2020 was unpredictable

While 2020 may go down in history as a year that many people would prefer to forget, VRS takes time to weigh in on the top moments worth remembering. Contributed Photos

As the New Year approaches, it seems like many people would prefer to forget 2020. 

 

Take a look back at the key moments of 2020 as they were reported by your trusted VRS.

 

The province of Bohol closed its borders on March 16, 2020 as part of its "preventive measure" against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Governor Arthur Yap said that since health is a primary public concern, it is within his mandate to protect the people.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is confusing and frightening millions of people as it refused to die down.

 

It has redefined social graces--- no beso-beso, hugs and kisses, and shaking hands. People are reminded to observe "social distancing" --- that is three feet away or farther from each other.

 

The virus has also affected social life. Birthday parties, weddings, concerts, graduations and the like have either been postponed or cancelled.

 

We were advised for home quarantine to protect the whole community. 

 

Tourism affected

With business disrupted and provinces on lockdown to contain the pandemic, the economy slumbers. 

 

Most projects are at a standstill. Beauty pageants and events have been cancelled and postponed.

 

So sad the virus has all but completely shut down their industry.

 

Doing hair and makeup professionally involves face-to-face, one-on-one contact — the very thing that the entire world has been told to avoid to stop the spread of the virus. 

 

For the freelance make-up and hairstylists  their jobs are their primary source of income, they are left to find creative ways to survive financially and emotionally. 

 

But the pandemic didn't stop them to makeup lost time and to render community volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

They have volunteered to paint social distancing markers around Tagbilaran City. They also helped to check the home quarantine pass and monitor social distancing in both public and private establishments. 

 

"This quarantine I would say is life changing. It had swayed me how many times, made me blank for awhile and made my life uncertain at some point. I belong to the events industry that is greatly affected by this pandemic. No events means no job and no job means no money and no food to eat, " shared Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad of The Art Noveau who volunteered to assist frontliners at malls and public markets. 

 

Resort owners, especially on Panglao Island, Bohol’s tourism jewel, were bracing for tough times ahead especially that they were relying on local tourists to boost sales during summer months following the drop of foreign arrivals due to COVID-19.

 

Despite the coronavirus threat, Bohol has reopened its door to tourists in a bid to revive the ailing economy.

 

 

ECQ aid

The lockdown has left the most vulnerable communities struggling for food – the local government units and community-led volunteers are leading efforts to help.

 

The city government of Tagbilaran  distributed a sack of rice per household in a bid to keep residents at home during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period due the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II said all 27,000 households in the city’s 15 villages would receive one sack of rice.

 

The provincial capital of Bohol has 100,000 residents.

 

The provincial government has allocated P150-million for the staple food subsidy program for the distribution of 8 kilos of premium rice subsidy for every household to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.

 

Last November, some displaced tourism workers in Loboc town opted not to claim their rice assistance from the provincial government after they found out that these smelled moldy and infested with “bukbok."

 

The National Food Authority (NFA) –Bohol also clarified that the rice distributed was free of any weevils as NFA follows international standards in good warehouse-keeping. 

 

Online learning

Six-year-old Arvin Jay Curangcurang, a Grade 2 student in Alicia town, who climbs a small tree house to attend his online classes becomes the face of how teachers and students suffered deep in online learning

 

Determined to support his education, the family built a "tree house" in an elevated area where the signal is strong enough for his online schooling after physical meetings have been cancelled to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.  However, the entire sessions have been bogged down by interconnectivity issues.

 

Broadband access has been a problem in Bohol province long before the pandemic, with limited competition, high prices, slow speeds, and a simple lack of coverage especially in remote areas. 

 

In Alburquerque town, youth leaders and volunteers at Barangay Bahi, do not mind pushing a cart loaded with school and hygiene materials for more than a kilometer as long as they reach children who want to continue learning despite challenges posed by the health crisis. 

 

The tech gap isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. 

 

Gardening boom

The coronavirus pandemic has set off a global gardening boom as an antidote, extending the promise of contact with something real. 

 

Some of my friends who are  avid plant collectors even during the pre-pandemic period say they've noticed the huge price difference of the plants between now and before the March lockdown.

 

Elvie Bongosia has thrice visited the exhibit  to buy some succulents to add to her collections. As a means to destress, she started caring for succulents and cacti, until she eventually tended to variations ornamental plants.

 

Elvie, who has been dubbed a certified "plantita" - a portmanteau of plant and the Filipino word for aunt (tita) -- because of her love for plants, has amassed more than 200 potted plants in her home and has transformed her abode into a fresh green spot. 

 

Other plant enthusiasts, Merlyn Diez-Bantugan and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, have said plants give them joy that money can't buy. 

 

 

New discoveries

Christian Gio Bangalao, Jestoni Alagon, Fel Vincent Vargas and Geo Rodell Nacorda accidentally found the megalodon fossilized tooth while hiking in a mountainous barangay in Maribojoc, the second Megalodon specimen found in the town.

 

The tooth fossil, that measures 7.6 centimeters x 6.5 cm, in Barangay Jandig, was donated to the National Museum last May 28.

 

Most fossils of the megalodon were determined to date back to the middle Miocene epoch to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 15.9 million to 2.6 million years ago.

