6 slain NPA rebels in Bohol encounter identified

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY-The son of a ranking  leader of Communist New People’s Army (NPA) was among those who were killed in a series of encounters with government troops in Bilar town in Bohol on Thursday, the Philippine Army and Bohol Police Provincial Office said.

The six rebels were killed in a series of encounters with 47th Infantry Battalion troops following a civilian tip-off of their presence in Barangay Campagao.

In separate statements on Friday,  Jingler Compoc, the son of  Domingo Compoc, alias Kumander Cobra, the alleged guerilla front secretary, was among those who were killed. 

Jengler, 29, a native of Barangay Dagohoy in Bilar town, Bohol was allegedly the vice squad leader of the remnants of the dismantled Bohol Front Committee. 

The younger Compoc was known as Keth in the group, while the older Compoc who has a P2.6 million bounty on his head is facing a string of charges including rebellion, homicide, attempted homicide, theft, multiple murder, frustrated murder and robbery.

Others killed were Ruben Nabas Samorano, 40, a resident of Rizal, Batuan, Bohol;  Nelson Lumantas, 50,  a resident of barangay Bayawahan, Sevilla town, Bohol;  Rogelio Jorillo alias Tacoy from Minglanilla, Cebu; Felisisimo Arcales Estañola, 67, a resident of Purok 7, Barangay Maitom, Catigbian, Bohol; and alias Emoy from Catigbian, Bohol; and a certain Okloy.

Compoc, Samorano, Lumantas and Estañola were positively identified by their relatives. 

The clash terrified residents that at least 56 families mostly from Sitio Ilaud in Barangay Campagao were evacuated. 

Fun run marks Alturas' 50th year

By Leo Udtohan

A fun run celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), a highly diversified and integrated retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial conglomerate in Bohol, was held Saturday, March 25. 

Over 2,000 runners from Bohol and Cebu joined in the 10-kilometer, 15-kilometer and 21-kilometer fun runs. 

Mary Grace "Gay" Bernaldez said the proceeds of the Alturas Golden Fun Run will help parents and guardians of the 25 terminally ill children in Bohol. 

"You are part of this great cause," she said. 

The excitement continued with the Zumba Marathon, followed by giving of freebies and products from sponsors and a Comedy Concert from Manila-based comedians at 7 p.m.

AGC expressed its gratitude to all the participating runners and sponsors who, in one way or another, help generate funds intended for the sick children.

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The recent detection of African Swine Flu (ASF) in Cebu has led the Bohol provincial government to heighten its efforts to safeguard its swine industry. 

Bohol maintains its "green level" status as it remains free of ASF.

AGC recognized the impact of ASF on all hog raisers and pork consumers in Bohol, prompting it to ensure food security by lessening the risk of contamination. The company sources its meat from its own farm - Marcela Farms, which heavily promotes biosecurity measures to prevent unwanted diseases or viruses from penetrating.

Marcela Farms has been in the agricultural business for over 40 years and serves as the main source of livestock for Alturas Malls. It also supplies food needs such as hogs, chicken, eggs, prawns, fish, and rice for institutional customers in the country and abroad.

"We take ASF matters seriously.  We want to assure our customers that we are doing everything to prevent it from reaching Bohol. Our farm implements advanced biosecurity measures to ensure the health and safety of our hogs, and we are confident that we can supply meat products for Bohol even if the province limits or stops meat importation,” said AGC Manager Marlito Uy.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease in pigs, which can result in high mortality rates. While the virus does not affect people and has no impact on human health, it poses a significant threat to the hog industry. 

By intensifying its biosecurity measures, the company hopes to prevent the entry and spread of ASF in Bohol and continue to provide high-quality food products to its customers. Biosecurity measures are critical in keeping diseases and pathogens that carry them away from livestock, property, and people.

External biosecurity measures being implemented by AGC include no new pigs, control of pests, installation of air filtration systems, no visitors, and managing vehicle traffic.  Vehicles and equipment are only allowed onto the farm if cleaned and disinfected beforehand. There is a 20-day quarantine period for vehicles coming from outside Bohol. People who may have been in contact with other pigs are also not allowed on the farm.

AGC also continued to maintain its consistent record as a leading taxpayer in the province. 

The group, through its subsidiary, Marcela Farms Inc., was recognized once again as one of the Top 5 Corporate Taxpayers by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 13 during the 2023 National Tax Campaign kickoff at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City.

The regional bureau acknowledged the contribution and collaboration of Marcela Farms in achieving the agency’s plans and programs and in helping fund the country’s economic recovery and continuous progress.

AGC has always been committed to compliance with the law and is proud to contribute to the local economy by paying its taxes on time and in full.

"We are grateful for this recognition, as we consider our role as a taxpayer to be of utmost importance. Our commitment to contributing to the growth and development of Bohol through our business operations is unwavering. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our determination to set a positive example and encourage other businesses to join us in upholding this civic duty," said Helen Binangbang, executive assistant to the Alturas Group GM.

Aside from ensuring government compliance, AGC also upholds sustainable practices and technology as a core value and this is reflected in its subsidiaries such as Marcela Farms. The farm, which provides for the food requirements of the province and institutional customers locally and internationally, acknowledges the importance of environmental protection as a vital component of achieving sustainability.

Marcela Farms has taken significant measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including operating the largest solar farm project in Bohol and supplying any excess power to the local grid as part of the government's net metering initiative. It also boasts the first certified animal-waste biogas in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, the company utilizes a biomass facility that compacts 100% rice hulls into solid biofuel for industrial plant boilers and poultry bedding. Its organic fertilizer facility also produces a minimum of 350 bags daily, while its rendering plant converts all poultry plant waste into protein meal for animal feed.

As its 50th anniversary approaches this year, AGC continues to be a highly diversified and integrated conglomerate in Bohol, encompassing retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial sectors.

The company remains true to its values rooted in strategic, sustainable progress and embodies its main slogan of "Serving the community, Uplifting Lives."

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Dragon boat competition slated in July

By Leo Udtohan

The Bohol Paddlers Association, Inc. (BPAI) will hold the "Bohol Island Dragon Boat Festival 2023" in line with the celebration of Sandugo Festival in July. 

Dr. Theodore" Doyet" Dumaluan, BPAI president, said the dragon boat racing will be the first to be held since it started in 2013, which was suspended due to the pandemic. 

He said  there will 30 paddler groups which are expected to join the event including those from the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Each group is composed of 12 persons.

Dumaluan said the resumption of the tournament is their way of showing to the people that the situation in the province has gradually returned to normal after the pandemic. 

