Hudyaka sa Panglao is back

By Leo Udtohan

Last weekend, the town of Panglao, the jewel tourism of Bohol province, has revived the "Hudyaka sa Panglao" Festival, two years since the pandemic forced most festivals in the Philippines to go virtual.

"Hudyaka sa Panglao street-dancing is back," said Anthony Ceniza, Panglao's Culture and Arts officer.  "Sadya kaayo ang Hudyaka namo karung tuiga."

He said the last time Panglao held an in-person street dance competition was in 2019. The festival turned virtual in 2020 and 2021. 

“Hudyaka” is a Cebuano word for revelry and merrymaking.   

Dubbed the province's oldest festival which presumably started in 1987,  the "Hudyaka sa Panglao" is staged every 28th day of August to celebrate the feast of the town’s patron saint San Augustine. 

The Hudyaka is an occasion in the Panglao community where faith, culture and tradition converge and oceans of people come together as one. 

"It is also to reflect Panglaoanons' strong faith and devotion through an established cultural identity and to express the gratitude to our patron saint," Ceniza added. 

The street-dancing had been the main highlight of the Hudyaka sa Panglao festivities.  This year, all the 10 barangays (villages) joined the event, together with their respective festival queens.

Mayor Edgardo "Boy" Arcay emphasized that the challenges brought by the pandemic could not stop the Panglaoanons to celebrate the feast of Saint Augustine.  

Carousel type

Each contigent was composed only of 31 participants- 20 dancers and one festival queen and 10 drummers-just enough for the fanfare. 

The street-dance had a carousel route that started at the front of the church then to the plaza repeatedly on a progressive choreography.

Residents and tourists witnessed the street dance where the performers wore bright-colored costumes and amazing props who danced to the rhythm of drums and native gongs. 

The contingent from Barangay Lourdes was declared grand champion. 

"Nakita nako ang ilahang diversity of culture, gipakita nila ang ilang pagka-relihiyoso sa Panglaoanon," said Edison Gumapac, one of the judges. 

Through the festival, Ceniza said the town was able to showcase the reviving economy and other side of Panglao which was affected by the  Coronavirus pandemic.  

The  tourism makes up 15% of Bohol economic output with Panglao as the principal destination of the province.  Many of the town's businesses were closed during the pandemic. 

Bohol has suffered greatly during the pandemic when tourist arrival had 177,341 in 2020, the lowest in a decade. 

Tourist attractions

The town of Panglao was established as an independent parish in 1782, but Recollect records show that they took charge of the town in 1803.

Since the central theme of the Hudyaka is Saint Augustine, the church dedicated to him is worthy to visit.

The St. Augustine Church, probably one built by the Jesuits before their expulsion in 1768,  has facade inspired by neoclassical architecture and includes the typical portico with Corinthian columns.

The centuries-old watchtower built in 1851 is said to be the tallest in the Philippines.

If you’re already in Panglao, then a side trip to emerging and existing destinations are a must. On top of it is the  white-sandy beaches on Alona Beach and  Dumaluan Beach Resort in Barangay Bolod. 

A five-minute drive from Dumaluan,  you will reach the South Farm, where you can find a 9-hectare organic land property promoting rural, handmade, handcrafted, hand built tourist destinations.

Other attractions are Virgin Island for swimming, Cliff Dive for snorkeling with shoals of sardines and Balicasag Island for a world-class diving site.  

* * * 

Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite on  assuring the public on the purchase of 14 new vehicles:  "Rest be assured nga during the budget hearing and approval of the budget for the next year, dili man jud mo makalimtan. Number jud sa amua health, agriculture and tourism, the rest will follow.  Ayaw mo kaguol, wala mo pasagdi sa atong  governor, sa board members. Naa rami kanunay nagtutuok ninyo. Ang tanan namo nga trabaho masubay kanunay para sa kalambhan kanatong tanan." 

Jorryme Lorono- Vodisek, who has recently just parted ways with his husband due to the 

 latter’s controversial extramarital affair with a friend: "Sa kadaghan sa trials nga atong naagian karun pa ta mo surrender? Beri wrong. Papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part. Laban Japan." 

