Bohol designers donate reusable face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, barangay health workers and  quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran  airport

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

* * *

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

Powerful Bible verses to fight fear and help you heal in tough times

The COVID-19 pandemic is confusing and frightening millions of people as it refused to die down.

It has redefined social graces--- no beso-beso, hugs and kisses, and shaking hands. People are reminded to observe "social distancing" --- that is three feet away or farther from each other.

The virus has also affected social life. Birthday parties, weddings, concerts, graduations and the like have either been postponed or cancelled.

To all who were advised for home quarantine, please stay at home!  We have the whole community to protect.

It's 14 days to save lives,14 days to save the community, 14 days to save the world. We should not ignore the sound advice of medical professionals and public health experts. Remember, a little sacrifice can make a big difference.

The pandemic also questions our faith. It’s easy to lose faith when pain is plaguing our mind, body, and soul. But no matter how hard the situation is, no matter how unsure the world is,  we can count on finding some strength in G-d’s word.

Here are just a few of the great verses found in the Bible about G-d's great power to deliver us from fear and for healing:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 -"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Psalm 91- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my G-d, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

Isaiah 41:13- "For I am the LORD your G-d who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Psalm 6:2-"O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror."

Jeremiah 17:14-"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise."

Psalm 27:1- The LORD is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your G-d. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to G-d. And the peace of G-d, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Deuteronomy 31:8- "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1 Peter 5:7-"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

John 14:27-"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Joshua 1:9-"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your G-d is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 23:4 -"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

2 Timothy 1:7-"For G-d has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Psalm 34:4-"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Matthew 9:20–22- "Then suddenly a woman . . . came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.' Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, 'Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.'"

*   *   *
Bohol designers donate reusable
face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, barangay health workers and  quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran  airport

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

* * *

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

Who will run in 2016?; EJ goes to UK

• Who will run in 2016?

• EJ goes to UK

 

It’s not sure if former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim will run for mayor (or congressman) and so did Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco, Jr. for  board member (or congressman) of Bohol’s first district.  Booy Captain Eutorgio “Jun” Telmo seems to enjoy keeping people guessing whether he will run for councilor in Tagbilaran or not.  According to reports, Kap Telmo is not really interested but people close to him are pushing him into…running?

 

“Politics is addicting,” said my media friend who heard that some of our friends are thinking if they will file their certificates of candidacy (COC) tomorrow, Oct. 12 (until the 18^th).

 

“It’s a good thing that some media friends got back to their senses,” s/he said.

 

My unsolicited advice to them?

 

Don’t! Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol
 and Tubigon Mayor Marlon Amila
during the United Nationalists Alliance
(UNA)’s gathering at Cebu Coliseum
 on Friday led by Vice-Pres. Binay.
The question is: Who are those 19 mayors who
attended the gathering brought by
Mayor Che Toribio-De los Reyes? Contributed Photo

Anyway, here’s a partial list of political luminaries who have made known their intention to run in the 2016 elections:

 

• Erstwhile Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- De los Reyes for representative (against incumbent Art Yap)

• Doxson Asoy for mayor of San Isidro

• Former Panglao Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan for mayor (against incumbent Nila Montero)

• Former Panglao Mayor Dodong Alcala for vice mayor (against incumbent Pedro Fuertes)

• Former Sierra-Bullones Mayor Renfredo Buslon for mayor

• Former Loboc Vice-Mayor Artemio Delfin for Mayor (against incumbent Helen Alaba)

 

...And here’s a list of those running for reelection:

• Gov. Edgar Chatto

• Vice-Gov. Conching Lim

• Rep. Rene Relampagos

• Rep. Aris Aumentado

•Rep. Art Yap

• Panglao Mayor Leonila Montero

• Panglao Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes

•Dauis Mayor Marietta "Miriam Tocmo-Sumaylo

•Dauis Vice-Mayor Luciano “Lulu” Bongalos  

• Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap

• Tagbilaran Vice-Mayor Toto Veloso

• Tubigon Mayor Marlon Amila

• Sevilla Mayor Ernesita Digal

•  Sierra-Bullones Mayor Dodie Maestrado

•  Clarin Mayor Allen Ray Piezas

•  Getafe Mayor Casey Shaun Camacho

 

 

***

EJ goes to England

 

“The United Kingdom is a great place to visit,” said fashion icon EJ Relampagos  who is visiting the four kingdoms of UK—four days in England, three days in Wales, three days in Scotland and three days in Ireland.

