
    Employees and officials of the provincial government will be participating in the Employees Adivay Night at the Capitol covered court on Dec. 1, while the annual Adivay and Benguet founding anniversary activities will commence with Christmas lighting on the same day.
    On Dec. 2, bodybuilders will show their prowess during bodybuilding competition at Ben Palispis Hall while the Adivay Fusion Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition will be held at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium on Dec. 9.
    Benguet officials earlier urged the people of Benguet and visitors to patronize  activities to ensure successful conduct of this year’s celebration considering the province is still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. – With a report from Aldwin Quitasol
 

Read more...

2-K vacancies up for grabs in Benguet job fair

JOB FAIR -- The Benguet provincial government holds a two-day job fair at the capitol building Nov. 13 to 14. The activity coincides with the month-long celebration of the Adivay festival and the province’s 123rd founding anniversary. -- Liza Agoot/ PNA 

As part of Adivay fest 

By Liza Agoot 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Some 2,000 job vacancies for local and foreign job placements were offered to jobseekers in the Nov. 13 to 14 job fair here at  the Benguet provincial capitol.
    Julie Tabcao, the province’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO) chief, said 12 local companies and 10 overseas manpower agencies joinined the two-day event as part of the month-long Adivay festival.
    “This is an annual activity, and we have institutionalized this as part of the Adivay festival to serve our people who are searching for jobs,” Tabcao said Monday of the activity, which also coincides with the 123rd Benguet Foundation Day.
Tabcao said over 300 jobseekers have been listed in the pre-registration conducted by the PESO office.
    “We are happy that as early as the morning of the first day, we have a lot of walk-in applicants who were here looking at the list of vacancies for something that might interest them,” she said.
    For those attending the event on the second day, she advised them earlier to bring documents such as resume, certificate of employment (if relevant), passport-size photo, a copy of their professional license (for board passers) and passport for those interested in finding an overseas job.
    Tabcao said local mining and utility companies such as Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation, Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. and Aboitiz subsidiary Hedcor Inc. sought to fill multiple job vacancies, including engineers and other positions.
    She added other participating local companies sought to fill up positions, such as customer service representatives, heavy equipment operators, cashiers, butchers and geologists.
    For those aiming to work abroad, Tabcao said welders and heavy equipment operators were mostly sought in Japan and other countries. -- PNA
 

Read more...

Cagayan’s Buguey town celebrates Crab Festival

By Vince Jacob Visaya

TUGUEGARAO CITY — About 2,000 individuals feasted on a 1,000-kilo mud crab meat to go with other viands during the Buguey Crab Festival in Cagayan on Friday, October 27.

    Mayor Licerio Antiporda 3rd said that the cooked metric-ton crabs served to villagers, guests and visitors were a manifestation of the town’s moniker “Crab Capital of the North” where high-quality crabs are produced.
    “This is a thanksgiving for crab farmers and others to promote our products,” he added.
    The town has also earmarked funds for crab farmers through its “crab industry development research regulatory extension and livelihood assistance” to boost the industry.    
    We will be working to produce frozen crabs which are export-quality,” the mayor said.
    The mayor earlier asked the villagers not to transport crab outside Buguey for five years to improve production and hasten its population.
    “We have big crabs but we also have medium and small ones which should be protected. They lay their eggs along the sea and then come back to the rivers,” he added.
    The Buguey event also featured competition on crab dancing and street dancing, Mr. and Ms. Teen Crab Buguey, and crab cooking contest.
 

Read more...

