Sunday, July 12, 2009

Juicy items on the Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant

Flash report:

Ted Ramasola and Armi Garma have reportedly wed and put an end to rumors by deciding to get married on July 4 at the Panglao Island Nature Resort Grand Pavilion. Reports mentioned lately that usually it's Ted who wants to get married and Armi postpones it every time. But this time it was Armi found that it’s better to get married to put an end to the stories; a decision that made Ted very happy.

The wedding was Ted’s second “after a relationship is down the drain” and Armi’s first. “They are planning a quiet celebration just for family and close friends,” revealed Bared Very Reliable Source (VRS). Neither wants the kind of big fanfare.

Thankfully, Ted and Armi didn’t pretend that they love each on the wedding day because they loved 24 years back when they were still in high school at the Divine Word College High School Department (now Holy Name University – High School Department). They parted ways – living oceans apart and pursuing their individual careers. They met again in 2005 during the DWCT HS Batch ’85 20th Year Reunion and the “kilig” factor still worked. Love moves in mysterious ways…and realized that they are still madly in love and the rest was history.
“Ted has never made any secret of his desire to marry Armi, so he is thrilled,”
according to a close friend of the couple.
“The wedding was officiated by Judge Leo Moises Lison. Close to 250 family members,
friends and batch mates from HSS Class 81 and DWCT HS Batch 85 were in hand to witness the celebration of love,” added by VRS.
The whole place choked with emotion as the couple sealed their love with a kiss.

Principal sponsors were N. Tolentino Gallares, VP for Support Services, First Consolidated Bank and Ms. Tetta Baad, Commisioner, Cebu City Tourism Commission. A special nuptial blessing was done by Rev. Fr. Jun Javines, SVD a close friend of the couple. Tita Janet and Ric Ramasola also rendered a special song dedicated to the couple.

Ceremony and reception décor by Boy Dumadag and Michael Yu of Blue Grass Project. Lola Lilia’s provided the cake. Wedding coordination was provided by Mr. Blair L. Panong of Lady Marianne Bridals (The Lady Marianne Bridals…Your total wedding and special events coordinators in Tagbilaran City since 1996; Website: www.boholweddings.9k.com, email: bpanong@yahoo.com; Mobile 09189359196, Phone +6338411-5350. For U.S. & Canada Clients Call 772-237-7808).

Bared ‘roving VRS’ caught them by surprise — in fact, unaware — enjoying their honeymoon in Luzon.

“The couple are still on their honeymoon in Batanes,” VRS added.

***
• From Douglas B. Hontanosas, Texas, USA: Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will welcome Boholano balikbayans on July 14 for the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) 2009. Boholano delegation will be led by Cong. Edgar Chatto, Gov. Erico Aumentado and TBTK chair Betty Veloso-Garcia. After which, they will be given a guided tour at Malacanang Palace, and to be served with cocktails at the Heroes Hall. “Betty just came from Seattle, Washington, where Betty attended the “Sleepless in Seattle” convention by the Boholanos In the United States and Canada (Conbusac) headed by President Carlos Caga-anan. She also met Governor Erico Aumentado, Conbusac’s guest of honor. We beam with pride to hear that Betty is awarded as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Overseas Boholanos by the Conbusac. Betty truly deserves such recognition. For all her efforts poured in the TBTK - for the cause of Bohol and the Boholanos,” reported Douglas who can’t be home for the TBTK 2009 happenings. It's only his wife Farah and son Dinno who will be home on July 22.

• Watch Pokwang and Pooh on July 29, 8 p.m. at Bohol Tropics Resort Dagohoy Grand Hall together with Jon Avila and Kapitan Boom for the Sandugo Comedy Fever. Tickets available at Bohol Tropics, please call (038)411-3510 to 14; 501-8992, 235-5667.

• The Bohol International Film Festival has been postponed indefinitely (or no more?) as the Bohol Film Development Organization, Inc (Bofido) headed by Direk Maryo delos Reyes and Cesar Montano has decided to scrap the ambitious project which was supposed to be held from July 18-25 for insufficient funds and time for preparing logistical requirements.

***

Since it started in 1950s (with different names like Miss Bohol, Miss Young Bohol, and renamed Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant in 1989) it has registered hundreds of contestants. This year, 15 contestants, among them are Mr and Miss Teen Bohol 2009 beauties Maria Tiffany Tabigue Guldameer Malou Sombrio and Mygie Obrador, and a part-time model Bienna Ursula Bautista, competing in the grand finals slated on Saturday, July 18 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Here is a list of interesting trivia and anecdote about the pageant:

• Fresh batch of sultry beauties were introduced in 1950s. The famed Miss Bohol winners were Paula Raagas Valles who became a mayor in Maribojoc; Delia Canda became Miss Visayas and she is now faithfully serving God as lay minister at St. Joseph Cathedral; Theoprolia Clarin from Sevilla and Geraldine Galang from Carmen, Reza Cabagnot from Tagbilaran City.

• Olivia Solis became Miss Bohol of 1957 from Panggangan, Calape, who later became a very popular lead actress in Visayan films. One of her movies was "Olivia." The theme song of that movie has the lyrics "Dawata na, Olivia" when the baby boomers generation can still remember. She later became a US resident, but returned to Philippines when her husband became a Cebu City councilor in the late 90s.

• In the 1980's, Rachelle Oculam was Miss Bohol from Lila.

• Marcel Gatal-Diego--A BS commerce major in management graduate from DWC-Tagbilaran, Miss Young Bohol 1983 and best in gown besting 34 beauty delegates from all over the province. She was also Hiyas ng Silangan-Bohol 1982 and was a top ten finalist in the 1982 Hiyas ng Silangan-Philippines pageant where she won the Miss Talent award. Marcel is the sibling of Bohol ’s seasoned host Raul and fashion icon Mikey who owns the www.mikeygatal.com. She is married to businessman Antonio Diego.

• Gemma Mandin, one of the Tagbilaran’s Five Prettiest, was crowned Miss Bohol in Dec. 1986. She was then an engineering student from San Carlos University when she joined the pageant. Now, Mandin is a flight stewardess of Philippine Airlines.

• There was no Miss Bohol 1987.

• Wenny Moreno Lim who represented Tagbilaran City made history as the first to get the crown in 1988. She is now residing in Cebu.

• Elizabeth Mumar Añana from Guindulman was the first to get the Miss Bohol Sandugo crown. The 1989 pageant was “shocking” as Añana was the only one wearing hi-cut suit which was “rare” at that time. Añana became the first Ms. Guindulman in 1989 and Ms. San Miguel Central Visayas 1989. She finished her BS in Business Administration from University of San Carlos and is currently the general manager of Symmetry Philippines, Inc.

• Jagna accomplished the first-ever “three feat” in the beauty pageant when the town’s entries successively triumphed from 1990-1992. Tiffany Yap, 1990, Ma. Recelle Adlaon-Paredes--1991 Miss Bohol Sandugo, a BS nursing graduate of DWC-Tagbilaran, she finished her M.A. in nursing at Cebu Normal University and is presently a clinical instructor of HNU-College of Nursing. Ma. Recelle Adlaon, 1991 and Celevel Ranoco, 1992. However, the 1990 pageant was one of the most dramatic when Marivic Labado, the crowd favorite was just a cinch to the crown. The first Boholano to become a Penshoppe model ended as first runner-up. Labado was Miss Cebu Doctors’ and she is now married to Dr. Larazabal, heir of the Cebu Doctors’.

• Miss Bohol Sandugo 1993 was Mary Ann Eronico from Talibon town.

• Vanessa Joyce Evardone was MBS 1994 and she is now working in Manila.

• Irah Noemi Naron was crowned MBS 1995 and she made it to the Mutya ng Pilipinas and received a special award. Here first runner-up and also Miss Talent was Shiela Sumalinog kept up Jagna’s string of impressive finishes in the search.

• Laianne Reyes Canoy was MBS 1996 from Maribojoc.

• Socorro D’ Mari “Tali” Inting from Tagbilaran City was MBS 1997. She started as Miss Divine High School, competed and won the Miss Divine and Miss Tagbilaran. To date, Tali is the only Miss Bohol Sandugo who has a remarkable record of all beauty queens who passed the bar exam. Her mother, Dra. Ma. Aida Tallo-Inting was crowned Miss Philippines Academy of Family Physicians 2000, and her uncle Dindo married Rosario Inting who was 1st RU to Fel Gabin, Miss Tagbilaran 1987.

• Josely Ferniz was MBS 1998. She got married and now a registered nurse.

• The MBS 1999 Maria Niña Cubello from Tubigon had not completed her reign who ended up marrying early. Cubello was replaced by Jennifer Ejoc of Catigbian.

• Mellanie Wallace, MBS 2000 from Tagbilaran City. The daughter of Vicky Wallace of the famous Bohol Bee Farm, she is a nurse in New York.

• MBS 2001 was Jenny Justiniane who didn’t complete her reign after marrying early. Vanessa Cadorno from Duero replaced Justiniane. To set the record, she was not “dethroned” by the organizers.

