How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid

After nearly nine months, pandemic fatigue is real.  And here is Christmas 2020 which is likely to be far different — severely limiting our ability to gather, and negatively affecting the health and finances of many — but let us not forget the Jesus is the reason. Contributed Photos 

Summer, Lenten, graduations, fiestas and Halloween have all gone by and like everything else in 2020, they’ve felt really different.  Now, Christmas is coming and …it will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

Merly Diez-Bantugan- Christmas  is celebrated the same as before amid this pandemic time and that is celebrating the yuletide season purely with the immediate members of the family. It has always been the family's tradition not to miss attending the dawn masses for 9 consecutive days. However,  our Lindaville  parish has strategized to celebrate one Holy Mass at dawn and one at 8 in the evening to avoid too much crowd. Then on the Christmas day itself,  we go out dining either in the city or in Panglao. In the evening is the most awaited gift giving and concluded by watching movie or tv shows at home. Gifts for the inaanaks this time are just sent.

PEMS Melinda Mendez-Basalo-  I will be celebrating the Christmas amidst this pandemic still with my family at home maybe in my hometown if time permits because we will be on full alert this holiday season and my husband cannot come home from Cebu because of the strict health protocols in our province. It would be very simple just us with my Mama, brothers, sisters and their respective families, eat the lechon and other Christmas favorites, our traditional exchange of gifts and sharing of gifts and never forget to attend Holy Mass whether it would be an on-line Mass or in Church which is the most important event of this celebration, Jesus's birth is the reason of the season. Even if this Christmas would be different from the rest of the Christmases in my life because of the pandemic, let us not forget that God let this happen in order for us to celebrate simply and focus on Jesus who  was humble enough to be born in a manger as the best example for humility and obedience. Let us be everyone's blessings for it is the great sign that God's love is indeed alive not only this holiday season but for all the days of our lives. Let us continue sharing to the least of our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs and livelihood. Merry Christmas and may the New Year 2021 will be a great pandemic free Year for the world.

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan- Christmas is celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It's the time when family and friends come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This year, celebrating Christmas will be quite different for me and for the majority as well. Since Covid era is here, social gatherings are highly discouraged. It is still best to stay home, stay healthy and celebrate Christmas with your family. Our usual Christmas day visit to the children in the orphanage will surely be  postponed. Instead of hosting a huge extavagant party, I'd like to make food deliveries to the less fortunate ones on Christmas day. Despite this pandemic, I still can feel the spirit of Christmas by sharing my own blessings. 

Elvie Bongosia- As the world celebrates Christ's birth, we may be going through difficult times with this pandemic, despair not for Jesus is born to save each one of us, no matter what we are going through. We will  have a simple celebration with our family.  After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Jhoel Lim- Amidst the pandemic, let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas and the most meaningful way of celebrating this spirit of joy is by spending more quality time with our family and fill our home with love, kindness and unity.

Vilma Yorong- I will celebrate Christmas at home as we usually do. This year, a new addition to the family make us more thankful and happier. We are blessed with a new baby Zion who always makes our day more lively. 

Fiel Angeli Gabin- Christmas in the past years was crossing the deep blue see to go to Siquijor to spend the holidays with Mommy Lou and the rest of the family there, then coming home to Tagbilaran to welcome the New Year with Mama Wincie.  However, for this 2020, with the strict travel restrictions still imposed due to the surging CoViD-19 cases in Bohol, we will just celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, at home by watching the online mass and sharing the food we prepare, with sincere prayers that those who have less in life, especially during this time of the pandemic and the recent typhoons, may find joy in their hearts to thank God for the gift of life and love of family despite the challenges.

* * *

These "reminders" contributed by Arlene Pesquira of Tagbilaran City who is celebrating her birthday today, Dec. 6, who got it from a friend, source unknown. 

*Live life to the fullest.

*Say "I love you" to people who are dear to you. 

*Laugh hard. 

*Eat good food. 

