Ah,
sweet summer, you’ve arrived! With summer already breathing warmth and
excitement throughout the country, VRS
pooled together our most feel-good summer pastimes— it's time to do something
new and possibly productive this summer the next time you are bored!
1.Do
one touristy thing in your city/town that you’ve never done before.
2.Turn
off your phone and go read in a park.
The
Can-uba Marble Beach in Jagna town
is a public beach and blessed with a long
stretch
of pebbles and cool blue waters. Leo
Udtohan
3.Ice
cream No. 1 after lunch at The Bohol Bee Farm/The Buzzz.
4.Ice
cream No. 2 after dinner at Cresencia Cafe.
5.Take
photographs in nature.
6.Stargaze— after all there’s a whole
universe out there.
7.
Learn to cook new recipes for family and friends.
8.Go
fishing. Go camping.
9.
Take your dog for a walk.
10.
Fly a kite.
11.Collect
seashells.
12.
Eat a slice of watermelon. Sweet melons can be found in Lila and Dimiao towns
this summer. Make sure you get of these
tropical fruits—sineguelas (Spanish plum), bayabas (guava), lomboy (black/java plum), avocado and kaimito (star apple)- —abundant
this season and find out that indulging in these fresh and delicious treats
will bring you good health.
13. Pack a picnic.
14.
Visit the library. Read wonderful books and learn about the world around you.
Library time is active, not passive.
15.
Visit the museum. There is no doubt that a primary role of museums is to engage
and educate the community. The Bohol Museum will make you smarter!
16.
Learn how to drive. Obey traffic rules and drive safely.
The
Malingin Falls in the village of Patrocinio in
Cortes town is one place to
explore as the province
gains a boundless energy this summer. Leo Udtohan
17.
Take a road trip to the nearest beaches, springs and waterfalls. Enjoy the captivating beaches of Jagna, Loon,
Calape and Anda. We have many cold springs and cascades in Antequera, Cortes, Dimiao,
Lila, Bilar and Sierra-Bullones.
18.
Look for old family and high school photos and share them on Facebook.
19.
Plant a tree in your community. Do some charity works. Check the Gov. Celestino
Gallares Regional Hospital or visit the
Philippine National Red Cross-Bohol chapter if you want to volunteer.
20.
Sound trip! Listen to your parents favorite songs—Born Free, My Way, Downtown
and Tennessee Waltz. Nice to go down
memory lane every now and then!
21.
Clean your room!
22.
Be healthy! Stop smoking, sleep on time, observe a no-fat diet, go for a walk
or jog or a run, take vitamins and drink at least eight glasses of water per
day.
23.
Always remember two things in life: Don't take any decisions when you are angry
and don't make any promises when you are happy.
24.
Pay your debts!
25.
Make it a Sunday habit to read VRS.
***
Thanks for your
letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow
leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
Last
week, my friend Louie Guarin was here for the first time. As a travel and tourism writer for the past 17
years for Manila Bulletin, Louie had
seen and covered most of the places and festivals in the country, not only as
journalist but as festival juror. For many years, however, his travel to Bohol
hadn't materialized due to some unavoidable circumstances.
Bohol
is bursting with adventurous activities
and stunning natural sites, with
Panglao
Island as travelers’ favorite for its miles
of powder sand beaches. Leo Udtohan
Louie,
who is now with Vanity Magazine,
arrived on Monday morning. He stayed at the Dumaluan Beach Resort 2 (For
inquiries and reservations at Dumaluan Beach Resort 2, call [+6338] 502 9092)
in Panglao where he was enjoying authentic hospitality from the owners (Dr.
Doloreich Dumaluan and his wife, Malou, and daughter, Reichyl) and staff.
Panglao
is still the traveler’s favorite spot. Here, you'll find miles of white sand
and pristine waters — hence it’s called the jewel of Bohol.
“With
summer just around the corner, travel buffs need look no further than the gem
that is Dumaluan Beach Resort,” said Roldan Cuevas, operation manager of
Dumaluan Beach Resort 2.
“We
have the finest white-sandy beach! Parents can enjoy a "time-out"
together while the kids play, too,” said
Anthony Ceniza, the resort’s supervisor who was Cebu’s choreographer extraordinaire
who fell in love with Panglao.
