What will Glee will sing for you

Barely a week after the finalists in the Sandugo song festival were selected from many participants, the finalists are now getting ready for festival on July 21.

Unlike the previous song festival, the organizers have decided to include something new- original novelty, upbeat and love songs.

Fifteen original Boholano compositions have already been selected as finalists: (Novelty)-Nalingaw ko sa Bohol by Raul Saletrero; Dear Tatay by Rudy Tutor; Kaniadto ug Karun by John Rey Fuertes; Naay Forever by Marvin Russel Elaba and Ang Gusto Ko by Maria Luza Brua; (Love)-Barotong Papel by Dr. Nandie Maniwan; Dili Na by Humprey Mark Nicasio; Balik na Pinangga Ko by Sergie Peter Balaba, Hagit by Engr. Soc Saletrero; and Bahandi O Kadungganan- by Analiza (Glee) Orcullo;  and (Upbeat)- Pahimangno by Nice Tumulak; Bagyo ug Linog by Arnel Mascariñas; Kupido by Charlven Remolador; Tambayan by Clyde Ebojo and Ikaw ug Ako by Ralph Maligro.

The Dagohoy Marker in barangay 

Magtangtang in Danao town, Bohol, 

reminds us that the life of Francisco Dagohoy

 (Sendrijas) is one of the timeless treasures 

of the Philippines, whose gallantry 

and heroism must never be relegated 

to the dustbin of history. Leo Udtohan/Bohol Chronicle

Not only will they be competing for a chance to have their song be the signature song for this year’s song festival, but also for the P50,000 prize (one winner in each category; P5,000 for the best interpreter and P10,000 for consolation prize).

 “I’m really happy that I’m a finalist,” gushed Glee.

Glee recalled that it was a case of self-discovery as to how she got into singing.

“It was more of an informal training. I’d love to sing at home during family gathering,” she said.

She said she was nervous when she performed her entry in last year’s Sandugo song festival.

“Although I didn’t win but still I performed and did my best,” she reminisced.

She said her Bahandi o Kadungganan is based on her personal struggle on life and love.

Glee tried tempering her much-vaunted belting prowess to achieve an easy-listening vibe, and to make the song more “singable.” But, as it turned out, it’s still the blistering high notes that her listeners crave.

“I tried hard not to cry when I’m singing,” said Glee. “I will sing it in all sincerity and honesty.”

A newsreader of dyRD’s 7 o’ clock News, Glee said she will write more songs.

I guess Glee is also busy for an upcoming album in collaboration with another singer Feby Ingking. Better still, they love to sing together. The Curls!

***

Keep your kidneys healthy

Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. — John Donne from Meditation 17 (better known as No Man Is An Island)

Yes, Mary Anne Michelle Porticos and I had “chika” moments when we bumped into each other somewhere in Tagbilaran City.

Our chika covered many things- from beauty pageant (she was the committee chairman of Miss Tagbilaran for many years), to travel (she was an Oceanjet loyalist), food, business and health.

Yes, health. Many times she advised me to take care of my kidneys.

She said high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney failure put one in three Filipinos at an increased risk of developing kidney disease (when the kidneys can’t properly do their job of cleaning toxins and wastes from the  blood).

But even if you don’t fit in any of those risk categories, it’s important to take care of these critically important organs.

“Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect our quality of life,” she reminded me.

She shared the eight golden rules on how to take care of our kidneys: Keep fit and active, keep regular control of your blood sugar level, monitor your blood pressure, eat healthy and keep your weight in check, maintain a healthy fluid intake, do not smoke  and do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis.

As Michelle said, “The most important thing you can do to keep your kidneys safe is to take care of your body to reduce your chances of developing diseases that put a strain on your kidneys. Healthy kidneys like a healthy body.”

And last week, Michelle’s friends got what may be one of the saddest text messages ever — Michelle has joined the Lord — followed a day later by another one — Michelle’s remains will be cremated today (June 12).

