US-based socialite Mikey Gatal and friends were worried that two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits are still hiding in Bohol.
I assured Mikey and friends that we’re safe in Bohol.
“We’re all safe Mikey. Thanks for your concern,” I said.
Proof? Fiestas are celebrated in every sitio and barangay this May.
Foreign and local tourists flocked to Bohol even after the clash between the Abu Sayyaf group and government troops last month.
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| The delegates of the Asean meetings at the top of the Chocolate Hills. Photo by Leo Udtohan |
Several tourists, foreign and local, were seen enjoying Panglao although some resort operators, however, admitted that some tourists cancelled their bookings after the clash between the Abu Sayyaf group and security forces.
I told him that while the bandits were chased in Clarin town, the delegates of the Association of Asian Nations (Asean) meetings held recently in Panglao had enjoyed their countryside tour in Bohol.
“They had so much fun,” I told Mikey.
I should know because I was with the delegates during the tour. Regional tourism secretary Judy Gabato allowed me to cover the tour. Gracias por todo, Maam Judy!
I was with “VIP Bus 1” composed of the Asean delegates with Department of Tourism (DOT) licensed tour-guide Ms. Doris Dinorog-Obena, who was amazing, amusing and articulate. She shared her extensive knowledge of Bohol and its history, people, food and architecture with ease.
Since there were only places to visit by the delegates, the pace was comfortable and efficient. Ms Doris and her assistant Mark were professional and friendly and made the delegates feel they were in good hands.
The delegates visited the tarsier sanctuary in Corella town. At the tarsier sanctuary, they met Lito Pizarras, the tarsierman. They also learned that tarsiers are both endangered and fragile, and can commit suicide when stressed.
They also visited the postcard-famous Chocolate Hills composed of 1,268 cone-shaped hills.
In summer, when the grasses wilt and turn chocolate brown color making them look like Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses.
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| Doris Dinorog-Obena shares more about Bohol and her people during the tour. Leo Udtohan |
The viewing deck in Carmen allows a fantastic view over the hills and the valleys of Bohol.
Cuong Ba Tran of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam said he loved to visit again.
“I find the people here very friendly. You can find nowhere in the world such people,” he said. “I will bring my family- my kids and wife to visit Bohol. Very impressive.”
Indeed, Bohol's charm lies on its people, culture, heritage and rich natural resources.
(Note: On this page and the next are pictures of ASEAN delegates during their countryside tour in Bohol.)
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It was a busy, busy last week that some friends shared the article “Realities of life” they culled from the Internet. I am sharing this to all VRS readers for them to ponder.
When we die, our money remains in the bank... Yet, when we are alive, we don't have enough money to spend. In reality, when we are gone, there is still a lot of money not spent.
A business tycoon in China passed away. His widow, left with $1.9 billion in the bank, married his chauffeur. His chauffeur said:- "All the while, I thought I was working for my boss... it is only now, that I realize that my boss was all the time, working for me !!!"
The cruel reality is: It is more important to live longer than to have more wealth. So, we must strive to have a strong and healthy body, It really doesn't matter who is working for who.
In a high end hand phone, 70% of the functions are useless!
For an expensive car, 70% of the speed and gadgets are not needed.
If you own a luxurious villa or mansion, 70% of the space is usually not used or occupied.
How about your wardrobes of clothes? 70% of them are not worn!
A whole life of work and earning... 70% is for other people to spend.
So, we must protect and make full use of our 30%.
Go for medical check-ups even if not sick.
HEALTH: Drink more water, even if not thirsty. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.
PERSONALITY:
-Live with the 3 E's--Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
-Take time to PRAY.
-Play more games.
-Read more books than you did in 2016.
-Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
-Sleep for 7 hours.
-Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily And while you walk, Smile.
-Learn to let go, even if faced with grave problems.
-Endeavor to give in, even if you are in the right.
-Remain humble, even if you are very rich and powerful.
-Learn to be contented, even if you are not rich.
-Exercise your mind and body, even if you are very busy.
-Make time for people you care about.
-Don't over do. Keep you limits.
-Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
-Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
-Dream more while you are awake.
-Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
-Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present Happiness.
-Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
-Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
-No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
-Smile and Laugh More.
-You don't have to win every argument, Agree to disagree.
SOCIETY
-Call your family often.
-Each day give something good to others.
-Forgive everyone for everything.
-Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
-Try to make at least three people smile each day.
-What other people think of you is none of your business.
LIFE
-Do the right thing!
-GOD heals everything.
-However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
-No matter how you feel, Get up, Dress up and Show up. The best is yet to come.
-When awake in the morning Thank GOD for it.
-Your Inner most is always happy. So, be Happy.
Prof. Reinerio Augusto Real of the office of the governor also shared “12 Things to Remember in Life”:
1.The past cannot be changed.
2.Opinions do not define your reality.
3.Everyone’s journey is different.
4.Things always get better with time.
5.Judgments are a confession of character.
6.Overthinking will lead to sadness.
7. Happiness is found within.
8. Positive thoughts create positive things.
9. Smiles are contagious.
10. Kindness is free.
11. You only fail if you quit.
12. What goes around comes around.
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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.
