‘Big loss’

Wake-uppers:

Baning Penales

Scene: The Tagbilaran City Schools Division welcomes its new superintendent Evangel Medel-Luminarias, Ph.D. Luminarias was a professor of the University of Bohol until she was appointed schools division superintendent of Toledo City.  

 

Scene: Urbana “Baning” Penales celebrated her 87^th birthday with luau birthday party last August 18 in California, USA. “It turned out to be one of the memorable birthdays she ever had,” reported by an Amboy VRS. “Her daughter Gloria Penales Pabualan from Houston, Texas came to personally assist the decorations and preparations, she brought with her the hunky and cutey guy Nildjan Penales Romero who recently passed the RN licensure in America. Guests arrived in strides and so happy to see them enjoying the whole night line dancing.”

 

Scene: The MikeyGatal.com website owns by US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal will turn 5 this month. On September 1, Mikey Gatal Kids Foundation in cooperation with the Guindulman Association of California, Southern Area or GACSA will have a fundraising event and annual fiesta celebration which will be held in Bellflower, California to benefit the kids of Guindulman town. Hollywood celebrity/model Thomas Sautebin is the expected guest to grace the event. Visit www.mikeygatal.com or www.boholster.com.

 

Scene: A fire that hit seven houses near Pook Pantalan, Tagbilaran City yesterday morning caused at least P100,000 pesos in damage to property. No one was reported injured in the fire. Many of the residents tried to save their belongings as the fire destroyed their homes. Saturday's fire came a day after a blaze destroyed two houses in Dauis town.

 

Seen: Christian John CJ Sajulga and Kelley Maribel Manuta were crowned Mr and Miss University of Bohol High School 2012. They will compete for the Mr and Miss UB Personality this September.

 

Mr and Ms UB HS

Scene: The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between JCAD and BOHECO II took place at Bohol Yacht Club, Puerto San Pedro, Bien Unido, Bohol last August 22 for the Construction of Mini-Hydro and Wind Power Projects.  “Another initiative of Mayor Niño Rey Boniel for the good of Bien Unido and his constituents,” said an LGU employee.

 

Seen: Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno has made history by becoming the first female chief justice in the Philippines.

 

***

"Sana ay maging handa ang mga tapat at may kakayahan nating mga pinuno na magsakripisyo at tumugon sa tawag ng panahon…Hindi ito madali ngunit kung sama-sama tayong lahat, hindi malayong maabot natin ang minimithi natin magandang kinabukasan para sa bawat Pilipino."— Jesse Manalastas Robredo (1958-2012)

 

There has been an outpouring of tributes for the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. He was widely considered to be incorruptible, in a country where graft is endemic and politicians often distrusted.

 

Tributes also came in via social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook where many offered prayers for Robredo, remembering him as a good public servant.

 

Last Wednesday, flags in all government offices and public schools flew at half mast.

 

Relampagos with Robredo

Rep. Rene Relampagos posted on Facebook: “Secretary Jesse Manalastas Robredo is in God’s loving embrace. Let us remember this honorable man’s humility and good deeds, and look upon his life as a source of inspiration. To all his colleagues, friends, and family, we sympathize and offer our most sincere condolences.”

 

Leo Almote shared a poem on Facebook which expressed Robredo’s death, life and contributions. “Waters of Masbate, you have become purer. For three days, an honorable man slept on your sea bed, upon waking, he shall find himself back in the sky. Surrounded by light, wearing wreaths of gold, because of his virtue, your waves are now sacred. While our tears create ripples on your surface, we hold your hand and honor your memory, Jesse your name is Integrity.”

 

Robredo was a former official at an ice cream company before he was elected mayor of Naga City in 1988 at the age of 29, making him the youngest mayor in the country at the time. His success in turning the once-sleepy city into a trading, housing and education center won him many honors, including a 2000 Ramon Magsaysay award, considered Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize.

 

On the other hand, people who have never heard of Captain Jessup Bahinting before may know him only as the pilot of the plane that crashed off Masbate.

