Saturday, July 21, 2012

Miss Bohol Sandugo: Idy Cagas of Jagna wins 2012 crown

Wake-uppers:
Mortreux Credit: Tracy Torres
Scene: Blessed with silky fine white complexion and a face that could launch a thousand ships, Karen Mortreux won the title Miss Silka Bohol 2012 last July 19. Mortreux is the reigning ICM Miss Teen Earth. Other finalists were: Marie Gigi Galacio (ICM Calendar Girl 2011 first runner up), first runner-up; Irish May Clenuar (ICM Ms Teen Earth 1st runner-up), second runner-up; and Candy Cumayas, third runner-up. Mortreux will represent Bohol to the Miss Silka 2012. The annual search is presented by Cosmetique Asia makers of Silka beauty products and Juicy Cologne.
 
Scene: Bohol third district Rep. Arthur Yap has made to good use his diplomatic experience in seeking donations from abroad in his effort to continuously provide assistance for the needs and development of the towns in his district.
 
Recently, Rep. Yap has secured five firetrucks and three ambulances from Japan, which will be donated to some towns in the third district to enhance the capability of the towns in responding to emergencies by utilizing these vehicles. 
 
Last Monday, Rep. Yap turned-over one fire truck he secured from Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly of Shimotsuma City to LGU Loay attended by the officials of Shimotsuma City.
 
“We are very thankful to Rep. Arthur Yap and our Japanese friends for donating the fire truck. This will be a big help to our firemen,” said Mayor Rosemarie Imboy.
 
Rep. Arthur Yap (first row, 3rd from left) with provincial board member Brigido Imboy, Loay Mayor Rosemarie Imboy and Japanese donors during the turn-over ceremony. -LPU
Rep. Yap in his speech said that “with this firetruck, I believe that the local authorities will be able to attend to emergencies more effectively, save more lives and better prevent the destruction of properties and livelihoods, and thus enhance the human security of the local people.”
 
Said Masuda Seigo, chairman of Shimotsuma City Council: “The city of Shimotsuma has been active in keeping the population safe from fire and this truck has been used in doing so... we would like the Loay municipality to receive the truck because this truck has been of service to Shimotsuma." 
 
Scene: Thousands of job seekers have been provided job referrals and employment placement assistance to different job sites locally and overseas, thanks to the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO).
 
Tagaan
Last week, BEPO had facilitated the mobile services of national agencies as part of their regular programs.  National agencies which do not have full service offices in Bohol like PRC, NSO, LTFRB and DFA are invited to conduct mobile services in the province on a regular basis.  Over the years, thousands of clients mostly job seekers, public school teachers and other professionals have benefited the Mobile Services with the convenience of transacting with those agencies right here in the province. 
 
“It’s bringing government services closer to the people," says  Romy Tagaan, head of BEPO. He is also supported by Ma. Vilma Yorong, PESO manager,  Erlie Heramis, mobile services coordinator, Gay Manolong and Villa Lopena, admin officers, Reinerio Augusto Real, consultant on OFW matters, Robert Cister, STARS project coordinator and a team of job order workers. 
 
***
The Miss Bohol Sandugo beauty pageant crowned a new titleholder on Friday, July 20: Idy Caseñas Cagas of Pundok Jagnaanon.

The 22-year-old beat out Mariecris Evardo of Tubigon to win the title and will take over from reigning Miss Bohol Sandugo Farrah Faye Mian of Tubigon.  The other finalist was Grace Sansen Mae Abong (Miss Biasong Loon, second runner-up).
 
Cagas also won best in production number, while Evardo was declared Best in Talent. 
 
 
Jagnaanon beauty Idy Cagas wins the title of 2012 Miss Bohol Sandugo on Friday. -LPU
 
The pageant was divided into three categories - swimsuit, evening gown and interview - and Cagas wowed the judges.
 
Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 first-runner-up Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs and Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 2nd runner-up Joana Pilayre, served as co-hosts for the pageant, while Glenn Manigque emceed this year's pageant.

