Pacquiao, Moreno, Abella ask Boholanos to choose the right leader

By Leo Udtohan

Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao visits Bohol province on Thursday, April 21, to meet his supporters. Photos: Leo Udtohan

The campaign sorties of our presidentiables have been heavy in Luzon. In the last stretch of the campaign, they are expected to spend some more time in Visayas, Bohol included. 

Last week, three presidentiables have visited the province of Bohol, the 20th rich-vote province in the country. 

Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao asked Boholanos to stop comparing him to other presidential candidates.

“Dili ko puwede ikumpara sa mga pulitiko  nga kawatan (Don’t compare me with those corrupt politicians),” said Pacquiao during his visit last Thursday, April 21, in a remote sitio of Pundokan Rowena Heights in Barangay Anonang in Buenavista town.

Although he didn’t names, Pacquiao said those thieves were the reasons the Filipinos remain poor.

“Ngano nagpabilin tang pobre tungod kay sige sila pangawat (We remain poor because they keep stealing),” Pacquiao told at least 3,000 attendees who are members of Simbahan Ni Teodorico and Visayas Federal Movement headed by Bishop Romeo Melecio Jr.

Pacquiao also shared about his housing project that he wished to immediately implement if he wins the presidency.

“Akong pangandoy nga ang tanang pamilya sa tubuok Pilipinas dili puwede nga wala kapuy-an nga balay (My wish is that all families across the Philippines would no longer be homeless),” Pacquiao said.

He echoed the same message when he visited Tubigon town with a crowd of at least 2,000. In Cortes town, he had to speak to 1,000 supporters about his platforms.  On Thursday night, he also met ateadt 200 pastors and ministers at Dumaluan Beach Resort. 

Pacquiao’s townhall visits in Bohol only pulled out small crowd compared to rallies he held in other provinces.

On Friday, Pacquiao visited dyRD and dyTR to present his platforms. He also visited the provincial Capitol and City Hall. 

The latest Bohol Poll Survey 2022 revealed that Pacquiao was second in voters’ preference for president in the province. He got 18 percent next to former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with 52 percent.  Vice President Leni Robredo had 17%.  The survey was conducted last Feb. 28 to March 22, 2022.

Around 40,000 people attend the "IsKoncert Rally: Bilis Kilos Bohol" of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Wednesday night, April 20, 2022. Photos: Leo Udtohan

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso  promised the Boholanos who showed up at the "ISKoncert Rally: Bilis Kilos Bohol" last Wednesday, April 20, that if elected president, he would bring in a government that is direct to the people. 

"Gusto niya murang bilihin, kuryente, mabilis na internet, trabaho, bahay, ospital, yun ang gobyernong alay ko. Diretso sa tao para sa kinabukasan sa kabataan sa ating bansa," Domagoso addressing the jampacked crowd that attended the concert-rally held at the old Tagbilaran airport. 

(You want cheap goods, electricity, fast internet, work, house, hospital, that's what my government offers to you. Direct to the people for the future of the youth in our country.) 

Organizers placed attendance to the rally at 40,000.

Moreno urged his supporters to support him and his team. 

"Samahan niyo kami sa May 9 tatapusin natin ang away ng pula at dilaw. Tayong kabataan ang magtatapos sa away ng mga pulitiko," said Domagoso with a hoarse voice. 

(Join us on May 9, we will end the fight of red and yellow. We young people will end the fight between politicians.) 

In between speech, Moreno showed his dance antics, two joints hand gesture and would say "Chill lang" which the crowd responded with applause ang cheers. 

In his speech, Moreno praised the Boholanos resilience especially during the typhoon typhoon Odette (international name: "Rai"). 

Moreno was one of the first responders when Bohol was ravaged by typhoon Odette. He flew to Bohol on December 20 to personally hand over an initial P1 million in financial assistance, four generator sets and food boxes for typhoon victims in the province.

"Anong hirap na dinanas niyo huwag kayong susuko. Nakikita niyo ako? Itong batang ito na kaharap ninyo dating basurero. Sino mag-akala na puwede maging mayor ng Manila, puwede na maging presidente ng bansa," he said. 

(Whatever hardship you have gone through, don't give up. Do you know me? This boy in front of you used to be a garbage man. Who would have thought that he could be the mayor of Manila, he could be the president of the country?) 