Bontoc’s Am-among fest winners get cash prizes

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - A contingent from the ALBAGO Zone represented by Barangays Alab Oriente and Alab Proper of this capital town bagged the P50, 000 cash prize after it won as champion in the street dancing and cultural presentation of this year's 19th Am-among Festival.
    The ALBAGO Zone wowed the audience and the panel of judges with their entry titled "Sedey/Balawang,” 
    Their entry was inspired by the theme "Sinangad-um ay ugali, ma-angangen, mengawisan adi malipatan."
    Accordingly, Sedey is performed in the village to ward off an epidemic that gravely affected the people and their animals.
    The locals perform such ritual twice a year but if there is no epidemic, it is done once to protect the community as a whole. 
    Coming in second place in the Central Zone represented by Barangay Samoki, which received a cash prize worth P40,000. 
    The contingent highlighted the best practice of the Bontoc community known as "Ug-ugfu". Per the contingent’s write-up, Ug-ugfo is a coping strategy developed in the older days to reduce labor stress.
    Members of  Bontoc households cannot provide their own labor needs, especially during the peak phase of the agricultural cycle.
If labor were drawn only from household members, many rice fields would be left undone before the next seasonal activity.
    As such, the practice of "Ug-ugfu" was developed and members of the neighboring households formed a labor exchange group.
    This reciprocal work group worked together for each labor requirement of a household until all members were served.
    Children follow this in their routine activities like fetching water.
    The Upland Zone represented by Barangay Mainit bagged third place with a cash prize of P30,000 with their performance of “Saknit/     Faliwes”- the traditional sugarcane processing in the said village. Accordingly, it is an agricultural practice but a certain ritual which is ‘te-er si saknit” (rest day) is being observed for a day more to determine the start of the saknit. 
    Landing in fourth place was Riverside Zone represented by Barangay Caneo, with their presentation known as “Ayag si Uchan” with
cash prize of P20,000.
    Accordingly, the “Ayag si Uchan” is being practiced by the village when there is “tikag” or drought season. 
    The cash prizes of the contingents were sourced from the Am-among Fund of the Bontoc Local Government Unit.  
    Meanwhile, Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., pledged to give P15, 000 each as additional cash incentive per zone. 
    The panel of judges were Dr. Elizabeth Macliing-Solang,  also the guest of honor and speaker during the Bontoc Foundation Day Program on Sept. 15, Tyronne Glenn Lawey of the Provincial Tourism Office and Caren Laurice Chugyawi from the Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School. 
 

Read more...

Bontoc fest speaker cites town’s good governance

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - The municipality's achievement as a consistent Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee for years was highlighted by the guest of honor and speaker during the 19th Am-among Festival Program here Sept. 16 at municipal capitol grounds. 
    Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Araceli San Jose said the theme for the municipality's twin celebration “Radiating Good Governance through Accelerated Public Service" genuinely mirrored what the DILG hopes and envisions for all local government units.
    "It is also a fitting theme because we are proud that the Municipality of Bontoc is the lone SGLG passer in Mountain Province in 2022 and again a potential passer for this year. We are proud of your beautiful municipality as it consistently passed all the indicators of the Seal of Good Local Governance throughout the years. If you will again be awarded this year, this would be your 5th year as an SGLG passer and this would be a great feat for Bontoc and our region. lbig sabihin, Hindi fluke or Chamba ang pagiging Seal of Good Local Governance passer nyo,kundi you continually excel in local governance since 2017, " San Jose said.
    She said that this comes from the collective share of everyone in the overall development of Bontoc.
    San Jose added while the Am-among Festival was a celebration of triumphs, it was also an opportune time to reflect on gains, assess what can be improved, boost morale of the community and forge more meaningful relationships among sectors. 
    She assured support of the DILG to the municipality's endeavors. Meanwhile, Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., said after three years of not having the Am-among street dancing and cultural presentation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the crowd-drawing event happened this year. 
    He said the celebration was not just about a festival, but honoring the past, appreciating the present, and envisioning a brighter future for the community.
    The mayor added the Am-among Festival was avenue to foster fellowship, promote bonding, and strengthen ties.
    "The road ahead will not always be smooth sailing. There will always be success and failures, highs and lows, celebrations and crisis, but I firmly believe that we can withstand the test of time and make Bontoc prosper more," Tudlong said.
    During the occasion, the Bontoc Municipal Capitol was jampacked with the presence of Bontoc municipal officials and employees, mayors from municipalities of Mountain Province, DILG officials, street dancers,  cultural performers and the spectators from the 16 barangays of Bontoc and other places.
 
 
 

Read more...