Louie Guarin is enjoying his Bohol trip. Leo Udtohan
With
romantic beaches like Dumaluan Beach Resort, this is a destination where you
can swim and sunbathe year-round. Its list of activities range from swimming to
jetski, parasailing and sailing on glass-bottom boats.
Roldan
said they are preparing for the influx of international travelers this
summer.
“We
are training our staff to help them understand more about the culture of
different travelers,” he said “That is to develop cultural sensitivity and meet
traveler’s expectations like foods and other comforts of home.”
On
Tuesday, Louie had visited the “must see” destinations in Bohol. So much to
see, so many places to visit in Bohol. How can you do that in 24 hours? Well,
it was arranged by Wow Bohol Travel and Tours (+6338 510-6177; Email:
wowboholtravelandtours@gmail.com; 639954533402/+639081724641/+639287582804).
Even
though I’d accompanied Louie in his countryside, I’d love visiting the countryside
even if I am doing it for the nth time.
He
visited Sandugo Blood Compact monument in Bool district, one of the promoted
historic spots in the island. A few
minutes from Bool, he visited the Baclayon town where the Immaculate Conception
Parish Church. Built in 1595, the
Baclayon Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Unfortunately the church is one of the
historical monuments that was badly damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in
2013.
Travel
and tourism is one of the country’s
largest industries. In Panglao,
the Dumaluan
Beach Resort 2 (l-r) Anthony Ceniza,
Malou Dumaluan, Reichyl Dumaluan-Vallente
and Roldan Cuevas) delivers an authentic
hospitality experience to their
guests. Leo Udtohan
He
also visited the Bohol Wildlife Park where he saw some rescued wildlife, including
pythons, monkeys and tropical birds. Marimar also showed her sterling
performance.
In
Loboc town, he enjoyed the buffet lunch at the Loboc floating restaurants for
P450. While eating Filipino foods, the hour-long ride takes you along the wooded
river, past a small waterfall, and to a station where folk singers regaled the visitors with native songs and a
Tinikling Dance. Anybody was welcome to dance. The tour ended watching the
picturesque Busay falls.
After
Loboc, he felt the cool temperature at the man-made forest. The two-kilometer
man-made forest is between the towns of Loboc and Bilar is an amazing sight
that offers tranquility.
He
also defied gravity at the Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge, most spectacular
footbridge in Sevilla town. The bridge
which is about 40 meters long hangs 25 meters (82 feet) above the river made of
woven bamboo slats and steel. When you
step onto the bridge, you will experience some side to side sway and up and
down bounce. Entrance fee is P20.
He
had a close encounter with tarsier, the smallest primate in the world. At the
Tarsier Conservation Area in Bilar, a P60 (regular) and P50 (senior citizen and
student) fees, visitors could get you a quick view of the tarsier.
For
the nth time, I looked at it eyeball-to-eyeball and that’s how I noticed lonely
its eyes were, so huge that, for a while, I felt that those eyes would kill me
with gentleness.
The
tarsier (Carlito syrichta), locally known as “mawmag,” has all the basic
qualities of cute: enormous eyes which can turn 360 degrees set in a tiny body
no bigger than a human fist and tiny knobbly paws with which it grasps onto
tree branches.
However,
there are some rules when meeting them. Don’t touch them, don’t be noisy, and
don’t use flash when taking photos.
Good life, good food and good company.
Louie
was breathless when he saw the postcard-famous Chocolate Hills. The hills
are alive with the whatever sound you can imagine, all those 1,268 mounds
(count ‘em!). In summer, when the grasses with which they are covered in
turn into a brown color, they look like mounds of Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses,
hence the name "Chocolate Hills."
48
hours in Bohol is too short. I told Louie that Bohol has list of unexpected
places that we never knew we wanted to visit–but now can't wait to explore.
“Definitely,
I will come back,” Louie said.
“I love Bohol, I love the Boholanos,” he
added.
Speaking
of summer, the favorite place is Bohol. Here at VRS, we'd like to celebrate by making a list of your favorite
things about Bohol.
