• Hollywood-like sign on Chocolate Hills mulled • Divers to clean island for girl’s rights on Sept. 15

• Hollywood-like sign on Chocolate Hills mulled

• Divers to clean island for girl’s rights on Sept. 15

 

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Rainfall, earthquake and blue moon on Friday! The blue moon appeared at 9 p.m. after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Samar province triggering tsunami warnings across a wide swath of Asia.

 

“A blue moon does not actually refer to the color of the moon rather it means two full moons in one month,” my six-year-old nephew Kotik told me.

 

The morning after, Sept. 1, Filipinos have reason to smile as the cool “ber” months begin, ushering in the joyous countdown to Christmas.

 

Radio programs begin playing holiday tunes as the world’s longest Christmas season unfolds in the Philippines. Now that the “Ber” months is finally upon us, the mornings are expected to get colder in the coming days.

 

(Note: I won again in our “Who Can Greet First Merry Christmas on September 1” with my high school classmate and UB High School principal Elaine Joy Auza. Joy, I won it for the nth time He! He! He!)

 

Scene: The most anticipated search for Mr and Miss Saint John the Baptist Academy (SJBA) Personality 2012 is on Sept. 6, 7:30 pm at Garcia Hernandez gym. “The beauty, prestige and tradition continue…there are six boys and six girls who will compete for the most coveted titles,” SJBA principal Ramon Caresiosa posted on Facebook.

 

Scene: Bohol-Buhol, the group art exhibit of Boholano artists in Manila on Sept. 8. Bohol-Buhol aims to highlight the beauty and wonder of Bohol in the merry tangled colors, forms and imagery in the paintings, mixed media and sculptural pieces.

 

Buhol-Bohol's exhibiting artists include Cesar Montano, Eric Catot, Guy Custodio, Glen Lumantao, Irish Glori Galon, Jhacky Curambao,Joey Labrador, Jef Sisican, Josefino Montano, Lito Masalta, Nene Lungay, Rhants Anunciado, Ric Ramasola, Rico Tompong, Rommel Montano and Sam Penaso.

 

Hollywood in Bohol

Bohol-Buhol is on September 8 (6 p.m.) until September 15 at the Renaissance Gallery, 4th floor of SM Megamall Building A, Mandaluyong City. Call +639283482268for more info.

 

Scene: A picture of Chocolate Hills with a massive “BOHOLLYWOOD ” sign on a hill, just like the one Hollywood is now circulated on Facebook. Local netizens found the idea funny at best, and stupid at worst.  However, the Hollywood-like sign on Choco Hill is not existing. It’s digitally manipulated photo. “The municipality of Carmen or the province of Bohol may not erect a landmark similar to the iconic Los Angeles’ “Hollywood” sign.  Remember how the Hollywood-like sign in Batangas mulled? It maybe sound ‘hard-to-miss landmark and potential tourism draw’ but not yet the right time,” said VRS.

 

***

SK Danao crowned Miss Panglao 2012

 

Miss SK Danao, 19-year-old Meshellane Real Jade Cajels, took the title of Miss Panglao 2012 last Wednesday, Aug. 29, organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation of Panglao.

 

The 5 foot 7 beauty queen beat out 16 other contestants, including Miss SK Doljo Jessamine Flores and Blez Jamessa Oliquino of Balicasag Island, who were first and second runners-up, respectively.

 

"Thank you," Cajels said while she burst in tears after her win was announced.

 

Cajels

Cajels, a nursing student who says she wants to become a good nurse, also named Best in Gown, Best in Interview, Miss Photogenic and Face of the Night .

 

“The Miss Panglao Pageant is a unique pageant since there is a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and dynamic involvement in community activities,” said Amira Montero, SK Panglao federated chair.

 

Last year’s winner, Miss Panglao 2011 Judith Anne Cruz launched her Math Literacy project to give free basic Math tutorials to academically-challenged students.

 

The Miss Panglao Official Theme Song “Truly Beautiful” composed by Deo Guden, arranged by BJ Baylon and interpreted by Joseph Gara was launched during the Talent Night Showcase.

 

ABS-CBN stars Aldred Gatchalian and Jason Abalos added glitter and excitement to the event. Talented Kimberly Gango sang and danced also together with performing talents from Panglao.

