Take a bow, Queenie!

Looking back, what does Queenie Melody Fullante consider her most unforgettable moment at the 2014 Miss Bohol pageant in which she was proclaimed Bohol’s quintessential daughter?

“The crowning moment,” said Quennie, “for that was the start of other unforgettable moments.”

A year ago, she joined the Miss Bohol competition as a fresh college graduate. Many people compared Queenie as Venus Raj deadringer. She even had encounters with people who mistake her for Venus but she was not riding on the wave of being Venus Raj’s look-alike during the pageant. She won the Miss Bohol title because of her strong personality and being comfortable with her skin and skills.

But today she’ll no longer have a crown.  Queenie’s beauty pageant reign comes to an end Saturday night when she gives up her Miss Bohol title at this year’s competition. The classic tiara — the one that slipped off her head on the night she was crowned — was gently placed atop someone else and after doing her duties and responsibilities, Queenie is ready to see what the next chapter brings.

Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante is ready to see
what the next chapter brings. Contributed Photo

 “Personally, I find my reign productive and fruitful for I have reached more communities, touched a few lives and grew up holistically," Queenie said in an interview with VRS. "Aside from the looks, the most significant change in me is the positive change inside. I became more mature in dealing with different matters. Even the way I look at life has changed, because now I realized that service to humanity is the best work of life."

Her immediate plans include doing philanthropic works and spending some time with her family and friends. “It’s still ambiguous for me but one thing for sure, life goes on. The mission continues and that is to reach more communities, touch more lives and grow up everyday.”

Queenie has done quite a bit of charity work in her sash and crown. She visited the orphans, participated in feeding program, child abuse awareness, medical mission and dental mission and volunteered in the Bohol Rebuilding and Rehabilitation Project. She was very visible visiting communities affected by the earthquake. Her presence was reassuring everyone that everything would be okay after the tragedy.  

Her packed schedule prevented her to meet her ideal man (The Romantic Guy, the Confident Guy, the Artistic Guy, the Foreign Guy, the Free Spirit Guy, the Intelligent/Witty Guy and the Considerate Guy rolled into one). “Technically, no! Primarily because I wasn’t looking yet for one. I think I was too focused with my duties and responsibilities,” Queenie said.

She won't sit idle for long.

Take a bow, Queenie!

Meanwhile, here is the full text of the farewell speech of Queenie Melody Fullante:

Queenie Melody Fullante has done
quite a bit of charity work in her sash
 and crown. Courtesy: Chris Ramasola

Growing up, I have always been a fan of fairy tales. But I know I am not a princess. I will never be Snow White because I am not the fairest of all. I was once an Ugly Duckling who turned into a beautiful Swan. I am not Sleeping Beauty. Mine, was a Cinderella story. But it wasn’t just my shoes that made me a Queen. It was my clean desire and genuine determination that made destiny go my way and be proclaimed Miss Bohol 2014- The Quintessential Boholana. With all my heart, I thank God for giving me all the people I need before, during and even after my reign.

To the people of Dauis, under the leadership of Hon. Marietta Sumaylo, my sincere thank you for trusting me to represent our town.

To my team, Sir Julius, Janry, Ramchie and Idy, you gave out the best in me, I owe you a big part of my holistic development. To Ate Shiela Avergonzado of Nenen’s, thank you for the beautiful gowns I’ve worn throughout my reign. And to Mikee Andrei for my amazing gown tonight.

To my eksangels and my PYM family headed by Ate Ebiw and Kuya Tony, your support was my ultimate ego booster.

To my mentors, Fr. Vic Fr. Lito, Fr. Jingboy and Fr Val thank you for all the prayers and words of wisdom.

To my family, you are the cradle of my success.

To the Miss Bohol organizers, Madame Pureza Chatto and the JCI Chocolate Hills, Maams Darlene, Red, Yelle and Marmie, God know how you positively impact my life. Thank you so much for making my reign a meaningful one.

Lastly, to everyone who expressed their support for me in various ways, you made me realize what a great blessing it is to be a Miss Bohol.