Cagas, who said that men and women are created equal during the final interview, shared that winning the crown is her dream. “Yes, I have always dreamed to be a beauty queen, a dream I share with my grandmother,” Cagas told Bared after the pageant.
 
From left: Mariecris Evardo of Tubigon (first runner-up), Idy Cagas (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012), and Grace Sansen Mae Abong of Biasong, Loon (second runner-up). -LPU
 
 
 
It was her grandma, the late Petra Caseñas, who told her to join Miss Bohol Sandugo.
 
“My secret in sustaining my poise and grace under pressure especially during Q and A is never failing to ask God’s enlightenment and guidance,” said Cagas.
 
Cagas is the fifth Jagnaanon to win the Miss Bohol Sandugo title. The town's entries successively triumphed from 1990 to 1992: Tiffany Yap (1990), Ma. Recelle Adlaon (1991) and Celevel Ranoco (1992). Also in 2003, Fatima Liora Lloren Rana was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo.
 
Jagna is the only town in Bohol that has the most number of Miss Bohol Sandugo winners.
 
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter or email at Facebook.
MISS BOHOL SANDUGO 2012 MISS SILKA BOHOL 2012

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 and Goodbye, Dolphy


• Who will be the 31st Miss Bohol Sandugo?

• Around the nation, fans mourn Dolphy’s death

Wake-uppers:
 
SeenLukas Enrique Magallano, the son of Luther Magallano of Cortes town and nephew of Dr. Luisito Magallano, is vying to be the Grand i-Shiner for 2012. Help Lukas to become the Grand i-Shine winner! Text: ISHINE LUKAS to 2366.
 
Scene: The baby girl thought to be just a few hours old when it was found early morning in Albur abandoned in a bag is in a stable condition in hospital. If you wish to donate milk or diaper, visit the Pedia department of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Memorial Hospital.
 
Scene: There’s a talk that action star Cesar Montano will be Manila Mayor Alfedo Lim’s running mate in the 2013 elections. According to reports, he’s often seen these days meeting with Manila Mayor Fred Lim. Cesar run for Bohol governor in 2010 elections but failed to win.
 
***
Goodbye & thank you, Dolphy!
 
Sumasaya ang family ‘pag tulung-tulong all the way.
Problema ay may remedy kapag may konting comedy
At kahit na tumitindi ang hirap ng buhay, pare,
kung tayo ay may unity, ang imposible ay pwede.

Home along the riles, home along the riles
Ito ang aming home sweet home (choo-choooo!)
Umuuga, lumilindol! Kumapit ka, kumapit ka
kung ayaw mong magkabukol!

Pero aming matitiis,
Kami ay hindi aalis,
Dahil ang home along, dahil ang home along,
home along the riles ang the best!

Sumasarap ang pagkain kahit na ulam ay bitin
Basta’t sa iyong paghahain, ‘wag kalimutan ang lambing
Kung minsan ay nagtatampo, minsan ay nababato,
Pitu-pito, walu-walo, ayos na ang butu-buto!
 
Home along the riles, home along the riles
Ito ang aming home sweet home (choo-choooo!)
Umuuga, lumilindol! Kumapit ka, kumapit ka
kung ayaw mong magkabukol!
 
I grew up watching Home Along Da Riles, laughing to the antics of Kevin Cosme and his family. The sitcom brings me back to a lot of memories… those were the good ‘ol days.
 
As soon as the news about Dolphy’s death broke on social networks, fans mourn his July 10th passing. The whole nation extended their sympathy to the Quizon family and shared how Dolphy (Rodolfo Vera Quizon in real life) touched their lives.
 
According to GMA News, at Eskina sa Caingget, Tagbilaran City, a picture of Dolphy was set where some fans could offer flowers and candles for Dolphy. There’s a personal message like: “We love you Mang Dolphy!”
 