 

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal emceed the pageant with Miss Panglao 2011 2^nd runner-up Mary Rose Butalid as anchorwoman.

 

The judges were Pureza Chatto, Irena Heberer, president of Rotary Club of Panglao Island; Marybeth Chan, president of Marc and Mattheaus Group of Companies; Marietta Gasatan, president of Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Karin Wesemael, owner of Linaw Beach Resort; Dianne Necio, 2011 Bb. Pilipinas- International, 2012 Miss International Top 15 finalist; Joyce Ann Burton, 1985 Bb. Pilipinas- Universe, 1981 Miss Young International Top  Ten Finalist; Franz Eichenauer, CHA, general manager of The Bellevue Resort; and Lady Cely Chiongbian, Cebu- based philanthropist and socialite.

 

***

Divers to clean island for girl’s rights

 

Divers will be under the surface of Balicasag Island on Sept. 15, picking trash and other stuff from the depths of Bohol’s popular divesite, during the Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Campaign.

 

The Dive Cleanup for Girls’ Rights aims to gather all female divers for a cleanup dive inside and outside the marine sanctuaries of Balicasag Island and Barangay Tawala in Panglao Island.

 

“Participation of male divers are also considered since campaign promotes gender equality,” said John Vivica, program coordinator of Plan International. Aside from the environmental cause, all participants will be given orientations on children’s right, Plan’s Because I Am A Girl Campaign, and coastal resource management.

 

“Let’s talk about the rights of children and their protection from harm caused by disaster, environmental degradation and climate change. Then take a glimpse into one of the richest coral reefs in the world in Balicasag Island,” added Vivica.

The Dive Cleanup for Girl’s Rights was conceptualized to coincide with International Coastal Cleanup Month, which is observed every September and to build up towards the celebration of the first ever International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11, 2012 (10-11-12).

 

The Because I am A Girl Campaign of Plan International was linked to this environmental celebration because Plan believes that all girls and boys have the right to be protected from harm caused by disaster,environment degradation and climate change. Girls, in particular, have special needs that must be taken care of during times of emergencies and disasters.

 

The event will be held in partnership with the Bohol Divers Club whose general manager, Darwin Menorias, played an important role in the conservation of Bohol Marine Triangle. This area comprises the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan and constitutes a passageway of whales and dolphins with coral reefs ranging from fair to good condition.

Registration fee for the activity is Php 4,000 that includes two boat divers, full set of diving gears, dive boat, dive master, sacks for the collection of underwater debris, certificate, souvenir shirt and buffet lunch.

 

Non-divers are also invited to join the coastal cleanup initiated by the barangay councils of Danao and Tawala, Panglao.

 

All interested divers can register to info@boholdiversclub.com; text/call +63 918-979-5819.

 

"At the end of the activity, all participants are expected to support the advocacies on gender equality among children and coastal resource management, establishing that boys and girls can benefit from both a world that is gender and disaster resilient," added Vivica.

 

Founded 75 years ago, Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children’s development organizations in the world. Plan’s vision is of a world where all children realize their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity.

 

***

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

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 and Goodbye, Dolphy

• Who will be the 31^st Miss Bohol Sandugo?

• Around the nation, fans mourn Dolphy’s death

Wake-uppers:

 

Seen: Lukas Enrique Magallano, the son of Luther Magallano of Cortes town and nephew of Dr. Luisito Magallano, is vying to be the Grand i-Shiner for 2012. Help Lukas to become the Grand i-Shine winner! Text: ISHINE LUKAS to 2366.

 

Scene: The baby girl thought to be just a few hours old when it was found early morning in Albur abandoned in a bag is in a stable condition in hospital. If you wish to donate milk or diaper, visit the Pedia department of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Memorial Hospital.

 

Scene: There’s a talk that action star Cesar Montano will be Manila Mayor Alfedo Lim’s running mate in the 2013 elections. According to reports, he’s often seen these days meeting with Manila Mayor Fred Lim. Cesar run for Bohol governor in 2010 elections but failed to win.

 

***

Goodbye & thank you, Dolphy!

 

Sumasaya ang family ‘pag tulung-tulong all the way.