• MBS 2002 was Cherry Mae Bacarro. During her reign, she made it to the Bb. Pilipinas, but she represented Cagayan de Oro City (her sponsor) instead of Bohol. In July 2002, she was invited by the Bohol Sandugo Foundation to welcome the Miss Earth candidates in October 2002, but she failed to grace the activity “kay nagpaplantsa sa iyang buhok (because she was straightening her hair).” She came late to the place where everybody had left the place two hours before she arrived. Bacarro left an impression of neglecting the most responsibility for a very cheap or flimsy reason.

• MBS 2003 Fatima Liora Lloren Rana was from Jagna.

• Rhiz Novah Arenas was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2004. She was famous of her line, “Basta ubi Bohol, basta Bohol ubi.”

• Anna Maris Igpit was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005. She was first runner-up in MBS 2004. She represented Bohol in the Bb. Pilipinas 2006 and was declared BB. PIlipinas-World. She competed in the Miss World 2006 pageant in Warsaw, Poland and was voted Poland ’s 5 Prettiest and Top 20 in the swimwear competition. So far, Maris is the only Boholana who made it in the prestigious international beauty pageant.

• There was Miss Bohol Sandugo in 2006 to give way to the Miss Bohol International beauty pageant. Again, there was no Miss Bohol Sandugo in 2007.

• Miss Catigbian Joy Marie Maglajos won the most-coveted Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 crown. Joy is an airline cargo agent based in Cebu City.
***

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Manny and Jinkee find peace, Chocolate Hills in Bohol

It was bonding for People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and family in Bohol no less, far from stress and intrigues and the mind-blowing controversies.

The first choice was Boracay, then US. The Pacquiao’s au pairs (yayas) showed up with pieces of luggage and a whole entourage not in the US but at the island province of Bohol! Manny decided to pack their things and go to Bohol, for a family vacation to the surprise of everyone. The visit became historic as he set foot on Bohol soil, his first ever visit to the place who has “it all.”

Unexpectedly, Manny had to cut short his Bohol vacation to receive the "Fighter of the Year" award from a US-based sportswriters' group on June 12. Manny and Jinkee left the kids who were staying in a resort in Panglao with the au pairs (and some close-in “bodyguards”) promising them to come back after the US visit.

True enough, the couple upon arrival at the Manila International Airport from the United States on June 16, they took the 3 p.m. connecting PAL flight to Tagbilaran, excited to see again their children to rejoin them children in their interrupted vacation. At the tarmac of the Tagbilaran City Airport, Manny was welcomed with hugs and kisses from kids, Emmanuel, Jr., 8, Michael Stephen, 7 and Mary Divine Grace, 2, who were wearing “Bohol” t-shirts.

"They arrived looking like perfect. Even though it's a long flight from the US and Manila, Pacman looked best and Jinkee was stunning from the moment she stepped off the plane," an airport employee said.

The local folks who mobbed Manny were very delighted. Bakasyonistas at the resort asked for a souvenir photo with him and he was kind enough to pose though he looked tired and sleepy. Others asked for autographs. Manny signs his autograph with his right hand shows ability with both hands.

While Manny entertained the crowd, his kids were playing in the sand on the beach… and swimming. The kids had visited the tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. While their parents were out of the country, Ms. Arlaine Karaan acted as their “surrogate” mother making sure that the kids are safe and happy.

“Masaya….nung pumunta kami sa Chocolate Hills at yung tarsier palingun-lingon siya (Enjoyable… when we went to the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier turns its head)”, while moving his head to mimic the tarsier, “Ayaw magpapicture (It doesn’t want to be pictured),” Michael Stephen narrated.

But where’s Aling Dionisia (Manny's mom)—who is also gaining fame and wide for her natural charm and character—who was nowhere to be found? The yayas made “tsismis” that Aling Dionisia was in GenSan and she didn't know of the visit. She learned the vacation late. “Nagkisikisi pagkahibaw niya nga naa mi sa Bohol. Gusto niya makaari sa Bohol (She is very excited when she learned we’re in Bohol. She loves to come here),” one of the yaya's narrated.

Manny's interrupted first visit was spent only in a resort in Panglao (they moved to another resort, VRS said that Manny wasn’t satisfied of the resort’s services). But the second visit, however, was more relaxing. “First time kong nakapunta dito sa Bohol…. Grabe ang ganda. Puwede nating ipromote ang Bohol sa iba’t ibang bansa kung saan man ako magpunta, (This is my first time to visit Bohol…Very beautiful. I can help promote Bohol wherever I go),” Manny told Bared.


While media around the world continues to speculate on who Filipino boxing icon and “Hero of Asia” Manny Pacquiao will fight next, the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter said that he has not yet known of his opponent.

“Wala pay final opponents. Walang final date kung kelan ang next fight ko...October or November... By the second week of July ko pa malalaman (No final opponents yet. There is no final date yet of my next fight. It is in the second week of July that I will find out),” he said.

Is it your last fight? Asking him while he’s making a high five sign to his fans. “Baka last fight ko na ang October or November (Maybe the October or November is my last fight),” he said.

How you make win of your fights? “Una-una siguro magtiwala sa Panginoon, sipag at tiyaga, displina sa sarili. Mahirap ang narating ko, sobtrang blessd lang ako ng Panginoon...tinulungan ako ng mahal na Panginoon (First is have faith to the Lord, work hard and self-discipline. I am blessed by the Lord… He helped me),” Manny shared.

And what a long way to go for someone who in his wildest dreams could not have imagined his fortune and fame will go this stretch. That is Manny Pacquiao--- and more!

Is it true you're running in 2010? “Nagdeklara na akong na tatakbo sa Saranggani... ang nais ko lang ay para makatulong sa kanila.....Mahirap isa-isahin kung ano ang naitulong ko, mahirap sabihin. Gusto kong matupad ang ambisyon ko na makatulong sa kanila at maging champion ako pagdating sa mga bagay na ganyan. (I declared it already that I will be running in Saranggani. I just want to help. I don’t want to count how many people I have helped…I just want to help them and a champion),” he emphasized.

The family was actually enjoying a bit of peace on their vacation, according to the resort who attended the needs of the Pacquiao. In fact, Manny had a sound sleep. He would wake up late in the morning.

The Pacquiao family also enjoyed a nice walk on the beach with their children on a powdery white sand beach on Bohol Beach Club. As the group walked, onlookers just sat and stared.

When the Pacquiao family was en route to the world famous Chocolate Hills, Michael Koncz (Manny's adviser) had to control the mob... a huge crowd immediately gathered around Pacquiao and his family.

It’s Pacquiao Day in Bohol.

Will he come back for another visit? Maybe yes, maybe not. Or shall we say, “hasta la vista Manny?”


What's up

● Congratulations to Atty. Kathy Blance “Anchie” Jumao-as Borja, CPA for placing 1st place in the Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination given on May 31. Anchie graduated Bachelor of Science in Accountancy cum laude from the San Carlos University. She also became the class president and class salutatorian of the San Carlos University College of Law in 2006.

● DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno was here in Bohol last Friday as keynote speaker for the local governance support program for local economic development (LGSP-LED) MOA Signing. He was welcomed by the DILG family headed by Dame Rustica Mascariñas and local officials headed by Gov. Erico Aumentado and Vice Mayor Toto Veloso. Puno is widely known as one of the country’s most successful and reliable political strategists, but his extensive work experience of over 35 years also encompasses the fields of business, public relations, foreign diplomacy and public administration. He also reiterated that amending the Constitution before the 2010 elections is now virtually impossible even as he dismissed opposition claims of a no-elections or No-El scenario in 2010. He is planning to seek the nomination of the administrations parties as its vice presidential best in the 2010 polls. “Yes, I am going to make myself available for the Lakas-Kampi-CMD nomination for the vice presidency of the country. I'll be presenting myself for vice president” he told Bohol mediamen. He also praised the local officials of Bohol saying, “I want to congratulate everyone for the continuous programs of the province of Bohol.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Doy takes home a wife

Wake- uppers:

• The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa would like to invite you to their Father’s Day Sunday Lunch Buffet for only Php600 with free flowing iced tea on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children below 6 years old is half the price.

• Congratulations to Manila-based Cheryl Lynn Busano who is expecting her and husband Mark Rubrico’s first child. “A wonderful blessing from God,” Cheryl Lyn told Bared. She learned she’s five weeks pregnant when she had her ultrasound last Tuesday.

***

Pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.

And so, after all the twists and turns and other ingredients (action, drama, romance, suspense, etc), as you and I have expected all along, ends up happily ever after in the waiting.

Early this year, Bared casually mentioned that Atty. Doy Magdoza and Dra. Aileen Tan
(ALT DERMA CLINIC, 2nd floor, Pamaong Building, 105 Gallares st. in front of Lite Shipping Cargo,Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Contact Numbers: (038)412-0082 (038)501-8415 09184066119) were “seriously planning to march down the aisle (with the "blessings" of their parents). Love will find a way!”