Tell
us your favorite thing about Bohol. Is it a beautiful province? The best
beaches? The highest waterfalls? A particularly delectable dish? A relatively
unknown custom? Tell us what it is and why it's
important
to you.
We
love to travel. Do you have best tips
and tricks to smoother, smarter, stress-free journeys? How do you find
affordable airfare and hotel rooms? What’s your secret to avoiding flight
delays, navigating a crowded airport? How about a tip for getting better
service at a hotel or resort?
Submit
your best advice -- the more specific, the better -- along with a photo of you
on vacation. E-mail to leoudtohan@yahoo.com. Then stay tuned to see if your top
tip makes the cut on VRS.
***
Thanks for your
letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow
leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
The
discovery of a dead oarfish floating in the waters off Barangay (Village) Doljo
in Panglao town had sparked debates and discussions on social media whether
oarfish can predict earthquakes.
According
to Lampell Cloma, the dead oarfish was found floating in the sea on Wednesday
afternoon in Barangay (Village) Doljo this town.
Cloma,
24, said that around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a fisherman Gomer Milanes found the
oarfish. With the help of another fisherman, they brought the oarfish to the
shore.
It
was not known how the fish died and how it ended up near the beach. However,
according to Cloma, the gills were fresh.
Since
their sightings are rare so not much is known about the behavior of the oarfish,
residents were worried and afraid when they saw the oarfish.
Stories
proliferated linking the earthquake to incidents of oarfish beaching that
prefaced a disaster.
“Nakurat
ug nahadlok mi pagkakita namo kay naa lagi daw meaning basta mogawas na isdaa
(We were terrified because it has meaning when it can be seen on the surface),”
said Cloma.
Another
resident Marina Guibone knelt on the sand, prayed with fervour, and made the sign
of cross when she the oarfish.
“Kuyaw
nga tilimad-on (It’s a bad omen),” said Guibone.
Cloma
said it was their first time to see an oarfish in the village.
She
said that around 6 p.m., a municipal employee measured the oarfish which was 15
feet.
Oarfish
is sea creature living in a deep water and can be rarely spotted in shallow
waters.
Some
experts believe that the deep-sea creatures living more than 1,000 ft. under
the sea are very sensitive when it comes to fault movements and nature
activities. They were living in the deep waters so they can easily detect any
ground movement.
In
Japanese folklore, the oarfish is known as the “Messenger from the Sea God’s
Palace” and appears on beaches to predict earthquakes.
An
oarfish was found on Feb. 8, two days before the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that
hit Surigao City.
A
magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Bohol province in 2013.
***
3 death penalty votes that surprised us
Our
representatives- Rene Relampagos (1st District), Erico Aristotle Aumentado (2nd
District), and Arthur Yap (3rd District)- went along with the majority, voting
“Yes”.
Only
54 voted “No”, and one abstained for the reintroduction of death penalty up to
the final voting on Tuesday.
Yap
based his vote on the survey through social media and his district which showed
majority of the respondents preferred death penalty.
In
a statement, Yap said that it was not a decision lightly reached even as more
than a great majority of those polled voted affirmatively for the body of
crimes outlined in the original bill.
“It
is not that the Third District of Bohol is populated by blood thirsty people.
And surely, let it not be said that we love God less. It is just that my
District believes that when one commits barbaric acts against our fellow man,
such as rape, murder, kidnapping, treason, piracy and more, that perpetrator
has also given up his right to live among civilized men and women,” Yap said in a statement.
“The
Government sees the death penalty as the natural consequence of justice paid by
a convicted felon for having robbed the lives of others. But this should not
mean that the Government must focus on sending as many people to meet this
penalty. The Government must instead continue strengthening institutions and
programs that deliver basic services that create opportunities for its citizens
to live decently and honorably. When income rises and poverty decreases, the
scourge of drugs will naturally abate,” Yap said.
Aumentado
said he preferred that it would include murder, rape and plunder as originally
proposed.
“I
was at first inclined to abstain, finally decided to vote “Yes” on the second
and the third reading, considering the watered-down version,” he said.
Aumentado
said House Speaker Bebot Alvarez assured him that rape, murder and plunder
would have their own death penalty bill that will be more specific.
