Showing posts with label D'Box. Show all posts
Showing posts with label D'Box. Show all posts

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Community pantries in Bohol: Caring for others

At least 2,000 people queued at a community pantry at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol for Thursday's opening. The beneficiaries are hoping to get some foods and goods for their families.  Photos:  Leo Udtohan

Mercy Tapia had to endure the long que during Thursday's opening of the Bohol Community Pantry at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in this city.

At least 2,000 beneficiaries hoped to get some foods and goods for their families.

Tapia, 42, a wife of a fisherman, said the inclement weather in the past days due to typhoon Bising left her and her family struggling for food. 

"Lisud jud kaayo rung panahuna kusog ang hangin mao wala nakapanagat," said Tapia, a mother of one.

When she heard that the church had a community pantry, she came early two hours before the scheduled opening at 1:30 p. m. 


However, it started late when some residents failed to follow protocols. Some volunteers had a hard time asking residents to observe social distancing. 

The crowd behaved when Bishop Abet Uy politely asked them to follow safety protocols. 

Bishop Abet Uy with Tagbilaran City's First Lady Jane Yap during the opening of Bohol Community Pantry at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 "Pero we are happy nakahimo ta sa atong adjustments with the help of our volunteers  nahan-ay ra ang mga tawo ming-behave rapud sila nga dili na magduol kaayo bitaw. Kay mao man atong worry nga pagpig-it tungod kay naa tay virus gilikayan," Bishop Uy said. 

The prelate said they hopefully can come up with a better plan or system that safety protocols would be observed. 

The Church’s pantry is providing free rice, eggs, instant noodles, vegetables, fruits and other basic necessities. There is also free porridge and pancakes from "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. 

The public could also donate goods or cash for the people who were in need.

Tapia was able to get rice, eggs, vegetables and fruits.  She also received free porridge and pancakes. 

"Dako jud kaayo ni natabang namo, salamat kaayo," said Tapia. 

Bishop Uy said community pantries not only provide the needs of our less-fortunate countrymen but it also unite people to share the love of G-d. 

He said pantries also build empathy by engaging meaningfully with others, being aware of other people's needs, and being kind to others and ourselves. 

"There will be a big impact not only  to the poor but also to the rich people who are given the opportunity to help and share the blessings they have. This is also an eye- opener that we need to help each other in order to survive the pandemic," he said. 
The "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 

Giving has surged during the coronavirus crisis.  In Bohol, several community pantries have sprouted in Tagbilaran, Alona Beach in Panglao, Jagna and Talibon towns. 

Businesswoman Meg Raynaldo, owner of the D'Box in Tagbilaran City, also set up her own Paw Pantry to give free food to cats and dogs. 

Charity is not limited to gifts of money. Sharing time, expertise, or even a kind smile are all forms of charity. Nothing in your pocket? Show some empathy. 

No matter how much you were blessed with, you can always share with others.

It makes sense: you take care of others, and G‑d takes care of you.

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

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Maximiel & the soundtrack of her life

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
"I am what I am"

--I am What I Am

 

If she were a song, Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel said that she would be Pop Music.

 

“I love for the fact that it fits my vocal range," Maximiel told VRS in an exclusive interview.

 

Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel celebrated her nth birthday in full glitz and glamour. Contributed Photo

Maximiel is a singer and she can carry a tune. She proved this during her nth birthday concert dubbed as "Maxelicious" held last Feb. 9 at the Metro Centre Hotel.

 

And her guests realised there was something special about her with the deep, honeyed voice.

The "who's who" joined together to celebrate the beloved designer's birthday.

 

Guests included from Metro Tagbilaran Society: Meg Raynaldo, proprietor of D'Box, philanthropist Maria Thomas, international chef Sofia Reynaldo, Michael Yu and international florist Boy Dumadag of  Blue Grass Project, restaurateur Madz Borja of Acacia de Bubu, jetsetter Casty Fortich, businessman Roy Tan and Janin Tan, Bunny CaseƱas Amores of B'Grazing Co, Geofry Damgo of Louis Vuitton Malletier USA, jeweller Dale Reimer, mining magnate Rachael Ngo,  BCCTV's boss Leizel Lim, socialites Ruby Guinto and Marilou Remoreras,  actress and singer Scarlet, sportsman Achilles Amores, businessman Paul Lucas, Margie Corales Dumadag of  Flower Design Studio in Maryland, USA and JP Maslog.

