So long Sir Ricky, my idol and mentor

Vanessa Aumentado, Marisa Cartoneros, Rep. Edgar Chatto, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto and Chatto and Veloso families have fond memories of veteran journalist Ricky Lo.

"Kumusta na ang society chronicler ng Bohol?" 

That was how veteran entertainment editor and TV host Ricky Lo greeted me everytime we saw each other in Bohol and some instances at The Philippine Star Office in the Port Area in Manila. 

Sir Ricky was one of the few journalists whom I looked up to as my idol, mentor, and friend.  

Ricky Lo is Ricky Lo.  He was revered and feared in the industry that his "Funfare" was the column to be in. To be mentioned in his column (which I was mentioned countless times) meant pride or humiliation, depending on how he chose to write about the celebrity.

I am his fan forever. In fact, his "Funfare" column was the first section in the paper I read first. For generations, many Filipinos got their fix of the day’s entertainment news from him. 

As a Funfare contributor until 2014,  I missed Sir Ricky’s call and text asking for showbiz scoop since there were many celebrities who visited Bohol. 

"Leo, totoo ba nandiyan ba si ___?  Kasama si ___?" he asked. 

He encouraged me to write articles and even gave me tips. 

Even when I started my column "True"  in the now defunct “The Bohol Sunday Post” for years (and transfered to The Bohol Chronicle with my "Bared" and later to "VRS"), I usually compare my style of writing as similar to that of Ricky Lo that it earned me the monicker the "Ricky Lo of Bohol."

When my articles were published in The Philippine Star, he kept my cheques in his wallet until he could give it to me personally. 

The year 2009 was my most memorable year with  Sir Ricky. He was in Bohol for a vacation  with his friend and fellow journalist Raoul Tidalgo. (He was a family friend of the Veloso, Chatto and Castillon families). We spent the day talking about the ins and outs of showbiz, blind items and sundry and we laughed out hard. 

Sir Ricky was very instrumental in promoting Bohol to the world in his widely read column in the Star. 

We exchanged text messages as I gave my feedback on "Star Talk" ,  where he was one of the mainstay hosts. Then, "Showbiz Stripped" which metamorphosed into "The Ricky Lo Exclusives" that lasted for almost four years. 

One time, I decided to visit him at the Philippine Star at the Port Area Manila. He and other staff members (former associate entertainment editor Maridol Bismark, Jerry Donato and Bum Tenorio) were busy for the deadline. But Sir Ricky had time for a chit chat. The good part was I didn't left the office empty handed! Sir Ricky gave me some pasalubong items including his book "Conversations with Ricky Lo" which became my guide on how to handle interviews and write feature stories. 

Sir Ricky was all that — and more.

Your VRS with veteran journalist Ricky Lo.

Several years ago, I pitched about the plight of child star Rebecca "Bikay" Lusterio (who starred in Muro Ami and Panaghoy Sa Suba where she won several accolades including Best Child Actress and Best Supporting Actress) who wanted to study in college.

Bikay told me she might not be able to go to college due to financial constraints. At that time, she had a brother who was still studying in college and she felt she maybe an additional burden to the family if she wished to pursue her dreams.

Bikay helped her poor family and financed her way through high school by selling seashells on Alona Beach. 

I told Sir Ricky about it and he wrote it in his column. Several scholarships were offered to Rebecca who preferred to study at Colegio de San Juan de Letran as a full-time academic scholar until she graduated in college. 

"Magsulat ka Leo about Bikay. Daming nakagusto sa story niya," he told me. He admired Bikay's natural acting, humility and unassuming ways. 

And everytime I wrote about Bikay and her activities, Sir Ricky was always kind to give  space in the paper. 

When Bikay graduated in college, she went to Philippine Star to personally thank Sir Ricky for all his kindness. Sir Ricky told me he was touched by Bikay's gesture. 

That was Sir Ricky. With him, it was always kindness and friendship. He was that generous, very giving in every way, whether with his time, materials things and friendship.

Thank you Sir Ricky. 

You will always remain in our hearts and you will be constantly thought of with fondness and deep love.

Rest in peace Sir Ricky, Gan Eden welcomes you. 

* * * 

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Fashion highlights from Bohol’s inauguration

Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte from Davao City took his oath of office last Thursday as the 16th president of the Philippines at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

 

Gov. Edgar Chatto recites his
third-term official oath as daughter
 Trisha holds a Christian Bible and
first lady Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto
 looks on during swearing-in ceremony
at the Bohol Cultural Center on Thursday morning. Contributed Photo

He told the Filipinos that “I am ready to start my work for the nation.”