“In
totality, I want rape, murder and plunder
to have death as penalty. They are equally as heinous as selling drugs.
However, since the measure was cut down to only one punishable act in focus, it
helped me to come up with a stand,” he said.
In a statement, Relampagos said that human
rights does not only refer to the rights of the accused but to all citizens.
“I
voted yes an affirmation of hope for the future and for a culture of peace. The
fact that hundreds of thousand surrendered under the governments drive against
drugs show the manifest vastness of our problem against drugs. It is high time
that we strengthen our fight against it. If we do not do anything about it, we
can just imagine where we will be a few years from now. Hundreds of thousand
more?” he said.
He
said he voted yes an affirmation of the country’s shared fight drugs.
“You
name it, drugs destroys life, liberty and property. It destroys families and
communities. It destroys good governance and integrity in the public service.
It destroys trust in the Maker of life. I join it the fight against it,” he
said.
Tagbilaran
resident Bienna Ursula Bautista Cornacchia, 29, had expressed her support for
death penalty for drug addicts who committed heinous crimes.
“I
am in favor of death penalty for specific crimes such as murder, homicide and,
rape, especially those done unto minors and children. And if not, perhaps
castration without anesthesia would serve as a good punishment for sex
offenders. They should have thought of that. However, for drug-related cases,
as long as they have not committed heinous crimes such as rape and murder, they
can go to jail for as long as the court decides or have one finger cut to teach
them a lesson. Harsher punishment is necessary. Death penalty can be a good
punishment for certain crimes but not for all crimes,” said Cornacchia.
Some
Boholano Catholics maintain that the death penalty is a violation of the right
to life and an unauthorized by human beings of God’s sole lordship over life
and death.
“Our
Philippine Constitution guarantees our right to life,” said Juanito Niluag, 43.
“The
direct and voluntary killing of a human being is always gravely immoral,” he
added.
He
suggested that the justice system should be improved first before death penalty
will be imposed again.
“I
was not surprised because Boholano solons have almost always kowtowed to the
ruling party. But it's still sad to be proven right this way,” said cultural worker
architect Liza Macalandag who is in Netherlands. “Death penalty, which has been
proven to stop criminality, is regressive, inhumane and just plain wrong. This
Congress has made in humans of us all.”
Bishop
Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran said on his Facebook account that imposing
death penalty to the offenders could not guarantee that it gives justice and
peace to the victims.
In
Bohol, the devotion of the people to religion gave rise to numerous old stone
churches before it was damaged due to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the
province in 2013. In Tagbilaran City, tricycles have biblical quotes.
***
Thanks for your
letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow
leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
Last week, Divulge Bohol 2017 Congress was organized by Bohol Island State University- Main Campus Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Convention, Exhibition, and Events Management Class of 2017.
The participants here said it was very informative, very interesting and, like travelling, very broadening.
Keynote speaker consul general of the Republic of Latvia
to the Philippines Robert Lim Joseph Jr , (right)
Juliet C. Saraum and Francis Delusa during the
Divulge Bohol Congress. Contributed Photo
“It is to promote the hidden jewels of the island and to introduce to the public the attractions that are partly discovered and has the potential to become one of the top destinations that our province has,” said Francis Delusa, the event class adviser.
Hon. Robert Lim Joseph Jr., Consul General of the Republic of Latvia to the Philippines, was the keynote speaker. He talked about meetings, incentives, conventions, events and exhibition (M.I.C.E) in Bohol perspective.
The other speaker, Jaypee Orcullo of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Bohol Satellite Office Operator, introduced the Ecotourism sites and surprise tours that Bohol offers.
As soon as you see the beauty spots of the province, you get the urge to pack up and take off.
The congress was very intuitive to the attendees from the other institutions of Bohol that offers Hospitality and Tourism courses, Holy Name University, University of Bohol, STI College, and BISU-Main Campus.
The highlight of the event showcased a short film festival in a prenuptial concept and promotional video contest that was held at the Bohol Cultural Center. The attendees wore their best outfits and flaunt their walks in the red carpet. There was also a bridal fashion and special appearance Marielle Montellano, a grand finalist of Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan from Cebu City serenaded the evening with her ever soothing and golden voice. Indeed the event embodied the glamour of the island.
