Taking care of the environment for better health

Wake uppers:• From Loida Tisa Lagonoy, Miss UB and Miss Bohol International 2006: Experience Springboard Review organization’s revolutionary national licensure exam review! Now only P13, 000! Visit the Red Office at Tamblot Street, Tagbilaran City and get a taste of quality NSG review! Enrol now! If you bring five students to enroll with us, pay only P10, 000 tuition fee! Visit us at www.springboardreview.org! Her associates have been fortified with strong sense of professionalism, a kind that would usher her members towards success. It stands by her members all throughout.

• Enhorabuena to AJ Wincielou Johanna "Cielo" Araoarao Gabin who graduated honorable mention and "Best in Math" awardee during the Holy Spirit School elementary graduation held at the HSS auditorium yesterday, March 21. As one of Bohol's top scorers of the first phase of the Mathematics Trainers' Guild - Philippines Mathematical Challenge for Filipino Kids' Training Program (MCFKTP), she will join the 2009 Young Mathematicians' In-house Intensive Training Program (YMIITP) to be held on April 3-6 at Iloilo Grand Hotel together with other qualifiers and Bohol International Learning Center's Jose Caberte, teacher-adviser. This schoolyear 2008-2009, Cielo was gold medalist in the sudoku competition during the school intramurals in September 2008. In November, she won a bronze medal as third placer in the copyreading and headline writing - English category of the Tagbilaran City Schools Division Press Conference in November 2008 and represented the city in the regional level in Mandaue City. Last January, she was second placer in the Philippine Association of Junior IT Achievers' (PAJITA) First National Computer Competition contest in Ecotech Center, Lahug, Cebu City and last February, she was bronze medalist in the city-wide Math Challenge sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and Department of Education. She is the daughter of Engr. Jerome John Jumawan Gabin, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry - Bohol and Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao Gabin, City Information Officer.

• A socialite from Tagbilaran City (although she hails from a neighboring town) acts exactly the way she looks —very “anti” (as in very “antipatika”). That’s how the waiters of a certain restaurant describe her. “Ill-mannered!” She doesn’t know how to say “Please” or “Thank you.” Cuidao!

***

Flash! President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is scheduled to visit Bohol on April 1for the launching of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Sama-sama para sa Kalikasan project, will have a signing deal with Rep. Edgar Chatto for the Special Program for the Employment of Students (Spes) bill. And, the President, will spend time to see her in-laws! Yes, the President’s daughter Evangeline Lourdes “Luli” Arroyo who married her boyfriend J. Aloysuis Luigi Bernas (son of lawyer Antonio Bernas) —a former Ayala Foundation director and ex-investment banker—whose roots is from Bohol.

***

March 28 (8:30 p.m. in local time wherever you live on planet earth) was Earth Hour. The whole world joined Earth Hour, an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

What did you do?

Nowadays there is growing concern about the environment. New laws on the global, national, and state level aim at keeping our environment safe for us and future generations.

We live in a modern world with many necessary industries and processes, but that doesn't mean we have to accept the levels of pollution we currently have. We're affecting climate change much faster than the natural rate and that means problems will manifest themselves much faster than we can cope with them.

There is much that can be done by individuals too.

And our youth are united once more to protect and preserve our environment…. whether it's land, water or air; our environment is a precious resource that has a huge impact on our health.

There is no doubt that Jane Censoria Cajes —one of the prettiest faces — and among the few truly talented youth — can lead. Ask President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Unlike other young leaders, for instance, a youth leader (whose integrity is questionable) claimed many times that the President knows this leader but we found it’s fake!), Jane is not pretentious.

She has his father’s kind eyes and her mother’s dazzling smile. This young girl seems to be kind of girl every parents would dream of for their daughter. Following her father’s footsteps was the most natural thing to do for this charming 19 year old lady Jane who is in second year AB European studies at the Ateneo.

On April 1, Jane will lead the launching of the “Sama-Sama para sa Kalikasan,” a national environmental campaign.

Jane’s heroic act to mobilize the youth— just like environment activists ChinChin Gutierrez and Zenaida Darunday — to take care of the environment is a selfless act. They are the “diwatas” or nymph or forest fairies of our time.

