• 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.