 

What they don’t know is that he was a regular presence in relief work after major disasters, a pastor who used his skills and his aircraft to bring help where it was needed, Cebu newspapers reported.

 

Robredo in Bohol with Gov. Chatto and Rep. Aumentado.

In Bohol, there are those who were touched by his goodness.

 

“He’s really kind and a charitable person,” said Jea Dano (of IJea Travel and Tours, 31-A Airport Road, Cogon District, 6300 Tagbilaran City, Tel No: (038) 412-3885, www.ijeatravel.com) who met Bahinting several times when she was working at the Tagbilaran airport.

 

Flag half mast in public schools.

JCI Sen. NB Director John Enerio, who organized a medical mission in Jan. 2010, said Bahinting was a good man.

 

“When we had the Texas Medical Surgical Mission, we had no less than 8,000 patients (beneficiaries), Capt. Bahinting escorted from Cebu to Tagbilaran boxes of medicines with his plane free of charge (gratis). And even park his plan at Tagbilaran Airport in case there is a need for airlift (he had his plane like a waiting taxi and he was at the Bohol Cultural Center, the venue of the medical mission.”

 

Captain Bahinting was born in Larena, Siquijor, but his family moved to Negros Oriental when he was a teenager. He went to a flying school in Davao City.

 

According to reports, Captain Bahinting sent his own Cessna, at no cost to the government, to fly in antivenom from Camiguin to Cebu City. This act saved the life of a Cebu City zookeeper who had been bitten by a cobra.

  

Preacher David Oman Mackay of LDS Church said, "No success can compensate for failure in the home." This quote must have guide Robredo and Bahinting.

 

 

***

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Aris Aumentado: Will he or will he not?

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The funny video of internet sensation Mikey Bustos on Bohol is now available on youtube. The “Bohol and the All-knowing Tarsiers” traces the adventurous journey of Mikey Bustos and Frank McCormick as they find their way through Bohol. Find out why tarsiers are cute and very, very smart! Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CXcrAzS2kU.

Scene: It’s a good weather to match a long weekend. Pres. Benigno Aquino III has signed Proclamation No 455 declaring August 20, tomorrow, a regular holiday throughout the country. This is in observance of the Eid'l Fitr, when Muslims end their fast. The Eid'l Fitr holiday is immediately followed by Ninoy Aquino Day on Tuesday, August 21.

Scene: The 1^st Underwater Pilgrimage at the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef Marine Park is on Sept. 7-8, 2012, Bien Unido town. For inquiries, contact: Leony at +63915-322-9874 or CCEF Office at (032) 416-20040.  Explore the only underwater religious destination in Asia at the only double barrier reef in the Philippines.

***

He will, he will not. . . he will, he will not. . .

Latest reports indicated that Aris Aumentado, despite early denials, may opt to run for congressman or board member in 2013.

More than two weeks after The Bohol Chronicle headlined 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aumentado to run for Bohol governor in May 2013 elections, his son Erico Aristotle, popularly known as Aris, is reported to run for congressman (?) or board member (?) in the second district and those who are surely voting for him are hoping and praying that he will – he should.

"He has been asking for a sign," Very Reliable Source (VRS) told Bared during a brief chat, "There is a high possibility that Cong. Aumentado will run for governor and his son Aris for congressman. And the people of second district welcome it."

This time around, just when Aris is inclined to say "yes" to run, Cong. Aumentado may not allow him to run. “There are many things to consider. It is not yet final,” added VRS.

Now Aris is having second thoughts, inclined not to run.

“Whatever is the outcome, this young Aumentado knows how to respects his father’s decision,” revealed VRS.

Aris is often seen these days meeting with local officials in the second district.

“But if you ask me, Aris should go ahead and run. The best "sign" he should consider is the approval of majority of the voters for his candidacy,” said VRS.

***

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong is still firm in her plan not to enter into politics.

“As of this moment, no to politics,” says Tessie.

