The Cordillera Connection Concert for Life series 26 have culminated with a whooping success last night July 23, 2018. For the whole week of the performance date, the organizers, volunteers and the performers were worried because of the continues heavy rains caused by the persistent typhoons passing by the region, but as always, the event will not be postponed regardless of the weather condition. The campaign for the said concert for a cause was still strong despite such difficulty. They prayed hard that by Sunday, the storm would have passed and give respite to people from the heavy downpours and floods. Thank God, the rain let up a bit. Nevertheless, TCC didn’t expect to have a high attendance and understands that people will be reluctant to come for fear of their safety and comfort. Anyway, what is more important is the number of sold tickets ahead of time which means bigger help to the beneficiaries. But there was no cause for worry at all! The gym started fill up and got a full house, they were really pleasantly surprised.

The program started at 6:10PM as hosted by Ms. Jasmin Aeryll Lapnawan – the resident toastmaster of the group and Ms. Maricor Balucanag who is a first time volunteer for TCC and came all the way from Thailand. The growing number of people coming in the venue actually fired up the spirits of the performers whom were invited to entertain the audience. Mr. Lael Senio sang few of their original compositions together with the TCC Band while iGrab Talents and Teachers also rendered some numbers. The Father and Daughter Duo sir Gary and Pearl Padsing were so cute to watch when they gave their number and Sir Vic Suriaga, the Man of All Season was also there to perform some classic tagalog songs with sir Greg Taag.

The crowd was moved by Ms. Inna’s performance (sir Greg’s daughter) when she sang one of her father’s compositions while the performance of the band 16th Avenue was also much loved by the audience. However, one of the highlights of the night was when Ms. Gayle Torado stepped on the stage accompanied by the TCC Band and sang Try, Secret and her amazing duet Just a Fool with Kenneth; she has recently won as the Champion for The Voice La Trinidad competition and the audiences were really wowed by her number.

The princess of the group, Ms. Raiya Ruth Cuyan who has been a long time performer for these concert series was a pure delight when she sang an original composition of her and her sister Shaura – Let’s not Fall in Love and a cover song I love You, You’ll know it. The crowd couldn’t just get enough of her cuteness.

This was then followed by Jaymo Javier’s ever energetic and engaging performance, singing meaningful songs like One Day and Redemption song among the few. What is more, the TCC Cagayan travelled far amidst the typhoon just so they can join us in our campaign and shocked us with their praise and worship songs. It is safe to say that they brought the church to this event with their performance which was very much fitting since it was Sunday and that through their songs, they could reach out to people and extend their blessings to others.

Hagpatan Band – a Bay-yo community youth organization from Tiptop Baguio City made the event livelier when they lead the community dance with the Gangsas at the latter part of the program where some of the audiences participated to show their love for our culture. The crowd was not even contented with just one round that they requested for a second one.

As for the finale, the TCC Band together with Ms. Jasmin Aeryll, having a limited time, rendered few love songs, and it was when the band’s vocalist and Lead guitar player, Kenneth Inocencio really captured the hearts of many young and old ladies with their cover of In case you didn’t Know, Forevermore and Perfect while the band’s drummer Jayson Raras surprised the remaining people in the gym with his cool voice when he sang Two Less Lonely People. Definitely, it couldn’t have ended the program better than that.

This event has also been graced by the presence of the several core members of TCC Hong Kong : Ms. Rose Marie Ticag Amoy (President) and the group’s “Pambansang Momsy”, Ms. Josie Taag – wife of sir Greg Taag and others including their family members. According to the accounts of sir Greg during the concert, there are 118 individual and two group beneficiaries for this concert series and we pray that through this programs, we will be able to continuously help them in their struggles.

 

The TCC Group couldn’t have been more thankful and satisfied. Undoubtedly, with all the joined efforts of the members of TCC World, sponsors, donors, volunteers, scholars, beneficiaries together with their families and friends, ticket buyers, Bands and performers and only by God’s Grace, this event would have not been a success, if not possible.

Article by: Ms. Jasmin Aeryll Lapnawan

In his own words, know more about our featured artist, who lately had a blockbuster duet performance at I Can See Your Voice PH, as interviewed online by Ms Margaret Paleng Locano

Name: Louie Caesar Salcedo
Birth Place: Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet,
Parents: Jorge Salcedo & Amparo Salcedo

When did you start singing?

