Best & Worst of 2008

As 2008 comes to a close, it's time to recognize those "who's who" and the "newsmakers" in Bohol who had us talking all year long. It's good news for some (like those who finally got their heads on straight) and bad news for others (like those who just can't seem to learn their lessons). Take a trip through the last 12 months and join us as we honor the "who's who" and the "newsmakers" who thrived - and shaked our heads at those who took a nosedive.

2008 saw the high incidents of "suicides" in Bohol. Six incidents, by any mean violent, happened in Bohol in Nov. and claimed the lives of eight persons. Four of the eight fatalities died as suicides in as many cases and in as many places. The rest died - with two each, of drowning and gun shots.

By the way, we love "who's who" breakups! It's not that we always wish the worst for Bohol's who's who and newsmakers; it's just that we love good gossip. some breakups can be devastating, while others couldn't make us smile more. We don't like being sad, we know it'll be better for them in the long run!

Best Sportsman: Nonito Donaire, the "Filipino Flash". The 26 year-old Talibon born captured our hearts and fueled our spirit as he punched his way into the history books. On February 16, 2008, Donaire received the Philipines Sports Award for 2007 Athlete of the Year, alongside amateur swimmer Miguel Molina. Amongst the list of nominees were Manny Pacquiao, Ronnie Alcano, WEsley So, and Frankie Minoza. On November 2, 2008, he retained his International Boxing FEderation Flyweight world title via a 6th-round (1:31) technical knockout of Moruti Mithalane.

Loser of the Year: Rey " Boom Boom" Bautista. We expect much for him after touted as the next Pacman. Though Bautista defended and won on August 30, 2008, Bautista (26 wins, 1 loss with 18 KO's) annihilated Mexican Eden "Anestecista" Marquez vist technical knockout in the 1:08 mark of the 2nd round of 12-rouner "WBO Night of Champions" in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel to retain his WBO Intercontinental super bantam title, he lost on November 22, 2008, Bautista (2602, 19 KOs) was vanquished at the MGM Grand Las Vegas by Heriberto Ruiz ( 40-7-2, 23 KOs)in Round 3 with scored, 80-70, 78-72 and 77-73.

Best Ongoing Feud: Tagbilaran City mayor Dan Neri Lim vs Vice Mayor Toto Veloso, Djingo RAma, Batchoy Alba, Bohol Chronicle. Who could believe that best friends Mayor Dan Lim and BAtchoy Alba and Djingo RAma are worst enemies? The world is still in an uproar over this feud for years utilizing the media to express what they want. Lim retaliated by going on the record with his own program to say that he thought these people (Veloso, Batchoy, Rama and Chronicle) were extermely "uncool". something tells us this feud will continue next year.

Worst Blabbermouth: Benjie Oliva never seems to learn his lesson. He hogged the "limelight" of so many controversies as a Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC), how he was "scolded" by Gov. Erico Aumentado when he asked for endorsement and how Rep. Roberto Cajes "reacted" over his "claimed" on youth projects. We're not saying we're not happy for him - we just don't want him about it anymore.

Best Gossip: City hall Cash Advances. We have to admit - we just didn't see it coming. Just when the world couldn't stop talking about the cash advances at the City Hall, and broadcasters dropped the bobmshell the unliquidated cash advances. Byt the time acting city accountant Kurt Bungabong could not reveal who're those having the accounts, we managed to catch our breath - but just barely.

2nd Runner Up: The accusation that the Bohol Standard has no Mayor's permit and is illegitimate to publish municipal ordinances. According to lawyer Aleckoy Lim, "it is grossly malicious as it is without basis."

Best Scandal: City Minority Kagawad Djingo Rama exploded a bombshell in the halls of SP on Nov. 7, 2008 utilizing the 2007 COA REport that calls into question City Mayor Dan Neri Lim and his adminsitration for the multi-million fund mess.

2nd runner up: Benjie Oliva's falsification of public documents. he could face criminal action for fabrication official public documents issuance of a bogus and falisified DILG memorandum circular numbered MC 2007-03 dated January 11,2008 and forgoing a signature of DILG SEcretary Ronaldo Puno. SK sought the non-renewal of Oliva's appointment into the Commission because of "incompetance, dishonesty and disloyalty".

3rd runner up: The blogspot against University of Bohol stirred everyon in late September. meetings were held and efforts were made to remove the hate blog focusing against the Pamarans.