The said event was headed Juliet Saraum acting as the Chief Executive Officer with the supervision of Delusa.
VRS asked Francis what his 10 “Must” Destinations in Bohol are. Here they are:
1.Chocolate Hills- Bohol’s tourism signature. It is made up of no less than 1,268 hills, uniform in shape and approximately 30 – 50 meters high. They are called as such because the green grass turn chocolate brown at the end of summer. However, there are times when the hills show a mixture of green and brown.
The Chocolate Hills is among the tourist spots listed in the Philippine Tourism Authority and has been declared as the third largest National Geological Monument and was recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The participants of Divulge Bohol Congress
in Tagbilaran City, Bohol province. Contributed Photo
2. Philippine Tarsier. The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta or Carlito syrichta) goes by the local name Maumag in Cebuano or Visayan and Mamag in Luzon. It is a protected species and although the practice of catching and selling them has already stopped, they remain threatened because their natural habitat is being destroyed. It is called as such because of its elongated “tarsus” or ankle bone just like the other members of the 45 million year old family Tarsiidae.
3.Beaches- Bohol beaches in Panglao Island have been the province’s deepest secrets. Alona Beach lies on a one and a half kilometer stretch of soft white sand and is considered as the best Panglao beach resort. There is no problem satisfying your hunger with the various cuisines served in the different restaurants. For those who want to learn diving, there are some establishments that offer lessons as well as offer scuba/snorkeling equipment for rent.
4.Loboc River Cruise and Abatan Life Adventure. The Loboc River boasts of its wide array of cruisers on board small bancas or floating restaurants. Tourists will be treated to a view of tropical vegetation such as nipa palms, coconut trees, banana groves, and bushes. Tourists will also appreciate nature and community oneness in Abatan Community Life Adventure.
5. Blood Compact. The Blood Compact Site stands as a memorial to that historic sign of friendship between the Spaniards and the natives. On March 16, 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol performed the Blood Compact (Spanish: Pacto de Sangre Filipino: Sandugo).
6. Loay Local Industry- Bolo or hatchet making have also given Loay residents a means of livelihood. They are used as implements in farming and wood cutting. Today, many Loayans have mastered the art of being blacksmiths (“panday”) using manual as well as improvised equipments. The town has emerged as a popular venue for finding fine crafted bolos in the island.
7.Balicasag Island- Balicasag Island Resort is considered as among the world’s best diving destinations. Guests to enjoy the captivating view of the sun, sea, and surf.
8. EAT Danao- Unique and exhilarating activities in a wide range of categories located in verdant valleys set in the picturesque mountain ranges. The program is divided into three to give visitors an opportunity to pick their activity of choice. E may involve activities falling under the Extreme, Economic, and Educational. A stands for Adventure and T for Tour.
9-10. Anda. Another town to explore. Old churches, waterfalls and man- made mahogany forest at Bilar, hanging Bridge at Sevilla, and the Butterfly Garden at Bilar.
More, more!!!
“It’s all in Bohol,” added Francis.
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
Veteran
broadcaster Pedy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo indubitably make a perfect pair. I am
referring to the kind of partnership they have onboard their dyRD program, Rampa Showbiz.
Veteran
anchorman Pedy Bolanio (in photo)
and Glee Orcullo tackle issues in a manner
that is light and free-wheeling on dyRD’s Rampa
Showbiz.
Courtesy: Jeanette Laila
Busano
Try
tuning in every Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) at 3 to 3:30 p.m., 1161 on
your AM radio dial, and there you will find how Pedy and Glee tackle showbiz and
boxing news and other issues in a manner that is light and free-wheeling. They
make sure the community gets to hear the
latest showbiz and sports news as its finest. Unlike other programs, when they laugh, they are
free to laugh and their voices remain normally calm.
When
Cindy Ella, Inday Tikling and Sister Rose left the program, Glee came in. It’s been four years now since Pedy and Glee
became partners on the airwaves. It was management’s decision to take Glee in
as Pedy’s partner.