Shaira Mae Boyonas, the so-called "best friend" of the afam who was allegedly ruined the wedding of Jorryme:  "During the wedding day preparation, walang malisya." 

* * * 

These "practical" tips shared to us by Jeycelle Espejo-Inting of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. She got this from Financial Talks on Facebook: 

The toxins of the house are: 

1. Objects you no longer use.

2. Clothes You Don't Like Or haven't used in a while. Damaged underwear.

3. Broken things.

4. Old cards and notes.

5. Plants that are dead or sick.

6. Receipts and old magazines.

9. Shoes broke.

7. Stuff of all kinds calling the past.

8. If you have children, toys that are not used, that do not work or broken.

WITH CLEANING THEM OUT:

1. Health gets better.

2. Creativity grows.

3. Relationships get better.

4. There is greater reasoning capacity.

5? Improved mood.

QUESTIONS THAT MIGHT HELP CLEANSING:

- Why am I saving that?

- Is it about me today?

- How will I feel if I release that?

Separate and classify:

1. To donate.

2. To throw.

    3. To sell.

INSIDE CLEANING REFLECTED OUTSIDE.

1. Avoid extreme noises.

2. Less strong lights.

3. Less saturated colors.

4. Less chemical odors.

5. Less sad memories.

6. Finish unfinished projects.

7. Cultivate positive energy in your home.

Do a general cleaning and use boxes for organization. Start with drawers and cabinets and conclude each piece, do everything at your pace...

a) Trash.

b) Arrangements.

c) Recycling.

d) In doubt.

e) Gifts.

(f) Donation.

g) Sell.

As you cleanse, watch what changes in you.

As we clean our physical house, we also place order to our mind and heart.

Practice detachment with material things that just fill your space and you'll see how you'll slowly be able to do the same with more momentous situations.

Blessed be for you always.

* * *

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

Photo captions:

"Hudyaka sa Panglao" street-dancing competition is back last Aug.  28, in Panglao,  Bohol after it went virtual for two years due to the pandemic. Photos:  Leo Udtohan

Contingent from Barangay Lourdes is this year's Hudyaka sa Panglao grand champion. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite (with his chief of staff, lawyer Glenn Rey Anino) says the purchase of new vehicles is timely and relevant so officials could function effectively and reach their constituents easily.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

Students nervous, happy on school day opening

By Leo Udtohan

Maurine Castaño,  principal of Dr. Cecilio National High School in Tagbilaran City,  says the school has 7, 288 students and counting. The school has also to construct makeshift classrooms after the four-story building was damaged by typhoon Odette (Rai) last year. Photos: Leo Udtohan

Grade school pupils and high school students have attended their first day of classes last Monday with a mixture of anxiety and excitement.

Lady Jeen Canabes, a 13-year-old first year student of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) in Tagbilaran City, said she was both happy and nervous on attending her first day of class along with thousands of students.

"I was nervous and excited because it's my first day of face-to-face classes," said Lady Jeen who had to learn how to wake up early. 

Authorities directed school officials of DCPNHS to vacate the four-story building for safety reasons.  

Principal Maurine Castaño said the building with 20 classrooms was damaged by typhoon Odette (international name: "Rai") last Dec. 16, 2021.  The roofs blown off by the typhoon were still on the ground.  The school authorities cordoned the area for the safety of the teachers and students. 

"If we are going to base it on our enrolment,  we really have a shortage of classroom," said Castaño.  "However,  we have innovative ways of overcoming that challenge."

Castaño said they have to construct makeshift classrooms inside the school's gymnasium to accomodate students.

The school also implemented the class program that a whole day is alloted for transient sections to accomodate those with no classrooms during vacant days.  

Some teachers were already using lapel mic on Monday's opening of classes.

Grade 7 teacher Ma. Claire Fudalan is using lapel mic while teaching  at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol during last Monday’s opening of classes. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Ma. Claire Fudalan, Grade 7-Hope teacher, used lapel mic to her 31 students.

She said she has been using lapel mic inside the class for the past years.

"Using this lapel mic,  the students can hear (me) loudly,  clearly using my natural voice.  Of course,  it's a great help for my throat,"  Fudalan said.

Since she doesn’t need to raise her voice because of the noise and the clatter of students hustling through the hallway, the students are more focused and fewer teachers with strained voices.