Ladies I guess the loneliest part of being a beauty queen is the final walk. In which everything that happened during your journey will sink in and you’ll just miss the crown so badly. But, life goes on and the mission continues. To the lucky girl tonight, I know you deserve it. For I have been with all of you in your journey. And the learning you girls gained, is enough to make each of you a winner in your own reality. May all of you continue to reach more communities, touch more lives and grow up holistically.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Queenie Melody Fullante, Miss Bohol 2014.

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Bryan Gaviola: I want to marry the right woman

Wake-uppers:

Amanda Arles

Seen: Miss Panglao 2011 first runner-up Amanda Arles was spotted at SM Mall of Asia  last June 1 to audition for Miss Philippines World 2012. Miss World Philippines has already moved to TV5, the media partner of the pageant.

 

Seen: The Queen of Talk Show Kris Aquino visited Bohol for the second time. Kris was in Bohol last week to shoot an episode for Kris TV show on ABS-CBN. Her show says, “Tuloy-tuloy ang paglalakbay ni Kris para patunayang "Its more FUN in the Philippines"…

 

Scene: The 2nd Bohol Dolphin Festival was held last May 31 at CPG Sports Complex to raise awareness on protecting marine mammals and the environment. Spearheaded by Bohol Rescue Unit for Marine Mammals (BRUMM), a non-government organization engaged in research on large marine vertebrates (LAMAVE) project in Bohol, the festival included a parade, educational displays and activities and dolphin mural painting. Dolphins love freedom!

 

Seen: Aspiring musical sensation Sherwin “Paeng” Cabilan Rosco of Tubigon town has made it to the X-Factor Philippines. A franchise of the hit UK reality singing contest created by renowned judge Simon Cowell, the X-Factor Philippines will air on June 23 on ABS-CBN. Rosco was selected from the pre-screening done last year. There will be 80 hopefuls who will face the judges Pilita Corales, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and Charice Pempengco. X-Factor host is KC Concepcion.

 

Rosco

 

 

 

 

 

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Did you know that Atty. Bryan Olaso Gaviola, one of the gorgeous young lawyers in the province, wanted to become a Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land, and the SEALs are the U.S. Navy's most acclaimed special ops unit) and he, sigh, failed?

 

“I really wanted to become a soldier, but...”

Atty. Bryan Gaviola: ‘I’m single by choice.’

 

He ended up a lawyer, educated at Mindanao State University (AB Philosophy) and a teacher at University of Bohol.  

 

“I wanna help the oppressed, the persecuted, and the underdog, and the community in general in order to make the world a better place to live and make a living for myself at the same time,” said the young lawyer.

 

We see him all the time in Junior Chamber International (JCI)- Bohol Sandugo activities but we don’t really know much about Bryan. Just recently, Bryan spearheaded the 60^th Year Anniversary of JCI-Bohol, a leading global network of young active citizens whose mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. 

 

At 29 (an Aries, born on March 30), Bryan is still single and available. Asked if he’s choosy, Bryan said, “No.” But he is searching. “I’m single by choice,” he added, “I want to marry the right woman, at the right time, and for the right reason. And it’s sad to belong to someone else when the right one comes along.”

 

Bryan stands 5’9”; and wears extra-large-size shirt, extra-large-size briefs and size-11 shoes.

 

More of Atty. Bryan Gaviola in this “He can’t invoke his right against self-incrimination":

 

Do you also get death threats like other lawyers?

“I haven’t had any death threats yet and I hope I never will (Laughs).”

 

Your daily schedule must be hectic. Describe a day in your life.

“In the morning I usually attend court hearings and in the afternoon I’m busy with clients and papers at the office, after office hours I deal with appointments, meetings, and teaching. Only then can I spend the rest of my day with friends.”

 

Atty. Bryan Gaviola finds time to travel (this time in France) for adventurous exploration, cultural musings, and wanderlust.

How long you have been practicing your profession?

“A little over two year but it feels like more because I was fortunate enough to be offered partnership with Atty. Jaime Jimenez shortly after passing the bar exam.”