Tessie and Libby Sumampong

Tessie thinks she is already helping enough or as much and that’s it. She has already been participating in public service through humanitarian organizations and promoting Bohol through her Loboc Riverwatch.

It was reported that Tessie’s hubby, Libby, is vying for a post or become the next vice mayor of Loboc.

Tessie revealed that there have been times when they would talk about politics but at the moment, Libby does not see any need for it.

“Libby may yet run for councilor of Loboc,” reveals Tessie.

My unsolicited advice to them?

Don’t!!!

***

Just after typing this column, I received a text message from socialite VRS informing me of the campaign material of Councilors Baba Yap and Kit Oppus now circulated on Facebook.

The campaign picture of BaKit’s Team Panaghiusa shows Baba and Kit with their (complete) 10 councilors (--to-be?): Joseph Bompat, Eliezer Borja, Jose Esteban Timoteo Butalid, Charles Cabalit, Bebiano Inting, Adam Relson Jala, Jeremias Pabe,  Allan Real and Salome Vitorillo.

Those in the know indicated that Catigbian Mayor Bertsal Salinas may opt to run for congressman in the first district in 2013. Bared texted Bertsal for his comment, he answered: “Maybe…maybe not.”

Erstwhile Vice Mayor Toto Veloso also told Bared that his team GV Express, which stands for Good Vehicle/Good Vibes/Good Vision or DT for Dodong-Toto Doers for Tagbilaran, with lawyer Dodong Gonzaga as mayoralty bet, has to choose the 10 councilors from 16 probable candidates. However, Coun. Betty Torralba is with the team GV Express/DT. “We plan to release our strong line up next month,” informed Toto.

Meanwhile, VRS reported that Bag-ong Bol-anon is conducting nightly activities with Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes as provincial chair.

***

Three generations making their way to see Lady Liberty

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin takes first bite of the Big Apple. And what a bite it was! Juicy!!!

“I’ll never forget my first time in New York,” Fiel told Bared. “After all the stops and starts, dreams do come true! For many years, my family’s ultimate dream was for me to join them in New York City, but fate took a different course. It came decades after the long wait. “

Fiel was in The Big Apple months ago to accompany her daughter Cielo who was qualified as Philippine team member and the only participant from Central Visayas to the 2012 International Regions Math League Competition held in Las Vegas last June.

***

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

Mich Capili: A new bet for stardom

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Actor Aga Muhlach was in Bohol last Monday to shoot an episode about Bohol for his travel-adventure show Pinoy Explorer on TV5.

Aga and his crew, including Rowell Santiago, who is the director of Pinoy Explorer, were surprised to learn that the torrential rains caused two million Pinoys to battle the monsoon floods.

 

Aga with fans

“It’s not raining in Bohol. Napakaganda ang panahon sa Bohol parang summer noong nagshooting sila,” said VRS. 

 

Aga visited the beaches, Loon Macaques Habitat, Bohol Bee Farm and other tourist attractions in Bohol.

 

While shooting, Aga showed signs he was really worried for his family in Manila. According to VRS, in between filming, he had to call his wife Charlene to monitor the situation.

 

The Pinoy Explorer fanpage on Facebook posted last Tuesday, “Ingat, mga Kapatid! Maaraw dito sa kinalalagyan namin pero nananalangin kami para sa kaligtasan ng lahat!”

 

Aga will celebrate his 43rd birthday on August 12 in Camarines Sur where he will run for congressman of the province’s 4th district.

 

Seen: Matinee idol/TV host Drew Arellano was spotted in Bohol last Thursday for his weekend adventure on GMANewsTV’s Weekend Getaway. The Bohol visit was the nth time for Drew.

 

Drew Arellano

According to GMA 7, Weekend Getaway is a reality-travel show about real weekend warriors — people with regular jobs who take off their suits or uniforms, strap on their sandals, pack their shades and bathing suits for some travel and adventure on weekends. Host Drew Arellano treats two adventure-seekers to a weekend trip and shows them that traveling can be fun on a budget! Weekend Getaway will showcase affordable, off-the-beaten-track weekend getaway options in the Philippines and around Asia.