The death of Dolphy sent shock waves among her lions of fans including Anita Dacaldacal of Booy District, Tagbilaran City, who owns a sari-sari store. As her tribute to the Comedy King, Anita displayed a picture of Dolphy in her sari-sari store where buyers could see it.
 
"I am deeply saddened at the passing of Dolphy. Thank you for the laughter," shares Anita.
 
At Booy South Elem. School, guard Buyot Ayeng and pupils had stickers bearing the face of Dolphy. They put the stickers on their shirts when they went to school Wednesday morning.
 
In June 2003, Dolphy visited Bohol for his Home Along Da Riles sitcom on ABS-CBN (the Bohol episode was shown in July 2003- LPU).  Dolphy and his co-stars Nova VillaVandolf and Smokey Manoloto were billeted at the posh Bohol Beach Club (BCC).
 
When they had to shoot some scenes at the Loboc  River and Sevilla hanging bridge, the management of BBC asked Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, who at that time managed the Loboc Riverview floating restaurant (she owns now the Loboc Riverwatch), to personally accompany Dolphy.
 
“He's approachable. He’s very nice ika-estorya," says Tessie.  
 
Tessie also shared that Dolphy appreciated the beauty of Bohol. His visit to Bohol was also timely to celebrate his birthday.
 
“Dolphy told me na ‘gustong-gusto ko ang Bohol dahil friendly at accommodating ang mga tao. Fresh air din dito unlike sa Manila’,” recalls Tessie.
 
"They’re sad and they need their time," says Tessie, referring to Dolphy's family. "We're sad too. Dolphy touched so many people and we were blessed that he shared his gift with us. Makawala og problema si Dolphy."
 
***
Twelve (12) candidates will compete for the Miss Bohol Sandugo title on July 20 at the Bohol Cultural Center.
 
The candidate from Pundok Jagnaanon Idy Cagas is an early frontrunner, a big favorite for the title especially because of her impressive pageant portfolio.
Idy Cagas was Miss Jagna 2008. She also won Miss CVRAA 2006, Miss USJR-Caritas 2011 and Miss Lapu-Lapu 2009 second runner-up. She was one of ICM’s Circle of Ten Teen Quest grand questor in 2005. A consistent honor student in elementary and high school, she won first place in the provincial GSPTuklas ng Talino oration contest in 2005. In 2009, she joined Miss Bohol International although she was an early favorite, she wasn’t able to make it to the top 5. However, she was declared best in gown.
Idy Cagas
 
Will Idy join the Miss Bohol Honor Roll?
 
Other familiar candidate is Miss Bohol Island State University (BISU) Jhonasel Celis who is Miss SCUAA 2011, Miss Regional SCUAA first runner-up 2011 (Miss SCUAA 2011 was the country’s representative to the coming Miss University World in Seoul, South Korea) and Miss Inabanga 2012.
 
The Anyag Committee decided to send Mariecris Evardo for this year’s search. Will Mariecris will be the third Anyag to win MBS (after Amir Sol in 2010 andFarrah Mian Abarquez in 2011)?
 
Tubigon’s culture and the arts czar Dennis Walton Balbero says on Mariecris: “She is confident and in the right age to join a beauty pageant. We askedClarice Elaine RadocAnyag 2008 to represent the town in this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo but she refused because of her busy schedule as a third year MedTech student at Velez and a dean’s lister. We also approached Lori Geisha CabreraAnyag 2010, she’s also busy studying in Cebu. She told the committee that Anyag 2012 Mariecris Evardo is more mature than her and she needs to prepare more of ever she will join Miss Bohol Sandugo. So, we decided Mariecris which we believe she can make it this year.”
 
Originally, there were 15 candidates for MBS 2012 however, the committee “dropped” Miss Sevilla, Alicia and Bien Unido for their ‘tardiness’. “They were always late attending practices and they had many absences,” says VRS.
 
On the other hand, Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca, Miss Tagbilaran 2012 and Miss Bohol International 2012, didn’t join this year’s search.
 