That fast. How fleeting life is, how ephemeral, how temporary!

Thank you Ma’am Michelle…you are “safely home.”

***

Who’s rich, who’s poor?

Here’s a great story about a rich dad who wants to show his son the difference between rich people and poor people. But in the end, it’s the rich dad who learns the lesson. Read on and see how lucky we all are, rich or poor.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

When they returned home, the father asked the son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me,” the father added. “What did you learn from the trip?”

The son answered:

“I saw that we have one dog and they have four.

“We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

“We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

“Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

“We have servants who serve us but they serve others.

“We buy our food but they grow theirs.

“We have walls around our property to protect us and they have friends to protect them.”

The father was speechless.

Then the son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your family and friends.

***

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Lovely quotes from Neil

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Black Eyed Peas members apl.de.ap and will.i.am spent time off from their careers to spend some time in Bohol province last week.  The two celebrities were tapped by the country's Tourism Promotions Board to attract tourists to the Philippines. Together with apl.de.ap and will.i.am in Bohol were The Voice of the Philippines" Season 1 finalist Jessica Reynoso and international R&B singer Cassie.

 

Seen: From talent handler James Obedencio: Carlo Roy Roslinda is competing for Gentleman of the Philippines. Caloi is a 27 year-old Boholano who works as an Events Host while studying for his Doctorate degree in Nursing where he is majoring in Gerontology. Prior to this, he graduated Summa cum Laude when he completed his Masteral degree in the same field, with focus on Surgical Nursing. He stands 5'10.5".  James said that the Gentleman of the Philippines is a nationwide search for the next representative to Mister Model International 2016 in New Delhi, Mister Tourism International 2017 in Panama City next year, Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 in Bali, Indonesia Mister Worldwide Competition 2016 in Orlando, Florida.

 

* * *

 

The best person in your life is the one who comes first in your mind after reading this sentence.

 

Let go of those who bring you down and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you.

 

Your real strength comes from being your best you.

 

These past days, part-time Neil Namuag is busy posting positive quotes on his Facebook page.

 

Neil Namuag is making heads turn not
 only as a part-time model but also as
 a hunk. Contributed Photo

“I just want to spread good vibes,” he told VRS.

 

Before, he graduated Information Technology at Bohol Island State University (Bisu)-Main Campus last March, Neil was hooked on many things-a student and part-time model.

 

Unknown to many, away from the glaring klieg lights and grinding cameras, Neil thinks about initiating change.

 

But what could a new graduate like him possibly do? A lot. Neil, the face of www.omg.com, is doing charity works. He has visited towns to distribute goodies and school supplies to schoolkids for US-based socialite Mikey Gatal.

 

“I love what I am doing,” he said.

 

Already, he’s making heads turn not only as a part-time model but also as a hunk,   he  was second runner-up in the controversial Rajah Sikatuna and first runner-up of ICM’s Mannequin 2015.

 

However, Neil has no plan to join higher male beauty pageants like the Misters of the Philippines (where fellow model model Ar Dela Serna was a runner-up)  

 

“No need, because my experience from my past pageant was already enough for me,” he said.

 

He plans to build his own business together with his family.

 

A Taurus (April 25), Neil stands 5’11”; weighs 160 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirt, size-32 briefs and size-10.5 shoes.

 

What’s your regular workout? Doing push ups

What is sexy to you? Appealing qualities.

When do you feel sexy? When I have new shoes.

What part of your body is your favorite? My fingers.

What part of a girl’s body do you notice first? Thigh .

And what turns you off? Being plastic .

Do you have a girlfriend? Yes!

What kind of diet do you follow? I don't have any diet.

Food that you always crave for?  The fruit salad of my girlfriend and the “isdang paksiw” of my parents.

Food that you don’t like? I don't like shrimps.

First thing that you do a soon as you wake up. I drink water.

How’s your love life? So Good!

