ICM holds Pink Run & Zumba Marathon to spread awareness about breast cancer

By Leo Udtohan 

Participants during Island City Mall's Pink Run and Zumba Marathon in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Jean Lasconia

The early detection of breast cancer relies greatly on awareness.

This is the reason why Island City Mall (ICM) continues to hold the Pink Run and Zumba Marathon every October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Breast cancer awareness is one of the many advocacies of ICM aimed at enabling spaces that care for the welfare of women. 

Indeed, it was a sea of pink last October 23, 2022 when the ICM, in cooperation with the Bohol Provincial Health Office and the Tagbilaran City Health Office, conducted the event to continue spreading and disseminating information about breast cancer. 

Women and men of all ages took the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 16K challenge. 

Participating in a fun run also helps people get motivated, stay focused, and get more determined to push themselves to cross the finish line, while helping achieve the fundraising goal for a noble cause.

ICM Manager Mario Cirujales awarded the medals to the finishers who included Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and her daughter Cielo. 

Fiel started as a breastfeeding advocate in January 14, 1997 when she gave birth to her daughter and this October, through a rather dramatic turn, has become a breast cancer awareness advocate together with Cielo on this very timely activity that focuses on one of the most critical health issues impacting women around the globe. 

Very visible Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) functionaries during the event were Gay Ido–Bernaldez, Ritchel Mutia, and Armao Araoarao–Balo.

Mayor Jane Yap, the youngest elected and first woman mayor of the city government of Tagbilaran, who graced the activity, encouraged those present to give attention and inform women on the importance of regular self-breast examination and the critical role of screening for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, as it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinos. She said there is a need to heighten awareness efforts for early detection and treatment to empower women to take charge of their health because most often, they care more for the health of their family members over their own wellbeing.  

A significant mother-daughter bonding.  Fiel Angeli Gabin and her daughter Cielo  during ICM's Pink Fun Run and Zumba in observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Contributed photo

Also, it may be remembered that last October 9, ICM also sponsored the symposium with Dr. Julienne Deo Jabonillo as guest speaker and free clinic that provided consultation, blood sugar test, and cholesterol test for AGC and the general public. The event was also graced by social media influencer Dan Cahulogan. 

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month had its beginnings in 1985 with the partnership forged between the American Cancer Society and the Imperial Chemical Industries pharmaceutical division. 

Former United States First Lady Betty Ford, as she was herself a breast cancer survivor, supported the launching of the week-long event. She was diagnosed when her husband, Gerald Ford, was president of the United States and brought even more attention to breast cancer.

Educating women about breast cancer and early detection tests so that they could take charge of their breast health was the early goal of the breast cancer awareness month.  It was in 1992 when the Estée Lauder cosmetics launched the first nation-wide campaign in the US that used the pink ribbon. They handed out an impressive 1.5 million pink ribbons that introduced the pink ribbon as the premier visual reminder of breast cancer awareness month.

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Scariest places in Bohol

Every Halloween, horror fans take the opportunity to scare others stiff.  One of the best parts of Halloween is being able to dress up with your most terrifying costumes that give passers-by a fright and to share your spookiest and funniest stories.

As early as September, the Bohol Quality (BQ) Mall has displayed Halloween costumes and props at the second floor. From babies to adults, everyone can choose the Halloween costumes and accessories BQ Mall has to offer.

BQ Mall has the latest Halloween costumes and ghouls 

of all sizes along with all the party supplies to be sure your 

Halloween parties are frightening.

At the Island City Mall, cashiers and salesclerks are wearing witch hats while male salesclerks are wearing clown hats to “attract” mall goers.  No, they’re not scary!

Incidentally, ICM will hold the annual scariest Halloween costume contest on Oct. 30 where hardcore Halloween aficionados will showcase their horrifying new costumes.  Kid will not worry because the Trick or Treat will be on October 31, 1 p.m. at the Activity Center.

