EJ Relampagos shares what happened on his trip to Italy

Mary Elaine Cimafranca

Mary Elaine Calimbayan Cimafranca of Barangay Poblacion was crowned Miss Dauis 2011 in glittering ceremonies capping this year’s town fiesta. Queenie Melody Fullante of Catarman was named first runner-up who also bagged Miss Congeniality. 

Elaine, 17, 5’6”, 34-24-35, is a sophomore nursing student at the Holy Name University. She also won Best in Costume (Nike, goddess of victory) by Daryl Espinosa and Best in Gown (mermaid cut turquoise-grey combination beaded bodice) Roman Empire inspired gown by EJ Relampagos.  Joan Torrefranca and Ryan Sines were the make-up artist and hair stylist of Elaine during the pageant. 

Miss Dauis 2011 was hosted by actor Tirso Cruz III. Other celebrities who graced the pageant were Joross Gamboa (who serenaded the ladies), Bodie Cruz (of PBB Celebrity Edition) and Ralph and Renz Fernandez (sons of Rudy Fernandez and Lorna Tolentino) who were members of the board of judges. 

 “The show was a success that ended up with a spectacular fireworks display,” said Ryan.

 

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Speaking of EJ, he went to Italy where he treated her mother Josefina “Jo” Relampagos to a bakasyon grande.

EJ Relampagos at the Roman Colloseum in Rome

“I deserved the break,” said EJ. “It was my first and my mother’s first time in Italy and I made sure that we had a grand time.”

Visitors to Italy come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Pizza, spaghetti, cappuccino, wine, fashion? “Tourist attractions in Italy are much more,” shared EJ.

For ten days, EJ and Jo, visited the Vatican, which is the center of Christianity and they were very happy to have completely visited St. Peter, St. John, St. Paul and St. Mary Major Basilicas, the four major Basilicas of Rome.  

EJ also met his aunts and lolas who traveled from US to join them in their vacanze in Italia.

“We went to the Vatican museum, to the world famous Colosseo, to Fountain of Trevi, and we also went to Florence which is known as the center of Italian Renaissance,” said EJ.  Of course, on the side they went shopping.

Did EJ wish for a happy lovelife at Trevi? One of the simple activities done at this place is coin throwing. Some people who visit the place believe that if they throw three coins in the fountain they will have new love (and if they throw two coins, these can lead to divorce or marriage).

“Hhhmm…No, ” smiled EJ. “I wished for another thing, maybe in my next visit.”

Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Italy to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine.

“Italy is known for its delicious and healthy cuisine. They truly have the best tasting pizzas and pastas,” said EJ. “The cost of living there is generally expensive as they have euro as their currency and most of the restaurants there charges each person at least a euro for a seat while eating even if the house is not full.”

EJ also visited the Tuscany region. Like a fine wine, Tuscany has been some time in the making.

“If we have rice fields here, they have their sun flower and grapevine fields there,” shared EJ.

“The trip was very memorable. It was a cultural trip, very educational and very historical.” said EJ. “Ten days in Italy is never enough, a week is never even enough for Rome alone. I wish I had more time. The next time I go to Europe I see to it I have at least a month to see France, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Greece.”

Fully charged, EJ, who is one of the most influential fashion designers and couturiers in Bohol today, is now ready to buckle down to work, starting with wedding coordination.  He has also Agua Monteclaro, his new in house fashion stylist, whom he imported from Butuan City.

At the St. Peter’s Basilica with EJ’s aunts and lolas (l-r) Sr. Cherubina, Josefina Relampagos, Dra. Batulanon, Mamita Aurora Galon and Kathy Galon.

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Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com