 

This year we discovered new tourist attractions: Rolling Hills and Fascination Farm-Home of Dragon fruits in Ubay town and  Pulang Yuta ni Lolo Agaton in Barangay Sohoton in Calape town. 

 

The food and restaurant business has been one of the worst-hit by the pandemic. But the pandemic has spawned several food trends in the province. Among these is baked sushi—deconstructed sushi rolls baked in a casserole. Izzybites becomes a household name with many flavors. 

 

Many food entrepreneurs brought their business online amid the lockdown.

 

 

Bohol's Pride 

Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx brought honor and pride to Bohol. She was crowned 3rd runner-up in the Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2020.  She was also named Ambassador for Tourism by the  MUP organization. 

 

Amelinckx was crowned Miss Bohol 2017.

 

Vanessa Sarno, 17, reaped three gold medals in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Online Youth World Cup last November hosted  by Lima, Peru.

 

The pandemic also saw the birth of "The Doctor Is In" by Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan. His program in social media gives information about health and how COVID-19 affects health and economy. 

 

Spread Kindness

Vinegar opened opportunities for Gerwin Yudelmo, a former call center agent in Cebu City, who lost his job in Cebu City due to the pandemic and quarantined for almost a month.  It’s hard, Yudelmo conceded, but he tried to remain calm and positive. 

 

Yudelmo, 30, said his dip--Sawsaw Bojol Sukang Binaryo-- is now a well-loved blended spiced coconut sap vinegar. 

 

While he was struggling for himself, he and his friends founded the "#ProjectHope" with other volunteers to help fellow locally stranded individuals or LSIs in Cebu.  They have distributed cash, relief packs, canned goods and even a wheelchair.

 

He said most of them did not have food, water, and place to stay since they had lost their jobs after the enhanced community quarantine was implemented.

 

"I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring," Yudelmo said.

 

Yudelmo went home to Inabanga to rest and take new adventure in life. While at the quarantine facility, he  thought of starting a business.  His new business also helps other farmers who are also affected by the pandemic. 

 

"We rise by lifting each other," said Yudelmo. 

 

The pandemic also questions our faith. It’s easy to lose faith when pain is plaguing our mind, body, and soul. But no matter how hard the situation is, no matter how unsure the world is, we can count on finding some strength in G-d’s word.

 

Taking risks to deliver the news

Last March 16, your VRS (the lone mediaman) witnessed when Police Colonel Jonathan Cabal, then provincial director of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, implemented the lockdown. 

 

At times like this, media is crucial in bringing life-saving information.

 

Like the other frontliners (medical workers, policemen, security guards, barangay officials, et al), members of the Bohol media also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

 

Their task is to deliver the stories, especially updates on the raging virus, right into your home. 

 

In telling the stories of frontline workers and keeping government officials’ feet held to the fire, they’ve become frontline workers themselves.

 

Among them are Rey Tutas of dyRD and Dave Charles Responte of dyTR. They do it the normal way, still very visible in the field gathering facts for news. They also use their own social media accounts for real-time news updates. 

 

Othern frontliners are dyRD's Jun Gutierrez, Allen Doydora and Willie Maestrado and dyTR's Joshua Fullido, Ern Pahayahay and Lordina Vergara. 

 

Bob Galero is regularly anchoring his programs at both stations. Veteran journalist Ric Obedencio is busy doing the round in Bohol for big news breaks. So does Helen Castano. 

 

The senior anchors have been enjoined to stay home most of the time. They opted to do remote broadcasting on selected dates (including dyRD's veteran broadcasters Chito Visarra and Fred Araneta and dyTR's veteran broadcastersTed Ayeng, Pedi Bolanio and Ardy Araneta). 

 

As frontliners, they carry on and do the work they think Boholano people deserve.

 

Personal

On a personal note, I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Association of Writers and Radio Announcers Philippines Inc. (AWRAPI) for recognizing VRS with the Writer of the Year (Feature) Award. I am truly humbled and honored to receive it.

 

Thank you also to Globe Media Excellence Awards 2020. It's already an honor to be a finalist in three categories. Baruch HaShem!

 

I want to sincerely thank all our readers and followers who have supported, inspired and shared with us.  You are the reason for our optimism and belief that 2021 will bring only positive news. VRS wishes you to enter it prepared, healthier and happier. 

 

2020 was unpredictable, to say the least. 

 

May G-d illuminate your life and the lives of all those around you forever and may He bless you with good health and material and spiritual abundance!

 

 

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

My ‘recycled’ gifts for my favorite Boholanos

Since we are celebrating Christmas, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos.

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know?

In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know?
(Do you know what I know?)
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and…

 -Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

Do You Hear What I Hear? is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of its haunting, urgent and modern message. Originally penned by Noel and Gloria Regney in 1962, it is a timeless Christmas prayer for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Cold War.

 

Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Robert Goulet, Susan Boyle and Andy Williams are just a few of the artists that have recorded the more than 120 versions of Do You Hear What I Hear? in musical styles from jazz to reggae.

 

Since Christmas is only five sleeps away, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos:

 

-For Gov. Art Yap — Unwavering commitment for the welfare of the Boholanos.

 

-For Vice Governor Rene Relampagos— A clean bill of health! He has more work to share his extensive experience involving local governance.

