Maris Igpit, Tommy Taylor exchange I do’s

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir in Bangladesh.

Scene: The CenterStage band will have a new vocalist. This was announced by Ariel Fullido, the band’s manager. He posted on Facebook: “Quite pretty, sexy and a singer in her own right, Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2016 3rd Runner-Up, Natalie Belle Mcgaw, is a new prospect vocalist for CenterStage band. She will perform tonight with the band, together with Yeyet and Jussica in a wedding reception at the beachfront of Henann Resort.”

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The former beauty queen and the Aussie football player are now officially husband and wife.

Anna Maris Igpit and Thomas Luke Taylor finally tied the knot in a church wedding last Friday at the St. Augustine Church in Panglao town.

The newly-wed Anna Maris Igpit and Tommy Taylor with Fr. Val Pinlac.

Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Facebook account

The church wedding was private and intimate, said VRS.

“Only immediate families and close friends witnessed the exchanged of "I Do's",” said VRS.

VRS added that it was a very meaningful and solemn mass celebration.

“No decors, no videos, no photographers, just with the people who matters to the couple,” added VRS.

The wedding was officiated by Fr. Val Pinlac who also gave a beautiful homily.

Among the celebrities who attended the wedding include Miss Hong Kong China 2006  Janet Ka Wai Chow and Miss World Singapore 2006 and Mrs. World 2008 Colleen Francisca Pereira (who were Maris’ friends during the Miss World 2006 in Warsaw, Poland), Jonathan Chiongbian Aldeguer of Island Souvenirs, Miss Grand International 2015 2^nd runner-up Parul Shah, et al.

According to VRS, Maris and Tommy will spend their honeymoon in Thailand.

A beach wedding followed at South Palms Beach Resort last Saturday attended by many politicians, friends and well-wishers.

Anna Maris Igpit with her Miss World 2006 friends -  Mrs. World 2008 Colleen Francisca Pereira (l) and Miss Hong Kong China 2006  Janet Ka Wai Chow during the Despedida de Soltera in Panglao town. Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Facebook account

Maris and Tommy have been a couple for over two years before tying the knot.  They were engaged in August 2014.

“2016 will be a new chapter for me as I build myself to become a wife and start my own family. I have finally found my bestfriend and soulmate who I will share this dream with and I am looking forward to what our future will bring us,”  Maris told VRS last January.

Taylor was the midfielder of the Kaya Futbol Club, a Filipino association football club based in Makati City. They were currently playing in the first division of the United Football League.

Maris was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005 and Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006. She was behind the Oplan Bangon Bohol campaign to help the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013.  

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Anna Maris Igpit engaged to Aussie football player

Boholana beauty queen Anna Maris Arcay Igpit is ready to walk down the aisle.

Anna Maris Igpit and Tommy Taylor. 

(Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Instagram account)

Maris is now engaged to Aussie football player Thomas “Tommy” Luke Taylor.

Maris shared the happy news on her Instagram page, posting a photo of her showing off her new bling. 

"On a romantic night in the beautiful island of Panglao...i said YES!!!," Maris captioned the photo. She and Taylor have been dating for years.

Taylor also posted on Facebook, “The love of my life Anna Maris Igpit .. She said Yess!!! #happiestmanalive#loveyoububz.”

Taylor is the midfielder of the Kaya Futbol Club, a Filipino association football club based in Makati City. They are currently playing in the first division of the United Football League.

Maris was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005 and Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006. She was behind the Oplan Bangon Bohol campaign to help the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013.  

As soon as Maris announced the engagement, her Facebook was flooded with congratulations and wishes.

Anna Maris Igpit shares 

a glimpse of her engagement 

ring. (Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Instagram account)

During the AYBM's 17th anniversary last Aug. 17, Maris and Taylor attended the event together.

“Engaged...congrats to my daughter Anna Maris Igpit! I’m happy for you...,” said Maricor Igpit, Maris mom.

