12-Hour Brownout To Hit Several Towns Of Benguet On May 31 (Tuesday)

Eight towns in Benguet will be affected by a scheduled power interruption by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on May 31, a Tuesday. In a public advisory served by the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO), the towns of Atok, Kapangan, Kibungan, Bokod, Kabayan, Buguias, Bakun (except Kayapa Proper), and Mankayan will have no electric power from 6 am to 6 pm on said date.

During the brownout, the following maintenance activities will be implemented: tapping of new disconnect switches along the La Trinidad-Mankayan 69kV lines, replacement of rotten poles and crossarms, and correction of other defects.

For more information about the scheduled power interruption, you may call the cooperative using the following numbers: 442-2295/442-6663/09088657202. Or visit their official website here.

2 Owners Of Satarah Wellness Marketing Arrested In A Resort In Pangasinan

Two of the owners of Satarah Wellness Marketing were arrested by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a resort in Anda, Pangasinan. Satarah Wellness Marketing is a marketing firm based in Baguio City that is linked to an investment scam operation that allegedly divested millions of pesos from its victims. The arrested suspects who are also sisters were identified as Romyllie Batolne Lau and Ruby Batolne. Romyllie is the wife of Wing Pan Henrich Lau who is the main suspect in the scam operation. However, the authorities fear that Henrich Lau may have already fled the country.

After their arrest in Anda, Pangasinan, the two suspects were immediately brought to the NBI office in Baguio City. They will be facing syndicated estafa charges. According to the NBI, the company convinced people to invest in their business by offering high returns in short periods of time. The company allegedly promised up to 26% interest on new investments. One complainant said that for a a certain amount, his/her investment would earn 30% interest in just two months.

It can be recalled that syndicated estafa charges were filed against Romyllie Batolne Lau, Claire Batolne, Henrich Lau, Michael Chayag Keryao, Ruby Batolne, Brigitte Batolne, Charles Batolne, and Ruben Dulay Jr. in October of last year. Ruben Dulay Jr. and Brigitte Batolne were arrested by NBI operatives last February in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Rural Bank of Buguias Among The Victims Of The Scam?

The Rural Bank of Buguias was shut down by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas through its Monetary Board and was taken over by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) in October last year. It turns out that the bank was also an investor in Satarah Wellness Marketing. The bank reportedly invested about 150 million pesos in the company.

Screencapture of a news report by GMA News on the arrest of the two suspects.

News reports on the arrest of the two:
1) Abs-Cbn News TV Patrol Northern Luzon
2) GMA News Unang Balita

Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory on Satarah Wellness Marketing

In an advisory dated March 26, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission warned the public about investing in Satarah Wellness Marketing and its affiliates. Below is the contents of the advisory in full:

"The Securities and Exchange Commission has received reports that Satarah Wellness Marketing based in Baguio City solicit funds from the public on a promise of interests ranging from 4% to 26% "depending on the market rates", as well as from referrals of new investors, with referral rates ranging from 4% to 12% of the placement fees of new investors.

Per verification, Satarah Wellness Marketing and its affiliates, Satarah Wellness International and Satarah Investment Group, Inc. are not authorized to solicit investments from the public as it did not secure prior registration and/or license or permit to solicit investments from the Commission as required under Section 8.1 of the Securities Regulation Code.

In view thereof, the public is hereby advised to exercise self-restraint from investing their money into such high yield-high risk investment scheme and to take the necessary precautions in dealing with the above-mentioned entity.

Should you have any information regarding the operation of the said entity, please call the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department at telephone numbers (02) 584-7187 and (02) 584-7652 or at SEC Baguio City Extension office at telephone numbers (074) 442-8170 and (074) 442-8171."

Music And Dances Of The Kalinga And Ga'dang Tribes To Be Featured In San Francisco Dance Festival

The Parangal Dance Company, a folk dance group composed of Filipino-Americans and based in the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California is set to participate in an annual festival that will feature dancers and musicians from more than 20 different world cultures. Called the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the performances will run from June 3 to 19 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater.