Events set for Bontoc Am- among fest, foundation day

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- This capital town is celebrating its 115th Foundation Day and 19th Am-among Festival with activities this September. 
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., said the town’s Foundation Day will be celebrated Sept. 15, with civic parade and program to be graced by guest of honor and speaker, Dr. Elizabeth Macli-ing Solang.
    Ground demonstrations will be held that day by high school students from barangays whrein indigenous games will be played. 
    After three years of a scaled-down celebration due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the most-awaited Am-among street dancing and cultural presentations is set Sept, 16.
    Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional sirector Araceli San Jose is keynote speaker during the program. 
    Other activities held earlier were sports festival cum Chagsen Cup August 28 – Sept. 16, fun ride with tree planting held Sept. 2, PRC mobile outreach services and PhilSys mobile registration Sept. 8, Mr. and Ms. Am-among 2023 Pre-Pageant on Sept. 9, agri-craft trade fair and thanksgiving mass Sept. 11.
    Art exhibit was set Sept, 11-15, walk for a cause Sept. 12, sing and dance competition on Sept. 12, Am-among inter-zonal skills challenge Sept. 13 and Mr and Ms Am-among 2023 coronation night on Sept. 13. 

    Mayor Tudlong said the twin celebration serves as a milestone of what Bontoc has achieved and progress it continues to make as a community. 

    This year’s theme is, "Radiating good governance through accelerated public service."

    “Let us take a moment to appreciate the strides we have made in improving public service delivery. However, let us also commit ourselves to continuous improvement, aspiring to raise the bar even higher     Together, we can radiate good governance by actively participating in community development initiatives and promoting dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders. By embracing active citizenship and collaboration, we can create a thriving municipality that meets the needs of its populace,” the mayor added. 

 

Read more...

Pangasinan town eyes Guinness World record

By Hilda Austria 

ASINGAN, Pangasinan – The local government here is eyeing to place the town on the world’s map in an attempt to log a world record for the longest-lined native rice cake in the upcoming Kankanen (native rice cake) Festival.
    In a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Pangasinan on Tuesday, Asingan tourism officer Michael Soliven said the festival aims to promote the glutinous rice products of the residents given that 80 percent of the town is agricultural land.
    “This is to support and promote their products such as the glutinous or sticky rice which is the main ingredient of the kankanen. Mayor Carlos Lopez Jr. also would want the town to be known through the attempt for longest lined native rice cake in the Guinness Book of World Records,” he said.
    The Kankanen Festivals will run from June 5 to 10 and will be highlighted by the town's attempt at the world record on June 9.
    Soliven said it will be held in front of the town’s municipal plaza where they will line up at a long table a kilometer long of native rice cake.
    He said some 2,000 kilograms of sticky rice will be used for the rice cake relay.
    “It will be for free to all those who will attend,” he added.
    Soliven said kankanen making is a common livelihood of the residents of the town and has also symbolized over generations the unity and harmony among the people in the locality.
    Kankanen Festival was started in 2011 by the Department of Education. It was adopted by the local government unit as the town’s very own festivity in 2019.
The annual celebration was stopped due to the pandemic but resumed last year.
Asingan information officer Romel Aguilar, in the same forum, said tourists may also visit their municipal plaza to enjoy dairy farm products from the Bantog Samahang Nayon, a group known for their fresh carabao milk products.
There will also be the street dancing competition, medical mission, skateboard competition, raffle, beauty pageants, basketball exhibition game, and the 1st Bornok Mangosong Enduro Race challenge, among others.
Asingan is a second-class municipality in Pangasinan where the late former President Fidel V. Ramos hails from. -- PNA
  

Read more...

Dagupan fest street party set with 20-K bangus grill

BANGUSAN STREET PARTY -- Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez announces they are set to the Bangusan Street Party this Sunday, April 30. They street party is part of the Bangus Festival. 

