ARRIVAL-Visitors flock to La Trinidad strawberry farm to have a unique experience of picking fresh strawberries during the Christmas season. The influx of tourists in Baguio and Benguet caused massive traffic jams, December 29, 2017. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 12/31/17
LUCKY GIFT – Five Life-size elephant sculptures are added attractions at the Baguio Botanical Garden. The city government of Baguio and the Royal Embassy of Thailand unveiled the statues on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 12/24/17
COME TRUE – People of Apayao witness the opening of their Christmas village. Provincial officials led by Governor Elias Bulut, Jr., Vice Governor Remy Albano, and Representative Eleanor Bulut-Begtang spearheaded the opening ceremonies. Contributed Photo, 12/17/17
SLOW FOOD – Kalinga Acting Governor James Edduba (far left, in orange shirt) helps himself from a table of organically-produced food during the 4th Annual Slow Food Festival in Pasil, Kalinga. PHOTO BY SAM LADRIDO, 12/10/17
ROAD ART- This little girl participates in the street chalk art painting, while others take a chance to have a photo with Volkswagen Beetles displayed along Session, Baguio City, December. 01, 2017. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 12/03/17
CIRCLE DANCE- Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin joins the Bendian dance together with other officials of Benguet during the 117th foundation day of the province. Around 1,500 students participated in the celebration dance in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record, November 23, 2017 at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 11/26/17
ADIVAY COLORS – Agriculture technician displays Celosia flowers at the Agro-Tourism trade fair in Wangal Sports Complex, La Trinidad, Benguet, November 17, 2017. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 11/19/17
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS – SM Baguio unveils their Christmas center piece, November 10, 2017. In one of Disney’s Christmas movies, Mickey and Minnie emphasized that “giving a present from the heart is cherished forever and that a present is best when love is given too”. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 11/12/17
FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE. Holiday demand keeps this flower vendor busy at the Baguio Botanical Garden on November. 3, 2017. The increased in demand for Poinsettias is expected during Christmas season. JOSEPH B. MANZANO, 11/05/17
CROSS SYMBOL- Unique cross design represents an Ibaloi and Japanese identity of the departed here. People flocked to the Baguio Public Cemetery before the annual observance of All Saints Day, photo taken Octobe 27, 2017. (October 29, 2017) By JOSEPH B. MANZANO
MAKE A START – An affected occupant salvages useful materials from the demolished 50 illegal structures at the BIBAK compound. Initially an Eight storey cultural center and museum is expected to rise in the area. (October 22, 2017) By JOSEPH B. MANZANO
‘TILL THE RIVER RUNS DRY- 18 years ago, government, civic, church and NGO residents of Baguio City and La Trinidad vowed to save a dying Balili river. Recently, a summit was held again with the same advocacy to save the river, photo taken October 13, 2017. (October 15, 2017) By JOSEPH B. MANZANO
SURVIVING PRIDE – Indigenous tribes in the Cordillera region take the spotlight in every occasion with their colourful cultures. IP’s in the region will join the nation in the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month during the whole month of October. File Photo. (October 8, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
BEAUTIFUL BAGUIO INDEED – Dramatic Burnham lake scenes emerged as top winners in the recently concluded 108th Baguio Charter Day celebration “Beautiful Baguio” photography contest. A scene showing swan boats in perfect array amid a placid lake taken by Marc Jan D. Calub won first place in the conventional category. Calub who also won the grand prize in the 2014 edition of the contest will receive a cash prize of P15,000. By PIO Baguio
BEAUTIFUL BAGUIO INDEED – Dramatic Burnham lake scenes emerged as top winners in the recently concluded 108th Baguio Charter Day celebration “Beautiful Baguio” photography contest. Sheila Mae Desamito copped the top prize in the mobile phone category. Desamito got P10,000 for her feat. By PIO Baguio
“PEACE BUZZ” – Imam Bedejim Abdullah (left) and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan are one in promoting peace in the country during the Peace Buzz send – off, from the north to the southern part of the country September 21, 2017. (September 24, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
GREEN SCHOOL – The teamwork of parents, students and teachers of Pinsao National High School in Baguio City make this sustainable project a success. PNHS will represent the Cordillera region in the National Search for Eco- Friendly School. (September 17, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
NO CAR – Visitors and local residents still enjoy the present ambiance of Burnham Park of the City of Baguio. Will the ten thousand signatures be able to halt the plan to set up a parking lot at the park? (September 10, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