 

-For Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vanessa Aumentado-— More noble initiatives for the promotion and improvement of the second district of Bohol. Their “fitspiration” can inspire many people to live a healthy lifestyle.  

 

-For Representatives Alexie Tutor and Edgar Chatto — Confidence that they have the continued support of their constituents and more successful efforts in local governance.  Same for Board Members Jade Acapulco Bautista, Lucille Lagunay, Mimi Boniel and Aldner Damalerio.

 

-For Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap and First Lady Jane Yap— More high-impact projects for Tagbilaran City’s #AsensoPaMore.

 

-For Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo — An opportunity to represent the beauty and grace of the Boholano women in a national pageant.

 

-For Willy Ramasola—   A “silencer” that will prevent him from posting “shocking” and “revealing” tidbits. He can do it after Christmas! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

-For Joy Sevilla and Rain Calimbayan— Creative and colorful ideas for their bayong projects ! And peace pipes they should smoke with Willy Ramasola! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

 -For Vanessa Cubrado and her beau— Wedding bells! Wedding bells!  Same for  Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag.

 

-For Dominic “Dobap” Aparicio and Charmaine—   A marriage contract! His Christmas wish? “I will be celebrating my Christmas together with my future wife, Charmaine. Though almost all of us are struggling due to the crisis brought about by pandemic, we should not forget that everything happens for a reason. This is the time we should show and give love to everyone, express love to one another and spend it to the people we treasure the most. Loving them the way God loves us.”

 

-For Mizken Tirol- A colorful lovelife!

 

-For  Shanon Pamaong, Maximiel Tallo, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rose and Paul Ranara, Rhigel Dulfo, Charlow Arbasto and EJ Relampagos, Aileen Sendrijas, Khim Magtagad —A huge runway project to display their artistic collections! Same for Khim Laway, Roxanne Monton, Kim Villamor, Christian Bustrillos, Ryan Sadudaquil, Christian Relator and Nikki Simporios.

 

-For Chris John Rener Torralba— More opportunities for professional growth and a holiday with his special someone.

 

-For Mikey Gatal— A hot partner to color his world.  Same for Jholly Lim, Edison Gumapac, Anthony Ceniza and Butch Bernas.

 

-For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint” venture!  The nights are cold! Ha!Ha!Ha! More energy to liase between provincial and national leaders.  His Christmas wish? “We will celebrate Christmas at home in Quezon City with family and friends. We will prepare our usual Christmas delicious recipes for the Filipino Christmas tradition Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Dinner) like Paella, Morcon, Embutido, Kaldereta, Pansit, Bibingka and Lechon de Leche. And the family will set up a wide screen TV for the online Christmas Eve Mass. We also prepare gifts for the children and a trip to Tagaytay and Batangas to breathe some fresh air in the holidays.”

 

-For Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April) and Arch. Junibe Froilan— A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for  Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos and Anthony Aniscal and DarL.

 

 -For Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin—She can establish her own school for beauty pageant and public speaking in the province. After all, she has nothing to prove to anyone. Her Christmas wish? “That there will be enough food for each and every member of the family to partake and share the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, even in this difficult time when our smiles are concealed.”

 

-For Achinette Joy Villamor—More award-winning films! Her Christmas wish? “No plans. Maybe we will watch two films at night instead of one, read more books, maybe get a little writing done. Because we always lived outside of the normal anyway, 2020 feels like one more exercise in improvisation, like playing jazz, shooting guerilla, speaking extemporaneously. You go into a state of flow, managing bumps as they come. The funny thing about this is, the science affirms it. Jazz and physics are more connected than earlier realized.”

 

-For Lailette Boiser, TinTin Ng and Gerry Lugod— Another teleseryes and movies that will showcase  their natural acting.  Same for YamYam Guc-ong, Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito and Fenech Aimee Veloso.

 

-For lawyers Julius Gregory Delgado and Marie Nickie Bolos— Another “joint venture.”  The night is getting colder!  Ha!Ha Ha! 

 

-For Nestor Pestelos, Dr. Rosalina Rara-Sarabosing, Maria Fe Evasco, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Mightee Palo, Rosalinda Paredes, Vera  Villocido-Gesite, Emilia Roslinda, Doris Dinorog-Obena, Liza Macalandag, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Lester Ouano, Michael Canares, Clement Paulinel Ingking, Jesse Acebes, Ludwig Quirog, and other earth warriors, Alex Bongawan, Dr. Mutya Tirol-Macuno, et al—Strength of character to overcome challenges and to continue advocacies.

 

-For Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra and Tibbs Bullecer (of dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) and Allen Doydora and Anthony Aniscal (of dyRD’s Tagbilaran By Nite) —   More explosive issues, more interesting and “controversial” personalities in their radio programs.  Same for Lito Responte, Peddy Bolanio and Ted Ayeng of dyTR’s Cuentas Claras, Bob Galero and Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy.

 

-For Leah Tirol-Magno, Karla Magno,  Dalareich Polot, Meg Raynaldo —Continued balance in professional and artistic endeavors. Same for Atty. Ted Lagang and Atty. Licelle Zamora.

 

-For Marianito Luspo, Gardy Labad, Reigh Monreal, Fr. Val Pinlac, et al —Unwavering dedication for preservation of historical and cultural assets of the province.