* Continue to be a blessing to others.

* Enjoy the simple things. 

*Be grateful for the borrowed time given to us. 

*Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t answer, it simply means they have something more important to attend to.

*Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person asks for it. It shows your integrity & character.

*Treat a cleaner with the same respect that you would treat the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how rudely you can treat someone below you, but people will definitely notice if you treat them with respect.

* * *

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

Rich Asuncion and Benj Mudie's baby Bela gets baptized

Kapuso actress Rich Asuncion and Benj Mudie  marked another family milestone on Sunday, August 25, with the baptism of their daughter,  Bela Brie.

Rich Asuncion and Benj Mudie

 with their daughter,  Bela Brie. P

from IG: benjmudie

On Instagram and Facebook on Thursday night, August 29, Rich shared photos of the baptism, with the caption: “Bela Brie Baptism!”

The photos show Bela Brie smiling with Rich and Benj.

The baptismal gown, according to Rich, was the same garment worn by husband Benj and his siblings. This was kept by Benj's mother over the years so that the next generation may also wear the same, like Rich's baby.

Some of the celebrities who were present at the event were Sunshine Dizon, Yasmein Kurdi, Mike Tan and Sheena Halili.

The baptism was held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Taguig.

Welcome to the Christian world Baby Bela Brie! Congratulations to the parents!

***

Two big people are marking milestones last week: National Food Authority Manager (NFA)-Bohol manager Maria Fe "Peng" Evasco for her birthday (no need to reveal how old she is since she doesn’t look it) and Dave Sibbaluca Maulas for a triple birthday celebrations, a house blessing and a thanksgiving (you know for passing the bar).

Surrounded by family and friends, 

Birthday Girl Maria Fe "Peng" Evasco 

 flashes a big smile on her birthday. 

Friday last week (August 30), Peng hosted a buffet for her friends and NFA employees and Dave on Saturday (August 31), with a dinner buffet at  his new home at Barangay Mansasa.

NFA Manager Maria Fe 

"Peng" Evasco on her 'ty-nine year.'

When it was time to blow the candle, everybody gathered around Peng. As a collective "Happy Birthday" reverberated around NFA, the Birthday Girl flashed a sweet smile.

Perhaps not many people know that Peng was a radio dj and a writer before she joined the government. 

Dave, a popular student leader in his college days, is a lawyer and a certified public accountant (CPA).

NFA information officer Jhoel Lim kept busy entertaining Peng’s guests, making sure that food was replenished on the buffet table. The waiters of Saya's were very polite, asking the guests, always with a smile, if they needed more drinks or whatever.

Atty. David Maulas with his wife

Jennisa and  daughter Danielle Quinn.  

Photo: FB account of Atty. David Maulas 

"I am so very thankful, incredibly grateful and wonderfully blessed! Thank you everyone for your loving wishes and birthday greetings and for being part of my journey," said Peng.

Dave and his wife Jennisa recently moved their family into their new dream  home in Barangay Mansasa where they wanted a place to watch their kids play and grow up.

The long buffet table was loaded with food, with fresh fruits during Sunday's celebration.

Lawyers David Maulas, REA

and Ralp Ryan Lagura, CPA of Maulas and Lagura Law Offices.

In high school, Dave thought  of becoming a lawyer. Believing it was the best route, he took up Accountancy but ended up with a Management Accounting degree.

To pursue his other passion, that is teaching, he finished Masters in Business Administration and  taught in a University.

He also obtained a Real Estate Appraiser and Broker license.

In 2014, he entered law school. Midway, he got married to Jennisa and fathered a lovely daughter Danielle Quinn.

He passed the bar examination and he is on his way to become one the province’s best young lawyers.

Last week, Dave with his friend lawyer-accountant Ralp Ryan Lagura  opened the
MAULAS & LAGURA Law Offices at the Ground Floor of Castelcelo Building, at the back of Robinsons Bank near Garden Cafe/Save 'n Earn and old City Hall.