 

Her high school classmates also attended the event: Councilor Chito Mercado,  Yen Tibog of Gardenville, hotelier  Marilou  Abarado of AMS hostel), entreprenuer Lilet Mulle, businesswowan Zenaida Balatero,  Angelie Escuadro of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, educator Fe Deja, Dubai-based Zenaida Torillo, Jic Sampomones of Napocor, nurse Julieta Narido of Holy Spirit School, businesswoman Annette Skelton and Mary Ann Lantaka.

 

Maximiel proved that she's aging with grace (eternal beauty) as she made a grand entrance during her party and performed a song number for her guests.

 

"I feel like I am an empowered person, full of life, passion and love,” she said.

 

She wore two gowns for her big night, she herself designed.

 

Maximiel confessed she is a Broadway diva and a fan of James Bond. The Bond songs have been recorded by some of the greats of popular music, and hold a special place in the legacy of film soundtracks.

 

The birthday celebrator with her friends and guests. 

"Through the years, I love James Bond songs," she said.

 

And here are seven songs, the “soundtrack of her life” that mean so much to Maximiel:

 

1)I Am What I Am (By Gloria Gaynor)- "No matter what they say I am born this way I am what I am."

 

2)I Will Survive (by Gloria Gaynor)- "In spite of everything I'm a survivor."

 

3)Private Dancer (by Tina Turner)- "I'm a seductress."

 

4)Diamonds Are Forever (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme)-"Intense vocal range and musical sexiness."

 

5)Goldfinger (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme) - "Grandueur of the orchestra of James Bond  music transends me to another dimension."

 

6)Skyfall (by Dame Adele, a James Bond theme)- "I love the music of Adele of 'Broken Hearts'."

 

7)Writing's on the Wall (by Sam Smith, another Bond theme)- "It speaks of risking your life to someone."

 

Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll lustre on.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Forever and ever.
--Diamonds Are Forever

 

 

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42 couples tie knot in

Tagbilaran mass wedding

 

At least 42 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding on Valentine’s Day, February 14, despite concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

They exchanged vows during the “Kasalan sa Tagbilaran sa Valentine’s Day” at the Tagbilaran City Hall atrium.

 

But before the ceremony, the couples had to follow some precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

Personnel from the city health office had to check their body temperatures, including those of their guests, said Chris John Torralba, chief of the City General Services Office.

 

Masks and alcohol were also given to the couples and their guests.

 

The mass wedding was officiated by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, who encouraged couples to remain committed and “in love” with each other.

 

Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Censoria Yap also shared precious lessons about love and marriage.

 

Local Civil Registry Head Virgilia Incog facilitated the event in coordination with the city mayor’s office.

 

The oldest couple who got married were Rey Gultiano, 44, and Mary Rose Balena, 34, both residents of this city.

 

At least 42 couples exchanged “I dos” in the annual civil mass wedding at the Tagbilaran City Hall on Friday, February 14. Photo courtesy:  Fiel Angeli Gabin/CIO

The City Hall’s atrium was turned into a reception area, where the couples and their immediate families enjoyed the buffet.

 

The city government allotted a budget for bouquet, food, cake, wine, and gifts.

 

City hall employees also celebrated love when they were allowed to wear civilian clothes.

 

Torralba, in his memo, assigned colors that would show their love status: red as the color to wear for those in love or in happy relationships; red for in love/in a relationship; green for looking for number 2; pink for umaasa; yellow for single and ready to mingle; violet for its complicated; black for broken hearted; white for no boyfriend/girlfriend since birth; blue for friendzoned; grey for bitter, orange for assuming and for those wearing their office uniform, kill joy.

 

Torralba just wanted to make Valentine’s Day celebration fun for employees.

 

"But employees wearing red dominate here,” he said.
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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.