Zamboanga Sibugay, mi amor!

I was in Zamboanga Sibugay province with my friends Edward Guyano and Helen Castaño last week for the province's 19th Founding Anniversary.

When we reached Dipolog City after a 10-hour ferryboat ride from Cebu City, we realized how beautiful the Zamboanga peninsula landscape is.

As the bus traveled to Ipil town (population: over 75,000), the province's capital, we knew there was no way we couldn't remain indifferent to its natural charm.

Buluan Island, located some 7 kilometers from the port of Ipil, features white sand beach and clear blue waters. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Edward (who lived in Salug town during his teen years) was a perfect guide. He knew the easiest routes and where to go in the area .

The small, quiet and sleepy town has progressed by leaps and bounds.  So much has changed except for the mountain that I think defines the province. There is now a hotel called Jackie's Hotel for social occasions (weddings, birthdays, etc.) complete with a swimming pool.

One of the activities during the 19th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay was the swim of endurance and long distance swimmer Ingemar Macarine aka "The Pinoy Aquaman."

The founding anniversary celebration remained underway in Zamboanga Sibugay even as many activities here were  cancelled due to the fear on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

But it didn't stop Macarine to swim and promote tourism and clean seas in time for the 19th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay.

The swim dubbed as  “Langoy Para sa Kinaiyahan ug Malungtarong Turismo (A swim for the environment and sustainable tourism)” covered a distance of 3.5 kilometers from Buluan Island to Serendipity Isle in Ipil town in Sibugay Bay.

"The swim is for marine conservation  and sustainable tourism in Zamboanga Sibugay," he said.

Macarine, 43, is the election officer of Tubigon town in Bohol province.

The swim was organized by Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd District Representative Ann Hofer who said it would boost the province's tourist destinations such as Buluan Island and Serendipity Isle.

Buluan Island, located some 7 kilometers from the port of Ipil, offers its white sand beach and clear blue waters. Away from commercialization, the island allows visitors to enjoy seclusion and tranquility.

The marine sanctuary in the island was declared the best-managed marine conservation site in the Philippines in 2015 during the 5th Marine Protected Area Awards and Recognition or Para El MAR.

(From left): Atty. Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman"  Macarine, your VRS, Edward Guyano, Helen Castaño, Toneth Ibañez and Roel Catoto.

"He can help us promote to take care of our environment with clean seas and beaches,"  said Hofer. "And the swim is also for the memory of my father."

Zamboanga Sibugay was formerly part of Zamboanga del Sur. Attempts to divide Zamboanga del Sur into separate provinces date as far back as the 1960s and it became a separate province on February 24.

Zamboanga del Sur Third District Representative  George Hofer was elected as its first governor in 2001.

The event was witnessed by Philippine Sport Commission (PSC) commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who is pushing for open-water swimming sports in the country.

Macarine swam together with 15 swimmers from Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay including cousins Jlo Jainar and Kyle Jainar, both 14.  They were beginners in swimming but they were delighted when they swam with Macarine.

"Proud mi nga kauban si Aquaman (We are proud we swim with Aquaman)," said Jlo.

But the swim was cut short due to strong currents. Instead of reaching Serendipity Isle, they just landed at the Buluan mini port.

"A little bit strong current. And of course, the waves..but so far the swim was good," said Macarine.

Macarine, who has been swimming here and abroad, made history by pioneering swim routes in a country where open water swimming is still in its infancy.

Philippine Sport Commission commissioner Ramon Fernandez and his wife Karla Kintanar, Atty. Ingemar Macarine and Congresswoman Ann Hofer. Photo: Helen Castaño

He said the Philippines  is surrounded by a number of seas, lakes, and rivers but relatively few understand exactly what open water swimming is.

Unlike the typical pool set-up, time and speed are two keys to finish the race as a champion. But for open-water swimming, only distance matters.

"It is endurance," he said.

Macarine tried to conquer the English Channel in 2016 and 2017 but the latter was halted after swimming about 33.8 km due to bad weather.

Fernandez, on the other hand, said the the PSC is pushing the open-water swimming sports in the country since it is now an Olympic event.

"And if you look at the map of the Philippines, we are a peninsula, we are in the top 5 of longest shoreline among other countries in the world," said Fernandez.

The 2020 Summer Olympics in July in Tokyo, Japan will have a total of 37 swimming events 
including two 10-km open-water marathons. This is slight increase from the 34 events contested in the previous Olympic Games.

The PSC would now focus on open water swimming and they could tap Macarine for the sports.

Fernandez said they could incorporate into the program the open-water swimming and environmental aspect, including shoreline  preservation.

"And it's cheap, you just need swimming trunks and goggles. And it is an Olympic sport," he said.

After the swim, it was time to tour round the town. The tour started at Ipil's  rotunda obelisk which was  inaugurated in 2015 to mark the province as a central part of Zamboanga peninsula. It serves also as a memorial to those lives lost in conflicts. The 1995 Ipil attack by 200 Abu Sayyaf militants was one of the saddest days in the province.

The town has so expanded that you now need to take a tricycle to go around. Years ago, it was so small that it was limited only at the town's market.