4th runner up: The public clamors for the city accountant and city auditor to reveal the complete list of cash advances by city officials and employees amounting to P6.5 million that remain unliquidated as exposed in the 2007 Commission on Audit Report. This as city acocuntant Kurt Bungabong and city auditor Teresita Irig rejected the request of Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso to release the details of the unliquidated cash advances.

5th runner up : The loos of cooperative funds amounting to more than P2 million. The coop mess also caught the attention of Board Members Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, chair of the committee on cooperatives of the Sangguiniang Panlalawigan. According to the BPRMO admin costs are not really illegal and what happened was merely a procedural flaw.

Slap of the Year : The Supremet Court has affirmed the disqualification of Alburquerque Mayor Jose Ugdoracion who was found holding a "green card" or a certificate indicating his being a permanent resident of the United States. Ugdoracion is ordered unseated from his post as mayor in Associate Justice Eduardo Nachura's 12-page decision.

1st runner up: Mayor Jimmy Torrefranca. He was barred from entering the LTO office due to a dress code that is enforced on all clients as the LTO is its quest for international standard.

Best Turnaround: Mary Lovely Lingones. What a turnaround Lovely Ligones has made: from a shy girl into a beauty queen and model. She won the Miss Tagbilaran 2006 crown but lost in the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 despite the rumor she would get the crown. This girl is able to prove and sundry that she can make it in a national limelight as she won the October monthly finals of Miss Fitrum on ABS-CBN's Wowowee.

Worst Issue: Drainage system. Tagbilaran City residents expressed alarm on the impending serious problem of the city's drainage system. Water discharged at the new drainage system includes wastes from the more than 30 establishments and homes which authorities failed to unplug while the project was still in progress. This is adding volume and pollutants to what was originally designed to accommodate rain water to the drainage system along CPG Avenue.

1st runner up: Agora Square: After 14 years of being an eyesore in the city's commercial district, the Agora Market is finally competed into a new City Square. The Agora contract "stinks corruption". Three lawyers pushed for the cancelation of the rehabilitation-operate and transfer (ROT) contract entered into by the consortium of develo9ment and for the city government as it appears disadvantageous to the city government.

2nd runner up: The Small Town Lottery (STL) pushed by 3rd district Rep. Adam Relson Jala. The Church through Bishop Leonardo Medroso is firm on its stand in disallowing the entry of STL in Bohol. Legalizing gambling does not take away its immoral nature and that even with its gallant intentions it still does not lower the fact that it would cause illnesses to these people who resort to gambling as they would only depend on winning their bets and take chances on mere luck.

3rd runner-up: Our cute brothers, the tarsiers become stressed (others are found to have an infection that led to the bleeding) and the P50 entrance fee collected by the LBU Loboc.

4th runner-up: Tagbilaran Cainget Beach coliform issue. Bathers need not to worry because the DOH just recently said that Cainget Beach is coliform-free.

Best Couple: Brigido and Rosemarie Imboy. Wemay not see a lot of photos of Brigido and Rosemarie schmoozing on parties or posing together for souvenir shoots - but maybe that's their secret. Rosemarie removed the "rights" that Brigido can own a cellphone, you know, not to establish to all the girls he loved before. The couple continued to keep their relationship out of the "limelight" as much as possible.

Worst Couple: Cortes Mayor Apolinaria "Jasmin" Balistoy hogged the "limelight" as she broke her silence as a battered wife in a true-to-life story involving domestic violence, verbal abuse and kidnapping. The ogject of Mayor Balistoy's complaint was her hsuband of 15 years. The marriage was blessed with four children. Citing as her last resort to escape from the violent tantrums of her husband Mayor Balistoy filed a case for violence against women in accordance iwth SEction 42 of Republic Act No. 4660 with a given address at Canmanico, Valencia town, the mayor's husband, Jose Balistoy, was supposed to be served a subpoena regarding the case.

Case of the Year: Dumaluan Rape Case. The DOJ dismissed with finality the charges of rape with homicide against former Panglao Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan, brother Teofredo and another accused of the rape and murder of Vivian Dumaluan sometime in May 2004.

Worst Tragedy: More than 59 Boholanos were reported missing after the sinking of the Princess of the Stars in September. The captain of the vessel was a Boholano, Florencio Marimon, Sr., who was also found dead.