Protection of the environment is championed by witches and wiccans. If you are reading Wiccan books, you will discover that witches are protectors of the environment because they believe that Mother Goddess is part of Mother Nature. In our folklore, we are told of diwatas like Maria Makiling, sometimes spelled Mariang Makiling of Laguna, Maria Sinukuan of Pampanga's Mount Arayat and Maria Cacao of Cebu's Mount Lantoy (and Maria Gebarte of Bohol), they are guardians of the mountain, responsible for protecting its bounty and thus, they are also benefactors for the townspeople who depend on the mountain's resources.

Another modern day “diwata” is Prinsesa Analiza who lives at the top of Ilijan Hill in Tubigon, Bohol, a protected municipal park of flora and fauna. The princess and her daughter Batong Orange are guardians of the hill. And no one dares to “destroy” the place or else…

Our health is directly linked to the health of our earth! The time is NOW to educate ourselves and our children about taking care of our environment.

Meanwhile, are here tips to taking care of the environment for better health (from http://www. Thenaturalhealthdirectory.com/environment.htm):

Water conservation. Here are simple ways to conserve this precious resource:
•According to Earth Save, not eating just one pound (less than half a kilogram) of beef per year will save more water than not showering for six months.
•About 40% of the water we use in our homes is flushed down the toilet, installing ultra-low-flush toilets will not only save water, but reduce your water bill.
•Showers account for 32% of household water consumption. Installing inexpensive, low-flow shower heads will save upto 50% of your water heating bill and save over 80,000 litres (20,000 gallons) of water over the course of a year.
•Check your pipes and taps for leaks. Even a small drip can waste thousands of litres per year.
•Don't put hazardous materials, pesticides, cooking oils, prescription drugs or personal care products down the drain or toilet - they end up in the ocean and/or your local waterways creating unsafe and polluted environments for marine life and local animals.
•Install a water tank to collect rainwater for your garden.
•Don't leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.
•Take short showers

Recycling. Everything old is new again - recycling is for trendsetters.
•Fix things rather than throwing them away.
•Recycle appropriate materials (eg. glass, paper, plastic) whenever possible.
•Use both sides of a sheet of paper before you throw it away. Better still, don't throw it away, recycle it! You will save trees and cut down on the amount of rubbish you create.
•Use rechargeable batteries in power devices such as CD’s, toys, digital cameras, etc.

Energy saving. Don’t stay in the dark about energy saving. Be an energy saver! Use shade techniques to save up to 40% on cooling costs during warmer months.

Strategically placing trees and using outdoor shades on windows is one of the most effective ways of reducing household energy consumption.
•During cooler months, closing your curtains or blinds at night and opening them up during the day can help maintain heat and reduce your household heating costs.
•Insulate your home and save 25% on home heating bills.
•Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
•Turn off TV's, computers, radios and other household appliances when you have finished using them.
Modify your car usage:
•According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the most important things you can do to help the environment are to drive a fuel efficient car and live close to your work.
•Do as many of your errands at one time so that you make fewer car trips. Cars pollute the most right after a cold start.
•Save approximately 10% on your annual fuel bill by keeping your car tuned and the tyres inflated.
•Walk or ride your bike to work or the shops.
•Car pool with school mates or work colleagues.

Organics. Good for you and the planet loves it also. Buy organic! The US EPA considers 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides and 30% of all pesticides to be cancer causing. As well as causing cancer, pesticides are implicated in birth defects, nerve damage and genetic mutation.

Other ways you can be an environmental hero:
•Don't buy products made from endangered plants and animals. You will help preserve nature.
•When you go shopping, take a re-usable bag with you instead of accepting plastic bags. Canvas bags are ideal as they are light and very sturdy.
•If you have to use paper or plastic bags, make sure you save them and re-use them as often as possible.
•Try to support businesses who take their environmental responsibilities seriously, by buying their products and services over other businesses.
•Participate in neighbourhood clean-ups.
•Be an active citizen and write to government representatives encouraging them to work harder at protecting the environment.

That’s all folks! See you this summer!

Rebecca Lusterio breaks new grounds

Wake-uppers:• Stars Gretchen Barretto, Pops Fernandez and Bebe Gandanghari hurriedly left Bohol to Cebu after spending two days and two nights last week. Kibitzers felt something "fishy" of their sudden “disappearance” when they learned that Greta's rumored "boyfriend" Dodi Puno was with them (the resort's staff and the airport personnel confessed they saw Dodi and paid the resort’s bill to the tune of US$4,000 per nite!). The trio were here in Bohol for a “healing process”— Greta had an LQ with Tony Boy Cuangco and Pepay broke up with Jomari Yllana. On the other hand, Paolo Contis and his girlfriend EB Babe Lian Paz were caught by our lens unaware — enjoying what they thought were ‘stolen moments’ at a beach in Panglao, Bohol (the same resort where Greta, Pepay and Bebe, including other showbiz personalities Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto were staying). Another star Derek Ramsey and girlfriend Angelica Panganiban were spotted in a romantic overnight stay in Bohol beach last Friday.