Also present during the rally were vice presidentiable Dr. Willie Ong ang senatoriables  Bro. John Castriciones, Carl Balita, Atty. Jopet Sison and Samira Gutoc who also gave their messages.

Domagoso and his team also attended rallies in Catigbian, Carmen and Calape towns. 

Benjie Oliva, overall coordinator of Damagoso’s campaign in Bohol, said that 

as early as 4 p. m. , some 10,000 people were already assembled inside the old Tagbilaran Airport where the huge stage was located for the concert of several artists and bands. 

Singer-musician RnB singer Luke Mejares, a Boholano, performed.  Range 999, J-Blaque, Makii, RKTeq, Kyle Zagado, Freshe, Mocha Uson and Moreno’s actor son Joaquin Domagoso also performed. 

Oliva said between 6 p. m. to 7 p. m. , the crowd ballooned to 20,000 and peaked at 40,000 when Moreno was already on the stage talking directly to the people. 

It was also in his Bohol visit that Domagoso challenged Vice Presidentiable Leni Robredo to tell the truth that he and other presidentiables were offered to back- out from the presidential race. 

He also accused Robredo and the "yellowpink" of being a bully. He cited incidents where pro-Robredo businessmen allegedly threatened to fire employees who are supporting other presidentiables. 

"Ang tanong ko kayo lang ba ang may karapatan tumakbo?  Kayo lang ba ang may karapatan na tumakbo sa pagka pangulo? Kayo lang ba ang magaling? Kasi puro BBS eh-bilib na bilib sa sarili. I challenge the Vice President pasinungalingan niyo kami kung hindi kayo nag-attempt nang makita ng taong bayan ang katotohanan," said Domagaso during an ambush interview with the media. 

Presidentiable and former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella visits Bohol province on Tuesday afternoon, April 19, 2022.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

Former presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella met with pastors in Bohol province on Tuesday afternoon, April 19. 

At least 200 pastors from different denominations attended the "pambansang usapan" with Abella held at the March of Faith Seminary in Barangay San Isidro in Tagbilaran City. 

"I find it very necessary for participatory governance. We're getting more mature. We can have a conversation. A wise approach to governance. They combined faith with wisdom, with logic," said Abella. 

His visit was considered by pastors "a surprise by an angel."

"I am not here because I have great machinery, I am not here because I have enough time.  It's the story of the kingdom of God, let those who have ears let them hear. It's your choice. But I love you Bohol. I wish you the best," said Abella, a pastor from Davao City. 

The former foreign Affairs undersecretary and presidential spokesperson said he has no vice president "since I can work with anybody."

Some pastors told Abella that they have to choose between him and Senator Manny Pacquiao - who are both ministers of God.  Pacquiao had a dialogue with them during his visit to Bohol last year. 

"Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na practise discernment. There is no competition between Manny and me. Mukhang ang problema nila they made a commitment at nahihirapan sila. At the end of the day, people should make the best choice for the nation," Abella said.

Abella also visited Dao Public Market and bus terminal.

"Philippines is a destiny. It will become a light to the (other) nations," he said. 

Despite these highly charged mammoth rallies, however, the political observers said that machinery will still spell the difference on May 9.

* * * 

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Why Bohol is in Kirby Asunto’s heart

Rising Broadway star Kirby Asunto, who was handpicked by Manny Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem in the Pacman-Bradley fight in Las Vegas in 2012, is back again in the country, and she considers this latest visit as extra special.

 

 “This is special because I will be helping my fellow Boholanos,” said the 16-year-old Kirby during the presscon of her ‘Gift of Joy’ concert.

 

Kirby Asunto on Bohol: ‘It’s more fun here.
The best octopus is in Bohol!’ Courtesy: Shirley Asunto

Kirby feels it is important she should go back to her Visayan roots and help her kababayans who are victims of the killer quake.

 

“It’s not really only for Loon, but it’s for whole Bohol. I did it because I want to help out to my fellow Bol-anons since my mom is from Garcia-Hernandez,” said Kirby.

 

“There are lot of guests that are coming. Pop songs, Whitney Houston songs, more Broadway songs..a lot!” exclaimed Kirby.

