Manny and Jinkee find peace, Chocolate Hills in Bohol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Pacquiao Day in Bohol.

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


What's up

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

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

Doy takes home a wife

Wake- uppers:

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love prevails and conquers all things.

***

Lasagna on my Pizza?

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

Mr. Peter Dejaresco
Associate Editor
Bohol Chronicle
Tagbilaran City


Dear Sir:

Greetings!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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