"We want to show that the province is an ideal place for the competition since the water here is calm from Tagbilaran City to the municipality of Panglao,” Dumaluan said.

Outdoor adventure is another tourism circuit the provincial government of Bohol is actively harnessing and promoting with the objectives of diversifying the province's offerings. 

Dragon boat racing on Bohol started in 2011 after it was introduced to Dumaluan. He then organized with other people who shared a love for dragon boat racing and put together the province's first dragon boat team. 

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Saulog Festival is back!

By Leo Udtohan 

After three years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, folks in Tagbilaran City are celebrating the Saulog Festival again this year. 

After the launching on Thursday, March 16, which coincided with the 458th commemoration of "Sanduguan" of Rajah Si Katuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, residents and spectators enjoyed the reenactment and dance highlighting the city’s culture and tradition. 

"And now, we are back to face- to- face activities," said Mayor Jane Yap.  

The last face-to-face Saulog street dancing was in 2019. 

"This is our avenue to promote the tourism industry in Bohol and our beloved city of Tagbilaran," she added. 

She said tourism recovery also translates to economic recovery.

Data from the Tagbilaran's tourism office estimated that 80% of tourist activities in the city were back to normal and that arrivals were still rising.

This year, Saulog will feature concerts, parades, Mutya sa Tagbilaran, sporting events, and religious activities that are expected to return to their pre-pandemic glory. 

"A fitting shout-out to the world that we are resilient, we are moving pn, and we are profoundly grateful to God through Saint Joseph the Worker," said Yap. 

Tagbilaran as a gateway to Bohol offers a wide range of business and investment opportunities.  It is the center of Bohol's education, trade and business, as well as the seat of political power. 

The Saulog Festival will end on May 21.

The highlights of the celebration are the following: 

458th Blood Compact Commemoration Program and Saulog Launching-April 16

Tagbo sa Tagbi/Kumbira sa Tagbilaran (Food Fair)- April 14-May 7

Mutya sa Tagbilaran - April 22, 2023

Himug Huni Interschool Songwriting Competition – April 23, 2023

Saulog Festival King and Queen - April 26, 2023

Saulog Fluvial Procession - April 29, 2023

Saulog Street Dancing Competition and Parade - April 30, 2023 

Maoy sa Mayo Saulog Concert - May 1, 2023

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95th Oscars: See the Full List of Winners

And the Oscar goes to...

On Sunday, the multiversal heroes from Everything Everywhere All at Once — the year's most nominated film — gathered together at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood with Na'vi aliens, estranged Irish mates, First World War soldiers, a new class of Top Gun graduates, Lydia Tár and the King of Rock and Roll, and more for the 95th Oscars. Host Jimmy Kimmel presided over the ceremony, as Oscar statuettes were awarded for all 23 categories and, in the end, Everything Everywhere All at Once was named Best Picture.

"We want to dedicate this to the mommies. All the mommies in the world," Daniel Scheinert said onstage, while Daniel Kwan dedicated the Oscar to "my immigrant parents — my father who fell in love with movies because he needed to escape the world and, thus, passed that love of movies onto me. [And] my mother, who is a creative soul, who wanted to be a dancer, actor, and singer, but could not afford the luxury of that life path, and then, gave it to me."

Everything Everywhere All at Once took home seven Oscars in total; also for Best Directing, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. All Quiet on the Western Front, meanwhile, won Best International Feature Film for Germany among four total wins.

Below, find the complete list of winners from the 95th Oscars:

Best Picture

All Quiet on the Western Front
Malte Grunert, Producer

Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers

The Banshees of Inisherin
Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin and Martin McDonagh, Producers

Elvis
Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss, Producers

WINNER: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert and Jonathan Wang, Producers

The Fabelmans
Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, Producers

Tár
Todd Field, Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert, Producers

Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers

Triangle of Sadness
Erik Hemmendorff and Philippe Bober, Producers

Women Talking
Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Frances McDormand, Producers

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Austin Butler in Elvis

Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin

WINNER: Brendan Fraser in The Whale

Paul Mescal in Aftersun

Bill Nighy in Living

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin

Brian Tyree Henry in Causeway

Judd Hirsch in The Fabelmans

Barry Keoghan in The Banshees of Inisherin

WINNER: Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Cate Blanchett in Tár

Ana de Armas in Blonde

Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie

Michelle Williams in The Fabelmans

WINNER: Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Angela Bassett in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Hong Chau in The Whale

Kerry Condon in The Banshees of Inisherin

WINNER: Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Stephanie Hsu in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Animated Feature Film

WINNER: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson, Gary Ungar and Alex Bulkley

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
Dean Fleischer Camp, Elisabeth Holm, Andrew Goldman, Caroline Kaplan and Paul Mezey

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Joel Crawford and Mark Swift

The Sea Beast
Chris Williams and Jed Schlanger

Turning Red
Domee Shi and Lindsey Collins

Best Cinematography

WINNER: All Quiet on the Western Front
James Friend

Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths
Darius Khondji

Elvis
Mandy Walker

Empire of Light
Roger Deakins

Tár
Florian Hoffmeister

Best Costume Design

Babylon
Mary Zophres

WINNER: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Ruth E. Carter

Elvis
Catherine Martin

Everything Everywhere All at Once
Shirley Kurata

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Jenny Beavan

Best Directing

Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin

WINNER: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

Todd Field, Tár

Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness

Best Documentary Feature Film

All That Breathes
Shaunak Sen, Aman Mann and Teddy Leifer

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, John Lyons, Nan Goldin and Yoni Golijov

Fire of Love
Sara Dosa, Shane Boris and Ina Fichman

A House Made of Splinters
Simon Lereng Wilmont and Monica Hellström

WINNER: Navalny
Daniel Roher, Odessa Rae, Diane Becker, Melanie Miller and Shane Boris

Best Documentary Short Film

WINNER: The Elephant Whisperers
Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga

Haulout
Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev

How Do You Measure a Year?
Jay Rosenblatt

The Martha Mitchell Effect
Anne Alvergue and Beth Levison

Stranger at the Gate
Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones

Best Film Editing

The Banshees of Inisherin
Mikkel E.G. Nielsen

Elvis
Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond

WINNER: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Paul Rogers

Tár
Monika Willi

Top Gun: Maverick
Eddie Hamilton

Best International Feature Film

WINNER: All Quiet on the Western Front
Germany

Argentina, 1985
Argentina

Close
Belgium

EO
Poland

The Quiet Girl
Ireland

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

All Quiet on the Western Front
Heike Merker and Linda Eisenhamerová

The Batman
Naomi Donne, Mike Marino and Mike Fontaine

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Camille Friend and Joel Harlow