Atty. Doy wanted the wedding to be as private as possible. But he didn’t get his wish. So last Saturday morning, June 6, when he exchanged “I dos” with Dra. Aileen at St. Joseph Cathedral, Tagbilaran City, the event couldn’t be anything but gathering of friends and relatives.

Doy’s parents Judge Pablo and Margie Magdoza were beaming with pride as they watched Doy take Aileen for his wife. Radiant in her Maximiel Tallo gown, all eyes were on the beautiful Dra. Aileen.

Years ago, Doy texted me if I was interested to interview Dra. Aileen who established a new derma clinic, unknowingly, he was already making “panguyab” to the lovely skin dermatologist. I had a busy schedule and there was no interview conducted.

The brand-new Mrs. Doy Magdoza was choked with emotion as she thanked everybody who attended the wedding.

Both in their early 30s and therefore ripe for marriage, the couple didn’t say where they would spend their honeymoon.

Love prevails and conquers all things.

***

Lasagna on my Pizza?

Pizza Hut, the world’s leading pizza restaurant, proves again its being innovative by offering a new product combining two Italian-inspired favorites: lasagna and pizza.

The new Viva Lasagna Pizza is another first from Pizza Hut that is currently such a hit among Filipino diners. New Viva Lasagna pizza - enjoy a rich combination of two Italian-inspirec favorites: Lasagna on a pizza. A thick layer of beef, cheese and soft lasagna strips on Pizza Hut's freshly baked Viva crust, said Dennis Legaspi, Vismin local store marketing manager.

It's surely the type of pizza that can be shared by a group of 5 or more. Look at
how big it is!

Taking a closer look, the crust is not too thick or too thin; this new crust boasts of a soft texture that captures the essence of a true Italian pizza making Viva pizza different. So how did they merge the pizza and the lasagna? This one-of-a-kind pizza is made irresistible by tasty lasagna meat sauce, four layers of delectable cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, and topped by strips of lasagna pasta.

One slice is packed with great flavor that you will really enjoy every bite. Yummy!
Viva Lasagna Pizza is priced at only P299 for 10-inch pizza and P279 for 14-inch pizza. Visit Pizza Hut BQ Mall branch to taste and say “Viva Lasagna!”

***

SK Jagna federated president Lalaine Tan who is a subject of controversies (the SB Jagna want to “remove” her from office because of excessive absences) is not a student of Holy Name University as Bared reported last week. She is taking up Dentistry at Cebu Doctors University. Thanks to readers Joyce Garcia and Elizabeth Campbell for the correction.

SK provincial federated president Jane Censoria Cajes is a little “disappointed” of Jagna Councilor Senen Lloren (who said in a press release that an action from SK is a need on Tan’s case and the negative comments on the SK Bohol Youth Congress 2009 as commented by Tan’s SK members). “Thanks for the feedback. But how can we give action when there is no formal letter complaint given to the office?” Jane Censoria wondered.

Anyway, here is a letter from Jagna councilor Senen Lloren addressed to GM Mr. Peter Dajaresco as published verbatim:

Mr. Peter Dejaresco
Associate Editor
Bohol Chronicle
Tagbilaran City


Dear Sir:

Greetings!

In behalf of the 6th Sangguniang Bayan, we would like to clarify some issues on the column “BARED” by Mr. Leo P. Udtohan on June 7, 2009 page 8 of Bohol Chronicle about his comment specifically my name and Vice Mayor Pagar.

Personally, I have already a sad experiences with this particular writer much I consider him not an asset but a liability to your newspaper which will eventually you will lost a lot of prospective readers and clients.

Firstly, the complaint filed by the Sanggunian to Ombudsman Visayas against our SK Federated President Ms. Lalaine Tan is not done by only few SB Members but the consensus majority members of the Sanggunian. But before we moved to the Ombudsman we take steps to exhaust everything by providing Ms. Tan the necessary guidance and advices.

She reiterated in her privilege speech to acknowledge her lapses and appeal with us to help and guide her again because she promised to change but the next session she is absent again and successively absent again for she was not able to wake up early after attending a party the night before the session day.

Leo Udtohan reiterated in his column that Ms. Tan is experiencing psychological torture and low self-esteem, what about the 32 SK Chairpersons who lodged their complaints during our regular session last June 1, 2009 against Ms. Tan irresponsible and immature actuation as SK President. I think they too are experiencing psychological torture.

We directly filed the complaint to the Ombudsman because we do not want Ms. Tan to be just suspended by virtue of the SK Constitution and by Laws, there is a need to replace her because she already violated the Local Government Code by incurring huge numbers of absences in the Sanggunian and in the barangay level which is more than enough stated in the Local Gov’t Code.

We don’t really care if she is pregnant or not that is her personal choice in life but what is important to us is is only one thing – to protect the interest of the municipality and the Sangguniang Kabataan. We do not want the youth to be misrepresented or underrepresented and be left out. We cared for them to get involved and come up strong ideals and be able partner of progress in the municipality.
She should not regret to what happened because we gave her enough time for proper guidance and advices but all she cares is she never fails to collect her emoluments and other benefits as ex-officio member of the Sanggunian.

Her gross inefficiency and lack of interest to serve her constituents in the SB and in the Barangay Council and the habitual neglect or gross indifference to duty provide us with no choice and we cannot let it go any further. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH but to act properly even if it is painful for us to go against one of us in the Sanggunian.

Most of all, public service, cannot be held hostage to the whims and caprices of Ms. Lalaine Tan. The act of the Jagna 6th Sangguniang Bayan is simply to give a matured precedents to other LGU who has been experiencing the same fate with their SK President.

Attached in this email of ours is the covering letter addressed to Hon. Pelagio Apostol of the Ombudsman Visayas and the SB Resolution regarding the Official Actuation of Ms. Lalaine Tan.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Mayor Boniel not closing door to win Jane Cajes

Wake uppers:

• Experience a sizzling hot summer party foam event by the beach on May 29 at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao. The “2nd Overhaul Party” is featuring the performances of Viva Hot Babes Maui Taylor and Zarah Lopez. Tickets are sold at Php 200 with 1 free drink. Party starts 5pm until midnight.

• It’s four days to go for the Mr and Ms Teen Bohol! The talent competition is on May 25 at the Island City Mall, 2 p.m., while the pageant night is on May 28 at the Bohol Cultural Center, 7p.m. Get your tickets (P50 only) at the SK Office or call 411-5914.


• Could it be true that an OIC resident manager of a famous resort in Panglao is the cause of the company’s loss of millions of pesos because of her ill-mannered behavior and incompetence managing skills? It all started when this OIC “scolded” the resort’s clients, who according to the OIC, were very noisy at the pool during a video shooting though witnesses said that the volume of the speakers were decibels down. OIC said that there were guests who complained during the shooting, however, it was found out that it was not true. Her subordinates were happy when this OIC was scolded by the clients. The resort could earn almost half a million in just two days and more, more this year… but bound to loss in millions in this year and years to come because of this OIC. The resort has received negative ratings at the internet from clients after the incident. Sayang, sayang!

• After his scandal with top actress Hailili, now he is with Maricar Reyes, a famous Pond's facial wash Model and an actress (in the recently concluded Betty La Fea TV series on ABS-CBN). Expect more from this great guy. Unlike the Edison Chen of Hongkong, Hayden prefers to use videos rather than photos. From an anonymous reader on Kho: So sad to hear that model Maricar Reyes fall into a trap with this wacko doctor. Another video scandals are now on demand. Rumors went like wild fire in forest. Videos are now available on public. Wish that Philippine Doctors Association will sanction this dr. (wac) kho. Vicky Belo made statements that her lover is now a changed man. What? Are you that dumb enough? My wild guess is: this wackho is making a hostage situation of Vicky. You know, a video of both of them making their love scene and if Belo refuse to welcome him again, it will be on public like the rest of the ex-poor girlfriend of this retarded doctor. If this indeed is true, be very wise Doc Vicky. Ask your lawyers on how to deal with this predicament. Save yourself.

***

Still a big question mark is the rumored feelings of Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey “In-In” Boniel towards Sangguniang Kabataan national president Jane Censoria Cajes.

Mayor Boniel is falling head over heels for Jane, shall we believe? I could not blame if the dashing Mayor Boniel “likes” (decipher the quotation marks to feel the meaning) Jane. The young girl is now a catch —and now a fine (and a beautiful) lady!

Call it destiny. There were many times their roads and bridges did cross. However, the recent encounters were the most unforgettable. First, when Jane was invited to give an inspirational message to SK Bien Unido in Panglao, Mayor Boniel could not take away his eyes on Jane while Jane was giving her speech — and his heart pondered more— when Jane obliged for a photo souvenir with him.

The second “memorable” meeting was last Tuesday when Mayor Boniel went to SK office at the Capitol. Lips were asking if Mayor Boniel was courting Jane. It was learned that he came to follow up the assistance he’s asking from the SK.

Both are singles and have no relationships at present. Jane broke up with her boyfriend couple of months ago, while Mayor Boniel is looking for a relationship (Remember the song “Lonely is the man without love?”)