How’s your sex life? Good!

What is your philosophy in life? A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory.

Do you pray? Yes!

 

Before, lunchtime, again, Neil shares these “secrets” to a happy life”:

 

1.Don’t stress yourself with  useless people who don’t even deserve to be an issue of your life.

2.Never invest too much emotion at one thing because if you do, you will end hurting yourself.

3.Learn to live life without worries because God will take care of everything, tryst and just have faith.

 

*   *   *

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

 

Maris Igpit, Tommy Taylor exchange I do’s

Wake-uppers:

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

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

***

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

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

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

Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Facebook account

The church wedding was private and intimate, said VRS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

Olalala...Bohol's 'coco bra' for summer keepsake

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The docu-drama of the Regional   Huwarang   Pantawid   Pamilya   Search   2016 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII  was aired last Friday and Saturday on Cebu Catholic Media Network (CCTN) channel 47. It featured the Torrentira  Family  of  Barangay  Dagnawan, Sagbayan town, in Bohol.  The Torrentira family won last year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Regional Search and also placed 2nd  runner up at the national level.

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was actress Valerie Concepcion for a vacation. The tour was arranged by Wow Bohol Travel and Tours (09081724641/09176838051)

                                           

Scene: At least 2,800 incoming kindergarten and elementary pupils from San Isidro, Carmen, Inabanga and Sagbayan towns have received school supplies from GMA Kapuso Foundation for its annual Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan project.

* * *

For many travelers to this Bohol’s anomalous town, which is at least 99 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran, the town fulfils the province's promise of easy breezes, slow days and perfect beaches.

What may come as a surprise are the twists recently added to the town.

New resorts are constructed along the famed beaches of Anda, while some resorts undergo major refurbishments.

The exquisite coconut bra or “coco bra” is an added 

twist to Anda town, in Bohol province, where members 

of Talisay Fishermen Association (Tafias) are crafting the

 unique brassiere for souvenir item.  Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

New cafes. New spas. New pools. 

And the latest?

The coconut bra!

It may sounds Hawaiian, but coconut bra, a woman’s brassiere, is now crafted here by the members of the Talisay Fishermen Association (Tafias).

The coconut bra, “coco bra” for short, is made of real coconut shells with braided raffia or hemp strings to tie around the neck and the back.

It is one size coconut bra which fits most adults who dare to wear it.

“The coco bra is probably better described a coconut bikini top,” said Robin Gurney, founder of AndaKidz, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization which focuses on the hungry kids of Anda town, which is supporting and helping Tafias projects.

“Coco bra just sounds snappier and cooler,” he added.

When coco bra was introduced to the market last March, it caused a stir among foreign men and expats.

“Philippines is a tropical destination for tourists (domestic and international). Many when they are in holiday mode make instinctive, impulsive purchases of tourist souvenir items,” Gurney said.

Coco Bra

Coconut bra sells well in Hawaii, he said.

The coco bra and hula skirt are iconic images of hula dancing and party wear at Hawaiian luaus. The 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley, featured Hawaiian women wearing coconut bras.

“We had seen that in Hawaii the coconut bra sells well so we tried to do a Filipino version because they are many coconuts in the area which could in theory be up-cycled to higher value products,” he said.

At least 50 Tafias members, mostly fishermen and out of school youth, were trained to produce wide range of coconut and bamboo jewelry, said Gurney.  The materials and tools were donated and provided by AndaKidz as part of project co-funded by Estoninan Development Cooperation.

Through Tafias, its members get paid to make the coco bra and other native jewelry, added Gurney.

They can make at least 50 coconut bras for a day.

“I estimate 100 per day is possible, more if we have supplies and labor. It’s very scalable,” he said.

Gurney hopes Tafias can find resellers and stockist in all tourist beach destinations.

"The coco bra is new but we have had orders from Estonia and Boracay so far,” Gurney said.