 

He said that England, Scotland, Wales and the Offshore Islands offer a host of great vacation and holiday destinations with something for everyone.

 

 “The weather here is predictably unpredictable!  Nevertheless, I think the UK weather loves me. Every time I'm on tour, the sun shines! Fair enough!” said EJ.

 

In England, he visited the Stonehenge, Big Ben, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral (where Prince Charles and Lady Di were married in 1981), Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Royal Courts of Justice and the Tower Bridge. Grosvenor (“Pronounced with a silent ‘s’,” said EJ) was a good place for another adventure.

 

“I experienced the London Eye which gives me the full aerial view of the City,” said EJ.

 

Fashion icon EJ Relampagos (at Stonehenge, a popular
Solstice destination) is wondering around United Kingdom
to visit the sites of the legend of King Arthur,
Shakespeare’s sonnets and the palaces. Contributed Photo

I asked EJ, “Did you visit The Queen?”  He said, “Unfortunately, the queen was not around when I visited the Buckingham Palace. I should know because the flag was not up at the top of the castle.”

 

EJ said that Wales, Scotland and Ireland are not popular tourist destinations but he said Scotland is the most beautiful so far.

 

“I love UK, it’s a totally different setting compared to the other countries I have visited before,” he said.

 

When EJ was online on FB last night, I asked him if how his tour was.

 

“My trip so far has been very hectic but a lot of fun and surprises,” he said.

 

 “Did you cross London Bridge?”  I asked.

 

EJ told me, “I cross the London Bridge and Tower Bridge through a tourist shuttle.”

 

But he assured me that London Bridge is still there. (Remember the nursery rhyme?)

 

EJ said, “No, London Bridge is not falling down. The Queen had it fixed already! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

 

***

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

Tips on how to pass the US tourist visa interview

From Hollywood sign,  Statue of Liberty, Empire State, Golden Gate, Las Vegas neon, and the White House to Apple computers and Levi’s to Coca-Cola and hot dogs—these are the images of the United States of America that are familiar everywhere.

 

For EJ  Relampagos no trip 

to New York City is complete 

without a visit to the Statue

 of Liberty—or a ride on the

 Staten Island Ferry or Circle

 Line to ogle the "lady in the

 harbor" from a distance.

 

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin
steps into style and
sophistication at the
birthplace of New York City.

But before you can see the spacious skies, the shining seas and the gorgeous cities in the beautiful America, you need a visa.

 

For many Filipinos, going to the US even just to pay a visit is the realization of a lifelong dream. Sadly, many Filipino applicants have experienced frustrations and disappointments when trying to obtain a US tourist visa.  

 

If you really want to go to US, then here are some tips on how to pass the US visa.

 

“I have only three tips,” says fashion icon EJ Relampagos, “you must have complete requirements, relax during the interview and smile.”

 

Beauty queen Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin says, “When your turn comes, stay focused, walk towards the assigned window quietly with all documents in hand, greet the consul, listen intently to what he is saying and give personal information and answer questions only when asked.”

 

Leah Tirol-Magno
at San Francisco’s
Lombard Street:
 "The crookedest street in
the world."

Vera Villocido with Eireen
 Ruth Tungol-Navarro at
the Hollywood Walk of Fame
in California.

The Consul will ask basic questions like: ‘What will you do in the US’? ‘How many days you will intend to stay?’ and ‘Where you will be staying  in the US?’

 

Be confident. Nervousness will bring you nowhere so you must act cool and poised.  