Problema ay may remedy kapag may konting comedy

At kahit na tumitindi ang hirap ng buhay, pare,

kung tayo ay may unity, ang imposible ay pwede.

Home along the riles, home along the riles

Ito ang aming home sweet home (choo-choooo!)

Umuuga, lumilindol! Kumapit ka, kumapit ka

kung ayaw mong magkabukol!

Pero aming matitiis,

Kami ay hindi aalis,

Dahil ang home along, dahil ang home along,

home along the riles ang the best!

Sumasarap ang pagkain kahit na ulam ay bitin

Basta’t sa iyong paghahain, ‘wag kalimutan ang lambing

Kung minsan ay nagtatampo, minsan ay nababato,

Pitu-pito, walu-walo, ayos na ang butu-buto!

 

Home along the riles, home along the riles

Ito ang aming home sweet home (choo-choooo!)

Umuuga, lumilindol! Kumapit ka, kumapit ka

kung ayaw mong magkabukol!

 

I grew up watching Home Along Da Riles, laughing to the antics of Kevin Cosme and his family. The sitcom brings me back to a lot of memories… those were the good ‘ol days.

 

As soon as the news about Dolphy’s death broke on social networks, fans mourn his July 10th passing. The whole nation extended their sympathy to the Quizon family and shared how Dolphy (Rodolfo Vera Quizon in real life) touched their lives.

 

According to GMA News, at Eskina sa Caingget, Tagbilaran City, a picture of Dolphy was set where some fans could offer flowers and candles for Dolphy. There’s a personal message like: “We love you Mang Dolphy!”

 

The death of Dolphy sent shock waves among her lions of fans including Anita Dacaldacal of Booy District, Tagbilaran City, who owns a sari-sari store. As her tribute to the Comedy King, Anita displayed a picture of Dolphy in her sari-sari store where buyers could see it.

 

"I am deeply saddened at the passing of Dolphy. Thank you for the laughter," shares Anita.

 

At Booy South Elem. School, guard Buyot Ayeng and pupils had stickers bearing the face of Dolphy. They put the stickers on their shirts when they went to school Wednesday morning.

 

In June 2003, Dolphy visited Bohol for his Home Along Da Riles sitcom on ABS-CBN (the Bohol episode was shown in July 2003- LPU).  Dolphy and his co-stars Nova Villa, Vandolf and Smokey Manoloto were billeted at the posh Bohol Beach Club (BCC).

 

When they had to shoot some scenes at the Loboc  River and Sevilla hanging bridge, the management of BBC asked Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, who at that time managed the Loboc Riverview floating restaurant (she owns now the Loboc Riverwatch), to personally accompany Dolphy.

 

“He's approachable. He’s very nice ika-estorya," says Tessie.  

 

Tessie also shared that Dolphy appreciated the beauty of Bohol. His visit to Bohol was also timely to celebrate his birthday.

 

“Dolphy told me na ‘gustong-gusto ko ang Bohol dahil friendly at accommodating ang mga tao. Fresh air din dito unlike sa Manila’,” recalls Tessie.

 

"They’re sad and they need their time," says Tessie, referring to Dolphy's family. "We're sad too. Dolphy touched so many people and we were blessed that he shared his gift with us. Makawala og problema si Dolphy."

 

***

Twelve (12) candidates will compete for the Miss Bohol Sandugo title on July 20 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

 

The candidate from Pundok Jagnaanon Idy Cagas is an early frontrunner, a big favorite for the title especially because of her impressive pageant portfolio.

Idy Cagas was Miss Jagna 2008. She also won Miss CVRAA 2006, Miss USJR-Caritas 2011 and Miss Lapu-Lapu 2009 second runner-up. She was one of ICM’s Circle of Ten Teen Quest grand questor in 2005. A consistent honor student in elementary and high school, she won first place in the provincial GSPTuklas ng Talino oration contest in 2005. In 2009, she joined Miss Bohol International although she was an early favorite, she wasn’t able to make it to the top 5. However, she was declared best in gown.

Idy Cagas

 

Will Idy join the Miss Bohol Honor Roll?

 

Other familiar candidate is Miss Bohol Island State University (BISU) Jhonasel Celis who is Miss SCUAA 2011, Miss Regional SCUAA first runner-up 2011 (Miss SCUAA 2011 was the country’s representative to the coming Miss University World in Seoul, South Korea) and Miss Inabanga 2012.