In Bohol, coco bra is available at Coco Loco Cafe in Poblacion, Anda town, for P300.

The Coco Loco Cafe also sells other Tafias products ranging from fashion items -earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and even a bow tie made of coconut shell, to homemade organic ice-creams and the tilapia chips.

However, the most selling item is the coco bra.

“Isa sa mabenta dito ay ang coco bra. Maraming mga dayuhan na pumupunta dito para bumili sa amin ng mga souvenirs,” said Rizza Amoguis, staff of Coco Loco Cafe.

In Barangay Talisay in Anda town where the Tafias center can be found, AndaKidz also helped Tafias put up an eco-friendly community center which uses plastic soda bottles and liquor bottles as walls.

The community center also boasts of a children’s library, children’s play dens, musical instruments and study tables and spacious halls where community volunteers also put up trainings and discussions.

***

Bohol farmers plant melons

The drought affects rice farmers very significantly. It is expected to last until last week of May or early weeks of June this year, said Hermes Hinlayagan, weather forecaster of the local Pagasa.

The current dry spell has pushed water tables deeper underground and is drying up some creeks and springs.   Although rainshowers have experienced in some towns, there is a need for water.

With drought jeopardizing Bohol agriculture, some farmers in some towns are fighting to survive. They have  shifted to  other crops that are drought-resilient, such as watermelons, bitter gourd (ampalaya) and string beans..

Some farmers in Lila and Dimiao towns are planting watermelons and string beans to beat the dry season. Donald Quim grows watermelons for  extra income for the family while the drought is drying up the land in the province.  Watermelons and beans thrive well during dry season.   Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

In Lila town, at least 100 farmers are in the fields in the morning and afternoon in coastal barangays of Taug, Tiguis and Lomanoy.

Donald Quim, 46, of Barangay Taug, started planting watermelons in the 300-quare-meter farm last year after he was convinced  by his wife Luzviminda, 53, that these melons are profitable. Last year, he earned P7,500 from 375 watermelons, which he sold for P16 to P20 a kilo.

This year, Quim said he spent at least P 1, 750 in farm inputs, including watermelon seeds for P750 and fertilizers for P1,000.

He said watermelons could survive  hot weather akthough the still needed to be watered twice a day.

“Maka-survive ang watermelon basta lamang naay source nga makuhaan og tubig. Basta mabubuan sila maka-survive yamu ang melon. Buntag ug hapun  ang bubo. Mao na nakalami namo diri dapita sa Lila kay naa mi tubig. Magamit namo ang basak after harvest sa panahon sa tag-init,” he said.

Quim said his pocket should not dry up this dry season.

“Kakugi rana. Twice a day . kada semana mag-abuno. Check-up the farm tingali naay magbinuang,” he said.

Generally, the fruits are ready for harvest after 65 to 90 days. One vine can produce four to five fruits. Smaller fruits usually weigh 3-4 kilos, but bigger melons weigh 5-7 kilos.  He sells it for P15-20 per kilo which is lower compared to malls and markets in Tagbilaran.

If Quim has to compare planting rice and melon, he would prefer the former since it is profitable.

His last rice harvest was in the middle of March this year in his 1,000 sq meter. He was able to  to harvest 20 sacks of rice. 

“Dili pa na net. Gamay ra og abot ang basakan,” he said.

In the neighboring town of Dimiao, at least 50 farmers in Barangay Balbalan, known as the “watermelon country” in Bohol, were a bit late than Lila farmers. They just started planting watermelons last March.

Ricado Cagas, 50, planted watermelons last first week of April in his 300 square meter farm. He said he is expecting to harvest them this June. His wife Rosita, 34; and three children-RR, 24; Lemuel, 22; and Gladys, 21 are helping him managing the farm.

He said he spent at least P4,000 for farm inputs for seeds, fertilizer and chemical spray.  Last year, he was able to sell melons for P20,000.

Farmers grow a Sweet 16 variety of watermelon, cantaloupe and honey dew.