But he has this fear.

Confronted by Bared, the humble Mayor Boniel just said, “I have this fear of rejection.”

Geographically, Bien Unido and Trinidad are neighbors. And the lone road entrance to Bien Unido to land travel is Trinidad.

With a brave heart (dili bugnaw og simod ha?), Mayor Boniel is not closing door to win Jane’s heart.

***

My “First pair of eyes that saw me” is dedicated to the woman I owe my life (next to my Mama Inday). Here’s a reprint of the story I wrote last year and I made some “slight” changes.

My mission was to search for this woman many years ago.

A little girl came out from the house and asked me my intention. I introduced and told the kid that I was looking for her granny. The kid said her granny was sleeping that noon time. I told the kid I would come back in the afternoon.

As I left the place, I was wondering how this woman looks like considering the many stories I heard from my Mama Inday and people who know her.

Until, I’ve met her in person.

She is Mrs.Catalina Reyes Calipayan, a retired midwife. Since time immemorial her name rings a bell to many moms in Tagbilaran City and even in many towns of Bohol.

When she told me that she’s 71 years old, I’d to blink, for it doesn’t show, as she can still be mistaken to be in her 60s—still healthy and contended, less wrinkles, In fact, she’s attending to the needs of the kids at her home.

Her sights are still clear and she talks well. She could still remember names and places. But her memories of how many children she helped see the world, she could not remember.

They’re thousands of children of those many years of selfless love and dedication to the calling of profession.

All children thrive on hearing—over and over again—how they came into this world, and I was no exception.

Our conversation led to sharing her experiences. I learned that she was born in Leyte and finished here degree at Cebu School of Midwifery.

But Mrs. Calipayan’s first choice was nursing. She remembered that the midwifery was the most difficult course then. There were rigid examinations before you’re admitted to college.

“There was a physical examination. If the enrollee had a child even if she was single she’s disqualified. There was a height requirement, you must be 5 feet tall and must have a pleasing personality,” she narrated.

The young Catalina had begun her career as a midwife after she finished schooling at the age of 18.

A midwife does more than just deliver babies because she is present at every birth, whether at home or in hospital. She touches everyone’s life.

“I always make sure that the mother and child are healthy and safe,” she said.

She narrated that in one day, she would helped three mothers to give birth.

A midwife is usually the first and main contact for the expectant mother during her pregnancy, and throughout labor and postnatal period. She helps mother to make informed choices about the services and options.

“The role of the midwife is very diverse,” she said. She carries out clinical examinations provides health and parent education and support the mother and her family throughout the childbearing proves to help them adjust to their parental role.

“I’d slept in many houses most especially when the labor of the mother had to take long hours. I’m there to give comfort because it’s painful,” said Mrs. Calipayan.

Safety is also a priority in midwifery and studies show that outcomes are the same as physician-attended births.

“Praise God, in my long years as a midwife all the children is alive. And when I hold the baby and heard her crying I’m so happy and blessed because there’s another miracle from heaven,” she enthusiastically said.

The positive and powerful attitude she has toward birth, specifically breech birth, is a reflection of her own entrance into this world. She always loved to take care of babies and have had the privilege of assisting in hundreds of breech homebirths.
Each time, she’s thankful to God and experience a calmness and assurance that comes from thinking back to her own birth memories.

“It’s a calling,” she happily said. I could sense that she had no regrets of being a midwife in her entire life.

“I pray to the Lord that everything would be fine..” and when the baby would come out, it was a relief, and I prayed, “Thank God, the child has life.”

Mrs. Calipayan is now retired but there are those who come to her house in Remolador street, this city to seek for her assistance. However, she politely told them she’s already retired from service and gave referrals where to go. She’s also busy attending to her five grandchildren from her children Chris Len, Mary Jean and Glinda.

Her hubby Graciano had passed away.

Mrs. Calipayan became president of the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines-Bohol chapter. She’s also an officer and adviser of the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives in the region.

When I was about to leave her home, I asked her if she could remember Paulina Persigas Udtohan of Booy district.

“She’s very familiar,” she said thinking to remember everything.

And I told her that she’s my mother. And I told her that on May 25, my Mama Inday gave birth to a baby boy and she was the midwife who assisted during the labor.

But when I told her that I was that baby boy, she was surprised and hugged me. I saw in her eyes the joy upon seeing the baby boy had grown up.

“I am so thankful you’ve grown up,” she smiled.

I asked a friend to take a souvenir photo of us together. The woman whose first pair of eyes that lands sight on me.

We can learn a great deal about her life as a midwife, mother and wife. Her role in the society enriches, deepens, and complicates our understanding of everyday life.

I rejoice as I welcome this new chapter with joy. Life still has lots of amazing surprises in store for me.

Today, I pause for a moment to look back at the journey I have taken, and look forward to the wonderful possibilities tomorrow brings.

As I step towards the road that lies ahead, I remember the places I have been part of, people who inspired me to become better and wishes that were granted,, and life’s lessons learned along the way.

As I start another page, why not make this new beginning by taking stock of the blessings that surround me? My family, friends, career, and all those little things I am able to accomplish daily—these are reminders of the unique and beautiful life I have.

I couldn’t say a word how fortunate I am to meet and to thank the woman who helped my Mama Inday on May 25 two decades and eight years ago to see the light of this beautiful world.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Happy 55 years…and still counting!

• Do you know what style you wanted for your last haircut — and for free? There is a “Libre Tupi" project conducted every first and last Sunday of the month in Poblacion III Barangay Hall grounds and is still ongoing. The project which started in April is initiated by the Sangguniang Pambarangay of Poblacion III officials headed by Punong Barangay Ody Chatto Glovasa.

• My visit to the northern part of Bohol has this scoop! A youth leader who works as a nurse was asked by leaders to run as mayor in the northern part of Bohol after the incumbent mayor failed to get the support from his vice mayor and councilors for the next year’s elections. They urged this youth leader to run because they believe that the youth leader is the only person who can crush down the mayor who’s getting richer, richer and fuller!

• Young ones and young once, the search for the Mr and Ms Teen Bohol is on May 28 at the Bohol Cultural Center. Ticket is only P50 (available at the SK Office, 2nd floor of the Capitol Building, Tagbilaran City). You can visit www.skbohol.com or call 411-5914.

• It’s never nice hearing that someone doesn’t like you, and personally, it
tears me up inside when I’m told I am bad. However, it is so funny when a person claims that s/he is the one in a blind item even if you’re not! And it’s so “degrading” when you “hunt” and “threat” the writer for believing a friend’s lies. For Pete’s sake, don’t react when you are not the one involved and you’re not sure it’s you…and if you’re not a who’s who.

• Could it be true that two good friends (“kasusyo” in business) are now parting ways under unpleasant circumstances? According to a Very Reliable Source (VRS), everything has been done to resolve the “issue” (where’s the money?) but it seems impossible to patch things up.

***

Our paper, The Bohol Chronicle, turns 55 years old!

The Bohol Chronicle has been a witness in the unfolding of our province’s history. As a chronicler of events and purveyor of information The Bohol Chronicle remains true to its mission of being a pillar of journalism for the benefit of the people.

The province takes pride in the distinction of The Bohol Chronicle as one of the respected newspapers in the country.

Monday morning was a “dilemma” when I was in elementary. Our grade five teacher, Mrs. Jesusa Servas, used The Bohol Chronicle in our class. In fact, we could not get inside the class if we didn’t have a news article copied from the newspaper. There were many times when Mrs. Servas unexpectedly asked us to report the news we’d copied.

Our school had not subscribed to The Bohol Chronicle though there were tons of tons of books and other educational materials from the Books for the Barrios in the USA because it is a Modern of Excellence School (MOE), however, we could not find a copy of the paper. To pass, what we did was to borrow the paper from the late Manny Oronan whose wife Mrs. Evelyn Oronan was a grade three teacher then.

Little did I know that our teacher used The Bohol Chronicle to instill lifelong love of reading.

Times passed, I had press release and news articles were printed in The Bohol Chronicle (I wish to compile them, if I have the luxury of time to dig the old archives, you know, for posterity). I even had the chance to meet the Chronicle founder the late lawyer Jun Dejaresco at his office.


The most unforgettable ( I hope you do remember!) article I’d contributed was the final episodes of the Rosalinda telenovela on June 4, 2000. I didn’t expect that the article would create “chaos” when it became a hot item in the radio gathering favorable and unfavorable comments from dyRD’s Tagbilaran By Nite and Inyong Alagad listeners the following day.

Years later…

The Bohol Chronicle welcomed Bared last year to balance our reader’s daily dose of news write-ups that are light, airy and bubbly.

Happy 55 years…and still counting!

***

Overhaul foam party with Viva Hot Babes

Experience a sizzling hot summer party foam event by the beach dubbed as “Overhaul” in one of the country’s premier resorts, Bohol Beach Club in Panglao featuring the performances of VIVA HOT BABES on May 29.