I beg your pardon for my waxing nostalgic about the Zamboanga Sibugay province. All I really wanted is thank Toneth Ibañez and Atty. Anna Liza Gonzales for taking care of us. Muchas gracias por todo, Congresswoman Ann Hofer for your hospitality! Mi amor! Ay amor!!

*   *   *

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

Poor signal during mock elections in Bohol

The only problem the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices encountered during the mock elections held on Saturday, Jan. 9, was poor signal on the transmission of vote results.

In Bohol province, mock elections were held in two barangays each in Cortes and Alburquerque towns.

The provincial Comelec office said the vote-counting machines (VCMs) that the votes in the mock canvassing had been 100 percent transmitted shortly after 4:05 p.m. Saturday. 

The mock elections aimed to have all votes accounted for in the 2019 midterm elections.  It was also to test the automated voting machines, transmittal of votes and results to the canvassers in the head office, as well as its new Voter Registration Verification System.

Some election officers in Bohol during the mock elections
 held in  Alburquerque town, Bohol, on Saturday, Jan. 19,  

to test the integrity of the vote counting machines (VCM). 

On Saturday, votes from the clustered precints had to be transmitted to three servers: the Comelec Central Server, the Transparency Server, and the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

The Comelec Central Server and the Transparency Server receive the transmitted votes straight from VCMs.

 

The NBOC, which will declare the final results, gets the votes through a careful step-by-step process.

In this process, the votes from polling precincts have to be transmitted to the municipal board of canvassers (MBOC) then to the provincial board of canvassers (PBOC), before being beamed to the NBOC.

During the mock canvassing on Saturday, the transmission to the Comelec Central Server and the Transparency Server finished an hour earlier than the transmission to the NBOC.

Environmental lawyer and triathlete Ingemar Macarine,
 also known as the “Pinoy Aquaman”, with Ric Obedencio
 (of The Freeman/Philippine Star, extreme right) ,
Allen Doydora (of DYRD, extreme left, ) and your
VRS during the mock elections on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Macarine is the election officer of Tubigon.

There were two precints  each for Cortes and Alburquerque towns which catered 100 voters per precint.

In Barangay Dangay in Alburquerque town, there were four precints in cluster at Dangay Elem. School with 87 voters.

The transmissions from Dangay Elem. School did the Comelec Central Serve and the Transparency Server, but it failed to reach the municipal Municipal board of canvassers. But it was later solved by an IT from the Comelec.

Christopher Peralta, election officer 2 of Alburquerque Comelec office, said that there was no problem during the casting of votes.

 He said the only problem was poor signal.

 “Number 1 la siguro  sa problema nato karun is yung pag-receive ng  mga result galing ng cluster precints. Naka-pagtrasmit na sila pero sa MBOC is hindi natin matanggap,” he said.

But in 2016 elections, he said Barangay Dangay had 100% successful transmission of vote results.

Peralta said that the mock elections was an opportunity for the Comelec in Bohol to find ways to address this particular problem should this happen during this year’s elections.

***

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

Pinoy Aquaman shares diet, fitness secret

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  The Panglao’s “trio singing contest” is on August 18 at the Panglao town plaza. According to Dr. Dolereich Dumaluan, the event sponsor, he is looking for the next “The Lettermen.”  The grand  The “trio singing contest” is one of the highlights of Panglao’s fiesta.

The village of Bingag was declared champion
 during the 2^nd Panagat Festival. Photo by Leo Udtohan

champion will receive P25,000, while runners-up will receive P15,000 and P10,000.

Scene:  The 2nd Panagat Festival highlights the colorful tradition and culture of Dauis town.   11 contingents joined this year’s street-dancing contest which was won by Barangay Bingag. According to Dauis Mayor Marietta Tocmo-Sumaylo, Panagat (fishing) is basically, like any other religion-based festival, is always an attribution and expression of gratitude to the patron saint, Our Lady of the Assumption, for blessings received and at the same time, shows fishing as the major means  of livelihood of the Dauisanons.

***

Internationally acclaimed open-water swimmer Ingemar Macarine is “silent” as he is not engaged in any open-water swim this year.

 Environmental lawyer and triathlete Ingemar Macarine:
 ‘Happiness is sleeping soundly for eight full hours, uninterrupted,
and waking up to spending my day productive.’
Photo by Leo Udtohan

Popularly known as “The Pinoy Aquaman, ” who made headlines last year as the first Filipino who attempted to swim the treacherous English Channel, he says it doesn’t mean he is over with his passion for open-water swimming.

He is just taking a break, and trying to shed off some weight, in preparation for another attempt to cross the English Channel, considered the Mount Everest for open swimming, next year.

He still is keeping himself fit by practicing intermittent fasting and being on a Mediterranean diet.

“I lost 14 kilos (30 pounds),” he told VRS on Saturday while drinking his favorite “sikwate” (a native hot chocolate) at Dalareich Chocolate House in Barangay Booy in Tagbilaran City.  From 93 kilos (200 pounds) from last year’s swim in London, he is now 79 kilos (175 pounds), fit and sexier. 

So how does he stay in shape?

Macarine revealed that he still is keeping himself fit by practicing intermittent fasting and being on a Mediterranean diet. He seldom eats meat, turning to vegetables and fruits instead.