"Blessings come in different sizes. Some are so small that we sometimes take them for granted. Others are too big that we are sometimes consumed by them,"  Dave said.

"I thank the Almighty for this yet another milestone, without discounting those several others which came before this. I thank Him for all the people I met, who helped mold me to be what I am today. Most of all, I thank the Lord for the blessing of a family," he added.

*   *   *

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

300 Bohol moms celebrating August with simultaneous breastfeeding

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Consumers in Tagbilaran lined up last Friday to buy cheap rice from National Food Authority (NFA) as sales and distribution resumed in the province.  According to NFA-Bohol manager Maria Fe Evasco, 40,000 sacks of rice arrived in Bohol last Tuesday from Cebu after four months of non-availability of NFA rice in the market.  The NFA rice is sold at P27 per kilo half a price of the commercial rice.  Evasco explained that they had to limit 5 kilos being sold to an

Ilocos Norte. Gov. Imee Marcos

individual a day so many consumers could avail of the cheaper rice.  “We have to limit it in the sense that we have plenty of consumers in the locality for them to avail/buy of the low price NFA rice, we have to institute the measure of limiting it to 5 kilos per customer per day,” she said. 

Scene:  Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos was in Bohol last week to attend the Acquaintance Party of the BIT-International College and meet the members of the Marcos Loyalists Movement.  She was met by Vice Governor Dionisio Balite, Agriculture Central Visayas director Salvador Diputado, Donald Sevilla of Alyansang Bol-anon para sa Kausaban (Abaka)  and Balilihan Vice Mayor Roy Adonis Olalo. Marcos also met Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr at the event. Marcos said she was thankful to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for including her in the list of senatorial candidates that will be endorsed by regional political party Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (HNP) in the May 2019 elections. She said she was in Bicol when she heard the endorsement during the Bohol launching of Abaka which Duterte was the guest speaker. Marcos said she has yet to decide if she would run for senator in the 2019 midterm elections. “Napag-usapan sa pamilya na iba na tatakbo baka hindi na si BongBong because he doesn’t want to abandon the protest. (It was discussed in the family that another one should run, maybe not BongBong) Maybe, I will be the one to run,” she said.

***

Marking the start of the National Breastfeeding Month, more than 300 lactating mothers from Bohol province simultaneously breastfed their babies for one minute yesterday, August 4 at the Island City Mall.

More than 300 lactating mothers simultaneously breastfed their 

babies for one minute during Saturday’s “The Big Latch”

 to mark the celebration of the National Breastfeeding 

\Awareness Month. Photo by Leo Udtohan

The event dubbed “The Big Latch” was the first ever breastsfeeding advocacy in Bohol, according to

Dr. Suzette Quiwag-Redillas, chair of the breastfeeding committee at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.

Dianne Pozon, 38, a resident of Tagbilaran City, brought her three month-old son Joseph Niño to the event.

“This is an event for all mothers and families,” said Pozon, a mother of five. 

Pozon believed that there are many benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.

“I believe it is still the best source of nutrition and growth of infants,” she said.  “Breastfeeding is still best for babies.”

After the simultaneous latch-on, lactation experts, peer counselors, and breastfeeding advocacy supporters shared the benefits and importance of breastfeeding to the mothers.

There were parlor games to enliven the event.

***

Sen. Bam Aquino validates sufferings of

ordinary Boholanos due to TRAIN Law

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said he would be the voice of the ordinary citizens who were directly affected under the tax reform program.

The Senator made the remark last Thursday afternoon as he had a consultation meeting with market vendors, fishermen, and other members of the sectoral groups at the Dao Public Market in this city.

Sen. Bam Aquino

Aquino listened to the residents who shared their plight on the high prices of goods under the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Magiging madali lang ito sa akin kasi kasama ko kayo. Naghahanap po ako ng tapang mula po sa inyo. Hindi ako mawawalan ng lakas ng loob na ipaglalaban ito kahit mag-isa lang ako.  Pero sa totoo lang po kahit mag-isa lang ako dun, hindi ako nag-iisa kasi kasama ko po kayo,” he told at least 60 attendees. 