Pedy
knows Glee’s strength as a journalist. She does write news and report news on
radio with another veteran broadcaster Fred Araneta on dyRD’s Breakfast News (Monday to Saturday at 7
a.m.) for eight years.
Pedy
and Glee agreed listeners enjoy the lighter side of the world.
***
Ray hunting threatens ocean's 'gentle giants'
They
are known as the ocean's gentle giants, but an alarming rise in manta ray
hunting could threaten the very existence of the species.
Manta
fishing has become big business for fisheries who are selling their gills to be
used in soups and traditional Chinese medicine.
Last
week, a couple was arrested after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel
saw the slabs of sliced manta ray, locally known as “sanga,” on the couple’s
motorbanca in the port of Baclayon town.
The
manta ray is known as the 'gentle giant' of the ocean,
but hunting has become
so common that experts
believe the species could be close to extinction.
Courtesy: Ralph Barajan/PCG-Panglao
They
bought two tons of manta ray meat for P40,000 which they intended to dry and
later sell for at least P300 per kilo.
But
instead of reeking in profit, Gomer Valeroso, 49, and his wife Milagrosa
Valeroso, 47, ended up in jail.
The
two would face charges for violating the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic
Act 8550) that prohibits the hunting, killing or selling rare, threatened or
endangered species listed in the Convention on
International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Manta
ray, known as “gentle giant” is on the list of endangered species.
Violators
face a fine of P120,000 or prison term of 12 to 20 years.
Erick
Salcedo, deputy commander of Philippine Coast Guard -Tagbilaran City, said
their personnel in PCG substation in Panglao and Pamilacan islands conducted a
mobile patrol on Thursday afternoon near Baluarte in Baclayon town.
They
spotted a motorbanca (MBCA The Original Double D) which was loaded with cut-up
manta ray meat while still docked at the pier.
The
manta ray is known as the 'gentle giant' of the ocean,
but hunting has become
so common that experts
believe the species could be close to extinction.
Courtesy: Ralph Barajan/PCG-Panglao
A
Coast Guard personnel also later found slices of manta ray meat inside a yellow
jeepney (with plate number 074807).
It
turned out that couple transported the manta ray meat from Jagna town to
Baclayon on board the jeep and then loaded these to the motorbanca so they
could take these home on Pamilacan Island.
Salcedo
said they contacted the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to
check if the pieces of meat belonged to the endangered species of manta rays.
Pedro
Milana, Jr. in-charge of BFAR-Bohol, confirmed that the cut-up marine animal
belonged to manta alfredi and manta birostris both protected under Fisheries
Administrative Order (FAO) 193 and Republic Act 9147, also known as the
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The
couple, however, claimed they didn’t know that what they bought were endangered
species.
They
said they bought the 2,000 kilos of meat from Tita Oclarit, a resident of Jagna
town, for P40,000.
The
fishes measured at least two meters each.
“We
didn’t know that what we were doing was illegal. We bought the meat because
this is our livelihood,” said Valeroso.
The
manta ray is known as the 'gentle giant' of the ocean,
but hunting has become
so common that experts
believe the species could be close to extinction.
Courtesy: Ralph Barajan/PCG-Panglao
Valeroso,
who sells dried fish, said they intended to dry the meat and sell it P300-400
per kilo.
The
confiscated manta ray was buried by BFAR in Calape town.
Manta
ray can grow up to 25 feet across and weigh around 5,100 lb.
It
is considered a “vulnerable” species in the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species.
The
BFAR also prohibits taking, selling, purchasing, possessing, transporting and
exporting manta rays and whale sharks.
A
fine of P500 to P5,000 and imprisonment for six months to four years or both
will be imposed on the violator.
Still,
hunting has become so common that experts believe the species could be close to
extinction.
Salcedo
said the manta ray may have been caught in the seas off Bohol where manta ray
hunting has long been recorded in Bohol waters especially in Pamilacan Island,
which used to be the lair of former hunters of dolphin, Bryde’s whales, whale
sharks and manta rays in the area.
Fishermen
catch manta rays, locally called “sanga,” to cook them as “kinilaw”(ceviche) or
“linabog” (a stew-based dish cooked in tomatoes and chilis).