Best Hit-Maker: Tubigon's Mary Grace Torreon belted REgine Velasquez' versin of "I Don't WAnna Miss A Thing" which won for her the SK Pop Idol award. On the other hand, Jesat Cathy duce, SK Pop Idol 2006 is still singing. Paloma captured foreigners and tourists with her dance and moves. She is the caretaker of Prony, the biggest python in captivity in Albur. Though she performs lip-synch, we love how she projects herself as a snake and her booty calls.

Oldest Miss Bohol Sandugo:Miss Catigbian Joy Marie Maglajos won the most-coveted Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 crown, she was the oldest among the candidtates who is 23 years old.

Miracle of the Year: A Christ statue ( the Santo Entierro or HOly Internment ) in Panggangan, Calape was found bleeding in March. Some skeptics see the bleeding Christ a flying Science. In Baclayon Church, the image of Padre Pio, an Italian priest miraculously appeared in one of its walls sometime in September.

Splitsville! 2008 definitely takes the cake of many splitsville! A councilor and his wife (who works in the government), the photographer and HR wife shaking marriage, a government employee and a Capitol department head, a lawyer and a plain housewife ( who was blamed for the death of their son), a company owner who found a new love ( the split resulted into family trouble), a doctor and a sickly husband, etc. These once-happy couples called it quits in '08.

Newest Nuptials. We watched lovebirds tie the knot this year. Today is Vida May Tirol's wedding.

In Momoriam. We pay tribute to the who's who - like Mrs. Charing Dejaresco - who passed away this year. She;s the Bohol media matriarch. The Darunday matiriarch Abundia Darunday, former Panglao Mayor Araoarao and Amparo Uy also joined our Creator.

*******

I don't usually make New Year's resolution though I see New Year as God's gift for me to start anew and become a better me. And for this New Year, here's my prayer: " Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

My Wishlist

Oh, it's four days before Christmas. Let us spread warmth, love and peace anyway we can. Together, we can try to make our world a little less hostile, a little more caring, and, much, much happier. While celebrating the Holidays, here's a Christmas message from US Ambassador Kristie Kenney (who fell in love with Bohol the first time she visited our province): Season's greetings to all in Bohol! Christmas brings friends and families together making this a very special time of the year. It's a time to remember how blessed we are, the wonderful friendships Americans and Filipinos share, the family connections we have, and the great partnership our two countries enjoy.

Here's to a peaceful and prosperous New Year for Bohol, for the Philippines and for all. Malipayong Pasko ug Bulahang Bag-ong Tuig!

***

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

That song, O Holy Night (written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847) is one of my favorite Christmas songs which never fails turn me misty-eyed! The song encapsulates the memories of so many Christmases and tells us God's love and Jesus, the only begotten Son.


Christmas time definitely is a time for making wishes and having happy thoughts and then when it gets to January we all get the January blues and forget about all the nice hopes and dreams and happiness we had on that magical day! Sound like a child but Christmas really is magical and hopefully Santa is reading my special wishes for myself, others and for the world I would like this Christmas!!


I've lots of wishes this Christmas. For material things: Asus laptop with an Illustrazio laptop bag, more pair of Havaianas, a Jansport backpack for traveling, gym registration (Hahaha!! I badly need this!!) and a shopping spree!!! This list is not complete and I thank you to those who are already packing their gifts for me.


More than the material things, I'd like to share the words of Oren Arnold: Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.

What's your wish this Christmas?


Four days before Christmas and here's my own list of gifts to my favorite who's who in Bohol.


For Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy (the youngest mayor in the Philippines): Beautiful (as much as possible sexy and seductive) girlfriend, it's lonely at the top. You know, to spice his lovelife. Same for Mayor Niño Rey Boniel, Rep. Adam Relson Jala and PPDO head John Titus Vistal.


For Jane Censoria Cajes: Strength to continue her mission for the youth. More travels abroad and a lovelife!


For broadcaster Chito Visarra: More radio programs and to quote the song, "Dear Lord up above me; send someone to love me..." Same for veteran broadcaster Fred Araneta.


For Katrina Schoof: Weeks of vacation with her labidab in Australia. Also a marriage contract!


For Bohol Chronicle big boss Peter Dejaresco: Good health and success. To quote Kit Bagaipo: May his days be merry and bright! Same for Lito Responte.

For Glenn Mark Blasquez: To finish his masteral degree, more progressive in business and woman who will love her forever and ever, amen! (Love me tender, love me dearly...)

