Showing posts with label NUJP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NUJP. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Hello, Villa de Gloria!

Wake-uppers:
Scene: SILG Mar Roxas turned over 2.461 billion fund for Bohol quake recovery to Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto.

Bohol TNT members and participants
Scene: The revival of the Bohol Transparency Network for Transformation (TNT). Members and participants attended the Monitoring and Reporting Public Transparency and Accountability of the Citizen Action Network for Accountability (Cana) training series. It was facilitated by Rowena Paraan of the ational Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and head of ABS CBN's Bayan Mo, IPatrol Mo.

Scene: The Tuba and Kinilaw Festival tomorrow, June 9 in Albuquerque town.

Scene: Makeshift classrooms and tents have greeted the 140 pupils of Obujan-Tagubaas Elem. School in Antequera town during the first day of school. The makeshift classrooms and tents serve as temporary learning spaces for pupils. "This place is not conducive for learning; it's hot inside and muddy during rainy days," said Grade 5 teacher Nimfa Ayco. "Padayun gihapun ta sa pagtudlo para sa mga bata."

Scene: Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol has 4,058 students. The school has two shifts- a.m. (for Grade 7 and 8); p.m. (for Grade 9 and 10) to de-congest the number of students in the classroom, Principal 3 Concepcion Bagotchay said.

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Paradise is the best word to describe Bohol known for its beautiful places and people. And what better way to enjoy it than to stay at one of Bohol’s newest resort, the Villa de Gloria.

The birth of Villa de Gloria is a new boutique style resort in Seaside, Songculan, in Dauis town in Panglao Island and a 10-minute drive from the Tagbilaran City airport.

The new Villa de Gloria in Songculan, Dauis, Panglao Island
“Its exclusive facilities in the modern and elegance blend with grandeur tropical atmosphere,” says the rising VJ Julan Crisale Cordova, a frequent visitor of the resort.

“Enjoy the luxurious setting of a world class resort with the amazing panoramic view overlooking the Philippine Sea and Maribojoc Mountain,” adds Julan.

All villas are in a Philippine-Balinese style with typical cogon grass roofing, built around a gorgeous infinity and kiddie pool surrounded by masterly designed lush tropical garden which are enchanting venues for weddings, meetings, reunions, parties and all types of gatherings in all occasions.

Take a peek and experience its wonderful accommodations composing honeymoon, deluxe ocean, ocean view villas with kitchen and superior ocean view suites.

“It offers an intimate holiday combined with personalized service from its charming and dedicated villa attendants,” says Julan. “And with their world class facilities and services.”

Ernie and Gloria Azucena, owners of Villa de Gloria
Villa de Gloria is owned by couple Ernie and Gloria Azucena. Ernie was an erstwhile vice president  of Specialized Waste System in Houston Texas and president of Passport Travel Group Inc. in Tampa, Florida, USA. He was also the former president of Pacific Waste Industries in Houston, Texas and became publisher of Philippine Observer and the president of Ursuline Group Inc. Houston Texas USA. On the hand, Gloria was formerly a trust administrator of Chase Bank and trust officer of Bank of New York in Houston, Texas, USA. They have three sons: Niel,Craig, and Marc, who are all presently living and working in Texas, USA.

The focus of the resort is to provide an authentic Bohol experience for visitors along with the comfort they expect from a resort.

For more info, visit www.villadegloria.com or email at info@villadegloria.com and ernest1129@yahoo.com; Contact Nos: +639179827090 (Philippines) and +7137858480 (US).

P.S. As what I have told you, Bohol’s tourism is back to normal, not only this summer but for the whole year round. As summer draws to a close, you might even find yourself experiencing a bit of the “end of summer blues.” But there’s no need to feel down, instead let’s beat those summertime blues with a new place to stay and relax in Villa de Glorial.