 

Guests are Arnel Pineda, Jacob Benedicto, Marlo Mortel, Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA, and the Loboc Children’s Choir.

 

Kirby should feel right at home in Bohol because this is her second visit.  In her first visit late last year, Kirby had admitted to knowing the Filipino culture, having been born in Manila and migrated to the US at age 6.

 

You see, her mother Shirley is from Garcia-Hernandez from the Madelo clan.

 

Her mom said she raised her four kids (Kirby is the youngest) very Filipino.

 

Kirby said she loves Bohol “because the best octopus (kugita) is here.”

 

“I also love dinuguan,” shared Kirby.

 

Like a true-blue Filipina, Kirby is warm and friendly and very “connecting.”  Her sing-song voice as musical as ever, answering every question with infectious verve, straight from the heart. She easily breaks into laughter that makes her so charming. I’ve seen it for myself during our interview with her.

 

Career-wise, she plans on recording her debut album next year.

 

Asked if she has a boyfriend, Kirby laughed.

 

 “No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

 

Kirby Asunto (with concert producer Dr. Rosendo Lopez III)
at dyRD to promote her concert on Dec. 13. Courtesy: Shirley Asunto

“Wala talaga, way uyab,” said Mommy Shirley.

 

To prove that she is a Boholana by heart (and still looking for someone ‘special’), Kirby sang Ang Bol-anon (she will be expected to sing Visayan medley songs during the concert):

 

Kung ikaw Inday mangita'g pamanhonon  

Siguro-a baja Inday ang Bol-anon,    
Kung matuman mo suwerte ka,  

Ang Bol-anon buotan gayud

magmahal kanimo hangtud sa kahangturan. 

 

Apan ayaw baja Inday hikalimti

Bisan dako’g gusto magpadili-dili

Ilabina na gayud sa palikerong ulitawo

Kay gusto siya mohangyo kanimo ay..

 

Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa kahangturan!

 

After the presscon, I made my way to ask her some questions.

 

Her eyes lit up and she cooed, “I really like your hair!”

 

Oh well, I know she was telling the truth. And when she flashed her million-dollar smile at me, I was transfixed.

 

Kirby Asunto made my day.

 

(Note: Rebuilding Loon “Gift of Joy” happens on Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. It is produced by Dr. Rosendo Lopez III in collaboration with K&N Productions of LJ Lumayag and sponsored by  City of Tagbilaran, Bohol Quality, Island City Mall (Alturas Group of Companies), J&N Caltex, Lite Shipping, Dr. Oliver Yu, YS Construction, Madelicious, Du Ek Sam, Goldilocks, Vita Derma, Apple One, Hydrotech Water Refilling Station and Best Diagnostic. Ticket prices: P1,000 (VIP), P700 (Platinum Seats), P400 (Gold Seats) and P250 (General Admission).. Call 09173041183/09157572551/09275649047.)

 

Fil-American singer Kirby Asunto with the Bohol media. Courtesy:  Shirley Asunto

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10 contingents to join Pilar’s 1st Panubig Festival ; Kirby Asunto to hold benefit concert for quake victims

Salamanca

•10 contingents to join Pilar’s 1st Panubig Festival
•Kirby Asunto to hold benefit concert for quake victims
Wake-uppers:

Scene: Marina S. Salamanca, Ph.D. is the new assistant schools division superintendent of DepEd, Division of Bohol. Salamanca is a multi-awarded Scout Leader and trainer of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, having received the Silver Usa for her meritorious and outstanding service to scouting.

Seen: Sen. Bongbong Marcos was in Bohol last Friday for the multisectoral dialogue on Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaption and Disaster Preparedness.

Scene: Making sure that no one is left behind in all the educational programs available, NYC Commissioner-At-Large Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III was in Bohol last Monday for the Abot Alam Project. Abot Alam seeks to locate out of school youths (OSYs) and enroll them in program interventions in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Dantes stressed the collaboration with partners in engaging ordinary citizens to adopt an OSY and ensure that they are enrolled in the Abot-Alam program.

For his part, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell gave books for the OYs through Abot Alam event. He said education is "a critical component of human development which in turn is necessary for economic growth."