 

UB Registrar and accountant Leah Tirol-Magno shares: 1) Fill-out visa application firm properly, clearly, neatly and honestly. Be sure to provide an itinerary of your visit to the US, including the contact person's info, 2) Do not volunteer any information or documents if not asked for, 3) Answer questions honestly and confidently; 4) Be sure all the documents needed are in original or authenticated forms.

 

“Be prepared with proofs,” says Vera Villocido, a documentation specialist.  “Though there are some consuls who would not even take a look at the supporting documents of an applicant, but it is still recommend that you bring documents that will prove you have strong ties in the Philippines to be back.”

 

Your VRS at the Hollywood Sign (formerly the Hollywoodland Sign)
on Mount Lee, a world famous sign and American cultural icon in
Los Angeles, California. 

Here are the US visa application tips from Dustin Bradshaw, Foreign Service officer of the US Embassy in Manila courtesy of GMA News:

 

1.Be honest.

2.Have a good purpose for visiting the US.

3.Have a strong reason to return home to the Philippines.

4.Do not join visa seminars.

5.Visit the US Embassy’s official website.

6.You don’t have to bring your bank documents and land titles.

7.The embassy does not discriminate in choosing applicants.

8.There is no quota per day for number of applicants.

9.It’s easier to be approved for a US visa if you have been to other countries.

10.There is no dress code but applicants should wear decent attire.

11.Be at the embassy 15 minutes before your interview.

 

***

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

EJ’s take on Miss U

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Two international cruise ships makes a port call in the island of Bohol in the Philippines, the MS Europa and MS Minerva. MS Europa, the best cruise ship in the world according to Ward-Ranking and Berlitz, visited Bohol last Wednesday. The 339 passengers visited the Chocolate Hills and Panglao. Others joined the "Community Life Tour" in Maribojoc town where they interacted with the locals. Another luxury ship MS Minerva arrived in Bohol on Friday. The 293 passengers had enjoyed the countryside tour. "It is a very good sign and I see 2015 will be a rosy year for the province of Bohol," said Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus of the Bohol Tourism Office. 

 

The visits of luxury ships MS Europa
and MS Minerva are good signs for Bohol,
 according to Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus. –LPU

Seen: President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new RTC judges in the province of Bohol: Lindecita Cabaron Arcamo of Branch 1, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and former Tagbilaran vice mayor Jorge D. Cabalit of Branch 48, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

 

***

Pinoys fans were shocked and saddened when Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, the Philippines’ bet to the 63rd Miss Universe pageant, failed to make it to the pageant’s Top 5.

 

Many Filipinos were expecting Lastimosa would surpass the successes of her last four predecessors in Miss Universe – Venus Raj, fourth  runner-up to Ximena Navarrete of Mexico;  Shamcey Supsup, third runner-up to Leila Lopes of Angola; Janine Tugonon, first runner-up to Olivia Culpo of USA; and Ariella Arida, third runner-up to Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.

 

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega won the crown, followed by USA, Ukraine, Netherlands and Jamaica.

 

Filipino fans remained supportive of Lastimosa in her quest to bring home the Miss Universe crown, some Pinoy fans traveled to the US just to support her including our very own fashion icon EJ Relampagos who was at the International University Arena in Doral, Miami, Florida, USA.

 

“I'm on a cloud 9,” shared EJ who witnessed the pageant for the first time. “I intended not to bring my tab because I want to feel this experience to the bones. I got more than what I expected, I did not just feel it, I learned a lot.”

 

Fashion icon EJ Relampagos on MJ  Lastimosa
 during the 63^rd Miss
Universe: “MJ did her best!’ Courtesy: EJ Relampagos/MissUniverse

EJ said that Paulina Vega of Colombia was a clear winner the moment the candidates stepped on stage. “She was head to foot a beauty queen,” admired EJ.

 

The costume, a floral piece reportedly inspired by the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, (with many netizens comparing it to a birthday cake with its floral design) designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza, was poorly received by Filipino fans. Some couldn't help express their disappointment with her national costume.

