A group of musicians and artists based in Baguio and Benguet had chosen to bring their God-given talents to a higher level, leading to the creation of Music for Change (MFC).

Mr. Jon Sawac, the lead vocalist of the Kultura Band, champion of the recent Baguio Panagbenga Festival’s Battle of the Bands 2016, and champion of the August Rush Battle of the Band in 2013, dubbed as the Guitar Man made an initiative to bring artists and musicians together for the purpose of initiating change thru civic works and noble causes.

Having been a voluntary performer with this band-mates at TCC’s Concert-For-Life Series, he was able to see the impact of doing civic works in the community and the importance of providing opportunities to the lives of the disadvantaged. Having been inspired with the dedication of TCC volunteers and scholars with the perseverance of its President, Mr Gregorio C. Taag, he had decided to tap TCC to work together for the same noble purpose.

MFC will work with TCC thus will now be called TCC-MFC. This is the same set-up with other TCC Teams based overseas. MFC will be an important leg of TCC as it is seen to be a propeller in calling the attention of the youngsters for noble works.  In addition to the causes that MFC will be spearheading, they will also serve as warriors in developing the art and music potentials of young people diverting them away from negative influences. This will be of great role in the realisation of 2 of TCC’s  4 Charity Objectives: the Preservation and advancement of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and  the initiative for the Relief of Poverty.

 

 

The Cordillera Connection (TCC), a registered Charity in the United Kingdom with Charity Number 152344, with its Philippines subsidiary, The Cordillera Binnadangan Connection (TCBCI/ TCC-Philippines) with SEC Registration Number CN201325517, hereby calls for support from DSWD- CAR and La Trinidad, Benguet for fast issuance of future permits applied for Concert For Life Series being regularly conducted for its chronically-ill beneficiaries.

Backgrounder:

TCC-United Kingdom and TCC-Philippines, with the support of its chapters and volunteers in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Canada, USA, Israel, KSA, and other locations overseas have been organising Concert For Life Series since 2012. From its 1st Concert up to the 20th, a total of more than Php3,200,000.00 have been raised for the benefit of its chronically-ill beneficiaries. These events have been funded by TCC and its volunteers for free. The funds are all sourced out from volunteers overseas who pledged to support the charitable initiative, no funds are being provided nor requested from any third party funding agencies. Talents and Performers on these concerts are also provided for free by local bands and solo talents such as Andrew Paulino, Jon Sawac and Kultura Band, Margaret Locano and others. Some operational needs are also provided by loyal sponsors such as Moira Franchesca Gabiola and other parties who have been helpful to the cause. On this premise, under the leadership of its President, BSU Professor Gregorio C. Taag, TCC have submitted to a commitment that not  a single centavo will be collected back from proceeds raised from the concerts. All funds generated from these concerts are all taken by beneficiaries for their medical treatments. In simple terms, beneficiaries are given out tickets to sell on their own initiative with the support of their families, relatives and friends. Beneficiaries keep whatever they have sold and only inform TCC of the figures for monitoring and documentation purposes.

TCC’s Call for Support:

TCC’s more than a hundred beneficiaries mostly suffering from long-term chronic ailments such as kidney disorder and cancer are continuously seeking support and thereby prompts a sustained planning and organising of Concert For Life Series. Having been a model in setting standards in organising charitable events, TCC promptly applies permit for each concert event from DSWD- La Trinidad Office, now DSWD-CAR to cover beneficiaries that originate as well as sell tickets Cordillera-wide. In an unanticipated past instances, organisers comprised by TCC scholars and volunteers, are being met with huge amount of requirements and paper works, such as:

1. Financial Statements (FS) of past concerts signed by all beneficiaries. Even with the desire and voluntary submission to comply, this requirement is impossible to achieve in due time noting the huge numbers of beneficiaries with their respective medical conditions. Roughly, it will take more than 2-3 weeks before all beneficiary signatures can be completed. It will mean then that it will take up to a month before a permit will be issued from the date of application. Obviously, this won’t allow benficiaries to have enough time to successfully sell their tickets. The Concert for Life Events are needed by beneficiaries almost every 2 months. Requiring organisers to comply with such requirement will defeat the purpose of providing windows of opportunities for beneficiaries to get supported in times that they need and require funds for their treatments. Can this documentation rather be undertaken and collected by DSWD on their own initiative and expense and not make it as a requirement for the permit? TCC volunteers are not paid to do such and are focused on charity works. TCC do not have the resources to follow each beneficiaries on their own homes or on the hospitals where they are admitted just for the purpose of collecting their signatures as evidence of confirmation of the information provided on the financial statement. TCC’s time and resources are valuable, not to be spent on such documentations. TCC would like to suggest that it will rather be allowed to provide notarized FS instead of requiring it signed by all beneficiaries. This method will entail TCC’s legal obligation on the truthfulness of the information provided on its financial statement. Also, in TCC’s own view, it is best to require an annual financial Statement at the end of the year not for each concert.
2. Fees.  With the increasing numbers of beneficiaries, operating expenses also increases. These are expenses on sound systems, venue hire, tickets and poster printing, and others. Even with the desire of volunteers to pledge to support the initiative, TCC’s fund is subjected for exhaustion considering the fact that no funds are being regenerated. The fees being required by DSWD is another pain that TCC and its beneficiaries are subjected to endure. With the desire to help the beneficiaries to whom the government agency itself is bound to support, can we rather  suggest for partnership and work together for the beneficiaries’ welfare and perhaps be given due consideration on these fees? Can it be considered that TCC is doing a charity work, not a business establishment?
3. Other Numerous Documents. Despite the fact that TCC is registered with SEC and has its pertinent legal documents, volunteers and organisers are being required to provide various documents for the issuance of permit. Being aware of the Honorable President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy on the eradication of bureaucracy and red tape, TCC community and its beneficiaries are appealing that document requirements be simplified. TCC is geared towards the welfare of its beneficiaries, not spending resources and time on documents.
4. Act of Mistrust. It is a sad instance that TCC scholars and volunteers processing the permit of one of the past concerts were offended by a DSWD-La Trinidad Staff by stating that the Financial Statements and Photos produced by TCC are scripted. Apparently, the staff stated that it is just so easy to take photos of monies being awarded to beneficiaries. The same staff even questioned the truthfulness of the amount or figures raised on the past concerts. Can this DSWD- La Trinidad Staff take responsibility and be sensitive enough in stating such arguments please? TCC is a genuine charity organisation and do not deserve such act of mistrust. We are not paid, and we do not gain from our noble works. Our scholars and volunteers deserve respect and dignity.

TCC beneficiaries, volunteers and talented performers are calling for DSWD-CAR and La Trinidad to support its charity works, with the utmost importance, its Concert for Life series.

Signatures of TCC volunteers, beneficiaries, sponsors and supporters will be reflected thru the comments on this letter. Therefore, in view of protecting the respect and dignity due for TCC Community, its beneficiaries  and volunteers and everyone supporting this call are hereby ask to indicate their names, age and location on the comment box provided below this letter.

Very Truly Yours,

TCC-United Kingdom, TCBCI/ TCC-Philippines, TCC- Hong Kong, TCC- Malaysia, TCC-Montreal/ Canada, TCC Volunteers Overseas, TCC Beneficiaries, TCC Scholars, Local Bands and Talents, TCC Sponsors

LONDON,UK-TCC is inviting everyone to its main event this year. In collaboration with Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company, we are proud to present to you The Cultural Show 3, at The Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth St, Marylebone, London NW8 8EH, on Sunday 27 November 2017. The show will feature different Philippine Cultural Dances with a special presentation of Cordillera Dances by TCC. Tickets for Adults costs only £15, Kids from 12 years old and below £10.