***

Rising Broadway artist Kirby Asunto is spearheading a fund-raising concert billed Gift of Joy to benefit the victims of the Oct. 15, 2014 quake that killed nearly 200 people and displaced thousands of Boholanos.

The show will take place on Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Wisdom Auditorium.

Guests include JM de Guzman, Fr. Jonas Mejares, Loboc Children’s Choir, Penelope, Van and Maki Rickafort of the Singing Bee.

Kirby Asunto is coming to the province for a benefit concert on Dec. 13. 

 Photo grabbed from her official Facebook page.

Asunto got her first shot at fame during the fight between Pacquiao-Bradley fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2012. She was personally handpicked by Pacman to sing the Philippine National Anthem during his match against American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr.

The New Jersey Suburban News reported that “Asunto has earned high recognition in the Filipino-American communities in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. even at her tender age.” As Most Outstanding Filipino in New York, she was the grand champion of the Philippine Fiesta Grand Idol singing competition.

Ticket prices are P200, P 500 and P750. For inquiries, please call 09157572551/0927-564-9047.

***

Ten contingents will take part in the first-ever Panubig Festival, a socio-religious event in honor of the Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of Pilar town, on October 11.

“As the center of rice granary in the province of Bohol, “Panubig” is a general term commonly used by the people to irrigate the farm, since water is life,” said Butch Bernas who conceptualized the first Panubig fest.

Pilar, formerly a barrio of Sierra Bullones town, has the Malinao Dam which was constructed to help irrigate the farms of Pilar and nearby towns of San Miguel, part of Ubay and Alicia.

Butch said that the actual feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated on Oct. 12 with grand nine-day nightly events every year in her honor.

“Panubig festival will commemorate its maiden celebration as thanksgiving and blessing of the people in honor of Our Lady of Pillar for giving a bountiful harvest to the devotees,” said Butch, a member of the Bohol Arts Culture and Heritage Council.

On Oct. 11, the town of Pilar will reverberate to the sound of revelry 

as residents and visitors celebrate the 1st Panubig Festival. 

Courtesy: Butch Bernas

One of the highlights of the festival is the search for the Panubig King and Queen.

“Each contingent has one Panubig Queen and one Panubig King,” said Butch.

“The music to be used is a combination of Pilar Hymn or any religious chants and must be celebratory,” said Butch. “It is of a free rhythm, not patterned from Sinulog or other famous festival in the region.”

“The entire performance shall be divided into street dance and ritual. Each contingent must perform the street dance routine using only progressive movements, no backward steps,” said Butch.

***

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

Sinulog 2014 and Pacman offers prayers for Bohol

• Boholanos wow Sinulog crowd

• Pacman offers prayers for Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Scene: More than 5,000 participants from the different Christian denominations and faith movements attended this year's National Bible Week and 2nd prayer gathering at the CPG Sports Complex, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Jan. 25.  Sarangani Province Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao was the guest of honor.  The participants who cheered his name and received him like a hero, listened intently as Pacquiao shared about the word of God, sounding more like a pastor than a sports demigod. He encouraged the crowd to read the Bible everyday and deepen their relationship with God.

Rep. Manny Pacquiao has led the crowd in prayer and shared as well his beliefs during the National Bible Week in Bohol; and Pacman with Bohol 2^nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado and wife Vanessa Aumentado.  Photo by: LPU/Charina Aumentado

Scene:  Some Boholanos preferred to attend mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral during the National Day of Prayer and Solidarity last Jan. 20. Tagbilaran City Central Elem. School teacher Mrs. Clementina Gamil said, “My prayer for the celebration of the national prayer is that we Filipinos will help one another to keep peace and unity and we will be freed from catastrophe like what happened before that God will be keeping us through Mama Mary.”

Scene: Former Sevilla SK municipal federated president Karen Digal gave birth to her daughter with husband former SK provincial federated president and San Isidro ABC president Doxson Asoy last Friday, Jan. 24.

***

Cebu was unmistakably the top destination last weekend.

“I heard the drumbeat and saw the merry spirit of this year’s Sinulog 2014,” said my sis Arlene who was with me in Cebu last Wednesday morning to meet some friends at the DFA.

Thursday night I had a brief chat with Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol and she said that she, too, was going to Cebu but she didn’t make it because of the strong waves.