 

-For Joey Labrador, Sam Penaso, Rico Tompong, Pedro Angco Jr., Jackie Curambao, et al— More zeal to embark on more creative pursuits in arts.

 

-For Hannah Precillas, Gian Ale, Mark Michael Garcia, Cleai Tadena, Allan Roy Santarin, Gian Luigi Ale, Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Jerome Sala, Isabel Iris Garsuta and Center Stage Band— More music!!!

 

-For Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor and Thomas Luke Taylor, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso —Another “joint venture.” He!He!He! Same for lawyer David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros, Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace, Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal, Marianne Domivee Chatto and Rob Calipes.

 

-For Bebei Tagoctoc —The “Most Powerful Bading” deserves a round-trip ticket to Europe!  Her “Hair Majesty” deserves a grand vacation.

 

-For Shandy Mission, Ryan Sines, EP Relampagos, Rholly Ingking, Jonathan Ucat,  Donna Vitos, Nina Jasmine Cadeliña, Ramil Dolauta, Tamara, et al — A “hairy” year 2021 to more rakets and pangkabuhayan projects.   

 

-For Joseph Gara—Another album to showcase his artistic talent.  Same for Glee Orcullo and Feby Ingking and CenterStage Band.

 

-For Pauline C. Amelincx  —  An opportunity to represent the Philippines in an international pageant.

 

-For Ingemar Macarine — The “Pinoy Aquaman” can conquer the English Channel in July 2022.

 

-For  Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Marilou Dumaluan, Reichyl Vallente, Mary Ebone Cimafranca-Ong, Walter and Leslie Ramirez, Tina and Alexander Dumas,  Mila Lim — Grace under pressure in keeping with the demands of business pursuits.

 

-For Marisol Balistoy – She will be an instrument  that people who have lost their livelihood during the pandemic will find means to bring income into their families to provide for their needs in this health crisis.

 

-For DTI ASEc Aster Caberte – That as a Boholana trusted with higher position in the national government, she will be able to communicate the programs of the government that will give assistance and will redound to bring economic recovery to affected sectors.

 

-For Bishops Abet Uy and Dan Parcon– They can inspire more followers, especially the downtrodden. Same for Msgr. Jeff Malanog and Fr. Warli Salise Jr. , Pastors Boy Rio and Bobby Rio.

 

May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter!

 

***

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

How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid (Part 2)

Christmas 2020 will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. Contributed Photos

We love the traditions that come with Christmas. The coronavirus pandemic may mean our Christmas won’t look exactly the same as it usually does. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

After all, a global pandemic doesn’t have to ruin the festive season completely. 

Vera Villocido-Gesite-  Christmas during this pandemic means going to church and going back to family. It will be mostly just staying at home with food and singing with just my siblings and their children.

Mikey Gatal-  Due to the current situation, my holiday events are being canceled. For sure Santa Claus will not stop from giving Christmas presents. You know what, he is an elderly, so he might rethink of not working. The good thing is, I heard, he can send some of his hunky Santa grandsons. I am lucky I have my BFF as the Santa hunk Ha! Ha! Ha! Better be safe than sorry after all.

Edison Gumapac- I will celebrate Christmas together with my father, my brother and his family in a simple gathering of thanksgiving. Even this time of pandemic it will not change our culture and traditions of finding joy this holiday that comes from our family. As it is said "family is love. " Maybe this Christmas, it's hard to feel some fun and  happiness compared to last year because the pandemic limited our activities. But it doesn't mean Christmas won't look exactly the same as  it usually does, but we can get creative and find some new ways to celebrate. 

Anthony Ceniza- I believe Christmas is everywhere... I will celebrate Christmas with my boss, colleagues and friends at Dumaluan Beach Resort. I am praying a safe and simple celebration especially to my family in Cebu. I'm so excited for my Christmas gifts from my bossing Dr. Doloriech and Madam Malou Dumaluan!  Christmas means Emmanuel, God is with us! 

Doris Isabel J. Racho- I will celebrate Christmas with my friends thru gift giving as what we did last year. 

  

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado- This may not be the kind of Christmas everyone expected but I will always be grateful and thankful to God for the gift of life, family and friends. Nothing is more important than celebrating this season with  your loved ones. On Christmas Eve, simple dinner will be prepared. Small get together with the family- my husband, kids, in-laws, nephews and nieces is what we are looking forward to. On Christmas day, mass will be celebrated in commemoration of my Father in-law, the late Governor Erico B. Aumentado's 8th death anniversary.  Despite the crisis we are facing today, I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and may our New Year be brighter than ever! Hopeful for a very fruitful and productive year ahead!

Butch Bernas- Celebrating Christmas same as usual with my family and there is a bit twist with glam phoshoot this yuletide season amidst the threat of the COVID19. Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year everyone!

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting- I usually don't celebrate Christmas being alone for q sometimes now. Maybe just stay in my apartment and use the two weeks vacation for my online job.

Arnel Corbita- Going to church will be my priority. I want to thank God for all the blessings. After church, I'll go back home for family bonding.

Bhea Minion-  I know we all want to roam and go for a walk but because of the pandemic we have a hard time doing it. I will celebrate Christmas with a family reunion. The presence and feeling of love for each other is enough.