By Hilda Austria 

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 20,000 bangus (milkfish) are set to be grilled during the Bangusan Street Party along the De Venecia Highway Extension here today, April 30 as the highlight of the Bangus Festival 2023.
    “I met with our Bangus Festival sponsors this morning. We are all very excited because we are at the final stage of the preparation for the Bangusan Street Party Kalutan ed Dalan on Sunday,” Mayor Belen Fernandez posted on her Facebook account on Tuesday.
    For PHP3,800, revelers get to have their own one-meter grills where they can cook five kilograms of bangus.
    The package also comes with carbonated drinks and other materials for grilling like charcoal, salt, plastic bags, and tongs, among other freebies.
    Partygoers also get to enjoy a fun-filled night with bands and artists, like Ely Buendia, Sponge Cola, Gigi De Lana and the GG Vibes, and DJ Loonyo, among others.
    A bus that will offer free rides will also be available.
    The Bangus Festival kicked off on April 14 with the Gilon ed Baley Street Dance Competition participated in by the 31 barangays.
    The cluster of Barangays Bonuan Gueset, Bonuan Binloc, and Bonuan Boquig won the competion, according to the City Information Office (CIO).
    Another part of the Bangus Festival is the Gilon-Gilon, a thanksgiving event in honor of Dagupan City’s patron,     St. John the Evangelist, who was a fisherman. One of the events of the Gilon-Gilon was the Bangus Rodeo on April 19.
    Named the fastest bangus classifier was Melicio Melendez of Pugaro with a speed of 1 minute and 36.06 seconds; fastest bangus deboner was Jeffrey Bandera of Pantal at 1:15.95 sec; and Jaime Bucao Jr. won as fastest bangus eater.
    Winners received PHP5,000 (champion), PHP3,000 (second place), and PHP2,000 (third place) with medals.
    The heaviest bangus weighed 7.87 kilograms which was an entry of Kim John Flores of Barangay Pugaro; the longest bangus measured 92 centimeters, which was an entry of Jay Jhon Flores of Barangay Pugaro; and the "prettiest" bangus was owned by Timothy Quemerista of Barangay Calmay.
    The heaviest and longest bangus winners received P15,000, P10,000, and P5,000 plus medals for the champion, second place, and third place, respectively.
    The prettiest bangus top three took home P7,000, P5,000, and P3,000, with medals.
    The events of the festival inlcluded the Bangusine (cuisine showcase) on April 26, and beach volleyball and other sporting events at Tondaligan Blue Beach from April 29 to May 1. -- PNA

Read more...

‘Mangan Taku 2023 back to Rose Garden

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- The 2023 staging of the “Mangan Taku” (Let’s Eat) food fair will be conducted at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park where the gastronomic event was first held.
    Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong issued executive order 46, series of 2023 mandating the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to reserve and allow the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region to use the Rose Garden from April 17 to 26 as venue for activities.
    The CEPMO was told to extend all support such as landscaping of the venue, waiving of all fees pertinent to the use of the Rose Garden, tapping of water, additional workers for cleaning and upkeep of the venue.
    Meanwhile, the city General Services Office was directed to provide logistics for the opening program and the entire duration of the event as well as assign additional street sweepers and collection of garbage at the area.
    The Baguio City police Office will implement its operations plan for security, traffic management and crowd management round-the-clock the area.
    Other offices of the city government were also given tasks in support of the Mangan Taku event.
    On the 5th edition of the “Mangan Taku” food festival, the DOT-CAR highlights “tapuey” or rice wine in the cook fest from April 21 to 24.
    The food festival was institutionalized in 2019 per City Ordinance No. 81 declaring Mangan Taku to be conducted in the month of April as part of the Summer Vacation activities in the Summer Capital featuring Cordilleran cuisine.
    The lead implementing agency is the DOT-CAR in partnership with the city government of Baguio.
    The activity is pursuant to Proclamation No. 469 in 2018 declaring the month of April as the “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or Filipino Food Month to promote the appreciation, preservation and promotion of Philippine culinary traditions and treasures, ensuring transfer of knowledge to future generations and to support the various industries, farmers, and agricultural communities. – JMPS
 

Read more...

