My Wishlist

Oh, it's four days before Christmas. Let us spread warmth, love and peace anyway we can. Together, we can try to make our world a little less hostile, a little more caring, and, much, much happier. While celebrating the Holidays, here's a Christmas message from US Ambassador Kristie Kenney (who fell in love with Bohol the first time she visited our province): Season's greetings to all in Bohol! Christmas brings friends and families together making this a very special time of the year. It's a time to remember how blessed we are, the wonderful friendships Americans and Filipinos share, the family connections we have, and the great partnership our two countries enjoy.

Here's to a peaceful and prosperous New Year for Bohol, for the Philippines and for all. Malipayong Pasko ug Bulahang Bag-ong Tuig!

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O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

That song, O Holy Night (written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847) is one of my favorite Christmas songs which never fails turn me misty-eyed! The song encapsulates the memories of so many Christmases and tells us God's love and Jesus, the only begotten Son.


Christmas time definitely is a time for making wishes and having happy thoughts and then when it gets to January we all get the January blues and forget about all the nice hopes and dreams and happiness we had on that magical day! Sound like a child but Christmas really is magical and hopefully Santa is reading my special wishes for myself, others and for the world I would like this Christmas!!


I've lots of wishes this Christmas. For material things: Asus laptop with an Illustrazio laptop bag, more pair of Havaianas, a Jansport backpack for traveling, gym registration (Hahaha!! I badly need this!!) and a shopping spree!!! This list is not complete and I thank you to those who are already packing their gifts for me.


More than the material things, I'd like to share the words of Oren Arnold: Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.

What's your wish this Christmas?


Four days before Christmas and here's my own list of gifts to my favorite who's who in Bohol.


For Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy (the youngest mayor in the Philippines): Beautiful (as much as possible sexy and seductive) girlfriend, it's lonely at the top. You know, to spice his lovelife. Same for Mayor Niño Rey Boniel, Rep. Adam Relson Jala and PPDO head John Titus Vistal.


For Jane Censoria Cajes: Strength to continue her mission for the youth. More travels abroad and a lovelife!


For broadcaster Chito Visarra: More radio programs and to quote the song, "Dear Lord up above me; send someone to love me..." Same for veteran broadcaster Fred Araneta.


For Katrina Schoof: Weeks of vacation with her labidab in Australia. Also a marriage contract!


For Bohol Chronicle big boss Peter Dejaresco: Good health and success. To quote Kit Bagaipo: May his days be merry and bright! Same for Lito Responte.

For Glenn Mark Blasquez: To finish his masteral degree, more progressive in business and woman who will love her forever and ever, amen! (Love me tender, love me dearly...)

For couple Hans and Lani Schoof: Good health, prosperity and more years so that they can continue to share their blessings.

For Lyndon Boiser: A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from the maddening false friends.

For Mayor Dan Neri Lim: Again, peace pipes he should smoke with Vice Mayor Toto Veloso and his friend Former OIC Governor Victor dela Serna.

For Mutya Isabel, Joan Almedilla and Mayumi Lugod: More shows and success.


For broadcasters Batchoy Alba, Fred Ticong, Fred Amora, Salva Diputado, Boy Guingguing, Ted Ayeng: A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio and newspapers on issues this Christmas time. They can do it again after the Holidays!


For Mikey Gatal: A partner who doesn't, ahem, "double-cross" after some years of searching!


For Baba Yap: Wedding bells, wedding bells! I think he's found the love of his life. Same for young business tycoons Ron Tan and RG Ong.


Mary Lovely Ligones: Miss Fitrum, girl! Stay fit and beautiful!


For Reps. Edgar Chatto and Roberto Cajes: A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for provincial administrator Tommy Abapo, Romy Teruel, Ae Damalerio, Handel Lagunay, Rene Relampagos, Vice Gov. Julius Cesar Herrera, and adoptive daughters of Bohol Bea Zobel, Jr and US Ambassador Kenny.


For Raymund Roldan: Visibility and success in the business circle. Same for Uly Dolojol of OopsBar and Dennis Du.


