Bohol designers unite for 'Exodus' in December; Fr. Parilla's 'Hashtags for Young Seekers' released

•Bohol designers unite for 'Exodus' in December
•Fr. Parilla's 'Hashtags for Young Seekers' released

Wake-uppers:
Scene: The municipality of Sierra Bullones was the first in the province to put up their Christmas decor- the tallest Santa Claus. It was displayed last September. However,  the Santa Claus was dismantled last weekend.

Scene:  After K-Pop star Sandara Park who spent her pre-birthday celebration in the province, Boholano boxer Nonito "Junjun" Donaire Jr  went home. He posted photos of his Bohol vacation in Instagram and Facebook. Junjun posted a video of him with his son Logan dancing at the Loboc River.  He captioned the video, "Showing my son Logan a native dance from my home island where I was born in Bohol, Philippines."

Scene: The homecoming of Pinoy Big Brother(PBB) Otso Ultimate Winner William "YamYam" Guc-ong at Inabanga Cultural and Creative Park yesterday, Nov. 16. PBB Otso finalist Fumiya Sankai accompanied YamYaman. Saturday's event was also the  INB Christmas Tree Lights-on Ceremony.

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Boholano priest releases new book: Hashtags for Young Seekers

Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla is the author
 of "Hashtags for Young Seekers" that seeks
to answer the important questions that young people ask.
Contributed Photo

Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla, the rector of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in this city, launched his second book of homilies  "Hashtags for Young Seekers". 

The book is composed of 49 homilies organized into seven chapters.  All these homilies seek to answer the important questions that young people, its intended audience, fearlessly raise.

Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium,135 said that “The homily can actually be an intense and happy experience of the Spirit, a consoling encounter with God’s word, a constant source of renewal and growth.”

“We took the cue from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which declared 2019 as the “Year of the Youth”, a segment of the preparation for the fifth centenary celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the country," Fr. Parilla said.

He added, "This book is our modest contribution to the challenging and exciting ministry of accompanying young people in their own journey of faith.”

Movie actress and book author Dimples Romana wrote the foreword of the book.

In praise for Fr. Parilla’s work, she said, “I read the reflections and immediately felt the Holy Spirit come upon me. What a beautiful testimony of God’s love. These reflections will tug at your heartstrings and make you rethink just how deep you can go when it comes to nurturing your faith. These stories have left me with a heart yearning for more and a spirit ready to give.”

In this new volume, Fr. Parilla targets young seekers. 

In 2017, Fr. Parilla’s authored "Hashtags for Seekers" was published by Creannovate Publishing. It was praised by several leaders, no less than His Excellency Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle who wrote the foreword of the book.

Cardinal Tagle said, “Reading through Harold’s reflections, I felt assured that I do not need to be embarrassed or fearful of my faults, misconceptions, wounds, pains, and doubts for God remains faithful and near to us. God knows we are pilgrims, God’s work in progress. That is why God walks with us, for alone we perish.  God’s hope for us knows no bounds. These are some themes in Harold’s book that warmed my heart, as I wish they would yours.”

Fr. Parilla was ordained to the priesthood in 2003, after he finished his theological studies at the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City.

After some years of work at the local seminary and in the chancery of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, he left for Rome to obtain a licentiate degree in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

He also finished masteral degrees in pastoral ministry and educational management from two Jesuit universities in the Philippines.

He also facilitates at spiritual retreats for various groups.

Currently, he is rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City.

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Bohol designers unite for Exodus fashion show for a cause

Fashion has been used for a lot of worthy causes. 

In Bohol, 12 designers unite for Suppor+'s fund-raising show ‘Exodus-Bohol Fashion Forward' on December 21.

Exodus will be more than just about fashionable clothes and gorgeous men and women. It will showcase courage on the catwalk and stories of survival.

Exodus, a year-ender fashion show for a cause
will feature the creations of 12 Boholano designers
 for the benefit of HIV/AIDS Positive Organization,
iSuppor+. Contributed Photo 

The year-ender fashion show will feature the creations of Bebie Tagoctoc, Aileen Sendrijas Pasagad, La'doi Aquino, Kim Villamor, Nikki Simporios, Rose Paul Silhouette,  Christian Bustrillos, Tracy Remolador Torres,  Ryan Sadudaquil, Christian Relator, EJ Relampagos and Charlow Arbasto.

The clash of art, expression and glamour will be on December 21, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City.

For inquiries,  contact BDC Secretariat (Ryan Sadudaquil) at 09101244637.

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Tagbi’s Saulog King is a future (sexy) chef; Where in Bohol should you take Ms. Universe 2016 bets?

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  San Isidro town councilor Gloria Gementiza was elected president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Bohol chapter.