 

How long you have been teaching at University of Bohol?

“Six years since 2005.” (The same school he graduated high school.-LPU)

 

How do you manage it, practicing your profession as a lawyer and at the same time teaching?

“I have requested our dean to schedule my subject after office house so there is no conflict. But it’s easier said than done. (Laughs)”

 

Don’t tell me that you bring work at home.

“I rarely bring work at home. But there are time when call of duty at the office requires it.” 

 

What makes you busy nowadays?  Probably with Junior Chamber International (JCI)- Bohol Sandugo?

“Yes. JCI takes up most of my free time.” 

 

As president, what are your plans for JCI-Bohol?

“Many. But the most ambitious is to finally set up our headquarters after so many years. Thanks to the Gallares family for graciously giving us a little space in one of their properties.”

 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

“Drink Coffee.”

 

And the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

“Turn off the lights.”

 

How do you cope up with stress?

“I make it a point to catch up on sleep every weekend.”

 

How much water do you take per day?

“A lot. Because I sweat a lot.”

 

Do you drink wine or other hard drinks?  

“Only beer.”

 

Do you go to gym?
“No. But I play basketball a lot.”

 

What part of your body is your best asset?

“My ab or my nose. (Laughs)”

 

..with JCI-Bohol family

What’s your favorite attire in bed?

“Boxers.” 

 

How do you deal with your temper?

“I make it a point not to lose my temper when things get out of control. It just worsens the situation.”

 

What is your favorite hideaway?

“My room. I just watch DVDs all night.”

 

What part of a woman’s body do you notice first?

“The face..specifically the eyes.”

 

What kind of women turns you on?

“Independent women.”

 

What kind of women turns you off?

“Flirty girls turn me off. And women who wear a lot of make-up.”

 

How’s your love life?

“Hmmmm it’s complicated.”

 

Sex life?

“Orgasmic! (Laughs)”

 

How do you deal with temptation?

“I just think ahead where it would lead me if I give in.”

 

How do you deal with, uhm, indecent proposals?

“Decently!”

 

Using only body language, how would you make a woman know that you admire her?

“I would stare at her a lot.”

 

Kris Aquino will feature Bohol on her KrisTV show next week. Credit: KrisTV

 

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

 

Nonito Jr. and Rachel Donaire spend holiday in Bohol and other tidbits

Wake-uppers:
Scene: November 23, 2011 is the International Day to End Impunity as the nation remembers the 2nd anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 victims on November 23, 2009 -- 32 of them were journalists. After two years, justice is nowhere in sight, “the wheels of justice, which have always ground slow, appear to have stalled to an almost dead stop and, worse, remain in danger of being reversed,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said in a press statement.  As we wait for action, we grieve for the martyred journalists who believed the Constitutional protection of their rights was enough. Bared requests readers not to forget...

Scene: The 3rd induction and turn-over ceremony of the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Boholana Kisses is on Dec. 8, 2011, 6:30 p.m. at the Metro Centre Hotel.  JCI Member Arizza Nancy Jule “Tukay” Tirol is the incoming president. She is one of the youngest presidents in JCI Philippines at the age of 21. With this year’s JCI Boholana Kisses theme “Work as One, Succeed as One!” Pres. Tukay continues to pursue their projects with the province of Bohol and their organizational projects.

Arizza Nancy Jule “Tukay” Tirol, JCI-Boholana Kisses incoming president

Scene: A group of beauty watchers is strongly pushing for the delisting of a beauty queen who was “caught in the act” by a housewife-beauty queen. “Last week, the beauty queen resigned from the office after a complaint was filed against her. The beauty queen’s “fairy godmothers” are also planning to leave Bohol after they were implicated on the incident as tipsters causing internal turmoil. The beauty pageant committee is brink of being disbanded,” said VRS.  