 

The Anyag Committee decided to send Mariecris Evardo for this year’s search. Will Mariecris will be the third Anyag to win MBS (after Amir Sol in 2010 andFarrah Mian Abarquez in 2011)?

 

Tubigon’s culture and the arts czar Dennis Walton Balbero says on Mariecris: “She is confident and in the right age to join a beauty pageant. We askedClarice Elaine Radoc, Anyag 2008 to represent the town in this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo but she refused because of her busy schedule as a third year MedTech student at Velez and a dean’s lister. We also approached Lori Geisha Cabrera, Anyag 2010, she’s also busy studying in Cebu. She told the committee that Anyag 2012 Mariecris Evardo is more mature than her and she needs to prepare more of ever she will join Miss Bohol Sandugo. So, we decided Mariecris which we believe she can make it this year.”

 

Originally, there were 15 candidates for MBS 2012 however, the committee “dropped” Miss Sevilla, Alicia and Bien Unido for their ‘tardiness’. “They were always late attending practices and they had many absences,” says VRS.

 

On the other hand, Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca, Miss Tagbilaran 2012 and Miss Bohol International 2012, didn’t join this year’s search.

 

“The reasons why she didn’t join Miss Bohol Sandugo are: first, she won Miss Bohol International. Second, her sister, Elaine Cimafranca, was supposedly the official representative of Dauis for MBS and we didn’t want them to compete against each other; and third, Ebone prioritizes her studies in Manila,” explains fashion icon EJ Relampagos, Yvonne’s manager.

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 official candidates 

 

Other  candidates for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 are Seinee Vi Mula (Miss Clarin),  Catherine Romero (Miss JB Rock Construction), Gladys Sinconiegue(Miss Katipunan Agri-Machinery), Grace Sansen Mae Abong (Miss Biasong Loon), Jasna Yen Torreon (Miss Buenavista), Jerica Aiko Pacot (Miss JCAD),Lavella Arausa (Miss Bilar), Ma. Stephany Galia (Miss Duero) and Marie Andrea Tocmo (Miss Corella).

 

“The good thing is there is no recycled beauty,” says VRS. Recycled beauties are beauty aspirants who are trying and trying again…until they go beyond the maximum age requirement (usually 23 for Miss Bohol Sandugo).

 

Just like many of us who want to bring home the millions at stake in the lotto so we keep on betting and betting, fans worldwide are now busy supporting their candidates on Miss Bohol Sandugo (Non-Profit Organization) and Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant fanpages on Facebook.

 

Miss Bohol Sadugo, the province’s oldest beauty pageant, will celebrate its 60^th year in 2016.

 

(Tickets to the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 coronation night are priced at P500, P400, P300, P200 and P100 for General Admission. For inquiries, visit the City Tourism Office at the City Hall.)

 

***

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

Which part of your body would you give?

Wake-uppers:
Scene: Last Sunday’s scoop about the concert of Pilipinas Got Talent champion Jovit Baldivino drew a reaction from another VRS. “It will be K Brosas and Pooh who will be the highlight of the Valentine 2012 concert and not Jovit Baldivino although Jovit will perform together with Angeline Quinto and Marcelito Pomoy. Please watch ha? The BQ Management is doing their best to give us pure entertainment. Ang saya, saya!” adds VRS.

Scene: More and more people love to visit Gerarda’s along J.S. Torralba Street, Tagbilaran City to taste their great food (Asian fusion, Chinese and Filipino cuisines)! Don’t forget to order dinakdakan!

Scene: The music video “Let's Roll” has received positive feedback from music lovers on youtube. Let’s Roll features the siblings Knive Everdope (Kevin Alturas) and BigRam (Rammy June Alturas) with “artists and small time entrepreneurs who keep pushing forward everyday.” Knive pioneered the hiphop scene in Tagbilaran after a long stint with Six3hundred Crew in 2002, the only hiphop group able to reach number 1 in the charts for Kiss 102.3. Due to some events, he went to Cebu having a three-year hiatus in the hiphop community.

***

A friend got her driver's license duly issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). She also signed up to be an organ donor through the license card.

