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“Sinong bet mo?”: Ginoong Cordillera 2026 officially underway

Writer: Menchie Kinao-Puerto
Menchie Kinao-Puerto
9 hours ago
2 min read

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Ten young men from across the Cordillera are ready to charm their way to the crown as the Ginoong Cordillera 2026 officially kicked off with a sashing ceremony and press conference on Saturday, October 10, at the La Trinidad Municipal Park.


The contenders made their first appearance before the media in contemporary ethnic fusion wear, introducing themselves and giving a glimpse of the personalities they hope will carry them to the regional title.


Meet the contenders


Baguio City: Andrei Manapsal Valencia

Apayao: Johnny L. Gayyed Jr. 

Kalinga: Kenneth Agurin Odlus


Mountain Province

Jade Oplas Galao-ey — Besao

Marco Rodin Josh Ronquillo — Bontoc

Jerick Camiyeng Espejo — Tadian


Benguet

Genoroso Torcuato Glorioso — Mankayan

Elquiko Lonogan Quelino — La Trinidad

Sam Molina Javier — Tuba

John Paul Etom Domingo — Benguet


First awards are already in


The competition may have just begun, but two contenders have already caught the media's attention.


Quelino and Ronquillo were named Darlings of the Press, while Gayyed scored the first special award of the competition as Best in Arrival Attire.


The candidates were formally sashed by Ginoong Cordillera founder Belmer Elis, who also chairs the tourism committee in his capacity as a La Trinidad councilor.


Joining Elis at the event was reigning Ginoong Cordillera Miguel Jarrel Bas-ilen of Baguio City.


The road to the crown


The contenders will spend the coming weeks undergoing personality development activities, a tour and rehearsals as they prepare for the much-awaited coronation night on October 31 at the La Trinidad Municipal Gymnasium.


And there is plenty at stake.


The Ginoong Cordillera 2026 winner will receive ₱30,000 in cash, aside from ₱100,000 worth of prizes and services, plus the title and crown.


Two special titles will also be awarded: Ginoong Cordillera-Kultura 2026 and Ginoong Cordillera-Turismo 2026.


The Ginoong Cordillera-Kultura winner will receive ₱20,000 cash and ₱50,000 worth of prizes and services, while the Ginoong Cordillera-Turismo winner will take home ₱10,000 cash and ₱30,000 worth of prizes and services.


The first and second runners-up will each receive ₱5,000 cash and ₱10,000 worth of prizes and services.


More than just good looks


Now on its second edition, Ginoong Cordillera was established in time for Indigenous Peoples Month to showcase regional pride and celebrate the Cordillera's culture, heritage and traditions.


Beyond the looks and charisma, the competition also aims to highlight leadership, talent and cultural identity among young Cordillerans.


Ten contenders. One crown.


The question now is: Who will emerge as Ginoong Cordillera 2026?

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