Aquino said he has been pushing for the immediate suspension of the excise tax on petroleum products to lessen the burden on the public.

 And if Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson would like to talk at the senate as invited by Senator Nancy Binay as one of the resource persons in the next hearings to amend the charter, Aquino said Uson is welcomed at the senate.

“Well, lagi tayo  nag-attend dun sa mga hearing sa federalismo at sa  pagpapalit ng constitution.  I think si Senator Binay ang nag-invite sa kanya.  Maganda nga pumunta siya para mapag-usapan dun,” said Aquino.

Tapping Uson in raising awareness about federalism, Aquino found it awkward since Uson was known for posting fake news in the social media.

“Pero ako, simple lang, yung Constitutional Commission na kunin ang isang tao na  madalas o  may track record ng  pagbabanggit ng fake news bilang spokesman nila parang hindi seryoso dun  sa gusto nilang marating sa pagtuturo ng constitution sa ating mga kababayan,” Aquino added.

He said a constitutional expert would help to raise awareness of the proposed shift to a federal government.

“Sana po ang kinuha nila talagang constitutional expert.  Marami sa kanila ganun yung pagkakilala.  Sana hindi po tayo kumuha ng isang Asec na alam natin na makontroberysa dahil sa paglalabas ng fake news in the past,” he said.

NFA-Bohol Manager Maria Fe Evasco and NFA Information
Officer Jhoel Lim inspected rice retail stores in Barangay Cogon
 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, during the resumption of sales/
distribution of NFA rice. Photo by Leo Udtohan

Uson has been  criticized by netizens in the social media for posting misleading information and inaccurate photos.

Benjie Oliva, a former youth leader and administrator of the Cooperative Development Authority, said that Aquino’s visit was able to validate the sufferings of the ordinary Filipino. 

“Sen. Bam Aquino was able to validate the sufferings of ordinary Filipinos brought by the high inflation rate and the implementation of Train law particularly on the excise tax on fuel during the Konsultahang Bayan held at Dao Public Market,” said Oliva.

Oliva added that Aquino’s ‘Bawas Presyo Bill’ filed at the Senate is a measure that would suspend the implementation on the excise tax on fuel thereby lessening the burden of our poor Filipino people.

“Sen. Aquino’s consumer protection advocacy is a testament of his deep concern to the poor and vulnerable sectors of society,” he added.

***

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

For a change, a food trip on V-Day

Wake-uppers:

NFA-Bohol administrator Maria Fe Evasco (center),
NFA-Bohol Information Officer Jhoel Lim and Aldetrudis Quijada
 inside the warehouse. Evasco asked the public  to be ‘rice-ponsible’.
 Leo Udtohan 

Scene: National Food Authority (NFA)-Bohol manager Maria Fe Evasco said that the 30,000 sacks of rice which arrived from Cebu last week was an allocation to augment the low NFA rice stock in the province.   She stressed that there was no rice shortage in Bohol, considered the rice bowl of Central Visayas, since there was enough supply of commercial rice.

Scene: Feliz compleaños to erstwhile Tagbilaran Mayor Joe Torralba, Walter Toston, Dr. Cyrilda Tallo, Maximiel, Feb. 9; former Tagbilaran City Councilor Ann Mariquit Oppus, Feb. 10; former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim and Lloyd Guttierez, Feb. 11; Raul Gatal, Feb. 12;  Atty. Handel Lagunay and Fr. Val Pinlac, Feb. 14; Melchor Daniel, Feb. 15; Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag and former Tagbilaran City Councilor Lucille Yap-Lagunay, Feb. 17; Fr. Joe Sumampong, Feb. 20; Gov. Edgar Chatto, Feb. 21; and Fiel Angeli Gabin and Dr. Jojo Maniwan, Feb. 24.