“The reasons why she didn’t join Miss Bohol Sandugo are: first, she won Miss Bohol International. Second, her sister, Elaine Cimafranca, was supposedly the official representative of Dauis for MBS and we didn’t want them to compete against each other; and third, Ebone prioritizes her studies in Manila,” explains fashion icon EJ Relampagos, Yvonne’s manager.
Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 official candidates 
 
Other  candidates for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 are Seinee Vi Mula (Miss Clarin),  Catherine Romero (Miss JB Rock Construction), Gladys Sinconiegue(Miss Katipunan Agri-Machinery), Grace Sansen Mae Abong (Miss Biasong Loon), Jasna Yen Torreon (Miss Buenavista), Jerica Aiko Pacot (Miss JCAD),Lavella Arausa (Miss Bilar), Ma. Stephany Galia (Miss Duero) and Marie Andrea Tocmo (Miss Corella).
 
“The good thing is there is no recycled beauty,” says VRS. Recycled beauties are beauty aspirants who are trying and trying again…until they go beyond the maximum age requirement (usually 23 for Miss Bohol Sandugo).
 
Just like many of us who want to bring home the millions at stake in the lotto so we keep on betting and betting, fans worldwide are now busy supporting their candidates on Miss Bohol Sandugo (Non-Profit Organization) and Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant fanpages on Facebook.
 
Miss Bohol Sadugo, the province’s oldest beauty pageant, will celebrate its 60th year in 2016.
 
(Tickets to the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 coronation night are priced at P500, P400, P300, P200 and P100 for General Admission. For inquiries, visit the City Tourism Office at the City Hall.)



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

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Stars, fans mourn Dolphy's death


Celebrities and fans alike were united in mourning after the passing of Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., more popularly known as the Comedy King Dolphy.


The Comedy King passed away at the Makati Medical Center 8:34pm on Tuesday, July 10 after a bout with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 


He was 83. 


The keywords RIP Dolphy and Home Along Da Riles were among the Twitter trending topics both in the Philippines and worldwide.



In Tagbilaran City, fans displayed a picture of Dolphy. They offered candle and flowers.


Some fans, especially the schoolkids, have Pidol stickers when they went to school this morning.


Celebrities also expressed their condolences on the death of Dolphy on the social networking site.


Geneva Cruz
 Geneva Cruz @heavensmother 
"You're now with God. Your journey here on Earth has ended. But the things you've done will remain in our hearts." RIP


Edu Manzano
Edu Manzano@RealEduManzano 
Thank you for paving the way for those of us who tried to walk the path you made. You will be missed, my mentor and friend. #RIPDolphy


Lea Salonga
@MsLeaSalonga 
RIP, Comedy King. You are sorely missed. Condolences to the Quizon Family, you are in our prayers.

In Tagbilaran City, fans mourned for the passing of Dolphy.


Ruffa Gutierrez
RUFFA GUTIERREZ@iloveruffag 
R.I.P Ninong Dolphy ☹ Thank you for making us laugh throughout the years. You will always be in our hearts. May your soul rest in peace.


Ping Medina
Ping Medina@PingMedina 
I remember my Dad telling me a story about Dolphy... Dad went to this restaurant & saw Dolphy there, as usual, (cont) tl.gd/i8qr7u
Kids with Pidol stickers on their shirts. 


Allan K
 allan k@allanklownz 
They say its not how long but how sweet you have lived life. Dolphy had the luxury of enjoying both. Rest in peace now. Hail to the king!!!


Manny Villar
 Manny Villar, Jr.@Manny_Villar 
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dolphy. Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan ang tiwala at suporta na... fb.me/1PokvFC54


Sonny Angara
 Sonny Angara@sonnyangara 
RIP Dolphy. As Boots Anson-Roa said, of the 3 giants of showbiz (FPJ,Erap, Dolphy), 2 have now passed on


Teddy Casino
 Teddy Casiño@teddycasino 
Tonight let us mourn & shed tears for someone who always made us cry in laughter - Dolphy, perhaps the funniest Pinoy who ever lived.