The summer party will also be highlighted by the summer fashion show routine of Unleased Models as they formally launched their beach wear collections. To spice up more the event, Cebu Models and Autoshop Babes will also perform under an improvised foam machine gadget that will sprinkle performers while doing their stints on stage.

House music will be provided by DJ Super Mario of Halo Bar, DJ Rich of Autoshop Bar with DJ Vhyke and DJ Peter Barker of Club Deejay’s Inc.

Listen to the tune of reggae mellow music of Brownbuds and the beat of T-City Clique.

This event is presented to us by Bohol Beach Club, Autoshop Dance Bar, Halo Dance Bar, CellMart Mobile Passions and LG Mobile Phones in cooperation with Mojitos Tequila and Nature Spring Water. Major Sponsors include AMBL Printing and Doy’s Seafood and Grill. Media Partners are: Kiss 102.3 FM and The Bohol Chronicle.

Tickets are sold at Php 200 with 1 free drink.

This event is being organized and produced by Regae Entertainment Corp. in cooperation with K&N Productions, both professional events and promotions agency consistently operating in the Visayas region in the field of events organizing and concert productions. The event is being directed by Ms. Kenneth “Mizken” Tirol Andan-Gonzales of Runway Icons.

***


TBTKish Gathering of our Paring Bol-anon, USA in NYC

T
here is another web portal --- http://tigumbolanontibuokkalibutan.blogspot.com ---for the Tigum Bol-anon Sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) for update and for a for the upcoming worldwide gathering of Boholanos in July. TBTK president Betty Veloso-Garcia says. “…Although we have already an official site at TBTK.ORG, it is our wish to explore some added venues to keep in touch with all the Boholanos worldwide and to expand our exposure in the WWW as modern technology continues to lend itself to an even more expansive means of communication with the availability of all these options right in front of us: quite a few popular names favored by many and others preferred by particular networking groups: that we can't leave anything anymore to luck, fate or chance of being found, read or googled... but to take a more proactive role in being more visible to and reachable by all whom we wish to have network with... and that is you, my dear friend, my dear Boholano and all the significant people around you.”

It is said that music is the food that feeds our soul. What a fitting delight to know that our TBTK Global Homecoming campaign promotion not just has its own official Theme Song, but its composer is no less a Priest, gifted with such extra-ordinary skill in music and among the Paring Bol-anon holding pastoral assignment abroad who is right now connected to a Louisiana Parish in the United States, in the person of Fr. Roel Lungay. Music was arranged and sang by Romy Ceniza Mascarinas, another talent based in Tagbilaran City.

Better still, such TBTK Theme Song was first aired during Tagbilarans fiesta celebration at Wyckoff, New Jersey where a big congregation of the Boholano community in the East Coast were in attendance last May 9, a Saturday. To everybody’s delight, touching the heart, mind and soul of every Boholano hearing the melody and the lyrics of the song that emits love of our home-province, our people and the invitation to be home this July for the grand celebration..

Such information is no less revealed by our TBTK Chairperson, Betty, who was invited as the Inducting Officer of the Tagbilaranon’s of Eastern USA headed by another Paring Bol-anon, Fr. Fernando Po, as re-elected President.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Saudi Arabia Pop Icon finalist is a Boholano

Wake uppers:
•The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa would like to invite you and your family to a Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet on May 10, 2009 from 11am-2pm for only P550 with free flowing iced tea. All mothers will receive a special treat! Contact us at 0385399231 or 09173269000 and make your reservations.

• The next time you tune in on your favorite radio program, you will probably hear the song: Tigum Bol-anon tigum/Dili na gyod maluom/Tigum Bol-anon tigum/Dili na gyod mahilom/Mahal natong probinsya/Nagsige nag pangagda/Bol-anon tib’ok kalibutan/Sundon nato ang dalan/Pauli sa Bohol,/Pinangga tang Bohol… yes, that is the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) theme song 2009 penned by Fr. J. Roel Lungay and music by Romeo Ceniza Mascariñas. It is now available on youtube.



•Don‘t forget to watch the Mr and Ms Teen Bohol 2009 on May 28 at the Bohol Cultural Center. Ticket is only P50 and available at the SK office in Capitol. There are 15 males and 15 females from the different parts of the province who will do anything to get the titles as the first Mr and Ms Teen Bohol. The organizers have invited prominent and trusted people to judge the pageant. To those who wish to support and become a sponsor (not yet late!), you can call John Torralba at (+6338) 411-5914

•The month of May is dedicated to our dear mothers. Their love and care is unique and incomparable to any other kind of love in the world. With all the goodness of our mothers, let us always remember to thank them, love them and give them a big hug, especially on Mother’s Day.

***

My Manila trip last week despite the H1N1 fear allowed me to meet some balikbayans (who have duty free items for pasalubong) at the airport who’re homing to Bohol for the fiesta. Most of them are from the Middle East.

They enthusiastically shared their stories in foreign lands. I’ve had heard about success and painful stories of our OFWs and when they shared about an OFW, who is now a rising “star” in Middle East, that something and a great story.

The “rising” star they are referring to is a Boholano— Julius “Yuan” Galve— son of Aureliano and Julieta Galve of Mansasa District, Tagbilaran City is qualified for the final gala performance night on May 15 after placing 4th place in the second elimination round on April 30.

“He has a good voice and we love his performance,” shared a fan Hanna Sevilla, an OFW in Riyadh.

The Saudi Arabia Pop Icon is a singing competition for the Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia organized by S.E.Productions (SEP), a recognized community service and cultural organization by the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia. After the success of Pop Icon Season 1 in 2005 and the TFC POPSTAR in 2006, SEP brings back the POP ICON Season 2 which is now a kingdom-wide search.

Yuan says, “I am a simple and very friendly person. Some will say that I am a bit snobbish but I am not. If you will get to know me better then you will know that I am not like that.”

Here’re basic facts about Yuan shared by Hanna Sevilla who is based in Saudi Arabia:
Name: Julius Z. Galve

Nickname: Yuan

Age: 27

Province: Bohol , Philippines

Occupation: Operating Room Technician (OR STAFF)

Specialty in Music: RnB and Pop

Civil Status: Single

Music Award, Competition Won: None

Hobbies: Singing, Reading, Surfing the net, Martial arts

For you what is music? : Music is the food to our soul that soothes everything in our life.

Influential Person in Music: Guy Sebastian, Josh Groban, Martin Nievera, Gary V. and Regine Velasquez

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Things to do this summer

Wake-uppers:
• If there is a superlative word for “lapastangan,” we can’t forgive this not-so-popular young gay reportedly giving “nasty” remarks, ahem, that Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal is “old” (decipher the quotation marks to feel the word literally!). Raul will host the less fanfare Miss Tagbilaran 2009 on April 29 at the Bohol Cultural Center. We don’t question the natural process of aging but telling people about the age of a person in an unlikely manner is a big insult. We should remember that getting old is a natural process where things are slowing down, and we begin to see that the sparkle in our hearts and the twinkle in our eyes make us beautiful in a way that's not achievable in youth. Raul though turning a year wiser last February shows no sign of declination ---- and he is still youthful!

• The search for the Mr and Ms Teen Bohol is getting hotter as we revealed the contestants from the third district of Bohol (captured by photographer Ryan Macalandag of Fotomoments- contact numbers: (038)-5019447 and +63921.570.6574, email addresses: fotomoments@yahoo.com.ph, ryanmacalandag99d@yahoo.com). The female contestants are: Maria Contessa Butron (Sierra Bullones ) – 17, 5' 4"; Chariz Marie Abucejo (Garcia-Hernandez) - 17, 5' 4"; Mygie Obrador (Duero)- 16, 5' 3"; Maria Glaiza Lepiten (Loay) – 18, 5' 1"; Madeline Virtudazo (Alicia) – 18, 5' 5"; and the male contestants are; Sanie Joel Cagoco (Dimiao) – 19, 5' 10"; Parker C. Bolanio (Candijay) – 19, 5' 10"; Lito P. Manuel (Garcia Hernandez) – 18, - 5' 6"; and Jan Carlo L. Quiño (Loay)- 18, 5' 7". The finals night is on May 28. For sponsorship, you can call (038) 411-5914 and look for John Torralba, SK chief of staff.

***



Like a flash, Nonito “Junjun” Donaire, Jr. nicknamed The Filipino Flash (because of his speed and reflexes and the current IBF and IBO world champion in the flyweight category) was in Bohol Wednesday (no fanfare in city’s major thoroughfares) for a “vacation” together with his wife Rachel (nee Marcial), a Fil-Am taekwondo jin and some friends from the US.

The Bohol visit was Donaire’s promise to bring Rachel and friends for a Bohol trip after winning the bout against Raul Martinez and not a honeymoon (they got married on August 28, 2008 and they are still planning to have one if time permits).

Believe me, Donaire can be perfect guide. Touring around to some of our important landmarks, he knows the places and he has a story to tell. He took the group to Balicasag Island for diving. The group went to Hinagdanan Cave, Blood Compact Marker, Baclayon Church and Loboc River and tarsier seeing.

