• 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!
No comments:
Post a Comment