Elvis
Mark Coulier, Jason Baird and Aldo Signoretti

WINNER: The Whale
Adrien Morot, Judy Chin and Annemarie Bradley

Best Music (Original Score)

WINNER: All Quiet on the Western Front
Volker Bertelmann

Babylon
Justin Hurwitz

The Banshees of Inisherin
Carter Burwell

Everything Everywhere All at Once
Son Lux

The Fabelmans
John Williams

Best Music (Original Song)

"Applause" from Tell It like a Woman
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

"Hold My Hand" from Top Gun: Maverick
Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga and BloodPop

"Lift Me Up" from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Goransson; Lyric by Tems and Ryan Coogler

WINNER: "Naatu Naatu" from RRR
Music by M.M. Keeravaani; Lyric by Chandrabose

"This Is A Life" from Everything Everywhere All at Once
Music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski; Lyric by Ryan Lott and David Byrne

Best Production Design

WINNER: All Quiet on the Western Front
Production Design: Christian M. Goldbeck; Set Decoration: Ernestine Hipper

Avatar: The Way of Water
Production Design: Dylan Cole and Ben Procter; Set Decoration: Vanessa Cole

Babylon
Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino

Elvis
Production Design: Catherine Martin and Karen Murphy; Set Decoration: Bev Dunn

The Fabelmans
Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara

Best Animated Short Film

WINNER: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy and Matthew Freud

The Flying Sailor
Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Ice Merchants
João Gonzalez and Bruno Caetano

My Year of Dicks
Sara Gunnarsdóttir and Pamela Ribon

An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It
Lachlan Pendragon

Best Live Action Short Film

WINNER: An Irish Goodbye
Tom Berkeley and Ross White

Ivalu
Anders Walter and Rebecca Pruzan

Le Pupille
Alice Rohrwacher and Alfonso Cuarón

Night Ride
Eirik Tveiten and Gaute Lid Larssen

The Red Suitcase
Cyrus Neshvad

Best Sound

All Quiet on the Western Front
Viktor Prášil, Frank Kruse, Markus Stemler, Lars Ginzel and Stefan Korte

Avatar: The Way of Water
Julian Howarth, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Dick Bernstein, Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers and Michael Hedges

The Batman
Stuart Wilson, William Files, Douglas Murray and Andy Nelson

Elvis
David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson and Michael Keller

WINNER: Top Gun: Maverick
Mark Weingarten, James H. Mather, Al Nelson, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor

Best Visual Effects

All Quiet on the Western Front
Frank Petzold, Viktor Müller, Markus Frank and Kamil Jafar

WINNER: Avatar: The Way of Water
Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett

The Batman
Dan Lemmon, Russell Earl, Anders Langlands and Dominic Tuohy

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, R. Christopher White and Dan Sudick

Top Gun: Maverick
Ryan Tudhope, Seth Hill, Bryan Litson and Scott R. Fisher

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

All Quiet on the Western Front
Screenplay by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson & Ian Stokell

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Written by Rian Johnson

Living
Written by Kazuo Ishiguro

Top Gun: Maverick
Screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie; Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks

WINNER: Women Talking
Screenplay by Sarah Polley

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

The Banshees of Inisherin
Written by Martin McDonagh

WINNER: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert

The Fabelmans
Written by Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner

Tár
Written by Todd Field

Triangle of Sadness
Written by Ruben Östlund

95TH Oscars opens with US Navy Flyover

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences partnered with the United States Navy/U.S. Naval Air Forces for an unprecedented opening segment at the 95th Oscars®, airing live today, March 12, on ABC.  At the top of the show, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, two aircraft flew 1,000 feet above the ground at 300 knots/345 mph over the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood.  Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, the “Flying Eagles,” located at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, was the supporting squadron.  The mission of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 is to provide dynamic training to future Naval aviators and maintainers who operate and sustain the world’s most capable and lethal aircraft carrier-based strike fighter, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the backbone of the Navy’s carrier air wing.  “Making an incredibly entertaining show was our top priority, and what better way to kick things off than with an unforgettable moment that sets the tone for the whole evening,” said executive producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner.  “A huge thank you to the U.S. Navy for helping execute a once-in-a-lifetime Oscars opening.”  “As someone who grew up in a Naval Aviation family watching F-14s in Miramar, attended TOPGUN (U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School) in 2012, and advised during filming on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in 2019, it’s an absolute honor to lead the flyover as a tribute to ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’” said Lt. Cmdr. Doug Morrow of VFA-122.  “The movie is the ultimate love letter to Naval Aviation and all the sailors around the globe who are currently standing watch.  It’s humbling to be a part of this year’s Oscars celebration.” The 95th Oscars is airing live today, Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and is being televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide. # # #

Alturas honors loyal employees in celebration of golden anniversary

By Leo Udtohan

At least 469 employees of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) were honored during the company's golden anniversary. 

The founders' second generation presented the awards to the 10-to-30-year awardees, while the three 40-year awardees received their tokens from incorporators Marlito Uy and Nelita Uy-Fuertes.

Uy, who also serves as AGC’s general manager, expressed his gratitude to all the awardees, acknowledging that their efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and success of the group. 

"We believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in our success. We are honored to celebrate the 26th Alturas Group Loyalty Awards with them.  We look forward to continuing to take care of our employees by recognizing their loyalty and hard work,” he said.

The ceremony also included testimonials from representatives of the awardees, namely, Anna Palban, Armicito Bitero Jr., Rolando and Ma. Fe Jagunos, and Romulo Polinar. 

To make the occasion more exciting, 20 lucky awardees won Php 10,000 each in the instant raffle, while others took home minor prizes. There were 40 winners of P2,000 and 25 winners of P5,000. 

Since 1998, AGC has valued the length of employment service and dedication of its workforce,  through the ups and downs of the business. The same tradition continued even during the pandemic, where deserving employees were conferred with the same tokens without formal gatherings. 

In addition to the Loyalty Awards ceremony, AGC also hosted its annual Family Get Together event at the CPG Sports Complex earlier this year. More than 12,000 employees joined in the celebration, which was filled with fun and laughter.  Over P3 million worth of raffle prizes were given away.

As AGC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company reaffirms its commitment to driving strategic, sustainable progress that benefits Bohol and the rest of the Visayas. 

