Monday, August 31, 2015

‘Unang Gugma’ is all about poignant love ; ‘Old Warrior’ releases new book

• ‘Unang Gugma’ is all about poignant love
• ‘Old Warrior’ releases new book
 
To start off, what young people today don’t know is that, while the names of the Visayan troubadours Max Surban and the late Yoyoy Villame were making waves in the music industry, there was Boholano singer-composer Emil Loseñada, who made his name in the music world singing Tagalogand Cebuano songs, in--demand for concerts during his younger days in the same way that the likes of Daniel Padilla, Sam Milby and company are today.
 
Emil, who is also known as Milyo Nario, has been in the music industry for six decades yet he remains very relevant in our lives.
 
Emil Loseñada ,Glee Orcullo and Atoy Cosap
 have teamed up to release a new album “Unang Gugma.”
Recently, Emil is now back in the limelight and collaborating with broadcasters Glee Orcullo and Atoy Cosap for their new album Unang Gugma (First Love).
 
Singing is his first love that eventually turned into a lifelong passion. Emil’s top selling albums were Sa Aking Pagbabalik, Its 5am, Ang Iyong Dangal Sayang/Hilo Hilo na Ako,  Matud Mo and Mag-Playing Playing Ta. His major hits were Pasawaya Ko Day (with Dulce), Dolor, Mingbalik AKo, Guhit ng Palad,  Inday, Ikaduhang Bathala and  May Kahati Pala Ako.  Emil also has written songs for other local Philippine recording artists like Max Surban, Willy Garte, Verni Gonzales, Roel Cortez, Butch Ilagan, Del Horest, etc.   His songs were later adapted to films like The Rookies and the Mighty Kids (1987), Ang Nusog at Tatlong Itlog, Bodyguard: Masyong Bagwisa Jr, Boy Tipos and Mga Parung-Parong Bukid.
 
In Unang Gugma, Emil sings Unang GugmaHoney, Uminit Na and Oh Babes.
 
Who knew dyRD’s news anchors Glee and Atoy could sing, too? It shouldn't come as a surprise to us, really, that some of our media friends also happen to be good singers. 

Glee and Atoy are
 gifted with a pretty good singing voice, but can keep an audience glued to the radio just by talking.
 
Glee is no stranger to singing. She showcases her vocal chops when she was a TV host in Cebu City. In Unang Gugma, she writes and sings Ayaw Nagbalik, Bakit Ba and Bakit Ganon Glee sounds as if she’s singing you to sweet slumber with sadness in her heart and caressing you with every word of every line of the songs. Well, all about love and heartaches. Ouch! (Her boyfriend left her for another nilalang, right Sir Peddie B.?—LPU)
 
Atoy has floored listeners with his gentle yet poignant melodies in Unang Gugma. He writes and sings Pahiri , Samtang Nagpitik ning KasingKasing and Kon Sala Man.
 
“The songs we chose for the album are based on our experiences,” Glee told VRS. "Easy listening tunes that most talk about love and heartaches."
 
Unang Gugma album is available at dyRD News Room. You may text/call 0910-135-7858.
 
***
I welcome the month of August with positive notes, high hopes and inspirations. After all, life is beautiful.
 
I have to thank whoever gave me a copy of Old Warrior and Other Poems last year. I opened the book while caught by boredom and I couldn‘t put it down. I was inspired to finish the poems by Dr. Nestor Maniebo Pestelos, a long-time resident of Bohol.
‘Old Warrior’ Dr. Nestor Maniebo Pestelos has released 
his book “Old Warrior’s Poems and the Bohol Quake Assistance Story.”
 
In case you didn’t know, the book’s Foreword will remind you that Nestor didn’t grew up surrounded by books as Emily Dickinson and many other poets were. Neither did he have highly educated parents nor did he have any formal education in poetry. So how do the precise words and phrases seem to flow so effortlessly from his neurons to his pen or to his laptop screen?
 
Dr. Nestor Pestelos earned his Master of management Degree from the Asian Institute of Management under the UNICEF scholarship and pursued successfully a doctorate degree on educational management at the University of Bohol. He organized the Bohol Local Development Foundation (BLDF) to serve as partner of government in implementing programs and projects under the theme poverty reduction and sustainable development.
 