 

EJ said MJ was able to carry the dress well.

 

“MJ did her best. Her gown is not ugly, however, it just did not compliment her height and figure,” shared EJ.

 

What if EJ were to do the national costume for Miss Philippines for the Miss Universe?

 

“I would want a halter serpentina gown in nude gold embellished with crystals on vertical patterns from neck all the way to the hem to make her look slim and tall, with a keyhole cleavage showing chest and a slit on the mid front to let her walk with ease,” said EJ. “This will surely compliment her skin tone, will make her look tall and slim... stunning!”

 

But EJ said he wanted to see Miss Philippines wearing a gown and a costume done by a Filipino designer.

 

EJ Relampagos and other Pinoy fans
watch the 63^rd Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA,
 to support Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa in her quest
to bring home the Miss Universe crown. Courtesy: EJ Relampagos

“This experience taught me a lot of things I want to share with my fellow Filipinos, especially the Boholanos. It’s time to step up our game... we can do it,” stressed EJ.

 

Added EJ: “I have learned that if you will go to a competition like Miss Universe, it’s not enough to be only prepared in all aspects. The preparation should be done right in every element! Be effectively and efficiently prepared.”

 

Traveling is broadening one’s knowledge and EJ knows that too well.

 

***

Bohol policemen wear black ribbons

in honor of fallen PNP-SAF members

 

The country is mourning for the 44 elite commandos who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. The SAF units fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country. 

 

Flags flew at half-mast across the Philippines on Friday as the entire country observed a national day of mourning.

 

In Bohol, the Philippine, Bohol and Tagbilaran City flags flown at half-mast at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. The Philippine flag inside Camp Francisco Dagohoy was at half-mast since Monday.

 

Members of the PNP-Bohol were wearing a black ribbon around their badge to honor and remember the fallen 44.

 

Bohol observes the National Day of Mourning
 to honor and remember the 44 members of PNP-SAF
who died last week in Maguindanao. –LPU/GMANews

“We honor and remember the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25,” said SPO4 Geronimo Conarco of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of the Bohol Provincial Police Office.

 

SPO4 Conarco said it is their simple way of honoring their brothers in the PNP and their way of expressing sympathy and condolences to their bereaved family.

 

Another citizen JP Maslog offered candles and flowers at the Camp Franciso Dagohoy on Friday night in honor of the Fallen 44.

 

“We will never forget,” said JP on Facebook.

 

Former Tagbilaran City councilor Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus also shared on Facebook her insights: “Call it coincidence, but yesterday, via mail, I got hold of the December 2014 issue of the Cavalier, the official publication of the PMA Alumni Association. We get it every month and is rather routinary. But yesterday was quite different- sent jitters! It came when we, former dependents of SAF members, couldn't help but silently "feel the pain" and say a prayer. And what was written all over the cover page : "Hurdling the obstacles to Peace". What a hurdle, that was! Inside, I read the President's corner, and I quote: " But peace is elusive nowadays. While most of our people sleep soundly on Christmas Eve, the men and women in the uniformed service stay awake as duty calls for most to be away from their families, to serve and protect the people. We do not want peace that is based on a yearly tradition of truce when fighting is just suspended for a while, but after the holidays return to the usual not-so- peaceful routine," Cav Robert Arevalo '85. Then the Article of Cav Fredelino Bautista '66 said: " Let it not be said that it is the armed services that are the obstacles. It is the men in uniform who die, who get maimed, who leave widows and orphans, many of whom are cavaliers. How many more of our young cavaliers who are in the forefront of preserving the peace shall make the ultimate sacrifice before lasting peace is attained? Therefore, let those who profess that they want peace, prove it, in deeds, not in words." Indeed!”

 

***

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

Start your days right in 2014

With the New Year comes the opportunity for a fresh start. The best way to greet 2014 is to start its first day on a healthy and a fabulously positive note. Thus, I am sharing with you some “reminders” to welcome your most awesome year yet.

Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2014 from statisticbrain.com:

1. Lose Weight

2. Getting Organized

3. Spend Less, Save More

4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest

5. Staying Fit and Healthy

6. Learn Something Exciting

7. Quit Smoking

8. Help Others in Their Dreams

9. Fall in Love

10. Spend More Time with Family

Top five (well, six) tips for staying healthy in 2014 from Cambridge News:

1. Eat breakfast – Ensure you have a substantial breakfast which includes some protein and fat, and aim to eat it within an hour of getting up. This will help your body to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and that’s key in order to reduce your cravings. And do yourself a big favour and skip the fruit juice - it plays havoc with your blood sugar levels.

2. Get active – Find an activity that you enjoy and actually look forward to, such as cycling, dancing, running or yoga – and do it twice a week. Current research suggests sitting for long periods can increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain and diabetes, so if you’re office based ensure you get up several times a day and take a walk.

3. Protein – Include some with all meals and snacks: think eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds, approximately the size of your palm. This will slow down the insulin response and help keep your weight stable.

4. Get into green tea - Replace some of your tea and coffee with green tea. It is rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that will not only help to keep you healthy this winter but may also slow down the ageing process as may encourage faster metabolism. Start with two cups a day and experiment by adding fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

5. Cut back on carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, biscuits - and ensure you load your plate up with healthy seasonal vegetables instead. Make them interesting by stir-frying, sautéing, baking in the oven, adding garlic and chilli - whatever works for you.

6. One final tip... Include mushrooms in your diet. They contain powerful compounds called beta glucans which have long been studied for their immune enhancing properties.

And some inspiring words from Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol on New Year's resolutions - The Pope Francis list:

1. Don't gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose the "more humble" purchase.
5. Meet the poor "in the flesh."
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Make commitments, such as marriage.
9. Make it a habit to "ask the Lord."
10.Be happy. This joy should translate to love of neighbor.

***

VRS asked you to share your greatest moment of 2013. These are your stories...

Volunteerism-“It's being able to rediscover myself by realizing my capacity to help. The 7.2 earthquake and typhoon Haiyan were my greatest moments because it helped me realize not only that I can actually help but it let me witness the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen – the Filipinos and other countries helping each other to give aid to the victims. As they say, it is in times of disaster that brings out the best in the community.” -Anna Maris Igpit

Daughter’s Birthday-“When Cielo celebrated her 16th birthday with our family, her Grandma Wincie and Mommy Lou in attendance; when Jerome and I put on her medal for her victory in the Regional Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge in Cebu City, and when I escorted Cielo to the University of the Philippines-Diliman upon her college entrance.”- Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin

Heaven’s Bliss- “When I met Padre Pio in Boracay that made me back sincerely and religiously with God in the Catholic Church. I swear! Isn't that amazing?”- Joy Suarez

Partner-“My greatest moment of 2013 is that I met and married the woman that I'll love for the rest of my life, Atty. Joan Jagonos.” – Benjie Oliva

For Art’s Sake- “When I was chosen by the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) fellowship grantee for visual arts here in New York for six months to observe contemporary arts.”- Sam Penaso

Beauty with a Purpose-“As usual, the success of Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 with Daniel Padilla as special guest and when I was able to defend my master’s thesis en route to my Master in Business Management Degree at the Graduate School of Business and Administration of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.”-Raymund Delgado

A Helping Hand- “Co-convening the Oplan Bangon Bohol and doing relief and rebuilding missions in Bohol but still getting a year-end Performance Award from our Law Firm.” – Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado

Youth Service- “Winning the "Outstanding Barangay Official of the Year 2013 (Toboy Awards)" SK Category among 3,003 SK chairmen of the whole Region 7 and elected as Barangay Kawagad in our beloved Barangay Booy.” - Clement Ingking

Happy Feet- “The best moment for me this 2013 is when I went to the Grand Canyon...I felt God's presence there!!!”- EJ Relampagos

2013 was a good year for VRS as he was interviewed and featured on CNN.

***

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