"We are excited to celebrate another milestone and are looking forward to another year of meaningful and impactful experiences for our customers. We remain committed to our mission of serving the community and uplifting lives and continuing our contribution to the growth and progress of the areas that we serve,” Uy said.

AGC is a highly-diversified and integrated retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial conglomerate known for the values incorporated in its slogan, "Serving the community, Uplifting Lives." 

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M/V Filipinas Ubay launched for Ubay-Cebu route

By Leo Udtohan

With the launching of MV Filipinas Ubay, you can now travel from Ubay town, Bohol to Cebu and vice versa by boat for 4 hours. 

The blessing and launching ceremony on Saturday, March 11, was attended by Chester Cokaliong, CEO and COO of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc.,  Anna Lynne Cokaliong, Chanel Cokaliong, Gov. Aris Aumentado, Vice Gov. Victor Balite, 2nd district Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes, Vice Mayor Victor Bonghanoy, Ubay councilors IC Besas, Violeta Reyes and other local officials,  Clarin Mayor Eugene Ibarra and officials of the Philippine Ports Authority. 

In his message, Chester said he heeded to the "kakulitan" of Aris to invest in Bohol. 

He said M/V Filipinas Ubay, which is worth P110 million, was purposely bought for the town of Ubay upon the request of Aris. 

"Mingsud ta diri tungod sa request ni  [Gov.] Aris [Aumentado] . Nanawag si Aris nako 'Gobernador nako Sir, ayaw nako balibari sa barko para sa Ubay.' Panahon siya sa Congressman pa sigeg update nako," Chester said in his message. 

"Nag-invest ang Cokaliong sa municipality of Ubay og P110 million," he added. 

The  MV Filipinas is the smallest and 16th vessel of Cokaliong Shipping Lines. 

It is a roll-on-roll-off passenger ferry, it has a passenger capacity of 350 and cargo capacity of 20-25 trucks. 

As of today, Cokaliong Shipping Lines has been connecting Mindanao and Visayas with their 15 vessels.

Aris said the new Ubay-Cebu route will have greater connectivity, improved competition in the shipping industry, and lower cargo costs. 

"Pinaagi sa M/V Filipinas Ubay sa Cokaliong Shipping Lines, mas mapadali na pagbiyahe sa atong mga higala sa Ubay ug sa Segundo Distrito," said Aumentado. 

Vanessa said it will make the province more connected as well as help boost its economic activity.  

She added that the new ship will also enhance the province's attractiveness as a destination by promising greater passenger safety, welfare and comfort.  

"This will greatly contribute to the development of Ubay and Bohol, and it will open more opportunities," said Vanessa. 

The new daily trip schedules: Ubay-Cebu from 8:00 A.M.-12:00 NN and Cebu-Ubay from 8:00 P.M.-12:00 MN.

Tickets cost P400 for economy and P440 for tourist.

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ECPay is reliable for cashless transactions

By Leo Udtohan

The first ECPay in Bohol was launched last  Feb. 27, 2023. The do-it-yourself Vending Machine Online Payment by Globe Telecom can be found outside the Plaza Marcela. 

Present during the event were Dennis Ruiz, operation manager of M &M celldepot; Airen Te, operation manager of Globe Broadband; Aldrin Avergonzado, business development expert; and Edsel Angeles, mall manager of Plaza Marcela.

Ruiz said Globe Telecom has introduced the use of ECPay for a cashless-contactless transactions. 

He said ECPay is reliable and convenient as many Filipinos have shifted to digital channels.

ECPay is a company engaged in the provision of information technology and electronic commerce related solutions, and operates a multi-tiered platform that offers secure electronic solutions for various transactions such as load purchases.

"Mobile technologies continue to evolve to make our life easier and we now see cashless payments using mobile phones," said Avergonzado. 

Avergonzado said they place ECPay machines in towns. 

 This time, members of the Association of United Development Information Officers (Audio)-Bohol, have helped to combat cybercrimes in the country by conducting a SIM Sign-Up Drive.

The info drive in partnership with Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Bohol was held at Bohol Island State University (BISU)- Tagbilaran Campus on Thursday, March 2.

As of 12 noon, there were are at least 400  teachers and students have their prepaid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards registered.

Ma. Lydia Bantugan, president of Audio, said that the info drive would lessen victims of fraud and scam.

"This is to spread awareness on the importance of registering their SIM cards as this will help combat cybercrimes in the country," she said.

"They should register at once and not to wait for the deadline to lapse to avoid the inconvenience of getting deactivated," Bantugan added.

After BISU-Tagbilaran, Audio plans to hold the info drive in other campuses and schools.

Audio is composed of information officers from municipalities and government agencies.

Bantugan said they could help to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process.

Invited speakers were lawyer Alan Felix Macaraya, Jr., legal officer of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC); Victor Magallanes, provincial officer of  Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); Tiarra Cabilla, Smart Communication's  Stakeholder Management Officer-Visayas; and Jose Luis Varquez, Globe Telecom’s Channel Transportation Strategy Development manager.

Macaraya explained Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Card Registration and its importance in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years.

Varquez urged their customers to take the opportunity of registering their pre-paid SIM cards now to avoid a surge in the system when the deadline comes.

Aldrin Avergonzado, Globe Telecom’s Consumer Business Development Expert, shared that Globe customers can now register their SIMs through the GlobeOne app, another convenient and accessible option to comply with the SIM Registration Act.

By making SIM registration available on the app, Globe hopes to expand reach to its subscribers and finish registration of roughly 86.7 million SIM users under the Globe network by the deadline.

Under the law, all existing SIM card users must register their number to their name by submitting requirements — personal details, identification cards, business names, and other information — on a website provided by the telecommunication company that provided the SIM Card.

All prepaid subscribers in three telcos — Globe, Smart, and Dito —have until April 26, 2023 as deadline for registration.

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HOLLYWOOD STREET CLOSURES FOR 2023 OSCAR® WEEK

LOS ANGELES, CA – To ensure public safety, support security strategies and facilitate the production of this year’s Oscars®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the City of Los Angeles have finalized street closure plans around the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. To accommodate the construction of press risers and pre-show stages along the Oscars red carpet, all lanes of Hollywood Boulevard are closed from Orange Drive to Highland Avenue until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. MTA will begin re-routing bus traffic and subway trains will bypass the Ovation Hollywood station after the last regularly scheduled train on Saturday, March 11, until the first scheduled train after 6 a.m. on Monday, March 13. Between Sunday, March 5, and Oscar Sunday, March 12, additional streets and sidewalks will be closed for varying periods. Details of the closures and maps of affected areas are available from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Thirteenth District City Council field offices and on the Academy's website at https://oscars.org/closures.    The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

All’s well that ends well for Mayor Che and CongW Alexie Tutor

By Leo Udtohan 

There was no more need to dig up old grudges, no recriminations. They embraced in tearful silence and let bygones be bygones, only looking ahead and not backward.