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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Delicious Recipes from the Congressional Wives



Wake-uppers:
Scene: Runway Icons, a modeling agency owned and managed by eventologist Mizken Tirol Andan, MBA, Ph.D., is looking for 25 artista aspirants for the Teen Idol 2014. Exposure shows and workshops will be held this summer.  Currently, Runway Icons is merging with Viva Entertainment Inc.  and ABS-CBN.  For inquiries, text or call 09199132119.

Piolo Pascual
Scene: The (re)launching of the Sandugo Toastmasters Club was held yesterday, March, 8 sponsored by Toastmasters International (TI), in partnership with the Sinulog Toastmasters Club and the Queen City Toastmasters Club.

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual.  Now on its 4th super mega blockbuster week,  Starting Over Again, starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga, grosses P375 million.

Scene: News about a lawmaker filed a bill today seeking to declare Piolo Pascual as the Philippines’ “National Ultimate Heartthrob” is a hoax.  There is no Bohol Seventh District Rep. Wally Magwa Mabuti.  The satirical news appeared on Twitter and Facebook after Bohol 1st district Rep. Rene Relampagos filed a bill to declare abodo as national food.

Scene: At least 30 journalists from Cebu, Bohol and Tacloban attended the Peer Trauma Seminar conducted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). The Bohol journos who attended the seminar were Edward Guyano, Angeline Valencia, Leo Udtohan, Aida Tangal, Jun Gutierrez, Roger Balamad, Felix Cempron, Ric Obedencio, Mike Ligalig and Rey Anthony Chiu.

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Contrary to popular belief, the wives of our Bohol congressmen love to cook!

Last week, Imee Adiong-Relampagos, wife of 1st district Rep. Rene Relampagos; Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, wife of 2nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado; and Carol Gow-Yap, wife of 3rd district Rep. Art Yap, shared their favorite recipes on the forthcoming cookbook of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI).

The spouses of the Bohol congressional representatives (l-r) Imee Adiong-Relampagos, Carol Gow-Yap and Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado share some of their favorite recipes for the Congressional Club Cook Book which will be released in August.  Courtesy: CSFI
The CSFI is an organization composed of the spouses of lawmakers. They conduct outreach programs and other socio-civic projects, Evangeline Pastor, officer in charge of the CSFI said.

The Congressional Club Cook Book (available in August 2014) will have a new and unique collection of recipes to represent the diverse ethnic backgrounds, regional customs, and family traditions of the members and their spouses. The cookbook will be a symbol of a collection of friendships that the members cherish.

Publishing the Congressional Club Cook Book has been one of the CSFI’s most important projects. It supports the variety of activities that the CSFI has offered over the years. Each year, revenue generated from cookbook sales also helps support monetary contributions made by the CSFI to a variety of local charities.

They brought their ingredients and cooked their own recipes. They even shared their kitchen tips-cooking secrets to the media who covered the pictorial and cooking session.

Here are the yummiest recipes from the wives of our Bohol Congressmen for you to try out.

From Mrs. Relampagos’ takla special to Mrs. Aumentado’s hinalang na manok and to Mrs. Yap’s radish salad....why not give these recipes a whirl in your own kitchen?

Bon appetit…

Bohol’s Tuba-marinated Takla Delight!
Imee Relampagos


The snapping shrimp, locally known as takla, has the world's record as the loudest animal in the world. It produces 4000dB sound level when it snaps its powerful pincher that produces a bubble hot enough to stun its prey.

In Calape, and other parts of Bohol, takla makes a good delicacy. Just like shrimps they also have good meat even better due to its fat content.

Ingredients:
1 cup tuba
½ kilo takla (shrimp)
1 pc. onion
1 tbsp. garlic
1 tbsp. ginger
¼ cup butter

Directions:           
Marinate the takla in tuba for 15 minutes. Set aside. In a separate pan, sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in butter. When the garlic turns golden brown, add the marinated takla. The dish is ready to serve when the takla turns from blackish to red.


Hinalang na Bisayang Manok
Vanessa Aumentado

A Bohol specialty is the hinalang na manok. Hinalang means “pinaanghang” or “made hot or spicy.” The chicken is cooked in onion, ginger, peppercorn, chilli and coconut milk.

