My ‘recycled’ gifts for my favorite Boholanos

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

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know?

In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know?
(Do you know what I know?)
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and…

 -Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

Do You Hear What I Hear? is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of its haunting, urgent and modern message. Originally penned by Noel and Gloria Regney in 1962, it is a timeless Christmas prayer for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Cold War.

 

Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Robert Goulet, Susan Boyle and Andy Williams are just a few of the artists that have recorded the more than 120 versions of Do You Hear What I Hear? in musical styles from jazz to reggae.

 

Since Christmas is only five sleeps away, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos:

 

-For Gov. Art Yap — Unwavering commitment for the welfare of the Boholanos.

 

-For Vice Governor Rene Relampagos— A clean bill of health! He has more work to share his extensive experience involving local governance.

 

-For Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vanessa Aumentado-— More noble initiatives for the promotion and improvement of the second district of Bohol. Their “fitspiration” can inspire many people to live a healthy lifestyle.  

 

-For Representatives Alexie Tutor and Edgar Chatto — Confidence that they have the continued support of their constituents and more successful efforts in local governance.  Same for Board Members Jade Acapulco Bautista, Lucille Lagunay, Mimi Boniel and Aldner Damalerio.

 

-For Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap and First Lady Jane Yap— More high-impact projects for Tagbilaran City’s #AsensoPaMore.

 

-For Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo — An opportunity to represent the beauty and grace of the Boholano women in a national pageant.

 

-For Willy Ramasola—   A “silencer” that will prevent him from posting “shocking” and “revealing” tidbits. He can do it after Christmas! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

-For Joy Sevilla and Rain Calimbayan— Creative and colorful ideas for their bayong projects ! And peace pipes they should smoke with Willy Ramasola! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

 -For Vanessa Cubrado and her beau— Wedding bells! Wedding bells!  Same for  Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag.

 

-For Dominic “Dobap” Aparicio and Charmaine—   A marriage contract! His Christmas wish? “I will be celebrating my Christmas together with my future wife, Charmaine. Though almost all of us are struggling due to the crisis brought about by pandemic, we should not forget that everything happens for a reason. This is the time we should show and give love to everyone, express love to one another and spend it to the people we treasure the most. Loving them the way God loves us.”

 

-For Mizken Tirol- A colorful lovelife!

 

-For  Shanon Pamaong, Maximiel Tallo, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rose and Paul Ranara, Rhigel Dulfo, Charlow Arbasto and EJ Relampagos, Aileen Sendrijas, Khim Magtagad —A huge runway project to display their artistic collections! Same for Khim Laway, Roxanne Monton, Kim Villamor, Christian Bustrillos, Ryan Sadudaquil, Christian Relator and Nikki Simporios.

 

-For Chris John Rener Torralba— More opportunities for professional growth and a holiday with his special someone.

 

-For Mikey Gatal— A hot partner to color his world.  Same for Jholly Lim, Edison Gumapac, Anthony Ceniza and Butch Bernas.

 

-For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint” venture!  The nights are cold! Ha!Ha!Ha! More energy to liase between provincial and national leaders.  His Christmas wish? “We will celebrate Christmas at home in Quezon City with family and friends. We will prepare our usual Christmas delicious recipes for the Filipino Christmas tradition Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Dinner) like Paella, Morcon, Embutido, Kaldereta, Pansit, Bibingka and Lechon de Leche. And the family will set up a wide screen TV for the online Christmas Eve Mass. We also prepare gifts for the children and a trip to Tagaytay and Batangas to breathe some fresh air in the holidays.”

 

-For Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April) and Arch. Junibe Froilan— A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for  Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos and Anthony Aniscal and DarL.

 

 -For Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin—She can establish her own school for beauty pageant and public speaking in the province. After all, she has nothing to prove to anyone. Her Christmas wish? “That there will be enough food for each and every member of the family to partake and share the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, even in this difficult time when our smiles are concealed.”

 

-For Achinette Joy Villamor—More award-winning films! Her Christmas wish? “No plans. Maybe we will watch two films at night instead of one, read more books, maybe get a little writing done. Because we always lived outside of the normal anyway, 2020 feels like one more exercise in improvisation, like playing jazz, shooting guerilla, speaking extemporaneously. You go into a state of flow, managing bumps as they come. The funny thing about this is, the science affirms it. Jazz and physics are more connected than earlier realized.”