OPTIMISTIC – These Baguio folks positioned at the Session road center island await the yearly Baguio day parade but the unfavorable weather condition hindered the event last September 1, 2017. (September 3, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
OTHER SIDE – While there is no halt for private development activities in various parts of Baguio City, the improvement of the state of the city public market remains to be seen after 108 years. (August 27, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
FOR LIFE – The National Nutrition Council (NNC-CAR) encourages more or less 200 nutrition advocates for their support in the promotion of healthy lifestyle in their third NutriWalk last August 11, 2017. (August 20, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
PLASTIC FIELD – Farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet protect their crops against the impact of typhoons and monsoon rains, August 10, 2017. (August 13, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
GRADUAL- A number of Traders and Farmers using the Benguet Agri – Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) are now adopting the area as alternative marketing outlet of highland vegetables, August 4, 2017. (August 6, 2017) JOSEPH MANZANO
CORDILLERA PRIDE – The picturesque view of the Anabel Rice Terraces of Anabel, Sadanga, Mountain Province at its best this month of July. Photo taken July 26, 2017. (July 30, 2017) FERDIE CARIÑO CASTAÑEDA
FAREWELL – Favorite Café By The Ruins bids goodbye to its original cafe after a farewell gathering. The management decided they can no longer rebuild the original structure in the same location. The restaurant’s management thanked the people who patronized the cafe for 29 years. (July 23, 2017, photo taken on July 20, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
See related story: In 2015, a 39-year old Baguio Food Hangout Favorite also bid goodbye
ADOPTED- Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan, in native attire, joins Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza in an ethnic dance during the turn-over of the Cordillera Unity Gong to Baguio City from the province of Ifugao. Sec. Dureza was invited as guest speaker and eventually was adopted as son of the region. He was given the name ”Mensapit” meaning a peace maker. (July 16, 2017, photo taken on July 14, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
SIPAT AT THE PALACE- Presidential Communication Operations Office assistant secretary Ana Marie Banaag (center) of the Balangao tribe of Natonin and Gad’dang tribe of Paracelis and Abra Vice Governor Ronald Balao-as (2nd from left) of the Balatoc, Masadi-it and Belwang tribe of Boliney agree to a Sipat which is a prelude to a Bodong during the sidelights of the meeting of cordillera leaders with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang. (July 23, 2017) Photo by RMC
AUTONOMY FIRST- Delegates from the Cordillera Administrative Region and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao support each other in quest for autonomy during the sharing on autonomy and federalism issue at the Asian Institute of Management last July 7, 2017. (July 9, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
TAIL END – Change has not come in the implementation of projects. Contractors are asking for understanding for the inconvenience because of the road repairs along the Halsema Highway but they should first reciprocate it by fast tracking the completion of their projects. (July 2, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
DEFECTIVE – After the total transformation of Baguio’s Malcolm Square in terms of design, what is wrong with the lightings and the concrete brick flooring? (June 25, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
“HOT MEAT”- La Trinidad Municipal Police Station under Chief of Police PCI Benson B. Macli-ing intercepts pick-up truck loaded with dog carcasses, Thursday night, June 15, at Longlong, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. LTMPS PCR’s photo
FRUIT OF LABOR – A former OFW from Kalinga province, Lorenzo Tam-og, is enjoying his investment in Zambales after working for many years abroad. (June 4, 2017) Contributed photo
SECURITY – The Cordillera Armed Forces and Police intensify their checkpoint operations along the major roads in the region. Motorists were advised to cooperate during inspection. (May 28, 2017) JOSEPH MANZANO
RESPONDERS – Members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion of Police Regional Office Cordillera assist a motorist along the Lamut, Beckel road. (May 21, 2017) JOSEPH MANZANO
RAISING – Children growing up on a family farm like in Benguet province have many opportunities to gain learning the importance of hard work, or understanding the value of food production and rewarding life experiences. According to the Department of agriculture dwindling numbers of farmers is one of the factors affecting food production in the country. (MAY 14, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
ENDO PROTESTERS – Some labor groups and organizations air their sentiment to stop the contractualization of employees during the observance of Labor Day last May 1, 2017. (May 7, 2017) PHOTO BY RJ CAYABYAB
PEACEFUL SIGNATURE. A member of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army supports the renewed quest for Cordillera Autonomy in a peaceful way, April 24, 2017, Mt. Data Hotel, Bauko, Mountain Province. (April 30, 2016) JOSEPH MANZANO.