 

In his inaugural address, Duterte listed what he considers the ills of society: Corruption, criminality, rampant sale of illegal drugs and the breakdown of law and order.

 

He also said the erosion of trust in government, tainted with corruption, has to be restored.

 

Duterte’s speech was fluent---stringent in words and magnanimous in essence.

Lawyer Dionisio Balite surrounded by his
 family swearing in as Bohol Vice Governor. Contributed Photo

 

“His Excellency President Rody Duterte delivered a very sincere and heartfelt presidential speech,” said youth awardee Clement Lofranco.  

 

“Moreover, he resonated the themes and clarified the mandate and itemized the programs and framing the fundamental problems of governance like the erosion of trust from the people to the government and the message of real change that must start from each one of us,” he added.

 

In Bohol, Edgar Chatto officially began his third and last term as Bohol’s governor  last Thursday, taking the oath of office in a low-key ceremony at the Bohol Cultural Center and preparing to provide the province of his vision for the next three years on Monday.

 

Bien Unido Mayor Gisela
 Bendong-Boniel and board
member Niño  Rey Boniel. Courtesy: Nestor Daarol

It was a crisp and flawless event that Chatto and other public officials--- Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Art Yap--- recited the constitutionally mandated avowal, word for word.  With their spouses and families, the public officials quickly repeated the words from their administering officers.

 

After the swearing-in, Relampagos, Aumentado, Yap, Balite and Chatto delivered their inaugural addresses.

 

The biggest sidelight of this year’s inaugural and oathtaking ceremonies was the red carpet where the province’s government officials and then some have come to make a statement.  We’re paying to all the pretty outfits!

 

Dazzling ternos and dashing barongs worn by the officials and their spouses make the ceremonies solemn, dignified and formal.

 

The men decided to stick with the traditional plain barong Tagalog.

 

The traditional Filipina formal wear that is the terno was in the limelight.

 

Provincial board members Jade
Acapulco Bautista and Alexi Tutor
 Courtesy: Nestor Daarol

Board member Kristine Alexis Tutor made a big statement during the event with her simple yet sleek figure-hugging gown that emphasized her curves. She instantly became a hot topic with audience complementing her.   She has a keen eye for style, right?

 

New lawmaker Jade Acapulco Bautista had a dazzling look on her Filipiniana. Her entire look was totally sustainable that she had us all talking.

 

The audience were also quick to notice how confidently beautiful Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto and her daughter Trisha in their purple-colored terno. They wore them with dignity and pride.

Bohol's Queen of All Media Ardy
 Araneta-Batoy Contributed Photo

 

Bien Unido Mayor Gisela Bendong-Boniel left the audience open-mouthed after showing her stunning figure in a sleek deep-blue gown.  The lady aviator did not need an interview nor a red carpet to turn heads at the event. She was there to support her husband board member Niño Rey Boniel. 

 

The Balite ladies (and girls) were wearing shade of pink-colored cocktail dresses making a big statement during the event. Color pink is unconditional love and nurture.

 

Another real highlight was Ardy Araneta-Batoy (who was the event’s emcee. Take a bow, Ma’am Ardy!) who wore  a dazzling lemongrass gown.  Bohol’s Queen of All Media understood special occasion dressing.

 

Aside from gushing about their looks, the usherettes (mostly from the Capitol) were wearing ternos.

           

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• Mikee Andrei brings you ‘Yes I Do’ • Brothers sing ‘Tagai Kog Rason’

Boholanos take their weddings seriously, such that bridal fairs featuring both homegrown talents and Cebu-Manila-based import are a hit in the province, one of the wedding destinations in the country.  This year, fashion icon Mikee Andrei will showcase her creativity, style, influence and professionalism.

Mikee, of course, is one of the country’s young and eminent designers, known as much for her elaborating the female silhouette and creating vintage stuffs into design pieces. As president of the Fashion Designer Alliance Manila (FaDal), she finished her studies at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines where she is presently working as the school’s administrator and one of the teachers in fashion design.

On July 13, Mikee, in partnership with Bellevue Resort, Blue Grass Project and JCI-Bohol Chocolate Hills, will showcase her bridal collection-“Yes I Do!” with the Miss Bohol 2015 candidates and special guests.

It will be a lovely treat for all the brides-to-be, wedding planners, and wedding enthusiasts helping their loved ones plan for their big day.

Mikee Andrei to hold ‘Yes I Do’ bridal fair on July 13

 with Miss Bohol 2015 candidates.

“Well, I’m from Bohol and I’ve shows in Manila already and it’s time to go back to where I started and came from," said Mikee.