Scene:  Netizens were abuzz moments after Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said he is willing to cut off one of his balls if his clients, the Arroyos, do not return to the Philippines after their planned trip abroad to seek medical treatment. "I'm willing to do the worst. Ipatatanggal ko itlog ko 'pag di bumalik ang mga Arroyo," he said. The hashtag #itlognitopacio became the top trending local topic on microblogging site Twitter. Netizens poked fun at Topacio's "offer" on Twitter saying “Atty. Topacio didn't say kung sinong gusto n'yang tumanggal sa isang itlog n'ya. I'm not sure if Sec. De Lima's willing to do that.”

***

If you haven’t noticed, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. and wife, Rachel had a surprise visit to Bohol last week, days after their church wedding held on Nov. 11, 2011 or 11-11-11 (said to be a lucky date).

Nonito Jr, also known as Jun-Jun, called Tessie Labunog-Sumampong (owner of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Restaurant, +638537-9460/+639173060010) to prepare sumptuous meal for the group (mostly Americans) who were amazed of the beauty of the Loboc River cruise.

“Jun-Jun and Rachel are very sweet. She is blooming!” said VRS.

 Jun-Jun with Tessie Labunog-Sumampong….

…and  dancing the kuradang with the Loboc folks

While in Bohol Jun-Jun and her entourage savored the island’s famous tourist attractions like a visit to a tarsier sanctuary, the Loboc River cruise and a trek to see the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

Jun-Jun was mobbed by fans upon arrival at the Loboc River. Same thing happened anywhere he went.

“He was very good in singing while at the floating restaurant. He danced well while joining the local entertainers at the Loboc River bank,” added VRS.

The group also tried the zipline, the newest attraction of Loboc town before going to Talibon.

The couple visited Bohol in 2009 after Jun-Jun won the fight against Raul Martinez. It was also a “sentimental journey” because Jun-Jun went emotional when he visited the old house in Talibon where he was born.
   


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Forever Living is back!

Forever Living is back! Bohol welcomed Asia’s number one Forever Living Diamond Manager Edmund Ramos on Nov. 7 at Informatics Computer Institute Conference Room. 

Forever Living Products website says: Forever Living Products are the World's leading grower and processor of Aloe Vera. Why we chose aloe vera? “The amazing qualities of this plant have been known and used for centuries.  Produced from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf, cold processed and stabilized directly - not freeze dried and reconstituted. This ensures that none of the aloe goodness is lost.
In the range you will find excellent natural health and beauty products including moisturizers, lotions, toners - all containing natural Aloe Vera. In addition we have drinks in various flavors, and a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and other supplements.

“Everyone who wants to be healthy knows that the closer we stay to nature, the better we feel. That is why Forever Living’s mission is to give you the purest health and beauty nature products,” says Shem Quezon who is business builder.

To become a FLP distributor or business builder, you can contact Shem Quezon - +63910-970-1285 and Alvin Acuzar - +62917-304-2900)

If Bohol is a fruit…

Ariel Llanos

Meeting people of different nationalities and culture is challenging and exciting as well. Ask Ariel Llanos, the “walking encyclopedia” and the charming front desk officer at the Metro Centre Hotel, who met different nationalities and have taught him a lifetime’s worth of lessons.

“For one,” Ariel begins, “my work has taught me all about adaptability. I had no idea how much it would broaden my horizons and open up my mind.”

Ariel has learned to control his temper when some guests got mad or vehemently complaint on anything.

But he knows he can’t complain or else. 

“I stay focus and poise,” he relates.

Ariel has noticed the increasing number of tourists who are visiting Bohol. Most of them are locals, Koreans, Japanese and Americans.

“If Bohol is a fruit, it is mango. The sweetness of the Boholano hospitality is really superb!” says Ariel.

“If Bohol is a delicacy, it is Star Peanuts. One you have taste it, you always want it,” adds Ariel.

Bohol, Ariel explains, has blessed with wonderful places and people.

According to Ariel, the 5 Must-Visit Places in Bohol are Chocolate Hills, Danao (for extreme adventure),  Panglao (Panglao Island Nature Resort),  Tagbilaran City (Metro Centre Hotel) and  Loboc. The 5 important places to dine are Wok Express, Gerry’s Grill, Asiatika, SunBurst and Payag.

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