I started singing at a young age. I started performing when I was 7 in school activities. Turned profesionally at 18 when I joined a reggae band, Badjao and Jahblues and after sometime with Powerpuffcorn. Written and arrange most of Powerpuffcorn songs like “Tara Na” and “Hey hey”. Tried my luck in Manila and fortunately I was a member of the legendary reggae group “Tropical Depression” and after the passing of Papadom, the frontman, I also joined Reggae Mistress and Lady I. Went solo in 2016 and released an EP album called “Blues Almighty”. On my last part now of working a full length album , hope to be released the soonest.

Who are your inspirations/ music influences?

My mom is the first music teacher, influenced also by 90s music and went deeper to Bob Marley, SRV, Eric Clapton and the likes.

Why did you choose blues out of all genres?

Blues is raw and pure. That made me fell in love with it. It’s simple, the three chord song will tell everything..

As an artist What can you contribute to our society?

I want to inspire and to make them smile with my music.

Message to aspiring musicians:

Continue to hoan your talent, your craft..Being an artist is a tough job, hardships will come but dont quit! That’s a God’s gift, use it wisely..

Gigs & invitations:

I’m all over Metro Baguio hahaha please check my facebook account for some gigs.

Caesar also features his current album, Blues Almighty, and here is a link for the sample. Support Caesar, another cordilleran artist who is making the Cordillerans known thru his talent.

By Gregorio C. Taag

Gleaning from recent events that hugged the TCC limelight, aside from the incoming Concert for Life 26 on July 22, two unexpected members from Thailand and Japan were stricken by acute illnesses.

First to catch me by surprise was the news in the early morning two days ago that Jacky Palaly, TCC-Thailand’s President had stroke and was operated on. But after that, she fell into a coma. Margaret Locano, our in-house performer since 2013 yet, was the one who broke the news. It came as a surprise to me because she was up and about recently, attending to the sudden illness, too, of Vretchen Daguines, collecting funds from other TCC Chapters and collating them, together with the other officers. Leah Angog was the one giving me updates on Vretchen’s condition as they were the ones visiting her in the hospital until she was brought home to the Philippines.

Ironically, the same thing happened to Jacky or Jay Pee. I was wondering, “why in Thailand, most of their illness were related to the illnesses of the brain and the nervous system. We posted this sad news on FB and it gained ground. We were requesting for healing prayers for Jacky and many were responding. I was informed by Leah that she was now responding to stimuli. We hope and pray that this will continue until her sisters, Joan and Le Bay will arrive in Thailand to see her condition.

Last night, I slept early because I was feeling the effects of my colds. I was in bed till 2:00AM when Fleurie Lawangen, a.k.a Vhar Kaye Laws in our TCC circle informed me that her cousin, Arjay Lawangen, who went to Japan last 24th December 2017, was now hospitalized in Japan all by himself. I posted again another appeal asking those in Japan (we don’t have yet a chapter there – maybe this will be the wake-up call) or those nearby to please go and visit and accompany him. Also, they will look at his needs.

First to arrive there was Teddy Tampican who brought smiles to Arjay’s lips. Of course, who would not be happy to see a fellow Cordilleran visiting you in a foreign land during your direst moment. The appeal gained ground and was shared and reposted – calling the attention of other TCC members world wide. Gladys Labi, also know as Miss Lipz sent messages to her friends and relatives and just this afternoon, I received news and pictures that Gloria Katano’s friends and perhaps churchmates, The Free Believers, went to visit and prayed over Arjay. WHAT A POIGNANT SCENE! This welled my eyes with tears, not of sorrow but of joy – all because we can see how people respond to others who are in need.

Indeed, TCC now is redefining the word CHARITY and VOLUNTEERISM. We have added a new paradigm to the already shifting of terms. There is a new face we are adding an that is the value of CARING. We have LOVED through our Concerts for Life series and Project Takkay activities. But we are now showing to the world that we CARE a lot, even to the point of forgetting ourselves and SERVE our fellowmen who are in dire need.

IYAMAN kakabsat. GOD does not sleep. HE will reward all your kind ways!

By Bernaditti Lewis aka Freen Wiles

Anniversaries are an important part of life – as they remind us of any events both personal and cultural whether it’s a birthday , a civil partnership or a momentous moment, anniversaries puts a pin in the calendar that something matters much to us. TCC -HK has just celebrated its second year existence continuously reaching out to people in need. People who weren’t solicitated to be included in the list for presentation or documentation purposes and to profit from them but those who willingly tap the group to seek support.