According to Nestor, his poems assumed another dimension as it paved way to build more core houses to benefit those rendered homeless by the quake on Oct 15, 2013.
 
Last month, Nestor has released the book “Old Warrior’s Poems and the Bohol Quake Assistance Story” with Australian-based writer Milwida Sevilla-Reyes, a former classmate of Nestor at the Quezon National High School in Lucena.
 
The 227-page book, twice the size of the previous “Old Warrior and Other Poems,” has added a part two which documents the experiences of BLDF, the non-government organization headed by Nestor. Publication of the new book was made possible through a cash donation by Corazon Maxino Verzosa, a realtor in Metro Manila.
 
Proceeds from the sale of the book will help enable BLDF implement its new initiative, the youth livelihood and drug rehabilitation project.
 
Copies of the book are available at Crescenia Café, Baclayon Food Station, in Poblacion, Baclayon and Darunday Manor in Tagbilaran City. You can call Florencia Gilay-Pestelos at (038)- 540 9327 and 09173041484; Email: fgpestelos@yahoo.com;  Lorena Sensen Balala- 09353635241; and Romulo Pasco- 09173066158; Email: glennmoli@yahoo.com.ph).
 
Oops!!! Before I get carried away, let me share with you some entries (only the printable ones) from Old Warrior and Other Poems:
 
In Old Warrior he writes:
Gone are the trenches
Gone are the nightly vigils
Gone are the songs to occupy poem-bullets.
 
In Silence he writes:
I remember the silence of roses in your eyes
And this longing you wrap it like a shawl
Around your frail body
In rain or sunshine.
 
In Afternoon Rain, he writes:
Yes, as raindrops disappear
And the sky seeks a new reason for being
The afternoon remains puzzled
In these desperate moments of missing you.
 
Anyway, the poems are introspective and insightful.  As I said, it will make you think that life is beautiful.
 
Thank you, Sir Nestor for sharing your poems!
 
***
 
They happen about…once in a blue moon
 
Boholanos living in some parts of Bohol missed out on Friday night's full moon, but some residents of Tagbilaran City had a spectacular view of the 'blue moon' as it lit up the sky briefly.
 
Wet and cloudy weather was to blame in Visayas region, where the Pag-asa said the blue moon began at 6:45pm.
 
The Blue Moon was briefly seen in Bohol province.  Photo  by Leo P. Udtohan


Tagbilaran was also predicted to miss out due to bad weather, but the moon was pictured revealing itself through rain clouds for some minutes before it disappeared.
 
Like other sky-gazers, Glendon Villagonzalo, 14, a grade eight student of Cogon High School enjoyed the unusually brief blue moon.
 
“I thought I could not see the moon because of the bad weather but I am very happy I got a glimpse of it,” said Villagonzalo.
 
Joshua Galleros, 16, a grade six pupil of Booy South Elementary School in Tagbilaran missed tonight’s celestial phenomenon. When he went outside to check the moon, it was covered with clouds.
 
Blue moons aren’t actually blue, but they are as rare as the saying goes.
 
Each month has one full moon. But, every once in a while the cycle of the moon and our calendar match up to give us two full moons in a month. The second full moon in a month is commonly referred to as a blue moon—this July, the first full moon was on July 2, and the second full moon is on July 31.
 
 The famous phrase "once in a blue moon" means rare or seldom.  It’s not because of the color of the moon, but because of how often you see two full moons in one month, according to NASA’s National Space Science and Data Center.  
 
The next blue moon will be in January 2018.



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

BOHOL CHRONICLE, AUGUST 2, 2015 ISSUE

Netizens say Miss Bohol 2015 is a 'cooking show'