 

-For Lailette Boiser, TinTin Ng and Gerry Lugod— Another teleseryes and movies that will showcase  their natural acting.  Same for YamYam Guc-ong, Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito and Fenech Aimee Veloso.

 

-For lawyers Julius Gregory Delgado and Marie Nickie Bolos— Another “joint venture.”  The night is getting colder!  Ha!Ha Ha! 

 

-For Nestor Pestelos, Dr. Rosalina Rara-Sarabosing, Maria Fe Evasco, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Mightee Palo, Rosalinda Paredes, Vera  Villocido-Gesite, Emilia Roslinda, Doris Dinorog-Obena, Liza Macalandag, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Lester Ouano, Michael Canares, Clement Paulinel Ingking, Jesse Acebes, Ludwig Quirog, and other earth warriors, Alex Bongawan, Dr. Mutya Tirol-Macuno, et al—Strength of character to overcome challenges and to continue advocacies.

 

-For Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra and Tibbs Bullecer (of dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) and Allen Doydora and Anthony Aniscal (of dyRD’s Tagbilaran By Nite) —   More explosive issues, more interesting and “controversial” personalities in their radio programs.  Same for Lito Responte, Peddy Bolanio and Ted Ayeng of dyTR’s Cuentas Claras, Bob Galero and Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy.

 

-For Leah Tirol-Magno, Karla Magno,  Dalareich Polot, Meg Raynaldo —Continued balance in professional and artistic endeavors. Same for Atty. Ted Lagang and Atty. Licelle Zamora.

 

-For Marianito Luspo, Gardy Labad, Reigh Monreal, Fr. Val Pinlac, et al —Unwavering dedication for preservation of historical and cultural assets of the province.

 

-For Joey Labrador, Sam Penaso, Rico Tompong, Pedro Angco Jr., Jackie Curambao, et al— More zeal to embark on more creative pursuits in arts.

 

-For Hannah Precillas, Gian Ale, Mark Michael Garcia, Cleai Tadena, Allan Roy Santarin, Gian Luigi Ale, Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Jerome Sala, Isabel Iris Garsuta and Center Stage Band— More music!!!

 

-For Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor and Thomas Luke Taylor, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso —Another “joint venture.” He!He!He! Same for lawyer David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros, Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace, Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal, Marianne Domivee Chatto and Rob Calipes.

 

-For Bebei Tagoctoc —The “Most Powerful Bading” deserves a round-trip ticket to Europe!  Her “Hair Majesty” deserves a grand vacation.

 

-For Shandy Mission, Ryan Sines, EP Relampagos, Rholly Ingking, Jonathan Ucat,  Donna Vitos, Nina Jasmine Cadeliña, Ramil Dolauta, Tamara, et al — A “hairy” year 2021 to more rakets and pangkabuhayan projects.   

 

-For Joseph Gara—Another album to showcase his artistic talent.  Same for Glee Orcullo and Feby Ingking and CenterStage Band.

 

-For Pauline C. Amelincx  —  An opportunity to represent the Philippines in an international pageant.

 

-For Ingemar Macarine — The “Pinoy Aquaman” can conquer the English Channel in July 2022.

 

-For  Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Marilou Dumaluan, Reichyl Vallente, Mary Ebone Cimafranca-Ong, Walter and Leslie Ramirez, Tina and Alexander Dumas,  Mila Lim — Grace under pressure in keeping with the demands of business pursuits.

 

-For Marisol Balistoy – She will be an instrument  that people who have lost their livelihood during the pandemic will find means to bring income into their families to provide for their needs in this health crisis.

 

-For DTI ASEc Aster Caberte – That as a Boholana trusted with higher position in the national government, she will be able to communicate the programs of the government that will give assistance and will redound to bring economic recovery to affected sectors.

 

-For Bishops Abet Uy and Dan Parcon– They can inspire more followers, especially the downtrodden. Same for Msgr. Jeff Malanog and Fr. Warli Salise Jr. , Pastors Boy Rio and Bobby Rio.

 

May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter!

 

***

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

Facebook is upset that Miss Maribojoc didn’t win Miss Bohol crown

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 176 exhibitors from the different parts of the country for the 13th Sandugo Trade Expo 2018. “ This will sustain the operation of micro small and medium enterprises for the next year. It means job, income and employment in the countryside,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Visayas Director Aster Caberte.

