Netizens say Miss Bohol 2015 is a 'cooking show'

Netizens continue to express their ‘feelings’over Miss Bohol results

It has been a week since Miss Tagbilaran Mary Eda Cimafranca won the most coveted crown and the “hakut queen” award ---with at least 12 corporate and major awards:  Miss Renaissance Smile, Miss  Body Beautiful, Miss  Bellevue, Ramasola Viewers' Choice Award, Miss  Supercat, Miss South Palms, Miss  SMART Texters' Choice, Miss Hennan, Darling of the Press, Best in Talent, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimwear---the first Tagbilaran beauty to do so, and yet, the negative reactions from the netizens are not showing any signs of dying down.

The last time Tagbilaran won the Miss Bohol crown was in 2009 when Daisy Jane Quilicot took home the title.  

Cimafranca’s win met with boos and criticisms as the audience reacted intensely that she was booed repeatedly during the pageant night.  However, beauty watchers said Cimafranca kept her poise despite the boos.  

Tagbilaran’s Mary Eda Cimafranca has been crowned  Miss
 Bohol 2015, beating contenders from different towns at the
 province’s oldest beauty pageant.  Courtesy: Ric Obedencio

Boholanos turned to social media (at the unofficial Miss Bohol Sandugo fanpage since the comment section of the Miss Bohol 2015 official page was disabled) to express their opinions with bitter and hilarious posts to express their dismay with the results of the Miss Bohol. Much has been said about this year’s pageant; not only about the organizer’s unpreparedness but it was pre-arranged (lutong Macau), and a “cooking show.”  Not a few came up with disturbing observations. Hosts Rich Asuncion and Wil Devaughn were boring on stage and they didn’t know what to do, and thanks to Raul Gatal who saved the night. Some said that the Bohol media made a major mistake on choosing the darling of the press, the organizer was such a failure, and the major sponsors were biased for giving the awards.   Many were rooting for Miss Guindulman or Miss Jagna who aced all the segments and looked stunning throughout the competition. Some strongly agree; a few slightly oppose, while those fans of Miss Tagbilaran defended her.

Some netizens were also entertained by how some people can post humorous feedback like “luto na ang lechon (the lechon is ready) and some rejoinders said, “kalami ba anang lechon, (the lechon is yummy)” and “paghukad na kay excited nako mo hiwa sa panit sa lechon. (Get it ready because I am excited to get the skin of the lechon).”

A popular Pinoymail.com website posted their review on the pageant saying “Miss Bohol 2015 is the best cooking show at its finest.” The website said that “a clear gesture that everybody disagreed to the final decision as it was very different based on what we’ve seen and heard during the entire ‘cooking show.’ I pity Miss Tagbilaran as she’s now on the hot seat and the target of all bashes.”  However, the post has already been deleted.

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal who was a segment host of the pageant posted on his blog that “it was the most blatant booing to ever hit the Miss Bohol pageant.” Gatal, however, asked the public to support the winner.

 “The competition has lost all integrity,” Ronan Cars commented on Facebook. ‘Anybody that watches the QnA can see that the scoring was obviously rigged and biased. This is a sad day for Bohol.”

Josh Halasan said, “The issue will never end unless organizers will explain the results...If they remain silent people will keep on asking. It's not a nonsense issue because a lot of people deserve an acceptable explanation!”

Reziel Ranada chimed in, “Boholanos are not only loving people, don’t forget kini ang lahi na gikan c Dagohoy, so they will make a stand on what they believe is right. So for the reigning Miss Bohol it is  a bigger challenge for her na ipakita that she deserves the prestige and crown.”

Aileen Cespon Olantique said, “Come on...you may have the crown but you can never have the hearth of the people who witness the said Ms Bohol 2015.”

“It’s not her fault,” Beachy Twinkle commented, “but then the Organizers should have been fair. Because it’s their fault why this girl is being hated. Mediamen don’t have good taste FYI, they make people believe what they want people to believe..Sa BBP bashed girl can redeem herself if she make waves in a higher pageant, when she’s in the right age already I encourage this girl to join Major pageants...”

