Boker tov!! AKIVA EGER # 8 is already open for basic instruments learning for guitars, drums & piano lesson (please message Jubay Jovsky on facebook for rates and schedules) and far … It is a good Jamming venue for those who love music and finding music as their means of freeing their stress from work and for being away from the their families (Message Jubay for hourly rent for the jamming).. It will also serve as TCCI’s office and where we can discuss some of our concerns to this organization ( suggestions especially in improving our charity works, questions, and other inquiries).. You’re free to come and let’s talk also when you want to learn more about financial literacy for free.
TCC-Israel’s (TCCI) souvenir shirts for sale.
The venue is also where we meet up for orders on our souvenir shirts and other products we offer… We also offer facials and hair rebond. Our TCCI sound system that we purchased is also ready for renting if anyone needs it. These are some of our means to support financially our charity group aside from the previous activities that we are already doing… We ask for your prayers that these will all materialize so that we can continually give hope and help more people in need aside from those we had helped already. We cannot help everyone but atleast we help other organizations who are helping also in different ways and what we cannot help they have the opportunity to help vis a vis. By this, we could atleast make a difference on the lives of less fortunate people… God Bless everyone have a good week and looking forward to seeing you on all these activities we are doing…
Our recent activities.
TCCI is also planning to have an activity for the coming months to celebrate it’s 3rd yr anniversary. If God permits, the theme will be cancer awareness while aiming to raise funds for our charity works.
There is a complaint that has been referred to us by an OFW against a fellow filipino who illegally recruited her for a job in the United Kingdom. The illegal recruiter is in the United Kingdom collaborating with other person as well as with her contacts in the Philippines, thereby having the facility to command the victims to send money either to Philippines or United Kingdom. Sadly the money that was sent by some victims are taken from loans, risking it due to eagerness to work in the UK.
To avoid becoming a victim to such gimmicks, we we are reminding our fellow OFWs that it is impossible for anyone to go to UK as a nanny, domestic helper, or any unskilled jobs. The only way you can go to UK is when your current employer will apply you for a visa or if you will apply for a visitor’s visa. Those types of jobs do not belong to the shortage occupations and thereby no chance you will be given a visa to work there. Only shortage occupations such as nurses are given working visas for UK.
Genuine job offers do not also involve paying any money to the recruiter. So if a recruiter demands for money, you should already know it is not true and it is illegal.
Below are the pictures of some receipts of payments made to the recruiter.
Romeo Jacinto Sukaw Jr., a former scholar and volunteer of The Cordillera Connection sends her elder sister, Rhoda, to deliver his promise to sponsor a scholar. This is the penultimate rung in the hierarchy of volunteerism. TCC-Philippines Chairman Gregorio Taag receives his financial donation and thanks the former scholar for catching up with his advocacy and dedication.
It can be remembered that Romeo is one among TCC’s scholars who have completed their university education and are now professionals and are settled in their chosen careers. He was also an active volunteer of TCC who have been the charity’s forefront in the implementation of its charity’s projects. This is an evidence of his appreciation of TCC’s role in the society; another proof of what Clay Walker says in his song, “The Chain Of Love.”
Romeo, in black T-shirt, poses with his fellow TCC scholars with TCC-Philippines Chairman Gregorio Taag during their university days.
Lourdes Gomeyac Fangki, one of the icons of Cordillera Music, energetically performed and gave entertainment to a full house audience at the recent TCC’s Concert for Life 27 at La Trinidad Municipal Gym held on December 14, 2018.
She was backed up by Cordillera’s most requested performers, comprising the TCC Band. In her performance of the all-time favourite “Nu Laydem Sumaa Ta”, she explained why it was Dangwa Bus that was mentioned in the lyrics instead of Lizardo Bus which is actually the transport bus servicing Sagada. According to singer Lourdes, as she styled the song performance to explain, it is because Dangwa Bus is the one that rhymes and not Lizardo. She even tried singing it using Lizardo to demonstratre what she meant.