But
some customers preferred the dried stuff.
Dried
gills and meat from manta rays and stingrays are allegedly sold to Chinese
pharmacies, as Chinese traditional medicine believes the meat can cure chicken
pox, infertility and cancer.
***
Thanks for your
letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow
leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
As
news about the unexpected death of lawyer Mia Manuelita Mascariñas-Green spread,
numerous residents began expressing shock and sadness.
Green,
49, was shot dead at about 4:27 p.m. Feb. 15 inside her car in front of three
children- aged 10 and two-year old twins and nanny.
She
was about to go home with her kids that when her Toyota Innova (plate number
ABM 9572) she was driving reached the corner of H. Zamora and J.A. Clarin
Streets in Dao District, two motorcycles blocked the road and fired at her.
Residents
of Bohol province were plunged into shock
and disbelief when news came that
environmental
and human rights lawyer Mia Manuelita Mascarinas-Green
was
ambushed. Courtesy: Green Family
Although
her children were seated at the passenger seat in the back, the perpetrators
aimed their guns at Green.
She
succumbed to three bullet wounds to her head and four to the body from .45 and
9mm caliber pistols during the attack.
The
victim’s children were unharmed. However, the suspects harassed and taunted the
kids and the nanny.
Tagbilaran
City Police Chief Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. said Green was caught in the conflict
between her client and the resort owner. Green's client and the resort owner
had dragged their dispute to court. Olaivar said Green and her client were
reportedly on the verge of winning the case.
No
arrests have been made in the case since the suspects - Lloyd Lancer Gonzaga as
the mastermind in Green’s murder and Romarico Benigian as one of the shooters
-were able to escape on Friday morning during the police operation.
Unacceptable
Stuart
James “Estong” Green, a Briton marine
biologist, left his wife on Sunday for a seminar in Bangkok, Thailand. When he
learned the news, he took the first flight to Bohol.
The
phone lines have been busy all day, he said, with numerous clients and friends
calling to express their condolences, most of them expressing shock upon
hearing the news.
Stuart
expressed grief that killing her wife in front of her children is
“unacceptable.”
“She
is far too young to have died, and the manner she died in front of her children
is really unacceptable in any country, society,” he said.
Stuart
and Mia got married on June 26, 2004. They had three children.
“She’s
an amazing woman who not enough to spend for 20 years of my life with. But
should be able to spend 60 years with her so it is a “bitin” (hanging)
experience,” he said.
At the crime scene/Leo Udtohan
Her
ten-year-old daughter, Zoe, is also mourning her loss.
“She
was a hands-on Mom.... loving and caring and she did care for us,” the little
girl told Inquirer.
Stuart
said she was a full-time mom and part-timer lawyer.
“She
was minimizing her legal works because of our kids,” he said.
His
kids saw two men gunned down his wife and after the shooting were laughing
while fleeing away with two motorcycles and a van.
He
was thankful the kids were unharmed.
“We
are blessed the three children survived,” he said.
Stuart
said he’s facing a challenge to be his kids mother and father rolled into one.
“I
am set with the big challenge how do I convince my children as their mother and
father now that the values that my wife
believed in so deeply are true in the Philippines. We need to show, otherwise I
have no face to my children, that justice can prevail in a situation like
this,” he said.
He
said that his wife believed in fair legal processes and everyone deserves such
treatment.
“My
wife believed in legal process in looking after the client and every Filipino
had the right to justice. Even the poor people, and people who are who fall
aside the government system have the right to fair legal process,” he said.
He
said he’s grateful to those who come forward to support or to be witness of the
case since they know the perpetrators. Hoping for justice for his wife, he
encouraged others to pitch support for the early resolve of the case.
Members
of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Bohol,
friends and family
members gathered on Saturday morning
at
the crime scene for “Pagyukbo" paying homage, honor
and respect in memory
of Green. Leo Udtohan
“We
ask more people to come forward. If you worry about your security or safety,
just come and talk to us to see what we can do to help you. The PNP guaranteed their security and safety
as well,” he said.
Green's
family offered a P500,000 reward for the capture of the suspects.