Courtesy: Panlasang Pinoy
Ingredients:
1 whole native chicken, cut into serving pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium size ginger, sliced
1/2 tsp peppercorn
3 red hot chilis (labuyo)
2 cans coconut milk
1/2 cup water
salt to taste (optional)
1 bundle lemongrass (tanglad)

Directions:
Place native chicken and lemongrass in a saucepan, add water, and bring to a boil. Add the cup coconut milk and combine all ingredients. Put chopped onion, ginger, pepper and  garlic. Boil the native chicken for about 30-60 minutes or until done it depends on how old your native chicken. Add salt to taste and red hot chili then simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with lots of rice.


Radish Salad
Carol Yap

Courtesy: Food Network
Ingredients:
4 cups radishes, washed and sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 cup diced fresh tomato
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions: Combine sliced radishes, onion, and tomato. Whisk together the salt, garlic, pepper, basil or mint, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Toss with salad then garnish with parsley.

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Oscars 2014: Stars’ best quotes
Undoubtedly, the people who took home the Oscars on March 2 had an incredible night. Ellen DeGeneres was the most fun Oscar host we’ve seen a long time. It was an amazing evening between the pizza, the selfie and the subtle digs.

12 Years a Slave won the best picture. Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) won best actress.

Matthew McConaughey, who won best actor for the movie Dallas Buyers Club, was one of the few stars to thank God in Oscar acceptance speech.

"First off, I want to thank God, because that's who I look up to. He's graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand. He has shown me that it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates."

Lupita Nyong’o, who won best supporting actress for 12 Years a Slave gave an absolutely stirring acceptance of her first Oscar: “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”

The toughest Oscar race this year was for best actor. Right until the awards began the race was almost certainly down to Chiwetel Ejiofor for 12 Years a Slave and Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey was the eventual winner. Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t win (possibly any time soon).  Leo, cool guys don’t win Oscars!

By the way, Hollywood journos reported that Ellen used Samsang Galaxy (sponsor of the Oscars) for the “selfie of the year” which broke Twitter, but she was seen using Iphone at the backstage. The pizza’s partner was Coca-Cola and the Oscar’s sponsor was Pepsi. Come on!

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Tintin Ng: Funny and Fabulous

Shiela and her mom
Wake-uppers:

Seen: My aunt Lucila Udtohan-Olorvida died of lung cancer last October 13, 2011. She was a second hand smoke victim. She was 59 years old. Her daughter Shiela Olorvida-Glaring would like to donate their unused, unexpired cancer medications to needy cancer patients. Please text or call +63908-663-4183 or +63921-244-6791.

Scene: The local government unit of Catigbian presents “Catigbian D.A.T.E. Park Photo Challenge,” an onsite photo contest on Dec. 3, 2011. Registration Fee is P700 (P550 for early birds) which includes free shuttle from Tagbilaran, lunch and two snacks, photo lectures, model shoot, cash and trophy, kit and certificates.  Open for DSLR and P&S categories. Visit facebook.com/catigbian to know more. Text or call Charles Borja at +63926-571-1111.

Seen: Eight of the lovely candidates of Miss Earth 2011 were here in Bohol for an official visit last Friday. They were Miss China Yu Jun Liu, Miss Singapore Felicia Orvalla, Miss Canada Ashlea Moor, Miss Turkey Merve Saribas, Miss India Hasleen Kaur, Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen,  Miss USA Nicole Kelley and Miss England Roxanne Smith. Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen was Miss Universe 2009 Top 15 and Beauty of the World 2010 fourth runner-up. The 2011 Miss Earth pageant has been moved back to the Philippines, its original home, because of the rising floods in Thailand, threatening Bangkok where it was supposed to be held. The grand coronation will be held on Dec. 3, 7 p.m. at the University of the Philippines Theater.
Eight of the Miss Earth 2011 candidates with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and wife Pureza and provincial administrator Ae Damalerio. 