That about sums up the reconciliation between Board Member Nathaniel Binlod and 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes, when they met during the 154th Foundation Day of Carmen town Wednesday, March 1. 

The "rift" started during the campaign (which seems to have taken a turn for the worse). It was supposed to be "part of the game." Of course, it hurts, especially if most of them are lies, half-truths. 

"Everything has been said...has been done. It’s all out in the open. I have spoken. Let the time tell the sincerity of our commitment," said Tutor. "Let us be together." 

She said "loyalty" should not be for a person but for the people. 

Tutor said she had no abhor feelings against Binlod. In fact, she praised him for his hardwork. 

Tutor said that no barangay or town will be left behind. In Carmen, she allocated funds worth P93.5 million for this year for its barangays because her service is impartial.

Delos Reyes said that her alliance with the administration of Aumentado and Tutor, she hopes for the better development of her town. 

 "I will work very hard, I will try my very best together with the LGU family that we can give our best to the people. Para nako, with Board Member Nathan ang kaayuhan ug ikaayo sa katawhan sa lungsod sa Carmen ug lalawigan sa Bohol maoy among gitan-aw. Serbisyo lang mao maghiusa mi, nagkahiusa mi, makig-usa mi.. and that's very very clear, " said Mayor Che. 

The reconcialition was witnessed by third district mayors Dodo Jumawid (Batuan), Norman Palacio (Bilar), Raymond Jala (Loboc), Juliet Dano (Sevilla), Michael Doria (Sierra Bullones), Wilson Pajo (Pilar), Arturo Jed Piollo (Lila), Randolph Ang (Dimiao), Dionisio Neil Balite (Valencia), Jess Baja (Garcia Hernandez),  Al Cadorniga Taculad (Duero), Ben Balo (Guindulman) and Lahar  Ayuban (Loay). 

After that, the three and the local chief executives ended enjoying a hearty lunch at Chocolate Hills Complex. 

They agreed to forget the past and to move on. 

* * *

Oscars Governors Ball returns for 64th year

By PR | 04:50 PM March 01, 2023 

The Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars celebration, which will immediately follow the 95th Oscars ceremony on Sunday, March 12, returns for its 64th year.  For details on this year’s ball, including décor renderings and sustainability efforts, visit the press kit here (registration is required).

Wolfgang Puck Catering celebrates its 29th year at the Governors Ball with a menu created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein, and pastry design by Kamel Guechida and Garry Larduinat 

Acclaimed mixologist Charles Joly will again curate a selection of Tequila Don Julio specialty cocktails, including “Director’s Martini” and “Showtime Margarita”

Champagne Fleur de MIRAVAL—the only Champagne house exclusively devoted to Rosé—returns for a second consecutive year

Clarendelle, Quintus and Haut-Brion, from the Domaine Clarence Dillon family of wines, will be the exclusive red and white wines poured at the Governors Ball and other Oscar-related events. 

The Governors Ball will take place in the Ray Dolby Ballroom on the top level of Ovation Hollywood immediately following the Oscars broadcast.

The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

AND THE BAFTA GOES TO...

By Leo Udtohan 

It was a star-studded event at London's Royal Festival Hall this evening as the biggest and brightest talent came together to celebrate the past year in film. 

Hosted by dream-team Richard E. Grant and Alison Hammond and with stunning performances by Little Simz and Ariana DeBose, it was a night to remember. 

The big winners were All Quiet on the Western Front with seven BAFTAs, including Best Film and Director, and The Banshees of Inisherin and Elvis with four.

The legendary costume designer Sandy Powell was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship.

The winner of this year's EE Rising Star, the only award chosen by you, the public, was Emma Mackey. We can't wait to see her again on the silver screen!

BEST FILM

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Malte Grunert

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Martin McDonagh

ELVIS Gail Berman, Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Patrick McCormick, Schuyler Weiss

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, Jonathan Wang

TÁR Todd Field, Scott Lambert, Alexandra Milchan

OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM

AFTERSUN Charlotte Wells, Mark Ceryak, Amy Jackson, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski

WINNER - THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Martin McDonagh, Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin

BRIAN AND CHARLES Jim Archer, Rupert Majendie, David Earl, Chris Hayward

EMPIRE OF LIGHT Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE Sophie Hyde, Debbie Gray, Adrian Politowski, Katy Brand

LIVING Oliver Hermanus, Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley, Kazuo Ishiguro

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL Matthew Warchus, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn, Luke Kelly, Dennis Kelly

SEE HOW THEY RUN Tom George, Gina Carter, Damian Jones, Mark Chappell

THE SWIMMERS Sally El Hosaini, Tim Bevan, Tim Cole, Eric Fellner, Ali Jaafar, Jack Thorne

THE WONDER Sebastián Lelio, Ed Guiney, Juliette Howell, Andrew Lowe, Tessa Ross, Alice Birch, Emma Donoghue

OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER

WINNER- AFTERSUN Charlotte Wells (Writer/Director)

BLUE JEAN Georgia Oakley (Writer/Director), Hélène Sifre (Producer)

ELECTRIC MALADY Marie Lidén (Director)

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE Katy Brand (Writer)

REBELLION Elena Sánchez Bellot (Director) Maia Kenworthy (Director) 

FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Edward Berger, Malte Grunert

ARGENTINA, 1985 Santiago Mitre, Victoria Alonso, Agustina Llambi Campbell, Axel Kuschevatzky, Federico Posternak

CORSAGE Marie Kreutzer, Alexander Glehr

DECISION TO LEAVE Park Chan-wook, Ko Dae-seok

THE QUIET GIRL Colm Bairéad, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi

DOCUMENTARY

ALL THAT BREATHES Shaunak Sen, Teddy Leifer, Aman Mann

ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED Laura Poitras, Howard Gertler, Nan Goldin, Yoni Golijov, John Lyons

FIRE OF LOVE Sara Dosa, Shane Boris, Ina Fichman

MOONAGE DAYDREAM Brett Morgen

WINNER - NAVALNY Daniel Roher, Diane Becker, Shane Boris, Melanie Miller, Odessa Rae

ANIMATED FILM

WINNER - GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson, Gary Ungar, Alex Bulkley