Scene:  Joshua Lillehagen of Calape town was crowned Sandugo Festival King 2018. He also received the awards: Mister Social Media, Darling of the Crowd, Best in Raja Si Katuna Costume and Best in Sandugo  Festival Costume.

Scene:  At least 500 members from different groups and cause-oriented organizations gathered last Monday, July 23,  in Ubay town to hold a protest rally  against various issues and grievances in time of President Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona).   According to Hugpong sa Mag-uumang Bol-anon (Humabol) Secretary General Nelson Lumantas,  they gave Duterte a failing grade, as they burned his image.

Scene: Residents of Barangay Booy in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, celebrated the “Koja Festival 2018” last Tuesday, July 24 at Caingget Beach.  Koja, a coral clam, is a popular delicacy in Bohol province.  Highlights of the festival were koja cooking, tuba (coconut wine) drinking and swimming contests.  The event was graced by Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso, Councilors Jonas Revil Cacho, and Dodong Gonzaga. Congratulations to Booy Council headed by Captain Violy Ayeng. Cheers to koja divers and vendors!

Scene: With art ranging from paintings, sculptural works, performance arts and installations, the Philippine Visual Arts Festival (PVAF) in Bohol 2018 was one of the most intriguing events hosted in this city in time for the province’s Sandugo Festival. It gave visitors the opportunity to explore the culture and talent of Boholano artists and other artists from the country.  “Expressive, lots of emotions are featured,” said  BISU-Tagbilaran Education student Jamielaine Butawan. Butawan, 19, a resident of Cortes town, came to see the exhibit at the Island City Mall together with her friends Kathleen Jean Ayuban and Neil Amplayo.  “The art here said a lot about the artists from Bohol and other regions and how diverse everyone really is,” added Butawan.

***

Everyone is still in frenzy over the recently concluded Miss Bohol 2018 pageant. However, not everyone was happy for the newly crowned Miss Bohol.

Miss Tagbilaran Raclaire Stephan Trigo beat out first runner-up Miss Maribojoc Ma. Mediatrix Escabarte and other 19 contestants  at the pageant at Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium in the capital city of Tagbilaran.

However, instead of the usual cheering, the audience booed the judges' decision, making it known that crowd favorite Miss Maribojoc’s first place wasn't good enough.

“It was a déjà vu,” Bohol Pageantology 101  page on Facebook posted.  In 2015, Miss Tagbilaran Eda Cimafranca who won the crown was also booed by the audience.

But this year was so deafening that audience booed and heckled at the winner.

The treatment of the Tagbilaran beauty queen was nothing personal. It had more to do with the city's sometimes “tense” relationship with its powerful northern neighbor.

 Miss Bohol 2018 Raclaire Stephan Trigo and Miss Bohol
 2018 first runner-up Ma. Mediatrix Escabarte are
 real beauty queens.
Contributed Photos/Gerald James Cabal/Miss Bohol

Trigo’s winning added to the theory that the Tagbilaran always is favored, a homecourt advantage, and a cooking show.

However,  Trigo kept her poise like a true beauty queen during the coronation despite the boos and chants of "Maribojoc!  Maribojoc!" that drowned out the moment.

The pageant emcees (whose voices were decibels down) and organizers didn’t step in and tell the crowd to calm down and respect the winner as the process was hard and stressful.

People have taken to social networking sites to vent out their frustrations. 

Trigo did not comment publicly after the contest.  The organizers have yet to issue a statement.

But what was disaster was the so-called “Walk of Shame” which was the most talked about in the social media.

Normally it should be the top 5 only who should be publicly announced to give a graceful exit to those who did not make it.  The organizers, however, changed the usual thrill of calling the top 5 . Instead, the 16 candidates were called one by one  to bid goodbye.

 “Where you can see a beauty pageant which insulted directly or indirectly the candidates by way of announcing first those who did not make it? You have insulted the candidates, their families their supporters and friends. How cruel and rude of you,” former society writer Gisela Mae “Jiji” Apalisok expressed her disgust on the walk of shame.

A beauty expert Papa Jack told VRS that the show tried to inject a new concept and it was not a “Walk of Shame” but a “thank you message.”

“If you’re watching a reality TV show or an America’s Top Model, that’s it. However, the Boholanos are not yet ready to embrace a new style,” said Papa Jack.

Others said that the “walk of shame” was rubbing salt to an injury and also an upfront to the towns.

