Miss Bohol 2014: Meet the 18 contestants

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Llew Kutamura: Eduardo Boyles Davalan was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed as Commander to the First Scout Ranger Regiment, a Philippine Army Special Operations Command unit, and specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare.

Scene: From Emerson Pinos: Love taking Selfies? In time for Sandugo Festival 2014, join the ‪#‎BoholSelfie Contest. #BoholSelfie is a photo contest that showcases how creative we are in capturing Bohol's magnificent sceneries by taking selfies of our own. The contest starts on July 1 and ends on July 26, 2014. Winners will receive cash prizes and freebies from our sponsors. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/boholselfie.

Scene: The Holy Trinity Foundation School in Upper Mansasa District, Tagbilaran City, placed second in the National Achievement Test (NAT) in all elementary schools in Tagbilaran. It is owned and operated by the Little Handmaids of the Most Holy Trinity. School principal Carmencita Formilleza- Maniwang attributed their noteworthy achievement to the school’s excellence in education. “Such achievement validates and rewards the continuing commitment of the Holy Trinity Foundation School to equip the students with quality Christian education whose dreams and vision centered on a genuine Christian life, touches every person, every relationship and every learning experience, ‘that all may have life in its fullness’ in the Most Holy Trinity,” said Maniwang.

Scene: After the “hellish” journey at BIR, I'm done na! Thanks to my lawyer-accountant-bookkeeper Atty. Licelle Zamora, CPA (of Marapao Street, Tagbilaran City) for the assistance and guidance. One thing I've learned from her: Pay your taxes on time to avoid penalty.

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Who among them will have the chance to win Miss Bohol crown and (hopefully) represent the province in the national beauty pageant stage?

Wearing their swimwear, the 18 (not 17 as earlier reported) candidates of the Miss Bohol 2014: The Quintessential Boholana introduced themselves during the pageant's press presentation on Friday, June 27.

The 18 candidates of Miss Bohol 2014 with the pageant chairman Bohol’s first lady Pureza Veloso-Chatto. Courtesy: Pureza Chatto

Members of the press also had the chance to ask and interact with the candidates.

The Miss Bohol 2014 committee decided to drop the Sandugo so that it would be like the mother pageant in Bohol and not only a festival pageant.

Through the years, the Miss Bohol pageant has maintained its reputation as the province’s most prestigious beauty pageant. The pageant, however, needs to reinvent itself in order to keep up with the times.

Aside from being the quintessential symbol of Boholana beauty, brains and breeding, Miss Bohol should also be the epitome of the modern Boholana. Confident, charming and career-oriented, she is also a unique and privileged position to use her popularity and personality for a good cause to promote   and support worthy various  projects , causes and advocacies as well as a positive role model for her peers and for the community.

The presscon also turned-out to be an instant reunion with VRS and former beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit.  There were also Bohol’s first lady Pureza Chatto, the lady boss of Miss Bohol, Bohol’s Queen Of All Media Ardy Araneta-Batoy, Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, the handlers, make-up artists and hairstylists.

Anyway, here are the 18 official candidates of Miss Bohol 2014:

Jassenie Mangaron (Loon)- 33-24-32; She is a consistent honor student from Cebu Normal University taking up Bachelor in Secondary Education. She is a dog lover and a big fan of the movie “Hachiko” which touched her so much. She wants to sustain the resilience and cooperative spirit of her fellow Loonanons so that they can all rise from the rubble.

Jaya Lozano (Tubigon)- 34-24-35; She wants to date Brad Pitt and to know Pitt’s secret of keeping a strong relationship with Angelina Jolie despite their busy schedule. Jaya wants to promote Tubigon’s Cabgan, a bat sanctuary which represents the town’s preservation of its natural beauty.

Allyson Mycee Escobia (Anda)- 33 ½-26 ½-38 ½; She is graduate of Silliman University and is currently working as  nurse at the Provincial Office of the Governor. She loves to read books and surf the net during her spare time. She joins Miss Bohol to prove that she can go beyond her limits and let people be aware of the beauty of her town Anda.

Liss Lee Centillas (Buenavista)- 32-26-33; Liss is a nurse by profession and graduated from Mater Dei College. She believes that heartbreak is God’s way of leading the path to meeting a better person. For her, the people of Buenavista are very supportive people despite of being a small town.

Joyce Trexie Marie Cagabnot (Bohol Island State University)- 31-24-35; She is a huge fan of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons because she loves the development and the twists of the story. She is proud to represent her school because it produces competent professionals.

Clowie Lim (Ubay); Kim Kim is third year college student taking up Bachelor in Elementary Education at the Bohol Northern Star College. She hopes to work with Miss World 2013 Megan Young someday as she is her inspiration.

