Showing posts with label Jane Yap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jane Yap. Show all posts

Monday, December 23, 2024

My Christmas Wishlist for my fave Boholanos



By Leo Udtohan
 
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is
 slowly but surely seething its way in. And if you, like your VRS, are a little delayed in making your gifting wish list, there is always plenty of inspiration to be had.

Every year, Christmas brings me immeasurable amounts of joy. Not just because of the belen, parol, immaculate music, and spirit, however. My favorite part of Christmas is my annual (recycled?) own list of gifts for my favorite Boholanos:

-For Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado
 — Clearer vision and relentless commitment to uplift the lives of the Boholanos. 

-Rep. Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado— More noble initiatives and mega-projects for the promotion and improvement of the second district of Bohol. 

-For Rep. Alexie Tutor and Candijay Vice Mayor Christopher Tutor — Mega, mega projects for the development of the third district of Bohol. 

-For Rep. Edgar Chatto —That his eloquence and wisdom be translated to more developments for Bohol’s First Congressional District. 

-For Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor — The wisdom to craft policies that will protect nature while promoting ecotourism in Bohol. And another "joint venture". They badly need one to make them a happy Family of 4. 

-For Board Member Nathaniel Binlod — Unwavering commitment for the welfare of the Boholanos.

- For Carmen Mayor Conchita "Che" Toribio Delos-Reyes —Tireless zeal to promote her beloved Carmen to the world thru sustainable tourism. And thru Beauche, she will beautify the world. 

-For Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap and 
Baba Yap — Continuation and completion of the projects started that would benefit ths populace. For her personal life, considering she has many events to grace and people from walks of life to meet and interact with, I can only wish for good health, nothing more. 

-For Benjie Oliva —Vibrant and more innovative leadership to help the less fortunate sectors and development of Bohol. Continued partnership to liaise with national officials to bring in high-impact projects in the province. 

-For Mayor Joseph Rañola —The tenacity to push for more well-meaning projects for the Jagna-anons.

- For Atty. Jordan Pizarras —The passion to help address the needs of those who have less in life. 

- For Jade Acapulco Bautista and Dauis Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo —Renewed dynamism. Their achievements as public servants are so remarkable and truly inspirational. Same for former Tagbilaran Vice Mayor Toto Veloso, Booy captain Jun Telmo and councilors Reynante Cericos and Boboy Doroy. 

-For Tagbilaran Councilor Atoy Torralba— Strength and courage to make sure that he is ready to face each challenge that he encounters especially in his political journey. 

-For Fiscal Ingemar Macarine — The “Pinoy Aquaman” will conquer the treacherous English Channel in July 2026. 

-For Mila Lim — More Santa Claus and other Christmas stuff for her “Most Christmassy House” in Bohol. 

-For Regalada "Daday" Binong—Good health that she will continue sharing the best sikwate (native hot chocolate), making her Bohol’s undisputed "Queen of Sikwate." 

-For Marianito Luspo—Unwavering dedication for preservation of historical and cultural assets of the province. Same for Gardy Labad, Reigh Monreal, Fr. Val Pinlac, Rosalina Sarabosing, Ph. D., Jackie Curambao, Liza Macalandag, et al 

-For Dalareich Polot, Leah Tirol-Magno, Rosalinda Paredes, Mary Grace Bernaldez, Anthony Ceniza, Alexies Cadeliña, Meg Raynaldo, et al —Continued balance in professional and artistic endeavors. 

-For Jimny Borja, Sam Penaso, Pedro Angco Jr, Joey Labrador, et al— More zeal to embark on more creative pursuits in arts and music. 

-For Mikey Gatal— A hot partner to color his world! 

 -For Bebei Tagoctoc — Good health and timeless beauty to Bohol's “Most Powerful Bading”. 

-For Charlow Arbasto— A long overdue vacation in Japan with a hot partner. 
 
-For Mizken Tirol —A hot boyfriend!

- For EJ Relampagos —Another international fashion event to showcase her latest collections. Same for Shanon Pamaong, Maximiel Tallo, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Rose and Paul Ranara, Rhigel Dulfo, Aileen Sendrijas, Khim Magtagad, Roxanne Monton, Kim Villamor, Christian Bustrillos, Ryan Sadudaquil, Christian Relator, Nikki Simporios, and Noel Bompat Estopito. 

-For Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter)— More clients to turn them looking better and perfectly natural thru plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

-For Joseph Gara—More gigs and another album to showcase his artistic talent. Same for CenterStage Band.

-For Pauline Amelincx — Another opportunity to represent Philippines in an international pageant.

-For Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan—Bolder and better "The Doctor Is In" to inform people during public health crisis.

-For Chris John Rener Torralba— More opportunities for professional growth. 

-For Engr. Richie Ibale, Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Marilou Dumaluan, Reichyl Dumaluan-Vallente, Marie Frances Macabenta, Tina and Alexander Dumas, et al — Grace under pressure in keeping with the demands of business pursuits.

-For Tibbs Bullecer, Allen Doydora, Anthony Aniscal and Ern Pahayahay (of dyRD) — More explosive issues, more interesting and “controversial” personalities. Same for Ted Ayeng, Lito Responte, Bob Galero, Alan Mangmang, Belinda Sales, Gloria Araneta, and Bohol’s "Queen of All Media" Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy.

-For Engr. Jerome John and Fiel Angeli Araoarao Gabin — Like always, God's blessings of good health for the family and the fulfillment of goals.

Remember, Santa is watching. Everything. Yes, even that. Anyway, Merry Christmas!

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Sunday, March 19, 2023

Saulog Festival is back!

By Leo Udtohan 
After three years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, folks in Tagbilaran City are celebrating the Saulog Festival again this year. 

After the launching on Thursday, March 16, which coincided with the 458th commemoration of "Sanduguan" of Rajah Si Katuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, residents and spectators enjoyed the reenactment and dance highlighting the city’s culture and tradition. 

"And now, we are back to face- to- face activities," said Mayor Jane Yap.  

The last face-to-face Saulog street dancing was in 2019. 

"This is our avenue to promote the tourism industry in Bohol and our beloved city of Tagbilaran," she added. 

She said tourism recovery also translates to economic recovery.

Data from the Tagbilaran's tourism office estimated that 80% of tourist activities in the city were back to normal and that arrivals were still rising.

This year, Saulog will feature concerts, parades, Mutya sa Tagbilaran, sporting events, and religious activities that are expected to return to their pre-pandemic glory. 

"A fitting shout-out to the world that we are resilient, we are moving pn, and we are profoundly grateful to God through Saint Joseph the Worker," said Yap. 

Tagbilaran as a gateway to Bohol offers a wide range of business and investment opportunities.  It is the center of Bohol's education, trade and business, as well as the seat of political power. 

The Saulog Festival will end on May 21.

The highlights of the celebration are the following: 

458th Blood Compact Commemoration Program and Saulog Launching-April 16

Tagbo sa Tagbi/Kumbira sa Tagbilaran (Food Fair)- April 14-May 7

Mutya sa Tagbilaran - April 22, 2023

Himug Huni Interschool Songwriting Competition – April 23, 2023

Saulog Festival King and Queen - April 26, 2023

Saulog Fluvial Procession - April 29, 2023

Saulog Street Dancing Competition and Parade - April 30, 2023 

Maoy sa Mayo Saulog Concert - May 1, 2023

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Saturday, April 24, 2021

Community pantries in Bohol: Caring for others

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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