No wedding date has been set.

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Another yummy place in Panglao

Binalot Panglao is one of Bohol’s hidden culinary gems that offers Filipino dishes wrapped in banana leaves.

In Filipino, binalot means “wrapped.”  The owner of Binalot Rommel Juan had been inspired by his memories from childhood, when food used to be served in banana leaves during family picnics. The re-discovery of an age-old but very clever Filipino dining practice much better than styrofoam lunch packs – banana leaves! The “banana leaves” are a welcome, refreshing substitute to the non-biodegradable styrofoam box.

“I like the way the taste stays even after you ate them,” shares Bon Ryan Bongato. “It's affordable and great to eat during the mountain side and island hopping tours, beach party and any other types of party, family gathering and even just eating within our homes.” 

Binalot Panglao feels so Filipino with their Filipino

 foods wrapped in banana leaf.

Ian Grupo says, “I love the taste... Good and cheap food in the area. I want to go back here.”

Bestsellers at Binalot Panglao restaurant are their Tapa rap sarap (P99), Vivo Tocino (P85), Sinigang with a bang (P85), Pork bongga longganisa ( P85), Its dat you pork BBQ (P85), Bistek Walasyik (P99), No bones daing nab angus (P99), Anytime Inihaw na baboy (P109),   Sisig na makisig (P80), Pride Tilapia (P99) and Fiesta Adobo (All pork for P104, All chicken for P124, and chicken and pork for P114).

They have also their Ulam sa Bilao for parties, family picnic, school blowout and barkada gimmick.

To end your meal, make sure to order the halo halo and mais con yelo.

Visit Binalot Panglao at #2, Tawala, Panglao.  For

Binalot Panglao offers affordable and yummy Filipino foods.

inquiries and deliveries, call Binalot Panglao at (038) 502-4946 or 0925-5004627.

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Boholanos happy for Megan Young’s Miss World 2013 victory

Wake-uppers:

Scene: October 15, 2013 has been declared a regular public holiday in the Philippines in observance of Eidul Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), considered as one of the two greatest feasts of Islam.  Eidul Adha remembers prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)'s consent when he agreed to sacrifice his first-born son to submit to commands of God, who later intervened to provide him with a lamb to sacrifice. 

Megan Young Courtesy: MWO

Scene: The Charity Rummage Sale is today, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1 G. Visarra Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. There are three ways to help: Give (donate any good quality unwanted goods), sell (set up your own stall, donate part of your proceeds to charity or to a pre-nominated charity of your choice) and buy (come along and buy some bargains).  Partial proceeds will be donated to VSO Bahaginan to fight against poverty. For inquiries to donate items or stall setup, contact Liza at 09275418455.

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Finally, after years of trying to bring home that elusive blue crown, Miss Philippines Mega Young has won the Miss World 2013 crown after outpacing 126 other contestants from around the world at the glittering ceremony held at the Bali International Convention Centre in Indonesia on Saturday night, Sept. 28.

The “most beautiful woman in the world” was crowned by last year's winner Wenxia Yu from The Peoples Republic of China.

Boholano beauty pageant watchers are happy for Megan Young for winning the first Miss World crown for the Philippines. File

Young is the first-ever Filipino winner of the title since the Philippines' debut in the pageant in 1966.

In the final round, the top six were asked to explain why they deserved to win the Miss World crown, to which Young said: "I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides her into understanding people, why they act the way they do, how they're living their lives. And I will use these core values and understanding not only in helping others but to show other people how they can understand others, to help others. ... So that as one, together, we shall help society. Thank you!"

Philippines has made history only country to have won all major and minor beauty pageants. This proves that the Philippines is indeed the powerhouse of beauty in the world!

Filipina beauty queens who placed runners-up in Miss World are Evangeline Pascual who was Miss World 1973 1st runner-up, Ruffa Gutierrez was declared second runner-up in Miss World 1993, Gwendoline Ruais placed second to Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela in 2011 and Queneerich Rehman made it to the Top 15 in 2012.

