New year, new goals

2021 is just three days old.  We bid goodbye to 2020 - a year when many of us have suffered setbacks in different areas of our lives- and we carry the learnings of an unprecedented year to New Year 2021.  

 

VRS asked some Boholanos what are their goals and wishes to feel great in 2021. 

 

Ralph Barajan- To be a better father, husband and competent public servant.

 

Many are eager to leave 2020 behind with all its ups and downs and we carry the learnings of an unprecedented year to New Year 2021. 

Chris John Torralba, Ph.D.- 2021 goals: 1. learn how to drive, 2. spend less time online, 3. drink more water, 4. reconnect with old friends and 5. spend more quality time with my family.

 

Atty. David Maulas- For 2021, I will strive to balance time for family and time for work. One thing I have realized in 2020 is the supposedly obvious fact that no amount of money can buy time. And time is best spent with family.

 

Usec. Pat Ruiz- My goals are: reduce poverty  and empowered Filipinos; healthy society and economy and for myself living well. 

 

Lourdes Brunidor-  First and foremost to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the family to combat covid...to be more prayerful and grateful for all the blessings especially for the gifts of life, family and work.

 

Atty. Ted Lagang- Continue being an inspiration for others so as to create optimism in the midst of the pandemic. Have a cheerful and safe new year everyone!!!

 

Marianito Luspo- To survive with grace intact.

 

Benjie Oliva- I have two goals for 2021:

1.) Finish my PhD in Community Development and 2.) Start my Construction and Trading Business. 

 

Scarlet Geulen-Boiser- I hope that this pandemic would be over. Personally, I hope to start and succeed in my intermittent fasting diet program so that I can diminish huge pounds for a healthier Scarlet! And I wish success on our foodie online business as well. I just beg God that He would  keep  my loved ones healthy and sound this year and in the years to come. 

 

Adonis Damalerio- Good health for me and my family. And, a second child if matagaan pa kaha :) 

 

Joy Bonita Sevilla- 2021 is a year full of hope and promise. I look forward to a much better year just like everyone else. The uncertainties and hardship of the past year has taught us invaluable lessons on how to survive in the midst of a pandemic. But with faith in God and a relentless determination to overcome life's challenges, I can only wish the best for everyone. May this year bring out our indomitable spirit of resiliency. I hope we all can find peace, serenity and contentment and be able to live as normally as we can with COVID. Cheers!

 

Ariel Fullido-  This year 2021, I would like to rise up from the ashes just like Phoenix, get up, stand up, and fix everything what's  been left off in 2020; and in God's perfect timing, this yeat let's get back to business......this year let's get back to business! 

 

Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine- I stopped eating pork, beef, and non-organic chicken in 2017. My transition from the previous diet to a vegan diet last April 30, 2020, was easy as I only had to remove organic chicken and fish from my daily meals. Two months after adopting the new diet, I shed off 5kilos, my blood pressure normalized, and I have no more asthma attacks. My only concern during the first few weeks of my vegan diet was the source of fruits and vegetables since I reside 54km from the city. My solution is to eat only whole foods, which means no processed vegan products, and buy supplies from the local producers. At least I can minimize damage to the environment by eliminating the transportation of food from abroad and help the Philippine economy by buying local products. So my goal this year is to maintain my vegan diet because it is healthy for me, good for the environment, and supports the local economy.

 

Edik Dolotina- This is more of a wish than goal. A wish for a virus-free 2021 where people can move freely and greet each other with a hug or a kiss, or meet and greet in public without restrictions, and go home to families whenever they want to.

 

Fr. Roel Lungay- I hope it’ll be a brighter 2021 health-wise. 

Along with the new year come new beginnings, a new hope and for others a fresh start as the new year will not wash away every challenge, especially when it comes to the pandemic.

 

Christian James Memije-  This 2021, I want to achieve my dreams. I’d like to have a sound mind and body. I’m building my physique this year so that I will be able to do more works and be productive without getting fatigue. I want to explore more and improve my talents especially in singing, acting, and modeling. I also want to be part of a movie that’s why I’m preparing myself so that when that time comes, I’ll be ready. 2020 was a year of rest and meditation for me and I think 2021 is a good year to rekindle my passion and for self development.

 

Walter and Leslie Ramirez- No New Year's resolution for us, just a brighter hope for another year from the Creator of Great things. 

 

Jerome Magallen, Ph. D. - Last year was a real struggle. Like the most, I also became anxious on many things especially in financial matters. Honestly, one of the goals that I set is to look for solutions. One way is to set an emergency fund, control our expenses and eliminate unhealthy spending habits. Other goals for this year include strengthening of self-care and also career advancement and growth.