The Parangal Dance company will be performing on the first weekend (June 4 and 5) of the festival at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater. The group will be performing a piece they call Kopyan chi biyeg. According to the group, the performance is composed of "traditional dances from the rugged Cordillera Mountain Range, showcasing the culture of indigenous Ga'dang from Paracelis, Mountain Provice and Kalinga from Lubuagan, Kalinga." The group added that "these dances and rituals pay homage to the gods, connect with the spirit world, and honor traditions on Earth."

For their cultural resources, the dance group consulted with several members of the Ga'dang and Kalinga tribes. From the Ga'dang, they sought help from Amparo Mabanag and Margareth Balansi. From the Kalinga, they had Cirilo Sapi Bawer, Jenny Bawer Young, and Ophelia Bawer Addom as cultural resources.

Parangal will be performing on June 4 (Saturday) at 2 pm and 8 pm. They will again perform the next day at 4 pm. For tickets to the events, visit City Box Office. Discounts are available for those who are attending in groups. For more information about the Parangal Dance Group, check out their official website here or visit their Facebook page here.

Image credit: the Parangal Dance Company

Another Filipino group, the LIKHA - Pilipino Folk Dance Company will also be performing in the festival on its second week. For the full line-up of events and performers in the festival, go here.

Read An Excerpt From Maria Konnikova's Book "The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It Every Time"

"The simple truth is that most people aren’t out to get you. We are so bad at spotting deception because it’s better for us to be more trusting. Trust, and not adeptness at spotting deception, is the more evolutionarily beneficial path. People are trusting by nature. We have to be. As infants, we need to trust that the big person holding us will take care of our needs and desires until we’re old enough to do it ourselves. And we never quite let go of that expectation." - Maria Konnikova

Why are people so quick to fall for the deceptions of con artists? And why are con artists so effective in what they do? These are the two main questions that the Russian-American journalist Maria Konnikova explores in her bestselling book The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It Every Time. Using psychology as her main tool, Konnikova paints a compelling picture of the minds, motives, and methods of con artists as well as the people who fall for the same tactics over and over again.

The Confidence Game was published in January 2016 by Viking, an imprint of the Penguin Publishing Group. You can read an excerpt from the book here [as it appeared on a recent issue of the Skeptic magazine]. You can also find more excerpts from the book on Amazon here. Konnikova is also the author of Mastermind: How To Think Like Sherlock Holmes (2013). The author's writing has appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers including The New Yorker (she writes a regular column here), The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, The Boston Globe, Wired, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal. Learn more about the writer at her official website here.

Notes On "The Door", The 5th Episode Of The 6th Season Of "Game Of Thrones"

1) Jorah the Andal finally did it. It took him six seasons to muster the courage to spill but spill he did: "All I've ever wanted was to serve you. Tyrion Lannister was right. I love you. I'll always love you. Goodbye Khaleesi." Good for you Jorah, good for you. It's probably unlikely but it would be great to see him actually find a cure for his greyscale and be with Daenerys when she marches into Westeros.

2) So it appears that the White Walkers, the most fearsome forces of evil in the show, were created by the Children of the Forest. This important detail was revealed in one of Bran's flashbacks. In the scene, the Children of the Forest can be seen huddling and talking while a male human is tied to a weirwood tree nearby. One of them approached the human and slowly stabbed him in the chest with an obsidian blade (dragonglass). The human's eyes started to glow implying that that was the beginning of his transformation into a White Walker. This also means that the man is the very first White Walker. He would turn into the Night's King.

Why did the Children of the Forest create White Walkers? The answer lies in one of the Children's answer when Bran woke up from his revealing flashback and confronted her about what he saw. "We were at war. We were being slaughtered. Our sacred trees cut down. We needed to defend ourselves," one of the Children answered. Defend themselves from whom? From men.

From this revelation, several more questions arise. We now know that the Children created the monsters as fighting machines against mankind. But why is it that the White Walkers are also killing the Children of the Forest? Don't the Children have the means to control the White Walkers? Maybe they used to be able to control them but lost it? Why did the White Walkers turn against their creators? But then again, creating your own doom is the main theme of the series.

The White Walkers have now turned into a seemingly insurmountable army gearing to invade Westeros.