Boholano beauty pageant watchers and lovers rejoiced over the major piece of pageant history, and squeals of euphoric ecstasy can still be heard all throughout amid political scandals that had rocked the nation.

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 1st runner-up Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs, who met Megan Young, said she had been confident of Young’s chances. She was glued to the TV set to watch the pageant and she burst into cheers when Young’s name was called. “She prepared herself very well that she deserved the crown... and that makes us all proud.”

“Megan's winning is a dream come true for me and to the rest of the past Miss Philippines who competed in Miss World. We were once there, represented our country and tried to bring home that elusive crown,” Anna Maris Igpit, who was the Philippines’ bet to the Miss World 2006, told VRS. “I was very emotional the moment she was declared a winner because finally a Filipina won that title for us. I'm just so proud of her, she didn't only prove that a Filipina is the most beautiful woman in the world, but she also made all Filipinos feel good and happy despite all the challenges we are going through as a country. Mabuhay ka Megan!”

Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol told VRS that, “Megan's victory is a breather from all negative issues Philippines is now facing.”

It’s #ThrowbackSunday! Yours truly, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero and Maricor Igpit attended the Miss World 2006 in Warsaw, Poland.- LPU

1983 Miss Young Bohol 4^th runner-up Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch (The Floating Restaurant to the Stars) said that, “She deserves the crown....she's so gorgeous like me hehehe!”

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 Idy Caseñas Cagas said, “A Filipina has proven once more that our country is a home to most beautiful women in the world - beautiful women with grace, confidence, character and substance. It's a triumph not only for Megan but for the entire country. Her victory is like a ray of sun that shines in and gives us hope with what our country is going through right now. She is a woman with a clear purpose, an inspiration to everyone especially to every woman who dreams of becoming a beauty queen.”

“I've always been one of those people who pray that Megan would one day represent our country in an international pageant like Miss Universe or Miss World,” said fashion icon EJ Relampagos. “Megan winning our first Miss World crown is not only a proof that He answers our prayers in perfect time, it’s also a proof that if we believe in our dreams and we claim it, nothing is impossible!”

US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal believed that “for bringing home the bacon, she might solve the pork barrel.”

Beauty pageant watcher Raul Phillip Gatal also shared that “Megan’s victory is not only a breath of fresh air from all the negative vibes and bad news that have swirled in the Philippines but also an affirmation that our country does have the most beautiful women.”

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

Ebone Cimafranca wins Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012

Anyag 2012 candidates

FLASH REPORT: The Anyag sa Tubigon 2012 committee announced that Star Magic’s Matteo Guidicelli will grace the affair to serenade the lovely candidates on May 13. The event will be hosted by Mr. Cebu 2009 Kris Nimrod Cabigas and Bb. Pilipinas- World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit.

 

“Don't miss this opportunity to witness ABS-CBN's hottest talent in celebrating TANDA Festival with us,” says Raymond Delgado, erstwhile Tubigon’s Queen of All Media.

 

The Anyag crown is designed by a famous Cebuano jeweler Alpio Saban and it was donated by Manila Vice-Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

 

“May is not just a fiesta season; it's also a pageant season. Anyag still maintains its show mantra, quality, quality , quality...it's all about quality of showmanship and our theme is ‘contemporary beauty",” adds Raymond.

Tickets are Php 200.00 (ring side) and Php 100.00 (general admission).

For reservations, you may come and visit the Tubigon Tourism Culture Arts and Heritage Office or contact us at (038) 508-8496.

 

Anyag sa Tubigon 2011 Lori Geisha Cabrera will relinquish her crown to the new winner (12 candidates are vying for the crown) on May 13. Credit: Ryan Macalandag

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That Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca is more than just a pretty face is amply proven by the Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 crown and Miss Photogenic, Best in Casual Wear, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Gown awards during the Miss Teen Tagbilaran just held recently in the City of Friendship.