“We
really need to find the people so that I can stand in front of my children and
bring them on the values she laid out as
a person in her life. And I can say to them, ‘look your mother’s values really
mean something and really was’,” he said.
Green,
an environmental and human rights lawyer in the province, was well-known in
handling pro bono cases and defended “oppressed” clients.
Profound loss
Her
death hit the province hard.
“Bohol
is mourning the loss of a topnotch lawyer. This is an utterly profound loss,” said
Fatima Mapesos, 39, who was a long-time neighbor of Green in Dampas District
where she held office. She fondly called
her “Maam Min-Min.”
“Mam
Min-Min is so friendly, very talkative when we see each other especially when I
passed by her house because our houses were just near, adjacent of the street.
She is so kind, so good natured person and they are prominent family in the
community, yet has seclusion and privacy in their personal life,” said Mapesos.
Mapesos
said that her family is the most respected in the village.
“Whenever
any Dampasanon who asked her legal advice or services, she always doesn’t ask
for a fee and if you give her she will never accept it,” she said.
As
news of her death spread, so did the tributes. Her colleagues, friends turned
to social media to express their sentiments.
Paying homage to Atty. Green/ Leo Udtohan
Prof.
Marianito Luspo said that she would always remember her for her great love for
others.
“If
there was one thing I would have wanted to see at the blood-stained hospital,
it was not her wounds. I would have wanted to see her heart, and be assured
that the assassin's bullets had not touched her organ that once pulsated with
so much love for her fellowmen, not just for Estong, nor for her beautiful kids
and her immediate family,” Luspo posted on Facebook.
Former
city councilor Mariquit Anne Oppus said, “I grieve, especially for the women
whose only hope was Mia! She was a true believer and passionate defender! A
great loss! You will be missed Mi! RIP.”
Environmentalist
Pat Ruiz said, “I really feel so very sad. I cannot believe this is happening.
My heart bleeds for Mia, and Stuart and their kids. Rest in peace, Mia.”
Members of IBP-Bohol chapter/Leo Udtohan
Amor
Vistal said, “That feeling when you see Mia and the only thing you could do at
that moment is to be silent and offer a prayer. No words, no words will ever
describe the tragic loss we all are feeling right now. No words came out from
my mouth when Estong asked me - Why her?”
Both
her admirers and her detractors agreed that Green was one of the sharpest
intellects to ever serve on the bench.
Green
was unstoppable, even from a young age. She was six years old when her mother
Glorife died. It was her father Jose
Mascariñas, Jr who took care of
her and her four siblings.
She
went to the elite private school Holy Spirit School in Tagbilaran and graduated
with honors.
She
was a salutatorian in high school at Divine Word College- Tagbilaran (DWC-T,
now Holy Name University) in 1984. Her mentors and schoolmates remembered her
as beauty and brains.
Passionate
As
a student leader, Mascarinas-Green wanted to change student politics.
“She
has excellent leadership skills and articulate,” said Rosalinda Paredes, who
was then director of student affairs office.
In
college, she enrolled at DWCT and took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce,
major in accounting. She graduated summa cum laude in college and became a
certified public account (CPA).
She
packed her bags and went to Manila and landed a job at Cunanan Accounting
Office. She missed home and returned to Bohol. She studied law at DWC-T. She
completed and perfected the dream of her parents who met in law school in the
1960's.
She
was also teaching accountancy and law at DWC-T.
As
a teacher, she tried to influence her students to excel and be passionate with
their studies and their works, Paredes said.
Green
became a successful criminal defense attorney who was never defeated. She was a
crusader for the poor. A hard core environmentalist.
Her
colleagues said that the bubbly CPA-Lawyer was devoted and dedicated.
Lawyer
Ted Lagang, president of Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter, said
that her integrity as a lawyer was beyond unquestionable.
“She
leaves an enormous hole in our hearts, lives and community,” he said.
Judge
Raul Barbarona who worked with Green at the Environmental Legal Assistance
Center (Elac) said that she was fearless and principled woman.
He
also said that Green had an impact on so many people, especially the poor,
that’s it hard to quantify the loss.
Green
had to pay the ultimate price of standing up for what she believed was right.
She was not defeated at all; her life was cut short.
***
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