***

In case it slipped your mind, Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, and you still have some time to plan your dates.

Fortunately, there are a number of destinations, restaurants and activities to choose from, depending on your preferences.

The universe is vast, but somehow you  found each other. The K of C
promenade in Tagbilaran City is ideal place for contemplating your
place in the cosmos. Leo Udtohan

In Tagbilaran City and nearby towns, there are various dining establishments and coffee shops that dishing up treats and savory meals will surely make every individual believe in the saying that the way to a man’s heart is his stomach.

CRAWL FOR FOOD TRIP

To make the love month even more memorable, have an intimate dinner at Mithi (formerly the Panglao Island Nature Resort), Amorita, Amarella, South Palms and Astoria.

If you’re spending the day with your family, make a stop at Mosia Cafe (V. Inting Avenue,  Tagbilaran City), Tamper Cafe and Brunch (P. Del Rosario Street, Tagbilaran City) and Tuko Cafe (Gallares Street), Cafe Majestea (Luisa Galleria, Gallares Street), Hugot Cafe (Venancio P. Inting Avenue Tagbilaran City), The Library (Panda Tea Garden Suites, J.A. Clarin St, Tagbilaran City) indulge in milk tea, waffle, salads, sweet treats and pastas. This is also a great spot to get some family photos.

Smoque Bohol Bistro and Cafe (CPG East Avenue along ACE Medical Center in Bool District, Tagbilaran City will have a Valentine’s Day set menu. Visit the restaurant to make reservation or call 0918 300 8180.

Visit the Lite Port Center Mall along Gallares Street for a wide-array of restaurants. Craving for some spicy kimchi or intense bibimbap? Visit Bohol Pearl Korean Restaurant to satisfy those cravings!  You can also start the day of hearts right at this chic Moon Cafe and Restaurant.   

The Gerarda’s Family Restaurant is serving delicious Filipino cuisines with a twist.  Gerarda’s takes their cooking to heart and serves dishes that would absolutely satisfy your palate. 

Visit Cresencia (Poblacion, Baclayon), Tableya de Maria Clara (Ma. Clara Street, Tagbilaran City)10:31 By Chef M (Miguel Parras St, Ext, Tagbilaran City, Bohol),  Just Sizzlin’ (P. Del Rosario Street, Tagbilaran City), The Buzzz Cafe (Island City Mall, Luisa Galleria and Alona Beach) and Kinaham Resto Bar (M. Torralba Street, Tagbilaran City), Peacock Garden (Baclayon), Swiss Garden Restaurant (Alona Beach, Panglao), Socorro (P. Del Rosario Street, Tagbilaran City) , Miravilla Resort (Booy, Tagbilaran City), Time Out Resto Bar (BQ Mall), Walk Express (BQ Mall), Gerry's Grill (BQ Mall), Mang Inasal (Gallares, Street, Tagbilaran City), STK (Graham Avenue, Tagbilaran City), Prawn Farm (ICM), Chicken Ati-Atihan (Putong Street, Tagbilaran City), Rai-Rai Ken (ICM), Payag (CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City), Cuisina ni Tisay (Chap Complex in Carmen), Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Italian Restaurant (Alona Beach, Panglao),  JJ's Seafood Village (Tagbilaran City), Garden Café (Tagbilaran City near St. Joseph Cathedral), Persona Mesa  (J.A. Clarin Street, Tagbilaran City), Tarsier Botanika (Tawala, Panglao), BringHouse Garden and Restaurant (0047 Cabalit St, Tagbilaran City,(038) 412 4736), Shiang Ma Nou (J. Borja Street cor C. Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City) and Heritage Crab House Seafood Restaurant (V.P. Inting Street, Mansasa Seaside, Tagbilaran City).

Denrick’s offers a dinner buffet for P499 per person on Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m,   There will be an acoustic live band to set the evening mood at Denrick’s Restaurant. Don’t forget to try their  grilled squid and crispy sisig. For inquiries and reservations, call 412-3640/09178259759/09209476369.