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON Dean Fleisher Camp, Andrew Goldman, Elisabeth Holm, Caroline Kaplan, Paul Mezey

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH Joel Crawford, Mark Swift

TURNING RED Domee Shi, Lindsey Collins

DIRECTOR

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Edward Berger

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Martin McDonagh

DECISION TO LEAVE Park Chan-wook

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

TÁR Todd Field

THE WOMAN KING Gina Prince-Bythewood

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

WINNER - THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Martin McDonagh

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

THE FABELMANS Tony Kushner, Steven Spielberg

TÁR Todd Field

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS Ruben Östlund

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, Ian Stokell

LIVING Kazuo Ishiguro

THE QUIET GIRL Colm Bairéad

SHE SAID Rebecca Lenkiewicz

THE WHALE Samuel D. Hunter

LEADING ACTRESS

WINNER - CATE BLANCHETT Tár

VIOLA DAVIS The Woman King

DANIELLE DEADWYLER Till

ANA DE ARMAS Blonde

EMMA THOMPSON Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

MICHELLE YEOH Everything Everywhere All At Once

LEADING ACTOR

WINNER - AUSTIN BUTLER Elvis

COLIN FARRELL The Banshees of Inisherin

BRENDAN FRASER The Whale

DARYL McCORMACK Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

PAUL MESCAL Aftersun

BILL NIGHY Living

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

ANGELA BASSETT Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

HONG CHAU The Whale

WINNER - KERRY CONDON The Banshees of Inisherin

DOLLY DE LEON Triangle of Sadness

JAMIE LEE CURTIS Everything Everywhere All At Once

CAREY MULLIGAN She Said

SUPPORTING ACTOR

BRENDAN GLEESON The Banshees of Inisherin

WINNER - BARRY KEOGHAN The Banshees of Inisherin

KE HUY QUAN Everything Everywhere All At Once

EDDIE REDMAYNE The Good Nurse

ALBRECHT SCHUCH All Quiet on the Western Front

MICHEAL WARD Empire of Light

ORIGINAL SCORE

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Volker Bertelmann

BABYLON Justin Hurwitz

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Carter Burwell

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Son Lux

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO Alexandre Desplat

CASTING

AFTERSUN Lucy Pardee

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Simone Bär

WINNER - ELVIS Nikki Barrett, Denise Chamian

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Sarah Halley Finn

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS Pauline Hansson

CINEMATOGRAPHY

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT James Friend

THE BATMAN Greig Fraser

ELVIS Mandy Walker

EMPIRE OF LIGHT Roger Deakins

TOP GUN: MAVERICK Claudio Miranda

EDITING

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Sven Budelmann

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN Mikkel E. G. Nielsen

ELVIS Jonathan Redmond, Matt Villa

WINNER - EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Paul Rogers

TOP GUN: MAVERICK Eddie Hamilton

PRODUCTION DESIGN

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Christian M. Goldbeck, Ernestine Hipper

WINNER - BABYLON Florencia Martin, Anthony Carlino

THE BATMAN James Chinlund, Lee Sandales

ELVIS Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy, Bev Dunn

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO Curt Enderle, Guy Davis

COSTUME DESIGN

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Lisy Christl

AMSTERDAM J.R. Hawbaker, Albert Wolsky

BABYLON Mary Zophres

WINNER - ELVIS Catherine Martin

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS Jenny Beavan

MAKE UP & HAIR

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Heike Merker

THE BATMAN Naomi Donne, Mike Marino, Zoe Tahir

WINNER - ELVIS Jason Baird, Mark Coulier, Louise Coulston, Shane Thomas

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL Laura Blount, Naomi Donne, Barrie Gower, Sharon Martin

THE WHALE Anne Marie Bradley, Judy Chin, Adrien Morot

SOUND

WINNER - ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Lars Ginzel, Frank Kruse, Viktor Prášil, Markus Stemler

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Julian Howarth, Gary Summers, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

ELVIS Michael Keller, David Lee, Andy Nelson, Wayne Pashley

TÁR Deb Adair, Stephen Griffiths, Andy Shelley, Steve Single, Roland Winke 

TOP GUN: MAVERICK Chris Burdon, James H. Mather, Al Nelson, Mark Taylor, Mark Weingarten

SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Markus Frank, Kamil Jafar, Viktor Müller, Frank Petzold

WINNER - AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER Richard Baneham, Daniel Barrett, Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon

THE BATMAN Russell Earl, Dan Lemmon, Anders Langlands, Dominic Tuohy

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Jeff Desom, Ethan Feldbau, Jonathan Kombrinck, Zak Stoltz

TOP GUN: MAVERICK Seth Hill, Scott R. Fisher, Bryan Litson, Ryan Tudhope

BRITISH SHORT ANIMATION

WINNER - THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE Peter Baynton, Charlie Mackesy, Cara Speller, Hannah Minghella

MIDDLE WATCH John Stevenson, Aiesha Penwarden, Giles Healy

YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING Hannah Jacobs, Zoe Muslim, Harriet Gillian

BRITISH SHORT FILM

THE BALLAD OF OLIVE MORRIS Alex Kayode-Kay

BAZIGAGA Jo Ingabire Moys, Stephanie Charmail

BUS GIRL Jessica Henwick, Louise Palmkvist Hansen

A DRIFTING UP Jacob Lee

WINNER- AN IRISH GOODBYE Tom Berkeley, Ross White

EE RISING STAR AWARD

AIMEE LOU WOOD

DARYL McCORMACK

WINNER - EMMA MACKEY

NAOMI ACKIE

SHEILA ATIM

2023 Oscars Nominations: See the Full List

A new class of Oscar nominees has been unveiled. On Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with special hosts Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams, announced nominations for the 95th Oscars.