3) Hodor, the gentle giant, is now dead. And we now know the origin of his unique name. It's a tragic ending for one of the show's most beloved characters. There have been a lot of innocent characters in the series who didn't deserve what happened to them or how they were killed. Hodor's demise is one of the most heart-breaking. Rest in peace, ye giant.

4) Ramsay Bolton didn't appear in the episode. For the time being, the young Bolton's place as a hated character was replaced by Euron, the douchebag uncle of Yara and Theon Greyjoy. Euron wants to rule over the Iron Islands and plans on joining forces with Daenerys Targaryen to conquer Westeros. How much of a douchebag is this man? Here's what he said when Yara and Theon escaped: "Where are my niece and nephew? Let's go murder them." And let's not forget that Euron killed Balon Greyjoy by throwing him off a high bridge.

5) Arya Stark is still out in Braavos learning how to fight with a wooden stick. It's kind of disappointing to see Arya's story get repetitive over the last several episodes.  

6) Sansa Stark is now a woman. She showed this when she confronted Littlefinger and held her own in a tense game of wits. And then there's the fact that she's actively participating in the plan to gather an army big and strong enough to retake Winterfell from the combined forces of the Boltons, Karstarks, and Umbers.

7) And then there's Tormund Giantsbane trying his very best to win the elusive heart of Brienne of Tarth.

8) And there's Meera Reed. This girl is a badass. She speared and killed one of the Night King's lieutenants. The only other person to ever accomplish this feat was Jon Snow.

BENECO Notice Of Scheduled Power Interruptions From May 23 To May 27

May 23, Monday, 9 am to 5 pm - Atab, Marcos Highway, Baguio City; parts of Interior A, Balacbac, Baguio City

May 24, Tuesday, 9 am to 5 pm - Bayan Park, Brookspoint, BWD-Busol Pumping Station, Ambiong (Baguio and Trinidad), Mamaga, Balili

May 25, Wednesday, 9 am to 5 pm - parts of Upper Cogcoga, La Trinidad; Quisimbing, Malvar Street, Baguio City; parts of Purok 5, Upper Fairview, Baguio City

May 26, Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm - Holyghost and Holyghost Extension, Baguio City; Purok 7, Camia Street, Fairview

May 27, Friday, 9 am to 5 pm - parts of Legarda Road near Himaya Spa and Pines View Hotel, Baguio City; Pipingew, Lubas, La Trinidad

Reasons for the scheduled power interruptions: Relocation/replacement of poles, rerouting of secondary lines, and rehabilitation of secondary lines.

Dismantle private armed groups, CPA Abra tells Duterte

[This is a press release by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance.]

Abra-based group Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin a Nagtaudan (KASTAN), the local chapter of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) challenges incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to dismantle the proliferation of private armed groups in the province. Abra is one of the provinces known for the presence of private armed groups (PAGs) allegedly being maintained by some politicians.

“President Duterte should uphold his promise of genuine land reform and national industrialization so that the economic standing of the people will improve. Many people are forced to join private armed groups to feed their family,” said Villamor Pati, chairperson of KASTAN.

Based on interviews from former members of private armed groups, their salary ranges from P3,000-6,000 monthly including food. Accommodation is also provided as they secure their politician-bosses for 24/7. During election period, it is a common knowledge in Abra that politicians use private armed group for their own interests. Reports reaching KASTAN say that in some cases of election related violations such as vote buying were allegedly perpetrated by the private armed groups.

“Joining PAGs has been the alternative livelihood for some Abrenians due to lack of economic opportunities in the province. Even if you own a small parcel of land, the absence of irrigation system in Abra makes it very hard for farmers to cultivate crops. And despite the dangers of being in a private armed group, many people still gamble their safety so that they can feed their family. We call on the incoming President Duterte to listen to our demands,” ended Pati.

Exploring The Paterno And Bengaongao Caves In Ambongdolan, Tublay, Benguet

When it comes to caving or spelunking destinations in the Cordillera region, the caves and underground rivers of Sagada in Mt. Province take the cake in popularity. However, in order to get to Sagada, you will have to endure at least five hours of travel from Baguio City. If this prolonged travel time sort of disappoints you, fret not because there are caving destinations within Benguet that are both near and accessible.