Cagas said he liked panting watermelons because the waiting time to make a profit was shorter.

“Lami ang watermelon kay makakuwarta dali. Ang humay kay dugay anihun kay 120 days. Ang watermelon mga 1 month and tunga,” he said.

Another farmer, Eduardo Lagrada, took advantage of planting water melons this dry season.

 “Sayang ang panahon kung dili mutanum og melon nga maoy tiempo nga tigtanum. Usik bah. Mentras iyang panahon tamnan para dili masayang. Makatabang sab,” Lagrada said.

He grows watermelons to prepare for the coming classes in June.

“Gipangandaman sab ni ika-pangabri sa klase bah. Dako sab ikabatang sa panahon og tigklase. Makapamalit og kinahanglanun,” he said.

GMA Kapuso Foundation In Bohol. 

Both farmers in Lila and Dimiao have claimed they have the sweetest and delicious watermelons. Farmers are selling watermelons in makeshift sheds along the national highway.

However, not all farmers grow water melons this dry season.  Some grow ampalaya (bitter gourd) and string beans like Eleuterio Patana, 57, of  Barangay Datag, in the same town, who started planting ampalaya last month.  Another farmer Sergio Bakilid, 56, also planted string beans. He said string beans could thrive in the heat.

“Batong ang permanente itanum ingaron basta tag-init kay mulahutay og way tubig,” said Bakilid.

Farmers in Barangay Quinoguitan in Loboc town have also planted watermelons. Those in Carmen and Sierra-Bullones also grow pineapples, aside from watermelons.

Boholano farmers are still watching the skies and staring at their parched lands they have no option to fight drought than wait for rain.

*   *   *

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It’s Duterte-Robredo in Bohol

Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas may have lost in the presidential race, but his party and its allies remain entrenched in Bohol province.

Gov. Edgar Chatto of LP was re-elected governor with 330,751 votes, while Loay Mayor Rosermarie Lim-Imboy with 222,222 votes. Chatto is in his last term as governor.

Senior Board Member lawyer Dionisio Balite of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) won a fresh mandate as vice governor of Bohol with 277,199 votes. He defeated incumbent Vice Governor Concepcion Lim (LP), who got 256,124 votes.

Senior Board Member lawyer Dionisio Balite (with presumptive
President Rodrigo Duterte) is the newly-elected vice governor
of Bohol province. Contributed Photo

Balite was among the last five candidates in the provincial level that the BOC were proclaimed on Wednesday at the Capitol Session Hall after a much delayed count caused by transmission problems from the municipalities and glitches from secured digital (SD) cards from Sierra-Bullones and Lila towns.

Balite said he will bring back the dignity at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. This is the time; this is the season. You all gave me the purpose. All of these fruits of hope, faith, hardwork and prayers, akong ihalad kaninyo,” said Balite.

LP will have majority in the composition of the SP. LP’s Venzencio Arcamo, Abeleon Damalerio and newcomer Ricky Masamayor for the first district.  In the second district, only Agapito Avenido  is from LP, while Rey Niño Boniel is from UNA and Thomas Abapo (NPC). In the third district, LP’s Jade Bautista, Alexi Tutor, Elpidio Jala won, while PDP-Laban’s Victor Balite won.

Only one of the three congressmen who received a fresh mandate is an LP candidate. He was Rene Relampagos of the first district. The two others- Erico Aristotle Aumentado (second district) and Arthur Yap (third district)—belong to the NPC. 

Still LP

Of the 47 towns and one city in Bohol, 31 elected mayors are with LP while nine belong to PDP-Laban, the party of presumptive president Duterte. The UNA and the NPC have four mayors each.

For the Boholanos, the choice was a Duterte-Robredo leadership.