He explained that intermittent fasting is not a diet, it's a pattern of eating.

“It's a way of scheduling your meals so that you get the most out of them. Intermittent fasting doesn’t change what you eat, it changes when you eat,” he said.

The Mediterranean Diet, perhaps the world's healthiest diet, is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil. It features fish and poultry—lean sources of protein—over red meat. Red wine is consumed regularly but in moderate amounts.

 Pinoy Aquaman Ingemar Macarine meets
Bohol’s chocolate/tableya Princess Dalareich Polot.
  Photo by Leo Udtohan

“It can carry huge benefits if it is done right: weight loss, increased energy, and many other things,” he said.

His usual brunch is oatmeal.

For dinner, Macarine said he likes having “chopseuy.”

The idea, Macarine said, is to have lots of protein and vegetables, and little or no carbohydrates such as rice. He also swears by camomile and green teas and water for their health benefits.

During coffee breaks, he drinks “sikwate” (hot native chocolate) and black coffee with honey.

Instead of turning to procedures, you know to go under the knife to look good, Macarine said he regularly does brisk walking everyday and swimming thrice a week.

Aside from diet and workouts, Macarine also stressed the importance of getting enough sleep, taking vitamins and having fun with friends as ways to maintain a healthy body.

“I sleep eight hours,” he said. “Happiness is sleeping soundly for eight full hours, uninterrupted, and waking up to spending my day productive.”

 What kind of diet do you have?

“I skip breakfast each day and eat two meals. The Mediterranean diet  is eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables.  I use olive oil instead of butter.  Instead of salt, I am using  herbs and spices to flavor foods.  I eat red meat twice a week. ”

What’s usually for brunch and dinner?

“I like oatmeal, with three eggs, a buko juice and tea for brunch. For dinner, I like vegetables and fruits. ”

What food do you always crave for, what food do you avoid?

“I always crave for fish and vegetables. I like chopseuy and sari-sari. I only eat meat twice a week but only a small portion of it.  There are many recipes for fish and veggies.”

Any snacks between meals?

“No snacks!” 

How much water do you take per day (soda, coffee, tea or energy drinks)?

“A lot of water. ”

What vitamins do you take?

“Usually multi-vitamins. But mostly Vitamin C and fish oil.

What workout do you do?

“I do brisk walking and swimming.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“I think my tummy.  Belly fat is harder to lose than fat in other areas of your body. It’s difficult to achieve.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“My left shoulder. Due to volume of trainings, I had an injured  shoulder last year since endurance swimming has repetitive motions.”

***

Art exhibit in Bohol brings appreciation for diversity

With art ranging from paintings, sculptural works, performance arts and installations, the Philippine Visual Arts Festival (PVAF) in Bohol 2018 was one of the most intriguing events hosted in this city during last month’s Sandugo Festival.

With an abundance of amazing art, perhaps the best part of the art exhibit was that artists came together to celebrate and be inspired.

The PVAF was held on July 23-27 was presented by National Commission for Culture and the Arts  (NCCA), Bol-anon United Sectors Working for the Advancement of Community Concerns (BUSWACC) and provincial government of Bohol.

According to Liza Macalandag, project coordinator, PVAF Bohol 2018 gathered 83 visual artists from all over the country to celebrate, reflect and refract on our heritage and the visual arts.

Kalamadera by Renzo Anora

Bohol’s  culture czar  and musical scorer Gardy Labad was the event consultant who said that  artists can draw from or reflect on the various facets of our heritage- cultural, natural, tangible and intangible- which are(bahandi)  treasures.

Fellow artist JumJum Ouano got to display his art.

“I love events like this where you get to bring your art and see everyone else’s art,” said Ouano. His work “Maglana Tag Potot? (Making Oil from Coconut Sprout?)” showed the appreciation of the coconut as a fruit that has many cultural attachment to Boholanos.  Potot (a coconut  sprout) served as food during hard times.

Manila-based multi-disciplinary artist Sam Penaso who used  his own body as the medium performed a mentally, creatively and physically challenging task on Alona Beach in Panglao town. His performance art was calling for clean seas.

While PVAF in Bohol 2018 was providing a great way for artists to showcase their talents, it also gave visitors the opportunity to explore the culture and talent of Boholano artists and other artists from the country.

“Expressive, lots of emotions are featured,” said Education student Jamielaine Butawan.

Butawan, 19, a resident of Cortes town, came to see the exhibit at the Island City Mall together with her friends Kathleen Jean Ayuban and Neil Amplayo.

“The art here said a lot about the artists from Bohol and other regions and how diverse everyone really is,” added Butawan.

Istallation arts were also displayed at the top of Chocolate Hills in Carmen town, Loboc River, Abatan River and Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

Installation art is a modern movement characterized by immersive, larger-than-life works of art. 

A giant whale-shaped blimp made of bamboo designed by contemporary artist-designer Leeroy New attracted visitors at the Chocolate Hills. It soared above the Chocolate Hills only until July 28.