 

To join Weekend Getaway, send an audition video to weekend.getaway@yahoo.com. Weekend Getaway will air on GMA News TV channel 11 every Saturday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

 

***

“Mich Capili, 15, Bohol!”

 

That is how she introduced herself on national TV when GMA 7’s Protégé revealed the Top 20 individuals from thousands of aspirants who would advance to the next level of the competition last Sunday, August 5.

 

(Two winners will be proclaimed at the finals night -- one male protégé and one female protégé. At stake are 12 million pesos worth of cash prizes and a management contract with GMA 7.)

 

Just as Mich Capili appeared on screen, my inbox started flooding with messages asking about her.

 

But who is Mich Capili?

 

GMA 7 website says:

 

Mich Capili

Mitch lived a comfortable life when her parents were still in the poultry business.  But in a reversal of fate, the princess has become a pauper.

 

Her mother is now living abroad, and Mitch is hurting: "Galit ako sa kanya dahil in-abandon niya kami.  Pero mahal ko siya dahil kahit ganoon ang ginawa niya, siya pa rin ang nanay namin."

 

For Mitch, stardom means a redemption from poverty.

 

Of this stage in her life: "Ito na ang panahon para mapakita ko sa lahat ang talent ko. Confident na ako at alam kong mag-i-improve pa ako."

 

Her favorite celebrities: Aljur Abrenica, Regine Velasquez.

 

After Protégé, the socialite and showbiz na showbiz Very Reliable Source (VRS) gave me a ring.

 

“Kuya, happy jud ko nasud si Mich Capili! I really like her! Artista na jud siya. Dili jud basta-basta nga makuha ka kay daghan kayo ang ming-audition sa Protégé. I saw her during the audition in Cebu. She was very good in acting. When Jolina told her to act having a cerebral palsy, Mich gave justice to it,” informed VRS.

 

“Really? But I don’t know her. Her family name is unfamiliar.”

 

“Sus Ginoo si Kuya, she is the daughter Ex-councilor Edgardo Kapirig from Tagbilaran City! Screen name rana niya. I am sure happy iyang dad for her achievement. Wala diay ka kita sa TV kadto ming-audition siya? When the camera panned to the audience area, there were familiar faces. Naa iyang father and cousins,” added VRS.

 

So, Mich Capili is Michelle Angelu Kapirig in real life.

 

The following night, I turned on the TV set to GMA 7’s Inside Protégé (a 15-minute daily updates which air weeknights from 10:15-10:30 pm on the Telebabad block, Mondays to Thursdays, after One True Love and every Friday after Lie To Me.) and saw her again. She looked like a young and fresh Angelu de Leon or Kylle Padilla. Okay, make that a virginal mixture of Angelu de Leon and Kylle Padilla which makes her a lethal combination. Mich has eyes that can melt hearts of boys.

 

Mich was a fourth year high school student at Holy Name University before she joined Protégé. Her classmates and schoolmates described her quiet and shy.

 

“She is very shy in school. She became popular after joining a beauty pageant, yet he remains low-key and soft spoken,” SM Aquino told Bared.

 

Mich is also a product of GreAtMinds' fun-filled-summer theater and film workshops. Last May, she joined Miss Bohol International 2012 but people could hardly remember her if she joined the pageant.

 

Of course, we still remember the circumstances of her parents’ business and political adventure.

 

But what do you know? Given Mich’s potentials, she may just end up as the next artista. I have a gut feeling that she can make it and the show is merely a stepping stone for her.

 

We wish her well. A girl, who sticks to her guns, knows who she is and what she wants when it comes to her future career deserves only the best this world could offer.

 

After Rich Asuncion (First Princess of StarStruck: The Next Level in 2007) and Cathy Remperas (Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up Housemate in 2009), we have a new bet for stardom.