For couple Hans and Lani Schoof: Good health, prosperity and more years so that they can continue to share their blessings.

For Lyndon Boiser: A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from the maddening false friends.

For Mayor Dan Neri Lim: Again, peace pipes he should smoke with Vice Mayor Toto Veloso and his friend Former OIC Governor Victor dela Serna.

For Mutya Isabel, Joan Almedilla and Mayumi Lugod: More shows and success.


For broadcasters Batchoy Alba, Fred Ticong, Fred Amora, Salva Diputado, Boy Guingguing, Ted Ayeng: A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio and newspapers on issues this Christmas time. They can do it again after the Holidays!


For Mikey Gatal: A partner who doesn't, ahem, "double-cross" after some years of searching!


For Baba Yap: Wedding bells, wedding bells! I think he's found the love of his life. Same for young business tycoons Ron Tan and RG Ong.


Mary Lovely Ligones: Miss Fitrum, girl! Stay fit and beautiful!


For Reps. Edgar Chatto and Roberto Cajes: A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for provincial administrator Tommy Abapo, Romy Teruel, Ae Damalerio, Handel Lagunay, Rene Relampagos, Vice Gov. Julius Cesar Herrera, and adoptive daughters of Bohol Bea Zobel, Jr and US Ambassador Kenny.


For Raymund Roldan: Visibility and success in the business circle. Same for Uly Dolojol of OopsBar and Dennis Du.


For Gerry Lugod: Inner strength, peace and colorful lovelife! Same for Eden Descalar, and for Donald Fuertes, a hot "partner" to love him dearly!


For Direk Maryo de los Reyes: More award-winning movies! Same for Rebecca Lusterio: Another movie and trophy for her memorably moving performance in two movies, a classic example of highly-effective "natural" acting…and same to Rich Asuncion.


For Loboc Children's Choir: Another performance abroad minus the "virus" of the group.


For Mayor Thomas Gonzaga: Beautiful girlfriend to color his "dry" lovelife.


For Pureza Chatto: Success in business, good health and peace of mind to be able to continue doing life's work. Same for Mayor Judith del Rosario-Cajes, board members Ma. Fe Lejos, Conching Lim, Maly Tirol, Roygie Jumamoy, Aster Piollo, and Vicky Wallace.


For Maximiel: Wise judgment and guidance that success is at the horizon. And a show (hopefully, another international limelight). Same for Gardy Labad, Loy Palapos and Marianito Luspo.


For Leah Tirol-Magno: Love, patience and time (non-material) and something to eat or keep (material). More ASUS EeePC 8GB mininotebook! Same for Mike Ligalig.


Councilor Kit Oppus: Inner strength and good health as the only woman lawmaker in the city! Same for Gov. Erico Aumentado and Maam Greenie, June Blanco, Vice Mayor Toto Veloso, Bonnie Quriog, Baby Collins, Sonieta Labasan, Mike Veloso, Betty Veloso-Garcia, Fiel Gabin and Rose Soy.


SSupt Edgardo Ingking: Patience and courage as chief. Go, Sir!

For Councilor Edgar Kapirig and Deputy Mayor Mario Uy: Again, a peace pipe to be smoked with Edgar on one end and Mario on the other. (Uhu, uhu, uhu!!!)


For Zenaida Darunday: Good health and inner strength to continue her advocacy!


For Raul Gatal: More mega projects in hosting and a colorful lovelife! Same for Ardy Batoy and Gloria Araneta.


For Brownbuds, Suitcase101 and Centerstage: More gigs and albums.


For Anna Maris Igpit: A marriage contract.


For Dr. Gerry Egos: Success in business and more, more pets!


For Primitiva Ontong: Beautiful and no-stress life in fiscal managing! More vibrant year ahead! Same for Liza Quirog and Liezel Gregorio.


For John Torralba: House and lot! And a wife!


For Paloma (caretaker of Prony): More performances and languages to learn! Same for the phenomenal Inday Rufing, more, more laughs to knock down the house!


For Baby Tagoctoc: Success in business, peace and harmony. Same for Tracy Remolador Torres and Charloe Arbasto.


For Rey Boom-Boom Bautista: A heart to teach him and his parents that "charity begins at home. Strength and success in bouts. Same for boxing idols AJ Banal and Nonito Donaire.


For Caesar Amonsot: He will get well soon... years of "rest" makes him weak. Go, fight!