On Feb. 14, some restaurants and cafes in Tagbilaran City
 and nearby towns give dining pairs a private time to enjoy
 the delicious food and each other’s company.
Courtesy: Smoque Bohol Facebook

Gather all your girl friends and head out for some drinks. Publicity (Lite Port) has a new cocktail menu that you might enjoy. Visit Atmosphere (Metro Center Hotel)  for a fruity mix of passion fruit, raspberry puree, hibiscus, and soda water and Martin’s Bar Corner M. H. del Pilar & C. Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City) to chill out.

If you want to have a post-Valentine, celebrate at The Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort on February 15 to watch 'Your face Sounds Familiar' first runner up Michael Pangilinan in a Valentine dinner concert. Tickets are still available. P2,500 comes with dinner buffet or P 800 with two round of non-alcoholic drinks. Call 038 416 0702 for more info.

If you have a tight budget, make sparks fly at Acacia de Bubu (Burgos cor Butalid Streets, Tagbilaran) for a yummy barbecue!

LOVE YOURSELF & OTHERS

Treat the number one love in your life, yourself to a spa day. Take this time to take a break from all the stress in your life. Book at Body and Sole  and Masaje de Bohol depending on your body’s needs. You can also have other treatments done like a facial and manicure.

Have a make-over! Change your hair and make-up. Call Ryan Sines, Tracy Torres Remolador, Jojo and Bebei Tagoctoc, Charlow Arbasto, Jonathan Ucat, Ramil Dolauta, Tamara, EP Relampagos, Donna Vitos and Rolly Ingking. For the latest collections, see EJ Relampagos, Henry Baron, Omie Auza and Maximiel.

See Bohol's first cosmetic surgeon Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter (4th Floor, Lim Hong Khu Medical Arts and Wellness Center, Tagbilaran City; 09283687041) and face the world confidently with a beautiful heart!

Appreciate the opportunity to experience the love being shared with us by our family and friends.

Fill up some of your community service hours. Do some charity works. Spend time with the less fortunate, give love on Valentine’s Day. Share your blessings by visiting Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Sunshine Home  and Holy Trinity Orphanage Home in Albur town. Visit the Philippine National Red Cross-Bohol chapter if you want to give the safest blood possible to save life.

ROMANTIC PLACES

On Valentine’s Day you can hit the beach for sun, sea and sand and other romantic places.  The Morning Hills in Loay town, in itself, is a destination that speaks of romance in so many ways. Here, you can enjoy a much sought peace and quiet, an authentic serenity that can be rarely had in the city.

You can visit K of C Tagbilaran for a romantic date, and the scenic view as the sun sets over the city is also sure to take your breath away.

If you have time, Jardin Necitas in Pilar town offers an experience that is easy to fall in love with. The entire ambiance filled with glowing flowers offers romance, relaxation, and intimacy.

You have many reasons to celebrate V-Day even though Feb 14 divides the world into “the haves,” or those with a significant other, and the “have-nots,” the ones with zero love life.

Celebrate V-Day with your own style.

*   *   *

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

Miss U-New Zealand Top 20 enjoy Bohol trip • Boholano embracing adventure in Vietnam

• Miss U-New Zealand Top 20 enjoy Bohol trip

• Boholano embracing adventure in Vietnam

 

Wake-uppers:

Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF

Scene:  For the first time, a Filipino Catholic priest was elected to the new general government of the Claretians worldwide. Boholano priest Fr. Leo Dalmao, current provincial superior of Philippines, was elected consultor and Prefect of Formation. The election which was held last week in Rome coincided with their 25th General Chapter, bringing together representatives of more than 3,000 Claretians in 65 countries. A native of Tagbilaran City, Fr. Dalmao, 45, was ordained priest in May 1997.