 

Fatima Mapesos- Vision is everything to dream enormously big. Being persistent in anything I do makes all the difference. Setting my goal in every day life gives me meaning in life. I stop playing small for true success is all about working towards meaningful goals and dreams. I never loose sight of my dream because that's where I aspire where I'm headed for. I'm focused. It's never too late to redirect and adjust my sail just to reach my desired destination. 

 

Jonathan Ocat- My goal this 2021 is to make something with my career to be able to survive this pandemic (COVID-19 crisis). I am hoping that our bridal shop "Sean'iah Boutique" would grow and cater to more clients this year 2021. Of course, I am praying for the fast recovery of my mother who suffered a mild stroke. I am hoping everything will be okey in God's perfect time.  

 

Ramon Caresiosa- A brighter and safer year ahead of us despite the health problem(Covid virus) that we're experiencing today that can be considered a havoc in our life. May God strenghten our Faith and protect us from harm and damnation.

 

Shandy Mission-   I have to make small changes in my daily routine to encourage self-care and promote better health. I consider health and wellness as my priority this year. I have also to master my craft, as hair and make up artist, to gain more clients. I am hoping this year will  be a glorious year for me, my work and most especially my beloved family. 

 

Roger Ryan Magtagad- This 2021, I am taking it all in, all the challenges, lessons and blessings. Right now, I am still making my way to my passion and goal. I've had numerous ups and downs due to the pandemic. It was a rollercoaster and it was very hard but I felt fulfilled. I have to deprogram my perception and points of view of how I should think, behave and feel to be accepted. I have learned so much about myself, met new family and friends, and I have found my purpose. I will give my best and all for my The Art Noveau Models because this serves as my hope, inspiration, strength, happiness and my all.

 

 

* * *

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

 

Barajan proves that not all heroes wear capes

The costume and the superhero have become
 inseparable for Seaman First PO3 Ralph Barajan of the Philippine
 Coast Guard in this 2013 photo. Contributed Photo

Many of us are familiar with the often-caped superheroes that star in blockbuster movies. While these “heroes” save lives and overcome villains, their story ends when the movie ends.

But for the 59 people aboard the MV Siargao Princess that sank off Sibonga, Cebu after it was battered by strong waves on Thursday morning (November 7) , a different kind of superhero exists. One that doesn’t wear a cape, but saving lives — in a behind-the-scenes but in an awesome way.

The hero is Seaman First P03 Seaman Ralph Barajan, a native of Barangay La Paz in Cortes town. He played a key role in saving many passengers and crew.

The weather was fair but it became horrendous an hour after they left Loon Port. The vessel was battered  by strong waves and  the forward portion of the ship began to sink, throwing the passengers into panic.

It was fortunate that there was Barajan, a trained Coast Guardsman, who was among the passengers of the vessel who was on his way to the substation in Southern Cebu. 

He let the Coast Guard in him overcome fear and placed the safety of his fellow passengers above that of his own. He was able to direct the passengers and crew when the ship began to sink.

“Gusto ko lang ma save tanan mao tong naningkamot ko nga mag uban-uban mi tanan.

Ako lang naa sa mind kay way mamatay sa ako atubangan (I wanted everyone to be saved that’s why I tried to bring us all closer. That no one would die),” Barajan told VRS.

He took the initiative to ensure all passengers and crew wore life vests and that they stayed close together before the rescue. 

Architect Ernie Gelbolingo could testify to the bravery of Barajan.

"Kon di pa niya, di mi maluwas. Siya maoy nagpakalma sa mga pasahero, siya maoy nag-instruct ug nag-guide sa mga pasahero kanus-a mangambak, pag-abot sa dagat, siya maoy nagpahiluna sa mga bata ug tiguwang sa life raft,"  Gelbolingo told reporters.

Daphne Marielle Tudtud,15, also thanked Barajan's bravery.

"Magpasalamat gyud mi ni Kuya kay walay daotang nahitabo namo," said Marielle.

Maria Encarnacion Arellano, 65, who spent the two long hours with her sick husband Eduardo floating in the sea, said it was a miracle. She said Barajan calmed down the passengers.

Presence of mind, training and bravery helped
the Coast Guardsman Ralph Barajan to save passengers
 from the MV Siargao Princess that sank off the shore
 of Sibong town, Cebu on November 7, 2019.
Photo from Ralph Barajan FB 

Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael Encina, spokesperson of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Central Visayas, praised Barajan as his leadership skills as a Coast Guard was essential to keep the passengers and crew alive during the maritime accident.

Everyone called him a hero.

However, Barajan shrugged off hero title for doing his duty.  He is just happy to be called dedicated and dependable.

Not all superheros wear capes. Ang uban taga La Paz, Cortes!

* * * 

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