Anne Curtis-Smith: "May Tito Dolphy our King of Comedy rest in peace. He will always be remembered & missed by many.... :(."


Albert Martinez: "We will mis you Tito Dolphy..."


Jason Francisco: "Kahit san pumunta si sir #dolphy pinag uusapan..grabe influense nya tlga sa peoples ..nakakmiss !"


Gina Alajar: "The gates of Heaven opened, angels singing Alelluia to welcome The Great Tito Dolphy! He is in a better place than all of us. #RIPDolphy."


Pia Cayetano: "The nation mourns the loss of a great Filipino. But the family of Mang Dolphy lost the man they loved. Let's pray for their strength."


Martin Nievera: "With a heavy heart and a bucket of tears let's all remember to "smile" the way Dolphy would have wanted us to. I miss him already... Prayers."


Kean Cipriano: "We will always. ALWAYS LOVE YOU DOLPHY. YOU ARE THE KING."


Bruno Mars: "RIP Dolphy. King of Comedy. Made in the Philippines!"


Pia Magalona: "RIP Tito Dolphy. Thank you for being family to me and Francis. We love you <3."


Ruffa Gutierrez: "R.I.P Ninong Dolphy ? Thank you for making us laugh throughout the years. You will always be in our hearts. May your soul rest in peace."


Lino Cayetano: "Mang Dolphy was an inspiration, a living icon when i was starting out in ABS, we all dreamed of working with him. He will be missed dearly."


Bea Binene: "May you rest in peace, The Great Dolphy. R.I.P."


KC Montero: "Dolphy has them all laughing in Heaven."


John Prats: "R.I.P. tito dolphy!!! We will miss you!!!"


Vice Ganda: "Lord we thank you for giving us THE DOLPHY who unselfishly and passionately dedicated his whole life to make this world happy. Amen."


Kiray: "Awww! Confirmed na nga po! :( Rest in peace to the King of comedy, Sir Dolphy! Mahal na mahal po namin kayo! :( condolence, @zsazsapadilla!"


Khalil Ramos: "R.I.P Dolphy. Thanks for making us smile! You will be missed."


Ella Cruz: "Totoo nga po. RIP, Tito Dolphy :( we will miss u. Thank u for all the laughters."


Piolo Pascual: "RIP King of Comedy Dolphy."


Georgina Wilson: "Rest in peace Dolphy. Thank you for all the laughter."


Ciara Sotto: "My dad says: Dolphy has been called to perform for a far greater audience! God bless his soul!"


Yael Yuzon: "This is what Pinoy comedy is all about. Brilliant. You will be missed. RIP Sir Dolphy, prayers for family and friends."


Apl.de.Ap: "I send my condolences to Dolphy's family,he was one of the greatest comedian in philippines,one of my idol,R.I.Peace,we love u."


Dingdong Avanzado: "RIP ninong Dolphy. You will always remain in our hearts forever. Thank you for all the laughter and the tears."

Monday, July 9, 2012

Theater group to stage ‘Les Miserables’ in Bohol


Wake-uppers:
 
Ayala and Carbon
Scene: The unique concert event of celebrated folk-rock artist Joey Ayala (with his band Ang Bagong Lumad) and Pinoy pop icon Lolita Carbon of the band ASIN is tonight, July 8, at 7 p.m. at the Danao EcoPark. Ticket is P300. For inquiries, call Beryl at +639103390672.  According to Mayor Thomas Gonzaga, the concert coincides with the 50th Foundation Day of Danao, the first town to launch extreme adventures in tourism.
 
Seen: Veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez was at the Bohol Bee Farm (and other tourist attractions) shooting an episode about Bohol for her TV program on ABS-CBN.
 
Scene: Actor and businessman Mandy Ochoa lost his wallet and cellular phone while going through the Tagbilaran Airport’s X-ray machine.
 