 

Her name is Mich Capili.

 

***

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Primitiva Ontong: Prayer is powerful

Good News!  3^rd district Rep. Arthur Yap was spotted at Ilijah Retreat House of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City. It was learned that Rep. Yap turned-over the check worth 500,000 pesos to Bishop Leonardo Medroso for the rehabilitation of the roof on Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Loboc.  Also spotted were Fr. Andy Ayco and Fr. Felix Silagan.

Rep. Arthur Yap turns-over the check to Bishop Leonardo Medroso for the rehabilitation of Loboc Church. Also in photo are Fr. Felix Silagan and Fr. Andy Ayco.

The seed money is from Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s personal fund to be used solely for the repair of the roofing of the Loboc Church.

Sen. Enrile asked Rep. Yap of any worthy projects he could finance for the 3rd district. Rep Yap thought of beautifying the Loboc Church which is a national historical monument and a tourist attraction. Senator Enrile's son, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, who is eyeing a Senate seat in 2013, also helped follow up the release of the check.

Aside from the P500-thousand for the repair of the Loboc Church roof, Rep. Yap and Senator Enrile are now working on the inclusion of about P200-P250 million in the national budget for the rehabilitation of the whole Loboc church. At 374 years old, the Loboc Church has showing its age.

Bishop Medroso was touched by the generosity of the donation facilitated by Rep. Yap.

On the other hand, the town of Loboc might get bigger firetrucks from Japanese donors tapped by Rep. Yap in an effort to ensure all towns in the 3^rd district are well-equipped in times of emergencies.

Rep. Yap explained that he would facilitate requests for assistance from any mayor for that matter, not only Mayor Leon Calipusan of Loboc. Rep. Yap said he is very willing to be of help to any mayor who needs assistance, whose town has not received any assistance from DILG and PCSO yet, and Rep. Yap is now facilitating acquisition of firetrucks and ambulances from Japanese donors.

***

The Coolest Capitol Figure. For many years, as a cashier, financial adviser on financial matters during the time of then governor now second district Rep. Erico Aumentado and now assistant provincial treasurer of the provincial government of Bohol, Primitiva Jamodiong-Ontong, still perfectly fits that enduring title (if you haven’t noticed, she has amazing hairstyles most of the time).

Primitiva "Priming"Ontong

Unlike most of her colleagues and contemporaries, Priming, the endearing monicker of Primitiva (“it means ‘native’ but I still love my name”), is retaining that sweet and wholesome aura about her, perhaps because she harbors no frustration nor bitterness in heart. 

Yes, Priming’s being cool is natural and, no, her “sweetness” is not a put-on. Everybody, close friends and complete strangers alike, call her Maam Priming with affection. 

As an assistant provincial treasurer, Priming said that her position is a very challenging job. “I take good care of our money. It’s supervisory but our office has the final say to control the cash.”

Asked how she copes with stress, “I just relax and sleep.”

Living a healthy lifestyle, her diet includes fish, vegetables and fruits. “I have carrot, cucumber and radish juice I drink 30 minutes before breakfast. It’s good for the health! I also drink more than 8 glasses of water every day.”

This much is known to many, Priming is a Marian devotee. She has at least 8 favorite saints and angels. “They are St. Anthony de Padua, St. Jude Thaddeus, St. Benedict, St. Augustine, Sta. Monica, St. Gabriel, St. Michael and St. Rafael.”

Prayer is powerful. Ask Priming. 

“I always pray with joy.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to 'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.' I recite 7 Glory Be in honor of the Holy Spirit, 15 Our Father prayer given to St. Bridget of Sweden.  I assist the mass daily as my devotion,” shared Priming. “Before I go to sleep, I pray to thank the Lord. I pray for my family and friends. Before, I go to work, I have to pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment and I give five minutes to read Our Daily Bread.”

with members of the God the Father of All Mankind...