***

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

‘Pinoy Aquaman’ finishes Pamilacan-Panglao swim despite shoulder pain

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Virgo Chyl of Dumaluan Beach Resort shares the 7  Rules for a Happy Life: 1.) Think of others more than yourself.  2)  Laugh every day. 3) Spend less money than you make. 4)  Be an encourager NOT a critic. 5)  Pray when you feel like worrying. 6) Give thanks when you feel like complaining; and 7) Keep going when you feel like quitting.

Scene: From hair and make-up expert Donna Ligtas  Betos:  So far  Philippines is the only country in Asia which produces...3 Miss Universes, 1 Miss World, 6 Miss Internationals,  4 Miss Earths, 1 Miss Supranational,  1 Miss Globe, 1 Miss United Continents and 1 Miss RienaHispanoAmericana.

Scene: From May Hope Arcenal: To All BLCI Valued Consumers: For your information and guidance. The supposed NGCP scheduled maintenance activity set on November 18, 2017 (Saturday) will not push through and is moved to December 2, 2017, same time from 5am to 6pm.

***

Environmental lawyer and triathlete Ingemar Macarine almost abandoned his swim from Pamilacan Island to Panglao Island in Bohol province last Sunday (Nov. 12), because of shoulder pain after being in the water for almost two hours.

Macarine, who earned the moniker “Pinoy Aquaman” for setting records as the only Filipino who swims in several parts of the country and abroad in open-water swimming.

“All of a sudden I had a problem with my right shoulder,” Macarine said.

It took Ingemar Macarine 6 hours and 43 minutes

 to complete his swim from Pamilacan Island to 

Panglao Island in Bohol province on Sunday, 

Nov. 12, 2017, despite experiencing shoulder pain. 

Leo Udtohan

At first, he tried to raise his right hand while swimming, but there were times where he could hardly lift it out of the water.

“I was thinking of abandoning the swim because of the painful right shoulder,” he said.

But he didn’t stop.

He only stopped for some seconds to drink his energy drink. He was not allowed to touch the boat.

Macarine, 41, woke up early at 4 a.m. on Sunday to prepare for his swim.

He read Psalm 23 while his coach, Roel Catoto, applied sunblock on him.

He started his swim at 6:30 a.m. from Pamilacan Island, which is part of the municipality of Baclayon town, to Alona Beach in Panglao Island, a 15-killometer trip that would normally take four to six hours of continuous swimming.

It took Macarine six hours and 43 minutes to finish the swim.

He will now undergo medical examination of his right shoulder.

Macarine got into open-water swims as part of his lifetime advocacy for marine resource protection, environmental tourism and climate change awareness.

His attempt last Sunday was to promote cleaner seas and tourism in Panglao.

Panglao, a tourism jewel in the province of Bohol, is the home of the country’s white sandy beaches which dot the island coast. The fine white sands are often compared to the white beaches of Boracay.

“I hope the swim will encourage or inspire fellow Filipinos to take care of our marine environment,” he said.

‘Pinoy Aquaman’ with Panglao disaster risk

 management officer Art Bagcat, lawyers 

Idonah Lee Grupo-Coritico, Ted Lagang, Warren Yap 

and Lord “Cocot” Marapao of the Integrated Bar of the

 Philippines (IBP)-Bohol Chapter and Othoniel Galia, Jr and 

Ondoy Bustalino of Dagohoy Masonic Lodge No. 84 

and Order of Demolay. Leo Udtohan

The Pamilacan-Panglao swim was his 7th marathon swim in Bohol seas including the October 2013 Balicasag Swim, the 15-km Pamilacan-to-Baclayon swim in January 2015, the 16-km Bohol-to-Cebu swim in June 2016, the 17-km Bohol-to-Maasin City swim in November 2016, the 13-km Calape-to-Loon swim in May 2017, and the 18-km Cebu-to-Bohol swim in June 2017.

Macarine said that the swim was also a part of his preparation for his last and final attempt to conquer the English Channel, a swimming route considered as the “Mt. Everest” for open-water swimming in August 2018.

Last August, Macarine was stopped in his bid to complete crossing the English Channel due to bad weather.

After the successful swim, a buffet lunch was served for Macarine and support crew at Alona Tropical Beach Resort courtesy of Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero.

***

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

Bohol fans remember Isabel Granada

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Angelica Panganiban and John Prats were spotted in Bohol last Friday, Nov. 10. They visited Bohol to shoot some scenes for ABS-CBN’s “Banana Sundae,” which will be aired on Nov. 19, after ASAP.  Panganiban and Prats were mobbed by fans as they visited the Loboc River, Panglao, Chocolate Hills and Sevilla Hanging Bridge.

Scene:  Environmental lawyer and triathlete Ingemar “Pinoy Aqumana” Macarine will attempt to swim from Pamilacan Island, Baclayon to Alona Beach in Panglao Island on Sunday, Nov. 12. This solo and unassisted swim which will promote clean seas and beaches is sponsored by the municipality of Panglao thru Mayor Nila Paredes-Montero and supported by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines -Bohol Chapter led by lawyer Warren Yap and Dagohoy Freemason Lodge No. 84 led by Worshipful Master lawyer Lord Cocot Marapao.  The 15-km swim will start at 5 a.m.  “This is part of my preparation for my last and final attempt to conquer the 21-Mile English Channel in August 2018,” said Macarine.