Miss Bohol 2015 Eda Mary Cimafranca Courtesy: Ric Obedencio

Jon Snow asked the organizer to explain why it happened. “ We demand an explanation from the organizers namely the JCI Tagbilaran City to close this issue. If it was the first ever booing occurred during the pageant night, there might be something else during the grand parade! Have you watched game of thrones season 5 finale the "Mothers Mercy" episode? What happen to Cersie Lannister as she walk back to the red keep might happen to Ms Bohol this grand parade if there is no statement and clarification on this! We dare you JCI to speak up!!”

Cimafranca’s fans said that those who can’t accept the results are “bitter” and “judgmental.”

Monena Turot commented: “I understand that you have given your 100% support to your candidate, but I think you need to grow up. In a competition, there is only one winner and then losers, accept defeat gracefully. You lose, Ms. Tagbilaran won. Do not make lame excuses.”

Another Facebook user Noux on Facebook said, “you people, especially bashers are acting like 8 years olds fighting over Batman and superman Grow up, she had to take in all your insults and booings and you people do not realize how much it hurt her, look at yourself, show a bit of decency as Boholanos.”

Keana Uy said that “bashers normally occur every after pageants and this happen not just in our province even in Miss universe the most prestigious pageant and we all know that. The newly crowned

Miss Bohol Sandugo Eda Cimafranca definitely will use her advocacy not only to her place but I think for all the people in Bohol.”

Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante said, “that was a well-deserved win. I salute Eda for being able to handle pressure with such grace.”

“The Eda walk was the most significant,” said talent handler James Obedencio.

Jeanette Busano of the Tagbilaran Mayor’s Office defended Cimafranca.  On Facebook, she wanted to set the record straight:

“I think the comments given here are kind of unfair. First, the decision to give the crown to Eda was the judges' decision. I will not entertain the fact that these judges were coerced into doing something against their will. Will Shalani or her husband for that matter, will come here just to proclaim Eda? I don't think so. Second, the special awards given to Eda were made by the company sponsors themselves. They've called the shots, they've singled out Eda simply because she was the embodiment of what their company represents. These are all professionals. I firmly believe they know what they're doing. Third, Eda was also picked out by the press as their favorite, having been awarded as the Darling of the Press -- which means that media men, reporters, and journalists -- known to be very discriminating -- have also found her worthy. Reading all your comments, it seems that the judges, the media men, the major sponsors got it all wrong. So who then should be blamed for this? Is bashing Eda the right thing to do? Yes, we live in a democratic country, but I think it should not be a license to disrespect someone because they have a different opinion than ours. I think we should take the cue from Eda, when she answered with grace during the Q & A, despite some booing her. As with all competition, the decision of the judges is final and irrevocable. Going against it is simply counter-productive.”

Cimafranca did not comment publicly after the contest. And so far, there is no official statement from the JCI-Chocolate Hills.

However, some beauty pageant watchers said that ranting on the Internet with bitter posts will not do good. Tracy said, “We should move on and support Eda Cimafranca’s journey!”

I agree. Move on!

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‘Twilight’ actor Kellan Lutz visits Bohol

  

While our paisanos abroad are homing here for the Sandugo and the Tigum  Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK),  here for a  Bohol visit last week was Hollywood actor Kellan Lutz.  

Lutz  is known for playing Emmett Cullen in “The Twilight” Saga film series; as Poseidon in the 2011 film “Immortals”; as Hercules in the 2014 film “The Legend of Hercules” and as ex-US Marine John Smilee in the action-thriller “The Expendables 3.”

Hollywood actor Kellan Lutz has a whirlwind visit to Bohol. Hairstylist Ryan Sines on Kellan Lutz: ‘He’s so mabait at sobrang guapo.’ Courtesy: Ariel Fullido & Ryan Sines

He was in Panglao town to attend the wedding of his friend Jeremiah who married Miss Bohol International 2003 Maya Calope Galvan in a beach wedding held at the Panglao Island Nature Resort.

Lutz was actually part of the wedding entourage, according to sources.

During the reception, Lutz joined the CenterStage Band performing on stage. 

“CenterStage band did not expect that the handsome, masculinated, and well-physique guy who was dancing hard on the sand dunes and jamming with us,” said CenterStage manager Ariel Fullido.

Lutz was mobbed by fans.