Saleng Festival set May in Baguio City

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The Saleng Festival is set to be held May next month in this summe4r capital with exciting activities.
    Baguio and Benguet secondary schools were urged to showcase their musical talents through an original composition and choir contest on May 26 for the third Saleng/Pine tree festival entitled “Rhythm and Harmony of Nature.”
    According to City Environment and Parks Management Office head lawyer Rhenan Diwas, invitations have been sent to Baguio and Benguet public and private schools for their choir delegation to compete at 1 p.m. on May 26 at Rose Garden, Burnham Park.
    A minimum of 12 singers and 20 at most, are allowed; not counting the conductor and accompanist, if any.
Choreography is a must, the competition guidelines state.
    To date, Baguio City National High School (BCNHS), Pines City National High School (PCNHS) and Philippine Science High School, Cordillera Campus (PSciH-CAR) signified their intentions to compete, and sing about interplays in the environment.
    Schools even from the outskirts of the province or far-flung areas are enjoined to compete, Diwas said.
    “Their musical talents are worth listening to, and local accompaniment or indigenous musical instrument used might even prove to be an original for the competition.”            
    The winner of the original composition competition could be designated as the official musical theme for the succeeding Saleng festivals, Diwas added.
      Two songs, “Awit ng Kalikasan,” by musician Chaz Katalbas and an original composition should be performed within ten minutes; starting with the choir’s proper assembly and commencement of the song, but excluding the singers’ entrance, exit and duration of applause. The musical scoring of Katalbas’ song shall be emailed to the participants for preparation and practice, once the school choir’s application form is received and approved.
    CEPMO chair of the committee on programs engineer Joseph Willy said the choir competition not only confirm talents from the locals, but that the original musical piece may be composed in English, Filipino, any indigenous language of the Cordilleras, or a lyrical mixture of any of the three languages.
    The content should be focused on nature and the environment, and the use of explicit or offensive language, trademark or brand names is strictly prohibited, Willy added.            
    Live accompaniment for both songs is permitted but strictly not any playback or sound track; the organizers agreed. As the festival is focused on nature and its preservation, and spearheaded by the CEPMO, collaborative efforts for the program, communication, technical aspects and arrangements were done by the parks, urban forest, environmental management, water and hazardous waste material, administrative and Burnham Park Division heads and employees for the three-month preparation.    
    Champion voices take home P20,000 and a trophy, with second and third places having P15,000 and P10,000, respectively, with trophies as well.
    The original composition should be submitted signed by the composer not later than May 15 at e-mail addresses cepmobaguio@gmail.com or pcocepmobaguio@gmail.com.
    The common music piece by Katalbas is judged thus; blending and timbre - 30%, interpretation – 30%, choreography - 30%, and over-all impact – 10% while the original composition piece shall be judged on; melody and lyrics - 30%, relevance - 30%, interpretation – 30%, and over-all impact -10%. Fifty percent of the scores of the two performed songs shall be combined for the total score, and ranked accordingly.            
    The composer reserves the rights to the song, no compensation and no participation fee is collected, nor solicited by the organizer.
    The common music piece by Katalbas is judged thus; blending and timbre - 30%, interpretation – 30%, choreography - 30%, and over-all impact – 10% while the original composition piece shall be judged on; melody and lyrics - 30%, relevance - 30%, interpretation – 30%, and over-all impact -10%. Fifty percent of the scores of the two performed songs shall be combined for the total score, and ranked accordingly.            
    The composer reserves the rights to the song, no compensation and no participation fee is collected, nor solicited by the organizer.
    The deadline for submission of entries is on April 28 through online registration at https://forms.gle/byVqJaa4BiS7i1qeA, but contest forms may be submitted at CEPMO, City hall.
Inquiries may be coursed through cp # 0939-2849-571.
Inquiries may be coursed through cp # 0939-2849-571.
    The four-month annual celebration starts June, with clean-ups; regreening and reforestation; tree cart parade, recognition and exhibit; international day for biodiversity, world environment day, green thumb award day, fun run and cycling for the environment.
    The Saleng (Pine tree) festival was institutionalized with Mayor Benjamin Magalong formally signing the ordinance in Jan. 2022 as local government and residents partner to act on preservation and protection of the environment.
 
 

Read more...