For Joy Maglajos: A marriage proposal from her boyfriend.

What's up?---------------

The tallest and biggest Santa Claus in Bohol (also in the whole country) is in Poblacion, Sierra Bullones. It measures 30 feet (or more) and is located in front of the newly constructed municipal hall.


Host: What are the thoughts you can share for this coming Christmas?
Guest: We must do even more to love God, forgive the sinners and do god to other and we have to avoid grevious sin! (Grevious sin?)

Could it be a blue Christmas for a photographer and a HR head? It pains me to learn that the sugary sweetness between a photographer and his beautiful HR wife is, alas, turning sour. When last heard from, the wife "scolded" the photographer and "accused" him of playing "fire" with the secretary. The HR wife asked her hubby-photographer to choose "to fire the secretary or leave." Since the hubby photographer could not fire the secretary this Holidays, when he went home, all his things are already packed outside the house! It seems that they are helplessly headed for splitsville! We hope they can iron things out, patching whatever loopholes here and there. How sad!

Side A at Bohol Tropics Dec. 19

You were just a dream that I once knew
I never thought I would be right for you
I just can't compare you with anything in this world
You're all I need to be forevermore
All those years
I long to hold you in my arms
I've been dreaming of you every night
I've been watching all the stars that fall down
Wishing you will be mine…

Okay, all together now, let’s sing the hit song Forevermore as we anticipate the arrival of its singer, Side A, which is having a concert on Friday, Dec. 19 at the Dagohoy Ballroom Sandugo of the Bohol Tropics (after MYMP and Kim Chiu performed on July 19 and other big performers).

“Side A will do what they do best — endear themselves to the Boholano audience by singing the soundtrack of our lives. It is a once-in-a-lifetime treat for musical lovers out there,” says Donald Fuertes, the event manager/sales and marketing of the Lazer Party Club. By the way, Donald is also the talent handler of the Models Unlimited.

It is expected to be a full house as tickets sold briskly weeks after the concert event had been announced.

Considered the country’s top-selling artists, Side A band boasts of a wide selection of hits—from new wave, love ballads, retroes, to originals.

Side A is one of the most popular bands in the country. They were considered equivalent to Toto as The Eraserheads to The Beatles. They were accepted by the mainstream proven by their hit records, sold-out concerts and recognitions they have received. Being true to themselves, their music and their fans was the secret of the band’s success.

The band was formed on 1985 in Manila, Philippines by Naldy Gonzales and a former member. They performed in several gigs in hotel lounges with their innocuous, easy listening style that reflected the tastes of the masses though the city were developing a new wave/punk scene.

Side A is composed of Joey Generoso (lead vocals and acoustic guitars), Joey Benin (bass guitar and vocals), Naldy Gonzales (keyboards and vocals), Ernie Severino (drums and vocals) and LeeVon Cailao (lead guitar and vocals). They popularized the songs Hold On, Tuloy Pa Rin Ako, Eva Marie, Forevermore, I Believe in Dreams, Let The Pain Remain and Set You Free.

This is perhaps the last concert of Joey Benin or Joey B. for short, the youngest of the band. According to a showbiz insider, he is retiring to settle here in Bohol to concentrate in a farm business. Joey B. joined the band on 1986 and played the bass ever since. His looks and voice melted the hearts of the females and was responsible of the bands stardom with his single “Eva Marie.”

Pop/RnB band Centerstage of Lazer Party Club will serve as frontact in the said pre-Christmas concert.

(Note: Ticket price is only P300, and for reservation, contact Donald Fuertes at 09173276888/411-2529.)

What’s up--------------------------------------------------
• Could it be true that a former high ranking official in the province “forcefully” grabbed his wife (who’s also a politician in a nearby town) when the invited singer (the Kilabot ng mga Colegiala who is known for his antics) praised the wife (saying “I love you, Maam!”)? Out of jealousy (perhaps), the hubby “vigorously” grabbed the wife who was then smiling to the singer. The preying eyes of the public were in awe and that “scene” remains the talk-of-town until now!

• Who will be Bohol’s Man and Woman of the Year? What Bohol’s Event of the Year? Send your nominations thru email leoudtohan@gmail.com or thru text at 09212446791. You may include your reasons why they are to be selected.