Being in the group is not easy as it calls for a genuine love for the work enclosed. We do not get a pay for anything we do, for what we sweat or perspired for, but a glistened spirit when we get to know many have been helped. Indeed, it is a charitable group. Being new in the group, I honestly say I didn’t have any serious concern to it until I slowly came to understand and know the group. Having worked with people in different areas and fields, I know that situational differences are evident. Attitudinal and personality, as well as cultural is observed and manifested; and these I believe, affects the status of the group.

That was on a bright sunny sunday where the event started with all the members shared in the task and duties were performed well and ended blissfully. It was made possible because of the guiding principle that there is always joy in giving and sharing. Much have been said to stain the good purpose of the group but it has stood up from its humble begginings to its second year still towering. With it being called “the strongest leg for mother TCC’s activities, TCC -HK will surely move and soar not to boast for fame but to be exemplified in the name of Charity.  Through the anniversary, it gives us a chance to look back the year since the event we’re making and reflect on how it has shaped us.

 

The highlights of our second year of existence was the OCTOVOICE concert held last October 1, 2017 where we were able to raise the amount of 200,000 pesos to fund the Concert for Life Series in the Philippines. Last December, the Batcave Facebook Club together with the TCC-HK and TCC- Philippines sponsored the Christmas Feeding and gift giving to the children of the Timberyard Day Care at Itogon, Benguet. Before our anniversary, we were able to extend a financial help to one of our co-OFW, Vretchen Daguines of Thailand. The amount raised was done during the induction program of the Cordillera Women’s Club. We were very grateful to the group for allowing us to do the solicitation as their program progresses. We were able to accumulate funds amounting to 4040 HK dollars from the generous fellow Cordillerans.

TCC HK wants to acknowledge groups and individuals who were present during our second anniversary program. Vice Consul Robert Quintin, who gave us his inspirational message. To Miss Marsita Singwey as the guest speaker. The Batcave Facebook Club, The TuBa Group HK ,The United Mankayan Workers Association, The NAMWAW, The Smart Decision HK, The Singles and Doubles International HK, The Angaki, Quirino Org., The Bontoc Migrants Workers Organization, The Bauko District Organization, The Mountain Province, Federation, The Rambak Cordillera HK, The Samoki Volleyball Team, and to all individuals whom I can’t mention; to all who were present and stayed with us until the end of the event, and the last but not the least, to Ms. Eileen Compitay who for the two consecutive years lent us her chairs and Tables for free. Without you all the event will not be a success.

TCC-HK members, apart from supporting their own activities, actively support different groups and organisations of OFWs in Hong Kong. The true essence of unity. Unity that is not only built with the principle of maintaining harmony and peace within the TCC group, other surrounding groups, and the community, but most importantly, in the light of good causes such us providing hopes to the disadvantaged, advancement of education, preservation of culture, arts, and heritage, advancement of education, relief of poverty, and protection of health; the charity objectives of TCC.

 

God bless all the volunteers, God bless us – OFWs, God bless TCC!

Photo credits to different owners and additional scripts from Rose John Ticag Amoy.

The Story

Article By Gregorio C. Taag

Some five weeks before the 68^thFoundation Day celebration of the municipality of La Trinidad, Councilor Awingan texted me that there will be a Sanguniang Bayan Board Resolution endorsing me as an outstanding volunteer. To this effect, I replied that if they will award me as such, they will also award our charity group, The Cordillera Connection.

When I went to file our Concert For Life permit at the Mayor’s Office, I was met by Valreid Olsim, Municipal Tourism Officer and handed me an application form. We wrote all the achievements for 2017 – 2018 because that was the period covered by the search. The SB members were impressed by the cooperative effort given by all TCC Country Chapters worldwide. The Office of the Mayor staff and personnel are in the know of TCCs activities because they are the ones calendaring our concerts and other activities.

The award thus reads, “for the organization’s exemplary dedication to charity and volunteer works; supporting scholars, raising funds for the medical needs of many indigent and chronically-ill patients; and for supporting various endeavours that are relevant to the community, ultimately promoting a culture of volunteerism to the community of La Trinidad.”

Together with TCC, some individuals were also awarded as well as other organizations. This award is most befitting, especially in the wake of so many groups organizing Concerts-For-A-Cause that are being complained about by the beneficiaries. They are accused of deducting exorbitant amounts for the holding of such concerts. These are taking place elsewhere in the Baguio-Benguet area.