The admins of Bohol Pageanthology 101 suggested that they shall assign a municipality  to be the host for Miss Bohol every year. “Through this we can boost the tourism of Bohol. Ang mga lungsod nindot ang mga gym nila. For example, next year, Ubay will be the venue of Miss Bohol. If Miss Bohol is promoting culture, heritage, and tourism, then let the venue go around Bohol,” they said.

 Miss Bohol 2018 Raclaire Stephan Trigo (center) and her court- (l-r)
Miss Bilar Jesseth Nez Pasagad (3rd runner-up),  2nd Runner Up
 - Miss Dauis Hannah Cemine (2nd runner-up), Miss Maribojoc  Ma. Mediatrix Escabarte (1st runner-up) and   Miss Ubay
Anasela Zarisa Gaviola (4th runner-up). Contributed Photo/Gerald James Cabal/Miss Bohol

US-based socialite and beauty pageant expert Mikey Gatal said there was nothing wrong with the new concept.

“In a positive way, it was not a ‘Walk of Shame’ for me because for sure the girls were briefed about that part of the pageant and they all agreed to that,” Mikey told VRS.

“As I have seen the video, they actually had given the opportunity to thank their supporters and not just clappers and totally be forgotten who they were after top 5 will be called right away, though time consuming but, I love the idea. Let’s all be happy, respect judges decision and others opinions,” he said.

Pageant fans also expressed their support for  Trigo, saying she was the real winner in their hearts. 

On his Facebook account, Crommuel Salitrero said that Trigo answered and delivered her thoughts with dignity, grace and pride. He said it’s not about the perfect answer but it’s always God’s will.

“When people booed her but still stood up and finish the fight with grace and confidence,” said Salitrero whose comment was shared many times on Facebook.

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal said that the bashing hurt and wounded the hearts of the people directly behind the show’s conceptualization and execution.

“God knows how difficult it is to mount a show of such magnitude. There might have been lapses but clearly  the intention was not to malign nor degrade the girls,”  Raul posted on Facebook.

Miss Bohol 2018  third runner-up Jesseth Nez Pasagad said she blessed to have met such equally beautiful, smart and talented ladies.

“To Miss Bohol 2018, Raclaire Stephan Trigo, you’ve accomplished so much at such a young age and I am proud of you. May you have a meaningful reign,” Pasagad posted on Facebook.

Time to move on and support Trigo’s reign.

It’s like a sick leave for all those afflicted with “Miss Bohol Fever.”

***

Mayor Che for Congress

The 2019 mid-term elections is promising to be exciting as several “veteran” and newbie politicians have signified their intention to run.

Former Carmen Mayor Conchita “Che” Toribio-Delos Reyes revealed her plan to run for congressman for the third district of Bohol. 

She declared, “Yes, I am definitely running. I am 100 percent sure!”

Mayor Che added, “My intention is clean. It’s the same genuine service from me because I just want to serve the people of the third district of Bohol.”

Mayor Che is known for the beauty soap “Beauche.”

 Former Carmen Mayor Conchita “Che”
Toribio-Delos Reyes is ready to run for Congress.
Leo Udtohan

She said she has nothing to fear and worry.

“God is with me and the people are with me,” she said.

Last Thursday, July 26, Mayor Che organized the Federalism and Anti-illegal Drugs Summit in Carmen town. It was attended by at least 2,000 participants-  mayors, vice mayors, barangay captains, kagawad, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, senior citizen and 4P's beneficiaries - from the third district towns.

Mayors who attended the event were Dimiao Mayor Danny Guivencan, Garcia-Hernandez Mayor Tita Galentes, Guindulman Mayor Ben Balo, Ubay Mayor Constan Reyes, Sevilla Mayor Juliet Dano, Anda Mayor Angelina Cimacio, and Pilar Mayor Eugene Datahan. Also present were Batuan Mayor Yes Tirol-Dumagan.

Speakers who talked about federalism and anti-illegal drugs campaign were Department of Social Welfare and Development acting secretary Virginia "Gee" Orogo, Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño, Rep. Francisco Datol,  lawyer Aimee Torrefranca Neri and former Laguna Governor ER Ejercito III.

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King Cesar’s Burger at Cesar’s Place

Where to find the best buns and patties in the province?

Take a clue from teen singer Darren Espanto who said that the best burger in town is in Bohol.