• A “Boholana” was crowned in the biggest and most prestigious gay pageant in the country. Boom Reyes (who hails from the northern part of Bohol) outshined other 22 contestants in the 30th year anniversary of the Miss Gay Philippines staged at the Music Museum on March 17. The event was first held in 1980 by its founder-producer Chito Alcid (a showbiz personality who is presently hosting “Chito Alcid Talk Show”). The first batch of judges then were Susan Roces, Gloria Diaz, Joji Felix Velarde, Chona Recto Kasten, Eddie Garcia, Tingting Cojuangco, Criselda Lontok Fernandez, Jessie Ejercito and Josephine Estrada. There were five major titles during the pageant: Miss GP Universe, Miss GP World, Miss GP Earth, Miss GP International and Miss GP Asia Pacific. They received thousands of pesos each, trophies and gifts from sponsors. Reyes will represent the country in the Queen International in Thailand. Famous celebrities and movie stars who graced the celebration were Miss Earth Karla Henry, Miss World Evangeline Pascual and Alma Concepcion.

***

Nothing ever ruffles her, not the family background nor the way many people kind of ignored her when Rebecca Lusterio, Bikay for short, graduated from being a child superstar and slipped into a Masscom student at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila.

Despite juicy offers from showbiz—and how a “friend” failed to give her a break though she made three films and made her a star—Bikay chose to finish her studies.

She has to graduate March next year, a scholar.

Bikay went back to her native Bohol not for a “short” vacation but to shoot a documentary for Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila annual public exhibition of TV documentaries called “Sulyap” as part of her final requirement for their TV Production subject.

As the writer and director the team (the PAGI-Something Fishy Productions) together with Mark Andrew Villanueva (cameraman and creative director), Maureen Garferio (musical scorer and production assistant) and Katherine Talaboc (production manager) they stayed for five days on Alona Beach.

Bikay’s parents, Verano and Helen, became the team’s surrogate parents. Verano has his banca for dolphin watching and Balicasag diving, while Helen is still selling seashells on the famous Alona Beach , a long stretch of white sand subdivided into many resorts. This place also happens to be where Bikay plied her wares of shells and fancy jewelry when she was young.

The team visited Pamilacan Island , the breeding place of the manta rays and stingrays. Stingrays used to flourish in the ocean but now they are becoming an endangered species. They discovered how local folks haunt them for food and most pagis are sold in Baclayon, especially on Wednesdays, the town’s Markey day.

The stingrays are a family of Dasyatidae of rays, cartilaginous fishes related to sharks. They are common in coastal tropical marine waters throughout the world, and several species are known to enter fresh water.

“They look like angels gracefully dancing under the sea. They don’t look harmful,” said Bikay.

Divers often refer to them as "Sea Devils." Stingrays may also be called the "whip-tailed rays" though this usage is much less common. It can be noted that TV personality Steve Irwin was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while snorkeling in Australia and died shortly after on September 4, 2006.

Bikay and her team went diving in Pamilacan and Balicasag, hailed as one of the best dive spots in the world to look for stingrays and the team failed to find one.

“We could not find a single stingray. We believe they are becoming extinct,” concluded Bikay.

Letran’s “Sulyap” which was held on March 12 at the SC Auditorium with the special screening of Che-che Lazaro, one of the best documentarists in the country had 14 entries. And Bikay’s documentary on pagi was well-applauded by the Letran students and professors.

“Our documentary "Pagi" tackled about the near extinction of stingrays. Stingrays are truly nature’s treasure and because of man’s abusive practices, they are now considered endangered species…do we deal with this problem when it is too late? It’s a pity if the next generation could not see this great treasure alive,” said Bikay.

Bikay who won Best Child Performer in Muro-Ami and important roles in other Cesar Montano films – Panaghoy sa Suba (which she won Best Supporting Actress) and Ligalig won't be home this summer---she will be busy for her on-job training in one of the networks.