Annaleah Saga (Carmen)- 35-25-36; 5’3”; Yhang Yhang is a graduating student of BS-Hotel and Restaurants Service Technology from BISU.

Farwah Nijah Soriano (Pilar)- 32-27-35; 5;5”; Farwah is a student of Holy Name University. She wishes to date Prince Harry because she has always dreamed of becoming a princess. She believes that joining Miss Bohol is not about being there as herself but embodying her town Pilar. This is her way of thanking her fellowmen for believing in her.

Mary Rose Butalid (Panglao)- Rose, 16, is the youngest of this year’s Miss Bohol candidates.  If she wins Miss Bohol, she wants to focus an advocacy that would address kids’ pre-mature indulgence of technology advancements like computer games and social media and bring back their interest in reading books through putting up mini-libraries mot especially in rural communities in Bohol.

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas (Barbara Pearls Cosmetics)-33-26-36; 5’7”; Ima was a student leader and a former editor-in-chief of her school paper in high school. She loves to compose songs and write poems. She lives her life keeping in mind the best lesson she got from her parents- to respect everyone regardless of their status, gender, beliefs and culture.

Liezel May Turtoga (Getafe)- 31-23-35; 5’7”; Liezel is a part time model. She loves to sing and dance. As a big fan of “Frozen,” she is proud of her Getafe’s Pandanon Island and Banaco Mangrove Forest.

Geraldine Topsnik (Tagbilaran)- This 17-year-old half-German half-Filipino describes herself as a “full Filipina and a true Boholana” and aspires to become a successful businesswoman. She loves to cook and bake.

Genina Abrau (Sierra-Bullones)- 34-25-35; 5’5”; Nina is a scholar of DOST. She is a graduating student taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at BISU. She is a student leader and a senator in her school. She is a fan of anime and wishes to visit Japan someday.

Maria Tiffany Tabigue (Balilihan)- Tipan is currently the tourism officer of her town. She was tasked to call the girls in her hometown to join Miss Bohol but she was chosen instead. She was a former SK chairperson in her barangay.

Natasha Amethyst Torralba (Duero)- 34-27-37; 5’3”1/2. Nash is an active member of different youth organizations. She loves to watch movies with her younger siblings. The best advice she learned from heartbreak is to embrace pain because that will make her stronger.

Christine Mae Cuarto (Jagna)- 31-22-33; Mae aspires as a good policewoman. She graduated BS-Criminology at BIT-International College-Jagna. She is also a DJ of “Radyo Natin” Jagna. She joins Miss Bohol to improve her personality and confidence.

Queenie Melody Fullante (Dauis)- 36-25-36; 5’3”; She is a half-Bengali half-Filipina who works as an NGO worker that provides shelter to disaster hit areas.  She grew up under the care of her aunt while her mother is working in Manila. She finished Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at UB. She hopes to be a merchant to be able to travel and meet people from all walks of life.

Diozel Namoco (Dimiao)- 34-23-36; 5’3”; Zhel is a graduating student from HNU. She dreams to manage her own 5-star hotel someday. She loves to watch TV and read books.

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

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista? and other "hot"items

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista? and other "hot"items

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista?

Guess who’s this businessman who soon to be a dad

Proem:

· Food for the soul: The thread asked the candle: Why you dissolve yourself when I burn?” candles said: “You’re in my heart, if you suffer I’m here to shed tears for you.” That’s friendship.

· Could it be true that two good-looking sons of prominent families here in Tagbilaran City, obviously tipsy, were caught kissing inside a car along CPG Avenue (near Krislyn)? Could they have been, uh, having a game, with one of them standing in, as, ehem, the queen?

· There are two interactive websites which are now enjoying highest memberships among Boholanos local and abroad. Mike Ligalig’s www.tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com and Mikey Gatal’s www.mikeygatal.com/connect. You can post your views, opinions, and, if you wish to say something a little “bolder,” these websites are for you.

· Guess who this young and pretty newscaster, who doesn’t seem to know how to establish her own identity and style. We noticed she has been doing a not-so-good job delivering the news with her voice decibels down. She might have been copying the style of a more senior newscaster but she’s not successful. We suggest she sticks to her own style, to let it flow nicely, not at all that intense. After all, she has the talent and got a pretty face (?). Loosen up, girl!

· Could it be true that a group or delegation from Bohol was not denied or not granted a visa by the US Embassy? Rumors said that there are many Filipino who are going to the US as immigrant would remain either to work or do TNT. The group is supposed to perform in the US. Another group from Panglao was denied last month.