WATCH HERE KELLAN LUTZ'S VISIT TO BOHOL ON GMA NEWS

READ HERE GMA NEWS 

READ HERE THE PHILIPPINE STAR ON KELLA LUTZ'S VISIT TO BOHOL

“He’s so mabait at sobrang guapo,” said Ryan Sines who met Lutz at PINR. "He was palabiro when I approached him to have photo ops."

Lutz visited Baclayon town to attend a house blessing and some tourist attractions in Bohol. 

Lutz said he loves the beauty of Bohol and he plans to visit someday with friends.

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FIST APPEARED IN THE BOHOL CHRONICLE, JULY 26, 2015 ISSUE

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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There’s something about Ferome / Ima Leopardas responds to bashers & haters

He is regarded as one of the top male hosts in the province today, but Ferome Jusgorge Balabag Almine is quick to reveal that his career as an event organizer and host was not without difficulty.

For this Sunday’s edition, however, Ferome put down his microphone for a while and offered a rare glimpse of his life and career.

“It is my passion to talk and inspire others,” said Ferome who started hosting at a very young age. “It is always my drive to put smiles in other people’s lives through my hosting gigs. It is always my passion also to organize and help other people in realizing their dream events.  Hosting for me is a fulfilling job.”

Ferome became an eager student, absorbing all that was there for his to learn from the veterans in the industry.  They were his elementary and high school teachers and some wedding coordinators who influenced his career.  

However, Ferome shared the road to hosting events is not easy. “No and never it will be easy because it is our job to entertain the audience in all walks of life and cultures. I learn to be patient, dedicated and flexible to meet the demands and expectations of my clients.”

Ferome Almine as event organizer and host: ‘It’s my passion and love.’ 

He also said that he needs to bend with the standards of the organizers and the audience.

“The most difficult things in hosting is putting myself to people’s emotions,” he said.

Does he suffer from burn-out? “Sometimes but I don’t entertain burden and burn-out because I enjoy organizing and hosting events.  Again, it is my passion and love.”

Ferome shared that hosting the Sandugo festival street-dancing was his most memorable event in his hosting career. “It was a privileged for me to host a prestigious festival of Bohol. It’s my first time that my voice would be telecast on GMA 7 and over radio coverage to all radio stations in Bohol.”

Just like other hosts, Ferome had his own share of bloopers, booboos, blunders and hilarious moments. And though the incidents were not funny at that time, he can laugh at those experiences now because they somehow helped him become better at his job and in a way, shaped him into who he is now.

 “I loose my big modulated voice and it becomes rustic. I have colds, sore throat and fever prior to the show,” he said.  “I force myself to produce modulated voice. I shout and I make sure that I still do my best despite of my health condition. The show must go on.”

Through the years, many people and clients saw Ferome move up the professional ladder and gain respect in the industry as organizer and host. In fact, he is the resident host of the Alturas Group of Companies and he will be hosting four events ( hosting the Sandugo Dance contest on July 12, Sandugo Festival BodyBuilder 2015 on July 18, Mr and Miss Teen ICM on July 19 and Atty. Carandang’s wedding on July 25 at Panglao Island Nature Resort; and hosting weddings for SilverBlue Wedding and Things, Yowev_Your Weddings and Events Supreme Weddings by Mae Supremo, Mr Jose Suarez Events Team Jazz Duo by Gigi) this Sandugo month. It just goes to show that people respond to Ferome in a positive way.

What do you want to achieve? “I want to be a millionaire before I reach 25! Ha!Ha!Ha!”

And as he celebrates his 13 years as an event host, Ferome shares with VRS readers 13 little-know things about him.

1. I am religious.

2. I’m a kagawad in Mansasa, Tagbilaran City.

3. I became an Outstanding Barangay Official as SK chairman and barangay kagawad.

4. I am a cheerful giver.

5. I am a registered nurse.

6. I am a daydreamer. I’ve dreamed to work outside the country or wish to be a famous TV host.

7. I have seven dogs. They are Choco, Chup2x, Carlo, Carla, Charles, Ally and Great Dane.

8. I’m planning to open this year a shop that could cater all services in the path that I am into (organizing and 

hosting). I plan to put up my own convenience store. Dream lang naman! He!He!He!