Netizens continue to express their ‘feelings’over Miss Bohol results
It has been a week since Miss Tagbilaran Mary Eda Cimafranca won the most coveted crown and the “hakut queen” award ---with at least 12 corporate and major awards:  Miss Renaissance Smile, Miss  Body Beautiful, Miss  Bellevue, Ramasola Viewers' Choice Award, Miss  Supercat, Miss South Palms, Miss  SMART Texters' Choice, Miss Hennan, Darling of the Press, Best in Talent, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimwear---the first Tagbilaran beauty to do so, and yet, the negative reactions from the netizens are not showing any signs of dying down.
The last time Tagbilaran won the Miss Bohol crown was in 2009 when Daisy Jane Quilicot took home the title.  
Cimafranca’s win met with boos and criticisms as the audience reacted intensely that she was booed repeatedly during the pageant night.  However, beauty watchers said Cimafranca kept her poise despite the boos.  
Tagbilaran’s Mary Eda Cimafranca has been crowned  Miss
 Bohol 2015, beating contenders from different towns at the
 province’s oldest beauty pageant.  
Courtesy: Ric Obedencio
Boholanos turned to social media (at the unofficial Miss Bohol Sandugo fanpage since the comment section of the Miss Bohol 2015 official page was disabled) to express their opinions with bitter and hilarious posts to express their dismay with the results of the Miss Bohol. Much has been said about this year’s pageant; not only about the organizer’s unpreparedness but it was pre-arranged (lutong Macau), and a “cooking show.”  Not a few came up with disturbing observations. Hosts Rich Asuncion and Wil Devaughn were boring on stage and they didn’t know what to do, and thanks to Raul Gatal who saved the night. Some said that the Bohol media made a major mistake on choosing the darling of the press, the organizer was such a failure, and the major sponsors were biased for giving the awards.   Many were rooting for Miss Guindulman or Miss Jagna who aced all the segments and looked stunning throughout the competition. Some strongly agree; a few slightly oppose, while those fans of Miss Tagbilaran defended her.
Some netizens were also entertained by how some people can post humorous feedback like “luto na ang lechon (the lechon is ready) and some rejoinders said, “kalami ba anang lechon, (the lechon is yummy)” and “paghukad na kay excited nako mo hiwa sa panit sa lechon. (Get it ready because I am excited to get the skin of the lechon).”
A popular Pinoymail.com website posted their review on the pageant saying “Miss Bohol 2015 is the best cooking show at its finest.” The website said that “a clear gesture that everybody disagreed to the final decision as it was very different based on what we’ve seen and heard during the entire ‘cooking show.’ I pity Miss Tagbilaran as she’s now on the hot seat and the target of all bashes.”  However, the post has already been deleted.
Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal who was a segment host of the pageant posted on his blog that “it was the most blatant booing to ever hit the Miss Bohol pageant.” Gatal, however, asked the public to support the winner.
 “The competition has lost all integrity,” Ronan Cars commented on Facebook. ‘Anybody that watches the QnA can see that the scoring was obviously rigged and biased. This is a sad day for Bohol.”
Josh Halasan said, “The issue will never end unless organizers will explain the results...If they remain silent people will keep on asking. It's not a nonsense issue because a lot of people deserve an acceptable explanation!”
Reziel Ranada chimed in, “Boholanos are not only loving people, don’t forget kini ang lahi na gikan c Dagohoy, so they will make a stand on what they believe is right. So for the reigning Miss Bohol it is  a bigger challenge for her na ipakita that she deserves the prestige and crown.”
Aileen Cespon Olantique said, “Come on...you may have the crown but you can never have the hearth of the people who witness the said Ms Bohol 2015.”
“It’s not her fault,” Beachy Twinkle commented, “but then the Organizers should have been fair. Because it’s their fault why this girl is being hated. Mediamen don’t have good taste FYI, they make people believe what they want people to believe..Sa BBP bashed girl can redeem herself if she make waves in a higher pageant, when she’s in the right age already I encourage this girl to join Major pageants...”
Miss Bohol 2015 Eda Mary Cimafranca Courtesy: Ric Obedencio
Jon Snow asked the organizer to explain why it happened. “ We demand an explanation from the organizers namely the JCI Tagbilaran City to close this issue. If it was the first ever booing occurred during the pageant night, there might be something else during the grand parade! Have you watched game of thrones season 5 finale the "Mothers Mercy" episode? What happen to Cersie Lannister as she walk back to the red keep might happen to Ms Bohol this grand parade if there is no statement and clarification on this! We dare you JCI to speak up!!”
Cimafranca’s fans said that those who can’t accept the results are “bitter” and “judgmental.”
Monena Turot commented: “I understand that you have given your 100% support to your candidate, but I think you need to grow up. In a competition, there is only one winner and then losers, accept defeat gracefully. You lose, Ms. Tagbilaran won. Do not make lame excuses.”
Another Facebook user Noux on Facebook said, “you people, especially bashers are acting like 8 years olds fighting over Batman and superman Grow up, she had to take in all your insults and booings and you people do not realize how much it hurt her, look at yourself, show a bit of decency as Boholanos.”
Keana Uy said that “bashers normally occur every after pageants and this happen not just in our province even in Miss universe the most prestigious pageant and we all know that. The newly crowned
Miss Bohol Sandugo Eda Cimafranca definitely will use her advocacy not only to her place but I think for all the people in Bohol.”
Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante said, “that was a well-deserved win. I salute Eda for being able to handle pressure with such grace.”
“The Eda walk was the most significant,” said talent handler James Obedencio.
Jeanette Busano of the Tagbilaran Mayor’s Office defended Cimafranca.  On Facebook, she wanted to set the record straight:
“I think the comments given here are kind of unfair. First, the decision to give the crown to Eda was the judges' decision. I will not entertain the fact that these judges were coerced into doing something against their will. Will Shalani or her husband for that matter, will come here just to proclaim Eda? I don't think so. Second, the special awards given to Eda were made by the company sponsors themselves. They've called the shots, they've singled out Eda simply because she was the embodiment of what their company represents. These are all professionals. I firmly believe they know what they're doing. Third, Eda was also picked out by the press as their favorite, having been awarded as the Darling of the Press -- which means that media men, reporters, and journalists -- known to be very discriminating -- have also found her worthy. Reading all your comments, it seems that the judges, the media men, the major sponsors got it all wrong. So who then should be blamed for this? Is bashing Eda the right thing to do? Yes, we live in a democratic country, but I think it should not be a license to disrespect someone because they have a different opinion than ours. I think we should take the cue from Eda, when she answered with grace during the Q & A, despite some booing her. As with all competition, the decision of the judges is final and irrevocable. Going against it is simply counter-productive.”
Cimafranca did not comment publicly after the contest. And so far, there is no official statement from the JCI-Chocolate Hills.
However, some beauty pageant watchers said that ranting on the Internet with bitter posts will not do good. Tracy said, “We should move on and support Eda Cimafranca’s journey!”
I agree. Move on!
***
‘Twilight’ actor Kellan Lutz visits Bohol
  