Her explanation seems to signal that there is a criticism on the writing of her lyrics, specifically using Dangwa instead of Lizardo. TCC, being an institution that works to preserve culture, arts and heritage, would like to help Lourdes defend her great masterpiece. She could have also forgotten a stronger fact about it. In TCC’s view, Lourdes wrote the song correctly. The term “Dangwa” in the lyrics actually does not literally mean the Dangwa Bus Transport. She has written it right and it reflected the use of “language” during that time of writing. In the earlier days, the most popular bus in Baguio and Benguet was the Dangwa Bus. It became an icon to the people. It became then as a common term for a bus. People literally call a bus as “Dangwa” instead of bus. Most often you will hear old people say, “Man-igid ka, sana’y dangwa” instead of saying ” “Man-igid ka, sana’y bus” (“Keep aside, bus is coming”).
This is similar to how people usually used the term “coke” when they actually mean soft drink : “Sino’y coke mo, orange?” ( What is your softdrink, Royal/ Orange?). Or, similar to how people use the term “colgate” when they actually mean toothpaste: “Gumatangak man ti colgit.”
The People’s Choice Award online voting, a part of Ms Cultural World and Ms TCC 2018 held last October in Hong Kong has given the opportunity for the winner, Ms Sheryl Valderama, to be reconnected with her family in the Philippines. It is a big contrast to the recent issue that pageants among OFWs in Hong Kong are being discouraged due to an incident that exposed candidates. Pageants, if organised professionally and responsibly, are good community events. It is an expression of art. However, there are also organisers who have no clear direction and knowledge of what really pageant is meant to be. Organising a pageant needs right attitude, discipline and professionalism.
The winning photo slide of Ms Sheryl Valderama from Tadian, Mountain Province.
TCC-United Kingdom, also known as British-Filipino Foundation, the working arm of TCC in England, sponsored this online voting competition, although the actual pageant is an event hosted by TCC-Hong Kong and was held at Pier 10, Central Hong Kong on November 04, 2018. The online competition aimed to build reconnections between the candidates and their families, as well as their relatives and friends. TCC-UK understands the difficulty of OFWs working in a foreign land and being separated from their families for years. It then sponsored the creation of the People’s Choice Award component of the competition.
The mechanics of the competition was simply for candidates to gain votes on their photo presentations posted on TCC’s Facebook Page as well as on it’s website. The 3 candidates with the highest votes were given prizes as follows: People’s Choice Award, Php5K; 1st Runner Up, Php3K; and 2nd Runner Up, Php2K. All these prizes were awarded to the candidates as cash but were specifically intended to be spent for family dinner or for recreations of their family and loved ones in the Philippines.
During the online competition, each candidate have spent their effort in convincing their family, relatives and friends to vote for them. It has also been noted that some of the candidates, most especially the winners, have been helped by their families and relatives as well friends in campaigning for them. Thru this, the reconnection between them has been established. Although it was thru a virtual experience for Sheryl as she is in Hong Kong, it still rekindled their familial relationship.
Sheryl’s representative, claiming her prize from TCC-Philippines Chairman Gregorio Taag.
As to the People’s Choice Award winner, Ms Sheryl Valderama, a native of Tadian, Mt Province, members of her family and relatives travelled from Pangasinan, La union, and Mt. Province to met each other and celebrate her win. Truly, thru the said competition, she was able to gather them at a very private and special occasion, and more importantly, for her to be reconnected to them.
Script from Ms Sheryl:
Here is my family dinner. Thank you again and again TCC for organising the show, thank you Bhowan Moon for the encouragement, and to my friends and cousins who helped me on the online voting, that even though we were very much sleepy and tired at work , still, you helped me campaign… thank you! To TCC-UK, thank you for sponsoring this family dinner.. my family enjoyed it a lot that they were so happy and forgot to take a group picture as I have told them… Sir Greg, too, thank you…
Ms Sheryl Valderama’s big family enjoying dinner together in celebration to her win. Some of them travelled from Pangasinan, La Union and Mountain Province. What a moment of family gathering!