Briefly noted:
• From Venus Marichelle Aparicio: The Bol-anon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (formerly Tacecco) will have its 20th general assembly on April 4, 2009 at Barangay Cogon gymnasium at 12N.
• The next time you visit our tourist destinations, please take note of the following fees: Chocolate Hills- Php 50 per adult; Sevilla Hanging Bridge- Php 10 per person; Loboc floating restaurant- Php 300 (Php 250 for the floating resto and Php50 for the LGU); Prony the snake, prepare Php 20 per van for the barangays fee.

Rich Asuncion is Bb. Pilipinas ’09 1st Princess

• From Ms. Diane Uy, Chowking-Bohol boss and Flor Lawangon, Chowking-Bohol accountant: Do you feel the heat this summer? Tired of your usual ice cream, and desserts? Now, there are three reasons to become cool this summer! As Chowking offers tastier and improved HaloHalo plus two new iced desserts Mango Tapioca at 39 pesos and Buko Pandan at 29 pesos only from Chowking!

***

It was a tidy gathering of nearly 300 guests came together from near and far to celebrate the marriage of Joel “Jojo” Velmonte and Sandy Betonio on March 7.

She, who is an erstwhile research manager of Community Economic Venture (CEV), is the daughter of Adriano V. Betonio and Virginia Dapar and; he, who is now based in New Zealand, is the son of Paulo and Florencia Velmonte of Leyte.

The St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City became a meticulously set haven where anything more would have too much and anything less would have been amiss.

Principal sponsors were: Mr. and Mrs. Manuel and Fe De Erio, Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo and Remedios Madula, Mrs. Gloria Gabisan, Engr. Ernesto I. Macabenta, Ms. Veronica C. Visarra, Mr. Aquilino Cericos, Mr. and Mrs. Anecito and Catherine Fabular, Mrs. Magdalina Rapatan, Engr. Eulogio Signe, Mr. and Mrs. Asterio and Lorenza Dapar, Mr. and Mrs. Gerardo and Dorothea Pollenza, Mrs. Lilia Greaves, Dr. Michael Arman Manuta, Dr. and Mrs. Arturo and Elizabeth Castolo, Engr. and Mrs. Felix and Pianicita Castolo, Dr. Trinidad T. Castolo, Mr. Tito B. Castolo, Mrs. Hermenia M. Castolo, Mr. Jesus B. Castolo, Mrs. Florencia Abenido, Mr. Benedicto Abenido, Mrs. Edna C. Bernasor and Mrs. Norma Pateman.

Amy Tabaosares was maid of honor, Reuel Velmonte was best man.

Others in the wedding entourage were bridesmaids Alma Lurica, Shella Gumaod, Ruby Jane Alcantara, Jepsy Cajegas, Cleofe Gerona, Ariane Dapar, Venus Marichelle Aparicio, Maricel Rapatan, Mary Dale Castolo, Darl Castolo, Karen Mae Castolo and Ma. Paz Angela Castolo, groomsmen Manuel Ferdinand de Erio, Marvis Dellusa, Jan Mejkal Manalo, Jerry Cervantes, Mac Theodore Lurica, Venn Orlan Betonio, Aristeo Toroy, Marlo Lurica, Adriano A. Castolo, Jr., Arch. Tristan Chester Castolo, Rex Nino Castolo and Engr. Jessie Ian Castolo,

Attending Jojo and Sandy during their rites were Mr. and Mrs. Karl and Janice (nee
Saletrero) Martinez, veil; Atty. John Lemuel Nerves and Mrs. Bernadeth M. Nerves, candle; Mr. Florante Gabisan and Atty. Maria Lourdes M. Vilbar, cord. Emmanuel Ramos, ring bearer; Reyjie Rapatan, coin bearer; and Vinnie Scott B. Boyboy, Bible bearer. Flower Girls were Jeshaiah Camille B. Viterbo, Rica Mae Rapatan, Angel Mae C. Dapar, Cristine Kaye Barriga, Mica Jane De Erio, Farrah Mae Bianca, Steffani Carmel M. Vilbar, Claiza Mae Madula, Melita Del Mendoza, Marianne Mendoza, Rachel Ann Castolo, Emmanuelle Julienne Tantuan, Keara Mae Vallecera and Thea Nam Mnal Pollenza.

Maria B. Averilla did the first reading; Lionel Joseph R. Tantuan read the second
reading and Responsorial Psalm by Gamaliel A. Averilla.

