Maximiel & the soundtrack of her life

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
"I am what I am"
--I am What I Am

 

If she were a song, Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel said that she would be Pop Music.

 

“I love for the fact that it fits my vocal range," Maximiel told VRS in an exclusive interview.

 

Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel celebrated her nth birthday in full glitz and glamour. Contributed Photo

Maximiel is a singer and she can carry a tune. She proved this during her nth birthday concert dubbed as "Maxelicious" held last Feb. 9 at the Metro Centre Hotel.

 

And her guests realised there was something special about her with the deep, honeyed voice.

The "who's who" joined together to celebrate the beloved designer's birthday.

 

Guests included from Metro Tagbilaran Society: Meg Raynaldo, proprietor of D'Box, philanthropist Maria Thomas, international chef Sofia Reynaldo, Michael Yu and international florist Boy Dumadag of  Blue Grass Project, restaurateur Madz Borja of Acacia de Bubu, jetsetter Casty Fortich, businessman Roy Tan and Janin Tan, Bunny Caseñas Amores of B'Grazing Co, Geofry Damgo of Louis Vuitton Malletier USA, jeweller Dale Reimer, mining magnate Rachael Ngo,  BCCTV's boss Leizel Lim, socialites Ruby Guinto and Marilou Remoreras,  actress and singer Scarlet, sportsman Achilles Amores, businessman Paul Lucas, Margie Corales Dumadag of  Flower Design Studio in Maryland, USA and JP Maslog.

 

Her high school classmates also attended the event: Councilor Chito Mercado,  Yen Tibog of Gardenville, hotelier  Marilou  Abarado of AMS hostel), entreprenuer Lilet Mulle, businesswowan Zenaida Balatero,  Angelie Escuadro of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, educator Fe Deja, Dubai-based Zenaida Torillo, Jic Sampomones of Napocor, nurse Julieta Narido of Holy Spirit School, businesswoman Annette Skelton and Mary Ann Lantaka.

 

Maximiel proved that she's aging with grace (eternal beauty) as she made a grand entrance during her party and performed a song number for her guests.

 

"I feel like I am an empowered person, full of life, passion and love,” she said.

 

She wore two gowns for her big night, she herself designed.

 

Maximiel confessed she is a Broadway diva and a fan of James Bond. The Bond songs have been recorded by some of the greats of popular music, and hold a special place in the legacy of film soundtracks.

 

The birthday celebrator with her friends and guests. 

"Through the years, I love James Bond songs," she said.

 

And here are seven songs, the “soundtrack of her life” that mean so much to Maximiel:

 

1)I Am What I Am (By Gloria Gaynor)- "No matter what they say I am born this way I am what I am."

 

2)I Will Survive (by Gloria Gaynor)- "In spite of everything I'm a survivor."

 

3)Private Dancer (by Tina Turner)- "I'm a seductress."

 

4)Diamonds Are Forever (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme)-"Intense vocal range and musical sexiness."

 

5)Goldfinger (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme) - "Grandueur of the orchestra of James Bond  music transends me to another dimension."

 

6)Skyfall (by Dame Adele, a James Bond theme)- "I love the music of Adele of 'Broken Hearts'."

 

7)Writing's on the Wall (by Sam Smith, another Bond theme)- "It speaks of risking your life to someone."

 

Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll lustre on.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Forever and ever.
--Diamonds Are Forever

 

 

*   *   *
42 couples tie knot in
Tagbilaran mass wedding

 

At least 42 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding on Valentine’s Day, February 14, despite concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

They exchanged vows during the “Kasalan sa Tagbilaran sa Valentine’s Day” at the Tagbilaran City Hall atrium.

 

But before the ceremony, the couples had to follow some precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

Personnel from the city health office had to check their body temperatures, including those of their guests, said Chris John Torralba, chief of the City General Services Office.

 

Masks and alcohol were also given to the couples and their guests.

 

The mass wedding was officiated by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, who encouraged couples to remain committed and “in love” with each other.