The spirit of Halloween also invades Chocoreich Cafe (along Gallares Street near Malou Atienza Salon). The owner, Dalareich Polot, adds some “fright” with items definitely more inspired by the lighter side of Halloween. Visitors can enjoy their chocolates and sikwate with spooky and friendly Halloween atmosphere. 

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Halloween is perfect time to raise the dead. While you can creep yourself out at haunted places, why not go for the real deal.  There are terrifying locations in Bohol for those who like to take the “ghost tour.” Some are fictional and some are very, very real. Like it or not, these places will always be a part of our psyche.

I warn you: These spooky sites are not for the faint of heart.

Tagbilaran City is a good place to start your “ghost tour.”  Even though Tagbilaran is now a bustling city, it is a home to a lot of the “scariest” places. A wide range of terrifying stories can be heard from anyone who has experienced ghostly encounters. 

Witches at your service! Cashiers and salesclerks 

of the Island City Mall wear witch hats to attract visitors.

CREEPY HOSPITAL

The Bohol Medical Center (renamed Tagbilaran City Hospital and Bohol Coop Hospital) along Airport Road, is part history site, part hotbed of paranormal activity. Before it was abandoned, it is reported of many ghostly sightings. Ghosts of former patients and nurses are said to be walking through the hallways. Visitors claim to see things move or feel the presence of spirits.

Vina (family name withheld) shared that she went to the hospital to visit her friend who gave birth. At the entrance, it looked ordinary with nurses and some patients.

“At first, nothing’s unusual,” said Vina.

When she went to the delivery/nursery room, an unidentified boy accompanied him. While inside the nursery room, the lights were flickering on and off and no one inside. A haunting whisper filled the room. Then, she heard chilling cries of babies. Vina couldn’t believe her eyes and turned to look at the boy to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. However, in front of her was a boy with bloody eyes who said, “wala siya mahadluk!”  

“Nahadluk ko liman ka nahimong abat ang bata,” narrated Vina. “Naa pa jud katawa nga hadluk paminawon.”

The old Bohol Coop Hospital -Contributed Photo

Vina realized that something strange things happened. She closed her eyes and prayed. After saying “amen,” when she opened her eyes she was at the flagpole of the hospital. She hurriedly left the place.

“I just learned that the hospital has moved to its new location in Dao three days before ko mingbisita sa hospital,” said Vina.

The hospital is no longer there, but to this day, people still claim to hear voices and unexplained appearances from the deserted building.

PANTASMA

The Marapao Street apparently has several ghostly residents. People share that they see “white ladies” and other strange creatures at night.

After 5 p.m. where Capitol employees leave the offices, the place becomes silent and creepy. There are reports of workers feeling like someone was watching over and sudden cold feelings being experienced.

“Diri ko mangatang sakyanan pauli sa Dauis. Mingaw na kaayo. Ma-feel nimo nga hadluk jud,” said Rhea Estoquia.

In 1990s, residents had reported the appearance of a pantasma, a giant ghoul with chains on its arms and legs with fire, near the old PLDT building (now the EDCOM building).

Prof. Marianito Luspo, one of the original residents, confirmed this story when I had investigated ghostly stories in this place three years ago. He shared that his cousin Marlon (not his real name) saw the pantasma.

It was late at night and Marlon was patiently waiting for the pantasma. And all of the sudden the dogs kept on barking and growling. He heard sounds of chains cranking. He tried to look outside through a small hole in the wall and he saw the pantasma. What made him terrified was when the pantasma stopped at the Luspo’s residence and looked directly to the hole and their eyes met! Overwhelmed with fear, he almost fainted.

Bohol Provincial Capitol- Photo: Wikipedia

HEADLESS PRIESTS

The Old Capitol building is also scary. Strange noises and infamous headless apparitions of priests are reported to be seen in this building.

Bruce Zabala who worked as media relations officer then shared that he saw a headless priest at the second floor. The headless priest went to the Treasurer’s Office, which served as a prison during the Japanese occupation. 