Ms. Irish Ticagan, the 1st Runner Up, also native of Tadian, Mt Province, will be sending her family to claim her award during TCC’s Concert for Life 27 on December 14 to be held at La Trinidad Municipal Gym. Ms Girlie Villamena, the 2nd Runner-Up, hailing from Nueva Vizcaya, has already claimed her prize in Hong Kong as her family are not able to travel to Baguio to claim her prize from Sir Gregorio Taag, Chairman of TCC-Philippines. Both families of winners are expected to have their family dinners, too.
The event successfully gained it’s objectives. The actual pageant, Ms Cultural World 2018 and Ms TCC 2018 not only featured and promoted the waved crafts of TCC’s event partner, Inabe Handwoven Crafts, owned by Ms Zefora Bosongan of Bauko, Mt Province but it helped TCC create awareness and fundraise for its four charity objectives: Relief of poverty; advancement of education; protection of health, and the preservation of culture, arts and heritage. The event was graced by Ms Lou Gabiola, Manager of Le Chef, The Manor, Camp John Hay; Spouses Dr Ruth Taguiling and Atty Jas Taguiling; and Sir Gregorio Taag, Benguet State University Professor and Chairman of TCC-Philippines; who all travelled all the way from the Philippines for the event.
Thru the event, TCC-Hong Kong was able to raise funds that helped TCC-Philippines with it’s relief operations for the victims of Typhoons Ompong and Rosita in the Cordilleras.
TCC-Shenzhen held its very first charity event on November 17th. The whole thing was put together by 3 people of different nationalities; MJ Horton from the Philippines (Baguio City), Joshua Horton from the USA and Amit Shrestha from Nepal. It was held at Mariachi Bowls located at Baoan District owned by Eddie, a native of Mexico. The crowd was composed of a very diverse group of people that came together to raise funds for typhoon victims in the northern part of the Philippines.
There were items for raffle as part of the event. Amit donated his amazing photographs taken at Ifugao during his visit to the Philippines 3 years ago. Josh made homemade bread and MJ made DIY candles.
For entertainment throughout the event, Garnet from the USA, played his guitar.
The night was ended by having the children break a piñata. It was truly a very interesting exchange of culture. The event achieved its goal to build a network of people to support future TCC-Shenzhen activities.
TCC-Shenzhen was also one of the chapters to donate initial funds for Operation Hope: Rise Up Cordillera, TCC’s relief operation for victims of Typhoons Ompong and Rosita.
Gregorio C. Taag, TCC-Philippines’ President will be awarded this year’s prestigious Benguet Leadership Award in recognition to his excellent leadership and outstanding contribution in the upliftment of the lives of people, not only in the Cordilleras but also OFWs in other countries who needs assistance.
The award, given yearly, will be received by Sir Taag on 23 November 2018, at the Governor Ben Palispis Hall, Provincial Capitol, La Trinidad, Benguet, a part of the celebration of the 118th Foundation Anniversary of Benguet Province.
Just recently, Sir Taag has been leading TCC-Philippines volunteers thru its Operation Hope: Rise Up Cordillera in providing relief assistance to the victims of Typhoons Ompong and Rosita. With the help of TCC and Mater Dei scholars and volunteers, relief operations have been conducted in Itogon, Bakun, Kabayan, Bokod other municipalities of Benguet, and as far as Natonin and Paracelis, Mt Province. He will also lead the team to conduct the same relief operations in Barlig, Mt Province as well as other affected residents in Ifugao and Kalinga. Thru Operation Hope, a total of PHP1.263 million has been donated by supporters of different TCC- Chapters worldwide, other organisations, and individual donors.
Sir Taag has also established connections and formation of TCC chapters in countries where there are Cordillerans. Currently, there are more than 20 TCC chapters worldwide such as: United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Montreal/ Canada, Israel, Singapore, USA, Australia, Norway, Finland, Japan, China, Thailand, and others. All were made possible by TCC’s supporters, his previous students in Benguet State University, family, relatives and friends.
Sir Taag has been also pioneering TCC’s Concert for Life Series where beneficiaries, mostly of chronic illness, are being supported since 2012. Almost Php10M has been raised from this concert series, all funds are kept and used by beneficiaries. No funds are returned to TCC. The funding of the concert is provided by TCC Chapters.
