Their New Year’s resolutions

Wake-upper:

Scene:  The formal installation rites of Bishop Alberto Uy as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on Friday at the St. Joseph Cathedral was officiated by His Excellency Archbishop Bernadito Auza, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.

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They think that it’s important to start 2017 the right way—by having a New Year’s resolution!

Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese 

of Tagbilaran Courtesy: Elvie Bongosia

Leah Tirol-Magno

I am not so much of a fan for New Year’s resolution. I would go for a goal instead. The goal this year and for the years to come is to focus more on Jesus and the personal relationship with Him and everything will fall into the right places and let God take charge of my life.

Anthony Aniscal

My new year's resolution is to make sure that time spent for family will be of priority. Being a public servant, it demands time for the constituents and at times the precious time for family are set aside.

Benjie Oliva

My New Year's resolutions: Make time for meditation and more prayer. More  workout for a healthier body. Work harder for the family and for the country.

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas

My New Year's resolution is to make time to what really matters to me. I want to spend my whole life doing the things that defines me and be with somebody who really cares for me. I would focus on improving myself so that I can totally love, serve and protect my priorities now. I want to become the best for a good cause and for the purity of intention on helping in making this world a better place. I would love to spend my life in spreading the seeds of love.

Ferome Almine

I personally wish that I’ll have more hosting and coordinating events this 2017 since I want to have a blessed and fruitful new year. I wish also for a strong economy, clean government and a total change of the facade of our country.

Adelyn Joy Esclamado

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a chef. I was always curious how delicious foods were prepared and asked my mother about it. When she would start telling me the answers to my questions, I tend to listen eagerly. But then, my curiosity perhaps gone too far, I accidentally put our kitchen on fire while trying to cook the new dish I learned. My mother burnt small portion of her legs trying to save me. It happened too fast that I can’t even remember what exactly happened. On that day, my dream to be a chef turned into ashes. And now, I think it’s the right time to start all over again, I will try my best to face my fears and will open my heart and mind for new experiences. In short, my new year's resolution is to make cooking a hobby.

Mikee Andrei

My New Year's resolution would be for better health---to always prioritize health despite tremendous work. Also, this year, I hope I’ll have more time with my family.... and save up!

Whether it’s by pursuing their dreams or cultivating 

their passions, they have plans to rev up their lives this 2017. 

Contributed Photos

Marianne Domivee Chatto

The past year has been a roller coaster ride for me. For this brand new 2017, I envision myself to be a dedicated public servant, an optimistic leader, and a passionate and caring mother. The best thing that happened in my 2016, my baby Dom.

EJ Relampagos

My New Year's resolution is to stop making resolutions to myself. He! He! He! I would rather master more on self discipline, self responsibility and self respect. These are what we need to have in order to live a good life in today's world dominated by diversions! Love to all.

Vilma Yorong

May this year bring more opportunities not only for myself but also to the people I serve.  I hope my dreams will turn into reality and my efforts and hardwork will translate into great achievements. I am praying that the Lord will give me enough strength and faith to face the challenges of 2017.

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

There’s something about Ferome / Ima Leopardas responds to bashers & haters

He is regarded as one of the top male hosts in the province today, but Ferome Jusgorge Balabag Almine is quick to reveal that his career as an event organizer and host was not without difficulty.

For this Sunday’s edition, however, Ferome put down his microphone for a while and offered a rare glimpse of his life and career.

“It is my passion to talk and inspire others,” said Ferome who started hosting at a very young age. “It is always my drive to put smiles in other people’s lives through my hosting gigs. It is always my passion also to organize and help other people in realizing their dream events.  Hosting for me is a fulfilling job.”

Ferome became an eager student, absorbing all that was there for his to learn from the veterans in the industry.  They were his elementary and high school teachers and some wedding coordinators who influenced his career.  

However, Ferome shared the road to hosting events is not easy. “No and never it will be easy because it is our job to entertain the audience in all walks of life and cultures. I learn to be patient, dedicated and flexible to meet the demands and expectations of my clients.”

Ferome Almine as event organizer and host: ‘It’s my passion and love.’ 

He also said that he needs to bend with the standards of the organizers and the audience.

“The most difficult things in hosting is putting myself to people’s emotions,” he said.

Does he suffer from burn-out? “Sometimes but I don’t entertain burden and burn-out because I enjoy organizing and hosting events.  Again, it is my passion and love.”

Ferome shared that hosting the Sandugo festival street-dancing was his most memorable event in his hosting career. “It was a privileged for me to host a prestigious festival of Bohol. It’s my first time that my voice would be telecast on GMA 7 and over radio coverage to all radio stations in Bohol.”

Just like other hosts, Ferome had his own share of bloopers, booboos, blunders and hilarious moments. And though the incidents were not funny at that time, he can laugh at those experiences now because they somehow helped him become better at his job and in a way, shaped him into who he is now.