“When I’m gone, I’m still here,” she said.

Then, she asked me these mind boggling questions:


Leo, what if you were lying in a hospital and about to die, and the doctor asks you if you would like to donate a part of your body so that another person (complete stranger) could survive, which would it be and why? Or, would you rather not donate anything? (Oh no, not yet!)

Leo, if you were to be killed, what part of your body would you donate and why? (God forbid!)

“Organ and tissue donation is a gift you leave others when you die. Organ donation saves lives. These transplants can mean a second chance at life,” adds my friend. “While it's also possible to donate organs while one is still living, more often donation takes place upon death.”

“You can donate your lungs, heart, kidneys, intestines, pancreas and liver and tissue such as bones and bone marrow, corneas, veins, skin, heart valves and tendons,” says the Human Organ Preservation Effort (Hope), a non-profit organization in the Philippines under the umbrella of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

The question: “If you were to donate a part of your body, what would it be and why?”

Some of our Boholano friends asked simply ignored the question. Here are those who did:

Rep. Rene Relampagos: My heart but I would die. So one of my kidneys na lang so I would still live to continue doing good!

Cesar Montano: I can’t donate any part of my body now to anybody because I’m still using all of them. I believe I can help more people if all of my body parts are intact with me.

Reigh Monreal: If I were to die and left a will to donate an organ, that would be my kidneys. Doing so will save at least one living person’s kidneys. Voluntary donations of such organs from living persons is on the rise to abject poverty.

Stela Coronica: I would like to donate my eyes. I just wanna share the beautiful things around us to those people who did not get the chance to experience that.

Boy Pernia: Eyes and heart. My eyes serves as posts of my heart to guide me on my journey.

Oscar Glovaza: I would like to donate my heart. Hopefully, the recipient will be a loving person as I am.

Ryan Sines: I will choose my eyes! I want the person to see God’s beautiful and wonderful creation. As the saying goes, the eyes are the windows to our soul.

Morris Sarabia: Is there any unimportant part of the body? I think every part is important for me to live. So I’m not donating any as long as I’m alive. Or blood, I’ve donated blood a couple of times.

JunJun Karaan: If I were to donate a body organ I would like to donate my eyes specifically my corneas so that the worthy recipient would also appreciate how our Father provides us beautiful creations here on earth.

Dr. Alessandro Ponzo: I’ll say all..most important..liver, kidneys and heart..because there is a great need and in a single operation it can save another person.

Dominic “Dobap” Aparicio: I will donate all my organs specifically my heart because I’m a lover boy.

Tagbilaran City Councilor Kit Opus: My hands because there’s so much that it can do and express.

Mayor Niño Rey Boniel: Eyes-para makakita pa tanan tawo nako especially my family.

Ariel Fullido: Organ donation is a desecration of the human body but when it is for medical research that would be my whole body. Mo exception!

Charmaine Agas: It would be my heart so that I can help him/her live life again to the fullest and give him/her the chance to achieve his/her mission in life that is to realize his/her dreams and do good things for others.

Ted Ramasola: In case I die I would allow the donation of whatever organ/s that would still be of use to someone else. As for the rest of my remains? I'd live that to the living to decide.

Mayor Bert Salinas: My eyes because I want also the blind people to see the beauty of nature, God has given us.

Atty. Gregory Delgado: Heart-to share my passion in living life.

Benjie Oliva: My heart. So that the recipient will share the same love and passion for public service with utmost integrity, honor, transparency and accountability.

Bienna Ursula Bautista: I would donate all my vital organs with the condition that I am dead. I give my body high regard since it’s a gift from God. As generous as I would like to be, I don’t think it is very possible for me to reach that kind of generosity.

Inday Rufing: Eyes tungod kay sa mata makikita ang muta he he he he Bitaw, it is simply because in the eyes you can appreciate the beauty of nature and life that made for us.

Shirly Gatal: I think I would like to donate any or all organs that can qualify as donations. I know there are many people who await donors for different body parts and I think it would be nice if I can donate as many as allowable so that even after death I can help as many people as possible.

Butch Bernas: My eyes so that when I’m gone, I can still see things and my loved ones in the world.

Leo Plazos: I will donate my heart which is full of good intentions to make life meaningful here on earth.