 

Scene:  Primo, a popular music trio, is composed of Floyd Tena, James Uy, Laurence Mossman. For a long time the trio has charmed listeners and bar regulars with their unbeatable take on popular songs, Broadway, jazz and many, many more.  Being world-class, Primo is constantly performing in the United States, Europe and Asia. Catch Primo live in Bohol on Sept. 18 (Friday), 7:30 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center.  Tickets are: P500 (VIP), P300 (Patron) and P150 (general admission). For inquiries, call/text 09395977498.

 

Scene: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, said the roving VRS, who shared that an accounting staff (AS) in one of Bohol’s college where students can see the world free has terrible manners while inside the mall. “Since the counters were occupied, I went to the counter for senior citizen. While waiting for my turn since there were two ladies (not senior citizens) ahead of me, this AS suddenly rushed in with her alalay, a student who was still wearing his uniform of the see the world free, put her cart as if she was ahead of me,” narrated VRS.  AS didn’t smile, raised her eyebrows as if she had a stiff neck, according to VRS. AS’ alalay told VRS that “She is a senior citizen!”  So, VRS gave way…and looked for another counter. “She is rude! She could ask me politely. Saying please is by far one of the biggest issues with people these days,” VRS lamented. VRS also asked some friends about AS. Her colleagues shared terrible stories about her being ill-mannered. Giagwanta nalang namo na siya oi because she has two years more to go na to retire,” said Lady V.   Code? Children, let us sing together…Papaya, Papaya, fruit salad-salad.

 

Scene: For his works in empowering the local communities and helping the rehabilitation and recovery of Bohol after the killer quake, poet and community builder Nestor Maniebo Pestelos, has been selected by  Rappler’s Move Awards as one of 15 finalists. Move Awards was developed “to celebrate outstanding Filipinos who don’t let reality get in the way of their dreams: they look at the status quo and inspire others to change it with them for the better.” Pestelos is the president of Bohol Local Development Foundation (BLDF). To vote, visit www.rappler.com

 

 

***

For Rachael Annear, a visit to the Philippines is a learning experience of people and culture.

 

"It's very important since New Zealand is multicultural," said Annear, one of the top 20 finalists in the Miss Universe- New Zealand competition.

 

Rachael Annear (with Analyn Pollenza-Arbilo 

of the Philippine Port Police), 

one of the top 20  finalists in 

Miss Universe-New Zealand, says

 Philippines is a country of 

hospitable and  warm people.  

And the Top 20 finalists of Miss 

Universe-New Zealand. 

 Photos by Leo Udtohan

 

Annear, who is in her final year of completing her bachelor of education studies at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, said joining the Miss Universe-New Zealand is her opportunity to represent her place Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities.

 

So when Annear and other contestants were here in the Philippines for a 10-day finalists retreat, she was overwhelmed.

 

“Oh my goodness! It’s been amazing,” Annear told VRS.

 

She said they have been travelling in the Philippines for many days and it has been a good experience. “I love the culture here. People have been very friendly, very welcoming,” she added.

 

On Tuesday, the candidates were warmly welcomed at the Tagbilaran port where students danced the ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines” theme song upon the arrival of the candidates. The candidates later joined the dancers.

 

 Bohol has been selected as one of the country’s choice destinations for their final leg of the retreat with last year's title holder Rachel Millns.

 

 “The candidates’ visit in Bohol will surely help the tourism of Bohol,” said Jaypee Orcullo of the Bohol Tourism.

 

The candidates had the chance to savor the natural and cultural heritage of Bohol in a guided tour.  They visited Panglao Island, Loboc River, tarsier and the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.

 

Miss Universe New Zealand is not the first pageant to visit Bohol as part of its official pre- pageant activity. The top 10 finalists of Miss Czech Republic visited Bohol in 2013 for photo sessions.

 

Miss Universe New Zealand is a national pageant with the winner going on to the international competition.