The Christmas decors inside the Tagbilaran City- General Services Office headed by Chris John Rener Torralba, Ph.D. Photos:  Leo Udtohan

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And here’s today’s inspiring story contributed by Gerwin Yudelmo, a call center agent in Cebu City, who founded the #ProjectHope. He got the story from a friend of his friend and forwarded it untitled to VRS.  Enjoy reading.

The Little Match Girl Story

This is the story of a poor little girl who lived with her father. Her father used to send her to the streets to sell the matchsticks. It was New Year’s Eve and it was terribly cold out there. 

The Match Girl was noticed by no one and so she couldn’t sell the matches that day. She was afraid that if she would go home, her father would beat her. She used to miss her mother and grandmother who were now in Heaven.

It was so cold that she finally, dared to lit a match and made herself warm. Soon, the match turned into a fireplace and she made herself warm. But it didn’t last for long. Without thinking, she lit the second match. This time, the wall turned into a veil and she could see a dining room with lots of delicious foods. But in a couple of seconds, it vanished.  

When she lit the third match, a beautiful Christmas Tree appeared. It had many beautiful candles. She wanted to hold the candles. But as she reached, the candles flew to the sky and turned into stars. Next, when she lit the match, she saw her grandmother whom she loved the most. One by one, she struck the whole bundle of matches as she didn’t want her grandmother to go away.

The next day, it was the New Year. The match girl was sitting at the corner with red cheeks and a smiling face. The people there thought she was trying to keep herself warm last night. But no one knew the magic moments she spent last night. 

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

How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid

After nearly nine months, pandemic fatigue is real.  And here is Christmas 2020 which is likely to be far different — severely limiting our ability to gather, and negatively affecting the health and finances of many — but let us not forget the Jesus is the reason. Contributed Photos 

Summer, Lenten, graduations, fiestas and Halloween have all gone by and like everything else in 2020, they’ve felt really different.  Now, Christmas is coming and …it will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

Merly Diez-Bantugan- Christmas  is celebrated the same as before amid this pandemic time and that is celebrating the yuletide season purely with the immediate members of the family. It has always been the family's tradition not to miss attending the dawn masses for 9 consecutive days. However,  our Lindaville  parish has strategized to celebrate one Holy Mass at dawn and one at 8 in the evening to avoid too much crowd. Then on the Christmas day itself,  we go out dining either in the city or in Panglao. In the evening is the most awaited gift giving and concluded by watching movie or tv shows at home. Gifts for the inaanaks this time are just sent.

PEMS Melinda Mendez-Basalo-  I will be celebrating the Christmas amidst this pandemic still with my family at home maybe in my hometown if time permits because we will be on full alert this holiday season and my husband cannot come home from Cebu because of the strict health protocols in our province. It would be very simple just us with my Mama, brothers, sisters and their respective families, eat the lechon and other Christmas favorites, our traditional exchange of gifts and sharing of gifts and never forget to attend Holy Mass whether it would be an on-line Mass or in Church which is the most important event of this celebration, Jesus's birth is the reason of the season. Even if this Christmas would be different from the rest of the Christmases in my life because of the pandemic, let us not forget that God let this happen in order for us to celebrate simply and focus on Jesus who  was humble enough to be born in a manger as the best example for humility and obedience. Let us be everyone's blessings for it is the great sign that God's love is indeed alive not only this holiday season but for all the days of our lives. Let us continue sharing to the least of our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs and livelihood. Merry Christmas and may the New Year 2021 will be a great pandemic free Year for the world.

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan- Christmas is celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It's the time when family and friends come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This year, celebrating Christmas will be quite different for me and for the majority as well. Since Covid era is here, social gatherings are highly discouraged. It is still best to stay home, stay healthy and celebrate Christmas with your family. Our usual Christmas day visit to the children in the orphanage will surely be  postponed. Instead of hosting a huge extavagant party, I'd like to make food deliveries to the less fortunate ones on Christmas day. Despite this pandemic, I still can feel the spirit of Christmas by sharing my own blessings. 

Elvie Bongosia- As the world celebrates Christ's birth, we may be going through difficult times with this pandemic, despair not for Jesus is born to save each one of us, no matter what we are going through. We will  have a simple celebration with our family.  After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Jhoel Lim- Amidst the pandemic, let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas and the most meaningful way of celebrating this spirit of joy is by spending more quality time with our family and fill our home with love, kindness and unity.

Vilma Yorong- I will celebrate Christmas at home as we usually do. This year, a new addition to the family make us more thankful and happier. We are blessed with a new baby Zion who always makes our day more lively. 

Fiel Angeli Gabin- Christmas in the past years was crossing the deep blue see to go to Siquijor to spend the holidays with Mommy Lou and the rest of the family there, then coming home to Tagbilaran to welcome the New Year with Mama Wincie.  However, for this 2020, with the strict travel restrictions still imposed due to the surging CoViD-19 cases in Bohol, we will just celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, at home by watching the online mass and sharing the food we prepare, with sincere prayers that those who have less in life, especially during this time of the pandemic and the recent typhoons, may find joy in their hearts to thank God for the gift of life and love of family despite the challenges.

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These "reminders" contributed by Arlene Pesquira of Tagbilaran City who is celebrating her birthday today, Dec. 6, who got it from a friend, source unknown. 