· True’s breaking news about unpaid telephone bills in the offices of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) drew reactions from readers at the tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com. True is standing by his story. An SP employee who claims as the “subject” (read: the heartless and greedy employee) is heard “threatening” that True doesn’t know who’s the person he is “fighting.” Of course, True knows that when he bumped with this dambuhala he would seriously injure. Another thing, most of the SP offices don’t have internet access. What if they have important email to read? True wants to make it clear: he is not and has never been a Capitol employee. He volunteers for “worthy” projects commissioned by the Sangguniang Kabataan and a firm believer of Abraham Lincoln’s “a government by the people and for the people.”

***

If you’re been following goings-on here in Tagbilaran City, one should know that there’s a persistent rumor that a businessman (clue: Where’s my pasalubong?) got a girl pregnant and soon to be a dad. That is if he will marry the girl. Is it goodbye to the girls he loved before?

According to VRS, the girl is about two or three months pregnant. This businessman has been dating this girl for months. They know each other, VRS added. This businessman a good boyfriend is visiting the girl’s family to establish rapport –as a future son-in-law?

The girl is a nurse by profession, VRS divulged. The girl came from a humble family, yet beautiful and sophisticated.

The couple to be are planning to the tie the knot this October. Is it the main reason that this guy is seldom seen in the operation? Blame it to love, man!

This businessman, who came to Bohol for business, is single and pretty boy. He has what it takes to make it far in the business industry.

Tax evasion for Boom Boom

Excuse me; I don’t have intention to spoil your appetite watching the bout of Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico. While, fighting for glory and honor, Boom Boom is no excuse of a controversy (the same news we heard on a local radio) he’s facing now.

Could it be true that boxing idol Rey “Boom Bom” Bautista will face a million tax evasion charges to be filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue with the Court of Tax Appeals?

According to True Very Reliable Source (VRS) the “hot” item came into public when BIR men are “discussing” tax payers.

The same VRS said that the BIR has collected evidences to be presented and is sufficient to prove that the Boom Boom has violated several provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code.

A source from the BIR said that Bautista is required to file a declaration of his estimated income for each taxable year. As an individual earning income within the Philippines, and irrespective of his citizenship, Bautista must file a tax return, a BIR official said.

Baustita will be charged by BIR for failure to pay the proper taxes. Boom Boom must have misdeclared his income for the past years and the BIR intends to collect what the boxer failed to pay.

The BIR has been going after high-profile tax evaders the past years, including movie celebrities like Judy Ann Santos, Regine Velasquez and Richard Gomez.

Addendum: The Fil-Am Banares brothers EJ, 18, and Brandon, 15, sung the sing the Philippine National Anthem before an estimated 40 million viewers at the World Cup of Boxing today, August 12, at the Arco Stadium in Sacramento, California. The invitation was initiated by Tony Aldeguer of Alaboxing Gym in Cebu City. Proteges of the Aldeguer Sisters (Laly and Terry) who run the Aldeguer Sisters Performing Arts in L.A., the Banares brothers have performed in several musicals including The King and I, Oliver, West Side Story and The Best of Broadway. There is a news from US based VRS that the son of Peter and Sarah Dejaresco, Deane Jeffrey, will proudly carry the Philippine flag during the singing of the Philippine anthem. It's an honor, indeed.

A final press conference for the World Cup was held August 10 at 1 p.m. at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, with no less than the legendary Oscar De la Hoya doing the hosting chores for the event. Here's what Oscar and the fighters have to say at today's press conference. Boom Boom said: Good afternoon to all the press in Arco Arena. I would like to give thanks to Golden Boy Promotions for giving me a chance to fight in this championship fight. This is my dream, this is what I want. I will try my best because I know this fight is very tough. This is a war. The Filipino is one of the best in the world!

All true for tagna tagna

Let us look back to True’s tagna tagna for 2007 which was published last year. It was based upon Cresia Sarahina’s predictions and my own observation and info from VRS and other sources. These are the tagna who came true for this quarter. True, indeed!

• A radio news program will fade out. There are, you know! - LPU

• A new lifestyle show will be aired on a local cable channel with new promising local teen stars. There was but it was like meteorites.- LPU

• A writer and host program will jump over the bakod. You know moving to a new “station.” They are my friends in the media Batchoy Alba, Brigette Viernes and Chito Vissara. -LPU

• A young daughter of a prominent family here will get pregnant out of wedlock. She'll come out crying on but the “culprit” will be unmoved and refuse to marry her. Yes, the girl went to Cebu to “hide.”-LPU

• A happily-married businessman will be romantically linked to a young student. But he'll survive the minor issue with himself and his family intact. They are happy together. -LPU

• A popular government employee will quit her job and announce her intention to run in next year's elections – if, and that's the Big If, there would be elections. She’s Maam Kit Oppus. She won as City Councilor last May 14 elections. - LPU