Witnesses report eerie sounds. Emerson Pinos was working alone at the then PGMA Office to finish a project when he heard ghostly moans and assorted noises as well.

A high ranking official confirmed that he saw small footprints on the toilet. He also heard a flush coming from the toilet and it was really weird because no one had seen someone used the toilet.

Until now, some guards and employees swear to hearing strange noises and disturbing shouts. It is believed that the headless ghosts and noises are from the priests and prisoners beheaded during World War II. Some workers say they don’t hear anything unusual, but no one works late.

Many people state they get an eerie unnatural feeling when visiting the Bohol Museum. It is the home to preserved human specimens. Included among the museum’s vast array of fascinating and sometimes scary items are the skulls of ancient Boholanos and a corpse called “Boholana Lady” from Mansasa. You’ll figure out why when you go.

HAUNTED ROADS

The poorly lit Mansasa street with huge trees near Mansasa Elem. School has been known to be the home of supernatural beings. A lot of people avoid driving and passing by in this street.  A ‘white lady’ who hails tricycles in the middle of the night, rides for a short while, and then mysteriously disappears.

The Binayran Road in barangay Dampas is said to be the most haunted road in Tagbilaran City. Drivers have reported everything from strangely dressed wanderers, to ghosts, to phantom vehicles that chase them to its end.

Rudy (family name withheld) sold his house after his wife and kids were possessed by evil spirits. There were appearances of agta at the balite trees.

A lot of habal-habal drivers have already encountered agta and big black dog including this woman who would walk to the middle of the road to stop a passing vehicle. Naturally, a driver would stop to avoid hitting her. She would then ask to be brought to the water reservoir, but would disappear before getting there.

The tragedy that took place early January where a family died has contributed to its haunted reputation. Strange sights and sounds are reported at the crime scene.  

SCARY SCHOOLS

Schools are scary, too. All school campuses especially those that have seen and survived the war have stories of haunting.  And most of the schools in Tagbilaran City were built on what used to be cemetery grounds.

Dr. Cecilio Putong NHS Photo: Wikipedia

Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS), Tagbilaran City Central Elem. School, Holy Spirit School, Mansasa Elem. School, Booy South Elem. School, University of Bohol ST Building and the abandoned Holy Name University are believed to be surrounded by ghosts and creepy spirits that haunt its students and teachers to this day.

The Imelda Building of DCPNHS is famous for the apparition of the white ladies and duwendes. Until now, stories of strange apparitions and aromatic smell coming out of nowhere are consistently reported.

Sightings of the mysterious headless nun are reported by students and teachers of the Holy Spirit School.

The appearance of the “red lady” at the Administrative Building (near Am-Am’s Corner) of UB was reported by two female high school students. While they were inside the comfort room, they saw the “red lady” looking at them with an evil smile.

The abandoned Holy Name University in Lessage Street is famous for “ghostly apparitions” especially at the 4^th floor where a mysterious lady would appear. Several times, guards could hear classes in the dark classroom and a black giant dog would appear at the gym.

BALITE TREE

The balite tree in Guiwanon, Baclayon is known to be the home of rich spirits who ordered luxury cars. 

HAUNTED CEMETERY

Between Manga and Cortes, the abandoned, fairly small cemetery (unnamed) contains plots, many of which are unoccupied. The cemetery’s first official burials began before the Spaniards. Over a hundred years later reports of treasure huntings and hauntings in this ancient cemetery reached an all-time high.

Witnesses have reported seeing ghosts and other supernatural beings. And as everyone knows, disturbing a grave site (no matter what’s buried there) is one of the top ways to provoke ghosts.

CITY OF ENGKANTOS

The abandoned Nature Park and Fishing Village in Inabanga plays host to several ghosts, including the agta, white and black ladies and other supernatural beings. It has also been the focus of several “blood-curdling ghost stories.”  It is also near the Macaban Cave which is the city of supernatural beings or engkantos. Visit and decide for yourself how spooky it is.