The candle isle lighters were Hazel Cadampog-Barriga, John Ramon Fabio, Jaicon Lopez-Salig, Bon Ryan A. Bongato, Grace Dagangon-Macarayan, Roldan Rapatan, Jolzeccarr Uy-Fronteras, Almario Romanos, Yandy Grace Timogtimog, Jimmy Timogtimog, Cielo Viterbo, Arch. Jo melq Ceasar Viterbo, Ritchel Ladion, Joji Ladion, Maria Jesusa Dorado, Jonar Dorado, Dr. April Lumuthang, Junibe Froilan, Jr., Ma. Gina Castolo, Anastacio Castolo, Monica Boyboy and Norberto Jose Bacalso.

Offerers were Juvilyn Tabaosares, Jenalyn Tabaosares, Jienlene Tabaosares and Aida Velmonte. High school friend Analyn Pollenza was the mass commentator.

SFC/CEV Leyte rendered beautiful songs at the wedding rites.

A sumptuous reception followed at dusk at the posh Bohol Tropics Resort.

The most heartfelt message came from the newlyweds. Sandy clearly elated by everyone’s kindness, repeatedly expressed her gratitude to all as Jojo steadied her with the first of woman’s reassuring embraces.

The couple was toasted with a warm welcome into both families.

The event also served as “reunion” among Sandy’s classmates in high school.

The evening ended in overflow of Filipino conviviality as tempered by a deep sense of love and sincerity.

***

Well, the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 came to an end on March 7 at the Big Dome and our very own Rich Asuncion, the 2007 StarStruck: The Next Level Second Princess failed in her quest to get one of the crowns in the Binibining Pilipinas 2009 pageant. Instead, she settled for the first runner up position when her name was announced, after second runner up winner Regina Hahn’s name was called.

Rich is the third Boholana who made it to the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant. Other Boholana winners were Perla Fernando Salig (now Mrs. Teves) from Loboc who was Bb. Pilipinas 1979 first runner-up and Anna Maris Igpit from Panglao who was Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006.

Rich’s inclusion in the dossier of beauty queens from Bohol in the Bb. Pilipinas is a manifestation that Boholanas are truly beautiful and gifted.

Had she answered well, Rich might just have one of the crowns. She seemed to fumble at the question and answer portion as she struggled to give a clear and composed answer of one of the pageant's judges visual artist Betsy Westerndorp's: "What is your lucky number and what is its significance to you?"

She said her lucky number is 11 because it was the month of the year when she first fell in love.

Her answer was a little bit “disappointing” though other candidates and winners seemed to fumble at the question and answer portion. And internet forums like missosology.com got flooded comments from beauty fanatics. Her fans came to the rescue while other people are criticizing Rich’s performance.

“I understand your sentiments...that's where your " I actually think " was derived from......we have to be objective my dear...based on their performance Rich did shine...more than the others, she may not be ready for a crown yet....but her efforts deserved her placemen,” wrote “Guybeauty.”

“Ambivalent_203” said, “from all appearances, rich is pageant-ready. Mantakin mong ala Elisa Najera of Mexico ang rampa nya. She can fill any vacancy anytime. The girl is angel-looking but with a very fierce attitude and a good communicator too.”

The fate of Rich--- joining the pageant using her real name, Richelle Angalot---was a lot better than those of co-Kapuso artist Abegail Lesley Cruz and PBB Teen Edition Plus alumna Priscilla Navidad. Both did not even make it to the Top 10 roster.

Abegail did much better in 2007 when she won the second runner-up title, while Priscilla failed on her first attempt for a crown in the country’s most popular beauty pageant.

Ynell Lumantao who is based in Korea commented: “Not so bad. Her pronunciation is good maybe because she was tensed.”

“I’m happy for rich because I was her handler during the Miss Bohol International and I told her bigger things are in store for her and it came true,” said Bohol’s seasoned host and lifestyle guru Raul Gatal.

Rich successfully earned the nods of the judges and some the event's sponsors bagging several special awards, such as Miss Natasha Beauty, Miss Talent, and Araneta Center Shoppers' Choice Award.

Crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2009 winners were: Melody Gersbach, Binibining Pilipinas-International; Pamela Bianca Manalo, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe and Marie-Ann Umali, Bb. Pilipinas World. Regina is the daughter of the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1975 and Miss Universe 4th runner up Chiqui Brosas

The other judges for the pageant that night were Columbian businessman Arturo Marquez, PBA MVP Mark Cardona, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila General Manager Bernd Schneider, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, Brazilian Ambassador Alcides Prates, Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan, and former Ms. Universe Gloria Diaz.