• A wife of a prominent politician will have problems with her philandering husband. Yes, and until now they are still arguing!- LPU

• BJ Alba is moving to another station (in other place, possibly abroad). BJ Alba who’s the news director of dyTR AM/FM moved to dyRD last May. -LPU

• More success on Raymund Roldan's chain of business. However, he should be careful… and to take care (more) of his family. The recent new Save ‘n Earn building in J.S. Torralba. - LPU

• Loy Palapos will get more travel next year (with lots of job offers), but he'll never turn his back on dear Philippines. He is reportedly to travel abroad! - LPU

• Gerry Lugod will find his “real” love after getting “out” of shell. Gerry is free as a bird after “confessing” his own identity. We love you, Gerry!-LPU

• Dennis Du (of Dunkin Donuts) is lucky for business in 2007. But sad to say, there is a possibility to transfer to another place. Dennis is now lucky to find his dreamgirl. –LPU

MyHNU Globe SIM soon to be released

It’s one school, one sim.

I wish to congratulate Holy Name University (HNU) of going further in the field of quality education (and of better service to the studentry). HNU has entered into a partnership with Globe Telecommunications to produce a personalized prepaid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that would provide new services to HNU students, such as access to an emergency/crisis hotline, paying tuition and making inquiries about grades, all through the cell phone.

The service which is first-of-its-kind in the province will be launched this month.

The SIM, called MyHNU Prepaid SIM Card, has all the features of a regular 64K prepaid SIM card. The SIM is exclusive for Holy Name University powered by Globe.

Another feature of MyHNU SIM is the electronic way of sending and receiving money, buying prepaid cell phone load, paying bills and other money-related transactions via text message.

Students can pay their tuition through GCash instead of lining up at the treasurer’s office; they just send a text message. This is faster, more affordable and secure. It’s hassle-free.

Student can also inquire about their grade through the SIM card via a special menu for this purpose.

To avail of the MyHNU SIM card, students will have to buy the SIM, fill out a pre-registration form and present an identification card (ID) number.

The SIM will cost Php 99, while text and calls within the network will be at a cheaper rate at 75 centavos per text and 10 centavos per second for calls. However, the same rates apply for text and calls to other networks.

Globe will have a two-week-long launching of the product from August 20 -31. Stalls, where the product will be sold, will be put up in the different colleges in the university.

Globe Telecom is still looking into the possibility of adding more features and downloadables to the SIM.

MYHNU SIM is very timely as the University will be celebrating her 60^th year of providing quality education to the Boholano people.

A great force is coming to the Holynamian community!

Feedback

From Rigo C. Mijos, Sr., a Data Integrity Specialist of Mizuno USA, Inc.:

Perfect! Yes, I'm an avid fan of yours, you know that. I am following your column on the local newspaper. I've even wrote a comment on your latest writings on bohol.ph " Bol-anon flavor and other tales" have you seen that? Lastly, I would appreciate if you feature Hinagdanan Cave in Bingag, Dauis which was taken out on the list of destination in Bohol.

It's so sad, but you can't blame them. If you have visited the place lately, you will notice that the beauty is no longer there. The place is so commercialized that even souvenir stores is almost eating the mouth of the cave. I don't know why the town of Dauis allowed this to happen even in the first place, the surroundings of the cave are owed by private individuals. They should have put a park on top of the cave and set certain distance from the cave those people that who wanted to do businesses around the place. It's not too late yet if the local government is serious about Tourism.

I've been in Florida and I saw how they managed their beaches and other tourism spots. I just hope one day some of our leaders will be serious in doing their jobs where they are elected for. Thanks, Leo and hopefully, you will meet some of my brothers in Panglao town fiesta, Aug 28.

Thanks and best regards.

Marimar, awwh!

The 1994 telenovela, Marimar, starring Thalia (the Queen of Soap Operas) stormed the whole world (televised first in 1996 on RPN 9). The premiere showing of this Philippine version of Marimar will be tomorrow, August 13. Will this version be as big as the original one made by Thalia? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, let us sing the theme song of Marimar sung by Ms. Regine Velasquez:

Marimar

Marimar, ako po si Marimar
Lumaki sa tabingdagat
Sa lolo’t lola namulat
Hindi natinag sa pangaral
Busog sa pagmamahal

Marimar, ako po si Marimar
Simple man at mahirap
Meron ding mga pangarap
Hangad sa pagdarasal
Tunay na pagmamahal

Marimar, Marimar
‘Pag tumibok ang puso
Pag-ibig ay asahan mo
Marimar, Marimar
‘Pag tumibok ang puso
Dakilang pagsuyo

Marimar!

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You can email me at leoudtohan@yahoo.com. Or you can send SMS at 09212446791. Or read online at www.bohol.ph