There have been many clichés about like-minded people banding together. With the same interests, they reach similar goals faster and enjoy the process, too, because they have each other to share the journey with. So, Priming is joining the God the Father of All Mankind group, started by the Italian nun, mystic, and visionary, Mother Eugenia Elisabetta Ravasio (1907–1990).

“Doy Leo, God the Father told Mother Eugenia that ‘All those who call Me by the name of the Father, even if only once, will not perish, but will be sure of their eternal life among the chosen ones.’”

Incidentally, Catholics mark the first Sunday of August every year as the feast and day of consecration to God, the Father of All Mankind. Sunday is the last day of the traditional octave or eight days of prayer and daily consecration to the Father of All Mankind, that began last July 31.

A concelebrated Mass will be held at the Cogon Shrine during the consecration and feast of God the Father of All Mankind on Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Activities leading to the feast will include octave prayer at 7 a.m., followed by a Holy Mass. All devotees are invited to attend. 

To know more about Priming, Bared asked her to complete some questions: 

I hate people…who are matapobre, one who looks down on poor people.

I avoid people….  who are gossip mongers. Kana jud Doy Leo mga tsimosa, intrigera, they spread fire!

My greatest pleasure is…entertaining clients with a genuine smile. I am happy to help other people especially the poor.

My worst moment is…when I was rushed to the hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties.

My biggest fear is…I commit mistakes and I am not able to ask Jesus to forgive me for all my sins and I will go to hell! Knock on the wood, palayo lang jud! 

I pray for…good health and happiness for myself and for the people that I love. I also pray for the salvation of all souls in purgatory so that they can go to Heaven. 

The most important person in my life is....my husband! I love him. 

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be… a sheep. It symbolizes innocence and loyalty. It is also a symbol of  simple goodness we bring to life when we have the desire and affection to do good for others and to be good ourselves.

My most traumatic experience was... I had a car accident. The car just skid off the side of a cliff. That time, I had my five year-old daughter with me. I thanked the Lord because we were safe!

I deal with gossip by…first, I avoid gossip, then by praying to God for strength. Doy Leo, gossip can create an unpleasant atmosphere at work. So, I don’t like tsismis while working. 

Am I afraid of growing old?...I don’t afraid to grow old. I thank the Lord for the gift of life. Pero naa gud beauty secrets pud.(Laughs) 

My favorite memory verse is....John 15:7. It says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for.”

My most memorable miracle was…about my daughter who is a CPA. She was hired to work in Singapore but was denied entry at the Singapore Immigration. My daughter texted me to pray for her while she was also asking the Lord to change the mind of the immigration officer. At that very moment, after praying, the Immigration officer granted her entry. My daughter is still working at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Singapore. 

I lose my temper when...Doy Leo, masuko ko pag-ayo pero mawala ra dayon kung makapray ko. 

I am happiest when...I can help other people. 

I am saddest when....I see trouble in the office. 

My ultimate goal is...to be with God in heaven. 

What I like about myself… My heart beats for the poor people.

What I don’t like about myself….I am a worrier. Dali ra ko maguol, usahay emotional. When I started to worry, I pray to the Lord. It creates internal balance and stability. 

Face-to-face with God, I’d tell Him…Thank You, God and I love You.

***

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

A dream come true

Wake-upper:

YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos: ‘I’m flying in Bohol!’ Credit: Michael Enriquez of A Different Story Productions

Seen: Filipino YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos, the comedic talent behind a series of wacky Filipino "language tutorials" that have gone viral online attracting millions — and counting, was spotted in Bohol last week.

Doing a viral video on Bohol, he visited the tarsier sanctuary and the Loboc River where he was entertained by Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch.

“After a sweet buffet on a river cruise today, I danced the Tinikling on a floating raft on a river in the middle of the Bohol jungle to kids and seniors playing little guitars,” posted Mikey on his Facebook fanpage.

“Wow! Bohol is awesome! I can't believe how many fans I have out here. The welcome has been the best part! Everyone loves Mang Juan!  Also hung out with Tarsiers and did a 1 minute long zipline over a thousand foot high canyon and river,” said Mikey.