Special guests include actress Rich Asuncion, Miss Bohol International 2012 Mary Ebone Cimafranca, Miss Earth Bohol 2015 Gayle Suzette Yu and Miss Bohol 2014 Queeni Melody Fullante who will showcase dresses from each brand new (hot off the rails) collections.

“I’ll be showcasing a variety of bridal pieces perfect for a garden or church wedding and especially beach wedding in hue of white, ecru, silver and ash, gold and cream,” said Mikee. “There will be themed bridal dresses also which are not the typical colors of bridal gowns.”

Tickets for the “Yes I Do” are at P350, available at Martin’s Restobar and Wilsons Restaurant.

And here’s more back-and-forth with Mikee Andrei:

What’s totally new for this collection? In this collection, you will see not only the hues of cream, white, ecru, and beige. There will be other colors perfect for themed weddings and creative brides.

Fantasy bride? I’ve been dreaming of having a black bride. That includes the long veil! The red lips and the bloody red bouquet of roses to complete the look.

Save the date, July 13 and get a glimpse of your
 dream wedding at Bellevue Resort in Panglao. 

Engaged celeb you’d love to dress? There is none that I can think of right now but if I am to be asked, my dream celebrity bride is Soleen Heusaff!

First dress you ever designed? The first dress I made as I can remember, that I consider a decent dress, is the one I made for myself for the gala night of Cary Santiago at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Resorts World Manila. The front act of that gala was John Herrera who was my mentor. My gown was in rust orange and stretch suede fabric. It was inspired from my Greek goddess obsession.

Most favorite dress you’ve ever designed? I can say the one I made for the Faculty segment of the graduation show 2012 of Fashion Institute of the Philippines was and still my favorite. My muse was Krista Kleiner. It was inspired by royalties and it was made of lace and layers of soft tulle and decorated with swarowvski crystals.

Who is the Mikee Andrei bride? The Mikee Andrei bride is the one who is unafraid to say what she wants and how she wants to be remembered on her wedding day - glowing, beautiful and happy, genuinely happy. When a woman wears something she loves and is total comfort and confidence, that's a kudos to the designer.

***

Tanio brothers sing 'Just Give Me A Reason' in Visayan

Sukad nagkaila ta/Ikaw aking gihigugma/Nganong imo kung gibiyaan/Gimaotan ba ka sa akoang hitsura

Maong imo kung giilisdan

Gusto mo lalaking macho ug guwapo/Di ka gusto nako kay mura kog di tawo/Guwapo man unta ko sa wa pa nauso ang tawo

CHORUS: Tagai kog rason/Nganong dili ko nimo sugton/Lisod ba higugmaon sama nako/Nga maot og nawong?/Naglibog ko sa akoang hitsura/ Angay bang mahayan ko / Si mama sa akong hitsura.

Bisan ingon ani lang ni akoang hitsura/ Pero imong tutukan maanad raka/ Kung ikaw dili maakoa di ko maagwanta/Nga ikaw wanay gugma

Gusto mo lalaking macho ug guwapo/ Di ka gusto nako kay mura kog di tawo/ Guwapo man unta ko sa wa pa nauso ang tawo... ---Tagai kog Rason

That’s the (unofficial) Visayan version of Pink’s Give Me A Reason sang by brothers Emmanuel and Sandy Tanio during the blind audition of The Voice Kids on June 28. Their performance made a huge impression on Bamboo who turned his chair as he watched them singing with their diwdiw (an invented musical instrument with two strings) and ukelele.

Brothers Emman and Sandy Tanio join the The Voice Kids to help their parents earn a better income. Courtesy:  The Voice Kids Philippines/ABS-CBN

From Amakan Village in Dampas, Tagbilaran City, Emman, 12, and Sandy,9,  are singing for various people in the beach in Panglao, terminals and restaurants, to help their parents-- Sanny, an occasional construction worker and Elizabeth, a housewife.  Until The Voice producers saw Emman and Sandy were caroling in Acacia de Bubu in Burgos Street, Tagbilaran City.  The Voice producers sent them straight through to the judges in Manila.

Sanny and Elizabeth had to borrow clothes and shoes from their neighbors for Emman and Sandy. They also borrowed money from their friends for the terminal fees. Sanny had only 200 pesos in his pocket when they arrived in Manila.

“But the Lord provided,” said Sanny.

"Tuwang-tuwa ako,," Bamboo said.

"Sa umpisa pa lang, nahuli niyo na ako. Instrumento pa lang. Isa ito sa mga paborito kong performance sa season na ito," he added.

Bamboo even tried his hand at playing the diwdiw, an improvised homemade instrument, which Sanny made for them using a pot.