This brings us to the Paterno and Bengaongao cave systems in Ambongdolan, Tublay, Benguet. The sleepy village of Ambongdolan is just about an hour's drive away from the town of La Trinidad. Aside from its cave systems, the natural scenery in the area is also something to behold. A river known for its white rocks runs just below the Paterno and Bengaongao caves. It's a more than decent place to hold picnics.

How To Get To Ambongdolan, Tublay

If you are using a private vehicle, just drive through Halsema Highway until you reach the toll gate in Acop, La Trinidad. Turn left and follow the Kapangan Road until you reach the junction wherein a road diverges towards Ambongdolan. The junction is hard to miss because there's a huge green sign that says "To Ambongdolan".

If you don't have access to a vehicle, you can coordinate with the Tublay municipal hall so that they will arrange a transportation for you. This is what the receptionist at the Ambongdolan Barangay Hall told us when we got there.

Registration Fees To Be Paid

Before proceeding to the caves, you are required to register at the Ambongdolan Barangay Hall and secure a guide. Registration fee is 225 pesos per head. This fee covers everything from environmental fees to the salary of the guide. You should always have a guide with you when you enter the caves. Besides, one of the caves is locked from outside so you can't enter. Only the guides hold the key to the cave.

What To Expect

Expect to crawl on your belly and squeeze through tight spots inside the cave. There are also places wherein you have to rappel down rocks using ropes. Paterno Cave is basically dry and humid. It's the same with Bengaongao Cave but according to the guide, Bengaongao Cave can have running underground water during the rainy season.

Here are some photos from our recent visit in Ambongdolan: 

The view from the drop-off point. The cave systems are just above the river you see in the photo.

To enter Paterno Cave, you will have to squeeze through this small hole just a few feet from the cave entrance.

Some of the white-colored rock formations inside Paterno Cave.

More rock formations.

The elephant rock formation.

[Related article: There's also a cave in Camp 3/Twin Peaks in Tuba that's been getting a lot of attention lately. It's called Aran Cave and it's very accessible from Baguio City. Read more about Aran Cave here.]

Listen to the people’s agenda, CPA tells local elected officials

[This is a press release by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA).]

Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) congratulates the winning local candidates during the past May 9 elections for garnering the support of their constituencies to serve the people. In a few weeks, the newly elected and reelected officials will assume their respective positions from the provincial to the municipal levels for the next three years. CPA puts forward its people’s agenda as one basis for the local officials to implement their mandate, as elected by the people.

Jill Carino, Vice Chairperson of the CPA says that the biggest challenge for the newly elected and reelected officials is to listen to the people’s agenda formulated by indigenous peoples in the different provinces of the region. She added that these people agenda may have particular forms in each province but they have common calls for the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples to their land, territories and resources.

Carino further stated that local officials should also support the calls of affected communities to stop destructive projects that are displacing indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. Carino also emphasized that local government units should listen to the need of the people for basic social services, for better education, health services and to be able to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people in the communities.

Aside from social services, Carino also highlighted human rights as one of the contents of the people’s agenda for the elected officials to support. Specifically, Carino called on the incoming officials to support the call of demilitarization of communities. She shared that militarization has been a source of numerous human rights violations against indigenous peoples and advocates in our communities. Carino added that there is a need to implement the provision of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on the rights of indigenous peoples for Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) whenever military troops enter into indigenous communities.

Incoming local officials should also support the call of newly elected President Rodrigo Duterte for Peace Talks. Carino reiterated the call for the release of political detainees because of their defense of ancestral land and resources. She emphasized that in Kalinga, Kennedy Bangibang, a Regional Consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, remains to be detained several years now and his case should also be given proper attention.

Local elected officials should also support community campaigns against the intrusion of so-called development projects. Carino especially mentioned big the proposed Alimit Hydro Power Complex in Ifugao, Chevron and geothermal plants in Kalinga; Mt. Province; Abra and other provinces. According to Carino, these projects are rejected by the communities because of their negative impacts.

In conclusion, Carino reiterated the challenges for the incoming local officials to listen to the people’s agenda for the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples to land, resources, livelihood and self-determined development in your respective provinces and municipalities.