Anda cemetery has reports of cold presence and menacing feelings. It is unique because it houses an “ark” (similar to Noah in the Bible) where believers of a cult are waiting for another flood. While many ghosts are rumored to call this place their home, Inday Potencia, the local saint of Anda, reigns supreme.

Scary, isn’t it? But these are just stories to scare you! Are you brave enough?

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

Meet Clement, mild & gentle

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Anti-epal Congresswoman, stage actress and political/social activist Mae Paner aka Juana Change was reacting on the tarpaulins of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Bohol federation president Jethro Nathaniel Lim Imboy sprawling along the city’s main thoroughfares. The original tarps had the faces of Juana Change and other two speakers with Bamboo as the event entertainer for SK Convention on Sept. 15-16. Juana Change, who is known for her anti-epal campaign, ordered the organizers to remove the “epal” tarps. In a statement sent to Bared, the organizers said, “The purpose of the SKPF in posting the welcome tarpaulins was to promote the Convention as local-partner and where 500 SK leaders from Bohol have committed to participate.” They had replaced the tarps and removed Juana Change as one of the speakers. The incensed Juana Change mentioned the incident on Morning at ANC last Friday.

 

Scene: The “maindie” (part “mainstream” and part “indie”) film Biktima (starring Cesar Montano and Angel Aquino) will hit theaters on September 19. The suspense drama is directed and produced by RD Alba.

 

Seen: Christopher Roxas was spotted in Panglao. He went firefly kayaking with Kayakasia and Plan International’s program coordinator John Diviva. Roxas and Diviva joined others for Because I Am A Girl Campaign last Saturday.

 

Scene: The 13^th annual tourism quiz initiated by the Bohol Island Tour Guides Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BITGAP Inc.) for the tourism month celebration. The first level was held on Sept. 7 in Balilihan and the 2^nd district level was held in Talibon last Sept. 14. The 3^rd district level is on Sept. 21 in Lila. The district and city finals will be on Sept. 28 at BQ Mall. The quiz covered various topics ranging from tourist attractions and events to history and current events. The contest is part of the ongoing celebration of Tourism Month.

 

Scene: South Korean rapper Psy‘s song “Gangnam Style” became a huge hit around the world. It was uploaded last month, and even Ellen De Generes tried it out the latest dance craze. Aside from the video of a 60 year old woman who seriously dancing ” Oppa Gangnam Style,” there are hilarious versions and other parodies of random people dancing to the very catchy K-Pop song which have proliferated in YouTube including Bogart the Explorer, Showtime’s Eric “Eruption” Tai and MoymoyPalaboy. In the video, Moymoy Palaboy had a scene portraying Legazpi and Datu Si Katuna at the Blood Compact Shrine in Bool.

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Mark the name Clement Paulinel Lofranco Ingking. His name rings a bell and you will hear more ringing from him very soon.

 

Clement, which means “mild” and “gentle”, is not a stranger to the limelight. When he was 12, he wowed the audience ramping and singing (with hundreds of auditionees from the province who competed for five consecutive monthly finals until the grand final), Clement won ICM’s Kiddie Idol Champion in 2006.

 

He won ICM’s Model Quest 2007 (male category champion), Mr. Alturas 2011, Mr. Bohol Island State University (BISU) FreshFace 2011, Lakandula ng BISU 2011, Mr. Sophie Paris 2012 and Mr. BISU-Main Campus 2012 first runner-up.

 

At present, he is taking up Bachelor of Hotel and Restaurant Service Technology at BISU-Main Campus and chairman of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of barangay Booy, this city.

 

And more: He is an active talent of Cebu Models Society, Bravura Models and Talents, Options and Concepts and formerly a member of Doors Models and Talents.

 

Whew!!! How does Clement find time for all that?

 

“I have a simple technique; when I am at the university, I manage to study and focus well and coping up immediately all the lessons,” said Clement. “And all my vacant hours will be spent at my SK office for all the paper works such as communications, resolutions, activity designs and for brainstorming more efficient and effective activities for my constituents.”

