“Dala ko ang puso at kultura ng Kalinga”: Tanudan native sets sights on global stage as Philippines’ bet to Caballero Universal 2026 Venezuela pageant

FEATURE

For many young people from the remote municipality of Tanudan in Kalinga, dreams often begin in the mountains and communities that shaped them. For Garth Ezekiel Talusig of Lubo, Tanudan, that dream has now taken him far beyond the Cordillera and onto the international stage.

After earning the title of Great Man Caballero Universal Filipinas 2026, Talusig is set to represent the Philippines in the Caballero Universal 2026 pageant in Venezuela. Yet for the young iKalinga, the opportunity is about more than personal achievement or national representation.

“Dala ko hindi lamang ang bandera ng Pilipinas, kundi pati ang puso, kultura at pagkakakilanlan ng ating lalawigang Kalinga,” Talusig said in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera.

His words reflect a mission that has become the heart of his journey—to bring the identity, heritage, and pride of Kalinga to a global audience.

Talusig secured his spot on the international stage after being crowned Great Man Caballero Universal Filipinas 2026 during the Great Man of the Universe Philippines coronation held on June 11 at the Bigger Pictures Studio in Mandaluyong City. He was also among the pageant's Top 3 finalists, finishing alongside eventual Great Man of the Universe Philippines 2026 winner Ronald Vicencio of Occidental Mindoro and finalist Czar Julius Olivar.

The achievement is historic not only for Kalinga but also for the Cordillera region. Talusig became only the second Cordilleran to win a national title in the pageant's history, following Benguet's Stephen Harold Liley, who was crowned Great Man Culture and Tourism Philippines in 2022.

But behind the sash and title is a deeper purpose.

For Talusig, competing internationally offers a rare opportunity to introduce Kalinga's rich culture and traditions to people who may have never heard of the province before.

“Gusto kong ipakita sa buong mundo na ang Cordillera, lalo na tayong mga taga-Kalinga, ay kayang makipagsabayan at magtagumpay sa national and even sa international stage,” he said.

As preparations for Venezuela intensify, Talusig has committed himself to rigorous physical and mental training. He admitted that competing against candidates from Latin American countries, known for their strong pageant culture, will be a challenge. Still, he remains determined to showcase what makes Filipinos—and particularly iKalingas—unique.

“I also joined this pageant to promote our cultural ancestry, our heritages and para din ma-promote pa ang mga provinces like Kalinga, na hindi masyadong napapansin. I want to show what is the culture here in Kalinga—the heritage,” he added.

His journey has resonated with many iKalingas who see in him a representative not only of the Philippines but also of their stories, traditions, and aspirations.

As he prepares to compete before an international audience, Talusig continues to seek the prayers and support of his fellow iKalingas. For him, every step toward the global stage is also a step toward giving greater visibility to the people and culture of Kalinga.

In Venezuela, he will wear the Philippine sash. But in his heart, he says, he will carry something more—the spirit of Kalinga and the pride of the Cordillera.