Her colleagues are  also using the lapel mic clipped to their uniforms to preserve their voice and prevent fatigue.

DCPNHS has 7, 288 students as of Friday's enrolment compared to last year's 8,420.  Still the school has the biggest population of students in Bohol.

The school is using blended learning,  face to face and modular.  The online learning was totally wiped out due to unstable internet signal after Odette. 

The school has another campus in Barangay Cabawan to decongest population. 

* * * 

Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Col. Osmundo Salibo,  director of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, on the alleged kidnapping incidents in Ubay and Calape: "There are no parents who complained that their kids were kidnapped. Actually,  there was an information but there was no confirmation." 

Dr.  Jaime Bernadas, director of DOH-Central Visayas,  during the  turned-over of 27 ambulances to Bohol towns: "Our municipalities are the frontliners for preventive and community medicine." 

Gov.  Aris Aumentado on being endorsed as chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Central Visayas: "I decided to accept the nomination because we can have harmonious working relationship with the other local chief executives of Bohol, Oriental Negros and Siquijor.  Thank you for your nomination."  

Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor for donating a rubber boat and safety gears to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 7-Bohol Integrated Irrigation System: "NIA plays a vital role from planning, design, construction, operation, management, maintenance, and even the rehabilitation and repair of the irrigation systems.  Hence, it is only fitting to support and give importance to the equipment they need." 

* * *

This anecdote from Capitol employee Miralyn Lopez- Munil she culled from the Internet. " Something worth sharing," she shared.  

Steve Jobs dies a billionaire, with a fortune of $7 billion, at the age of 56 from pancreatic cancer, and here are some of his last words.

“In other eyes, my life is the essence of success, but aside from work, I have a little joy. And in the end, wealth is just a fact of life to which I am accustomed.”

“At this moment, lying on the bed, sick and remembering all my life, I realize that all my recognition and wealth that I have is meaningless in the face of imminent death. You can hire someone to drive a car for you, make money for you – but you can not rent someone to carry the disease for you. One can find material things, but there is one thing that can not be found when it is lost – “LIFE”.  

Treat yourself well, and cherish others. As we get older we are smarter, and we slowly realize that the watch is worth $30 or $300 – both of which show the same time. Whether we carry a purse worth $30 or $300 – the amount of money in the wallets are the same. Whether we drive a car worth $150,000, or a car worth $30,000 – the road and distance are the same, we reach the same destination. If we drink a bottle worth $300 or wine worth $10 – the “stroller” will be the same. If the house we live in is 300 square meters, or 3000 square meters – the loneliness is the same.”

“Your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world.  Whether you’re flying first class, or economy class – if the plane crashes, you crash with it.”

So, I hope you understand that when you have friends or someone to talk to – this is true happiness! 

Five Undeniable Facts 

1)Do not educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. – So when they grow up they will know the 

value of things, not the price.

2)Eat your food as medicine, otherwise you will need to eat your medicine as food.

3)Whoever loves you will never leave you, even if he has 100 reasons to give up. He will always find one reason to hold on.

4)There is a big difference between being human and human being.

5)If you want to go fast – go alone! But if you want to go far – go together.

And in conclusion...  

The six best doctors in the world:  Sunlight. Rest. Exercise. Diet. Self-confidence.  Friends 

Keep them in all stages of life and enjoy a healthy life. 

Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.

Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat yourself well. Cherish others. 

“Love the people God sent you, one day He’ll need them back.”

***

 

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

Andy Doria receives 'Gintong Parangal 2022' award

By Leo Udtohan

Here for a vacation was Boholano balikbayan Andy Uriarte Digal Doria from California, USA. 

After his visit to Butuan City, Andy immediately flew in here. He was accompanied by his sister, Fatima, and nephew, Eman, during his entire Bohol stay. 

He visited Loboc town where he met his relatives.  He also visited Tamper Coffee and Brunch, Sikatuna's Mirror of the World and Botabical Garden, Atmospheres and Virgin Island. 

"I love the place, it's paradise now," gushed Andy when he saw the sandbar.  Virgin Island became controversial when a group of tourists complained about the pricey seafood. 

Last Thursday, he also visited the tomb of his uncle Fidelito Doria who passed away in 2019 at Victoria Memorial Park. 