 

Ebone Cimafranca

That Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca gives a straight answer that her mother is her role model.

 

“For me, the greatest woman would be my mother. Not only because she has supported me all throughout my life, but since before school she has taught me moral values which I can apply at home and in school,” says Ebone during the pageant’s Q and A portion.

 

“And I know that without my mother, I wouldn't be the strong and confident woman that I am today,” adds the 16-year-old lass from Poblacion 1 whom Bared has interviewed after winning the crown facilitated by Bohol’s fashion icon EJ Relampagos ( EJ’s boutique is located at 51 Pamaong Ext., Cogon District, Tagbilaran City, Cell No:  09498383173, Tel. No: 416-1184), Ebone’s stylist and manager.  

 

Her parents, Engr. Cresente and Maria Eva Cimafranca (nee Calimbayan), are very proud of their daughter’s achievement.

 

An Aries (March 31), Ebone stands 5’6”, weighs 113 lbs., measures 36-25-36, and wears small-size shirt and size-8.5 shoes. She finished high school last March at Holy Spirit School-Tagbilaran and she’s planning to take up broadcast journalism in Miriam College.

 

She has more to say.

 

How would you convince people here and abroad that it’s more fun in Bohol?
“I would use the medium of information that is prominent to us teenagers of today which is social media. I would showcase the true beauty of Bohol to everyone and I'll see to it that tourism can be promoted here in God's little paradise.”

 

Should transgender be allowed to compete in beauty contests for women?
“I don't have any problems with transgender people, because I consider them very loving, fun, and sensible. In my own opinion, if the person has passed the requirements to be a woman or to be a candidate, why not?”

 

If that’s the case, how would you prove that you are more female than transgender?
“I am more female than transgender since I possess true womanhood and femininity in myself. And I have this certain edge over men which is my wonderful capability to bear a life in my own body.”

 

What do you think does the world needs most right now?
“I think the world needs love and prayers. With all the wars and calamities happening right now, I believe there is still hope. And if there is love in the community and sincere prayers from our hearts, the world would be a more colorful one.”

 

What is your favorite quote?
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." By Dr. Seuss

Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca with her manager and stylist EJ Relampagos and supporters. Contributed Photo

 

How's your love life?
“I am not into any intimate relationship as of now since I think it’s a distraction for me towards my studies. And I think it’s still inappropriate for me to engage in such, since I'm still a minor.”

 

What do you find sexy in a man?
“Confidence. If a man has confidence in himself, his other aspects don't matter as long as he is proud of the man that he is. That, I find very sexy.”

 

And what turns you off?
“A man who has low self esteem in himself, a man who cannot even be proud of what and who he is.”

 

As Miss Teen Tagbilaran, what qualities of the Tagbilaranon youth would you highlight?
“The oneness of our Tagbilaranon youth and their love for our city.”

 

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?
“I strongly believe that it is against our moral values as teenagers to engage in such intimate activity. Sex is a sacred union only for a certain married couple. However, as I have observed, teenagers of today have been lured by lust and such act has become very prominent.”

 

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why?
“I think it would be fun to be Kate Middleton... being young, educated and carefree. I want to know the feeling of how is it to be a princess. I'd love to relive that moment when I first watched a Cinderella movie.”

 

Describe yourself in three words.
“Sensible, God-fearing, and Loving.”

 

What is your greatest inspiration?
“The love and support that my family has given to me ever since. They have always been there for me and they have been the driving force of my life.”

 

What is the essence of being Miss Teen Tagbilaran?
“The essence of being Miss Teen Tagbilaran is not only about beauty, talent and personality, it is the responsibility bestowed on me to give hope and inspire my fellow teenagers that this is a wonderful world for us to nurture and love not hate and destroy.”

 

 

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