Sitting as chairman of the Board of Judges was Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.

Legendary fashion designer Jose "Pitoy" Moreno, Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), Margie Moran (Miss Universe 1973) and Aurora Pijuan were honored with recognition by the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., for their achievements that have made the Philippines proud.

Special guests that evening were Aljur Abrenica, JC Tiuseco, Dingdong Dantes and the PMA Choir. The event was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Iza Calzado.

“Will,” on the other hand, commented saying “As for Rich, way to go! You deserve your placement. Not just a handful saw how you prepared and competed. Smile sweetie, you should be on top of the world.”

To those who criticize Rich, here’s her message: “Let us have to look at the brighter side…at least I got it to the semi-final.”

Meanwhile, here’s a feedback from a “beauty expert” who attended the pageant search:
Comments:

[*]The stage resembles the Miss World Stage in China( the uglier version).

[*] The production number was great though some look really heavy on their outfit.(all the single ladies!)

[*]Of the Last year's winners, I only find Patricia Francisco the deserving one, in terms of facial beauty. I don't like the chin of Barrientos,very obvious on TV. Castaño is chubby!

[*] I was really right of Cai's Exclusion(She's hot though! Perfect Catwalk in the
swimsuit video and during evening gown competition!)

[*]Maybe Jaysel faltered in the Preliminary Interview...

[*] All of our queens are BEAUTIFUL!

[*] Manalo actually DESERVED her win, rigged or not(very tall and flawless and not fat contrary to what most say, she just have chubby face nevertheless gorgeous body!).But if SEIFERT and KUJPERS were there, I don't think she stands a chance on their stage presence.Manalo is the mahinhin type of winner.

[*]Umali is so funny in the way she answers the question but she is super pretty!hahaha!I'm glad she won after her was snobbed last 2006.

[*] I'm pretty sure MELODY will ROCK CHINA and JAPAN. Her beauty stands out from afar.Great porcelain skin and stage presence.

[*]Rich Asuncion is pretty but I hate her eyebags! She messed up with the interview! A very simple question but her nerves caught her.(Great Catwalk too!)

[*]About the awards, I smell something BANGUS.

[*]Regina Hahn's skin imperfections can be seen on TV!God! (She's very articulate though.)

[*]Another candidate who sounds really funny was BARBIE( PERFECT BODY!MORENA BEAUTY!). Her question is"What makes her angry?" and when she answers the question she seemed angry too. hahaha.

[*] Diana Arevalo is a GODDESS! She's very spontaneous or maybe she's just really familiar with the question. hehehe(She should join again!)

[*]Rivamonte won MISS FRIENDSHIP deservingly!( love her look)

I somehow expected ABBY's exclusion(Paolo Bediones was sad after her non-inclusion), because her beauty really fades when standing next to Manalo, Gerbasch,Umali, and Arevalo.

[*] I saw Isabelle Daza,she's not that pretty on tv. She's transformable though. Georgina Wilson is gorgeous. Hope she joins!

[*] Again, predictable set of judges. Ambassadors and celebrities!
Obviously, they exaggerate the prizes of the winners (copying the tactics of TURISMO PILIPINA.hehehe.)

[*] Over-all, I'm happy with the results because our WINNERS are TRULY BEAUTIFUL, though some favorites were shortlisted in the TOUGH TEN.HEHEHE. Until Next Year.

LET'S SUPPORT ALL OUR DELEGATES in their RESPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL PAGEANTS! Stop the HYPING and the BASHING!

Alekcis Balista reinvents himself

Basic facts about Alekcis Balista:
• He stands 5'6" and weighs 67kg.
• He’s an Aquarian ( February 12, 1986)
• He was a former lead vocalist of H2O band (he has also been involved in other musical projects).
• He’s married (sorry, girls) to Rassel Mae!

When the voice tells the story, it reveals much more than just words. Its texture, feel, tone, color, personality reveal a story behind the narrative.

A good voice brings out the best of what is said with it. Such is the case of Alekcis Geral M. Balista.

Correct me, if I’m wrong, but no other vocalist in the province can surpass the popularity of Alekcis—he has captured a wide audience breaking all barriers between market classes and any music genre. He started out singing in folkhouses and he joined several bands (Moshpit, Suitcase101, H2O band) before finally settling down with System Tools and Marswalk (a side project band).