Scene: After ten days, Korean pop star Sandara Park was spotted (again) in Bohol.  If her last visit (Aug. 8) was purely a “vacation,” her Thursday’s visit was filming for Battle Trip, a travel show, with model Hyoni Kang.  On Instagram, Park posed for photos beside a tricycle in Tagbilaran City. She even showed off her cute toe nails painted with cartoon characters Nemo and Dory while relaxing on a boat in Balicasag Island.  She left Bohol last Friday (Aug. 19) afternoon.  Park was a former member of 2NE1.

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Losers can turn out to be winners.

Tagbilaran’s Saulog King Festival 2016 Mark Elvin Boiser is one of them.

When he joined a school’s search a few years ago, Mark didn’t even make it as one of the finalists.

Mark Elvin Boiser: ‘Real sexy is being connected
 to your soul and living boldly.’
Contributed Photo

After a few exposures in modeling, Mark got a nice break as grand winner of Tagbilaran’s Saulog  Festival last May 1.  He’s making heads turn during the Saulog Festival showing him all grown-up and a bit “bolder,” with generous parts of his abs exposed.

Mark, a freshman at STI College Tagbilaran who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM), wants to become a successful chef.

“I love to cook,” says Mark, “I love Thai cuisine.”

TAN (The Art Nouveau managed by Khim Gonzales) has big plans for Mark who could be the next big thing if he plays his cards well.

“He’s an aspiring model,” says Khim.

So what is sexy to Mark?

“Real sexy is being connected to your soul and living boldly,” says Mark.

And when he feels sexy? “I feel sexy in the morning!”

What part of a woman’s body does he consider sexiest? “Eyes!”

A Pisces (born on March 11, 1992), Mark stands 5’8”; weighs 112 lbs.; and wears medium-sized shirt and briefs and size- 9 shoes.

To know more about Mark, VRS asked him to complete some questions:

I hate people…who are insecure. 

I avoid people…. who use drugs.

My greatest pleasure is… playing basketball.

 My worst moment is… when I got drunk. 

My biggest fear is…. when I am far with my family.

I pray for… success in the future. 

The most important person in my life is.... my mother (Fe Boiser).

 If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be… a dog. I am a dog lover.  Dogs are known for their loyalty, devotion, selflessness and unqualified love.

My most traumatic experience was...in 2013 during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

I deal with gossip by… ignoring it.

Am I afraid of growing old?... No,  because it is a process of life. Just enjoy life to the fullest.

My philosophy in life is.... to give back what my parents gave to me.

My most memorable miracle was… I miraculously survived after drowning in the water in Sept. 2013.

Korean pop-star Sandara Park is back in Bohol.
Sandara Park/Instagram 

I lose my temper when... when I am being scold. 

I am happiest when... we’re complete in the family.

I am saddest when.... my family is not complete.

My ultimate goal is... to achieve my dream and ambition. 

What I like about myself… I’m confident. 

What I don’t like about myself…. I easily get bored. 

Face-to-face with God, I’d tell Him…I’m sorry Lord, thank you and I love you.

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Where in Bohol should you take Ms. Universe 2016 bets?

As you must have noticed in VRS’s broken "Where in Bohol should you take Ms. Universe 2016 bets?” series, more and more Boholanos want to “tour” the candidates of Miss Universe, if, that is a big if, they will visit the province in 2017. Here are more of them:

Leah Tirol-Magno (of The Baking Mama)- To the Chocolate Hills and the white beaches.

EJ Relampagos- I will take them to my place and let them feel the authentic Boholano warmth and hospitality together with my neighbors. You know the fiesta vibe...

Vera Villocido Gesite-  I will bring them to the rolling hills with beautiful and scenic view in San Pascual, Ubay - the future site of the BATRC or Bohol Agricultural Training and Research Center where the agri entrep senior high school teachers and students will be starting to produce organically grown vegetables for the Bohol hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Ferliza Contratista- Bohol takes pride of unadulterated beaches...And Anda is surely the best there is...and a public beach at that. This also goes to show that world class tourist spots need not be classy and expensive, but one that equalizes social stature, no rich, no poor...just man and God's grandeur at Anda beach.

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

Adonis Dumpit feels ‘comfortable’ in Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Seen:  Several fans have claimed to have spotted Korean pop star Sandara Park in Bohol province last week.  According to VRS at Tagbilaran Airport, Park arrived last Monday via Cebu Pacific.  She was seen opting for a more casual look and wore a cap, white, loose shirt matched with light blue joggers.  She had two companions (elderly women) who told people not to take photos of Park, according to VRS.  Park, who left Bohol on Tuesday morning, did not post any photos of her stay in the province on her Instagram account. She did, however, share an aerial photo of Tagbilaran City on Friday.  The singer, considered to be the main vocalist of 2NE1, left the group in 2010.