Complete Ifugao Local Election Results 2016

Incumbent Ifugao Congressman Teodoro Baguilat Jr. has retained his seat by edging out Solomon Chungalao in a close contest. Chungalao turned it into an interesting match by beating Baguilat in several Ifugao towns. In the end, Baguilat got around 56% of the votes and emerged victorious.

The province has a new Governor in Pedro Mayam-o, the incumbent Vice-Governor. It wasn't an easy win however as his fellow candidates, particularly Eugene Balitang and Jonathan Cuyahon trailed him by only a few thousand votes. Denis Habawel, the incumbent Governor who sought re-election was trampled at the polls. The province also has a new Vice-Governor in Jose Jordan Gullitiw. Below is the complete list of results for all 11 towns of Ifugao.

Wikipedia Commons

Congressman: Teodoro Baguilat Jr.
Governor: Pedro Mayam-o
Vice-Governor: Jose Jordan Gullitiw

Municipality of Aguinaldo
Mayor: Gaspar Chilagan Jr.
Vice-Mayor: Tony Chilagan
Councilors:
1. Ricky Uchayan
2. Maribel Biogan
3. Susan Pengiton
4. Melchor Bimmang
5. Gabby Halipan
6. Jimson Tiya-on
7. Homer Cupahan
8. Jun Lamag

Municipality of Alfonso Lista (Potia)
Mayor: Glenn Prudenciano
Vice-Mayor: Joseph Angowan
Councilors:
1. Edralin Alipio
2. Michael Buminaang
3. William Taganas Sr.
4. Jaime Dog-e
5. Agapito Dominguez Jr.
6. Noel Prudenciano
7. Carl Marx Aliguyon
8. Rex Aniceto

Municipality of Asipulo
Mayor: Armando Domilod
Vice-Mayor: Tomas Pullupul
Councilors:
1. Constancio Catama
2. Clarence Dupingay
3. Romel Pallay
4. Denis Gumangan
5. Florence Piggangay
6. Alfredo Belingon
7. Fernando Dupingay
8. Lopez Bahingawan

Municipality of Hingyon
Mayor: Geraldo Luglug
Vice-Mayor: Abe Dinamling
Councilors;
1. Max Luglug
2. Isabel Bittag
3. Maria Habbiling
4. Aquilino Namingit
5. Mysan Binwag
6. Delfin Buligon
7. Ronnie Gumatin
8. Bernardino Dogwe

Municipality of Hungduan
Mayor: Hilario Bumangabang
Vice-Mayor: Romeo Haguyayap
Councilors:
1. Casan Dumulag
2. Lucas Bugatti
3. Evelyn Balenga
4. Jose Pocdihon
5. Maura Himmiwat
6. Arnold Amayuwon
7. Pablo Cuyahon Sr.
8. Pedro Binwag

Municipality of Kiangan
Mayor: Joselito Guyguyon
Vice-Mayor: Hato Dulnuan
Councilors:
1. Lito Dulinayan
2. Raldis Bulayungan
3. Michelle Alice Baguilat
4. Alberto Binlang Jr.
5. Gemma Dimog
6. Marcial Allaga
7. Jem Jem Talib
8. Jason Bayawon

Municipality of Lagawe
Mayor: Martin Habawel Jr.
Vice-Mayor: Ceasario Cabbigat
Councilors:
1. Vilma Alcayna
2. Reynold Kimayong
3. Tejano Balinon
4. Homa Liwayan
5. Angel Taguiling
6. Gregorio Dangayo Jr.
7. Wilson Bumaghat
8. Davis Pulao

Municipality of Lamut
Mayor: Mariano Buyagawan Jr.
Vice-Mayor: Adryan Chaguile
Councilors:
1. Everda Desiree Dulinayan
2. Jerry Leal
3. Joseph In-uyay
4. Marivic Macadaeg
5. Pio Famorca Jr.
6. Napoleon Belingon
7. Reneboy Millano
8. Mark Anthony Indopia

Municipality of Mayoyao
Mayor: Ronie Lumayna
Vice-Mayor: Jimmy Padchanan Jr.
Councilors:
1. Innakhid Haguiling
2. Eugene Lim-ang
3. Yolanda Allaga
4. Joey Bangachon
5. Gregorio Marcos
6. Takinan Bongyo
7. Peter Gannaban
8. Pedro Acapen Sr.