Donaire chose Loboc Riverwatch (operated by Tessie and Libby Sumalpong- 09173060010)
for our lunch. The extensive selection of tasty, native dishes positioned in the center of the raft makes for an extremely pleasant dining experience, which one can enjoy buffet-style for approximately P250 per person. Dishes usually offered are soup, grilled seafood such as squid, prawns and fish, and barbecued chicken, pork, and vegetables. For dessert, a variety of fresh fruits are available, as well as overflowing coffee and tea. While dining, a small group of singers serenade you with everything from folk songs to local pop songs.

Another reason that makes dining along the Loboc River so enjoyable though, is the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the raft. The lush greens all around the raft are captivating against a perfectly blue sky which adds tranquility to the ride. As the boat goes further upstream, one cannot help but notice that the river is full of life.

Somewhere in the middle of the cruise, there would be a stopover to see some talents of Loboc. Donaire had a good time dancing with the local folks. In fairness, he knows how to grind and he has a good voice.

He’s mobbed by fans, mostly boxing aficionados in every place he had visited even at the top of the Chocolate Hills.

He went to Talibon where he had a courtesy call with Mayor Juanario Item who gave her a Plaque of Excellence as the pride of Talibon.

I didn’t expect that his visit to Talibon became “emotional” and “memorable.” I became misty-eyed when Donaire unexpectedly visited Alejandro Gurrea Elem. School where he finished primary. He shared his first fist fight and how he brought guavas to sell it in school.

The more I cried when The Flash showed us the humble hut where he was born. Unlike other people who forget their “origin,” Donaire is not. He’s so proud to tell his life before he became a champ.

“Welcome to my house where I was born. In fact, I still have my umbilical cord inside to prove that I was born here,” he narrated while hugging his mom Imelda. He met his kababata and played basketball with them to reminisce his childhood days.

I asked the couple how many kids they wish to have, Donaire said, “The more the merrier for me.... so practice!” He laughed. However Rachel told me, “I don't know.... a minimum of four.”

It was a long day; however their Bohol visit was enjoyable and memorable. "It's fun... great. It is always better and better, especially your family and friends around you and you get to show how beautiful the Bohol and Philippines... Here you get to see nature, culture and how people live...,” Rachel said.

As a pride of Bohol, Donaire shared, “Bohol is a beautiful place... the people here are great. I was born here... during those times growing up here... I learned to appreciate life... I lived my life in poverty where sometimes food is not available... there were times it was rationed.... what it thought me is to appreciate life....of the hardships I went through.”

The Flash who is very humble will go a long way.

***

During the summer it is so easy to say, "I have nothing to do!" No more excuses-here is a list of 50 things to do the next time you are bored!

Just remember that happy memories need not be expensive, sano! Here are Bared’s suggestions for this summer:

1. Obey the Ten Commandments.
2. Start a blog or keep it updated.
3. Say “Hi!” or smile to your neighbor or even the stranger beside you in the tricycle or jeep. Remember, it takes a few muscles to smile than to frown.
4. Do a Google day: learn how to use all the features of Google, like Google Earth, Maps, Reader, Scholar, etc.
5. Unload excess emotional baggage. Store up on positive vibes and not negative feelings (very bad for your health).
6. Make it a habit to watch 24 Oras (weekdays) and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (Saturday night) on GMA 7.
7. Have lunch and/or dinner at Gerry’s Grill (located at the 4th floor of the BQ Mall, 411-3164 local 201), Miravilla in Booy District, Tagbilaran City ( Tel No. (038)-411-3867/500-1667). Or try Bohol’s coffee at Bongalos Farms in Dauis and taste honey products at Bohol Bee Farm and meet the Queen Bee (038-502-2288). Chowking-Tagbilaran is a perfect place to try their halo-halo special! Cool!
8. Smoke the peace pipe with your enemies. Forgive and forget. You feel better traveling light sans a burden in your heart.
9. Eat fruits and veggies. Eat organic foods at Darunday Manor (located at J.A. Clarin Street , near PNB, Tagbilaran City ).
10. Collect old photos and newspaper clippings in neat scrapbooks (the task can be cathartic, try it!).
11. Have a massage either at Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa (Dauis, Panglao Island ); or at Le Spa (Airport Roads fronting Cogon Shrine).
12. Take 10,000 steps a day to prove you’re healthy.
13. Sleep on time, observe a no-fat diet and drink lots of water.
14. Spend a day at the park.
15. Meditate. Pray. Hear Sunday Mass without fail. Peace be with you!
16. Have a date at Pantalan or K of C. Hold hands with your partner while watching the sunset.
17. Pay your debts.
18. Stop sending “dirty” text messages and sick jokes.
19. Pray for peace not only in our country but in the whole world.
20. Stay tuned to Inyong Alagad (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. on dyRD with anchors Fred Araneta and Chito Visarra) for news and public service.
21. Play (again and again!) your CDs of old, familiar songs. Nice to go down memory lane every now and then.
22. Give away old clothes – and food, but not money – to street kids.
23. Drive carefully. As the reminder has it, the life you save may be your own.
24. Call a friend abroad.
25. Go to David’s Salon in BQ Mall or ICM (telephone 501-7899/501-9578).
26. Be on time for meetings and appointments. Making people wait is impolite – and irritating!
27. Have your blood sugar checked by diabetes specialist at Ramiro or Provincial Hospital.
28. Share your blessings. Do some charity works. Spend time with the less fortunate, give love during summer.
29. Don’t patronize pirated tapes – if you can help it.
30. Be on time.
31. Don’t forget to say “I love you!” to your loved ones.
32. Discover art.
33. Have a new hairstyle and make up with Bebe Tagoctoc, Charlow Arbasto, Nenen or see Maximiel and EJ Relampagos for the latest summer collections.
34. Visit some tourist attractions in Bohol . Play paro, the biggest tops (kote) in the Philippines that can be found in Garcia-Hernadez.
35. Learn how to make full use of bluetooth technology. Use cool gadgets like the new Oakley razorwire (available at exclusive optical shops).
36. Check out the new Bench items at the ICM.
37. Follow traffic rules; obey laws. Don’t argue with cops when you’re caught entering a one-way street. Beg for mercy.
38. Visit Uy Dental Clinic, owned by Mary Grace Uy (call 411-5390 for appointment). Or visit her at the 2nd floor of the City Pharmacy, BQ.
39. Be faithful to your partner. “Walls have eyes, not ears.”
40. Don’t cheat, don’t tell a lie, don’t fool the people.
41. Catch a falling star and make a wish.
42. Meet the tarsierman Lito Pizarras at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella and learn the tarsier tricks.
43. Try the new resort, Bohol Coconuts Palms Resort (tel. No (038) 540-9250/09198207346, boholcoconutpalmsresort@yahoo.com) in Laya, Baclayon. You may also visit Inabanga Fishing Village and take a ride of their floating restaurant. Ask your guide to bring you to the world of engkantos of the Macaban Cave.
44. Visit Caingget Beach in Tagbilaran City to eat koja said to be an aphrodisiac for men to rock in bed and for women to help in fertility. Rock, rock, baby!
45. Have a backyard barbecue party.
46. When you want to stay at home: Update the family album.
47. Always remember two things in life: Don’t take any decisions when you are angry and don’t make any promises when you are happy.
48. Check out the latest books at the National Book Store. Or have time to visit the Provincial Library. Read, read a lot. Reading is empowering.
49. Enroll in scuba diving lessons.
50. Learn a foreign language, preferably from a different continent.
51. Make a music video – shoot it with your friends and edit it to your favorite music and upload it on youtube for the world to see!
52. Start a band (not just a Rock Band band).
53. Learn a new musical instrument.
54. Visit a museum you haven’t seen since grade school.
55. Document your entire summer with a scrapbook.
56. Get an internship or summer job even if you don’t need it.
57. Make fresh, homemade fruit juice.
58. A time for star-gazing. Wish, wish, wish. Hope, hope, hope.
59. Take your dog for a walk.
60. Look through old family scrapbooks, photo books, and yearbooks.
61. Plant flowers in your yard.
62. Learn how to define and spell 5 new words from the dictionary.
63. Put on the radio and dance.
64. Read the Bible.
65. Make it a habit to read Bared at the Bohol Chronicle!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Thousands line up for PBB, PDA auditions in Bohol

Two friends who met in a foreign land have married after falling in love on the scenic Bangkok.

Cromwell Besmark Cortes and Michelle “Dane” Dalida were just good friends... until they decided to settle down for good on April 7, at three in the afternoon, at the Bongabong Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Oriental Mindoro. Another reception was held on April 14 at the Sandugo Ballroom of the Bohol Tropics Resort for the sake of other friends and relatives of the groom who weren’t able to attend the wedding in Mindoro.

Many of my high school friends have decided to get married — and Cromscort is the latest to do so after finding true love in Thailand. Cromscort --- the tallest in our batch and has the boyish charming smile (De Ers, mi amiga para vivir, called him a hunk) — is the youngest son of Salvador “Boy” Cortes and Prof. Bernardita Cortes (nee Castillo), the best English professor UB has ever had.

