Wake-uppers:
Scene: United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg visited Bohol on Thursday to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the implementation of development projects in Tagbilaran City. He was welcomed by PA Ae Damalerio and Rep. Art Yap at the Tagbilaran Airport. Ambassador Goldberg was also welcomed by Gov. Edgar Chatto and other officials at the Bohol Tropics. The MOU, which picked Tagbilaran under the Cities Development Initiatives, was signed by Mayor John Geesnell Yap II and Gloria Steele of the US Agency for International Development.
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| MGen Jet Velarmino, AFP and PSSupt Dennis Agustin honor the fallen 44 at Camp Dagohoy. -LPU |
Scene: MGen Jet Velarmino and PSSupt Dennis Agustin led the offering of flowers and lighting of candles for the fallen 44 at Camp Francisco Dagohoy on Thursday. “For all of us who remain, may their legacy of bravery and courage in sacrificing their lives serve as a beacon of hope in our country’s pursuit of peace and justice. May their dedication to service serve as an example to all Filipinos,” read the statement of the BPPO. Meanwhile, PPSupt Agustin has designed his own kayak for the fallen 44. The kayak has colors red and black and has markings “Fallen 44.” “It’s one way of my expression in support and sympathy to the fallen 44. Sa akin lang yun. Personal lang yun. Mahilig rin tayo sa sports. When doing sports, nasa puso pa rin natin mga kaibigan mga comrades natin. Mahilig tayo sa kayak .. naka-pag soul search tayo nakapag-isip nakapagcontemplate, at the same time expression ko lang yun,” PPSupt Agustin said.
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; Atty. Zoilo Dejaresco, Jr., Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim, Lloyd Guttierez and Dr. Antonio Porticos, Feb. 11; Raul Gatal, Feb. 12; Valentino Gamutin, Atty. Handel Lagunay, Joselino Baritua, Gary Silagan and Fr. Val Pinlac, Feb. 14; Melchor Daniel, Feb. 15; Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag, Louella Husain and 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.
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Love is in the air.
With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, VRS has tracked down the Valentine's Day destinations in Bohol for traditional and new holiday ideas for lovers.
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| US Ambassador Philip Goldberg visits Bohol.-LPU |
CHAP, for adrenaline junkies
If the thought of a candlelit meal or spa treatment has you tapping your Nike with boredom, bond over a shared challenge this Valentine’s Day. The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) has The Rush, Islands in the Sky, Burma Loops and Planks, Earthquake and Vine Walk. The adventure course trails that will test your strength, endurance, strategy and patience and it will test your relationships, too! Don’t forget to experience the authentic Boholano cuisines at Cuisina ni Tisay!
Sagbayan Peak, for fairytale lovers
Different animals and Disney characters can be found at the Sagbayan Peak. There’s a mini-castle to free your imagination as you and your beloved roam its medieval turrets. You can play Rapunzel or you can ask the seven dwarves or Snow White for some tips on how live happily ever after.
Morning Hills, for nature lovers/stargazers
The universe is vast, but somehow you found each other. The Morning Hills in Loay town is ideal place for contemplating your place in the cosmos. It’s ideal also to visit the place at daytime to love nature.
Provincial Library, for bookworms
If your love bloomed over torrid prose and pub philosophy, then you need a break with intellectual clout. Visit the Provincial Library to feed your mind. Since February 14 falls on a Saturday this year, the library is open half-day.
Choco shop, for Choco lovers
Chocolate's a classic for Valentine's Day. Buy it for your spouse, your significant other, your kids, your parents. Visit the Chocoreich Cafe which offers you the chance to sit down and indulge in hot chocolate, baked chocolate treats, and chocolate candy, while on the premise. Always busy and always delicious, Tambahayan Cafe (along Maria Clara Street) is the perfect tambahayan for Valentine's couples.
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| There are plenty of things to do on Feb. 14! –LPU |
Dinner menus, for food lovers
What better way to celebrate with your significant other than sharing a romantic meal? Yes, visit the Bohol Bee Farm and The Buzz for all-organic food. Have an intimate dinner at Panglao Island Nature Resort, Amorita, Amarella, South Palms and Astoria. Bring your someone special to Gerarda’s, Garden Cafe, Payag Restaurant, Dong Juan (at Luisa Galleria), The Prawn Farm (at Island City Mall) and RaiRai Ken (at Island City Mall). For best ambiance, bring your date at Cafe Lawis in Dauis (beside the Dauis church) for a complete dinner set for two. Make sparks fly no matter your budget at the city at Aubrey's BBQ Hauz (flavored by Nanay Mary Garcia) at Mansasa Junction (“Chicken Paa for only 60 pesos. We also accept packaged orders on Valentine’s Day,” says Leslie Ramirez) and Acacia de Bubu (Burgos cor Butalid St.) for yummy barbecue!
Single on Valentine’s Day? There’s no need for a firing squad! In Bohol, there are plenty of things to do solo on Feb. 14. Watch movies, eat pizza, read books and swim in the beach.
Other places to explore on a date: K of C Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran Plaza.
Whether you're in love with love or anti–V-Day, celebrate V-Day with your own style.
Remember, saying ‘I love you’ doesn’t have to cost anything.
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Benjie and Joan Oliva have baby Edelle Ross baptized
New parents former NYC Commissioner Benjie Oliva and lawyer Joan Jagonos christened their daughter Baby Edelle Ross, on Jan. 25, at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Church in Pasay City.
The family shared special family photos via Facebook Saturday.
“We are beyond grateful dear God for our princess is a gift from above. We pray for strength and wisdom to train her in the way she should go. Give us patience and joyful hearts. Let us, parents and godparents, be an example of Your love and forgiveness. We thank you Father for the honor of being her parents,” Benjie captioned the photo album.
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| Baby Edelle Ross with her parents Benjie and Joan Oliva with godfather Dingdong Dantes who promised to guide his friends’ daughter in her spiritual life. –Courtesy: Oliva Family |
The three-month-old was well-behaved and half-asleep as the priest baptised her. “We welcome you into the Christian world,” said the priest, as Joan cradled Edelle Ross in her arms.
As previously reported, Benjie and Joan chose their nearest and dearest to act as Edelle Ross’ godparents. Actor and NYC Commissioner DingDong Dantes was one of the godparents who stepped forward during the service and promised to support his goddaughter throughout her life.
Benjie and Dingdong are now officially mag-kumpare.
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