Sir Gregorio Taag was also awarded Regional Outstanding Volunteer.
TCC-Hong Kong’s Ms Cultural World and Ms TCC 2018 finally culminated with a huge success, setting the standards in event organising among OFWs in Hong Kong.
The memorable event took place at Pier 10, Central Hong Kong on Sunday, November 04, 2018. It was not a usual pageant event as it embodied the preservation of culture, arts and heritage as well as aimed to promote the weaving crafts in the cordilleras while actually raising funds for the charity’s noble works in the Philippines.
The candidates with their series of catwalk ramps.The candidates with their series of catwalk ramps.
In partnership with Inabe Hand Woven Craft of Bauko, Mt Province, owned by Mrs Zefora Bosongan, TCC-Hong Kong team was able to mobilise 18 candidates who were mixture of Igorots/ Cordillerans and non-cordilleras, enthusiastically battling in the competition albeit their busy work schedules in a foreign land.
The Candidates with their production number.
The competition initially kicked off thru online voting for the People’s Choice Award. The online competition was sponsored by TCC-United Kingdom as appreciation to the effort of the candidates and knowing the importance of keeping their connections with their families, relatives and friends back home. The winners are given a budget for a family dinner for their families back home. The online voting ran for two weeks and the fierce campaigning of candidate and their supporters resulted to the following:
People’s Choice Award Winner Ms Sheryl Valderama, Tadian, Mt Province
Prize: Family Dinner worth Php5,000.00 Trophy, and sash 1st Runner Up:Ms Irish Ticagan, Tadian, Mt. Province
Prize: Family Dinner worth Php3,000, Trophy and Sash 2nd Runner Up:Ms Girlie Villamena, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Prize: Family Dinner worth Php2,000.00, Trophy and Sash
Ms Sheryl Valderama and Mrs Cristina Appal, one of the mothers of TCC-HKMs Irish Ticagan (Middle)Ms Girlie Villamena
The main pageant competition has been marked and signatured by the well coordinated production numbers and presentations of candidates and invited performers. The beauty of candidates captivated the event and has been well complimented by their smart casual outfit and elegance of their self-designed woven garments given to them by Inabe.
The popularity segment, Ms TCC competition results are as follows:
Miss TCC 2018 Augustria Espada, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya
1st Runner Up Irish Ticagan, Tadian, Mt Province
2nd Runner Up Deborrah Pasiking, Tadian, Mt Province
3rd Runner Up Melania Mencio, Tublay, Benguet
From L-R: Ms Irish Ticagan, Ms Augustria Espada, Ms Deborrah Pasiking, & Ms Melania Mencio
The main pageant, Ms Cultural World Competition results are as follows:
Miss Cultural World 2018 Ms Laarni de Los Santos, Sabangan, Mt Province
1st Runner Up Ms Yvette Julian, Mankayan, Benguet
2nd Runner Up Ms Carol Gerry Sagandoy, Sagada, Mt Province
3rd Runner Up Ms Deborrah Pasiking Tadian, Mt. Province
From L-R: Ms Yvette Julian, 1st Runner Up; Ms Laarni Delos Santos, Ms Cultural World; Ms Carol Gerry Sagandoy, 2nd Runner Up; and Ms Deborrah Pasiking, 3rd Runner Up.The Winners and Candidates.
The event was also graced by TCC-Philippines leaders Gregorio Taag, Dr Ruth Taguiling, Atty Jas Taguiling and Ms Lou Gabiola who purposely joined the team as it was also the perfect moment to launch TCC’s Project Gangsa, aimed to continue the Binnadangan Festival and as the mode to fulfil the charity’s objective in the preservation of culture, arts and heritage.