Lang-ay fest ends with street dancing by folks from Mt Prov towns

By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province - The highlight of the16th Lang-ay Festival here was held Tuesday with street chanting and street dancing parade by participants from towns of the province performing indigenous dances complete with native attires and beating of gongs.      
    To cap the 16th Lang-ay Festival, a Gangsa Night was held Wednesday night, April 5 where all the municipal contingents converged at the provincial plaza for simultaneous beating of gongs.
    The festival was earlier opened with a civic parade of the provincial and municipal officials, provincial and municipal employees, representatives from national line agencies, private sector, civic and women’s organizations.
    “Tekwab” and “salibongbong,” a performance of ritual to start the festival was earlier held with the offering of a pig and prayers of thanksgiving for the past and incoming blessings for the province.
    After the Lang-ay prelude was a program for the opening of the Agro-Industrial Trade Fair with regional Agriculture director as guest of honor and speaker.
    During his message he mentioned the multi-million programs funded by the Dept. of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region.
    Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., in his message, honored past leaders as a way of citing the commemoration of the 56th Foundation Day of the province.
    He said cultural heritage of the province was depicted by the Lang-ay Festival which was a brainchild of his father and namesake in 2005.
    Since then, it spawned the birth of municipal festival in the ten municipalities of the province.
    Board member Angel Moises Tamang, chairperson of the committee on cooperatives, nongovernment and people’s organizations, and Trade and Industry officials, declared the opening of the Agro-Industrial Trade fair.
    The Search for Mr. and Ms. Mountain Province with its pageant competition was held on April 2 and 3.
Coronation night was April 3.
    Lang-ay on the Street was held April 2.
    A program was held highlight the event with snacks of indigenous food and early dinner of watwat then a concert of local talents will while away the night.
    A concert by Fr. Marcial Castaneda was held earlier at the Provincial Plaza in the night of March 31 dubbed Lang-ay Marc’s Songs.
    Thanksgiving mass and wreath laying and candle lighting at the governors’ memorial monument on April 3 honored past governors of the province.
    Tribal dinner with Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. was April 4.
    It was a dinner welcome for municipal delegates who participated in the street dancing and cultural performances the following day.
    Street dancing and cultural showdown performances was done on April 5, the culmination of the festival.    
Cordillera police director Brig. Gen, Gen. David     Peredo, Jr. attended events.
    Lawyer Joseph B. Sagandoy, Jr., deputy presidential legal officer who traces his roots in this town, was guest of honor and speaker.

 

Read more...

Baguio folks top La Trinidad strawberry fest chess tourney

By Alpha May Ubaldo Patacsil

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Baguio reigned during the 3rd Strawberry Festival Rapid Chess Tournament held in this capital town besting over 135 participants.
    Tournament director Carlos Mama-o Jr. said this was the first time the activity was opened to non-residents of La Trinidad to up the challenge among chess players. Baguio City resident and University of the Cordilleras chess coach Conrado D. Agaton III,  won first place in Open Division after 7 rounds swiss system and computerized pairing in playing with various chess geniuses. 
    In second place was Galo Negpatic, followed by Daryl Penaflorida in third place.
    Meanwhile, in the Kiddies division, Baguio residents were sequentially on the list of the top finishers.

Arvin John Padtoc won first place in the Kiddies category, followed by Angel Kipong, and Dwayne Tyler Dulnuan in third place.

Read more...

Int’l food expo on in Baguio football field

The Melvin Jones football field is now being used as venue for the International Food Expo which started April 2 to end 16 this month by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB).
    Under resolution 185, series of 2023, local legislators stated among conditions imposed for the said activity was for the association to pay rental or use of area fees for the duration of the event; the HRAB shall provide garbage bags, receptacles to ensure proper solid waste and waste water management throughout the duration of the activity; the association shall provide security personnel to ensure safety and security within the area; the HRAB shall rehabilitate the grass cover of Melvin Jones football field immediately affecter the activity and that the HRAB shall comply with the requirements needed in securing special permits for the concessionaires.
    The council stipulated approval of the event was without prejudice to possible use of Melvin Jones football field as relocation site for displaced market vendors of Blocks 3 and 4 of the city public market who were affected by the 5-hour fire last March 11-12.
    Earlier, the committee on market, trade, commerce and agriculture, in its 2nd indorsement dated March 14, 2023, recommended approval of the request of HRAB for the use of the Melvin Jones football field for the International Food Expo on April 2-16, 2023 subject to the imposed conditions of the City Environment and Parks Management Office.
    Earlier, HRAB president Anthony de Leon wrote the city council requesting the approval of the use of the Melvin Jones football field on the aforesaid dates for the International Food Expo which is aimed at establishing and promoting the city as the culinary destination of the country; financially assist yearly 10 students taking hotel, restaurant and tourism courses by sponsoring their one year tuition fees; financially assist yearly 5 professors of hotel, restaurant and tourism courses by sponsoring them to attend higher education classes in accredited culinary schools in Manila and help fund the annual holding of HRAB’s Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Weekend, a hospitality and tourism competition among students and professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry, an avenue for learning and development.