*Live life to the fullest.

*Say "I love you" to people who are dear to you. 

*Laugh hard. 

*Eat good food. 

* Continue to be a blessing to others.

* Enjoy the simple things. 

*Be grateful for the borrowed time given to us. 

*Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t answer, it simply means they have something more important to attend to.

*Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person asks for it. It shows your integrity & character.

*Treat a cleaner with the same respect that you would treat the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how rudely you can treat someone below you, but people will definitely notice if you treat them with respect.

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Quarantine gives Jobert & Petche time to discover each other

Petche Ann Asilo: 'Emergency savings account is always necesary and health is wealth.' Contributed Photos

Since the quarantine was declared in March, Petche Ann and husband Jobert Russel Asilo have been shuttling between their houses in two towns, discovering more and more about each other in the process. 

Jobert, 22, hails from Calape, while Petche, 24, hails from Loboc town. 

The past eight months, they have discovered a lot about each other and continue doing so.

What keep them busy is staying fit when everybody is grappling with cabin fever.

"To stay fit during this pandemic I did what will work for me like eating properly because for me health is wealth and, of course, I do jog for cardio," Jobert said. 

Petche does yoga.  "I just want to stay fit by having a healthy lifestyle. Honestly, I eat so much sumptuous foods especially when I'm at home. But I've managed to control myself like having a balance diet," she said. 

For Jobert, he learned that there are many important things in life, but the most important thing is family. 

"My family has always been the most important thing in my life, our connections and relationship with each other. And the importance of grace, we're blessed enough to have a productive work in these days," he said. 

Petche said "emergency savings account is always necesary and health is wealth."  She said supporting local products helps the local economy this pandemic.

"This pandemic gives us the opportunity to look at our lives with different eyes," she said. 

Perhaps not many people know that  Jobert was 1st Runner Up in Sandugo Festival King 2017,  2016 Male Grand Winner Mannequin Model Search and crowned Mister PMI Personality. Meanwhile, Petche was Bohol's representative to Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2016 and Philippines Next Top Model 2017 Top 7. 

Jobert Russel Asilo: 'There are many important things in life, but the most important thing is family.' Contributed Photos

 

“I get in touch with my family regularly,” said Joebert, "more so now. I love them!"

(During this interview, he mentioned that Calape has the newest attraction--  "Pulangyuta" or the  Red Tierra de Agaton in Barangay Sohoton).  

Since Bohol has re-opened its door to tourists, the lovely couple would like to promote their hometowns. 

For sure, they are willing to be your tour guides. 

"I want to invite them to visit our very own St. Vincent Ferrer Church, the newly discovered what they called "Pulang Yuta" and lastly the white sand beach at the Island of Panggangan," said Jobert. 

"Definitely, I would bring them to Loboc Floating Resto. It's a must-try experience, I know some people may get annoyed going back on the same place over and over again but there's something enjoyable about riding that floating resto. It's the ambiance, the people, the food and the view, " said Petche. "The floating Resto will always be that place for me I just never get tired tired of the scenery," she quipped. 

The "Pulangyuta" or the "Red Tierra de Agaton" in Barangay Sohoton in Calape town is the newest attraction in Bohol province. Here, Engr. Jerome Gabin of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Bohol marvels at the place' s scenery. Photos: Engr. Jerome Gabin

 

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A plant for P300k?! Plant Gallery showcases most expensive plant

Certified plantitos and plantitas who visit  The Plant Gallery exhibit from Nov. 18-22, 2020 in Tagbilaran City include Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap II and his wife Jane, Dr. Mimi Dumaluan, fashion designer EJ Relampagos, Rotarians Alex Bongawan and Louella Gulle-Bantol, educators Edison Gumapac and Butch Bernas, Elvie Bongosia, Joy Bonita Sevilla, Fiel Angeli Araorao-Gabin and Merlyn Diez-Bantugan. Some of the exhibitors are Dr. Amce Marie Pinos of The Green Box, Reichyl Dumaluan-Vallente of The Mayana Garden and Fr. Felix Hora. Photos: Anthony Ceniza and Helen Castano

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Jeycelle Espejo-Inting of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School: Pride can seep into a relationship when disagreements occur. The longer you sit and stew over your disagreement, the harder it is to reconcile. Pretty soon, days, weeks, and years pass by and you become accustomed to the way things have become in the relationship. Every passing moment without reconciliation makes it that much harder to turn around and say you are sorry. Don't let your pride get the better side of you. Make it a practice to hurry and settle your differences quickly.

Scene: Aniana "Anyang" Agunod celebrated her 83rd birthday last Nov. 18. Ma'am Anyang,  a retired teacher at Booy South Elem. School, involves herself in church activities. Family and close friends came out to wish her a Happy Birthday. Her grandkids also brought balloons and presents for her.

Scene: Rufino Palma Persigas, a former village councilor of Barangay Buenavista in Ubay town, turned 88 last Nov. 16. Family and friends said Rufino’s 88th birthday was definitely one to remember, and bigger plans have started for his 89th.

Aniana Agunod and Rufino Palma Persigas celebrate their birthdays this month with the love of their families. Contributed photos

 

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Even before the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, my Mama Inday was already a certified plantita. Back in 1990s, she was already showing how big and small plants can transform a home into a relaxing space. 