“Oh my God Kuya Leo, nilagay lang ni Tito Mandy ang kanyang cellphone at wallet sa tray at hindi na lumabas mula sa x-tray machine,” shared Mandy’s friend AKK to Bared.  
 
Gov. Edgar Chatto has requested for an investigation into the matter which is within the purview of the police agency. 
The airport terminal building has no CCTV cameras. Now, flyers need to remove their shoes in order to pass through airport security.
 
Ochoa
However, “RM” who is Bared’s friend and working inside the airport said that the incident was “First time pa na nahitabo diri sa atoang airport.”
 
The who si Mandy Ochoa? He appeared on Ang Tanging Ina (as father of Angelica Panganiban) in 2003 and Basta’t Kasama Kita (TV series) in 2002.
 
Scene: The first meeting to organize the “elusive” reunion of the University of Bohol- Day High School Batch 1998 is on July 21, 9:00 am at the UB High School Principal’s Office. Look for Elaine Joy Auza.
 
 
***
There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
As they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.
-I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables)
 
 
Many singers like Elaine Page, Ruthie Henshall, Petula Clark, Leah Salonga, et al, have done a fabulous cover version of this song. The song springs the old water works into the eyes.
 
Susan Boyle, a woman who goes against everything our society expected of a "star," joined Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, had a remarkable version of this song. From the moment Susan opened her mouth and started signing I Dreamed a Dream everyone was clapping and cheering during a standing ovation. You know the words she had sung conveyed her true life experience.
 
Well, the good thing is Boholanos can hear this song this Sandugo fever as DreamBig Productions in cooperation with Cre8tive Thespian Club Inc. will stage the "Les Miserables," the infamous novel authored by French writer Victor Hugo, on July 27 and 28, 2012 at the Bohol Cultural Center.
 
DreamBig Productions is a newly established group of young Boholanos that aims to provide a productive, competitive and innovative approach in the field of performing arts, creative productions, training and learning. Its mission is to mount quality, realistic, educative and creative productions.  On the other hand, the Cebu-based Cre8tive Thespian Club Inc. is a non-profit organization composed of students and young professionals who have banded together for the love of theater.
 
Les Mis is set during 19th Century France, delving into the lives of revolutionaries, outcasts, orphans, bandits and lovers. The musical has produced some of the most memorable Broadway songs, such as I Dreamed A Dream and On My Own.
 
I have to tell you that mood is somber in Les Mis. There is a tone of melancholy predominates, even when events are relatively happy. So, better bring handkerchief or tissue during the show.
 
DreamBig Productions said that they bring “Les Miserables” to Bohol because “it is a story worth telling and retelling.”
 
“Some proceeds of this musical will go to the benefit of Cogon Night High School fund,” says Celeste Grace Yap Telmo, event organizer of DreamBig Productions.
 
“Through this, we can help the Boholanos to open their hearts for performing arts and give them the chance to experience how theater play plays an important role in our daily lives,” adds Celeste, “It's time to step out of the box and think of something educational and entertaining.”
 
Tickets for the grand premier (July 27, 7 p.m.) and gala night (July 28, 7 p.m.): P200 (orchestra), P130 (balcony); for the matinee opera (July 28, 2 p.m.): P150 (orchestra) and P100 (balcony).
 
For tickets and promos, contact 09128137759, or email cgracetelmo@gmail.com/celestegracetelmo@yahoo.com/ Prodjb@yahoo.com, or visitwww.lesmizbohol.webs.com for more info.
 
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter or email at Facebook.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Boholana diva shines on 'X Factor' pilot


Wake-uppers:
ScenePres. Aquino has declared July 2 (Monday), as a special (non-working) day in Tagbilaran City in celebration of its 46th Charter Day as per Proclamation No. 417. The city marks the commemoration of its Charter Day on July 1, which falls on a Sunday. Tagbilaran became a chartered city on July 1, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4660. 
 
SceneFer Mary Baliquig didn’t make it in the Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2012. MWP was Fer’s second attempt joining a national pageant.
 