Scene:  “The Rise of the AMERICAN BULL-ANONS Invitational Show 2017”  on Sunday, Nov. 12 at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. This event intends to unite dog lovers and enthusiasts in the province.  It is organized by Bol-anon Pitbulleros and Metropolitan Pitbull and Bully Club which committed to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

***

Friends and fans of singer- actress Isabel Granada were saddened of her death after she succumbed to brain hemorrhage due to aneurysm, a localized weakening of a blood vessel, in Qatar.  She was 41.

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (extreme right) and her
sister Ann Claire Araoarao-Young come to see Isabel Granada
and her love team Rueben Manahan in 1992, the singer- actress’
 first visit to Bohol.

Her fans in Bohol remembered the singer-actress who visited Bohol thrice.

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, 47, a fan of Granada, recalled that her first visit to Bohol was in July 1992 when she was invited to perform for the Sandugo Festival.

She was with her love team Rueben Manahan.  Her parents- Isabel Villarama, aka Mommy Guapa, and the late Huberto Granada accompanied her.

 “She was so sweet in person, buotan siya sa akong first impression,” said Gabin who came along with her sister Ann Claire Araoarao–Young to have photo ops with the singer-actress.

 “She had a strong Spanish features and long curly eyelashes,” recalled Gabin.

In 2015, Granada came back to Bohol for a holiday. Tessie Labunog-Sumampong said Granada was so accommodating to her fans when she had lunch at Cuisina ni Tisay in Carmen town in 2015.

She said her smile was infectious.

As the first Ever Bilena model, Granada came to Bohol to attend the event of Ever Bilena Cosmetics in 2016, according to Gabriel Medel, Ever Bilena-Tagbilaran manager.

Isabel Granada’s fans will never forget the singer-actress
who was admired both for her beauty and talent. (Clockwise)
Isabel Granada in Bohol with Gabriel Medel of Ever Bilena-Tagbilaran,
 Libby and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Cuisina ni Tisay
 and Engr. Jerome John Gabin of Department of
Trade and Industry-Bohol. Contributed Photos 

The cause of Granada’s death instantly brought public attention to the dangers of brain aneurysm.

Gabin, a Miss Tagbilaran 1987, hopes that Granada’s death could raise public awareness of aneurysm as well as funding for additional research.

“It’s shocking for people because we have our misconception that only those obsessed people are prone to this, but even those health-conscious people could die unexpectedly because of this,” said Gabin.

“There are diseases which could cause instant death even those who looked seemingly health or healthy buffs,” she added.

Granada rose to fame as part of the late ‘80s variety show That’s Entertainment hosted by the late German Moreno and had been visible in TV shows and movies.

***

Ultimate frisbee teams compete in

championship tournament in Bohol

Beryl Elizabeth Lupot on the successful 6th TARSIER ULTIMATE 2017:

Twenty four seasoned Ultimate Frisbee teams from all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao competed in the 6th TARSIER ULTIMATE 2017 which was held last Oct. 27-29.

Team Mohawks from Bohol  Contributed Photo

Last year’s champion, Mohawks Ultimate together with the other four teams from Bohol - Tarsier Ultimate, Mercenaries, Patapak Ultimate Doggs and the youngest Gladiators also participated in the event.

The Boholano players did not disappoint as they showcased their ultimate skills and gave the visiting teams a good run for their money, playing head to head with other great athletes with some of them from the national team.

The annual tournament is hosted every semestral break here in Bohol at the CPG Sports Complex Tagbilaran City and is looked forward to by everyone in the Philippine Ultimate Frisbee Community. This year has been the biggest so far with over 500 players participating in the 3-day tournament.

After the intense games, the participants were in for a treat when the awarding was held at the famous Alona Beach, side trips to the Chocolate Hills, Bilar Manmade forest, Alexis Cliff dive and other attractions where also part of the itinerary.

The players did not only come to Bohol for the games but also to see its world-famous beauty.

***

3 Duterte secretaries test New Bohol International Airport

A test flight has been carried out by three secretaries of the Duterte administration to evaluate the function of the New Bohol International Airport on the tourist-island last Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Secretaries Arthur Tugade of Transportation (DOTr), Ernesto Pernia of National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and Leoncio Evasco took a private aircraft from Manila and landed safely at the Bohol International Airport at 10:05 a.m. on Panglao Island at least 18 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran.

After the coverage of the successful test flight at the
New Bohol International Airport, a lunch at Giuseppe Pizzeria
 and Silican Roast Italian Restaurant in Tawala, Panglao town
hosted by Bohol Tri-Media President and Loay Municipal
Councilor Engr. Tibss Bullecer.  With Bullecer are
Dave Responte (dyTR), Rey Tutas (dyRD) and your VRS. 

The aircraft flew back to Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

Tugade said they planned to start operations at the P7.8-billion facility in June 2018 .

“However, it will be commercially operational in August 2018,” said Tugade.

Once it becomes operational, the Tagbilaran Airport, the 11th busiest airport in the country, will immediately be closed.

Tugade said the test flight had successfully proven that the new airport met the standards for civil aviation.