Choreographers Ms Remy Lumpisa and Ms Dixie Ana Pugong; Inspirational Speaker Atty Jas Taguiling; Emcees Mr Gregorio Taag (TCC-Phils President) and Mrs Rose Ticag Amoy (TCC-HK Chairman)Some of the judges: Dr Ruth Taguiling, Mrs Mary Liswid, and Ms Lou Gabiola
The event was fully supported by some of the employers of the members of TCC HK by donating and came over to watch the event, and they are as follows. Ma’am Dawn Morgan and son Tom, Mr. And Mrs. James Atkinson, Mr.and Mrs. Spacidini, Dr. Carrie Wu and family, and Ms. Ann Leung and family. The runway fashion show was judge by our guests from the Philippines and our co OFWs Mr. Angelito Mabalot who works at Disneyland and Ms. Mary Lis-wid a leader of the Bontoc Migrants Organization.
Mr and Ms Atkinson, one of the employers of the member of TCC-HK
Ms. Marjorie Anne Mangi, Miss Khai Antonio, Miss Jean Raguindin, Miss Bangs Ochoa, Miss Lilet Fernandez and Ms. Tess Polo served as the panel of adjudicators and tabulators.
The Adjudicators and Tabulators
The candidates have been well prepared by choreographers Miss Dixie Anna Pugong and Miss Remy Lumpisa.
Ms, Remy Lumpisa, one of the choreographer; Ms Renilda Martin (Ms Inabe Fashion 2018 Winner); and Mrs Zefora Bosongan, owner of the Inabe Hand Woven CraftMs Dixie Ana Pugong, one of the choreographers and Ms Cultural World, Ms Laarni Delos Santos
The show went well with the help of all the active members of the TCC-HK team. The Marshalls did an excellent job during the show composed of Jul’z Sepulchre, Joanna Dampalig, Agustina Paclos, Mark Sepulchre, Willy Dupaya, Jopax Almarez and Bernadette Sepulchre.
The show was documented by the group of Igorot Clicks International headed by Joan Siw-ang aka Bhowan Mhoon with Freddie Fernandez, Rhesa Payando, and Palmer Paleyan to name a few. The videos were taken by co TCCIANS Mabel Martin and Mat Nalicao.
Some of the photographers: Bhowan Moon, Rhesa Making Payangdo and Palmer Paleyan
The committee on foods, all around runner and everything was headed by Ms. Norma Oya-an with the help of Ms. Josephine Taag, Ms. Connie Dacanay, and Ms Cristina Apalla. Special shoutout to the ladies who were there from day one since the planning who unselfishly shared their time efforts and specially their resources: Julie Peg ang, Violeta Pecay, Cristine Hidalgo, Rebecca Bitan, Jayhan Cadwising, Teresa Bencio, Josie Gayomba, Arlyn Cariño, Daisy Lacuesta, Nora Becyagen, Melit Manning, Carmelita Alfonso, Cashmere Butigan, Antonette Palkay and Mariz Gagarin . The foods during the show was cooked by our chef Ms. Mary S. Bonuan. With everyone’s cooperation and heart to serve TCC HK can say…..WE DEED IT!!
Some of the volunteers and members of organising committees.
Atty Jas Taguiling, the Guest Speaker and Hon Vice Consul QuintinMs Photogenic, Ms Yvette JulianMs Close-Up, Ms Carol Gerry SagandoyBest in Ethnic Creativity, Ms Yvetter Julian
Article by: Rose John Ticag Amoy
Photos: ICI Group: Bhowan Moon, Freddie L. Fernandez, and Rhesa Makin Payangdo
TCC-Philippines Chairman Gregorio Taag is one of the 4 awardees for Regional Outstanding Volunteers 2018 by the Search for Outstanding Volunteers Regional Search Committee (SOV-RSC).
Here is an excerpt from Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) publication:
Sir Taag, 61, is a faculty member of Benguet State University and current president of The Cordillera Binnadangan Connection Inc. or TCC Philippines. He joined the TCC in March 2012 in order to organize concerts for intended beneficiaries and has been designated the organization’s president. His drive and respect for others has been reflected to the members of the TCC referring to him as “Tatay” or father.
He started the “Concert for Life Series,” a fund raising activity where 100 percent of the proceeds are given to the beneficiaries. This not only benefited people with chronic diseases like cancer, chronic kidney disorders, pediatric cases, among others but also saved a person from human trafficking.