 

Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Censoria Yap also shared precious lessons about love and marriage.

 

Local Civil Registry Head Virgilia Incog facilitated the event in coordination with the city mayor’s office.

 

The oldest couple who got married were Rey Gultiano, 44, and Mary Rose Balena, 34, both residents of this city.

 

At least 42 couples exchanged “I dos” in the annual civil mass wedding at the Tagbilaran City Hall on Friday, February 14. Photo courtesy:  Fiel Angeli Gabin/CIO

The City Hall’s atrium was turned into a reception area, where the couples and their immediate families enjoyed the buffet.

 

The city government allotted a budget for bouquet, food, cake, wine, and gifts.

 

City hall employees also celebrated love when they were allowed to wear civilian clothes.

 

Torralba, in his memo, assigned colors that would show their love status: red as the color to wear for those in love or in happy relationships; red for in love/in a relationship; green for looking for number 2; pink for umaasa; yellow for single and ready to mingle; violet for its complicated; black for broken hearted; white for no boyfriend/girlfriend since birth; blue for friendzoned; grey for bitter, orange for assuming and for those wearing their office uniform, kill joy.

 

Torralba just wanted to make Valentine’s Day celebration fun for employees.

 

"But employees wearing red dominate here,” he said.
l

* * *

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

 

My own 'recycled' Christmas list

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

O Holy Night is one of my few favorite Christmas songs because of its ever-timely message. It is one of the oldest Christmas carols, originally penned by French songwriter Adolphe Adam in 1847, based on a French poem. The song has since been altered, and today's best known version was written by Minister John Sullivan Dwight.

Many singers in the world have full of huge vocal swells and big musical moments and every rendition of the song is special. Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, The Lettermen, Donna Summer and Andy Williams have truly iconic performances of O Holy Night. However, Mariah Carey’s rendition of the song is quintessential and non-debatable, according to me. No one can deny that her rafters-high range and incredible momentum of her version is impressive and entirely infectious.  I also like Mahalia Jackson’s version. The Queen of Gospel is not just singing, she is also preaching.

Since it we are celebrating Christmas, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts to my favorite Boholanos.

Boholano Catholics attend the first Misa de Gallo

to show their devotion and faith to the Holy Child. 

\Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso officiates 

the first Holy Mass at 4:30 a.m. last Friday at the

 St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral.- Leo Udtohan

For Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito—  A showbiz break. Same for Fenech Aimee Veloso.

For PO3 Janew Villame— An album to showcase his singing prowess. The grandson of Yoyoy Villame, has composed the “Oplan Tokhang” theme song.

For Bebei Tagoctoc — The "Mother of All Hair and Make-up Artists in Bohol," deserves a vacation.  He can visit Thailand, Cambodia and Europe.

For Ingemar Macarine — More swims here and abroad to promote clean marine environment. I hope the Pinoy Aquaman can conquer (finally!) the English Channel.

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal youth for Bohol's Queen of Tourism.

For Zenaida Darunday— A clean bill of health for Bohol's environmental advocate. Same for Pat Ruiz.

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — An explosive Showbiz Rampa in 2017. They can invite “interesting,” “daring,” “talkative," and “controversial” local guests to spice up the program.  Speaking of Glee, I hope she will continue to write love songs to describe her aching heart... and the release of her new album with Feby Ingking will showcase her singing prowess.

For Glorivic Yap-De La Serna— Another European trip to broaden her travel experience! Same for JP Maslog, Vanessa Cubrado Unajan and Alfeo Jabinez.

For Gov. Edgar Chatto — His “Heat-Bohol” will continue to serve the purpose for the people of Bohol.  Same for Mayor Baba Yap.

For Inday Rufing— A busy, busy career.  Same for Loboc councilor and businesswoman Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Edik Dolotina, Clement Ingking, Emerson Pinos, Alexis Cadelina, Linda Paredes and Vera Gesite. 

For Mila Lim — More Christmas stuffs to fill her “Most Christmassy House” in Bohol.