The event is also open for sponsorships and subscription to our souvenir program.
In addition to the fulfilment of one of our charity objectives, the preservation and  culture, arts and heritage; the proceeds of the event also seeks to fund our scholarship program and charity works in the Philippines.
Currently, we support 5 university students in Don Mariano Memorial State University- La Union and 35 university students in Benguet State Univerity. 5 scholars have already successfully completed their studies and are now settled on their respective jobs.
We also support over a hundred medically ill patients, mostly with cancer or kidney disease. We provide them opportunities for them to get support for their medical needs. We are funding Concert for Life Series in La Trinidad, Benguet and since 2012, we have organised 20 concerts which have already raised more than Php3,200,000.00. These were all used by the patients for their medical treatments.
For Tickets and Sponsorships, Contact us at, 01708 937142,  07411177652 or email us at: info@thecordilleraconnection.org.

The Cordillera Connection, TCC, with its international subsidiaries/ chapters  and supporters (Hong Kong, Canada, US, Israel, UK, etc.), have propelled TCC-Philippines’ Charity projects in Northern Philippines a truly remarkable milestone. It has already supported at least 5 state university students to finish their degrees and are now successful on their jobs. Currently, it is supporting 40 state university scholars; 5 at Don Mariano Memorial State University (DMMSU) in La Union and at 35 scholars at Benguet State University. A more significant achievements is its charitable concert-for-a-cause series that is intended to support beneficiaries composed of patients with terminal diseases such as cancer and kidney disorders. From the first to the latest 19th concert, beneficiaries were able to raise a total of almost Php3,000,000.00 for themselves. As our commitment, TCC does not take back any portion of their sales to recoup expenses. Some may see it as a loosing project of TCC as it does not generate profit for its own but TCC stands to its commitment, to fund these concerts for free. It is not only our commitment but also in return to the free services of the performers and sponsors supporting the cause. In celebration of its 5th Anniversary, an ART AND CULTURAL FASHION COMPETITION has been opened.

ART COMPETITION

ART COMPETITION 2016, 29th October , Marian Community Centre, Kilburn Park, London, NW6 5RS, 1PM-5PM.  Kids Category: 15 years and Below; Adult Category: 16 years Above

Interested Filipino Artists (and also other nationalities)based in London and around Great Britain are invited for TCC’s ART COMPETITION 2016 on 29th October at Marian Community Centre, Kilburn Park, London, NW6 5RS, 1PM-5PM.
Kids Category: 15 years and Below
Adult Category: 16 years Above
The artwork must depict the charity’s objectives: The relief of poverty, advancement and protection of health, advancement of education and, preservation of arts, culture, and heritage.
1 TCC Artist of the Year Prize (in each Category): TBA
3 Consolation Prizes (in each category): TBA
Rules:
1. In the Adult Category, artist must use only one kind of medium such as oil paint, acryllic, water color, or other medium desired in a canvass or other material. The artwork size must at least be 24″x36″, landscape or portrait.
2. In the Kids Category, artists can use any medium such as oil pastel, water color, acryllic, etc. Canvass, Paper-based or any other drawing/ painting material can be used.
3. Only artists are allowed to work on the contest piece, coaching are not allowed. Artists are allowed to do their piece only at the venue. No art entry done outside the venue will be accepted. Artwork size must at least be 20″ x 25″, landscape or portrait.
4. Competition will be on 29 October 2016, Saturday, 1:00-5:00PM at the venue. Late artists will be allowed to join but all art works must be finished and be submitted by 5:00PM for judging and announcement of winners.
5. Awarding will be done in the evening event.
6. Registration is now open until 20th October. Please see contact details on poster.
Prizes will be announce later. All participants will be awarded certificates bearing the charities seal/ logo.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

OVERALL  QUALITY	ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY	THEME CLARITY	PRESENTATION
25%	25%	25%	25%
Judge’s Over-all Impression on the art.	Artistic Values and Attributes.	How the artwork depicts the theme.	Presentation or appearance of the artwork.