Municipality of Tinoc
Mayor: Marcelo Catalino
Vice-Mayor: Efren Tacio
Councilors:
1. Samson Benito
2. Dolores Donato
3. Danilo Baguista
4. Mercury Binwihan
5. Emerita Danao
6. Yolanda Patnaan
7. Dondon Canute
8. Michael Pindog

Municipality of Banaue
Mayor: Jerry Dalipog
Vice-Mayor: Joel Bungallon
Councilors:
1. Hygelac Cayong
2. Chester Bahatan
3. Lino Madchiw
4. Fernan Chulipa
5. Donald Mongolnon
6. Ulysses Balanhi
7. Agustin Dupingay
8. Orlando Addug

Baguio City Election Results: The City Has A New Congressman In Marquez Go

A new face will be representing Baguio City in Congress. Businessman Marquez Go bested incumbent Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr. to win the much-coveted seat. It was yet another close match reminiscent of the two men's political battle back in 2013 when they ran for the same post. This time around, Go emerged as the winner to even the score.

"This elections have been both an uplifting and humbling experience for me, my family, and the entire GOMOBIL team. We wish to thank you, the people, for your trust and support. Thank you for going for change! Salasalamat. Here we go for change.", Go wrote on his official Facebook page.

In the mayoralty race, Mauricio Domogan retained his seat with a victory over retired judge Del Claravall. However, the latter didn't go down without a fight. Claravall only trailed behind Domogan by a few thousand votes based on the final tally.

In the vice-mayoralty race, it wasn't even a close battle as incumbent Edison Bilog trampled Isabelo Cosalan Jr., Betty Lourdes Tabanda, and Fred Bagbagen at the polls. It can be recalled that Bilog got elevated as vice-mayor back in 2014 when then vice-mayor Daniel Farinas died from a heart attack.

In the city council, seven were re-elected to retain their posts. The five newcomers are as follows - Edgar Avila, Mylen Yaranon, Lilia Farinas, Arthur Allad-iw, and Benny Bomogao.

Here's the full list of winners:

Congressman: Marquez Go
Mayor: Mauricio Domogan
Vice-Mayor: Edison Bilog

Councilors:
1. Leandro Yangot (re-electionist)
2. Edgar Avila
3.Ortega, Robert (re-electionist)
4. Joel Alangsab (re-electionist)
5. Faustino Olowan (re-electionist)
6. Elmer Datuin (re-electionist)
7. Mylen Yaranon
8. Elaine Sembrano (re-electionist)
9. Peter Fianza (re-electionist)
10. Lilia Farinas
11. Arthur Allad-iw
12. Benny Bomogao

La Trinidad Election Results: Romeo Salda Emerges As The Town's New Mayor

The town of La Trinidad in Benguet has a new mayor. The final and official results are in and outgoing vice-mayor Romeo Salda edged out incumbent mayor Edna Tabanda and former mayor Gregorio Abalos to win the seat.

In a closely-contested vice-mayoralty race, outgoing councilor Joey Jovencio Marrero won over fellow outgoing councilor John Botiwey. In addition, five of the town's seating councilors were re-elected. They are Roderick Awingan, Henry Kipas, Estrella Adeban, Horacio Ramos Jr., and Renato Tereng. Also winning a seat in the council are Bobot Fongwan, Arthur Shontogan, and Guiller Galwan.

Here's the final list of winners:
Mayor: Romeo Salda
Vice-Mayor: Joey Jovencio Marrero

Councilors:
1) Roderick Awingan
2) Bobot Fongwan
3) Henry Kipas
4) Estrella Adeban
5) Horacio Ramos Jr.
6) Renato Tereng
7) Arthur Shontogan
8) Guiller Galwan

Iglesia Ni Cristo Endorses Aliping, Domogan, And Bilog

Sun Star Baguio reported on Saturday afternoon that the religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) has endorsed the candidacies of Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr., Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and Vice-Mayor Edison Bilog. All three belong to different political parties. Aliping belongs to the Liberal Party, Domogan to the United Nationalist Alliance, and Bilog to the Nationalist Peoples Coalition.