Friday afternoon Edward Guyano and I excitedly talked about his trip to Cebu on Saturday but he missed the chance to catch the last trip going to Cebu.

Engr. Aprilmel Lupot and some Boholano models in Sinulog 2014. Courtesy: Engr. Aprilmel Lupot

I found out that Engr. Aprilmel Lupot, a proud Boholano and obviously a Santo Niño devotee, was in Cebu not just to attend the Sinulog 2014 but was involved during the parade as the “float manager” for the Bohol delegation.

 “I felt so fulfilled that I got involved in this year's Sinulog festival— that we didn't just stay home and claim it a usual day— all for the two things we both care about - Sr. Sto Nino and Bohol,” shared Engr. Lupot.

Oh, sigh! The Panglao delegation failed to win in this year’s Sinulog. But there’s next time.

“Win or lose, Bohol made a statement that we've risen after a great fall through the participation of Tribu Panglaoanon in Sinulog this year. We may have failed to make it but no words can explain how proud I am that we were represented in the grandest and most awaited festival in the country. You made us more proud to be Boholanos!” said Bb. Pilipinas World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit. “To Municipality of Panglao headed by Mayor Nila Montero, choreographer Anthony, Province of Bohol, SouthPalms, Boholanos who were on the float, propsmen, instrumentalists and dancers, you all deserve a big congratulations for representing us well. Your participation in the parade is a winning act already that despite the earthquake that damaged some parts of our beloved province, we are still thankful to Snr. Sto. Niño for keeping our faith stronger than ever. Pit Señor! Bangon Bohol!”

The Sinulog fever is now over but the memories live on.

Anyway, here’s an article from Engr. Lupot who says it all:

This year’s Sinulog 2014 celebration had a different meaning for a Cebu-based Boholana like me. I initially thought I’d just watch everything on local television. Unexpectedly, I became part of the grand parade and even had the chance to ride our float!

Tribu Panglaonon and the team behind the Bohol float, assembled across Sunstar Building in P. Del Rosario Street. Our dancers and instrumentalists were identified with their gold costumes.

This is the first time that the Province of Bohol, in collaboration with the Provincial Tourism Council, displayed a float. It was designed by Bluegrass Project, Michael Yu and Joseph Dumadag, and with the invaluable support of South Palms Resort Panglao, through Mae Uy Yau. It bears the theme: “Beautiful Island, Beautiful People”. It has a stylized representation of the iconic Chocolate Hills through a series of arches running in the center of the float. The dominant white color represents the hopes and aspirations of the Boholanos, and the purple color is for the sweet and fragrant ube kinampay. Forest ferns, purple and lavender dendrobiums, sonia boom orchids and purple mums adorned this magestic float.

What made the float more appealing was the presence of our  lovely models—siblings Erika (reigning Ms. UB Personality 2013) and Erik Karcher, Kay Marie Berangel, Rami Harven Gallego, Ms. Cebu 2012 3rd runner up Jonnie Rose Louise Wee, Mr. Philippines Youth 2012 and HNU student  Ar Dela Serna, Mr. Rajah Bohol 2013 Danilo Torcende, Best Model of the World Philippines 2004 Liza Tandugon, Ms. HNU Personality 2013 Candy Cumayas and Jinlyn Talocod. Three of our lovely models wore white couture dresses by designer Hanz Coquilla.

Hanz Coquilla is a proud Boholano designer with a father who is from Antequera. He is known for his remarkable participation in Project Runway Philippines Season 2, Cebu Young Designers Competition 2006, Mega Young Designers Competition 2011, Look of Style Awards 2012, Sunstar’s Best of Cebu 2013; and with designs featured in magazines like Mega, Preview, Look, Style Weekend by the Inquirer; and an international exposure on Fashion One TV and Traversing the Orient. Hanz was the official designer of the Philippines for the recent Ms. Earth 2013.

The whole Bohol contingent was able to start moving around 11:00 am. We made a turn to Mango Avenue at 11:40 a.m., reached Fuente Osmeña Circle at 3 p.m., and arrived at the Cebu City Sports Complex at 5 p.m.

The most amazing part of the whole experience was seeing the people’s reactions when they saw our dancers, instrumentalists, float, and most specially our models. The crowd was cheering, shouting, screaming and taking pictures of the float and those on it. Our models were thought to have been Mariel Rodriguez Padilla, Robin Padilla, Enrique Gil, Xian Lim, among others. Well that’s quite a good comparison!