Andy was in Manila on Saturday (Aug. 13) to receive the "Gintong Parangal 2022" as "Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year" held at Okada Manila.

Gintong Parangal is a new Filipino award-giving body that recognizes various individuals and organizational contributions toward the attainment of a better quality of life.

* * * 

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

Balikbayan Andy Uriarte Digal Doria is one of the recipients of the "Gintong Parangal 2022" held at Okada Manila on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Contributed photos

Bohol devotees express faith during feast of 'God the Father of All Mankind'

By Leo Udtohan

Sister Precy Aseneta-Macasaet, a missionary, vissionary and divine healer, leads the devotees in Bohol province on Sunday, Aug. 7 to celebrate  the feast of the "God the Father of All Mankind" at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine in Tagbilaran City. Photo: Leo Udtohan Visayas

A devotee who credits her health recovery to the "God the Father of All Mankind" reminded her fellow faithful about the importance of faith as they celebrated the religious figure’s feast day Sunday (Aug. 7).

"My faith brought me closer to God. Faith is the victory," said Lucina Lugod, 48, a resident of Barangay Balintawak, Talibon.

Lugod said her faith and devotion to the God the Father of All Mankind was strengthened when she underweant surgery for breast cancer on Feb. 12, 2021.

Her anxiety grew when she found out that the cancer cells grew abnormally and spread.

It was Sister Precy Aseneta-Macasaet, a missionary, vissionary and divine healer, who shared to her about God the Father and prayed for her recovery.

After praying, laboratory results showed she was negative of cancer cells.

"In those days I was thinking my chance for survival was very slim. I was emotionally and spiritually down including financial crises. But God the Father of All Mankind provides everything," she said. "Having faith is to trust in God, to believe in God's ability to sustain and uphold us."

On Sunday, she and her husband Christopher, 45, travelled to St. Joseph the Worker the Tagbilaran Cathderal-Shrine in Tagbilaran City, at least 109_km from Talibon, for Sunday's feast.

She met her fellow devotees and Sister Precy who were wearing white Filipiniana.

Earlier, Sister Precy and her group distributed food to at least 100 candle vendors.

Devotees attend Mass during the feast of the "God the Father of All Mankind" at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine last Aug. 7, 2022. Photo: Leo Udtohan Visayas

It was in 2010 that Sister Precy, who is from Davao City, introduced the God the Father of All Mankind to Bohol province after following God’s will.

"It was God the Father who brought me to this place because He wants his children to know him,” said Sister Precy.

"God the Father's mercy and love is eternal. It is not only limitless, it flows from His heart of complete love and compassion for us," she added.

The feast of the God the Father of All Mankind is held every first Sunday of August, as a day of consecration to God the Father.

At 9 a.m. Sunday' Holy Mass officiated by Bishop Abet Uy, in his homily he told devotees and parishioners that faith is much more than passive belief. It is express our through action and the way we live.

He narrated that Abraham's faith in God was tested in a way that most of us will never know. But Abraham took God at His word, and became the father of our faith.

"Our devotion to God the Father means we have only one father in heaven. It means we have to see as one another as brothers and sisters. Faith is to believe of what you not see. The reward of the faith is to see what you believe," he said.

Bishop Uy also consecrated the image of the God the Father of All Mankind.

Sister Precy said more and more people have become devotees of the God the Father of All Mankind not just in Bohol province but as well in Cebu, Manila and Cagayan de Oro City.

She said he will never get tired of serving the God the Father of All Mankind for as long she lives.

"I am ready where He will send me," said Sister Precy who will visit Baguio City, Nueva Ecija and Tuguegarao City for her mission. 

* * *

Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Gov. Aris Aumentado on the closure of Virgin Island for vendors: "Ban forever didto sa Virgin Island tungod kay maoy gusto sa DENR kay protected area man to. Pero sightseeing puwede pa. Kabahin sa namaligya og mga pagkaon ug adto magpakaon murag" no" na gyud to."

Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist

Hidilyn Diaz to aspirant weightlifters during the National Weightlifting Championships held Tagbilaran City: “Dream high, make more sacrifices and give more love.”