9.  I have my best buddies with me.

10. I am with the Alturas Group of Companies as a resident host.  See me at the Island City Mall!

11. I am not allowed to party with friends despite of my age! Ha!Ha!Ha!

12. I am a loner. Gusto kong mapag-isa.

13. I am single but I prioritize my work, my best buddies and my family. By the way I have two mommies! My real mom is Fe Balabag-Almine  and my aunt/Mamy Halida Blanco, who is the wife of our Punong Barangay Manolo P. Blanco who is also my second father.  (Ferome’s father is Inspector Romeo Almine. He has two brothers Ferome Myko and Ferome Carltome.- LPU)

***

Ima Leopardas responds to bashers & haters

:

Nothing wrong with repeaters because in most cases, they turn out to be winners, right?

Of the 23 candidates in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant set for July 18, only Miss Bohol 2014 fourth runner-up Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas of Baclayon is the repeater.

“Yes, I have joined Miss Bohol last year, God knows why I am joining again this year. And to whoever is reading this long post right now, I would just like to remind you that (with emphasis! -LPU) YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE CAPABLE AND POWERFUL. YOU ARE STRONG. I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE DEEPEST AND WORST STRUGGLES IN LIFE YET YOU STILL MADE IT AND YOU ALWAYS WILL. NEVER FORGET THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE LOVES YOU AND THAT SOMETIMES IN LIFE, WE ENDED UP BEING IN A SITUATION WE NEVER WANT TO BE IN. BUT EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. NEVER GIVE UP. CHIN UP. THERE'S A DIFFERENCE THAT ONLY YOU CAN MAKE...GO MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE,” Ima, an www.omg.com model, posted on Facebook.

Ima also shared that “we are all in this world for a reason.”

Imaculada Leopardas: ‘I will always be a living example of a true beauty queen.’ 

Courtesy: Chris Ramasola/www.ramasola.net

She added: “If they say, "Beauty Queens come and go" well I say, "People come and go".. And no matter who we are..Rich or Poor, Thin or Fat, Black or White, Happy or Sad, Famous or Not, we will all come back to Him someday. We are alive for a reason. And I believe that I am who I am now for a reason. Sometimes at night, I wonder why people keep on following my posts and honestly, it is very overwhelming. Yes, I used to be "Invisible"..somebody who was always one of the audience but I was a sincere Servant Leader.”

For her bashers and haters: “For as long as I am still breathing, I would always be the Ima I've known for 19 years. I will make my family proud. I will never forget my bestfriends for life ‪#‎GIBS . I will always be a good daughter. Be a living example of a true beauty queen.. And at the same time, I'll always have in my heart those important people in my life who changed me, motivated me and loved me just the way I am.”

Some fans also showed their support for Ima. Others gave their words of encouragement.

“Haters gonna hate and bashers gonna bash but they will be gone,” one fan said.

Popular pageant repeaters are Janine Tugonon (who placed first runner-up in the 2012 Miss Universe pageant) and Diane Necio (who won 2011 Bb. Pilipinas-International) were repeaters. In fact, some winners in the international contests were repeaters, too.

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Boholano nursing topnotchers share secrets of success

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned that the coastal areas of Dauis in Panglao Island in Bohol province was found positive for red tide, making shellfish in the said area unsafe for consumption. Leo Bongalos, officer-in-charge of BFAR-Bohol said that there is no timetable yet on when the BFAR will lift this ban. 

Scene:  The Island City Mall has turned 11 years celebrating the ultimate shopping, dining, fun and entertainment center in Bohol!  The three-day sale is from June 26-28, the pick-a-promo is until today, and Mrs and Ms Teen ICM 2015 is today, June 28, at the Activity Center, 3 p.m.

Scene: The 23 candidates for this year’s Miss Bohol.

Scene: Gay marriage is legal in all 50 states in the US after the US Supreme Court ruled on Friday that gay marriage is a right nationwide.

***

Prayers and hardwork paved the way for three Boholano nursing graduates to land in the 10 topnotchers of the May 2015 nursing licensure examination. Thus, a good year for Bohol's nursing schools. 