The Bohol contingent was overwhelmed with the positive response shown by our Cebuano friends.  It was about faith, devotion, warmth and hospitality — the very true spirit of this annual Cebuano festivity called Sinulog.

***

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

Simon Greatwich of Azkals is proud Bol-anon

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Catch Vice Ganda in a Valentine concert on Feb. 11, 2012 at the Verdant Pavilion of Panglao Island Nature Resort (PINR), with Jon Avila as special guest together with MC & Lassy. Show starts at 8 p.m. Call (038)-412-3964/411-2599 for inquiries.

Scene: From Vida May Tirol-De Juan: We are going to hold the Balut Beer ug Balak III on February 11, 2012, 7 p.m. at the Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. Please get your poems and balak ready. You can read your own poem or somebody else's work. Please invite your friends, too!

Seen: The University of Bohol (UB) continues to reinforce its status as one of the country’s finest institutions in architecture and engineering education as one of its graduates takes the 8th spot in the 2012 Architecture Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) held last week. Prime Daryl Calamba Deliman garnered the eight place with a rating of 83.60. UB graduates are known to perform well in architecture as well as engineering board exams. In 2006, Jess Cyril Chatto Siton placed second in architecture exam. This year, Deliman bested 822 other examinees from different colleges and universities nationwide.

***

Perhaps not many people knew that an Azkals member is a Bol-anon. It was Vera Velocido-Gesite a.k.a. Pinay Adiong, a Wikipedia editor and now Albur’s PR, who informed yours truly of the Azkals visit to Bohol and the interesting trivia that the Azkals member is kaliwat ni Dagohoy.

Simon Clive Barbon Greatwich: ‘I’m single!’

It’s 7 o’clock Monday morning and Simon Clive Barbon Greatwich, the midfielder of the Philippine Football Team, who arrived from Talisay City, Cebu for a football clinic (he distributed the 70 t-shirts donated by Teleformance to kids who are participating in the 8-a-side Mayor Eric Saratan Weekend Football League), was early for his “activities” in Alburquerque town for that day.

Contrary to what my friend Edward Guyano a.k.a. Inday Charity and I feared, Simon isn’t hard to interview. He is easy and breezy, very friendly, and is surprisingly more handsome than he looks on screen. Edward admits that “Simon is drop-dead gorgeous, sexy and impish that he makes you feel that he is vulnerable.” Edward adds, “He has dangerous puerile charm!”

Simon Clive is the youngest of the Greatwich brothers. His elder siblings Christopher Robert, 28 and Philip Carlo, 25, are also football players.

Football is really famous in England, the perfect ground for breeding professional football players. It is a popular sport much like basketball in the Philippines.

With his drop-dead looks, Fil-Briton Azkals member 

Simon started playing football at a young age.

Growing up in Brighton, England, Simon was already learning the basics of football with the help of his father who was his first mentor. He used to watch the Premier League happening almost whole year round, and David Beckham is living just 74 kilometers or one hour and 31 minutes by car.

Simon’s mother, Carol, hails from Tagbuane, Alburquerque, Bohol but grew up in Davao, Cebu and Manila because of the nature of business of her father Camilo Dumagan Barbon. She flew to London and worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital where she met her husband Clive.

Simon, 23 (born on September 30 and a Dragon in the Chinese horoscope), along with other Azkal members like Phil and James Younghusbands, Aly Borromeo, Anton Del Rosario and Neil Etheridge, is getting a new lease on the limelight with the ascendance of soccer/football as the Filipinos’ new favorite spectator sport.

The Azkals have actually been on the field for quite a time now but it was only after they beat Vietnam in the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup qualification, they became Crushes ng Bayan. It was their early fans who named the group Azkals because like the asong kalye (stray dogs) they were not getting financial support. The same thing happened to our footballers in Bohol. Years ago, I met erstwhile Garcia-Hernandez councilor Alvin Mangubat who organized football games in Bohol. Alvin devoted his time and money helping the players. In one instance, the footballers who had a game in Mindanao were stocked because the group had no money to buy tickets going back to Bohol. To save them, Alvin pawned his cellphone and jewelry. Unluckily, Alvin didn’t win in 2007 elections. Where is he now? Nobody knew.