 

The Miss Universe-New Zealand organization had taken its finalists to Thailand the last two years, but this year CEO Nigel Godfrey has decided to bring them to the Philippines upon the invitation of Bench owner Ben Chan, according to the pageant’s official page on Facebook.

 

The candidates visited the historic sites in Metro Manila such as Intramuros and Fort Santiago; shopping areas such as the Glorietta Mall in Makati City; and Tahan-tahanan in Quezon City to meet children with cancer. The top 20 presented gifts to the children, parents, medical staff and volunteers, while Miss Universe New Zealand presented a cheque for 30,000 pesos, the pageant’s official Facebook page said.

 

The candidates had visited Cebu last Monday for a sight-seeing. They also visited the Island Girl Philippines  and Alegre Guitars in Lapu-Lapu City.

 

The coronation night of Miss Universe New Zealand will be on October 24.

 

***

Jhoel Lim in Halong Bay 

 

There’s so much beauty in the world. One of my favorite Asian countries to visit is Vietnam.  Imagine Halong Bay where 2000 or more islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Then, there is Son Doong cave, the world's largest cave…  Sad to say my plan didn’t happen.   

 

Anyway, Jhoel Lim of the National Food Authority (NFA)-Bohol has just ticked Vietnam off his bucket list. He was in Cambodia and Vietnam last week together with his sister lawyer Jhella Lim of SSS-Bacolod to explore our Asian neighbors.

 

Vietnam is shedding its old look to become a tourism gem in Asia. Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam’s crown, remains an essential stop on any Vietnam tour.

 

Jhoel Lim shares that Vietnam is a dynamic and a beautiful place.  Contributed Photo

 

“People have compared that Halong Bay is like a giant natural museum,” said Jhoel Lim. “Once you are there, you feel lost in its attractive beauty.”

 

Jhoel has visited El Nido or Coron, but the mists that slowly drifting over Halong Bay and the majestic sunset made his experience far different. He also said he was enjoying moments of solitude in this world famous site.

 

“The sight of hundreds of limestones karsts rising up from the emerald water is unforgettable,” said Jhoel.

 

In Cambodia, its attractions are many and varied.  He said that Angkor Wat is a must-see jumping off point, but the best of Cambodia lies further afield.

 

“The ruins of Angkor Wat draw crowds of visitors—the temples are breathtaking,” added Jhoel.

 

Here is Jhoel on Halong Bay:

 

After a couple of days exploring the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, we headed to Hanoi, Vietnam to explore another popular tourist destination.  Vinh Ha Long which literally means “descending dragon bay” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at Quang Ninh province which administratively belongs to Hạ Long City, Cẩm Phả town, and the part of Vân Đồn District.

 

From our hotel at Hanoi, we were picked-up by our driver and English speaking tour guide to begin our four hour journey East of Hanoi. En route, we passed by fields of busy workers farming their rice fields using traditional methods of cultivation. We also came to stop by various artisan shops showcasing Vietnam’s finest handicrafts to include embroidery, lacquer wares, jewelries, sculptures and some delicious “pasalubong” goodies. We also came to drop by at Ha Long Pearl Farm and Workshop where we had a guided tour on how they cultured various species of oysters for pearl production.

 

Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay’s Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, we boarded a private traditional junk as we set to sail around the magnificent bay and among thousands of karst limestone formations that jut out of the sea in various shapes and sizes. On board our private cruise, we were served with sumptuous local cuisine for lunch while enjoying the scenic view of the bay. The six-hour cruise travelled us further to

Hang Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) which was discovered in 1901 and welcomed its first visitor in 1993. The entrance is high above the bay on Bo Hòn Island, one of the 1,969 limestone monolithic islands that are topped with thick jungle vegetation. We then continued our cruise to the southern part of the bay where we admired the view of many strange-shaped islands, visit floating village of local fishermen and go kayaking to a remote area of Ha Long Bay before we bid farewell and head back for another four hour travel back to Hanoi City.

 

What’s next on Jhoel’s bucketlist?

 

***

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