Emman and Sandy Tanio in Panglao.
Courtesy: Doris Dinorog-Obena

It's all surreal they said they were able to sing at The Voice Kids, especially as they watched the auditions surrounded by hundreds of kids from the different parts of the country.

“Gikulbaan pud ko gamay,” said Emman who wants to become a policeman.

“Hapit ko malimot sa lyrics,” said Sandy who wants to be a doctor.  

Bamboo asked Sanny if he could make diwdiw for him. Bamboo also gave smartphones to Emman and Sandy for them to use while in Bohol waiting for the next battles. Their old slum house was also repaired.

Hundreds of fans say they are hoping the brothers would the next Voice kids.

Prof. Marianito Luspo who watched the episode posted on his Facebook: Saw these two Boholano kids on TV tonight performing for The Voice Kids. I used to see them singing for various people in the beach in Panglao and I always make it a point to give them something, other than my words of encouragement. Now they're on TV, their raw talents pitted against many other contenders with voice techniques and looks infinitely much more sophisticated than theirs. I had to admit my heart bled and my tears flowed, especially when Eman said he is doing this to help augment their family's income and that his father's earning as a carpenter does not always guarantee there's enough food for all of them. Somebody suggested, "If I were one of the judges, I'll make them win!" Why- because of pity? Since when has an artistic competition become a work of charity? We have to admit their performance paled in comparison with the other contestants'. To make them win simply because of 'luoy' would be pathetically patronizing. If there was something the two boys succeeded in proving tonight, it is that there are untold numbers of children out there living marginal lives and who deserve a better deal in society, and that we should do our part.

In December 2014, the Tanio family were invited to the South Palms Resort in Panglao to perform during the initial discussions on Hawaii-Bohol sisterhood agreement attended by guests from Hawaii, the vice speaker of Hawaii Congress John Mizuno, Consul General Congen Gina Jamoralin and Capitol officials headed by Gov. Edgar Chatto. It was facilitated by Andrea Echavez of the USAid who searched the family after Janet Lau in Hawaii saw Emman and his father on Youtube (uploaded by a priest from Jagna) wished to give donation.

After their performance, the guests were impressed that they were given new guitars, ukuleles and cash gifts.

“We really appreciated the raw talents of the Tanio family who showed to our guests from Hawaii and to our consul general based in Hawaii how the kids can be trained on musicality as well as used of musical instruments from scrap materials normally thrown to the garbage, but they are using it for music,” said Gov. Edgar Chatto. “The kids talents are vey original and we can use of this as also starting point for bringing out the best from the other people talented as they are but moving in communities. We will develop a program at Center for Culture and Arts and Development to support this kind of arts and talent of these children.”

***

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Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

 

Sumad karon, ang kalibutan nagpangilin
Ngano kaha natawo ang batang buotan gayud
Kinsa siya, wa ba hi-ilhi
Siya manunubos sa yuta nga karon mikunsad gikan sa langit

Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sayawan ta ang bata
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon

Pasko na usab, sayawan ta ang bata
Pasko na usab, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon.

—Sumad Karon by Susan Fuentes

 

Four days before Christmas Day and here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts to my favorite Boholanos, with some new additions, inspired by Sumad Karon, a Visayan Christmas song classic by Susan Fuentes, Hajji, APO and Passionata, from their music album Mananaygon, which opens today's VRS.

 

Here they are:

 

Queenie Melody Fullante- A boyfriend who will love her forever and ever, amen! The guy must be romantic, confident, artistic, foreign, free spirit (aka the bad boy), intelligent/witty and considerate!

 

For Anna Maris Igpit and her Aussie football player Thomas Taylor —Marriage contract!  Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!

 

For Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen!  Same for Fer Mary Baliquig and her beau; Elvie Bongosia of PIA and her labidab and  Clyde Ebojo and his girlfriend. 

 

Various parols and belens are displayed at Tubigon
town plaza to bring more cheer to this year’s Christmas celebration.
The holiday ambience that Tubigon affords its visitors is
 making the place as one of the Most Christmassy Places on Bohol. 

For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros—  Wedding bells!!!  

 

For Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso— Marriage contract (indefinite)!

 

For Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc — A marriage contract? Nope, it’s too early. Meanwhile, they may live(on?) happily ever after as sweethearts.

 

For Dalareich Polot —A perfect holiday with someone special. She’s been working so hard for her Chocoreich! Remember, all work and no play (and no lover) makes Jane a dull girl.

 

For Pat Ruiz- Inner strength to continue her advocacies! Same for Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares and Vera Gesite.