The paper added that the religious group has endorsed twelve candidates running for councilor. They are as follows: Joel Alangsab, Arthur Allad-iw, Edgar Avila, Elemer Datuin, Lilia Farinas, Peter Fianza, Faustino Olowan, Jun Orca, Roberto Ortega, Elaine Sembrano, Leandro Yangot and Mylen Yaranon.

In the national level, the INC has endorsed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for the presidency and Bongbong Marcos for the vice-presidency. The senatorial candidates they are supporting are as follows: Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Tolentino, Martin Romualdez, Ralph Recto, Manny Pacquiao, Vicente Sotto III, Sherwin Gatchalian, Ping Lacson and Juan Miguel Zubiri

How To Find And Verify Your Precinct Number And Polling Center Online

The national election is just a couple of days away. At this time, you should already know your precinct number and polling center as these have been made available online since last year. There are two ways on how you can check your voter's information. You can either use the Precinct Finder tool by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) or the mirror service created by GMA News Online.

In the Precinct Finder by COMELEC, just enter your name, birth of date, and the required Captcha. After clicking the search button, your voter information will pop up. These include your voting center and precinct number. It will also be shown if your registration status is active or not. However, the COMELEC website is notorious for being down. With the immense traffic it's getting these days, there's a chance that you won't be able to access the site or the precinct finder takes too long to load. If this is the case, you can use the mirror service set up by GMA News Online. At least, the service is up 99% of the time.

Here are the links to the precinct finders:

COMELEC: https://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=2016NLE/VoterVerification/precinct_finder

GMA Mirror Service: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon2016/find_your_precinct

Here's The Complete List Of Political Candidates In Baguio City

Here is the complete list of candidates vying for political positions this coming May 9th in Baguio City. Incumbent Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr. is seeking re-election. Hoping to take the throne from him are Rudy Aspilan, Edgardo Duque, Marquez Go, and Bernardo Vergara.

Current Mayor Mauricio Domogan is also seeking re-election. He's up against Edilberto Claravall, Guillermo Hernandez, and Jose Molintas. See the full list of candidates for the vice-mayor and councilor positions below:

For Congressman:
Aliping, Nicasio Jr. M. - Liberal party, Incumbent
Aspilan, Rudy M. - Independent
Duque, Edgardo L. - Independent
Go, Marquez O. - Nacionalista Party
Vergara, Bernardo M. - Nationalist People's Coalition

For Mayor:
Claravall, Edilberto T. - Independent
Domogan, Mauricio G. - United Nationalist Alliance, Incumbent
Hernandez, Guillermo C. - Independent
Molintas, Jose M. - NPC

For Vice-Mayor:
Bagbagen, Fred L. - Independent
Bilog, Edison R. - NPC, Incumbent
Cosalan, Isabelo Jr. B. - Liberal Party
Pinic, Jeffrey B. - Independent
Tabanda, Betty Lourdes F. - UNA

For Councilor:
Abratique, Marilou C. - Independent
Alangsab, Joel A. - Liberal Party
Allad-iw, Arthur L. - Liberal Party
Ananayo, Carlos P. - NPC
Ang, Stanford C. - NP
Apostol, Ed V. - Independent
Avila, Edgar M. - UNA
Awingan, Roberto A. - NPC
Bagalawis, Ricardo Jr. C. - NP
Balajadia, Erdolfo V. - UNA
Batnag, Pablo K. - Independent
Bautista, Joderek Carlos - Independent
Bayasen, Ferdie - Independent
Bomogao, Benny O. - UNA
Bumanglag, Villamor A. - UNA
Cabato, Joseph Francis C. - LIberal Party
Cayabas, Vladimir D. - UNA
Coteng, Robin G. - PMM
Datuin, Elmer O. - UNA
De Castro, Marlene B. - UNA
Estolas, Lalaine N. - Independent
Farinas, Lilia A. - UNA
Fianza, Peter c. - Independent
Gaerlan, John Glenn F. - Independent
Gapuz, Edilberto C. - Independent
Macadangdang, Benjamin A. - NPC
Mandapat, Federico Jr. J. - UNA
Mayos, Grace R. - NP
Mazo, Alan Antonio S. - Independent
Nialla, Nicanor N. - NPC
Olowan, Faustino A. - NPC
Orate, Reena R. - UNA
Orca, Virgilio Jr. D. - Liberal party
Ortega, Roberto C. - UNA
Padawil, Francis T. -Independent
Pajarillaga, Arturo Jr. V. - NPC
Paraan, Rudolfo A. - Liberal Party
Perez, Ronald L. - Liberal Pary
Sembrano, Elaine D. - UNA
Sugano, Gueliro M. - NPC
Tongawan, Connie C. - Independent
Ueda, Eric O. - Independent
Uy, Gerry P. - Independent
Vergara, Jonathan A. - NPC
Yangot, Leandro Jr. B. - Liberal Party
Yaranon, Maria Mylen Victoria G. - Liberal Party