Alekcis is synonymous with H2O band. A heartthrob, his fans (including mi amiga para
vivir De Ders!) came to the venue just to see him performing. In a sudden turned of events, he left the band and moved to Manila for some reasons. As he came back to Bohol, he united with former friend Mark Apat (former H2O leader on drums) and formed the all-male band System Tools which is slowly craving a niche for their brand of music in the province. System Tools creates music that holds its own ground amidst the buffet of present-day rock and alternatives. Alekcis’s rich voice permeates and grabs you. But what make the songs shine all the more is his honesty; honesty not only of feelings, but of his individual styles who is given his own creative space in the band.

There are lot of new things in Alekcis’ s life, including a new band and his marriage to the woman of his life—Rassel Mae (they became one on Sept. 25, 2003).

When I asked him “what song he likes to sing for his wife,” he could think only of Beautiful in My Eyes (by Kadison Joshua, Jerico Rosales and Christian Bautista have their own versions--LPU).

While not busy performing in gigs and at home tendering his wife and kid, Alekcis
can’t help but sing Beautiful In my Eyes: “You're my peace of mind in this crazy world. You're everything I've tried to find, your love is a pearl. You're my Mona Lisa, you're my rainbow skies, and my only prayer is that you realize. You're my peace of mind in this crazy world. You're everything I've tried to find, your love is a pearl. You're my Mona Lisa, you're my rainbow skies, and my only prayer is that you realize you'll always be beautiful in my eyes. The world will turn, and the seasons will change, and all the lesson we will learn will be beautiful and strange.

You'll always be beautiful in my eyes. The world will turn, and the seasons will change, and all the lesson we will learn will be beautiful and strange.”

Catch System Tools at Asiatika Metro Centre Hotel every Saturday, then at the Club Atmosphere every Tuesday and Thursday.

Get to know more about Alekcis…

How do you take care of your voice? I take a rest.

Who are your favorite singers? Dave Eric Grohl of Foo Fighters (an American rock musician, singer and songwriter)

Do you follow diet? Yes.

Dish that you always crave for? Rice toppings and siopao in Dimsum resto.
What vitamins and/or supplements do you take? Stresstabs and Ceecon.

How much water do you take every day? 8 glasses and more everyday!

How much sleep do you get per night? 6 hrs lang, kay work naman ko daytime.

Favorite sleep wear? Naka boxers para hayahay :)

What’s the first thing that you do before you go to sleep? I take a bath and brush my teeth.

And the first thing that you do when you wake up? Mangihi..;)

What part of your body is your favorite? Brain.

And what part that needs some improvement? I don’t ask for more… I am contented with myself and life. :)

What part of a girl’s body do you look at first? Her feet. I like clean toes and nails.

And what type turns you off? Tactless.
Some fans would be, you know, aggressive, how do you cope with them? Di man pod uy... cguro saktong tagad lng..

Doesn't your wife get insecure, especially now that every girl is dreaming about you? No.

How do you assure her that she's the only one? I just let her feel na sya lng gyud.

How do you cope with stress? I take vitamins and proper rest.

What is your outlook in life? Just be responsible.

How’s your lovelife? Going strong and bigger :)

And your sex life? Going strong and bigger pud... hehe

Name three women from Bohol do you think have nice bodies? Daghan man... daghan sexy na Boholana mga gwapa pa gyud!

Using only body language, how would you make a woman know that you admire her? I don’t have the skill yet.

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

Here’s a forwarded email from Pureza Chatto, wife of Rep. Edgar Chatto. I want to share this to all readers out there.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle; when 24 hours in a day are not enough;
remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things --your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--- and if everything else was lost and only they remained; your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter; like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,
"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first --the things that really matter-- Set your priorities. "The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked."

"It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem; there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Menchie Logarta celebrates 18th birthday

Wake uppers:
• From Karen Schinnerer, US Embassy Press Attaché: If they (the US veterans) can’t come to Cebu, not a problem! U.S. Veterans Affairs will find a way to accommodate them to ensure they get their new benefit! They do not need to go to Cebu if they are bed-ridden. We don’t want those who can’t travel to do so. More information about the application process will be available shortly; we’ll ensure you get it. For now, if veterans or their families have questions, please direct them to the website: manila.usembassy.gov or they can call 632-528-2500.