 

For Nonito Donaire — More wining bouts! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot and Boom-Boom Bautista.

 

For Candy Cumayas—Another beauty pageant to join to prove that a probisyana charm and beauty can capture the country! Same for Mary Rose Butalid.

 

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Home sweet home! (Figure that out.) As the songs goes (to the tune of Moon River by Andy Williams: Loboc River, wide than a mile, I'm crossing you in style someday, Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, Wherever you're going, I'm going your way.....

 

For Nene Lungay, Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents. Same for Tadiyandi, Baji,  Arte Malaya, Glenn Lumantao, Joey Labrador,  Joyle Alipala, Ric Ramasola, Loboc Children’s Choir, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador, Katipunan Elem. School Rondalla, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe and Bohol Master Singers.

 

For Mikey Gatal — A Roman holiday with his special someone.

 

For Geraldine Topsnik and Immaculada Cleofe Leopardas— Hot boyfriends!  Same for Idy Cagas, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian and Trisha Chatto.

 

For Cesar Montano and Rich Asuncion— More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies.  Same for  TinTin Ng and  Lailette Boiser.

 

For Mila Lim and Dr. Mary Grace Uy — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Musette Hontanosas, Vicky Wallace, Doc Joy Yap, LJ Lumayag, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Fiel Gabin, Kit Oppus, Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Marina Salamanca, Dodong Almedilla, Freda Tirol, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias,  Hans and Lani Schoof,  Atty. Jas Montes,  Dr. Nenita Po, Greenie Aumentado, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Fancy Baluyot, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Conching Lim, Pureza Chatto  Paz Trotin, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie Geonzon,  Gerry Egos, Edi Borja, Reigh Monreal, Malou Cempron and Atty. Eliseo Labaria.

 

For Joy Suarez — A new world-class resort to manage!

 

For  Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Tracy Remolador Torres and Sony Pamaong— Fashion shows to display their artistic collections!

 

For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking to showcase his world-class talent.

 

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — More "talkative" and “controversial” guests on Showbiz Rampa.  Same for  Inday Charity (dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka).

 

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta and Gerry Pabe (dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) — More  explosive news and “controversial” guests. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado and Ted Ayeng (dyTR’s Cuentas Claras).  

 

For Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng and Atty. Salva Diputado—A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. He He He

 

Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos— A long-delayed stork’s visit. Same for Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Dr. April Lumuthang-Froiland and Arch. Junibe Froilan.

 

For Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap—A healthy baby due in February next year.

 

For Che Toribio-delos Reyes— Good things in life.  And a sign that screams, "DON’T!!! In 2016!

 

For Dr. Maria April “Doc April” Lumuthang-Froilan- A big clinic for her Touch of April to beautify  the province of Bohol!

 

For Governor Edgar Chatto, Reps. Erico “Aristotle” Aumentado, Rene Relampagos and Art Yap and Mayor Baba Yap — Divine guidance and enlightenment for political will.

 

For  Inday Rufing  — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for  Inday Charity, Ryan Sines, John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Deo Guden, Rico Guigue, Charlow Arbasto, EP Relampagos, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas.

 

For Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Hannah Precillas and Kirby Asunto— A big break to showcase their singing prowess!

 

For Marc Joseph Batoy, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila, Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz and Ar-Ar dela Serna — More exposures to prove to all that Boholano men naay ikabuga!

 

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal youth beauty for Bohol's Queen of Tourism.

 

For AD— A chastity belt! He He He

 

For Ardy Batoy —A vacation! The Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a break!

 

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint venture.” He He He Same for Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace.

 

For Baby Tagoctoc— He may continue to shine!  Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading deserves a vacation, too.

 

For Raul Gatal—  A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from his “haters.”

 

For Josephus Anthony Bumaat — Another kilig novel as engrossing as Anh To Be Surprised.

 

For Atty. Greg Delgado — A seductive girlfriend!   Same for  Van Delima, Doc Homer Singco and Lemuel Belarmino.

 

For Leah Tirol-Magno — A baking session and an outlet to show her delectable world of baking mastery.

 

For Mizken Tirol-Andan— A partner to color his world.

 

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Msgr. Jeff Malanog, Fr. Warli Salise, Jr.,  et al— Good health and more years to share the gospel as Veritas de terra orta est! (“Truth shall spring out of the earth”). Same for pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba.

 

And...

 

—No more painful and violent deaths. Well, we all have to go. But I hope and pray that deaths won’t be as painful. And I wish to see the end of the chain of deaths that had hounded the province in 2014.  

-—Safe arrival, peaceful and successful events with Pope Francis in the Philippines.

 

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