Fiel Angeli A. Gabin: Many years back, I opened to my husband Jerome the idea of being an organ donor when I die which, to me, is a noble act of sacrifice. He then said he would rather want to keep my heart. As for my personal choice and decision, I will share the pair of eyes that I have so that another human being will have the opportunity to see the many beautiful things in life that our dearly beloved Lola Pining Balatero Espejo became totally blind for 34 years due to glaucoma until the day she died.

Dr. Homer Singco: I want to donate my heart because it’s useless. I am 32, and I’m still loveless. My heart and mind are not compatible.

Katrina Schoof-Chu: I would probably donate my eyes. Because I would like to give someone the opportunity to see the many beautiful things and places I have seen and have not yet seen and at the same time for him or her to do change on the things he or she sees that are not right.

Rainer Maria Cabagnot Aumentado: I would rather donate my kidneys to those who are in need.

Dodong Almedilla: Only my blood. Kay ako man sab ang maglisod.

Leah Tirol-Magno: I would donate my eyes so the recipient, like me, will also always see the brighter side of any situation.

Pinay Adiong: When I die, and it is possible, I will donate all my organs so someone else can use them.

Liza Macalandag: My heart, it’s probably the healthiest organ I got.

Inday Charity: My heart, too. It is most important to me.

Lyndon Boiser: Kidney. Dialysis is so expensive for people who cannot afford the treatment three times a week.

Nekolo Gonzales: I want to donate my eyes for others may have a chance to see the wonders of God’s creations and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the beauty of great people who have meaningful contributions in his/her existence on earth. Thank you! Viva Brazil!

Mayumi Lugod: It will be my eyes so that my recipient be able to see kung unsa ang hitsura sa higimo ni God.

Joven Menorias: My eyes, too! For those who wish and longing to see, even if they can’t speak and walk, but the eyes could lead to any ways.

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong: Eyes for those who haven’t seen the beauty of God’s creation!

Neil Balaba: I want to donate my heart because I know myself that I have a clean, kind, has capacity of loving without malice.

Regil “Pipay” Gucor: My heart, too! The recipient would be so lucky because I’m God-fearing, humble and most of all romantic.

Meljun Daniel: One of my kidneys. I have two of them and I can manage with only one.

Mayor Jono Jumamoy: I would donate my heart. It’s essential to life, and signifies that one is mortal, represents my soul and death which comes to everyone.

***

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

Direk RD’s new love is codenamed RSVP

Wake-uppers:
Scene: "An evening of fine music” with Miss Saigon star and award-winning recording artist Ima Castro is on Sept. 13, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center. Tickets are priced at Php 1,000 (VIP), 500, 200 and 100 (general admission). For ticket reservations, call Holy Spirit School Tagbilaran at 411-2558 or visit HSS.

Scene:  The Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC) had their mini-concert at Chiesa di Santi Gregorio e Siro and Cinema Perla in Bologna, Italy last Sept. 8.  The “Concert of Sacred Music” featuring the LCC which lasted for 40 minutes featured classical and modern religious songs to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The LCC members are in Europe for their Europe 2011 Tour. 

Atty. Dionisio Balite and Dr. Lilia Ancog-Balite, Ph.D.

The Arcay family at the Grand Canyon, USA

Scene:  The gala night of the 30th years of BIT- International College (formerly Bohol Institute of Technology) on Sept. 7.  BIT-IC was founded in 1981 by couple senior provincial board member Dionisio Dajalos Balite, Ph.D. and Lilia Ancog Balite, Ph.D.

Seen: So lovingly remembered on her 10th death anniversary was Ruth P. Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 11, 2001). Her blogspot (http://www.ruthudtohan.blogspot.com) said, “You are gone with the Lord, but for us you never left. We will always love you, we sadly missed you...”

Seen: Panglao businesswoman Aniceta “Annie”Nerves Arcay feels happy that she met her daughter Maxelle Deneb and son Regil in her recent trip to the US.  Annie visited California, Las Vegas, Washington, Chicago, New York, Arizona and Texas.  In Houston, she didn’t fail to visit NASA's Johnson Space Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's center for human spaceflight training, research and flight control.