He said the airport, which can accommodate large aircrafts for international flights, will be ready by August next year with day flights of international standard.

Other buildings now being constructed under the current project phase are the terminal building, control tower, administration building, fire station and ancillary buildings.

***

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

‘Pinoy Aquaman’ English Channel bid aborted

DOVER, United Kingdom — Environmental lawyer Ingemar Macarine, also known as the “Pinoy Aquaman,” was about  3.8 km (2.3 miles) from this town when his swim was stopped because of bad weather.

He started his longest solo, unassisted swim at the English Channel, “Mt. Everest” for open swimming, at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 13, (9:30 a.m. Philippine time) after facing high winds during his swim from Dover town, United Kingdom to France.

Environmental lawyer Ingemar Macarine who was 

almost an hour in the waters of the English Channel 

on Sunday, August 13, 2017, had to cancel his effort due

 to bad weather.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

The shortest distance between England and France over the English Channel is 34 km (21 miles).

Macarine, 41, was swimming freestyle. When he lifted his head to breathe, he could vaguely make out his destination on the horizon, Cap Gris Nez, a promontory on the French coast due to strong waves and gusty winds.

He was only wearing a latex swimming cap, an ordinary swimsuit and goggles. His shoulders and armpits, neck and crotch are coated with sunblock and petroleum jelly, to keep his muscles flexible and prevent chafing.

If he succeeded Macarine, an election officer of Tubigon town in Bohol province, would be the first Filipino swimmer to swim across the Channel.

Many swimming enthusiasts were tracking Macarine’s progress on the social media.

The journey was expected to take 15 hours in a 16 degrees Celsius temperature, but Eric Hartley, skipper of the support boat from the Pathfinder Charter, called off his bid when he noticed that the wind was getting stronger and colder.

Shortly after stopping his swim across the English Channel, 

Ingemar Macarine (right) chats with Pathfinder skipper

 Eric Hartley and Channel Swimming Association observer 

Keith Oiller on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. 

Photo by Leo Udtohan

Also with Hartley in the boat was CSA observer Keith Oiller who detailed to Macarine the rules of the English Channel.

“I stopped the swim really for safety grounds. “Because wind was blowing, it’s hard to control the boat with the current condition,” Hartley said. “The wind speed is too strong than what was forecast at 3 knots. It’s important to keep him beside the boat,” said Hartley.

Hartley said the wind that was gusting and it was unsafe for everyone involved.

“Safety is always first,” he said.

There have been less than half a dozen fatalities in the 137 years that it has been taking place, the CSA said.

Last week, two fatalities were recorded.

His goal had to swim the English Channel to promote clean seas, Philippine tourism and international friendship.

Macarine – who has swum seas in the Philippines and the United States – had waited patiently for days to swim the Channel.

Since arriving in Dover on July 28, he has been practicing for two hours daily at the port.

Although he didn’t finish the swim, he said he was satisfied with what he was able to accomplish.

Macarine said he would come back next year to fulfil the ultimate swim of his life.

“Tuloy ang laban toward reaching that goal,” he added.

***

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

From Bohol to the World- ‘Pinoy Aquaman’ to swim English Channel

From Bohol to the World

‘Pinoy Aquaman’ to swim English Channel on Sun

 DOVER, UNITED KINGDOM- For mountain climbers, Mt. Everest is the ultimate challenge. For swimmers, it's crossing the English Channel.

And only a few people who try this succeed.

But for environmental lawyer and tri-athlete Ingemar Macarine, who earned the moniker “Pinoy Aquaman”, he will attempt to swim the English Channel at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 13 (August 13, 9:30 a.m. Philippine Time).

If he succeeds Macarine, 41, will be the first Filipino swimmer to swim across the Channel.

Environmental lawyer Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine 

will be the first Filipino swimmer who attempts

 to swim the English Channel which is considered as the "Mt. Everest"

 of swimming on Sunday. He is practising two hours a 

day swimming in almost freezing water at Dover Port.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

The swim will be the first crossing by a Filipino swimmer of the sea passage that separates the United Kingdom and France to test of physical and mental strength and courage.

Fewer people have swum the English Channel than have climbed Mount Everest.

Macarine, who is swimming to promote clean seas, Philippine tourism and international friendship, spent two hours every day since he arrived in the United Kingdom last July 30.

He said hopes to complete the 21-mile (34 km) swim in under 15 hours.

The wind and weather are also a problem - as the Dover Straits are prone to local weather conditions that can change very quickly and which do not match the forecasts.

The water is nearly freezing water (15-16 degrees Celsius) though Britons have anticipating summer this month.

“I have been training at the Dover Harbor for two hours every day. The water temperature is around 16 degrees so it is very cold compared to the Philippines where I trained in the 30 degree water temperature,” said Macarine, an election officer of Tubigon town.

Hypothermia is an issue for swimmers, but swimmers are unclothed and exposed to the elements unlike any other endurance athlete.

“Hypothermia would be my number one challenge as I am used to the tropical waters of the Philippines,” he added.

Captain Matthew Webb made the first unassisted 

and observed cross-channel swim in 1875; 

he made landfall in 21 hours and 45 minutes. 