Mikey also met Prony and Paloma. He visited Panglao beaches “unbelievably a hundred times more gorgeous than any Mexican or Cuban beach I've ever seen.”

Check out  www.mikeybustos.ca/events.asp or mikeybustos.com for Mikey Bustos Daily Videos.

***

After eight long years of not winning the crown, Jagna comes back big with a win, thanks to Idy Caseñas Cagas who has ended the Jagna curse.

The winning smiles of Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 Idy Cagas- LPU

The “Beauty Capital of Bohol,” Jagna now has five Miss Bohol Sandugo titlists. They won three in a row back in 1990 (Tiffany Yap), 1991 (Ma. Recelle Adlaon) and 1992 (Celevel Ranoco), two back- to- back first runners- up in 1994 and 1995. Jagna didn’t join in 1996 to 2000. Jagna joined again in 2001 and placed second runner-up before winning again in 2003 (Fatima Liora Lloren Rana) and again this year.

Some have referred to this comeback as the proverbial reign after a drought. As some beauty watchers who watched the coronation said, “When Jagna comes back, they come back big!”

After Idy was crowned at glittering ceremonies at the Bohol Cultural Center last July 20, Bared tried to pick the Jagnaanon’s brains by asking her some questions popped to beauty queens before they bagged the coveted crowns.

It was learned that her grandma, the late Petra Caseñas, told Idy to join Miss Bohol Sandugo. With the help of her friend, Idy said she made the smartest decision in her life.

“I always dreamed to be a beauty queen eversince I was a child, a dream I share with my grandmother. I never expected my dreams would come to reality,” said Idy, “Deciding to join Miss Bohol Sandugo this year when my good friend and make-up artist Janry Cadeliña encouraged me to join. Now I know I made the smartest decision when I said yes to him.”

A Libra (Oct. 21), Idy stands 5’3”, weighs 101 lbs., measures 34-25-35, and wears small-size shirt and size-5 shoes. Idy won Miss CVIRAA 2006, Miss Jagna 2008 and Miss USJR - Caritas 2011 first runner-up).

Why are you taking up tourism?

“Because aside from it is considered as the fastest growing industry, I felt that I belong in this field. Truth be said, at first I didn't want to take up tourism because some people view it as a brainless course. But when I started my first semester I started appreciating and loving the degree program, I was able to see for myself that it is not a brainless course. Thanks to my college professors in USJ-R who opened my eyes of what tourism is all about. It's not just about earning money, not just about showcasing attractions but at the same time protecting them and conserving them for the future generation.” 

Idy has no boyfriend!

How you will convince people here and abroad that it is more fun in Bohol?

“It is more fun here in Bohol because of its rich history and culture. Aside from that it offers wide array of activities that a tourist would enjoy, from white sand beaches of Anda and Panglao, to caves, waterfalls and springs. Its booming eco-tourism sites are also a perfect place for those who want adventure. I must say that Bohol is indeed blessed with various aspects of nature that can undoubtedly equal if not surpass the other places in the archipelago. A prove to that is the world renowned Chocolate Hills that was once nominated to be part of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The delicacies are also a must-taste just like Jagna's very own calamay. All these make Bohol a one stop destination. And of course, it is a home to warm, friendly and hospitable Bol-anons.”

What are your winning traits?

“My confidence and faith. Of course, I did not come unprepared.”

When did you realize that you are a Miss Bohol Sandugo? During the coronation night or the morning after?

“I realized that I won the pageant when the host called my name as the winner. I was very overwhelmed that night. When I wake up in the morning, it was only then that it really sunk to my mind that I am the reigning Miss Bohol Sandugo with many more in store.”

Do you have secrets sustaining your poise, your grace under pressure, especially during the crucial points in any contest?

“My secret is always asking for God's enlightenment and guidance. And reminding myself to just enjoy.”

What is your best asset and why?