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

Virgin Island: paradise reborn

By Leo Udtohan 

The Virgin Island is back to its natural beauty. No more food vendors on the sandbar. Photo: Jhelmar Jala

Eyesore no more. 

That's how residents and tourists felt when makeshift food stalls were removed at the famous Virgin Island in Panglao town. 

The new look of the sandbar means it is now restored to its original and pristine beauty. 

Jocelyn Cabatos-Orcullo, a legal researcher, said having no structures at the area fits in the definition of a "Virgin." 

"By the looks of it, the island is Virgin. Can we keep it this way?" said Orcullo of the new face of the sandbar she saw on the social media. 

Romie Darunday-Bullecer, an optometrist, said it was a nice decision to remove the structures. 

"Very beautiful view!! The sandbar can be more appreciated without the disturbing structures. This is a  wise decision by Panglao Mayor. Leave it this way and see that more tourists will appreciate this!! All is well that ends well," she said on Facebook. 

Panglao Mayor Edgardo "Boy" Arcay had prohibited vendors and other tourism activities starting Wednesday after a complaint on pricey food became viral in the social media. 

"Virgin Island is only for sightseeing," he said.

The inter-agency meeting presided by Gov. Aris Aumentado had a unanimous decision to ban the operation of the tourism activities in the Virgin island.

"While LGU of Panglao has the primary jurisdiction over the establishments and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) over the island, the Provincial Government of Bohol, to the extent possible, will step in to ensure that there is a strike of balance and harmony in the enforcement of environment protection laws, tourism standards and the welfare of all stakeholders - including the tourists, vendors and the public in general," said Aumentado. 

"We need to fix this because it's embarassing for our tourists and visitors, " he added. 

Board member Jamie Villamor, chairman on environment and natural resources, said it's about balance of conservation efforts and tourism. 

Villamor, who authored the resolution to create a task force to look into the incident, said the Virgin Island is under the intensified protection of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, Presidential Decree 1081 and other existing laws, rules and regulations. 

She said generally under existing environmental laws, certain regulation on commercial activities is in place such that multiple use resources may be subjected to limited commercial activity. 

"Are vendors in the sandbar and on waters considered as limited commercial activity? Is the Virgin Island classified as multiple use protected area? If yes, was it officially declared? Otherwise, there has to be total prohibition as such is a protected area with strict use," Villamor asked. 

The overpricing controversy became viral  online after a woman posted on Facebook account that her friend's group of 13 who had lunch last July 29 paid a total of P26,100 for the seafood and drinks that they ordered 

However, the food vendors at the Virgin Island denied selling seafood to tourists at exorbitant prices. 

To help the displaced vendors, the 

Panglao Municipal Tourism Council (MPTC)  recommended to the municipal government that they can hold a "food street or night market" at Panglao Plaza where the vendors can sell their products.

"To be fair and just for the affected vendors as well, they shall be able to continuously sell out whatever perishable stock on hand," the MPTC statement said.

The night market will coincide with the celebration of Hudyaka Festival celebration for the annual town fiesta this month.

* * *

Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Joeper Colubio on the pricey food at Virgin Island: " We have no intention nga daoton sila. Tarung lang unta ilang pricing klaruhon unta nila para walay laing mabiktima. Nice kaayo ang Bohol. I hope tanan maka-experience sa Bohol kay nindot kaayo." 

Fidel Clenista, vendor at Virgin Island: " Wala mi nagpalabi sa among presyo. Ang iyang gibuhat namo mawad-an mig panginabuhian. Daghan mi diri madamay. " 

* * * 

Your media people at the Virgin Island last Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Photo: Helen Castaño

Foreign and domestic tourists continue to flood the Virgin Island despite the pricey food controversies. 

"And finally we are back here with Virgin Island.. And its back to its pristine nature and look you can see illegal structures have been dismantled.. .. And so happy this is paradise again, back to its virgin state," said Bohol's seasoned host Raul Gatal who visited the sandbar on Friday. 

Gatal was with other regional and some Bohol media for an ocular visit.

Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte said that vendors had many violations including health and sanitation.

She also said the incident was a wake-up call to the entire tourism industry. 

 "This wake-up call has triggered a lot of action from the long overdue action from the local tourism stakeholders," said Caberte.

* * * 

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