Scene: No less than Gov. Edgar Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos attended the charter recognition and first induction ceremony of Rotary Club of Panglao last June 26 at Alona Kew Beach Resort Grand Ballroom. The Club meets every Tuesday, 7 pm at Alona tropical Beach Resort with Pres. Irena Heberer, Vice President Thomas Boetsch, Sec. Lani Pasko, treasurer Karin Wesemael and the other members.  According to Rotarians Nila Montero andHoward Hoffman, the club’s flagship project is a women’s crisis center.
 
***
“Welcome to the X-Factor!” said KC Concepcion in Cebu.
 
ABS-CBN's latest talent search "The X-Factor Philippines" with judge-mentors Gary ValencianoMartin NieveraPilita Corrales and Charice Pempengco aired its pilot episodes last July 23 and 24.  
 
For Sunday's episode, Boholana diva Eva Gulle- De los Santos, 50, who doesn't look her age, proved that she can compete with the younger singers.
 
“Never stop dreaming,” said Eva who joined the show to inspire people her age to keep on dreaming.
 
Everyone was floored as they watched her performing Tina Turner's Let's Stay Together that even the International Singing Sensation Charice declared her the “Tina Turner of the Philippines.”
 
Of course, all the judges said “yes” and Eva’s family joined her on stage.
 
It’s not “A star is born” (ehem, an apology to Martin Nievera’s spiel) because Eva is already a star as she has already carved a name in the music industry. The biggest highlight of her career was in 1992 when she represented the Philippines to the Midnight Sun Song Festival in Lahti, Finland. She won second runner-up when she sang her own composition of Just Like You and Me. She holds the distinction of being the only composer in the Philippines to sing her own composition in an international song festival.
 
A Jagnaanon, she also received the Perlas Award as “Valuable Filipino in the Field of Singing” in 1998. Aside from being an extraordinarily talented singer she also excelled in academics. She finished her college degree as magna cum laude.
 
Recalled Ruben Gulle (who’s residing in USA), “I remember so well in the year 2000 I invited her to perform at the Gulle Clan Reunion which she gladly accepted. I coursed my invite thru her Papa, Nong Along, who is also a world-class saxophonist. The clan was blown away by her rendition of Babara Streisand's classic entitled, Somewhere."   
 
Eva’s daughter, Monique, made it to the Hollywood rounds of American Idol  2011.  One of the Palmolive girls in the Philippines, Monique used to record under the label Polyeast Records with one album to her credit titled “Monique Rae, All up to me.” 
 
Let us watch for the next episodes of X-Factor to see more of Eva and another Boholano singer, Sherwin “Paeng” Rosco, who was qualified in X-Factor Philippines.
 
X Factor Philippines will give away P4 million in prizes- the biggest prize for a talent search in the history of Philippine TV. 
 
"The X Factor Philippines" airs Saturdays after "Maalaala Mo Kaya" and Sundays after "Sarah G Live."
 
 
***
Feedback
 
Our dear Leo,
 
Thank you for sharing your favorite old classic songs. Reading your column, I am transported back to 1960s and I remember the love of my life. From 1960s to 1970s the quality and variety of popular music was stunning. The Beatles, The Association, The Vogues, The Yardbirds, Hendrix, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Mamas and the Papas, Jethro Tull, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, Simon and Garfunkel, Cream, the list goes on and on.
 
I am just disappointed because you’ve failed to include “Bus Stop” by Hollies, a spectacular group in the 1960s. The group was wholesome, clean young romance, not like all the filth we witness these days. And Mr. Udtohan, I have to correct you that it was not Donna Cruz who popularized the song “Rain” because Boy Mondragon was best known for his hit “Rain” in 1970s. Please include Ryan Cayabyab orginal composition “Tuwing Umuulan” which was originally sung by Basil Valdez.
 
More power darling! Mwuah!
 
–Mrs. Alicia M.J. (Germany)

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