STRAWBERRY PICKING – Baguio-Benguet Lucky Summer Visitors (BBLSV) Rolando Antiporda Jr. and Karen Villanueva of Bulacan, Annabel Recolito of Misamis Occidental and Ma.Jean Deyto from Sorsogon enjoy strawberry picking at the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. The BBLSV received a VIP treatment from the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) with the cooperation of the local government units of Baguio and Benguet. (April 24, 2017) Photo by RJ CAYABYAB
LANG-AY’S DELICACY. Mt. Province unveils their biggest ‘patupat’ in the 13th Lang-ay festival. Residents and visitors were elated to witness the event. (April 16, 2017) Photo by JIMMY ASTUDILLO.
FOOD SOURCE. Benguet farmers experienced a good stretch of bountiful harvest due to good weather condition. The upcoming dry season will be another challenge in the agriculture sector as some areas in the region are now experiencing a low water supply. (April 9, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
PREPARATION-Students and employees of the University of Baguio participate in the first quarter earthquake drill last Friday, March 31, 20117. Drills will capacitate the public to resist the impact of natural disasters. These drills were put to real test when just a few hours after a simultaneous earthquake drill of all public and high schools, Baguio was jolted by mild earthquakes last March 22, 2017. One occurred at 11:34 AM with magnitude of 3; one at 11:37 AM with magnitude 2.4 and another at 1:08 PM with magnitude 2.5. (April 2, 2017)JOSEPH MANZANO
HIERARCHY OF NEEDS. When Watersheds are under threat, the health and well being of all living things, both now and in the future, is at stake. The World Water Day on March 22 is about tackling the looming water crisis. Here at home, the Busol watershed needs to be protected from encroachment to avoid the threat of contamination. (March 26, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
HANGING BERRIES. Picking strawberries is now more fun with the new planting method at Benguet State University’s strawberry farm. (March 16, 2017) Photo by: JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
EXTRAORDINARY. A mother is performing a two-fold obligation, working by selling a variety of items and tending to her last child along Session Road, Baguio City. The celebration of Women’s Month highlights the contributions of women to society. JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
ROAD ATTRACTION . The Manila North Tollways Corporation float, Beauty of the Wild, wins again in the big float category of the 2017 Panagbenga Grand Float Competition. Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
EQUALLY IMPORTANT. The bamboo is one of the most underrated items during our Panagbenga Festival. This grass occupies the backstage behind the success of the colorful flowers during this and other occasions. The farmers rely on the bamboo in the construction of their green houses for the propagation of cut flowers in the province of Benguet, like this young man who lives in Lamut, La Trinidad, Benguet. (February 26, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
BONFIRE AND COFFEE. Young men from the Ilocos Region find a way to warm their bodies from the chilling Cordillera weather while undergoing their on-the-job training at La Trinidad, Benguet. Baguio experienced its fifth coldest temperature in history during the dawn of Wednesday, February 15, 2017. (February 19, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
FEELING POSITIVE.For this flower vendor, the heart month brings prosperity. These flowers take center stage this month for being among the favorite gifts for expressing emotions. (February 12, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
INSPIRED.A student performer dances along Session Road during the opening of Panagbenga 2017 last February 1, 2017.(February 5, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
INDIGENOUS COOKING. A young resident of Pugo, La Union participates in the 1st Tinungbo Cookfest last January 21, 2017. The local government is pushing for the revival of this indigenous cooking practices with the use of bamboo stalks through the first-ever “Tinungbo Festival”. (January 29, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
I GOTCHA! The Philex Mining community enjoys the pig catching activity during their 56th Patron Fiesta last January 14, 2017. (January 22, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.
CHINESE CULTURAL DANCE – Members of the Baguio Patriotic High School Chinese Faculty present a special Chinese Cultural Dance during the launching of Chinese Spring Festival otherwise known as Chinese Lunar New Year marking the Year of the Fire Rooster during City Hall’s January 9, 20117 flag raising ceremonies. (January 15, 2017) Photo by Bong Cayabyab.
PASUNGAD 2017. Diversity of culture cements the unity of the people of Pugo, La Union in welcoming the New Year. Residents gathered last December 31, 2016 at the Pugo municipal grounds in the New Year’s Eve to present and share their rich culture.( January 8, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH MANZANO.
MANKAYAN BLAZE – A huge fire destroys 15 structures along Aurora Street, Poblacion, Mankayan, Benguet, Thursday night, December 22, 2016, three days before Christmas. No one was hurt during the incident. (January 1, 2017) Photo by JOEL CERVANTES.