Taag also initiated project “TAKKAY,” an umbrella program of all other TCC activities aligned with the Concert for Life Series such as TCC scholarship program, medical missions, Teen Health 101 (seminars/trainings), Project Lapis as a support for schools, feeding programs and disaster relief operations.
The concerts have also raised the cultural appreciation of Cordillerans through music.
Currently, Sir Greg is leading the team for the charity’s Operation Hope providing relief support to victims of Typhoon Ompong in Benguet and nearby provinces. With the support of different country chapters of TCC, third-party organisations and individual donors, almost Php1M total donations are being managed by Sir Greg for the said relief operations.
Philippines TCC, it’s trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters are so proud of you Popsie Greg, the dad of TCCians.
Sir Greg and one of the students in Kabayan, Benguet who received educational supplies in its relief operations in the area.The Bautistas in Loacan, Itogon whose father died on a rescue operation were visited by Sir Greg and awarded grants by donors during the first relief operations.
Thank you Asec Marie Rafael for immediately relaying our concern to the Secretary of DENR…
That Task Force Itogon was immediately stopped.
That no more needless confiscation occurred.
That no more raids and possible abuses have transpired.
That the worries and fear of people in a state of calamity was relieved.
Thank you DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu for the quick response…
That even by the few words you gave for the initial order of stopping Oplan Itogon, it gave hope to the distressed community, a community in a state of calamity.
That it gave immediate and further proper instructions and actions to concerned officials.
That it opened communication channels and dialogue to the people of Itogon.
That some officials who have forgotten that the people of Itogon are in a state of calamity and needed reassurance and contingency measures, were awaken from their bureaucratic and old school style of actions, tied to impractical upholding of protocols and procedures.
That finally, the small scale mining, the only livelihood, the life, and pride of people Itogon, is now given back to them.
Thank you Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan
For standing up to be a strong father for your constituency.
For no matter how complicated and stressful the situation is; that no matter how distressing the cry and agony of the people, you did not loose hope but instead showed them an example of resilience.
That you shared their sentiments and concerns and lead them until the arrival of solutions.
That finally, by standing with them throughout their grief, worries, and distress, they have now solutions at hand.
That they are now seeing a light towards the future of their children, their family, and the community.
Thank you, Small Scale Miners of Itogon
That no matter how difficult, agonising and distressing the situation is, you remained humble; and patiently waited for solution.
That even though you felt abused, offended and robbed, you submitted yourselves to the authorities. A character of a true Christian, a character of people living within the law of God.
That even though you almost have no food to put on the table for your families, almost not able to send your children to school and your future have become unclear; you remained obedient to the authorities of the land; and to the highest Authority, God, our Creator.
Finally, thank you to our loving Holy Creator.
By showing them your mercy, you reminded them that you own everything. You give test to your children, and as well, you help find them solution and learn a lesson; if they remain faithful.
PCOO Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael had a conference in London 2017. It is where Marben Orfiano came to know her personally.Hon. Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan with Hon DENR Secretary Cimatu during the successful dialogue with small scale mining community in DENR-CAR.Small Scale Mining Community of Itogon attending the dialogue.Inset, is Ms Jennifer Jimenez, the youth who aired concern to Marben Orfiano about the situation of small scale miner in Itogon.Ms Jhing Jhing Jimenez, attending the dialogue with the mining community.Inside the gym where the dialogue was successfully conducted.
Romeo Jacinto Sukaw Jr., a former scholar and volunteer of The Cordillera Connection sends her elder sister, Rhoda, to deliver his promise to sponsor a scholar. This is the penultimate rung in the hierarchy of volunteerism. TCC-Philippines Chairman Gregorio Taag receives his financial donation and thanks the former scholar for catching up with his advocacy and dedication.
Lourdes Gomeyac Fangki, one of the icons of Cordillera Music, energetically performed and gave entertainment to a full house audience at the recent TCC’s Concert for Life 27 at La Trinidad Municipal Gym held on December 14, 2018.
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 