Euben Hope Olaso Gamutan, Krissa Mae Duco Lapiz and Christine Joy Camilotes Roferos went to different schools, prayed in different churches and reviewed in different styles but there’s one common denominator---topnotchers! Gamutan finished fifth place with a rating of 85 percent, Lapiz was ranked sixth place with a rating of 84.8 percent and Roferos landed on the eighth spot with a rating of 84.4 percent.

Euben Hope Olaso Gamutan who placed fifth in the May 2015 

licensure exam for nurses :'All I can say is God is good! 

In everything we do, we should trust  God and 

acknowledge that without Him, we are nothing.'

They shared there is only one secret in preparing for the board exam.  

“Prayer. That is my best secret. I prayed for wisdom and for strength that I can endure all the sleepless nights,” Gamutan told VRS. “Of course, I also had to do my part in studying. I usually isolate myself when studying because that is where I can concentrate the most.”

“Prayer. I prayed a lot. When I had time I went to the Sto. Niño and I prayed not just to top but to pass including my classmates as well,” Roferos said.

Gamutan, Lapiz and Roferos were among the 9,707 aspirants who passed the May examination out of a total of 17,896 examinees, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). 

Gamutan obtained his nursing degree at University of Bohol (UB), Lapiz graduated from Holy Name University  (HNU) and Roferos got hers at Cebu Normal University (CNU). Roferos who hails from Loon town was the high school valedictorian of the University of Bohol - Loon Institute.

Studying strategically and prayers

Gamutan shared that he already prepared himself to pass the examination while still studying. “The best preparations I did were during my years as a nursing student. I strived to do my best in every single quiz and to make the most of my exposures in the hospital duties. Also, as early as one year before the exam, I already started reading books/reviewers, reviewing notes, and answering sample board questions.”

Roferos, who was inspired by her aunt who is also a nurse, said she just read textbooks. “I read my textbooks one at a time but with certain comprehension. I had enough rest and sleep. I usually sleep a lot. Just listening to random audiobooks, dili pada sa pressure. Just learn at your own pace.”

 Euben Hope Gamutan with fellow topnotcher  

Krissa Mae Duco Lapiz who placed sixth in the nursing exam.

 Courtesy: Euben Hope Gamutan

Gamutan found his trust in the Lord, which he said is his source of comfort.  He said he didn’t ask to become a topnotcher.

“Honestly, I never asked God that I would be a topnotcher. The only thing I repeatedly pray was that God will help me to do my best and that whatever the results will be, His name will be glorified,” he said.

He learned he had topped the exam from his friends and when he opened his Facebook account on Tuesday morning and saw messages of congratulations from friends. Since the information came from friends, he had reservations at first and waited for the news from the PRC.

“It feels unreal! Maybe because I really wasn’t expecting this. It’s amazing how God has blessed me this much. All I asked for was for me to do my best, and He gave me even more,” Gamutan said.

On Wednesday night, Gamutan wrote on Facebook: “The Lord has always been my source of everything! None of this would have been possible without HIM!! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!!!!!!!Thank you everyone for all your prayers!”

Eight placer Christine Joy Camilotes Roferos: ‘God answers prayers.’

He thanked his family- father Alexander, mother Reinalda Josephine, siblings Xela Reina and James Michael, and other relatives: “Primarily, it was my family. Everytime I felt pressured, they reminded me that all I had to do was to trust God to help me do my best. Our Dean, clinical instructors, and reviewers also inspired me to push myself to my full potentials. They encouraged me to aim high and believed in what I could achieve with God’s help.”

Roferos said she still couldn’t believe the results of the exam. She was at home when she received a text message from her best friend informing her that she topped the exam. “It was surreal, I wasn't expecting na ma-top jud. But I hoped though...”

She has reservations at first and waited for the official results from the PRC. “I mean, really? Topnotcher ko? Overwhelming kaayo.”

She thanked her aunt, her mother Zulueta, father Jaime (deceased), younger sister Charysse Jane and younger brother Christian James, relatives and friends for the support.

Lapiz’s Facebook status read: “Not because of who I am but because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done but because of who you are. It was all HIM. To God be the glory.”

Asked by VRS if they wanted to work abroad, Gamutan said: “I’d love to spend my first working experiences here in the Philippines. But if given the opportunity, I would also love to extend my service to other countries. Anywhere will do actually.”

“I haven't decided yet as to where I would want to work pa,” Roferos said.

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