Winners will be announced during the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12. Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the ceremony, which will be televised from the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and air live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

MORE: Everything to Know About the 95th Oscars

Here is the complete list of nominees in every category:

Best Picture

All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix)

Avatar: The Way of Water (20th Century Studios)

The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)

Elvis (Warner Bros)

Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24)

The Fabelmans (Universal Pictures)

Tár (Focus Features)

Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount Pictures)

Triangle of Sadness (NEON)

Women Talking (United Artists Releasing/Orion Pictures)

Actor in a Leading Role

Austin Butler in Elvis

Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin

Brendan Fraser in The Whale

Paul Mescal in Aftersun

Bill Nighy in Living

Actor in a Supporting Role

Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin

Brian Tyree Henry in Causeway

Judd Hirsch in The Fabelmans

Barry Keoghan in The Banshees of Inisherin

Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Actress in a Leading Role

Cate Blanchett in Tár

Ana de Armas in Blonde

Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie

Michelle Williams in The Fabelmans

Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Actress in a Supporting Role

Angela Bassett in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Hong Chau in The Whale

Kerry Condon in The Banshees of Inisherin

Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Stephanie Hsu in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Animated Feature Film

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (Netflix)

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (A24)

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (Universal Pictures)

The Sea Beast

Turning Red (Walt Disney)

Cinematography

All Quiet on the Western Front

Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths

Elvis

Empire of Light

Tár

Costume Design

Babylon

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Elvis

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Directing

Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24)

Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans (Universal Pictures)

Todd Field, Tár (Focus Features)

Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness (NEON)

Documentary Feature Film

All That Breathes

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Fire of Love

A House Made of Splinters

Navalny

Documentary Short Film

The Elephant Whisperers

Haulout

How Do You Measure a Year?

The Martha Mitchell Effect

Stranger at the Gate

Film Editing

The Banshees of Inisherin

Elvis

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Tár

Top Gun: Maverick

International Feature Film

All Quiet on the Western Front
Germany

Argentina, 1985
Argentina

Close
Belgium

EO
Poland

The Quiet Girl
Ireland

Makeup and Hairstyling

All Quiet on the Western Front

The Batman

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Elvis

The Whale

Music (Original Score)

All Quiet on the Western Front

Babylon

The Banshees of Inisherin

Everything Everywhere All at Once

The Fabelmans

Music (Original Song)

"Applause" from Tell It like a Woman

"Hold My Hand" from Top Gun: Maverick

"Lift Me Up" from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

"Naatu Naatu" from RRR

"This Is A Life" from Everything Everywhere All at Once

Production Design

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

Babylon

Elvis

The Fabelmans

Animated Short Film

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

The Flying Sailor

Ice Merchants

My Year of Dicks

An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It

Live Action Short Film

An Irish Goodbye

Ivalu

Le Pupille

Night Ride

The Red Suitcase

Sound

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

The Batman

Elvis

Top Gun: Maverick

Visual Effects

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

The Batman

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Top Gun: Maverick

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

All Quiet on the Western Front

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Living

Top Gun: Maverick

Women Talking

Writing (Original Screenplay)

The Banshees of Inisherin

Everything Everywhere All at Once

The Fabelmans

Tár

Triangle of Sadness

Loboc residents ask Our Lady to calm the river

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- The famous river in Loboc town has started to subside on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 12, after it reached critical level following the continuous rains brought by low pressure area and shear line.

As of Thursday afternoon, the water level of Loboc River in the area was already at

90 meters above sea level, lower compared to Thursday early morning.

There were 74 families in Barangay Valladolid were evacuated since Wednesday. They were part of the 626 families or 788 individuals evacuated in the province in 18 towns. 

Before the water level went down, residents turned to prayer. 

Residents placed an  image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura in front of the river at the Museo de Loboc building.

Expressions of religious piety have been practiced in Loboc town as a response to plagues and pandemics even during the arrival of the image on May 24, 1843.

Vir Jala, 50, said they seek comfort in prayer and appeal to God and the saints for mercy and protection from illness and loss of life.

"My parents taught us to seek help from Our Lady," said Jala, a father of three.

The veneration of sacred images and placing them outside the window of a house or a church is a religious expression known as "dungaw” (to look out).

Even passers could not help but look up to the image, and waved to the image.

The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe originated from the hilly town Guadalupe  in Spanish region of Extremadura, close to the Portuguese border.

Church records said the Augustinian Recollect brought the image of the Lady carved from black wood.

Like its Bohol descendant, the Spanish image is dressed like a queen, stands erect, and holds the Child in one arm. Both the mother and child are dark-skinned, and belong to the tradition of the “Black Madonnas” of medieval Western Europe.

###

Photo caption:

The image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura was placed in front of the Loboc River in Loboc after it swells due to inclement weather, known as "dungaw” (to look out) to calm the river. Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas

Bridge in Bohol closed after damage sustained from heavy rains

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- The Wahig Pamacsalan Bridge in Pilar town in Bohol province was closed to motorists on Thursday after sustaining heavy damage from days of incessant raining. 

The damage created a big hole, making it dangerous for vehicles and people to cross.

The bridge connects villagers from Lumbay and Poblacion to essential amenities in town and neighboring Sierra Bullones town. 

Gov. Aris Aumentado who personally checked the bridge on Thursday afternoon had already instructed the provincial engineer's office to conduct rapid assessment to repair the new bridge. 

"We will repair it as soon as possible," he said while talking to village officials. 

Local officials advised motorists to take an alternate route while the bridge is awaiting assessment from authorities.

Barangay Captain Geronimo Tutor said the bridge was damaged for the second time after damaged by typhoon Odette in Dec. 2021. 

On Friday, Jan. 13, barangay officials would hold a "bayanihan" to fix the temporary bridge by putting material across the space to allow people to cross and travel into town for services. 

Meanwhile, Aumentado visited evacuation centers to distribute relief packs to the evacuees with Provincial Social Welfare and Development and local governments. 

He distributed packs to 146 families in Clarin town and 38 families in Inabanga town on Thursday. 

A total of 626 families or 788 individuals evacuated in the province due to inclement weather.  

Classes and work in all public institutions were also suspended on Thursday. 

###

Photo caption: 

The Wahig Pamacsalan Bridge in Pilar town in Bohol province sustained heavy damage from two days of incessant rains. Photo courtesy of Gov. Aris Aumentado 

Woman's body found floating in creek in Calape

TAGBILARAN CITY — A body of a woman  was found floating in a creek in Calape town in Bohol province Thursday morning, Jan. 12, police said.

Police Master Sergeant Cromwell Enriquez, desk officer at Calape Police Station, said that their station had responded to information of the body of a woman found floating in the creek at Sitio Lamak in Barangay Bonbon in Calape town at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.

The victim was identified as Debraliz Castro, a resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz in Calape. 

The water in the creek rose due to days of incessant raining. 

Police said the victim allegedly suffered from mental disorder and post partum. 

Dr. Manuel Relampagos III, the municipal health officer, who examined the victim said Castro had drowned. There was no sign of struggle and foul play.

Meanwhile in Dagohoy town, a resident of Barangay San Miguel, was still missing. 

In a Facebook post, Dagohoy Mayor Hermie Relampagos said local rescuers tried to search for the missing person who was believed swept away by the flood, which rose due to days of incessant raining.  However, they failed to locate the missing person on Thursday. 