Gardening also appealed to nostalgia for the passing of a more relaxed life. Thus, only a few of her plants survived.  Of course, she can’t help but have favorites. One of her most precious plants is an Alocasia zebrina, which has been with her for four decades. 

The coronavirus pandemic has set off a global gardening boom.  

Since the lockdown began, I’ve watched my Mama and my sister transform our neglected backyard into a blooming sanctuary. My Mama turned to the soil in moments of upheaval to manage anxieties and imagine alternatives. Now, she has more than a 20 plant species in her collection. 

To look carefully at the mayana ornamental plant, one must look closely at the patterns and colors to appreciate the plant. 

Coleus blumei is the botanical name of the mayana, also known as the lampuyana, dafronaya, tampunaya, daponaya, painted nettle, among other nicknames.

While you might have childhood memories of the mayana plant traditionally used for folkloric medicine for pain, sore, swelling and cuts, the "The Plant Gallery" exhibit is meant to give you a new appreciation for that particular 100 varieties of its kind as well as other plants. 

“The Plant Gallery,”  is on view Wednesday through today, Nov. 22 at the 2nd floor of Alta Citta Mall in Tagbilaran City. It showcases local gardening enthusiasts’ passion for sprucing up the home with greens.

Jose Owen Quimson, one of the orgnanizers, says there are 23 exhibitors from different towns of Bohol who display and sell indoor and outdoor house plants. 

Jessa Mae Suarez sells mayana for P50-P70/pot at her "Mayana Garden" with 100 varities of mayana. Her assistant, Anthony Ceniza, has turned their booth into a magical mayana garden accentuated with giant alocasia plants. 

Fr. Felix Hora, a known horticulturist from Panglao town, showcases his collections of cacti and other plants such as philodendron and succulents at his "Foliage Garden." 

Other exhibitors showcase their alocasia,  anthurium hookeri, rubber plants, monstera, black cardinal, Chinese evergreen and orchids. 

The most expensive plant at The Plant Gallery is a variegated green congo worth P300,000. Yes, you read that right: three hundred thousand pesos!!! 

The most in demand types of plants now are anything that’s variegated—meaning they exhibit different colors, especially in the form of irregular patches or streaks.

Your VRS with the most expensive plant at The Plant Gallery, a variegated green congo worth Php300,000.

Another expensive plant is the Monstera borsigiana albo which is worth P180,000. 

Some of my friends who are  avid plant collectors even during the pre-pandemic period say they've noticed the huge price difference of the plants between now and before the March lockdown.

Elvie Bongosia has thrice visited the exhibit  to buy some succulents to add to her collections. As a means to destress, she started caring for succulents and cacti, until she eventually tended to variations ornamental plants.

In five months, Bongosia has amassed more than 200 potted plants in her home and has transformed her abode into a fresh green spot. 

Elvie has been dubbed a certified "plantita" - a portmanteau of plant and the Filipino word for aunt (tita) -- because of her love for plants.

Other plant enthusiasts, Merlyn Diez-Bantugan and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, have said plants give them joy that money can't buy. 

And so if COVID-19 underscores an age of distancing, gardening arises as an antidote, extending the promise of contact with something real. 

Note: Being a plantito/plantita is not exactly a cheap hobby. 

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TAN's Khim on her struggles during COVID-19 pandemic; inspirational short stories

It’s feel-good Sunday, November 15, 2020. Time out from nega sizzlers, time in for  inspirational short stories that left me speechless.

1.)The Butterfly (shared by Rotary Club of Tagbilaran President Alex Nale Bongawan, who celebrated his birthday last week, who got it from a friend, source unknown).

Priceless moment: Alex Bongawan (center), president of Rotary Club of Tagbilaran; Anthony Ceniza, Marilou Dejan-Dumaluan of Marilou Resort;Angie Hoffman, president of Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Fely Lorejo at Bohol' s newest attraction, Bung-aw Eco Farm in Clarin town, Bohol. Contributed Photos

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. 

One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.

Until it suddenly stopped making any progress and looked like it was stuck.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, although it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man didn’t think anything of it and sat there waiting for the wings to enlarge to support the butterfly. But that didn’t happen. The butterfly spent the rest of its life unable to fly, crawling around with tiny wings and a swollen body.

Despite the kind heart of the man, he didn’t understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle needed by the butterfly to get itself through the small opening; were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings. To prepare itself for flying once it was out of the cocoon.

Moral of the story: Our struggles in life develop our strengths. Without struggles, we never grow and never get stronger, so it’s important for us to tackle challenges on our own, and not be relying on help from others.

 2.) Control Your Temper  (contributed by Anthony Ceniza of Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod in Panglao town who got it from a friend, source unknown).

There once was a little boy who had a very bad temper. His father decided to hand him a bag of nails and said that every time the boy lost his temper, he had to hammer a nail into the fence.

On the first day, the boy hammered 37 nails into that fence.

The boy gradually began to control his temper over the next few weeks, and the number of nails he was hammering into the fence slowly decreased.

He discovered it was easier to control his temper than to hammer those nails into the fence.

Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father the news and the father suggested that the boy should now pull out a nail every day he kept his temper under control.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.

“You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.”  