It was two years ago when Darren told burger lovers that 717 Cesar Place along CPG North Avenue (Phone: (038) 501 0785) has the delicious bun you don’t want to miss.  In fact, when  Darren was asked to weigh in on his favorite burger  he firmly asserted, “King Cesar’s Burger.”

Tourism and hospitality expert Ariel Llanos
of 717 Cesar Place shows the signature “King Cesar’s
Burger”  which has a delicious sweet kick.  Leo Udtohan

But it took me two years to experience it for myself.

 “Yummy! When I took the last bite of “King’s Cesar Burger” last Wednesday.

It was the hotel’s supervisor Ariel Llanos  who told me that their burger is deep and real.

“The Cesar  Place’s resto has burgers to tantalise every taste bud, no matter what you’re craving,” said Ariel, an tourism and hospitality expert. 

Each burger comprises a home-made beef patty with Mozarella cheese pickled onions, egg, fresh mushrooms on a sesame seed bun.  It is served with a side options of cheese fries and a sweet sauce.

Ariel also said that 717 Cesar Place, which is owned by Cesar Maluenda,  offers 20 affordable and clean rooms. 

Since it opened in 2016, it is managed by Camille Maluenda.

***

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San Isidro beauty takes Mutya crown

An obvious crowd favorite from the start, Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro clinched the coveted Mutya sa Tagbilaran crown that won her the right to represent the city in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant held last Friday (April 27),  hosted by Manila’s eventologist Tim Yap  with actress Iza Calzado as co-host.

Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro
(with Butch Bernas, Ph.D.) was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.
Photo by Helen Castaño

The other four winners were Mutya sa Booy Dann Audrey A. Cadenas, first runner-up; Mutya sa Ubujan Rueggy Mae Namoc, second runner-up; Mutya sa Manga Lady Aira Lumantas,  third runner-up; and Mutya sa Poblacion 2 Margarett Requillo, fourth runner-up.

Youth leader and Booy village councilor Clement Paulinel Ingking told VRS that the winners were exceptionally beautiful and witty.

“All questions were answered with substance. The dreaded Q&A portion was as exciting as it promised. There were a few misses, some with very good saves but mostly, it proved that the level of competition is stronger than ever,” said Clement.

He added, “Most of the eventual winners had very impressive answers that had depth and delivered with conviction. They all performed exceedingly well during the finals.”

Cultural worker Butch Bernas, Ph.D. who also watched the pageant shared that the pageant was “full of innovation and incomparable.”

“The production number of the Mutya was so spectacular and grandeur like ever before. Stunning led wall helps the production awesome,” he said.

“Wow na wow,” he gushed.

Another crowd favorite Dann Audrey Cadenas 

was declared first runner-up in Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.  

Cadenas was as supported by her family and the Booy 

Council headed by village chief Jun Telmo, councilors 

Eulogia "Yolie" Ayeng and Clement Paulinel Ingking. 

Photo by Helen Castaño

Clement said that prior to joining Mutya sa Tagbilaran, Cadenas, a former president of the Supreme Student Government at Bohol Wisdom School, already represented Purok 5 during the barangay search level. She even slayed the Question and Answer portion with her presence of mind, poise, and confidence.

Cadenas and Requillo were also winners of Island City Mall’s beauty and modelling contests, and making the mall as their training ground. Cadenas was Miss Teen ICM 2017 second runner up, while Requillo  was Mannequins Live 2016 first runner-up.

***

2 young entrepreneurs

committed to help Bohol

Bright, ambitious Filipinos were leaving the Philippines In the 1970s in pursuit of better opportunities, a time period known as the “Brain Drain.”

To this day, the trend continues as the number of Filipinos leaving for work abroad has increased. However, some Filipinos opted to stay here. Some are staying here to build businesses and help communities that will engage more Filipinos and create more job opportunities for them.

Case in point:  Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Chocolate House and Joy Angeli Uy of Belian Hotel.

Just recently, they launched their personal advocacy-movement FAÇADE (Food, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education) with a  tagline “"Opening an open space of possibilities."

FACADE aims to change the face of culture in the province of Bohol through community development and education.

“We want to see Bohol in the future as a creative hub for food, agriculture, culture and the arts and development,” said Dalareich.

Organizers, speakers and participants 

during the launching of FAÇADE (Food, 

Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education). 

Contributed Photo

“We want Boholanos to talk, collaborate, open a conversation and inspire each other. Shobe Joy and I personally thank all our sponsors who were at our back when we planned for this,” said the Belgian-trained chocolatier.