 

“What do I find sexy?” he asked. “Real, genuine, sense of humor, sexuality, a little bit of nerdy-ness, sometimes a little attitude, someone cute doesn't hurt either, but it's really the personality that grabs my attention and drags me in.”

 

Asked what’s the sexiest thing he has ever done so far, Clement laughed aloud and said, “Putting body oil during fashion shows and exposure shows.”

 

Clement stands 5’8’’, weighs 152 lbs., and wears medium-size shirt, size-30 brief and size-8 shoes. He’s a Scorpion (born November 21, 1994).

 

Find out as Clement completes the following sentences:

 

I am happiest when… my parents are proud of me all the time.

I’m saddest when…a part of our family passed away.

What I like about myself is…staying my feet on the ground, touching other lives, and following God’s wisdom.

What I hate about myself is…being a risk-taker.

I hate people who are…very judgmental and hypocrite, they’re the ones who complicates and put malicious meaning in everything.

I avoid people who are not…sociable and open-minded, they’ll just ruin my day!

My worst moment… was hearing those insecure and hypocrite people backstabbing and telling rumors about me.

My biggest fear…is to lose my parents; I can’t live without them as of now.

The most important person/s in my life is/are… my parents because without them I will not become who and what I am now. They are my inspirations and motivators.

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be…an owl. Because I’m nocturnal, I’m a night person. I became more active at night and always lacking hours of sleep.

My most traumatic experience was…being bitten by a dog while riding my mountain bike way back 2007.

I deal with gossip by…ignoring and laughing with those nonsense stuffs.

Am I afraid of growing old?... not really, growing old means being mature and well-rounded person.

I lose my temper when…there are lots of paper works and reports to comply in last minute time.

If I were somebody else I’d be… Abraham Lincoln, for all we know was the 16th president of the United States. He preserved the Union during the U.S. Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. I want to try living in the world and having his capabilities, responsibilities and power.

Face-to-face with God, I would tell Him… I praise and worship you Father, thank you for the precious life you bestowed on me. You are my God and I will always follow your will.  Help me to grow a better ambassador of peace and guide me upon rendering my full-pledge service to you and my fellowmen.

 

The type of girls that turns me on... are those with appealing physical attributes and good sense of humor.

The type of girls that turn me off…are those “pasikat” or shall I say “feeler type”!

My philosophy in life is…We are who we choose to be.

 

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

Beryl: Enjoying life the unconventional way

Wake-uppers:

Scene: It’s Island City Mall (ICM) September affairs to remember! Pretty girls out there ages 9-12 years old are invited to join the ICM Glamorous Princess. Audition is on Oct 5 at 3 p.m. at the Activity Center. Call (038) 501-3000 for info. There’s more…You can also pamper your grandparents on September 9 at ICM and experience free make-over treats, relaxing massage and win instant Php 3000 cash prize in the Bingo games. There’s more, more…Enjoy up to 70% discount from participating tenants and 10% discount from Home and Fashion department on Sept. 14, 15 and 16. There’s more, more, more…. watch GMA Kapuso artists on Sept. 15, 4 p.m. at Activity Center.

 

Udtohan

Scene: Our dear Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 9, 2001) is lovingly remembered on her 11th death anniversary. As long as hearts remember, as long as hearts still care, we do not part with those we love, they're with us everywhere…

 

Scene: Is former provincial board member Felix Realista Uy finally ending his political career? The veteran lawmaker will no longer run for any position in next year’s election, saying he is “happy right now.” On the other hand, Brigadier General Joseph Sevilla (who was a provincial board member for many years) has reportedly plans to run in 2013 elections. “I’m still thinking,” he said. Brig. Gen. Sevilla is busy doing charity projects as chairman of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines (ROLP) and a topbrass of the Guardian Forces Brotherhood International (GFBI).  