• Watch your favorite movie for free! Get a chance to watch your favorite movie this Christmas courtesy of the Island City Mall (ICM) by completing the following sentence: “My most unforgettable Christmas __________.” Five of the most creative answers will be chosen this week. Send your entries via email: leoudtohan@gmail.com or you can send it thru text at 09212446791. Please include your complete name, address and contact number. Names of the winners will be published here on Bared next Sunday. The contest is open to Bohol residents only. ICM Screenville Cinema is the most modern cinema outside Metro Manila. It has the first superior Dolby Digital Surround-Ex in Bohol. It has also a relaxing and comfortable fabric seats and state of the art film protection. So, what are you waiting for? Join now!

• It's the time of the year to celebrate Christmas with fellow Boholanos in California! The Tagbilaran Association of Northern California, Inc. (Tasci) Christmas Celebration and Party 2008 is on December 14, 11 am to 5 pm at the Cypress Recreation Center, Orange Avenue, Cypress, California. Bring a dish, dessert and soda for the potluck. Tasci will take care of the rest. Let all your kids (ages 1-12), participate in the "gift from Santa" festivities. Bring a gift worth $15.To join, you can contact Al Estaca-- (949) 394-3782, event chair; Eva Karaan-- (714) 484-0043, event vice chair; Sammy Sarmiento-- (909) 597-5052, music; and Malou Saito-- (909) 525-6429, programme.

Sexy Boholanas in Wowowee

Wake uppers:• We are sad how these persons are misbehaving these days—they are branded as gatecrashers—you know, “enter the dragon.” The first gatecrasher is a female Masscom student who “guested” in a toprating radio program without asking the news director of a station. Listeners were “terrified” how she butts-in a controversial discussion (by two veteran anchormen) showing her “ignorance” and “lack of knowledge.” She even commented when she read text messages. When the news director called her attention to find out what’s her business, it was learned that an anchorman told her to “guess” in the radio program.

The other gatecrasher (who’s new in a station after transferring from her mother station) is a male “junior reporter” who allegedly anchored a paid radio program without being asked to do so. While he was talking, the original anchor arrived and he went out without saying a word to the listeners he’s leaving.

• For those who missed last week’s gabfests on radio (And why we are moved, if we are moved):

Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, on the wounded tarsier, fee and floating restaurant:
“Ngano man gud kasuyaan man nila ang Loboc.” Ay, pikon!

Kagawad Batchoy Alba and Fred Amora, commented on acting city Accountant Kurt Bungabong’s behavior regarding the city hall’s unliquidated cash advances:
“Kinahanglan na ireavel ni JokJok Bolante este Bungabong kung kinsa ning mga nagcash advance sa panudlanan sa city hall.” He has the right to remain silent!

City councilor Leonides Borja, on coliform:“

Technical ang mga term gipanggamit ani..so nangutana mi sa taga Provincial Health Office kung unsa ma ning result sa kuwan San Carlos…. so ang total sa coliform is 2,4000, unya ang ilang coliform test is 2,400. So nangutana mi nila based sa result unsa may sagad nga advisory kay taas man …So ang ilahang advise ….Advisory sa Mansasa area, kini sa BukBuk … advisory not safe for bathing…. As early as September this year, taas anang dapita… sa graham, among suggestion is continue daily monitoring…” Huh? So long, long…

***

We like the way how our Boholano sexy vixens projected on TV (having luscious bodies to die for) in the search for the Miss Fitrum 2008 in the toprating noontime show Wowowee hosted by Willie Revillame.

Miss Tagbilaran 2007 Mary Lovely Ligones of Barangay Bool (and Miss Photogenic in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008) is now the nation’s fantasy as she became the October monthly finalist in the said search.

She studied at Bohol National High School, Sacred Heart College- Tacloban and moved to Holy Name University.

“She is very confident now!” exclaimed the fans who saw her on TV. She looks fabulous than those the ASF Dancers (ASF stands for the initials of their manager, Anna S. Feliciano. They are also known as the Wowowee Girls and are most active on the show’s Pera o Bayong portion).

A Libra, her hobbies and interests are watching TV, reading books and magazines and joining beauty pageants. She likes the movies I am a Legend, I Know Who Killed Me and the Golden Compass. She is into love songs, acoustic and RnB.

On the other hand, Mary Ley Ann Lugod (popularly known as Mayumi) is last week’s weekly finalist last Dec. 3. Mayumi was asked to join the search in February but she turned down the offer because she was undecided at that time. Her fans are hoping she can make it to the monthly finals, if, that is a big if, she can be the monthly finalist (with your prayers!), the search will have two equally beautiful Boholanas who will display their beauty, grace and sophistication.