Two social entrepreneur speakers from Manila, Josh Mahinay, founder of BEAGIVER and Dr. Anton Mari Lim, co-founder and President of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, also inspired the guests with the stories of the respective communities they are helping.

Young entrepreneurs, academe, community builders, resort managers, leaders and media were present during the event.

FAÇADE Series 1 happened last April 24-26 at Tagbilaran City Grounds, a side event of Fusion Nights 2018. Duke Minoza of Buenaventarada Farm and Paolo Rigotti of Rigotti Coffe talked about Coffee Seed to Cup and appreciation night last Tuesday. Ms Vina Antopina of Bean55Chocolaterie and Dalareich Polot of Ginto Chocolates talked about the cacao and chocolate journey.  Chocolate tasting was held last Wednesday. On the 3rd day, April 26, Efrenia Holt of Atbang Farm and Cyrus Lobrigas of KABOOM talked about Organic Food and Farming.

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Festival of Lights in Loon creates fusion and ethereal effect

There were little surprises last week that VRS could not help but smile.

 

Surprise No.  1:  Julmar Joseph Misa and Raclaire Stephan Trigo from the high school department were crowned Mr and Miss University of Bohol Personality 2015. They were also declared Mr and Miss Talent.  Take a bow, Sofila Lafuente Gantalao!

 

Jassenie Mangaron is Miss Cebu
Normal University 2015. Contributed Photo

Surprise No. 2: High-ranking officials (HRO)  had witnessed a real life furious “lovers’ quarrel” during a seminar which was held somewhere in the haven. It involved a matured woman (MW) and her young beau (YB). Thinking they were watching #kalyeserye, there was no effort from HRO to quell the fight until the security guard approached them. The LQ ended at the police station. MW told VRS, “I learned my lesson now. Don’t trust a young heart. Sobrang mapusok! Now, I no longer believe in forever!”

 

Surprise No. 3: Matildi Magali, 56, mother of Pinoy boxer Carlo Magali: “Siyempre nalipay ko pero naguol sa nadangatan sa iyang kontra. Kay kung kita mahitabuan ingana dili sab lalim.”  Carlo, 29, won against Aussie boxer Davey Browne Jr  who died after the fight.

 

Surprise No. 4:  Jassenie Mangaron was crowned Miss Cebu Normal University (CNU) 2015.  Jaseenie who hails from Loon town was Miss Bohol 2014 Miss Photogenic. She is a consistent honor student of  CNU taking up Education. She is a dog lover and big fan of the movie ‘Hachiko.”

 

Well, speaking of Loon, they had a unique festival of lights which was held recently.

 

Tourists visiting Loon town in the north-west side of Bohol province, can now look forward to witnessing a spectacular sound and light show, the SidlaKasilak or Festival of Lights, which is held annually every first week of September in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Luz or Birhen sa Kasilak (Our Lady of Light).

 

This year’s festival was held for the first time inside the destroyed Nuestra Señora De La Luz Church (Our Lady of Light Church) or commonly known as Loon Church suffered total damage in the aftermath of the October 15, 2013 earthquake. Within the first 36 seconds of the 52-second quake, this national historical landmark and national cultural treasure was turned into rubble and powdery dust.  Three churchgoers were reportedly trapped inside the Church.

 

As people gathered to witness the festival, emotions poured in as they remembered the old church that stood very firmly in the town’s plaza, said to be Bohol’s biggest Catholic Church.

 

“I tend to experience goose bumps upon coming in as I remember a significant. And I think all us felt the same way. For the first time since October 15, 2013, this is my first to step inside the church,” said Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto.  He also said that Boholanos always recall that the structure was what Bohol was so proud of.

 

Chatto also said that the festival of lights was a clear manifestation not only of the recovery of Loon from the ashes, not only for the recovery of Bohol for the great catastrophe that happened in the province, but  gathering symbolizes  the strength of the spirit of the Loonanons and the people of Bohol.

 

Mr and Miss UB Personality 2015 winners are
 Julmar Joseph Misa and Raclaire Stephan Trigo.  Contributed Photo

“More strength to move on as we construct our church, as we construct our town and we construct of our lives,” Chatto said.