The official results from 47 towns and 1 city also showed that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte got 310,114 votes, while Mar Roxas came second with 200,544 votes. Vice President Jejomar Binay got 42,245 votes, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago got 6,108 votes, Sen. Grace Poe got 68,097 votes and Roy Señeres got 437 votes, according to the election returns canvassed by the Bohol Provincial Board of Canvassers (BOC) on Wednesday.

In the vice presidential race, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo enjoyed a wide margin in Bohol with 272,649 votes. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano followed with 167, 085 votes; Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. with 79, 514 votes; Sen. Francis Escudero with 54, 139 votes; Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV with 10, 747 votes; and Sen. Gringo Honasan with 9,879 votes.

But even though Duterte won in Bohol due to his campaign manager, the outgoing Maribojoc mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr., Duterte’s popularity in the province didn’t help for the local PDP-Laban leaders to win.

In Maribojoc town, considered the bailiwick of Evasco, their candidate incumbent vice-mayor Fructuoso Redulla Jr. failed to win the mayoralty bid. Also  PDP-Laban’s provincial chair Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan didn’t  win for mayor in Panglao town.

Political grip

Prominent political families have maintained their political dominance. 

The Jumamoy family maintained its dominance in Inabanga town.  Josephine Socorro Jumamoy was re-elected mayor, while son Jose Jono Jumamoy was re-elected councilor.

The Cajes family maintained their hold in Trinidad town. Judith Cajes was reelected mayor, while daughter won a fresh mandate as councilor.

In Panglao, the Montero strengthened its position after Nila Montero was re-elected in the mayoral race and her daughter, Aya Montero was elected councilor.

The Imboy family continued its dominance in Loay town. Outgoing mayor Rosemarie who lost to Chatto will be replaced by her daughter, incumbent councilor Rochelle Brigitte Imboy, 25, who received a fresh mandate as the new mayor of Loay town. Rosemarie’s husband, board member Brigido Imboy, was elected as Loay vice mayor.

Capt. Gisela Boniel was elected mayor of Bien Unido, replacing her husband Mayor Boniel who won a seat in the provincial board.

Pro-administration

Bohol is known as an LP bailiwick.  With the winning of Duterte, a tide of change is expected in the local politics.

Traditionally, most officials transfer to the ruling party after elections. Those elected have not announced plans to switch parties though, but they said they would support the Duterte administration.

“Traditionally, Bohol is pro-administration. Kung kinsa in government in power, ana sila,” said Prof. Marianito Luspo, historian and trend watcher.

Most of the time, dili magkuyog ang president ug vice-president,” he said.

Why Cayetano didn’t win in Bohol, according to Luspo, the Duterte camp was focused on Duterte.

“They were focus on Digong nga wala niya ma-raise iyang vice,” he said.

Luspo said that it will be possible that the LP local leaders will transfer to PDP-Laban.

“My analysis is, for survivor’s sake they will.  They will align with PDP, now the ruling party,” he said.

Chatto said that he will work very closely with the Duterte administration in relation to how local government can contribute  to national development.

“It is a matter of getting all the programs from national government in place also in the local.  We will assure the national leadership that Bohol will be cooperating in national programs and make sure that our local programs will also  in tandem of national development thrusts,” Chatto said.

Chatto, the province’s  LP chair, said there are existing local programs that he wants to continue.

“We would  see also what are the priorities of the incoming Duterte administration. We always align also programs of developments in accordance how national administration approaches the national and local and international issues that will have far reaching effects on local levels,” he said.

***

Election in Bohol generally peaceful

Besides several reports of massive vote-buying, a group of foreign observers on conclude that the election in Bohol was “generally orderly and peaceful.”

The Compact for Peaceful and Democratic Elections-International Observers Mission (Compact-IOM) deployed five foreign delegates---- Cindy Domingo, Marcelo Trautmann, Celi Tamayo-Lee, Dominik Hammann and Lilli Breininger--- to monitor and observe the election process in Bohol.