Moral of the story: Control your anger, and don’t say things to people in the heat of the moment, that you may later regret. Some things in life, you are unable to take back.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for all of us. Many say COVID-19 is a great equalizer. It spares no one--- rich or poor, young or old, an ordinary or a celebrity.

Yes, including Khim Roger Magtagad of The Art Nouveau (TAN). 

"During the whole quarantine period brought by the COVID-19, I was so depressed because I don’t have a stable job since events were canceled but. .." 

Khim finds hope from her family and friends. 

"It's a bit difficult for me to sustain my daily needs. I am just so much thankful because I have my family who always look after me, the Art Nouveau models and parents who extend their helping hands giving me goods and financial support," says Khim who is beyond grateful. 

Khim Roger Magtagad: 'I'm moving forward from the old me to the new Khim.'

Khim confessed in a tell-all exclusive interview with VRS that there have been many major changes in her life during this pandemic. 

"I become a mentally and emotionally tough person. I am watchful on what I should do and whom I should trust. I need to adapt the new normal life especially now I need to go out of my comfort zone and I don't just settle from what I am used to do. I'm moving forward from the old me to the new Khim," she beams with pride. 

It’s hard, Khim concedes, but she tries to remain calm and positive. 

" I will continue my passion as a creative director and manager of The Art Nouveau. Then at the same time find an extra job for me," says Khim. 

" I need to triple my hard work for me to expand and more productive, and of course, I will never forget the people who help me without them I am not here," says Khim who sees better things to come...very soon!’

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Mikey Gatal at 50: Untouched by Science

Mikey Gatal hasn’t changed at all and not a part of his was altered by science (he's a Beauche user for years).

Look, Ma, no wrinkles! 

At 50 (last Nov. 1) , it seems that nothing about US-based socialite Mikey Gatal has changed at all through the years.

In a Zoom chat, he runs his fingers across his flawless face and says with singular pride, “Untouched by Science.”

Not even the rigorous and stressful stories (and work!) can seem to ruffle him.

Has he perhaps uncovered the fountain of youth? 

"Only Beauche touches my skin," says Mikey.

At whatever age, he will always be Mikey Gatal. 

But due to the pandemic that has kept him at home, Mikey is celebrating his 50th with special friends to thank the Lord for all the blessings.

"My wish is to have a good health, finding one true love...and I wish the pandemic will end so that I can go home and spread world peace," says Mikey, who owns the famous www.mikeygatal.com. 

Before we intrude deeper into Mikey’s private life, let’s find out Mikey’s 50 (actually, more!!!) memorable events and good reasons to celebrate life.

1. I miss my Lolo Intong and Lola Inday because they raised me until l was 6 years old. 

2. I knew it, when I became an expert of chinese garter at the age of seven! LOL! 

3. I became a prince charming in 2nd Grade. 

4.I can't forget someone planted a kiss on my cheek during graduation practice in 6th grade.

5. Then I saw Jorge Besa the moment I reached high school. Ha! Ha! Ha! 

6. When I competed with my sister in getting some papaya leaves to scrub and whiten our legs in high school. 

Whether US-based socialite Mikey Gatal was seven (when starting to perfect the Chinese garter) or fifty (as he turned last Sunday, Nov. 1), he will always be Mikey to all his family and friends.

7. I became a dancer when Ma'am Nila Itac saw my potential. 

8. I was wearing shorts when someone kissed me while walking near Bohol Quality. 

9. I really enjoyed high school life. 

10. My first ever beer after high school graduation. 

11. I flew to Manila to study. 

12. I went back to Bohol for one semester. 

13. I left Bohol because I felt left out of my batchmates.

14. I went to Davao to study.

15. That's My Boy 1992 winner in our campus.

16. A crew at Jollibee Davao was my first ever job.

17. I went to Cebu after college graduation then worked at Jollibee.

18. I met a friend who became a flight attendant.

19. I was interviewed for another job.

20. I was employed at House of Representatives.

21. I became obsessed with tennis.

22. I left Congress and worked at the Meridian Hotel in Bohol for a year.

23. A heart to heart with dad that I have to go back to Manila because he believed in me.

24. Back in Congress for two years.

25. I arrived in America in 2000.

26. My first ever relationship lasted for 10 years.

27. I became an American.

28. I traveled to Thailand.

29. Vacationing in Hongkong with my two sisters and Mom.

30. Mom's trip to the US.

31. I met someone who became my inspiration again.

32. I miss my sister who died of breast cancer.

33. I traveled to Niagara Falls in Canada.

34. I went to New York, New Jersey visiting my friends and relatives.

35. Wine tasting in Napa Valley.

36. Health scare.

37. I appeared and interviewed on TV and newspapers at Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.

38. My red carpet experience during the Oscars in Hollywood.

39. I helped someone became a beauty queen.

40. I witnessed and had a picture with Pia Wurtzbach before she became a Miss Universe winner.

41. My 40th birthday spent in Bohol wearing Halloween Costumes with family and friends. 

42. We call each other BFF until now, 8 years of friendship.

43. I love Switzerland.  It never ceases to amaze me!

44. I love Italy and Spain.  I love to visit again!

45. I became skinny! Hehehe

46.  H Club got me inspired again!

48. I worked at Kaiser.

49. This pandemic I have learned to value and cherish life more.

50. My dream house is almost complete.

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