While our paisanos abroad are homing here for the Sandugo and the Tigum  Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK),  here for a  Bohol visit last week was Hollywood actor Kellan Lutz.  
Lutz  is known for playing Emmett Cullen in “The Twilight” Saga film series; as Poseidon in the 2011 film “Immortals”; as Hercules in the 2014 film “The Legend of Hercules” and as ex-US Marine John Smilee in the action-thriller “The Expendables 3.”
Hollywood actor Kellan Lutz has a whirlwind visit to Bohol. Hairstylist Ryan Sines on Kellan Lutz: ‘He’s so mabait at sobrang guapo.’ Courtesy: Ariel Fullido & Ryan Sines


He was in Panglao town to attend the wedding of his friend Jeremiah who married Miss Bohol International 2003 Maya Calope Galvan in a beach wedding held at the Panglao Island Nature Resort.
Lutz was actually part of the wedding entourage, according to sources.
During the reception, Lutz joined the CenterStage Band performing on stage. 

“CenterStage band did not expect that the handsome, masculinated, and well-physique guy who was dancing hard on the sand dunes and jamming with us,” said CenterStage manager Ariel Fullido.
Lutz was mobbed by fans.





“He’s so mabait at sobrang guapo,” said Ryan Sines who met Lutz at PINR. "He was palabiro when I approached him to have photo ops."
Lutz visited Baclayon town to attend a house blessing and some tourist attractions in Bohol. 
Lutz said he loves the beauty of Bohol and he plans to visit someday with friends.
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.








FIST APPEARED IN THE BOHOL CHRONICLE, JULY 26, 2015 ISSUE

Take a bow, Queenie!

Looking back, what does Queenie Melody Fullante consider her most unforgettable moment at the 2014 Miss Bohol pageant in which she was proclaimed Bohol’s quintessential daughter?

“The crowning moment,” said Quennie, “for that was the start of other unforgettable moments.”

