Rest in Peace Ompong Tan and Neil Clark Ongchangco

Two respected photojournalists based in Baguio City passed away yesterday in a tragic accident in Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet. They were on their way back to the city and were crossing a river when their car was swept away by a sudden surge of water. They were there in Dalupirip to cover an event at an elementary school.

If you're from Baguio City or the surrounding provinces, most likely you've seen their work. Ompong Tan and Neil Clark Ongchangco's photos regularly appear in various media outlets, offline and online. They have also inspired countless people to pick up a camera and start shooting.

They are a great loss, not only to the Baguio media but to the people and communities they informed and inspired with their work over the years.

They Need a Bridge in Tabu, Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet

This is an improvised barge/boat made from empty plastic drums. I snapped the photo several years ago in Tabu, Dalupirip, Itogon. The locals use the barge for transportation purposes especially for heavy goods.

They need a bridge in Tabu. One that people and vehicles can use to cross the mighty Agno River. This lack of a bridge is one reason why Baguio City lost two respected photojournalists yesterday in an accident. While crossing the river on a car, they were swept away by the river current. 

There's a hanging bridge there that enables people and motorcycles to cross to the other side. But even this bridge is not immune to nature's wrath. I remember several years ago when it was destroyed by a strong typhoon. 

The first time I crossed that river section in Tabu was in 2017 when we climbed Mt. Pigingan. Noon pa sinasabi ng mga lokals dun na kelangan nila ng mas permanenteng tulay dun. That's nearly 10 years ago. Pero sa ngayon puro mga flood control projects ang ginagawa dun.

Strawberry Festival: At the Dongba ni Kavajo in La Trinidad, Benguet

At the 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮 𝗻𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗷𝗼 in Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. This event which featured horseback racing is part of the celebrations of the Strawberry Festival. Cowboys from Benguet and Baguio participated in the races. 

Horses played a very important role in the history of Benguet and Baguio City. The Spaniards used horses to penetrate the region's seemingly impenetrable mountains. The Americans used horses as beasts of burden in building roads that connected the highlands to the lowlands. 

In short, horses were instrumental in shaping the Benguet and Baguio City we know today. 

Lang-ay Festival 2026 Has Been Cancelled

There won't be a Lang-ay Festival this year in Mountain Province. In an announcement released today by the provincial government, all activities associated with the annual festival which are scheduled for the month of April have been cancelled.

The cancellation of the festival is in compliance with the Executive Order from the Office of the President which declared a State of National Energy Emergency. The province will prioritize energy conservation and will redirect funds towards urgent public services. 

The province will still observe its foundation anniversary on April 7 with toned down activities.

Mt. Kotkot in Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet

Mt. Kotkot in Ampucao, Itogon. This is a secluded running route for Baguio/Benguet trailrunners. It's now more accessible after it was opened by Ampucao to hikers. Some sections of the trail are steep and technical so before you go there for a hike, make sure you are prepared for it.

Itogon's Municipal Tree

Came across these wild figs while hiking to the Ave Maria Shrine in Itogon, Benguet. The tree that bears these figs is actually the municipal tree of the town of Itogon. In 1991, a resolution passed by the municipal council under then Mayor Alfonso Fianza declared the wild fig tree as the town's official municipal tree. 

Community Dance After a Play

Events in the Cordillera region especially those that revolve around Cordillera culture and heritage are never complete without a community dance to cap off the event. 

Like this community dance after the staging of the play “𝙆𝙖𝙪𝙗-𝙤𝙛𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙟𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙩𝙖𝙝” at the University of the Philippines Baguio. The performers and the audience danced as one to the beat of the gongs.

Presented by the Dulaang UP Baguio and Paggawisan Tako Am-In (PAGTA), the play was an adaptation of a children's book written and illustrated by Danielle V. Florendo. Florendo wrote the book based on an oral legend from Balbalan, Kalinga. The play adaptation was directed by Markneel Balgos and Eirene June Taclobao.

[March 19, 2026]