The election coverage and monitoring brought two members ----Marcelo Trautmann and Celi Tamayo-Lee-- of the Compact for Peaceful and Democratic Elections-International Observers Mission (Compact-IOM) including yours truly, Liza Macalandag and Regina Estorba-Macalandag together with our guide Dexter Ancla to monitor and observe the election process in Cuaming Island in Inabanga town, Bohol. Contributed Photo

The election coverage and monitoring brought Tamayo-Lee and Trautmann (including yours truly, Liza Macalandag and Regina Estorba-Macalandag) to Cuaming Island of Inabanga after we received reports on harassment, vote-buying, tension between supporters and failure of voting counting machines (VCMs).

“As an international election observer, we had been told that there were reports on irregularity o the machines. When we arrived we visited the three precints there and found the machines were downed for two hours,” said Tamayo-Lee. 

At around 1 p.m. on Monday, voting stopped in two clustered precincts in Cuaming in Inabanga town in Bohol province after the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) malfunctioned.

The cluster precincts comprised six precincts or at least 1,000 voters.

The Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) stopped the voting after the VCMs failed to read the votes cast after 10 tries.

“We tried to wait for a technician but no one came because it’s far,” said BEI Genabel Bayot.

She added the machine would still not read the results, prompting them to off the machine. AT around 5 p.m, it functioned but another there was another signal- no signal at the island.

What added to the problem was tension rose between supporters of incumbent Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy and her opponent Engr. Concepcion Muñeses.

Cuaming Island had 1, 614 registered voters. It had had 3 clusters with three precints each cluster.

Both parties claimed of harassment and vote-buying.

Inabanga is 71 km from Tagbilaran City. It has 50 barangays of which  Cuaming and Hambongan are the two island-barangays.

At least 6 police officers were assigned in the area during election time.

But according to the police who were assigned at the island. They managed to curb the tension.

“Nakontrol nato ang area. Dili malikayan both sides magkantyaway. Walay pasakitan sa usag-usa gawas lang sa estorya ana. Under control nato ang area, Naay estorya nga gubot pero naa mi pirmi nag-monitor sa area," said PO3 Reynaldo Galorio”

He also added they safeguarded the overall electoral process without endangering its credibility.

A watcher Raymond Balorio accused the BEI for some violations of the conduct of the election.

“Naa man gud ko nakit-an dili maayo. Sa among seminar, if naa nakit-ansa sud  nga dili maayo ..kanag magdala og smaple bloot, kanang magdrive sab nga dili illiterate, ta-aw nako mabuking na, dili ipadayun..ug kuwan  gani ipadayun. It means naay anomaly nga dili maayo,” he said.

However, BEI denied his accusations.

“He annoyed us. He disturbed us during the voting. He always ask not valid questions. He annoyed us a BEI. So it means. He didn’t trust us as BEI,” said Bayot.

She added that BEI had held the ballot that could not submitted to the VCM.

She added that some residents reported harassment and felt upset during the election process.

In Antequera town,  reading glasses were on stand-by for senior citizens who are more susceptible to age-related eye problems.

Since the ballot had smaller letter, Obujan village chair Marcelina Descallar provided at least 10 reading glasses at the precints at Obujan-Tagubaas Elem. School for senior citizens including Ceferina Refogio, 72, who forgot to bring her eyeglass.  

Another international election observer, Cindy Domingo, said that election in Bohol was generally peaceful and smooth sailing.

“This is my second time as international observer to the Filipino election. The first time was in Cebu  and this is my first time to Bohol. It’s very different. It looks like a little more organized in Bohol ,” she said.

She said that vote-buying was visible and people were opened on vote buying.

“I think overall, I have not seen any large problem and so other than vote-buying... over-all election is doing well. There were intimidation reported but hard for us to see us,” said Domingo.

She said she was inspired how the Philippines conducted Monday’s election.

She wanted to highlight the “faceless, nameless heroes” who made the election possible.

“The teachers, the unsung heroes of the election... Very inspirational,” she said. 

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