A year ago, she joined the Miss Bohol competition as a fresh college graduate. Many people compared Queenie as Venus Raj deadringer. She even had encounters with people who mistake her for Venus but she was not riding on the wave of being Venus Raj’s look-alike during the pageant. She won the Miss Bohol title because of her strong personality and being comfortable with her skin and skills.

But today she’ll no longer have a crown.  Queenie’s beauty pageant reign comes to an end Saturday night when she gives up her Miss Bohol title at this year’s competition. The classic tiara — the one that slipped off her head on the night she was crowned — was gently placed atop someone else and after doing her duties and responsibilities, Queenie is ready to see what the next chapter brings.

Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante is ready to see
what the next chapter brings. 
Contributed Photo
 “Personally, I find my reign productive and fruitful for I have reached more communities, touched a few lives and grew up holistically," Queenie said in an interview with VRS. "Aside from the looks, the most significant change in me is the positive change inside. I became more mature in dealing with different matters. Even the way I look at life has changed, because now I realized that service to humanity is the best work of life."

Her immediate plans include doing philanthropic works and spending some time with her family and friends. “It’s still ambiguous for me but one thing for sure, life goes on. The mission continues and that is to reach more communities, touch more lives and grow up everyday.”

Queenie has done quite a bit of charity work in her sash and crown. She visited the orphans, participated in feeding program, child abuse awareness, medical mission and dental mission and volunteered in the Bohol Rebuilding and Rehabilitation Project. She was very visible visiting communities affected by the earthquake. Her presence was reassuring everyone that everything would be okay after the tragedy.  

Her packed schedule prevented her to meet her ideal man (The Romantic Guy, the Confident Guy, the Artistic Guy, the Foreign Guy, the Free Spirit Guy, the Intelligent/Witty Guy and the Considerate Guy rolled into one). “Technically, no! Primarily because I wasn’t looking yet for one. I think I was too focused with my duties and responsibilities,” Queenie said.

She won't sit idle for long.

Take a bow, Queenie!

Meanwhile, here is the full text of the farewell speech of Queenie Melody Fullante:

Queenie Melody Fullante has done
quite a bit of charity work in her sash
 and crown. 
Courtesy: Chris Ramasola
Growing up, I have always been a fan of fairy tales. But I know I am not a princess. I will never be Snow White because I am not the fairest of all. I was once an Ugly Duckling who turned into a beautiful Swan. I am not Sleeping Beauty. Mine, was a Cinderella story. But it wasn’t just my shoes that made me a Queen. It was my clean desire and genuine determination that made destiny go my way and be proclaimed Miss Bohol 2014- The Quintessential Boholana. With all my heart, I thank God for giving me all the people I need before, during and even after my reign.

To the people of Dauis, under the leadership of Hon. Marietta Sumaylo, my sincere thank you for trusting me to represent our town.

To my team, Sir Julius, Janry, Ramchie and Idy, you gave out the best in me, I owe you a big part of my holistic development. To Ate Shiela Avergonzado of Nenen’s, thank you for the beautiful gowns I’ve worn throughout my reign. And to Mikee Andrei for my amazing gown tonight.

To my eksangels and my PYM family headed by Ate Ebiw and Kuya Tony, your support was my ultimate ego booster.

To my mentors, Fr. Vic Fr. Lito, Fr. Jingboy and Fr Val thank you for all the prayers and words of wisdom.

To my family, you are the cradle of my success.

To the Miss Bohol organizers, Madame Pureza Chatto and the JCI Chocolate Hills, Maams Darlene, Red, Yelle and Marmie, God know how you positively impact my life. Thank you so much for making my reign a meaningful one.

Lastly, to everyone who expressed their support for me in various ways, you made me realize what a great blessing it is to be a Miss Bohol.

Ladies I guess the loneliest part of being a beauty queen is the final walk. In which everything that happened during your journey will sink in and you’ll just miss the crown so badly. But, life goes on and the mission continues. To the lucky girl tonight, I know you deserve it. For I have been with all of you in your journey. And the learning you girls gained, is enough to make each of you a winner in your own reality. May all of you continue to reach more communities, touch more lives and grow up holistically.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Queenie Melody Fullante, Miss Bohol 2014.

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