Heavy downpours triggered flooding in some parts of Bohol.  Some 626 families or 728 individuals in Bohol were forced to evacuate as several major rivers and dams overflowed. 

###

Photo caption: 

A woman drowned Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023  when she was swept away by the flood, which rose due to days of incessant raining, while crossing a creek in Calape town, Bohol. Photo: PNP Calape

626 families evacuated in Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- At least 626 families or 788 individuals in Bohol province were evacuated due to nonstop moderate to heavy rains due to low pressure area and sheer line. 

In a situational report from the  Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) at 2 p.m. Thursday, it reported 626 families composed of 788 individuals who were evacuated from at least 18 towns. 

The evacuees were brought to the temporary shelters or centers. 

In Clarin, there were 40 families evacuated in Barangay Bonbon, 45 families in Barangay Nahawan and 61 families in 

Poblacion Norte.

There were 146 families in Jagna, 74 families in Barangay Valladolid in 

Loboc town where the river was at critical level on Thursday morning. 

There were15 families evacuated in Barangay Estaca in Pilar town. 

At least 38 families evacuated in Inabanga town, 23 families in Dagohoy town. 

In Lila town, four families in Barangay Poblacion, 15 families in Barangay Calvario. 

Gov. Aris Aumentado distributed relief goods to the affected families. 

Bohol has been on red alert status since Wednesday due to bad weather.

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Photo caption:

The Loboc River  after the water slowly subsides on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 after 74 families were evacuated.  Photo courtesy of Mayor Raymond Jala.

Aumentado suspends classes in Bohol due to inclement weather

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol has suspended classes on Thursday, Jan. 12, in all levels in public and private schools, due to incessant rains. 

In an advisory, Governor Aris Aumentado said that flooding is threatening in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.

He said the provincial government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will continue to monitor and keep the public posted on weather updates.

The inclement weather on Wednesday flooded some areas in Bohol.

In Pilar town, water flooded Purok 3 in Barangay Del Pilar. 

The National Irrigation Administartion - Central Visayas advised preemptive evacuation for communities close to Wahig River as the Malinao Dam overflowed. 

Three persons were rescued in Getafe town after their pump boat sank due to inclement weather. 

According to Pagasa, scattered rain showers will continue to prevail over several parts of the country due to the shear line and a low-pressure area (LPA). 

The LPA was last seen 475 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, the state weathe bureau added. 

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Photo caption: 

The Malinao Dam in Pilar town, Bohol on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2023 after it reached full capacity that families nearby where advised to leave the area. Photo: NIA-7

Heavy rains fail to dampen devotees to join Traslacion in Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- A heavy downpour didn’t stop hundreds of devotees from joining Sunday's traslacion or Walking of Faith to honor the image of the Black Nazarene.

The procession, which started at around 3:30 a.m., was a 13-kilometer walk which brought back the image of the Nazarene back from Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran to the Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish in Dauis town where the image is housed.

The Nazarene’s carriage and glass-encased urn was covered with few flowers.

Many in the procession didn’t bring umbrellas. They were drenched barely two hours into the procession, but stayed on, chanting prayers and singing hymns to the Nazarene.

The procession passed through J. A. Clarin Street, then proceeded to Plaza Rizal rotonda, St. Joseph the Worker Shrine-Parish, Burgos Street, and Borja Bridge, and to the Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish (Dauis church)  at around 5 a.m.

Police estimated the crowd of devotees  at about 2,000.

Policemen were deployed on road intersections and along the procession route together with several security volunteers and barangay tanods.

However, the rain stopped when it reached Dauis town to the delight of the devotees.

For government employee Edward Guyano, it was sign of a miracle. Though he and others got wet, he said it was only a little sacrifice compared to the sacrifices of the Nazarene to the humanity.

It was followed by a Pontifical Mass officiated by Bishop Abet Uy.

"Daghan ang naulanan apan wala mahadlok. Atong i-ampo nga kitang tanan, ilabina na ang mga kabatan-onan, madasig sa pagsunod sa panag-ingnan sa Poong Nazareno. Dili na kita mahadlok sa mga hagit ug kalisdanan sa kinabuhi," said Uy during his homily.

(Many got wet because of the rain but did not fear. Let's pray that all of us, especially the youth, will be encouraged to follow the example of Poong Nazareno. That we are no longer afraid of life's challenges and difficulties.)

"Kung aduna may mga suliran ug pagsuway dili ubta ta mawad-an og paglaum. Let us be strong like the Poong Nazareno for we know that difficult roads will bring us to heaven and to eternal life," he added.

(If there are problems and trials, we should never lose hope. Let us be strong like the Poong Nazareno for we know that difficult roads will bring us to heaven and to eternal life.)

On the feast day, Jan. 9, Eucharastic celebrations will be held at 6:30 a.m. and 5 p. m. It will be followed by a mobile procession at 6 p.m.

The replica of the image of the Black Nazarene was given as a gift by the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila for the 80th canonical anniversary of the Diocese of Tagbilaran last November 2021. It is temporarily housed at Dauis Church until constructon of his shrine will finish.

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Photo caption:

Heavy spells of rains could not dissuade the faithful from joing the traslacion or Walk of Faith for the Black Nazarene in Bohol province on Sunday early morning, Jan. 8, 2023.

Diocese of Tagbilaran holds Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

By Leo Udtohan 

TAGBILARAN CITY — A Requiem Mass was held at Diocese of Tagbilaran on Wednesday, Jan. 4, to honor the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

The pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 95.

Bishop Abet Uy led the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine at 12 noon. 

In his homily, Uy said that Pope Benedict was given the nickname "God's Rottweiler" for his uncompromising conservative views.

He stressed that the pope was completely the opposite of the caricatures that his enemies made of him.

"Caricatures are simply not true or exactly the opposite. He was meek, humble, warmth and very compassionate who listens and makes one important," Uy said. 

The prelate also shared on how Pope Benedict tried to teach the joy of discipleship.

He said Tagbilaran Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso, and Boholano bishops 

Antonieto Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao and Crispin Varquez of Borongan in Eastern Samar could vouch for the pope. 

"They said he's gentle, simple, holy, loving kaayo, same sa Ginoo," said Uy. 

The prelate ended his homily borrowing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "The happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity!" 

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope at age 78 and took the name Benedict XVI. 

He served as pope from 2005 to 2013 and was the first pope to resign from the papacy in almost 600 years.

Photo caption:

Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran officiates the requiem mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Bishop Abet Uy