Short Detours

A total of 4000 Ibaloy representatives from the 13 municipalities of Benguet and Onjon ni Ibadoy Hong Kong attended the festivities. The theme of the 7 th Ibaloy Day “Diteng tan Ulnos” or Peace and Order, was aimed to unite all the Ibaloy clans. The solibaos, kalsas or gongs and the tiktik were brought out and played to hark all Ibalois to gather, pray and dance in solidarity. February 23 was a historic day not only for the Ibaloys but for Indigenous Peoples around the World. Before the Americans and Spaniards came, the city was already discovered and settled in by the Ibalois. Baguio was originally ranchlands owned by the a great number of Ibaloi clans including the Cariños, Carantes, Molintas, Suellos, Tagleys, Pirasos, Pucays and their extended family systems. Many of these native Ibaloi clans were stripped of their ancestral lands through American colonial legislation, such as the Philippine Bill of 1902, the Land Registration Act of 1903, Baguio Town Site Reservation...

Benguet is fast becoming the hiking capital of the Philippines and another trekking destination is officially added to its attractions. Just a 35-minute drive and a 2-hour hike from the City of Baguio await this awe-inspiring grassland ready for great adventures. Now being promoted as Mt. Ulap, the Sta. Fe Ridge in Ampucao, Itogon has been a favorite hiking destination to those who know the place. The municipality of Itogon and Barangay Ampucao officially launched Mt. Ulap a dven ture last Saturday, October 31. Reaching Mt. Ulap will take you about 2 to 3 hours trek entering at the Tutumbek woodlands and pass through the vast grasslands of the entire Ridge. Like the more popular Mt. Pulag, in Kabayan, the Sta. Fe Ridge features various characteristics; it has 3 peaks that exhibit diverse landscapes and distinctive rock formations that are great photography subjects. The whole mountain showcases a post-card-perfect scenery. All of the three peaks offer 360-degree vantage...

Panagbenga 2016 Calendar of events.

Banaue View from the first viewpoint. Banaue is famous for its centuries-old terraces. Going to the place is in itself rewarding. That is if you are traveling during the day. There are three ways to get there. Through the Nueva Ecija Road if you’re coming from Manila; through the Ambuklao Road, the shortest route from Baguio; and finally the Halsema Road passing through Bontoc, Mt. Province. For me, the last route is the best where you can see the exhilarating views of the region’s mountain ranges that earned its name Cordillera. But there are other sites that are as interesting as the terraces, the people as well as the culture. These are noteworthy photography subjects that tell us about the way of life in this community. Going around Banaue on foot is the best way to get a closer look at its culture and people. It’s the best thing to do when you are there alone. Here are some of my shots I took walking around Banaue town and going to Barangay Viewpoint on foot....

Here are my coverage and where abouts for the year including companions and acquaintances. Some adventurous, some as usual, mostly good. Passing by the highest point several times this year. It always has a new story to tell. Of course always bumping with the media people, here Franc Cimatu shooting a smiling little figure. Wonder if he's smiling too. :-)   Of course there's my group doing a book drive in a mission to build libraries in isolated schools in Cordilleras. Successfully visited more than 10 high schools and Elementary schools in Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province assisted by different organizations and government agencies.     And there's also the movement to save 182 trees from SM's expansion, the movement is now turning 3 years. Of course not to forget the coverage on crimes and security by the PNP,   and listening to Dr. Cheng's last Chinese New Year Speech.   Also attending the Media...