Dover Museum 

There are a lot of factors that combine to make the swim hard but the cold is the biggest hurdle, said Eric Hartley of the Pathfinder Charter and Channel Swimming Association (CSA) observer Keith Oiller.

Swimmers said that it's not about the distance since lot of people can swim but the cold water.

Last Tuesday, a man died during an attempt to swim the English Channel as part of a gruelling triathlon. Newspapers reported that Douglas Waymark, 44 from Cheltenham, got into difficulty about half way across, 12 nautical miles from Dover.

Oiller said the tides are also hard to predict as they are strong and change direction approximately every six hours.

They also change in height and flow speed every day.

There is also the problem of the number of ships using these waters - because to go from England to France you have to swim across the shipping lanes.

CSA requires swimmers to attempt the challenge clad in nothing more than ordinary swimming trunks, swim cap, and goggles.

Wetsuits and other floating devices are absolutely not allowed. The rules also dictate that a swimmer should not touched the boat nor can be touched by another person during the entire course of the swim.

Your VRS with (l) Channel Swimming Association (CSA) 

observer Keith Oiller, coach Roel Catoto, 

Lawyer Ingemar Macarine and Eric Hartley

 of the Pathfinder Charter at Dover Marina. 

Ever since Captain Matthew Webb's first successful Channel swim in 1875, thousands of swimmers have attempted to emulate his feat. Most are content to complete the swim, others are determined to set new records.

It all started in 1872 when JB Johnson tried to swim the Channel, but failed, abandoning his attempt after 1 hour and 3 minutes. Reading of his exploits, Captain Webb (1848-1883) became inspired to try it in 1875 for 21 hours and 45 minutes.

Since then, interest has grown in Channel swimming, and there is always a waiting list of people booking places with pilots from the Channel Swimming Association and the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation in the hope of adding their names to the list of those who achieve it.

So far 1,753 swimmers have made a total of 2,280 solo crossings across the channel since 1875, according to the CSA.

15 Things you probably didn't know about

swimming across the English Channel

Swimming the English Channel is a lot more complex than it seems.  Read on...

1. First recorded crossing of Channel was by an Italian prisoner-of-war in 1817; Giovan Maria Salati made his escape from a prison barge in Dover and swam to Boulogne using straw as a buoyancy aid.

2. Captain Matthew Webb made the first unassisted and observed cross-channel swim in 1875; he made landfall in 21 hours and 45 minutes.

Pinoy Aquaman “meet and greet” the Filipino community in UK. 

Photo by Leo Udtohan

3. In 1926, the American Gertrude Ederle (pictured) became first woman to swim the Channel - her time was 14 hours and 34 minutes.

4. The record for fastest-ever cross-channel swim is held by the Australian Trent Grimsey, who managed six hours and 55 minutes in 2012.

5. King of the English Channel is Kevin Murphy, with 34 solo crossings.

6. The Queen of English Channel Alison Streeter who swum the English Channel 43 times - more than anyone else in the world.

7.   For a swim to be officially recognised, you must not be assisted by any kind of artificial aid – and you are only permitted to use goggles, one cap, a nose clip, ear plugs and one costume, that must be sleeveless and legless. For Macarine, he will be using swimming cap, trunks and goggles.

8. You are allowed to grease yourself up for insulation. Macarine will use sunblock.

9. You must enter the sea from the shore of departure and finish on dry land at the other side, “or touch steep cliffs of the opposite coast with no sea water”, according to the Channel Swimming Association, founded in 1927, which regulates attempts.

10.  Swimming the Channel is not cheap and will set you back a few thousand pounds, the largest chunk of which goes towards a registered pilot and escort boat. Macarine has already spent £ 10,000 or half-million pesos. He swim is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission thru Chairman William Ramirez, Commissioner Mon Fernandez Maxi Green & Ramsey Quijano; COMELEC courtesy of Chairman Andres Bautista; Speedo Philippines thru VP Manish Mahtani May Valentino Crissa Brozas; Maldita Man thru Irene Chan;  First Consolidated Bank (FCB) thru Pres. Argeo Melisimo Pie Puerto;  Martello Building Consultancy thru Andy Cruttenden; Kennington Masonic Lodge 1381 thru Worshipful Master Michael Duque Carmelo N. Rebolos; Bohol 2^nd Rep. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado; and Sparklab.

11. The distance swum is approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles), but changes according to the current. Tides need to be taken into account and most swimmers tackle a sort of S-shaped course.

12. Swimmers usually start at or near Shakespeare’s Cliff or Samphire Hoe at Dover and aim to finish at Cap Gris Nez (between Boulogne and Calais), France.

13.  Because you are not allowed to touch another human during the course of the swim, any fuel in the way of food will be passed to you by a long pole from your escort boat. That is feeding time.

14. The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with 600 tankers and 200 ferries passing through every day. Your escort and pilot’s job is to make sure you don’t get mowed down.

15. You must book one to two years ahead for a slot to attempt a crossing. In the case of Macarine, he booked last year.

***

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

Boholanos in Tawag ng Tanghalan; Lee Min Ho in Bohol?

●Boholano young talents join ‘TNT’

●Korean actor Lee Min Ho in Bohol?