Miss Sweden and Miss India with Catherine Untalan, former Miss Philippines Earth who was crowned Miss Air (2nd RU) in the 2006 Miss Earth Pageant. Miss Untalan is now an Executive Director of Carousel Productions that produces the annual Miss Philippines & Miss Earth Pageants.    

Never forget...
Scene: Some journalists and concerned citizens gathered last November 23, 2011 at the Plaza Rizal to celebrate the International Day to End Impunity as the nation remembered the 2nd anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 victims on November 23, 2009 -- 32 of them were journalists. The statement read: “We, Bol-anon journalists and concerned individuals call on the end to impunity in the Philippines and all over the world. We call for justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre. We call for justice for all journalists and freedom advocates who have been killed for exposing the truth." (Thanks to Liza Macalandag, Shem Quezon, Salvio Makinano, Vida May Tirol-de Juan and Nemi Monton and his angels.)

Seen: First district Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos has filed House Bill 5422 that seeks to rename Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Corazon Aquino Avenue. The measure is now pending with the committee on public works and highways of the House of Representatives. Relampagos said “EDSA should be named after Aquino because “one cannot think of the 1986 EDSA Revolution without thinking of former President Corazon Aquino.” However, large number of Pinoy Nettizens (including celebrities such as Tim Yap, Georgina Wilson, and Paolo Paraiso) refuse to have anything to do with the bill and expressed their disagreement openly online.  The topic became a Top Trend on Twitter last Wednesday.

Seen: World-renowned operatic tenor and philanthropist Sal Malaki will perform on Dec. 4 at the Bohol Cultural Center, 6 p.m. The two-hour concert, dubbed “Christmas Showers of Grace” is directed by thespian Daisy Baad and animated by Spring Rain Global Consultancy Inc. led by president and CEO Glenda Antonio. The concert will have pianist Carmencita "Menchi" Ybud. The Placido Domingo protégé, Malaki, who traces his roots to Anda, Bohol, was born in Leyte and studied at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music, major in Flute and Voice, is the only Filipino member of two prominent ensembles in the US: the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Opera. (Note: The tickets are pegged at P1,000 (gold), P 500 (silver) and P 300 (bronze). For ticket reservations, contact 0915-8886488, 0928-4551866 and 0923-3186800. Visit Holy Spirit School or call 411-2558.)

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Christine “Tintin” Ng has elicited laughter and admiration from fans, friends and even foes.
For an artista to get through the industry, it’s either you get the breaks or you break barriers. Some of them bloom late. Others bank on pure talent, versatility and fame to step in without much struggling.

Ask Christine “Tintin” Ng, who hails from Tagbilaran City, has come a long way from being the shy probinsya and now a rising actress in the country.

Tintin was discovered by her fellow Boholano, renowned director Maryo delos Reyes, who was initially doubted Tintin’s ability but eventually ended up a adviser and a good friend.

What made Tintin decide to join showbiz?

“My love for acting!” exclaimed the comedian-actress. “It was my mentor and beloved director Maryo J. de los Reyes who convinced me to enter showbiz. He gives sound advices. You know, I don’t have any acting workshop, kumbaga eh nasabak ako sa digmaang biglaan na walang dalang sandata at bala. Sabi ni Direk Maryo sa akin ‘gamitin lang ang diskarte at magiging observer.’”

In 2008, Tintin appeared in Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo, I’ll Be There (2010) and in some indie films like Biktima (2010), Pendong (2010) and Mainit (2011).

Her breakthrough role, however, was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera (will end in January 2012) which showcase Tintin’s natural acting. Quite credible in her role in Munting Heredera, Tintin appeared the talkative and seductive yaya or maid and showed she could act, exuding both comic and sensitivity.
TinTin Ng first TV appearance on GMA 7’s Dwarfina (with Janice de Belen and Chanda Romero) where she played the comic sexy maid.
On and off the camera, Tintin makes you laugh with her wits. She catches your eyes with her height and fabulous figure. She leaves you amazed of the real Tintin Ng. Very natural! Very kuwela!