This ward is for all of us who genuinely manifest a very strong dedication to our fellowmen who need help. Foremost in our TCC skyline are our Concerts For Life Series and Project TAKKAY.

 

 

Hon. Mayor Salda and the local government of La Trinidad Benguet awards plaque of recognition to The Cordillera Binnadangan Connection, Inc. (TCBCI), the Philippine subsidiary of The Cordillera Connection (TCC) during the celebration of the municipality’s 68th foundation, held to day, 14th June 2018.

The recognition was awarded in view of acknowledging the “organisation’s exemplary dedication to charity and volunteer works; supporting scholars, raising funds for the medical needs of many indigent and chronically-ill patients, and for supporting various endeavours that are relevant to the community, ultimately, promoting a culture of volunteerism to the community of La Trinidad.

This recognition is significant to TCC not for the sake of prestige but to prove its genuine charity works. It is also very important for TCC’s beneficiaries, most importantly, as the recognition does not only boost the integrity of TCC’s works, but also gives confidence to the people and the community to give support to the numerous beneficiaries who are seeking support thru the charity’s concert and other activities. It gives confidence to the wider community locally and overseas to pour their support to our causes which will mean more beneficiaries will be supported.

The recognition was received by Sir Gregorio Taag (TCC-Phils President) and Jasmine “Aeryll Jasmin”, one of TCC’s dedicated nurse volunteers.

We congratulate all TCC supporters, volunteers, sponsors, our volunteer bands most specially TCC Band, donors, and our TCC Chapters overseas. Kudos to you all. We are pretty sure, more good news are coming in the future.

We thank La Trinidad-LGU, too, with the leadership of Hon. Mayor Salda for recognising our causes.

The Cordillera Connection (TCC), a registered charity in the United Kingdom (Charity No.: 1152344), with its operating name, British-Filipino Foundation (BFF), is currently organising Filipino-British Summer Dance Festival, an event aimed to raise funds for its charity works in the Philippines. Due to public demand, we have changed it to a summer festival instead of the ballroom dance competition to cater everyone.

Currently, we are supporting poor university students and assisting hundreds of chronically ill poor patients. Just recently, through the initiative of our very supportive medical doctors, we had conducted a medical mission which focused on women’s health through free health education, check-up and screening for breast and cervical cancer.

The summer dance festival features variety of dances for attendees to enjoy and is also aimed to realise one of our charity goals; the preservation of culture, arts, and heritage. The event is open to the public and it highlights a talent showdown competition which is open to all solo, duo or groups who want to showcase their dance talent or skills in an open category.

• Open to all nationalities: solo, duo, or group
• Contestants can pick any accompanying sounds or music of their choice for the performance that they intended to showcase (e.g. singing, line dancing, ballroom, pop, etc). Contestants can showcase more than one talent; backing tracks saved on a USB or other media accessible to general PA system. Live streaming on YouTube or other online streaming are not allowed.
• Contestants must practice at their own time and initiative.
• No registration fee is required. However, participants are encouraged to sell tickets to achieve the aim of the charity.
• Judges’ decision is deemed final.
• Length of each presentations must not exceed 3 minutes. Exceeding the time limit may result to deduction of points.
• Props are allowed but any articles or items used must be cleared from the dance floor/ stage within 2 minutes after presentation.
• Good sportsmanship is expected from all contestants. Failure to display such conduct may result in being “adjudicated only” or even disqualification for gross misconduct. Professionalism must always be observed even in the choice of costumes, props and choice of music.

1st PRIZE: £200 (Courtesy of Frontrow UK) + Certificate + Trophy+ Free 2 nights accommodation with breakfast at Belmont Hotel (Manila, Philippines- Courtesy of AA Travel and Tours)
2nd Prize: £100 (Courtesy of Community Respiratory Nurses for Hammersmith and Fulham)  + Certificate + Trophy

Best Costume Award will also be awarded to a solo, duo or group contestant, voted by judges.

On-the-spot Best Dress Award will also be given to each male and female audience who will be voted by assigned judges.

TCC is still currently inviting contestants and sponsors. Get in touch with us NOW!

The success of our charity works and events have been the result of the great workmanship of our volunteers and the generousity of our sponsors. Without them, we can do nothing.

Please do email us at: [email protected]

You can also reach us on: 07400661466  07583636174 or via the details on our CONTACT US  page.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE:

To purchase more than one ticket, just increase the quantity into the desired number of tickets.