A Guide For Those Who Want To Explore Aran Cave In Camp 3/Twin Peaks, Tuba, Benguet

The town of Tuba in Benguet is home to several caves, only a few of which are open for the public. Among those developed and opened for visitors is Aran Cave (formerly Tukang Cave) which is located in the borders of Camp 3 and Twin Peaks. The entrance to the cave is just a 15-minute walk from the highway (Kennon Road). According to the locals, "aran" is an Ibaloi term for "giant". There's an interesting story surrounding the cave's name but I'm not going to tell you as it would spoil the experience. I'll leave it to your guide inside the cave to tell you the story.

How To Get To Aran Cave

You have three options. One, there's a jeepney station in front of Shopper's Lane along Magsaysay Avenue. The terminal is just several meters away from Jollibee Magsaysay. Two, there's a van terminal at the gas station beside the SSS building along Harrison Road. And three, ride a bus that passes through Kennon Road. Just make sure to tell the conductor that you will be alighting in Camp 3/Twin Peaks near the entrance of the cave. For reference, there's a green sign along the way marking the location of the cave. Fare range from 35 to 60 pesos.

Things To Bring With You When You Go To Aran Cave

1) Extra pairs for the following - shirt, pants, socks, shoes, underwear. Under the cave, you will be wading through pools of water, some of which can be chest-high. In other words, you will get wet. It's best that you put on long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Rocks inside the cave are mostly rugged and sharp. One wrong move or step and you will be nursing a gash or cut. And use rubber shoes. If you don't want to bring an extra pair of shoes with you, there are Crocs-type footwear that you can rent at the entrance for 30 pesos a pair.

2) Cash and pocket money. When you register, you will be asked to pay 125 pesos per head which is the Aran Cave entrance fee. That covers your registration fees, the head-lights, and the guide. If you are without companions, the fee is 500 pesos. Also at the entrance is a makeshift store where you can buy snacks or even a budget meal (60 pesos). There's a resort nearby with two swimming pools where you can have some fun after your caving experience. Entrance fee is 70 pesos per head.

Just A Few More Tips

1) Go there early especially if it's a weekend. The cave can only accommodate a few groups at a time. This means that you and your group will have to wait for your turn. When we went there, we arrived before lunch. We had to wait for about two to three hours before it was our time to go in. So go early.

2) Bring zip-locks with you. This is if you plan on bringing gadgets like phones and cameras inside the cave. As I mentioned earlier, you will be wading through a lot of pools inside the cave. This is not to mention the wet and sometimes muddy rocks.

3) Listen to the orientation. Before you enter the cave, you will be oriented on what to expect inside the cave, what to do and not to do inside the cave, and other important matters. For your safety, listen to what the man in charge of the orientation has to say.

This rocky mountain sits right on top of the cave system.

To get to the entrance of the cave, you will pass through these huge rock boulders.

You will be spending a lot of your time inside the cave crawling on the floor or going through tight spots like this.

Inside the cave are chambers. Some are only head-high. Others can be dozens of feet high.

There are deep pools inside the cave if you fancy a swim.

Some of the rock formations inside the cave.

In one particular section of the cave, you will have to climb up and then rappel down a rope over a small waterfall.

Photo-ops are allowed inside the cave. But be advised that stopping too often to take photos can create a bottleneck of people inside the cave.

The entrance and exit point for the cave are the same. 

And last but not the least, don't forget to celebrate! :)