For Miss Bohol 2016 and Miss JCI-Philippines 2016 Glyssa Perez—Another beauty pageants to prove that a probisyana charm and beauty can capture the country! Same for Petche Ann Vale, Miss UB Personality 2016 Adelyn Joy Sajol Esclamado and Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas.

For AR De La Serna— A promising career in the field of modeling. After all, the country’s first Mister Supranational did prove to the world that Boholano men can flaunt!  Same for Carlo Roy Roslinda.

For Aster Caberte — The empowered woman of DTI-Central Visayas deserves a long vacation in Europe! Same for Jerome and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (topping her bucketlist).

For Ferome Almine— A busy, busy year of hosting.

For Mikey Gatal — A holiday with his special someone.

For Butch Bernas —Unwavering dedication for preservation of cultural heritage. Same for Edison Gumapac and Jeycelle Espejo-Inting.

For Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado — He will continue to pursue vigorously his support for the marginalized. Boy Pernia adds, “He has spent so much time and personal resources to help his constituents. He is the odd man out in traditional politics. A man with a good heart.”

For Anna Maris Igpit and Thomas Taylor — A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan and Arch. Junibe Froilan, Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso and Analyn and Mark Arbilo.

For Rex Alba- Another challenging role in movies after his cameo role in the action-thriller I Am Wrath with John Travolta.

For  Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra— More  interesting, more explosive segments of Inyong Alagad with interesting and “controversial” guests. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado, Lito Responte, Ted Ayeng, Edgar Tumanda, Allan Mangmang, Nestor Daarol, Doc Louie, Anthony Aniscal, Allen Doydora, Rey Tutas, Willy Maestrado, Dave Responte, Ern Pahayahay, Gerry Pabe and Jun Gutierrez.

For Loboc Children’s Choir, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador, Katipunan Elem. School Rondalla, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe, HNU Chorale and Bohol Master Singers — Performances here and abroad to show to the world what hidden talents we have.

For Leah Tirol-Magno — More baking sessions and long vacation!

For Apple Liao— A healthy, beautiful baby!

For Nathalim Nalupa— Enjoying the joys of motherhood for the first time. 

For Ryan Sines, Donna Vitos, EP Relampagos, Ramil Dolauta, Rholly Ingking, Jonathan Ocat,  et al — A “hairy” year to beautify Bohol!  Oops, para sa ekonomiya!

For Van Delima— A hot, seductive girlfriend! Same for Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado and Dominic Aparicio.

For Queenie Melody Fullante— A boyfriend! It’s about time to love someone after a busy career.

For Center Stage Band—  More music and a new album. Paging, Ariel Fullido!

For  Shanon Pamaong , Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Bebei Tagoctoc and Tracy Remolador Torres— They can establish a school of fashion to train young designers. And they can start the New Year with fashion shows to display their artistic collections and hopefully, the first-ever Saulog Tagbilaran fashion week.

For Gian Luigi Ale— A concert and a big break to showcase his singing prowess! Same for Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio and Hannah Precillas!

For Ardy Batoy — A round-trip ticket to Maldives where the Bohol’s Queen of All Media can enjoy the world.  Same for Bohol’s seasoned host and Roving Eye Raul Gatal.

For Dalareich Polot— A boyfriend who is worth more than a “ginto.” She’s been working soooo hard that she forgets her lovelife. It’s time to find someone special.

For Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag—  Wedding bells! Wedding bells! We are tired of waiting na! He!He!He! Same for Rich Asuncion.

For Mizken Tirol-Andan— Another endorsement and a hot partner to color the new year.

For Lailette Boiser and TinTin Ng — More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies to showcase their natural acting.

For Nestor Pestelos, Direk Maryo delos Reyes, Lutgardo Labad and Marianito Luspo— A busy, busy good year to share their talents. Same for John Torralba, Joey Labrador, Glenn Lumantao, Sam Penaso and Ralph Maligro. 

For RC, AD and RO— A chastity belt! Same for “T”  “J” and “F” who have lonely nights. Behave, Behave! He! He! He!

***

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