CULTURAL FASHION COMPETITION 2016

CULTURAL FASHION COMPETITION 2016 on 29th October at Marian Community Centre, Kilburn Park, London, NW6 5RS, 6PM-11PM.

Filipino Fashion Enthusiasts (and also other nationalities)are also invited to join another interesting contest, the CULTURAL FASHION COMPETITION 2016 on 29th October at Marian Community Centre, Kilburn Park, London, NW6 5RS, 6PM-11PM.
Open to all ages. Contestants are given chance to showcase their chosen cultural/ national costumes.
First Prize/ Cultural Lodestar Award: £250
3 Consolation Prizes: £50 each
Award Certificate and Certificate of Participation

Criteria for Judging:
Presentation: 25%
How a contestants presents itself (Posture, Gait. etc).
Creativity: 25%
How a contestant designed its Cultural Attire (Preservation/ Traditional Inclination or Advancement/ Combination with current Fashion)
Audience Impact: 25%
How a contestant gets audience involvement.
Cultural Identity: 25%
How a contestant’s attire define the culture/ nation being represented.

Contestants will be given to 2 opportunities for stage presentation to depict their traditional and modern culture.

Registration Form

If interested to join any or both of this competition, please fill-up the forms and will contact you shortly.

MATER DEI SCHOLARSHIP

Mater Dei Scholarship is a newly-established scholarship by a Filipino family in the United States, primarily for deserving students who otherwise would not be able to afford a college education without a scholarship. The TCC will oversee these scholarships. The following scholarships are available to qualified incoming freshman students with an intended major in a field of Math, Science and/or Education at Benguet State University starting 2016-17 schoolyear.

1. One (1) 4- or 5-year full scholarship (tuition and miscellaneous fees) AND a monthly stipend ;
2. One (1) 4- or 5-year full scholarship (tuition and miscellaneous fees)
3. Two (2) 4- or 5-year partial scholarship ( one half of tuition and fees)
Qualifications:
• GWA of 85 and above
• Belongs to any of the Cordillera tribes
• Clean criminal record
• Financial need
• Plans to major in any field of Science, Math and/or Education as a freshman starting August 2016. Examples: Nursing, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and others. ( Veterinary Medicine not included). Please verify if your intended major is included.
Requirements:
• Fill out an application form. (Download a copy of the form at the TCC Facebook page or pick one up from Mr. Gregorio Taag). Include a current photograph.
• High School transcript showing a general average of 85 and above
• Barangay, police and NBI clearances showing a clean record
• 2016 parents BIR tax return or certificate
• A one-page essay on any topic that interests you or that you are passionate about.
• As a small favor to ask of recipients of the full scholarships, you will be required to volunteer in any community service-oriented activity at least 2 hours a week, either as one-hour twice a week volunteer, or a 2-hr weekly volunteer. Recipients of the partial scholarship will be required to volunteer at least an hour/week of their time. An example of ways to volunteer are at local churches, local libraries, at TCC, etc.
• Recipients of the scholarship will be required to maintain a passing mark of all your subjects. Failure of even one subject will mean automatic cancellation of your scholarship. There will be no second chances.

Application Process:

All interested and qualified applicants should submit completed application form and all requirements to Mr. Gregorio Taag by Friday, July 29, 2016. A screening process will take place and all selected applicants will be notified by text, Facebook message, phone or email. Finalists will then undergo an interview with Mr. Gregorio Taag. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact Mr. Gregorio Taag to schedule the interview. Failure of the applicant to respond in a timely manner will forfeit his spot and the next applicant in line will be given your spot. By August 6, 2016 , after all interviews are completed, chosen scholarship recipients will be notified and you can initiate enrollment process the following week. Good luck!