Currently Cromwell is an English teacher teaching high school and elementary in Thailand. He plans to proceed his law degree in the future, while Dane (daughter of Charney Ilacio and Vilma Turnino Dalida from Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro) is working as an English teacher in a private school in Thailand teaching Kindergarten. She plans to create and manage her own business
sometime in the future.

Dane says, “Before Crom and I became lovers I really believe that I could meet my ideal man. Things changed when I met Crom. I realized that I could only see the ideal man I'm looking for when you see yourself trusting and believing to the person you love and the one who loves you to the fullest. We went through lots of difficulties in our relationship but we could feel that we're becoming stronger than before. And now, I can't ask for more except thanking the Lord for thinking about me by giving me another gift of love...In Crom I have found...the greatest joy in my life.”

Cromwell was with his brother Jasper when he met Dane. He shares, “I was with Jasper when he introduced me to his group mates the Unceasing Cantica one Saturday afternoon, Dane was one of them. Though there were a lot of people in the group this quite petite girl with a beautiful face and carefree laugh intrigued me the most. We didn't click right away; we were just normal friends, though I could safely say I was attracted to Dane. It was in the end of May when we started texting and calling each other more often, we became good friends and it became constant when we call early in the morning and we read passages and verses almost every night.

Soon, we felt texting and calling wasn't enough, I was working on the suburbs of Bangkok while Dane was in the Metropolis. But as they say, love conquers all, and that includes the two- hour heavy traffic ride, sometimes I took the Sky Train just to beat the traffic and to have more time being with Dane. We found ourselves spending more time with each other, talking about just anything and soon I realized we didn't have much in common with our personalities which was more intriguing on my part, the more I knew Dane the more I was mistaken with all my first impressions on her and I knew she was something special. Indeed she was, I opened up my affections to her and I'm glad that she took it. Looking back, I can honestly say in His own time God has handed me a perfect gift that I would cherish and love for the rest of my life...my Dane.”

They plan to have their honeymoon in the timeless romantic Thailand where they first met.

***

They idolize Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu and Sam Milby. They love Yeng Constantino.

Yes, they were part of the PBB and PDA auditions. Despite the roasting heat of the sun, more than 5,000 hopefuls have tried out for the special auditions of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Regular Edition, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition and Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Some hopefuls came as early as 5 a.m. and all of them came with stories of their life struggles. By 9 a.m., the crowd estimate was 3,000, and the number continued to
go up. By 11 a.m., the number of aspirants already reached 4,000.

There were 1,918 auditionees for the PBB Teen, PDA has 582 and PBB regular has 1, 671. The figure isn’t bad at all for a city like Tagbilaran, in fact, Manila has 10,000 auditionees while Cebu has 8,000.

The PBB auditions caused a monstrous traffic inside the mall. Fast food chains like Chowking, Jollibee, KFC, RaiRai Ken and Greenwich were crowded at lunchtime.

ICM, which gives a total shopping leisure for all Boholanos, was unanimously chosen by ABS-CBN executives. It has a spacious parking area and has good relations with the network.

The Bohol auditions were applauded. “No bad incident happened. Everything’s in order,” said AGC publicist Ariel Fullido (also of CenterStage band).

PBB director Laurenti Dyogi has spearheaded the auditions for PBB regular. People patiently waited for their turn to show their talents but very few were able to get in the audition area. The organizers have announced that the audition for Bohol was closed and begged for the public’s indulgence that the network will not anymore accept auditionees. The auditions finished Friday night at 11p.m.

The success of Pinoy Big Brother has an unwavering influence on the youth to dream big. Unbelievably, there were those who came from General Santos, Dumaguete City, Cebu City and Manila. Overwhelmed, I texted Maam Linggit Tan, PBB business head, informing her of the auditions resounding success, she replied, “Wow grabe! Thanks for the support.” On the other hand, Maru Benitez, one of the producers of PBB was happy to learn about the success of the auditions, saying “Good to hear that.”

At the end of the auditions, 56 Boholanos make it to the finals for the PBB regular and teen editions. These 56 Boholanos will be brought to Manila where they will be screened -- along with other finalists from Visayas and Luzon. This time, the 12 housemates will be chosen.

No results yet for how many were chosen for the PDA. ABS-CBN will give the official reports on Monday.

"We still don't know how many will be chosen from Bohol. Pwedeng wala. But I hope, even one can make it," a source from ABS-CBN said.

According to a Very Reliable Source (VRS), there were Boholanos who auditioned in Cebu on March 15 and there was one from Panglao who has the chance to become a housemate. Who is he/she?


***

Last week, Bared presented the contestants for the Mr and Ms Teen Bohol from the first district of Bohol. As what I’ve promised, here are the contestants from the second district of Bohol captured by Ryan Macalandag (Fotomoments, contact numbers: 038-5019447 and +63921.570.6574, email addresses: fotomoments@yahoo.com.ph, ryanmacalandag99d@yahoo.com):

Here’re the female contenders:
• Ybonne Gracia Evangelista (Danao), 16 years old, 5’4”
• Jennylou Easter Dunting (Inabanga), 18, 5’4”
• Rolah Artiaga (San Miguel), 18, 5’4”
• Ceinena Grace Añora (Buenavista), 18, 5’3”
• Maria Cheryl Gutierrez (San Isidro), 18, 5’3”

The male contestants are:
• Renieven Berdon (San Isidro), 18, 5’5”
• Mark Johnuel Duavis (Buenavista), 18, 5’11”
• Lennin Baay (San Miguel), 18, 5’3”
• Jan Jeffrey Reston (Inabanga), 19, 5’10”
• Dominador Tubalado (Trinidad), 18, 5’6”

Briefly noted:
• Feliz compleaños to April Mel Lupot and Frances Bobbith Cajes-Auza, April 18.
• From frosmusic@yahoo.com: It's a sad Easter evening for us here. Fr. Romy Bancale, SVD was pronounced dead at 5:30 pm today. Drowned at their place in Panglao on the occasion of the SVDs Easter picnic. It seemed he had a stroke while at sea. Same place (daw), where the late Fr. Alphonse Lesage, SVD drowned. Well, we are comforted with the fact that Fr. Romy passes away on Easter Sunday. It reminds us that wherever we are, on earth and the place beyond, we are safe in the company of the Risen Lord. Our condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the SVD family of the passing of Fr. Romy Bancale.
• Calling all participants for the SK Dance War and SK Pop Idol. Deadline of the submission of requirements is on April 25 (for the SK Pop Idol) and April 30 (for the Dance War). Call 411-5914 or visit www.skbohol.com for further information.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Easter surprises


Let me hear you sing and make some holy crazy noise as we celebrate the Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He's always near.
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.


That song, He lives, He Lives (words and music by Alfred H. Ackley) is one of the many Christian hymns I love to sing. It has an eternal magnetic effect knowing that your God is alive. We will sing the wondrous story of the Christ Who died for us.

How He left His home in glory for the cross of Calvary. Hosanna in the highest!
By the way, the tradition of coloring Easter eggs as a family reflecting on the beauty of new life. Tie this tradition to the Church's joy at the Resurrection of Jesus and our treasuring of the sanctity of all new life.

***

While the city introduced this year’s Miss Tagbilaran with less fanfare (all eyes will be watching the pageant and coronation night on April 29, remember that previous shows were in little bad taste), the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Bohol headed by Jane Censoria Cajes has just launched their own contest they called Mr. and Miss Teen Bohol, with the grand finals slated on May 28 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Beauty experts noticed that the Mr and Miss Teen Bohol is the answer to the meltdown of local beauty pageants in the province (Miss Tagbilaran and Miss Bohol Sandugo).

The winners will become ambassadors of goodwill, that is, to promote and honor youth, encourage personal growth and individual development and to promote Boholano culture and the engagement of positive cultural activities by young people.

Cajes is reminding us that “The search is not about a crown or a title, it is about service.”

Without much ado, here’re the contestants from the 1st district of Bohol.

The male contestants are:
• Joseph Jay King Plaza (Alburquerque), 19, 5’7”.
• Joseph Noel Mendaña (Tubigon), 17, 5’9”
• Hilary Jalem (Balillihan), 16, 5’8”
• Romeo Blanco,Jr. (Baclayon), 17, 5’10”
• Ian Orillos (Tagbilaran City), 19, 5’6”

The female contestants are:
• Dannah Jade Baldumah (Calape), 18, 5’5”
• Clarise Elaine Falcon Radoc (Tubigon), 15, 5’6”
• Ma. Mediatrix Escabarte (Maribojoc), 15, 5’3”
• Maria Tiffany Tabigue (Balilihan), 18, 5’3”
• Guldameer Malou Sombrio (Loon), 18, 5’3”

***








Bamboo, Nikki Gil and the environment


Puro caña, puro amor!

I enjoyed the Bamboo concert years ago so I was expecting the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) environmental campaign with Bamboo and Nikki Gil would be a blast.