Asked what have her showbiz experiences taught her thus far, she turns philosophical: “Showbiz-showbiz para sa akin ay hindi habang buhay nasa kinang ka ng mga tala. Kailangan mo lang i–enjoy ang bawat ningning na nakapalibot sa iyo at ang pakikisama at lalo na ang pag-arte kailangan marunong makiramdam. Maging creative at maging listo.”

She adds, “Hindi lang naka- base kung ano ang blocking nang direktor eh yun na ang susundin mo. Kailangan mo ring mag-experiment na tutugma sa role na ginagampanan mo , at i-suggest mo sa direktor kung puwede  mo bang gawin yung idea na naiisip mo para mag-work ang character na in-established para sa iyo.”

Her height (4’8”), which she carries with natural gracefulness and confidence,  no doubt helped her right in showbiz. “Maybe kasi maliit ako at trying hard magpa-sexy na unique kasi nga yun ang role na established sa akin. Malandi na petite! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Drama or comedy? “Both, gusto kong maging versatile na pwede sa drama or comedy. Pero mas priority ang comedy sa akin. Nachachallenge kasi ako sa drama kasi ang hirap umiyak at matagal akong mapaiyak.”

She dreams of having Dingdong Dantes as her leading man if she will be given a big break. “Dingdong Dantes! Marian sa question lang to gurl He! He! He! Baka masabunutan mo ako dito. Choz!! For me, he is cute and sexy and yummy!! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

And she is willing to give it “all” in the name of acting. “Like kissing? Yes!  Kailangan! We did some of my leading man in Mujer na kahit wala sa script eh nag- smack siya sa akin pero walang reklamo kasi part na sa job namin ang ganoon. Diyan makikita ang pagka- actress or actor mo.”

To date, according to Tintin, she has never snubbed a fan, although he steers clear of people who have topak (tantrums). In fact, she has her own fast growing fans club whose members give her letters, flowers and stuff toys. “I’ll put it beside n my bed then tinatago ko yung mga perfumes at yung mga package na padala nila. Eh kasi tatanungin nila saan ako nakatira. Para sa akin I didn’t treat them as fans only but I treat them as my friends. I give time to talk with them kahit ilang minuto lang para kahit sa ganoon man lang eh makapagpasalamat ako sa kanila. Kaya valuable yung mga bigay nila sa akin. Ang mga letters tinatago ko lahat at dadalhin ko yun hanggang sa pagtanda ko na minsan sa buhay ko ay may mga humahanga din sa akin at iniidolo ako.”

I bet you didn’t know that Tintin is almost famous in the country. She is mobbed by fans wherever she goes. “I don’t know but I have noticed it lalo na sa mga places na may nag-papapicture sa akin at nag-papaautograph. Minsan nagtiyangge ako gaya ng ginagawa ko dati di ko naman alam na dudumugin nila ako at nagkapasa ako. Kinamayan ko sila, nag- shakehand hinila ako at sa liit ko namang ito nako po ay talagang nagkapasa ang kamay ko. But it’s ok natutuwa ako sa kanila.”

For years, Tintin has elicited laughter and admiration from fans, friends and even foes. She isn’t stopping just yet. “Simply lang po ang dream ko na mag-mark ang name ko sa mga tao na maalala nila ako bilang si Tintin na kakaiba at nakakatuwa.”

Tintin’s last visit to Bohol was in May 2010 and she missed her family and siblings. “Ahermm  Namimiss ko rin ang daming kalandian ko sa Bohol at alam niyo yan guys kong sino kayo if lalabas na tong article na to! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Despite her success, Tintin remains a simple Boholana at heart. She may have already achieved milestones in her career, but she prefers to remain humble. She proves that when it comes to pursuing dreams or just fulfilling your passions, limits do not exist. The possibilities are endless for those who have the right attitude.”

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter or email at Facebook.