• Enhorabuena to Amalia Karla Loise “Am-Am” Tirol Magno who recently passed the nursing board exam (A total of 39,455 out of 88,649 passed the Nurse Licensure Examination held on Nov. 29-30, 2008. The examination was administered in 12 areas nationwide.) Her parents Arthur and Leah are so proud of Am-Am who hurled the exam take one! The same greetings to Glysa Dacaldacal, Dennis Balicog and Frances Marnelli Abellana.

• Welcome back Eden Descallar and Aldrin Avergonzado who had their cultural travel in Hongkong and Macau … they go beyond exploration, and involve a complete transformation in way of life!

***

There she was in a red-terno in couture tulle by Wendell Quisido walking the red carpet.

Let’s congratulate the very charming Carmen Camille “Menchie” G. Logarta who had all the reasons to be excited about her debut last Feb. 15, which was held at the Heritage Center, The Assumption Our Lady Convent Rectory Courtyard in Poblacion, Dauis (a perfect for fine dining, debuts and parties!).

Even her classmates at the Cebu Doctors' University in Cebu City (Menchie is taking
up Bachelor of Science in Nursing), expected it to be the biggest day for Menchie.

Her mom, Fe Lograta (nee Galgao), spent weeks making sure everything was perfect.

Menchie missed her dad, Carmen “Menchu” Logarta, on the very special occasion of her life.

The vibrant debutante changed costumes thrice during the event. Menchie’s red gowns were designed by Cebu fashion designer Wendell Quisido of Wendell Quisido Boutique in Lahug, Cebu City. She also wore an elegant black gown designed by EJ Relampagos.

Menchie graciously welcomed friends and special guests to the fabulous celebration.

The event was made more memorable with the presence of Menchie’s grandma, Dean Jesusa Corazon Jamero vda Logarta (Menchie was so happy that her lola who was not feeling well at that time made it to the debut--LPU) and some personalities such as Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bompat, Dr. and Dra. Minilo Timaan and Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Logarta.

It was some three months ago when Menchie’s mother made her decide once and for all what it was she wanted for her 18th birthday. For Menchie, the “party was the best gift of my mom.”

Menchie wants to become a fashion designer; however she needs to finish nursing first. She shares, “I like what Sir Winston Churchill said it is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what is required.”


When seasoned host Raul Gatal announced the start of the proceedings all jumped into place, ready for their grand entrance.

Following tradition, 18 gentlemen and 18 ladies offered roses and candles to the debutante …And there was Menchie tracing her steps to the center of the venue.

Everyone’s attention was on her. Menchie was all smiles, acknowledging the welcome applause.

It was indeed a memorable night, one that went on past midnight with Menchie and her friends taking over the dance floor. Mama Fe and Lola Corazon could only sigh in relief as they were watching the visitors dancing the night away—and watching daughter Menchie marked a milestone in her life.




Mama Fe said, “I love you very much and thank the Lord for the gift of you. Not only are you my only daughter, but now that you are grown, you have become the best friend of my heart as well.”

Now, let us get to know more about Menchie and see what she has to say.

What qualities made you look at a boy twice? The cuteness of his smile.

Have things changed since you became a lady? Not at all. as what my mom told me nothing change except of the fact that my age is 18.

Actor – Dermot Mulroney

Actress - Cate Blanchett

Movie(s)- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Wedding Date, A Walk To Remember, Princess Diary and She's the Man.

Singer: Taylor Swift, Earth Wind and Fire

Song- Lovesongs, RnB

Sport- Tennis, badminton, volleyball

Fruit- Rambutan, orange and mango

Snacks- Juice and bread with nutella on it.

Dish- Any dish except chicken, shrimp and egg I'm allergic to it.

Part of her body- Legs

Crush- hahahahahaha SECRET!!!!

Hideaway- Beach

Hobbies-Dancing, painting

Subjects (in school)- Philosophy

Part of her face: Eyes

Part of a boy’s body: Arms

Sleeping wear- Big shirt and a short

Car(s)- I like to have Porsche.

Pet- Dog

Saint- Saint Theresa

Comics character- Tweety

Time of the Day- 11 in the morning

Day of the week- Sunday

Part(s) of the house- My mom's room.

TV shows- Lifestyle Channel, FTV, all Disney’s' shows

Restaurant- Casa Verde, Giligan

Most precious possession- My family.

City- Tagbilaran

Color(s)- Pink, grey, black, yellow, violet