 

Started in 2000, the SidlaKasilak is one of its kind in the Philippines because the street-dancing is done at night.  The highlights of the event are the street- dancing presentation and Dance of Lights competition whose contest criteria revolve solely on the lights, choreography of lights such as movement, synchronization, formation and dynamics and quality of lights such as design, color harmony and brightness.

 

“If you like bright lights and a show, you’ll love this festival. The emphasis is on the lights on how to make it move and dance,” said Reigh Monreal, SidlaKasilak chairman.  

 

Monreal said that since the competition is held at night and is quite literally a festival of lights. “It will be dark enough to let the light shine through and you will experience light dancing in front of your very eyes,” he said.

 

The fusion of lights creates more drama and ethereal effect against the darkness of the night.

 

Participants came from different schools of Loon. Some barangays (villages) joined the competition before but for the past years it became a competition for schools.

 

“I am joining this in honor of Our Lady of Light,” said Keisha Figuracion, 11, of Loon Sentral Elem. School, who joined the SidlaKasilak for the first time.  But for Princess Uy,11, she  joined the contest hoping to win the cash prize  for her school, Lintuan Elem. School. “Our school needs a new fence,” she said.  

 

“It also expresses the enduring qualities of the town,” said Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez. He said the word SidlaKasilak is coined from the Visayan words "sidlak" which means to rise and "kasilak," which means light. “It best describe the character of Loonanons as they conquer life’s adversities and make the best out of their inherent talents and capabilities,” he said.  

 

SidlaKasilak was inspired by past religious processions in Loon when the faithful would light candles in colorful hand-held lanterns or “parow”, the local version of the “parol”.

 

During the first few years of the festival, the dancers brought traditional lanterns wrapped in Japanese paper.  

 

“Candles, however, are no match to the wind made even stronger with every sway of the hands that held the lanterns. The Japanese paper, too, could not withstand too much heat nor could it resist the rain,” said Monreal.   He also said that candles were later replaced with permanent yet adjustable lights like flashlights, magic sticks, light-emitting diodes and others. Glazed paper, plastic wrap and cloth have been used instead of Japanese paper.

 

People witness the SidlaKasilak or Festival of Lights in Loon town of Bohol province as participants dance and shine in darkness to create fusion of lights and ethereal effect inside the hallowed ground of the Our Lady of Light Church which turned into rubble and powdery dust during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Oct. 13, 2015. Photos by Liza Macalandag

Last year, the SidlaKasilak was held in a school ground since piles of stones and debris clouded inside the church.   This year, after debris was finally cleared, a small “retablo” was constructed at the exact place where the Our Lady of Light was enthroned.  Searchlights were placed near the retablo to create three vertical columns of light as symbols of Our Lady of Light.

 

“The distinctive nature of SidlaKasilak is manifested in its being the only evening street dancing event in Bohol,” said Lopez.  He said the competition does not require lavish costumes and props that onlookers do not appreciate in the dark.

 

Chatto said that Loon’s lights festival is the brightest, so to speak, addition to the ever-growing tourist attractions of Bohol.

 

Fr. Ruel Tumangday, parish priest of Our Lady of Light, said that the Nuestra Señora De La Luz Church was established in 1753 by the Jesuits, and administered later by the Augustinian Recollects, the parish of the Birhen sa Kasilak constructed what was to become the biggest church in the province, and perhaps in the entire Visayas and Mindanao.

 

During the Filipino-American War in 1901, the Loon Church served as garrison of American soldiers and, in the Second World War, as refuge of Japanese forces wounded during the Battle of Moalong. Visited by ambassadors of the Holy See and relics of popular saints, this church, more appropriately called the Crowning Glory of Recollect Architecture in Bohol.   

 

“In the ensuing years, this church figured prominently in the annals of Loon’s history outside of its being the main venue for holy masses and other Catholic rites and activities,” said Fr. Tumangday.  

 

Fr. Tumangday also said that the festival was to honor the Virgin Mary.

 

“ Above all, we honor Mary, Mother of Christ, the Birhen sa Kasilak, who brought into this world the Greatest Light of All - - Jesus Christ who saves us from the agony of darkness in the abyss of sinfulness,” said Fr. Tumangday. 

 

Lopez said that like the phoenix, however, “Loon will rise from these ruins, every good and godly way we can.”

 

“Collectively, SidlaKasilak expresses the Loonanons’ resilience amid challenges, hardships and suffering, and their ability to shine with their talents, capability and creativity,” said Lopez.

 

 

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