Look: Sandara Park spotted in Bohol last week.

 Contributed Photos

Scene:  Days after winning a pageant, this model is now suffering from hydrocephalus. According to VRS, he forgets people easily. “Well, I hope he will enjoy the moment of glory because soonest the glitz will fade,” warns (the bitter?) VRS. Clue: Latin for King.

Scene:  Clarin Mayor Allen Ray Piezas was elected president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter.

Scene: The Pokemon fever continues in Bohol province.  Tagbilaran is littered with a few PokeStops  (which are often landmarks)--places that allow players to collect items such as eggs and more Poke Balls. Pokestops are the anchor symbol of PMI Colleges, Bohol Provincial Library, Cogon Shrine, Bohol Museum, Plaza Rizal (the fountain and the statue of CPG), Garden Cafe, Knight of Columbus Statue on K of C, Datoda Terminal and Island City Mall’s fountain. There are gyms for fight – Bohol Tropics and St. Joseph Cathedral.  The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued warnings against trending mobile game Pokémon Go. PNP said Pokemon Go fans must be alert while playing the extremely popular mobile game. PNP's friendly reminders: Do not play while driving, better to hunt Pokémon with companions, avoid dark areas as much as possible, always be mindful of your surroundings, secure your carry-ons while playing and don’t trespass; always ask owner’s permission of private premises.

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With little money left in his pocket, the controversial policeman SPO1 Adonis Delos Amantes Dumpit left Cebu City for Bohol on Thursday night.

He withdrew what money was left from his ATM account, P1,000---before going to Cebu City Pier. On board a slow boat, he arrived in Tagbilaran City at around 4 a.m. Friday. At 10 a.m. he reported to Camp Francisco Dagohoy, headquarters of the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO), donning a complete police uniform, to report to his new assignment.

Controversial policeman Adonis Delos Amantes 

Dumpit: "I'm comfortable here in Bohol.' Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

Dumpit, a sharpshooter and multi-awarded policeman, was one of three policemen who were transferred to Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) on Friday. The two others are SPO2 Ritchell Sala Tejano and PO3 Romeo Borinaga Batuhan. They were the police escorts of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

They were ordered relieved and transferred to Bohol. However, as of 5 p.m. Friday, it was only Dumpit who reported to BPPO.

Police Senior Inspector Basilides Ytol Balistoy, chief admin of the Human Resource and Doctrine Development (HRDD) of BPPO, confirmed Dumpit’s arrival in his office.

“He is welcome here,” said Balistoy.  

He said, however, they will have a meeting to where Dumpit will be assigned.  “For the meantime, Dumpit will report at the BPPO,” he said.

Dumpit, 53, was relieved from the Firearms Explosives Security Agencies and Guard Supervisory Section  (FESAGSS)  of the Regional Operations and Plans Division and reassigned to Bohol Police Provincial Office.

Dumpit said he didn’t expect to be transferred to Bohol.

“I don’t have a choice. Whatever will be the instruction, where I will be assigned, I am willing to accept,”  he said.

He said he didn’t worry he was transferred to Bohol.

“I am comfortable here. I am not worried but I am happy I am assigned here in Bohol. People here are law-abiding citizens. In Bohol, if you go to a house, they will invite you to eat. You can’t find that in Cebu,” he said.

Bohol is also close to his heart. Dumpit was assigned in Bilar town as a member of the Regional Mobile Force from 1992 to 1994.

Asked which unit he preferred to be assigned, Dumpit said he wanted his superiors to put him in the field where he is effective. 

SPO1 Adonis Dumpit (with yours truly and Jessa 

Agua-Ylanan, formerly of The Freeman) who is now assigned in Bohol.  

Contributed Photo

“If possible I don’t want to be assigned in office, anywhere I am willing to accept,” he said. His last assignment before he was detained was at the FESAGGS.

Dumpit, who has no salary for two months after he resumed work, is trying to make ends meet.

“I have not received my salary for two months since I was released from jail. I have debts,” he said.

During interview, he received calls from his brother asking him if he reached Bohol. Then, he was teary-eyed. He said he just missed his 83-year-old mother, Liwayway, who is in Davao Oriental whom he met last June 6 after he was released in jail.  He also said he missed his 22-year-old son who is in Cebu.

Dumpit said he didn’t inform Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña of his new assignment in Bohol.

“I didn’t inform him but I know he knew I am now in Bohol because Mayor Tom is intelligent,” he said, “But I will inform him this Sunday.”

Dumpit was imprisoned for six years for shooting dead a 17-year-old suspected robber in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City in 2004. He was released from the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog town, Leyte last June after the Court of Appeals allowed him to post P250,000 in bail pending resolution of his appeal because he had served his minimum prison term of six years and he exhibited good behavior during his incarceration.

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