Please fill up this form and we will contact you if you succeed to be selected by the board.

London, UK- Following the successful launcing of TCC-Hong Kong, TCC has now gain another strength by acquiring its own multimedia and Sound Systems.  It was acquired for the reason to allow more effective fundraising events for its charitable projects back home.

In partnership with its long time partner, Knights of Riza-Westminster Chapter, it is hoped that this will bring them more productivity and help them achieve their goals.

The Multimedia and Sound Systems will be available for hire and proceeds will go to charitable projects of both institutions.

Art Title: Carrot Man and Guitar Man; Perfect Igorot Figures

Art Medium: Acrylic in Canvass Size: 30″x 48″
Art Location: United Kingdom
Artist: Marben Orfiano
Artist’s Origin: Pure Igorot, Kankanae-ey Tribe, Mankayan, Itogon, Kibungan, Benguet, Philippines
Art Interpretation
CARROT MAN AND GUITAR MAN: As the title implies, the two are perfect figurative symbols that depict Igorots. Carrot Man (Jeyrick Sigmaton, Mt Province) symbolises typical Igorots in the Cordilleran Suburbs. It pictures the more natural side of igorots, as exemplified by its long naturally groomed hair and simplicity of his outfit. It also speaks about the extraordinary resilience and strength of an Igorot. Guitar Man (Jon Sawac, Benguet Province) on the other side is a symbolic representation of new generation Igorots that are exposed to the urban life influences. Its long straight shiny hair, headphone, outfit, and guitar does not only mean sophistication, going or advancing with the flow of current fad and trends but most importantly its developed and nurtured talent and creativity.
RICE TERRACES AND GUITAR: These elements speak about our igorot way of life. The worldwide heritage, rice terraces, symbolises our hardworking people with passion and a drive for a quality work. The Guitar means we are artistic. We deal with people and work with art and enthusiasm.
BASKET FULL OF CARROTS: It means ABUNDANCE. Life in the Cordilleras/ Igorot Land maybe difficult but we are blessed with resources. We have vast agriculture as we are the sole source of fresh vegetables and flowers for the whole Philippine archipelago. We have fresh water and our rivers supply the hydropower plants that benefits people in the lowlands. We can even create our own local entertainment industry thru our local movies, music videos, and records.
FADED IGOROT GARMENT/ “WANES”– Purposely placed at back of the carrots between the Guitar Man and Carrot Man, the artist want to imply that between generations and between classes of the Igorot people, we will always proudly carry our CULTURE and IDENTITY as IGOROTS.

Signed:
Marben Orfiano, RMT, MBA
The Artist

 

 

Congratulations to The Guitar Men, Kultura Will Arise (KWA) Band, for conquering the recently concluded Battle of the Bands, one of the major events of Baguio Panagbenga Festival 2016. Their win is just another proof that they are indeed supertalents in music. What makes them more super champion is their pledge to donate a portion of their prize to TCC’s Concert for Life 18′ where more than 150 chronically ill patients are supported.

The news was first brought up by Sir Gregorio Taag, Professor at Benguet State University and President of TCC-Philippines, who was then informed by the band:

CONGRATULATIONS KULTURA/THIS BONDED AKA THE GUITAR MEN FOR WINNING THE 2016 Panagbenga Battle of the Bands. According to Jon Sawac, Rex Eilingger, Endrick Kismod and the other members, one of their inspirations in winning this event is the TCC CAUSE – especially for the beneficiaries. They are donating a portion of their prize for Concert for Life 18. God bless you boys!

Here are statements and photos from Jon Sawac, lead member of the band: Thank you Bombo Radyo for the opportunity. And ofcourse to our friends and family, specially the TCC family. Congrats to all of us bands who participated. It was fun jamming along side you guys, we played for the joy of music rather than competition. More power Cordillera bands n artists. All glory and praise belongs to the One above. Cheers! Kultura Will Arise. (KWA).