Wake-uppers:
Scene: Two international cruise ships makes a port call in the island of Bohol in the Philippines, the MS Europa and MS Minerva. MS Europa, the best cruise ship in the world according to Ward-Ranking and Berlitz, visited Bohol last Wednesday. The 339 passengers visited the Chocolate Hills and Panglao. Others joined the "Community Life Tour" in Maribojoc town where they interacted with the locals. Another luxury ship MS Minerva arrived in Bohol on Friday. The 293 passengers had enjoyed the countryside tour. "It is a very good sign and I see 2015 will be a rosy year for the province of Bohol," said Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus of the Bohol Tourism Office.
 |
| The visits of luxury ships MS Europa and MS Minerva are good signs for Bohol, according to Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus. –LPU |
Seen: President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new RTC judges in the province of Bohol: Lindecita Cabaron Arcamo of Branch 1, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and former Tagbilaran vice mayor Jorge D. Cabalit of Branch 48, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
***
Pinoys fans were shocked and saddened when Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, the Philippines’ bet to the 63rd Miss Universe pageant, failed to make it to the pageant’s Top 5.
Many Filipinos were expecting Lastimosa would surpass the successes of her last four predecessors in Miss Universe – Venus Raj, fourth runner-up to Ximena Navarrete of Mexico; Shamcey Supsup, third runner-up to Leila Lopes of Angola; Janine Tugonon, first runner-up to Olivia Culpo of USA; and Ariella Arida, third runner-up to Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.
Miss Colombia Paulina Vega won the crown, followed by USA, Ukraine, Netherlands and Jamaica.
Filipino fans remained supportive of Lastimosa in her quest to bring home the Miss Universe crown, some Pinoy fans traveled to the US just to support her including our very own fashion icon EJ Relampagos who was at the International University Arena in Doral, Miami, Florida, USA.
“I'm on a cloud 9,” shared EJ who witnessed the pageant for the first time. “I intended not to bring my tab because I want to feel this experience to the bones. I got more than what I expected, I did not just feel it, I learned a lot.”
 |
| Fashion icon EJ Relampagos on MJ Lastimosa during the 63rd Miss Universe: “MJ did her best!’ Courtesy: EJ Relampagos/MissUniverse |
EJ said that Paulina Vega of Colombia was a clear winner the moment the candidates stepped on stage. “She was head to foot a beauty queen,” admired EJ.
The costume, a floral piece reportedly inspired by the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, (with many netizens comparing it to a birthday cake with its floral design) designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza, was poorly received by Filipino fans. Some couldn't help express their disappointment with her national costume.
EJ said MJ was able to carry the dress well.
“MJ did her best. Her gown is not ugly, however, it just did not compliment her height and figure,” shared EJ.
What if EJ were to do the national costume for Miss Philippines for the Miss Universe?
“I would want a halter serpentina gown in nude gold embellished with crystals on vertical patterns from neck all the way to the hem to make her look slim and tall, with a keyhole cleavage showing chest and a slit on the mid front to let her walk with ease,” said EJ. “This will surely compliment her skin tone, will make her look tall and slim... stunning!”
But EJ said he wanted to see Miss Philippines wearing a gown and a costume done by a Filipino designer.
 |
| EJ Relampagos and other Pinoy fans watch the 63rd Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA, to support Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa in her quest to bring home the Miss Universe crown. Courtesy: EJ Relampagos |
“This experience taught me a lot of things I want to share with my fellow Filipinos, especially the Boholanos. It’s time to step up our game... we can do it,” stressed EJ.
Added EJ: “I have learned that if you will go to a competition like Miss Universe, it’s not enough to be only prepared in all aspects. The preparation should be done right in every element! Be effectively and efficiently prepared.”
Traveling is broadening one’s knowledge and EJ knows that too well.
***
Bohol policemen wear black ribbons
in honor of fallen PNP-SAF members
The country is mourning for the 44 elite commandos who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. The SAF units fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country.
Flags flew at half-mast across the Philippines on Friday as the entire country observed a national day of mourning.
In Bohol, the Philippine, Bohol and Tagbilaran City flags flown at half-mast at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. The Philippine flag inside Camp Francisco Dagohoy was at half-mast since Monday.
Members of the PNP-Bohol were wearing a black ribbon around their badge to honor and remember the fallen 44.
 |
| Bohol observes the National Day of Mourning to honor and remember the 44 members of PNP-SAF who died last week in Maguindanao. –LPU/GMANews |
“We honor and remember the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25,” said SPO4 Geronimo Conarco of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of the Bohol Provincial Police Office.
SPO4 Conarco said it is their simple way of honoring their brothers in the PNP and their way of expressing sympathy and condolences to their bereaved family.
Another citizen JP Maslog offered candles and flowers at the Camp Franciso Dagohoy on Friday night in honor of the Fallen 44.
“We will never forget,” said JP on Facebook.
Former Tagbilaran City councilor Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus also shared on Facebook her insights: “Call it coincidence, but yesterday, via mail, I got hold of the December 2014 issue of the Cavalier, the official publication of the PMA Alumni Association. We get it every month and is rather routinary. But yesterday was quite different- sent jitters! It came when we, former dependents of SAF members, couldn't help but silently "feel the pain" and say a prayer. And what was written all over the cover page : "Hurdling the obstacles to Peace". What a hurdle, that was! Inside, I read the President's corner, and I quote: " But peace is elusive nowadays. While most of our people sleep soundly on Christmas Eve, the men and women in the uniformed service stay awake as duty calls for most to be away from their families, to serve and protect the people. We do not want peace that is based on a yearly tradition of truce when fighting is just suspended for a while, but after the holidays return to the usual not-so- peaceful routine," Cav Robert Arevalo '85. Then the Article of Cav Fredelino Bautista '66 said: " Let it not be said that it is the armed services that are the obstacles. It is the men in uniform who die, who get maimed, who leave widows and orphans, many of whom are cavaliers. How many more of our young cavaliers who are in the forefront of preserving the peace shall make the ultimate sacrifice before lasting peace is attained? Therefore, let those who profess that they want peace, prove it, in deeds, not in words." Indeed!”
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.