Wake-upper:

Young singer Isabel Garsuta has

 a future in the music industry. 

Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Scene: The bad weather brought by typhoon Auring cancelled the Saturday’s swim of lawyer Ingemar Macarine aka Pinoy Aquaman who planned to embark on two-way unassisted, open water swim from Guinsiliban Port on Camiguin Island to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, and back for a total of 24 km to promote tourism and clean environment. “Our swim was cancelled because of bad weather. It is dangerous for the escort boats to escort me during the swim. It’s okay for me to swim but the escort boat is still the problem,” said Macarine. He instead swam the 2.1 km from Paras Beach Resort to the White Island, one of the province’s tourist destinations with some members of the Camiguin Swimmers Association headed by Gilbert Grado. 

***

I can’t recall the last time I saw a Boholano who joined a national singing contest. It must have been a long time ago. But I remember Jerome Sala— yes, who was a champion on ABS-CBN’s Star in A Million.

That’s why I’m happy to see young Boholano talents singing who are making inroads into the national scene.

Last week, Julia Faith Joaquin of Tagbilaran City sang her way to the semi-finals on ABS-CBN’s Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT), a singing competition conducted as one of the segments of the noontime show It's Showtime.

Joaquin, a high school student, defeated daily challenger Cresmon Padero with her cover of Liza Minnelli's "Maybe This Time." She scored 92.6 percent, while Padero got 90.2 percent for his performance of Air Supply's "Here I Am."

Joaquin first joined TNT in August last year. She was able to become the defending champion but was dethroned after just one day.

Julia Faith Joaquin has secured 

her spot as semi-finalist on Tawag ng Tanghalan. 

Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Another young singer, Isabel Garsuta, tried her luck on TNT last Friday (Jan. 6). Although she didn’t win, Isabel had an adorable performance of Jessie J’s “Price Tag.”

Isabel, 17, teaches voice, piano and violin.  She is the daughter of Lino and Mariz Garsuta (nee Tirol) of Caingget Beach, Tagbilaran City.

Rey Valera said Isabel, who dreams to become a lawyer, has a future in the music industry.

Isabel posted on Facebook, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven."

She thanked her family and supporters who supported, congratulated and watched her performance on TNT.

“It was really an honor to represent Visayas.   I did my best and I am just really happy with all the positive responses from everyone. I may not have won but knowing that there are people out there who supported and appreciated me, it is what really inspires me,” said Isabel on Facebook.

On a similar note, 24-year-old Mary Ann Palma had a spot when she performed Manchester Melissa’s “Looking ThroughThe Eyes of Love.” 

A pastor’s wife, Palma said she will use the prize money for the construction of their new home. Her family currently stays in a temporary shelter that has no electricity and water supply.

Boholanos are indeed talented singers. We should be proud as they continue to win in competitions and exemplify that we can sing.  And even if they don’t win, like soldiers, they refuse to fade away. They just sing and sing even if only to their hearts' content.

***

Lee Min Ho’s visit to Bohol: A bluff

While typhoon Auring hit the Visayas region last week, some died-hard Korean fans were posting on the social media that Korean actor Lee Min Ho was in Bohol.

Korean actor-singer Lee Min Ho
 of “Legends of the Blue Sea” 

was apparently spotted in Bohol. 

Courtesy: Facebook

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and Jocelyn Pilayre were among others who were overwhelmed when they learned that Lee Min Ho was in Panglao town.

It all started when a Facebook user Rowena Aranar claimed she spotted the actor on Alona Beach in Panglao.  She shared a photo on Facebook with Lee Min Ho in a black tank top and damp hair as people flocked him for a photo.

Aranar, posted on January 7, “Lee Min Ho, is in Hennan , Alona Resort, Panglao, Bohol , sobrang gwapo at freindly, smiling face bida sa, Boys Over Flower.”

Her post has become viral, with almost 3,433 shares on the social media site as of writing.

Many fans believed that the singer-actor was in the Philippines for the taping of the “Legends of the Blue Sea.”  In one of the episodes, Heo Joon-jae (Lee Min Ho) tells Shim Chung (Jun Ji-hyun) that he plans to bring her to Boracay.

However, the news turned out to be, well, fake.

(We heard a loud thud from Fiel and Bjosh!)

The candid photo of Lee Min Ho was apparently snapped by Twitter user @minozindonesia, the first Indonesian fan base of the actor.

Internet user Leorenzi Dangoy said that Aranar’s post even “destroyed the reputation of Hennan” on a global scale.

There were others who agreed that the location does not look like Hennan Beach Resort at all. The photo was taken in 2013 in “The Heirs” days at Huntington Beach in California.

KPOP and Culture Fest on Facebook said, “Okay, bes, kalma. Lahat tayo nag-hyperventilate sa rumored Bohol photo ni Lee Min Ho. Nakaimpake na kami for Bohol. Apparently it was an old photo taken during his visit in the country. Who else have thought that they'd prolly doing the last few episodes of Legend of the Blue Sea here in the Philippines? Mianhe for the mini heart attack. Hindi kayo nag-iisa. *checks BP*”

Whatever the reason, it can’t be denied that fans are swarming over the charming actor.

Think before you post.

***

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