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!

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.

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.

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.