The treasures of Butch Bernas

Butch Bernas: 'Be yourself.'

Last thing VRS asked Butch Matildo Jala Bernas, Ph. D. during a Zoom interview was what three words best described him.

Simple. Jolly. Traveller. 

He proved it by answering the rest of the questions with honesty, with no holds barred and without mincing words. 

As an educator and cultural worker, Butch is also a "fitspiration". With his determination to stay fit and healthy, he goes to J-One Gym Xtreme (3F Ingki's Building in Janssen Heights in Barangay Dampas, Tagbilaran City) where he works out regularly.  Zoom out a bit and you notice his almost to-die-for body. 

Asked if he’d agree to do some “sexy talk,” Butch begged off. 

So VRS veered away from such topic and turned serious including what his biggest fear is during this COVID-19 pandemic.

"My biggest fear during this pandemic, of course, is if get infected without available vaccine yet, " Butch admitted, "My family’s health is my main priority right now." 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19? 

"Following health protocols (wearing face mask, washing hands with soap and water, use alcohol and observe social distancing) set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the City Health and keeping fit," said the erstwhile member of the famous Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT) and subsequently named Mr BLDT 2010. 

 

Career-wise, shared Butch, he’s happy he decided to transfer to a new school assignment. 

Thank goodness he is fancy-free.

Butch weighs 158 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirts and size-10 shoes.

What is your motto in life? "Be yourself." 

What do you want to achieve? "Having a cross-fit body, enjoying some photo shoots for personal keeps and memorabilia."

Butch Bernas says keeping fit is the best defense against the virus, aside from following the protocols. 

What diet do you follow? "I’m following an intermittent diet for now." 

How do you keep fit? "Caloric count and going to the gym for fitness." 

What regimen do you do to achieve that fit body? "Sleep early, taking vitamins, eating foods rich in proteins, avoid eating too much carbohydrates and oily foods, drink plenty of water. If possible, no to soda drinks."

What is sexy to you? "It depends on how you perceive a person’s eyes."

What part of your body do you consider sexiest? "Having a tan skin complexion and a tantalizing eyes."

Most treasured people: "My family and intimate close friends."

Most treasured childhood treasures: "Childhood is the most unforgettable period of my life. Everyone has childhood memories. My childhood memories took place in Pilar, Bohol. We had a small convenience store where kids loved to buy our favorite snacks. I also involved myself in many church and community activities." 

Most treasured travel destination: "My Japan trip.  I love Japan because of its  incredible mountain scenery, architecture, history, culture and tradition, and of course, the incredible cuisine." 

Most treasured moment as an educator: "I graduated my PhD in Educational Management. By God's grace, I was promoted in my workplace despite several odds." 

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Beauty queens turned doctors

Tubignons celebrate the recent milestones of their beauty queens who passed the September 2019 licensure examination for physicians during the thanksgiving party held last night at the Tubigon Cultural and Sports Center.

The thanksgiving party was attended by their close family relatives, friends, well-wishers and townmates.

Among  this  young generation of Tubignon, they are the first beauty queens turned physicians.

Both graduates of the Cebu Institute of Medicine who epitomize “beauty with a purpose” – saving lives, Dr. Clarice Elaine Falcon Radoc (Miss BACS Personality 2008 and Anyag sa Tubigon 2008) and Dr. Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian (Miss BACS Personality 2009, Miss CVIRAA 2010, Anyag sa Tubigon 2010, and Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011) have been classmates since prep.

They have undoubtedly inherited their beauty, charm, and bearing from their grandmother, erstwhile Maribojoc Mayor Paula Raagas Valles, who was Miss Bohol High School and Miss Bohol respectively in her younger years.

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Wonderful Wincie at 80

In 1961, she was a gymnast who placed first in the regional swimming competition held in Cebu City to recruit members for the Philippine Swimming Team.

In 1979, she founded the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT), a folkloric group based at Bohol National High School. In 1980, she choreographed the first-ever Sandugo re-enactment performed in Bohol for the Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines and Philippine Diplomat Carlos P. Romulo during the Blood Compact Anniversary, which also became the champion in the 1981 “Alay sa Pangulo” in Cebu City.

In 1990, she was second placer and the only solo entry in the 2nd Philippine Annual Philippine Folk Dance Festival held at Pace University, Manhattan, New York City.

These are just some of the highlights in the life of Wincesa Espejo Araoarao, the eldest child of former Cogon Barangay Captain Hilario Araro Espejo and homemaker Josefina Mercader Balatero.

Even at a young age, she has been accustomed to working hard, helping her parents in their simple carenderia at the pantalan and taking care of her younger siblings while her parents were away.

Her terpsichorean prowess and grace ushered her way towards  taking up Bachelor of Science in Education – Major in Physical Education at the University of Southern Philippines in Cebu City. Following her initial teaching stint at St. Mary’s High School in Marawi City, Lanao del Norte in 1963, she welcomed the opportunity to teach at her Alma Mater – Bohol High School.

In 1969, she married Derclo Reparato Bongoyan Araoarao, a Philippine Banking Corporation employee.

Their union was blessed with five offsprings: Fiel Angeli A. Gabin (Tagbilaran City, Bohol), Hannah Gay (died of meningitis in 1974), Reparato Anthony (Pearland, Texas, USA), Ann Claire A. Young (Haymarket, Virginia, USA), and Coeli Marie A. Ruiz (Salem, Oregon, USA).

Being the First Lady of Panglao when her husband “Rep” served as Mayor of Panglao from 1980 to 1986, “Wincie’s” passion for culture and performing arts never waned.

This unrelenting dedication for her advocacy to selflessly share her talent to preserve and promote culture and the arts has made her withstand life’s challenges, anchoring on God as her main source of strength.

Her 80th birthday celebration last September 28, 2019 was made more meaningful with the reunion of her children 23 years after her daughter Fiel’s August 10, 1996 wedding to Jerome John J. Gabin from Siquijor.

According to Albert Einstein, “Only a life lived for others is a life well lived.”

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Dalareich wins Best Family Support Award for APEC Best Award 2019

After winning in the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London, Bohol’s Chocolate Princess, Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Chocolate House won the “Best Family Support" Award for APEC “Business Efficiency and Success Target” Award 2019 (APEC BEST Award) during the Women and the Economy Forum in La Serena, Chile.

Dalareich competed with other nominees from 21 other APEC economies.

The Philippine Commission on Women nominated her on this.

“I didn’t expect any award because I feel like it’s lesser chance for Philippines to win because I only presented online," said Dalareich whose business model presentation was done via Skype.

She was given seven minutes for her presentation and another five minutes for the Q and A.

"God is good! This is not my award. I owed this to people who believe and support us all the way. Receiving 3 international awards this year 2019 are all His plans. I'm forever grateful," Polot said.

The award was received by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VII Director Aster Caberte, who represented the Department of Trade and Industry in the APEC Ministerial Meeting from October 2-9, 2019.

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