Category Archives: Apayao

Apayao: Isneg Folktales

This photo of Isneg children learning to dance (courtesy of seasite) is a timely reminder that our traditions will not die when passed on to the next generation. It also encouraged me to continue posting Cordillera folktales so our kids will learn about the stories of our people. From our first installment on the origin of the peace pact (which you can read here), let’s move on to two Isneg folktales. Since the Cordilleras is renowned for its rice terraces, it is fitting that these tales are about rice.

And Ye Shall Know Them by Their Websites

Okay, this is an attempt to evaluate the websites of the Cordillera provinces and Baguio City. First off, I would like to say that I have no idea how to design a website. If I knew how, I wouldn’t be using this blogger template. Nonetheless, just because I am ignorant of the how-tos doesn’t mean that I can’t tell the difference between a good website from one that needs improvement. A movie critic need not know how to direct a movie. A coach need not be an athlete. And you don’t have to be a president to say something about President Arroyo’s (mal)administration of the country’s affairs. Now that you get my drift, let’s look at the criteria that we will be using in making our judgment:

First, overall website design, (40%): This refers to how the website looks or its visual impact.

Continue reading And Ye Shall Know Them by Their Websites

Kabenguetan Rules!


Benguet is Number One. Well, that’s according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in its ranking of the country’s provinces using the Human Development Index (HDI). Instead of focusing on income alone, HDI also measures other development indicators such as life expectancy, school enrolment, and literacy. In 2005, Benguet emerged as the top-ranked province with a score of 0.738. Other provinces in the top ten are: Batanes, Rizal, Cavite, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, and Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, Ifugao improved its performance and is recognized among the “top gainers”. It also graduates from the bottom ten provinces — it was ranked 72nd among 77 provinces in the 2000 HDI. More here.

Continue reading Kabenguetan Rules!