Scene:  The first ever “Lindaville fiesta celebration” in the US was held in Newport Beach, California on September 3. US-based socialite Mikey Gatal reported that the people of Lindaville, Tagbilaran City who are now residing in America are united for friendship, camaraderie, laughter, and lasting memories of an enjoyable time away from home. The gathering was initiated by Eve Baura Digal.

Scene:  Fifteen ladies who will vie for Miss Jagna 2011 crown on Sept. 27, 9 p.m.  at the Jagna gym with   Rio Bernados as choreographer.  On the other hand, seven candidates will vie for Little Miss Jagna 2011 on Sept. 25 which is organized by Manol Ocio.

Scene:  Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim didn't attend the Alay Lakad 2011. He was represented by Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes. Gov. Edgar Chatto gave his welcome address. Rosario Soy, the Bohol’s Queen of Tourism and Queen of Rotary Club, is the Queen of Alay Lakad 2011. The Queen of Alay Lakad has replaced the unpopular Miss Alay Lakad.

***

RSVP TEAM: (l-r) RD Alba (director), Dr. Tess Mauricio (host), Michael Carandang (executive producer), Giselle Tongi (host), and Philip Anthony (co-executive producer). Photo by Erika Serrano

Yes, you read the banner correctly. Boholano director RD Alba has a new love and the codename is RSVP.

But before you jump to conclusion, let me add that RSVP is not a codename of a person. It’s the TFC’s newest U.S. based weekly talk show aimed at getting viewers engaged to discuss issues that affect their lives.

RSVP is directed by RD and has Michael Carandang, the Emmy-award winning producer of the “Tyra Banks Show” and America’s Next Top Model as its show runner.

US-based actress G Tongi is the show host. In an interview with ABS-CBN, Tongi said, “We did an episode where we discussed being biracial. I was really able to talk about that. It was a huge sigh of relief to be able to open up and share that about myself.”

Dr. Tess Mauricio, Tongi’s co-host is a respected dermatologist in the U.S. who’s been a guest on U.S. mainstream shows like, “The Doctors”, “The Rachel Ray Show” and “America’s Next Top Model” as a beauty expert.

In their premiere season on September 10, former Philippine actress Patricia Javier will reveal something personal that she has kept from the public.

“Our first guest is Patricia Javier she talks about her new life and new beginnings,” said RD.

Apart from issues, they will also feature high-achieving Filipinos in different fields with expertise to share to kababayans who want to know how to make it in America.

Said RD: “We invite celebrity guests every week and discuss important topics from lifestyle to fashion to reality.”

What motivates him to accept the directorial job?

“It's a different angle on directing. I want to explore and be versatile as much as I can, I wanna say I've done it all: teleserye, movie, talk show,” said RD, who served as the associate producer of Panaghoy sa Suba (which was directed by Cesar Montano and also featured him as the lead star) and directed/produced the Kapalaran teleserye on ABS-CBN.

More info on rsvptalkshow.com.

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Ochea, Simporios HS bet for Mr & Miss UB ‘11

Kent Chester Ochea and Mian Antonette Simporios will represent the high school department in the Mr and Miss UB Personality 2011, one of the highlights of the week-long celebration of the UB Days.

“Ochea and Simporios bested other 24 lovely and gorgeous contenders in the Mr and Miss UB High School held August 12 at the UB gymnasium,” said Jheinena Cimafranca Clarin, English teacher and adviser of the Penmasters. “This said yearly competition is done as the UBHS fully gears up for the upcoming UB Days celebration come September 16-23, 2011 dubbed with the theme: ‘Achieving greater heights; maximizing potentials thru sports and art.’”

The Mr and Miss UB Personality 2011 coronation night is on September 22 at the UB quadrangle. The talent show will be held on September 20.

The Mr and Miss UB Personality is the province’s oldest campus pageant. Its metamorphosis—from RPC Queen (the late Purisima Veloso-Datoy got the crown) to Miss UB Queen (Zenit Cabalit won the title when UB was granted university status in 1970), and was changed into Mr and Miss UB Personality (Margaret Gulle-Pascual won the crown in 1973 and Luisito Ytol won the Mr UB title in 1985 when male candidates were involved making the pageant unique). The candidates are also required to undergo a personality test using the standardized testing tool 16 Personality Factor (16PF).

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