 “I loose my big modulated voice and it becomes rustic. I have colds, sore throat and fever prior to the show,” he said.  “I force myself to produce modulated voice. I shout and I make sure that I still do my best despite of my health condition. The show must go on.”

Through the years, many people and clients saw Ferome move up the professional ladder and gain respect in the industry as organizer and host. In fact, he is the resident host of the Alturas Group of Companies and he will be hosting four events ( hosting the Sandugo Dance contest on July 12, Sandugo Festival BodyBuilder 2015 on July 18, Mr and Miss Teen ICM on July 19 and Atty. Carandang’s wedding on July 25 at Panglao Island Nature Resort; and hosting weddings for SilverBlue Wedding and Things, Yowev_Your Weddings and Events Supreme Weddings by Mae Supremo, Mr Jose Suarez Events Team Jazz Duo by Gigi) this Sandugo month. It just goes to show that people respond to Ferome in a positive way.

What do you want to achieve? “I want to be a millionaire before I reach 25! Ha!Ha!Ha!”

And as he celebrates his 13 years as an event host, Ferome shares with VRS readers 13 little-know things about him.

1. I am religious.

2. I’m a kagawad in Mansasa, Tagbilaran City.

3. I became an Outstanding Barangay Official as SK chairman and barangay kagawad.

4. I am a cheerful giver.

5. I am a registered nurse.

6. I am a daydreamer. I’ve dreamed to work outside the country or wish to be a famous TV host.

7. I have seven dogs. They are Choco, Chup2x, Carlo, Carla, Charles, Ally and Great Dane.

8. I’m planning to open this year a shop that could cater all services in the path that I am into (organizing and 

hosting). I plan to put up my own convenience store. Dream lang naman! He!He!He!

9.  I have my best buddies with me.

10. I am with the Alturas Group of Companies as a resident host.  See me at the Island City Mall!

11. I am not allowed to party with friends despite of my age! Ha!Ha!Ha!

12. I am a loner. Gusto kong mapag-isa.

13. I am single but I prioritize my work, my best buddies and my family. By the way I have two mommies! My real mom is Fe Balabag-Almine  and my aunt/Mamy Halida Blanco, who is the wife of our Punong Barangay Manolo P. Blanco who is also my second father.  (Ferome’s father is Inspector Romeo Almine. He has two brothers Ferome Myko and Ferome Carltome.- LPU)

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Ima Leopardas responds to bashers & haters

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Nothing wrong with repeaters because in most cases, they turn out to be winners, right?

Of the 23 candidates in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant set for July 18, only Miss Bohol 2014 fourth runner-up Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas of Baclayon is the repeater.

“Yes, I have joined Miss Bohol last year, God knows why I am joining again this year. And to whoever is reading this long post right now, I would just like to remind you that (with emphasis! -LPU) YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE CAPABLE AND POWERFUL. YOU ARE STRONG. I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE DEEPEST AND WORST STRUGGLES IN LIFE YET YOU STILL MADE IT AND YOU ALWAYS WILL. NEVER FORGET THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE LOVES YOU AND THAT SOMETIMES IN LIFE, WE ENDED UP BEING IN A SITUATION WE NEVER WANT TO BE IN. BUT EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. NEVER GIVE UP. CHIN UP. THERE'S A DIFFERENCE THAT ONLY YOU CAN MAKE...GO MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE,” Ima, an www.omg.com model, posted on Facebook.

Ima also shared that “we are all in this world for a reason.”

Imaculada Leopardas: ‘I will always be a living example of a true beauty queen.’ 

Courtesy: Chris Ramasola/www.ramasola.net

She added: “If they say, "Beauty Queens come and go" well I say, "People come and go".. And no matter who we are..Rich or Poor, Thin or Fat, Black or White, Happy or Sad, Famous or Not, we will all come back to Him someday. We are alive for a reason. And I believe that I am who I am now for a reason. Sometimes at night, I wonder why people keep on following my posts and honestly, it is very overwhelming. Yes, I used to be "Invisible"..somebody who was always one of the audience but I was a sincere Servant Leader.”

For her bashers and haters: “For as long as I am still breathing, I would always be the Ima I've known for 19 years. I will make my family proud. I will never forget my bestfriends for life ‪#‎GIBS . I will always be a good daughter. Be a living example of a true beauty queen.. And at the same time, I'll always have in my heart those important people in my life who changed me, motivated me and loved me just the way I am.”

Some fans also showed their support for Ima. Others gave their words of encouragement.

“Haters gonna hate and bashers gonna bash but they will be gone,” one fan said.

Popular pageant repeaters are Janine Tugonon (who placed first runner-up in the 2012 Miss Universe pageant) and Diane Necio (who won 2011 Bb. Pilipinas-International) were repeaters. In fact, some winners in the international contests were repeaters, too.

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