Pinoy rock band Bamboo, the group behind the hit songs Noypi, Tatsulok and Halleluia performed in a special concert, the biggest gathering of youth in Bohol exclusively presented by SK headed by its national president Jane Censoria Cajes.

While Bamboo was performing on stage, teenagers had tried to sing with the front man Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac. The more than 6,000 warm bodies inside the Bohol Wisdom gym looked like a giant wave joining Bamboo singing Himala, Tatsulok, Elise, Noypi, Awit ng Kabataan, Don’t Wait for Tomorrow, Halleluia.

Halleluiah, indeed!

Lead vocalist Bamboo Mañalac, guitarist Ira Cruz, bassist Nathan Azarcon and drummer Vic Mercado expressed their support in songs.

Monica Pauline Santos Gil, popularly known as Nikki Gil, almost quit show biz because she suffered from burnout while juggling roles as a TV host, singer, actress and college student.

She graduated from Shekinah Christian Training Center in March 2004 as batch valedictorian. In 2009, she graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University majoring in English Literature.

In 2007, Gil did her first movie appearance by doing a cameo role as John Lloyd Cruz’s girlfriend for “One More Chance”. Currently, she is scheduled to appear in an upcoming movie by Star Cinema starring Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano and John Lloyd Cruz and in an upcoming independent film with Marvin Agustin.

***

Bared’s recent item about Boom Reyes drew a rejoinder from Chito Alcid himself.

Boom Reyes won the Miss Gay Philippines 2009. Boom Reyes, will be representing the country to the annual Miss International Queen in Thailand in October. There was no contest held last year though due to the worsening peace and order situation in Pattaya Thailand - where Tiffany and all the other Gay Beauty Pageants are being held.

Here’s more info about Boom from Chito, the founder-producer.:

Boom Reyes is from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, she's 26 years old, stands 5'8. She works as a learning and development specialist after finishing BS Tourism. Born on Nov. 8, 1982, she is Louie Reyes aka Boom Reyes. A high blue belter in taekwondo, she is a frustrated chef. In Manila, he stays in Bacood, Sta. Mesa. She won the 30th year Miss gay Philippines staged at the Music Museum last March 17. Hosted by Dennis Banez with Evangeline Pascual, Alma Concepcion and Maria Isabel Lopez.

Other four winners are Nikkie Normanson Istanislao of Makati, Mai Aracache of Bacolod, Alicia May Hitomi of La Union and Shane Marie Madrigal of Marikina, if you need photos, check google.com and ask for Miss Gay Philippines. Andun po ang record, video etc. Salamat.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

The (scientific) death of Jesus

Wake-uppers:


Majesty Eve Jala, daughter of erstwhile 3rd district Rep. Eladio “Boy” Jala and sister of Rep. Adam Jala placed fourth in the recent bar exams. A record 6,364 examinees from 108 law schools took the test in September 2008 and only 1,310 examinees passed the 2008 Bar Examination. Jala of Ateneo has 85.50 rating. Our list of Boholano bar passers is not yet complete but we saw other Boholano passer city accountant Kurt Adolph Bungabong.

• Watch for the captivating, emotive US indie film “A Faraway Life,” which begins shooting on Bohol this month. It will take the red carpet of the Sandugo Film festival come July. The “A Faraway Life” tells the story of a Boholano who will choose the love of her live and her family and her adventure of marrying an American. The film stars Dra. Daisy Alba, Joross Gamboa, Raul Gatal and Georgia Jauflin.

• So far, here are folks said to be running in the 2010 elections: provincial board member Ma. Fe Camacho-Lejos is running as mayor against her nephew in Getafe; Frances Bobbith Cajes was asked by supporters to run as mayor in Talibon. During the visit of Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo on April 1 for the launching of SK’s Sama-sama para sa Kalikasan environmental project, Mrs. Arroyo had lunch with Gov. Erico Aumentado, Vic-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, Reps. Edgar Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Adam Jala. Were they talking about politics? We don’t know, do we?

Back to Bataan!

The Bataan Death March began as a plea for life. Men were tired, weak, and lacking food. The 70-mile march from Mariveles (on the tip of Bataan) to San Fernando was a trial that tested a man, broke him, or got him killed.

The famished men who made the exhausting march in World War II would never be forgotten. Bataan Death March- forced march of 70,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war captured by the Japanese in the Philippines during World War II.

Starting out from Mariveles, at the southern end of Bataan Peninsula, on April 9, 1942, these soldiers were forced-marched 88 km to San Fernando Pampanga, then taken by trail to Capas, from there they walked for the remaining 13 km to Camp O’Donnell.

They were tortured, starved and often kicked or beaten on their way. Those who fell were bayoneted. Around 7,000- 10,000 perished on the way while some were able to escape to the jungle. Only 54,000 reached the camp. After the war, the Japanese commander who led the invasion of the Philippines, Gen. Homma Masaharu was charged by the U.S. military commission in Manila on February 1946 as the one responsible for the death march. Convicted, he was executed on April 3.

Major General Edward P. King, Jr., USA, Commanding General, Luzon Forces, 1942 said: "Courage is a quality God has seen fit to dispense with utmost care. The men of Bataan were His chosen favorites."

















Feliz compleaños

Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo was in Bohol on April 1 to grace the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation directorate meeting. The gathering is anchored on the theme, “Sama Sama Para sa Kalikasan.”

Arroyo, who turned 61 on April 5, also took a few moments to blow the candles of the birthday cake prepared for her by SK national president Jane Censoria Cajes and the convention organizers in what appeared to be an advanced birthday gift to President.

Mrs. Arroyo blew the candles shortly after the convention participants sang for her the customary birthday song.

Over 6,000 members of SK from across the country yesterday pledged continued support to the ongoing campaign of government to protect the environment.

***

Dust in the wind. The song is right. All we are is dust in the wind. Now, don’t hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky… It slips away… And all your money won’t another minute buy…

It’s Holy Week once again. Both Christian and superstitious traditions mix in
remembering the passion and death of Jesus Christ. As a nation that highly values religious traditions, Holy Week in the Philippines is celebrated in total solemnity.

Here’s a forwarded email from a reader (who requested anonymity) who shared this piece about the death of Jesus Christ. “This is so vivid, sad, and glorious at the same time. God bless all who take the time to read this explanation.”

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.

That was then the 'worst' death. Only the worst criminals could die like Jesus.

And with Jesus things were worse, because not all the criminals condemned to death could receive nails on their hands and feet.

Of course, nails... Big nails! Each was 15 x 20 cm long, with a point of 6 cm. Another point was sharp.

The nails were carved into the pulses, and not into the palms, as we are used to
hear. In the pulse, there's a tendon which extends to the shoulder, and when the nails were being hammered, that tendon broke, obliging Jesus to reinforce all the muscles of his back, so that he could breath as He was losing all the air from his lungs.

In this way, He was forced to support Himself onto the nail carved into his feet, which was bigger than those carved into his pulses, for both feet were carved together. And, as his feet could not endure for a long time without tearing, Jesus was forced to alternate that 'cycle' so that He could breath.

Jesus endured that reality over 3 hours.

Yes, over 3 hours! Long time, isn't it? A few minutes before He died, Jesus was not bleeding anymore.

He was simply pouring water from his cuts and holes.

When we imagine Him injured, we only picture Him with injuries, but it is not enough; His wounds were true holes, made into his body.

He had no more blood to bleed, He only poured water.

Human body is composed by near 3.5 liters of blood (for an adult).

Jesus poured out all 3.5 liters of his blood; He had three nails hammered into his members; a crown of thorns on his head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who shoved a spear into his side.

All this without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying his own cross for almost 2 km, while the crowd spat on his face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where his hands were nailed).

Jesus had to pass all this experience, so that you can have free access to God.

So that your sins could be 'washed' away. All of them, with no exception! Don't ignore this situation. He died for you!! For you, who now read this e-mail. Do not believe that He only died for others (those who go to the church or for pastors, bishops, etc).

He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes or foolish photos by e-mail, but when it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others because you are worried on what they may think about your moral.

Accept the reality, the truth that Jesus is the only salvation for the world.

God has plans for you, show all your friends what He experienced to save you. Now think on this! May God bless your life!

60 seconds with God...

During 60 seconds, leave whatsoever your doing and seize this opportunity! Let's see if Satan can stop this.

All you have to do is:
1. Simply pray for the person who sent this message to you: Lord, you know better than I the life of _________.. I ask You to bless him/her in all realms and make him/her prosperous. Take care of his/her family, his/her health, his/her work and all his/her plans for this year. Lead him/her not into temptation, but deliver him/her from evil. In Jesus' name, amen.
2.Then, send this message to other people.
3. People will pray for you and you will ask people pray to God for others.
4. Think a moment and appreciate the power of God in your life, for doing what pleases God.

Without God, I am nothing, but with God 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me'. Philippians 4:13.

Christian hymn
I am Thine O Lord (Draw Me Nearer) is the hymn I like to hear this Lent written by Fanny Crosby and music by Howard Doane:

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!
There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.