Mr Joel Tingbaoen Sr., One of the greatest and legendary igorot musicians who influenced the music of many cordilleran generations has died. He has peacefully joined our creator in the presence of his loving family.

Some of his hits were Dakami nga Igorot, Itetem, and Shi Shadaan. For the olds and the youngs, his songs are truly treasures and all-time favourites. During his time in music, his songs were the songs of most igorot house holds.

His noticeable singing styles which no other cordilleran male singers have ever matched are his perfect country music voice, diction and yodelling.

We pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace and to sing with the angels of God in Heaven.

We also suggest that the Provincial Government of Benguet and even the City Government of Baguio and other local cordilleran governments give him recognition for his great contributions in igorot music.

By Gregorio C. Taag

“Adda lako yo nga cedula?” An older man peeped inside the La Trinidad Municipal Gym wanting to secure one.

I answered, “awan manong, sabali iti adda ditoy.”

And he answered back,”apay awan cedula yo? Anya nga iti adda ditoy?”

I ushered him to come in and explained that one of the concerns of this Medical Mission was also to provide free check-up and screening of older males for a possible prostate cancer. He obliged and waited for the Doctor Interns to attend to him.

Previously, the morning of May 26, 2018 was uneventful when we started to fix the La Trinidad Municipal Gym for the Medical Mission 1 – Part 2. It was our experience from the Medical Mission 1 – Part 1 held a week before that people start piling up for the activity. There is still a wait-and-see attitude of people hereabouts.

At around 8AM, the volunteers led by Juvie Egsan and TCC scholars, were already half through with the set-up proposed by Dr. Ruth Taguiling, our TCC Doctor who leads our Medical Missions. She arrived around this time and we prepared her equipment for the teach-in which was usually done to explain the whole procedures and reasons for doing so.

As the beneficiaries were piling in and enlisting, we noticed that many young boys were excited and were mumbling to themselves as if wanting to rush inside for the circumcision already. The women exuded a more comfortable aura as they sat down on the chairs we arranged for the short lecture. There was a hushed silence that followed.

Then Dr. Ruth blurted out over the microphone, “mano iti agpakugit? Saan kayo mababain ta mayat daytoy;” she said as she was calming unfounded fears from some younger boys. She also talked to the women about the breast and cervical cancer incidences in the country; how to detect and avail of such check-up and screening.

While the doctors were busy with the activities, a Pangasinense woman entered the gym with her bayong and moving from table to table showing her calasiao puto. Many were moved by her gesture coupled with her sob story and ended up being screened too. After Dr. Ruth was done with her part, she called for the woman and bought two packs. She learned from her that she was the sole bread winner of the family – her husband being sickly too. He does menial carpentry works but it isn’t enough so she buys the calasiao puto worth P500.00 and brings them here to Baguio, sell it, and if consumed, she looks for her ‘sideline’ washing dishes at a nearby restaurant. Dr. Ruth shared this story while we were evaluating the activity.

All in all, there were 18 women who underwent the procedure and 15 young boys circumcised. The OB-GYNE team led by Dr. Ruth was composed of Doctors Diana Bandong, Stefanie Belmes, Jamailah Rafael, Ralph Santoile, Dan Tabago, Armina Teodoro, Novilyn Villanueva, and Valerie Tumaliaun. The ‘Tuli Group’, as called by Dr. Ruth, was also led by Dr. Darwin Henry Galuba, and ably assisted by Drs. Ariane Hazel Sanchez, Jerah Angway, and Cristina Marrero.

Meanwhile, as were removing our equipment and fixing the gym, the older male who wanted to buy his cedula came up to us and thanked us profusely.

“Salamat ta inmayak ditoy. Gapo iti cedula ket na-check up ak ket mapanak to kano idiay clinic ni Dr. Galuba.”

These vignettes are not merely sob stories or incidentals but these happen for a reason.

Thank you everyone for the help, especially TCC- Philippines, TCC- Finland, TCC-Israel, and TCC-Montreal. Because of you, we were able to realize one of Project Takkay’s activities.

 

Amidst the influence of the modern world, gracefulness is still a living trademark of Filipinas. The Cordillera Connection and Batcave group, OFWs in Hong Kong, are still able to produce very artistic presentations for their weekend community events, despite their week-long tiring jobs.

Watch their simple but graceful traditional dance presentation.

[wpvideo KOgDjEn8]

Video credits: Natty Marrero