The Greatwich family: (l-r) Dad Clive, Mom Carol, Simon,

Chris and Phil…

Wearing a Pacman shirt, Simon had “meet and greet” last Monday the teachers and pupils of Alburquerque Central Elementary School and LGU Alburquerque officials and employees headed by Mayor Efren Tungol.

"I am very proud to be Bol-anon. I love visiting my family and during my visits people have always been very accommodating. The reception I received from the supporters during my recent visit was overwhelming! Maraming, maraming salamat po,” said Simon.

Of course, it helps that the Azkals are drop-dead gorgeous. The Fil-Briton was got mobbed by screaming teachers and students at San Roque National High School and Holy Name University (HNU). He also met the members of the HNU football team.  

“You’re so cute and handsome. You’re my idol. Thanks you so much... and thanks for the autograph. OMG I have a lot of things to say... looking forward to see you again and had a picture with you,” said one kilig student.

Good news, girls and pa-girls, Simon is not “taken.” As in, “I am single!”

…and the Greatwich brothers’ jerseys

Fans had the opportunity to ask Simon about his family affairs and lovelife. And he was “game” to answer them like:

Student: Can you say “I love you’ in Visayan? (Students were screaming!)

Simon: Okay, you teach me.

Student: Gihigugma ka nako..

Simon: Gimumu na aaako.. it's too much for me.

Student: No, it's not.

Simon: How about Mahal Kita?! (Students were screaming!)

Student: Same to you!

Edward and I accompanied Simon and his family visiting schools and offices. Thanks also to Clyde Ebojo for the sumptuous lunch at the Heritage Crab House Seafood Restaurant (along Mansasa Seaside, Tagbilaran City).

Simon visited the Holy Name University high school department.

Excerpts:

Aside from football, what other sports do you like?  Well, football is my main passion. Growing up, I used to play basketball when I was 8 or 9 years old.  My mom was our coach for the basketball team. (Edward said that “you can almost smell his passion for football.”)

What is the feeling when you first joined football for Azkals?  It was great to be part of Azkal team. That was in 2008, when they invited me to join; I had to pay for my flight to come to the Philippines. When I arrived, if I’d joined the team, they would get me back my money. It is something I want to do... the coach invited me to a tournament in Cambodia. It was great for me. When I received my t-shirt with my name was on the back with a national flag, it was a privileged for me. It was three years ago, hopefully to play more games for the national team.

His visit to the HNU Football team ignites the interest of football in Bohol. 

What are the qualifications to become a member of the Azkals team? The only qualification is you have a Filipino blood, and then perhaps the talents and ability to play for the team. Some people say you have to be good-looking to play for the Azkals that is not the reason to play. We want to play so that guys would like to play the football.

Simon paid a courtesy visit to Albur Mayor Efren Tungol (extreme left) 

with mom Carol, dad Clive and a cousin.

Did you play for the Azkals versus LA Galaxy exhibition game? I didn't play. My brother managed to play with LA Galaxy. I was there in America and it was held in Philippines.  It was an opportunity to play the game but unfortunately, I missed the game.

What are your secrets of becoming a good athlete? I think it is important that I start at a small age, the basic of football, playing every day. It is more challenging for me, staying in good condition. And don't get disruptive from women and partying.

Who is your best friend in the Azkals? There are lots of players in the team, but for me, Phil Younghusband and Captain Aly (Borromeo) are one of my best friends. (The Younghusbands also began playing football early in life.)

What are your likes and dislikes? My dislike is the Filipino time. When you say we meet 8:30, and it is one hour late. Do you know that one? What I like here, it's the people and the food. The food is great.

Simon and Pacman

What is your secret of being pogi?  I think my mother she wants to take credit for that reason... but they claim my father is the one who is more guwapo.

Do you have showbiz crush? (Smiling) I don't have showbiz girlfriends yet.

Do you have a girlfriend? For now, I travel around the world so much. And I enjoy a single life.

Is there a chance to fall in love with a Boholana? This is my second visit in Bohol. The first was in 2008 and so far I haven't meet a lady here in Bohol. But one day maybe.

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