“The Call of the Cordilleras” wins Cordillera Travel vlog competition

THE CALL OF THE CORDILLERAS. The Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) awards the winners of the first Cordillera Experience Travel Vlog competition launched early September this year. In photo with the winners are DOT-CAR director Jovita Ganongan (third from left); DOT ASec for Special Concerns Kristine Vanessa Chiong-Genegobis (fourth from left); and Philippine Information Agency-CAR director Helen Tibaldo (second from right) during the awarding ceremony and relaunch of the region’s tagline “Find Yourself in the Cordilleras” on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. by Merriam del Rosario (FNS)

BAGUIO CITY — Aaron Palabyab’s “The Call of the Cordilleras” won the grand prize during the recently concluded Cordillera Experience Travel Vlog competition, the very first competition of its kind in the country initiated by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR).

Palabyab received a cash prize of P200,000.00, subject to 20% tax.

Palabyab said it felt very heartwarming that a connection was somehow established with his experience as a visitor in the region, and said he couldn’t wait to continue exploring the amazing and endlessly fascinating Cordilleras.

“This was the most impressive tourism event I’ve attended, with an amazing program, performances, and eloquent speeches. Which is all to say, the people here appreciate and produce so much artistry of their own, so I’m very humbled to have struck a chord with them,” Palabyab said on his social media post.

Winning second was “What if the mountains could speak, what would they say?” by Llayd Asim; followed by “My Happy Place” by Cynlai Osorio coming third.

Winning fourth place was “Halsema” by Allen Michael, and fifth was “Tara! Biyahe Tayo sa Cordillera!” by Crystha Shane Funcion.

The winners were chosen from a total of 87 entries received by DOT-CAR and were judged according to the criteria set, which included relevance to the theme, originality, creativity, technical quality, and audience impact.

The announcement and awarding of winners took place during the relaunch of the region’s tagline “Find Yourself in the Cordilleras” on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. ###