The Expo will not only provide exposure to local, regional, national and international menus but will likewise provide opportunities for students and professionals and businessmen to discover the latest trends in the food and beverage industry’s operating furniture, fixtures and equipment.

CEPMO head lawyer Rhenan Diwas, in his letter dated March 10, 2023, interposed no objection to the aforesaid request on the use of Melvin Jones football field on the said dates for the International Food Expo, provided that the association, shall pay the rental or use of area fees, provide garbage bags or receptacles, provide security personnel and rehabilitate the grass cover of the ground immediately after the activity. -- Dexter A. See

Read more...

Lang-ay Festival on with exciting events

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE Vice Gov. Francis Tauli welcomes local folks and visitors during “Tekwab” or opening ceremonies of the 16^th Lang-ay Festival. Flanking him are elders of the capital town of Bontoc.

By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province - The 16th Lang-ay Festival has been opened with a civic parade of the provincial and municipal officials, provincial and municipal employees, representatives from national line agencies, private sector, civic and women’s organizations.
    “Tekwab” and “salibongbong,” a performance of ritual to start the festival, with the offering of a pig and prayers of thanksgiving for the past and incoming blessings for the province.
    After the Lang-ay prelude was a program for the opening of the Agro-Industrial Trade Fair with regional Agriculture director as guest of honor and speaker.
    During his message he mentioned the multi-million programs funded by the Dept. of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region.
    Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., in his message, honored past leaders as a way of citing the commemoration of the 56th Foundation Day of the province.
    He said cultural heritage of the province was depicted by the Lang-ay Festival which was a brainchild of his father and namesake in 2005.
    Since then, it spawned the birth of municipal festival in the ten municipalities of the province.
    Board member Angel Moises Tamang, chairperson of the committee on cooperatives, nongovernment and people’s organizations, and Trade and Industry officials, declared the opening of the Agro-Industrial Trade fair.
Ribbon cutting followed the program.
    Events set for in the coming days are Search for Mr. and Ms. Mountain Province that will have its pageant competition on April 2 and 3.
    Coronation night will be on the 3rd of April.
    Lang-ay on the Street will be in the afternoon of April 2.
    Rep. Dalog extended his invitation to the public during his speech. “Umali kayo ta maki Lang-ay Tako Join us for the Lang-ay Festival).”
    A program will highlight the event with snacks of indigenous food and early dinner of watwat then a concert of local talents will while away the night.
    A concert by Fr. Marcial Castaneda will be held earlier at the Provincial Plaza in the night of March 31 dubbed Lang-ay Marc’s Songs.
    Thanksgiving mass and wreath laying and candle lighting at the governors’ memorial monument on April 3 will honor past governors of the province.
    Tribal dinner with Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. will be on April 4.
It will be a dinner welcome for municipal delegates who will be participating in the street dancing and cultural performances the following day.
    Street dancing and cultural showdown performances will be done on April 5, the culmination of the festival. 
    In commemoration of the 56th founding anniversary of the province, the following were invited: Senators Imee Marcos and Christopher “Bong” Go, Labor and Employment Sec. Bienvenida Laguesma, and Cordillera police director Brig. Gen, Gen. David   Peredo, Jr.
    Lawyer Joseph B. Sagandoy, Jr., deputy presidential legal officer ho traces his roots in this town, will be guest of honor and speaker.

To cap the 16th Lang-ay event, a Gangsa Night will be held night of April 5 where all the municipal contingents will converge at the provincial plaza for simultaneous beating of gongs.

Prizes of the earlier competitions will be announced.

 

 

 

 

Read more...