I knew Mayumi and I saw her when was a beautiful kid at the Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center. She finished her high school at Holy Name University. At present, she’s a Masscom student at the Perpetual Help College in Manila.

A part-time model, she was crowned Miss Makati Tourism 2007. She was ICM’s Circle of Ten Teen Quest Grand Questor '05, a member of the Lupon ng mga Batang Aktor, UNTV37 model, Generation East 2007 finalist, member of the Perpetualite Editorial Staff and Perpetual Help College Choir.

Her hobbies and interests are modeling, singing, dancing, theater acting, hosting, and observing people. Lately, she’s into writing and she likes “to explore and learn everything about anything.”

Her fave books she is enjoying reading during her free time are Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl by Josh Harris, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, Mga Libro ni Bob Ong and Pugad Baboy.

A Beatles fan, she likes Koreanovelas and epic movies.

“The Normal type of person who isn't hard to deal with...I may be intimidating at first but try to get to know me… you'll see the difference,” says Mayumi.

Miss Fitrum 2008 started on April 7, 2008. It airs every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and the daily winners compete on the weekly finals on Saturdays. Filipina girls who are 18-24 years old can join.

The grand winner for Miss Fitrum 2008 will win a trip to Singapore for two, PHP 500,000 cash, a contract with Star Magic, and a brand new car. The 1st Runner Up will win a trip to Hongkong, China for 2 and PHP 300,000 cash, 2nd Runner Up will win a trip to Boracay for 2 and PHP 200,000 cash, 3rd Runner Up will win a trip to Cebu for two and PHP 100,000 cash.

Fitrum is a Green Tea Extract (EGCG) TEAVIGO product which burns fat, controls weight and boosts the body's health endorsed by young actress Judy Ann Santos.

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I still love Caingget Beach

No matter what they say, my love for Caingget Beach (a popular destination in Tagbilaran City) will never change.

The coliform issue (for the second time) could not make the place dead. Coliform bacteria are the commonly-used bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water. They are defined as rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming organisms that ferment lactose with the production of acid and gas when incubated at 35-37°C.

Coliforms are abundant in the feces of warm-blooded animals, but can also be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation. In most instances, coliforms themselves are not the cause of sickness, but they are easy to culture and their presence is used to indicate that other pathogenic organisms of fecal origin may be present.

When you say Caingget Beach, Boholanos (especially the Tagbilaranons) have a story to tell. People in walks of life, including you and I, go there for swimming and food. We can choose gastronomic foods like sinugbang sunghan, squid, isda sa bato and koja, a local delicacy which can be found abundantly in Caingget sea.

Koja, a coral clam is from the Pectinide family with scientific name pedum spondyloidum (thanks to Mr. Loloy Milana, BFAR aquaculturist) can be found anywhere but it is only at Caingget Beach that nature constantly blesses the place. For decades, the sea is producing koja and other seafoods as evidenced by the numerous shells found in beach drift. Empty seashells are often picked up by beachcombers, and collecting these shells is a harmless hobby or study.

The koja divers go to the sea early morning to get our favorite koja, five to seven feet deep! This livelihood enables the koja divers to feed the family and send their kids to school.

At first glance, koja looks like a stone. The koja divers use an improvised hammer to pound the hard, protective outer layer of the koja. They use a knife to get the soft part of the shell.

Why people love to eat koja? “It’s delicious and nutritious,” says Dr. Perlita Palen, city agriculturist, who is also from barangay Booy.

You can eat koja with your bare hands; dip it in vinegar with pepper with puso, camote or saging (and bahalina, of course for digestion and to quench the thirst!).

And there’s a secret of koja: it is an aphrodisiac! Those who are lousy in bed, koja can help you become “hot” and “wild.” Sometime in 2006, I did a story about koja and the people of Caingget for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA 7. There are many countless stories how koja “helped” them in producing babies. For men, koja will make you virile and your ding-a-ling is always ready for a fight! For women, koja can help for fertility and ovulation. Although there are no formal studies conducted about koja and its effect, however, the testimonies from the people defy skepticism.

Our sea is probably not feeling well or sick. Remember the principles of nature?

Nature has a way of changing things. There may be a message to all of us of what is happening now in our environment. We need to listen with all our hearts then we will understand.