For Gerry Lugod: Inner strength, peace and colorful lovelife! Same for Eden Descalar, and for Donald Fuertes, a hot "partner" to love him dearly!


For Direk Maryo de los Reyes: More award-winning movies! Same for Rebecca Lusterio: Another movie and trophy for her memorably moving performance in two movies, a classic example of highly-effective "natural" acting…and same to Rich Asuncion.


For Loboc Children's Choir: Another performance abroad minus the "virus" of the group.


For Mayor Thomas Gonzaga: Beautiful girlfriend to color his "dry" lovelife.


For Pureza Chatto: Success in business, good health and peace of mind to be able to continue doing life's work. Same for Mayor Judith del Rosario-Cajes, board members Ma. Fe Lejos, Conching Lim, Maly Tirol, Roygie Jumamoy, Aster Piollo, and Vicky Wallace.


For Maximiel: Wise judgment and guidance that success is at the horizon. And a show (hopefully, another international limelight). Same for Gardy Labad, Loy Palapos and Marianito Luspo.


For Leah Tirol-Magno: Love, patience and time (non-material) and something to eat or keep (material). More ASUS EeePC 8GB mininotebook! Same for Mike Ligalig.


Councilor Kit Oppus: Inner strength and good health as the only woman lawmaker in the city! Same for Gov. Erico Aumentado and Maam Greenie, June Blanco, Vice Mayor Toto Veloso, Bonnie Quriog, Baby Collins, Sonieta Labasan, Mike Veloso, Betty Veloso-Garcia, Fiel Gabin and Rose Soy.


SSupt Edgardo Ingking: Patience and courage as chief. Go, Sir!

For Councilor Edgar Kapirig and Deputy Mayor Mario Uy: Again, a peace pipe to be smoked with Edgar on one end and Mario on the other. (Uhu, uhu, uhu!!!)


For Zenaida Darunday: Good health and inner strength to continue her advocacy!


For Raul Gatal: More mega projects in hosting and a colorful lovelife! Same for Ardy Batoy and Gloria Araneta.


For Brownbuds, Suitcase101 and Centerstage: More gigs and albums.


For Anna Maris Igpit: A marriage contract.


For Dr. Gerry Egos: Success in business and more, more pets!


For Primitiva Ontong: Beautiful and no-stress life in fiscal managing! More vibrant year ahead! Same for Liza Quirog and Liezel Gregorio.


For John Torralba: House and lot! And a wife!


For Paloma (caretaker of Prony): More performances and languages to learn! Same for the phenomenal Inday Rufing, more, more laughs to knock down the house!


For Baby Tagoctoc: Success in business, peace and harmony. Same for Tracy Remolador Torres and Charloe Arbasto.


For Rey Boom-Boom Bautista: A heart to teach him and his parents that "charity begins at home. Strength and success in bouts. Same for boxing idols AJ Banal and Nonito Donaire.


For Caesar Amonsot: He will get well soon... years of "rest" makes him weak. Go, fight!

For Joy Maglajos: A marriage proposal from her boyfriend.

What's up?---------------

The tallest and biggest Santa Claus in Bohol (also in the whole country) is in Poblacion, Sierra Bullones. It measures 30 feet (or more) and is located in front of the newly constructed municipal hall.


Host: What are the thoughts you can share for this coming Christmas?
Guest: We must do even more to love God, forgive the sinners and do god to other and we have to avoid grevious sin! (Grevious sin?)

Could it be a blue Christmas for a photographer and a HR head? It pains me to learn that the sugary sweetness between a photographer and his beautiful HR wife is, alas, turning sour. When last heard from, the wife "scolded" the photographer and "accused" him of playing "fire" with the secretary. The HR wife asked her hubby-photographer to choose "to fire the secretary or leave." Since the hubby photographer could not fire the secretary this Holidays, when he went home, all his things are already packed outside the house! It seems that they are helplessly headed for splitsville! We hope they can iron things out, patching whatever loopholes here and there. How sad!