“My brains, I have always considered it as my best asset because it is what I use in every decision that I make. Yes, I may have made a lot of wrong decisions but I make sure I always learn from it. Besides, I believe that my brains is the reason why my dream to be a beauty queen is no longer a dream but a reality.”  

Would you rather be smart but not too beautiful, or beautiful but not too smart?

“I'd rather be smart but not too beautiful because if you are smart you will know how to carry yourself well. Brains will get you. Besides I believe that beauty lies in the holder and physical beauty will fade.”

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life?

“As of this time, it would be when I decided to study in UP-Iloilo. Biggest decision because that was that was the first time that I'd be away from my family. I was very dependent that time. I really hard a hard time adjusting, but that was a learning experience for me.” 

Who’s your role model?

“My role model is my mother. She never fail to give me good advices, one that I will never forget is, "best lessons in life are learned the hard way" she taught me to respect other people so that I will also gain their respect. My mother is a strong woman who faces each challenge with grace and with a smile on her face. She knows how to properly steer her life back to its proper course.” 

Any other woman whom you admire?

“Miss Fiel Angeli Arao-arao-Gabin. I really admire her since I got to know her way back 2006, Miss CVIRAA days. She has always been there for me. She's one of my inspirations; she inspires me to be the best that I can be. There was a time when I felt so down during Ms. USJR pageant, she told me to take it as a challenge and prove to myself and not to anybody else what I am capable of doing. I wish someday I'd be able to inspire others the same way she has inspired me.”

Do you have a boyfriend?

“I don't have a boyfriend.  It's not in my list of priorities as of this time.”

If, that is a big if, you have a boyfriend now… you were to choose between your boyfriend and Miss Bohol Sandugo title, which would you choose?

“If I have a boyfriend, I’d choose Miss Bohol Sandugo title because it is a one-time deal. An opportunity that will knock only once. Being Miss Bohol Sandugo is a chance to be an ambassadress of good will, to be a role model, showing what is good, right, moral and just, traits that should be possessed in these contemporary times. Who knows, being Miss Bohol Sandugo, I might be able to inspire others also. Besides, I believe that if the guy loves me, he won't let me choose between him and the crown, he won't stop me from realizing my dreams.” 

What advocacy experience do you have? Maybe you have an important message to share ... and Miss Bohol Sandugo would be the venue or forum to start your advocacies.

“My advocacy has always been on protecting mother earth. We have already seen nature's response to man's abuse to nature. And I believe that it’s time for us to make a move and start painting the world green again. I’m so glad the last June my town Jagna has started its Growing of Trees Project. Many participated in the tree planting activities.” 

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?

“As a Catholic, I believe that it is against the will of God. Sex is a sacred union that should only be done after receiving God's grace through the sacrament of marriage.” 

What’s your take on the transgender issue (should transgender be allowed to compete in beauty contests for women)?

“I do not agree on transgenders competing with natural-born women in beauty pageants. This is not about gender discrimination; I am in fact into gender equality. But pageants are created to empower women, while transgenders have other issues to address that can best be responded in their own circle. I believe the essence of being a woman is to bring new life, there are just certain aspects that can never be changed even if they have already undergone sex-change.”

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be?

“I would not change anything in myself, I am happy and contented with everything in me. What i have makes me unique from the rest.”

What is your favorite quote?

“Go and reach for the stars but always keep you feet on the ground. My parents (Rudy Mariano and Zosima Caseñas Cagas of Jagna-LPU) always tell me to keep on achieving my goals and to always be humble.”

Describe yourself in three (3) words:

“God-fearing, loving, appreciative.”

What do you find sexy in a man?

“His eyes and smile and talks with sense.”

And what turns you off?

“Rude guys and somebody who can't carry a good conversation.”

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What is the essence of Miss Bohol Sandugo?

“The essence of being Miss Bohol Sandugo is to be an ambassadress, to be able to represent Bohol, being able to show the quality of a true Boholana who is strong and can handle challenges and pressure with grace and confidence, a Boholana with dignity and pride.”

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