Scene: This week is diving for a cause. Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Campaign is on Sept. 15. It aims to gather divers for a cleanup dive inside and outside the marine sanctuaries of Balicasag Island and Barangay Tawala in Panglao Island. Registration fee for the activity is Php 4,000 inclusive of 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. To register, e-mail info@boholdiversclub.com or text/call +63 918-979-5819.

 

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Fate has a strange way of intervening in Beryl Elizabeth’s life. Years back, she was looking forward to working as a nurse before taking up medicine.

 

“I want to be a surgeon,” the dutiful daughter recalls. So she finished nursing as preparatory course for Medicine and passed the licensure examination in 2007 but because of Beryl’s adventurous attitude, now she finds herself doing a job she never imagined herself doing in Kayakasia Philippines Inc. (Email: kayakbohol@gmail.com, visit www.facebook.com/kayakasiaphilippines or text/call +63932-855-2928).  

“Ive been kayaking since 2003, it’s a hobby ra. I never thought I’d be in this business jud,” she recalls. “I have friends who are kayakers and they wanted to start up a company with an aim of promoting kayaking in Bohol, so they asked me to be part of it.”

 

She turned down the offer several times because she wanted to work as a nurse. Then one day she realized to accept the offer.  “Who am I to say no to a job offer when there are a lot of people who are jobless. So I took the job, they needed a woman in the team man gud especially in the office because paper works is not a man’s cup of tea,” adds Beryl.

Now, Beryl is so hooked on travel business (where she meets a lot of people both local and foreign) she has decided to kiss plans of becoming a nurse good-bye.

 

“Now its almost a year na naa ko sa company, I’ve seen it evolve and grow and I am happy about it. One thing I love about my job is that I get to have a chance to be awed by Bohol’s natural beauty and appreciate it in another perspective, in a way wherein only few people gets the chance to do and to be able to share the experience to everyone who comes to us,” gushes Beryl.

 

“Kayaking is the least destructive way to enjoy and explore the beautiful waterways we have. It keeps you more closely attached to nature and gives you the freedom to skim through the liquid skin of the earth through your own power. And we in Kayakasia Philippines Inc. is more than willing to promote this eco-friendly recreational activity in Bohol,” explains Beryl.

‘I’m sexy after a good run when I'm all sweaty and I’m catching my breath.’

 

Kayasia is the only one in Bohol which offers premium kayaking trip packages as such as Firefly Kayaking which is the best seller, Virgin Island Kayaking and Moonlit Dinner. They also offer Kayaking the two churches (Baclayon and Dauis), Kayak Snorkelling and Multi-day Kayaking Expeditions. They also give basic Kayaking lessons to the guests prior to every trip with the aid of certified kayak instructors as guides and they also do kayak retail.

 

Instead of further talking economics, Bared did “sexy talk” with Beryl so readers will not forget that, besides being a businesswoman, she’s first and foremost a sexy kayaker.

 

Those in-the-know Beryl was a campus beauty queen. She won Miss University of Bohol High School 2003 and Miss UB Personality 3rd runner up in 2003. Until now, she maintains the sexy look.

 

‘Kayaking is the least destructive way to enjoy and explore the beautiful waterways we have.’

“When do I feel sexy?” asks Beryl. “After a good run when I'm all sweaty and I’m catching my breath.”

 

What makes a man sexy? “There is something about a man’s arm that attracts me, especially when it is lean and not very muscular, just enough to be sexy. But still, if a man has the brains and can talk to me about anything under the sun then he is the sexiest for me.”

 

What is the sexiest part of her body? “My lips,” she giggles. “Because it can convey my emotions and I can send them across like when I’m happy I smile, I’m sad, I pout and when I’m hyped up, I pucker up and offers a kiss! Ha! ha!”

 

Read: Beryl will let your imagination run wild, but she won’t show everything. She can give you the come-hither look, but she won’t let you go further. Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

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

l-r DYRD reporter Jun Gutierrez, Brig. Gen Joseph Sevilla and DYTR reporter Edward Guyano