Dolce Amore in Bohol: ‘Kilig pa’ more!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The Department of Education (DepEd), in cooperation with the provincial government  of Bohol,  Australian Embassy and  Asia Foundation Partnership in the Philippines conducted the "Eskwela Agrikultura" Agri Senior High School Summit last March 9. It brought together agriculture and tourism industry stakeholders to discuss the development goals of the province senior high school opportunities in tourism.

Scene: Fans remembered the 6th anniversary of Rebecca del Rio’s death last Friday. Rebecca Del Rio (Ma. Lourdes Buslon in real life) was the 1st Filipina to win Asia's Best Supporting Actress in the 1958 Asian Film Festival. A native of Sierra-Bullones town, Del Rio hit her peak in the ’50s and she made numerous movies under Sampaguita Pictures. She was touted as the “most glamorous kontrabida” of her time. Rebecca del Rio may be a darling to baby boomers but perhaps a bit of a "stranger" to the new generation of movie lovers.

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ABS-CBN’s Dolce Amore has been keeping Filipinos glued to their TV sets. Last week, many Boholano followers could not get over to the kilig serye’s episode on Bohol, trending on social media and unwittingly disrupting the diurnal of Boholanos.

‘KILIG PA’ MORE. Dolce Amore which shows the beauty of Bohol last week has been keeping televiewers glued to their TV sets with so much ‘kilig’. Courtesy: Star Creatives

“I did watch the episode. It was not only kilig but it showed the beauty of our province,” said Karen Digal-Asoy who personally met LizQuen during their taping in Sevilla town.

“I can’t get over the movie..so much love and kilig,” said Anita Dacaldacal.

The Bohol episode shows Tenten (Enrique Gil) finally agreed to join Serena (Liza Soberano) in her trip to Bohol.

They immediately headed to Nanay Melds (Frenchie Dy)'s community with a friendly guide (Buboy Villar) who helped them find the way. They crossed two streams (unverified locations) and Sipatan hanging bridges in Sevilla town, and had a long walk on a forest road of Loboc and Bilar.

When they reached the community, they were greeted by a marching band and a group of residents who made them feel like VIPs. Serena finally got the chance to hug her Nanay Melds once more.

DR. DOLOREICH DUMALUAN and his wife Malou 

meet LizQueen at Dumaluan Beach Resort in Panglao town 

where the breathtaking beach scene of Dolce Amore’s Bohol 

episode is shot here. Contributed Photo/Roldan Cuevas

Serena and Tenten excitedly explored the beauty of Bohol with Nanay Melds and Tatay Cardo (Rommel Padilla). Nany Melds told them that she was working at the floating restaurants.

They went to Loboc River cruise.  There was Lobocanon singer Sam Varquez who was singing “Welcome to Bohol...” while they were enjoying the ambiance of the river. They also joined the local folks to dance tinikling.

After the cruise, the group headed to Chocolate Hills. The place was a perfect setting to discuss love and destiny.

Quote and unquote: "Ang pag-ibig nila ay hindi dahil bumagal ang ikot ng mundo o kumanta ang mga ibon o biglang lumiwanag ang madilim na paligid. Ang pag-ibig nila ay nagsimula sa gutom lamang. Isipin mo yun... Ang happily ever after, hindi ibig sabihin na happy-happy ka lang lagi. Ang ibig sabihin ng happily ever after ay dahil pinili mong maging happy sa taong kasama mo at mahal mo at kahit ano'ng mangyari, paninindigan mo yun dahil mahal mo yun e. Bumagal man ang ikot ng mundo, umawit man ang ibon o hindi, magliwanag o dumilim man ang mundo, magmamahal ka dahil pinili mong magmahal."

There was a scene at Dumaluan Beach Resort where Tenten enjoyed his morning swim and Serena defended him from the three women who made fun of him because of his lisp problem.

Dolce Amore’s Bohol episode, according to data from Kantar Media, registered a national TV rating of 37.5 percent.

Kilig much!

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Willy Ramasola’s post on Grace Poe goes viral

JP Maslog is rubbing elbows with LizQueen during

 the loveteam’s recent visit to Bohol. Contributed Photo

Willy Ramasola’s Facebook post on presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe goes viral.

His post in full read: "To my FB friends who support Grace Poe, please explain to me why people should vote for her.

"Her own husband is a natural born American and he cannot even vote for his own wife this coming May. Her children according to her will remain American citizens. As senator, the number of bills she filed which became law is none. Big fat zero. Her other public service experience was at MTRCB which consisted of watching movies and classifying them as PG or GP or R.

"So tell me why people should vote for Grace? Give me a very good reason aside from her being the adopted daughter of FPJ. Thanks."

Well, Willy has a point.

Unexpectedly, his post caught the attention of many personalities, including singer Gab Valenciano, son of Gary V.

Valenciano said, "Dear Willy Ramasola, I do not know who you are so I cannot comment based on your character and personality, instead, I will comment based on your post."

Gab also reminded everyone that dual citizenship exists and that her family’s own American citizenship should not be taken against her.

“Sen. Grace is my friend above anything. And I defend my friends. So what if her husband is an American citizen. So what if her kids are keeping their American citizenship. Get with the times. There is something called dual citizenship. People who are well travelled and have spent time away from their hometown could have gained more insight, could have gained an understanding of what it means to advance any kind of system beyond the ‘Filipino way,’” he said.

Valenciano also blasted the existing double standards in the Filipino political system which have served as hindrances to someone like Poe who just wants to serve her country.

“Our political system is rotten to its core, and the whole world knows this. A true Filipino is Filipino by blood, not by paper. People move countries to expand their way of life, not relinquish their homeland. She purely and sincerely wants what’s best for our country and will do anything and everything to serve with the best of her ability, no strings or bs attached. That’s what I admire most about her. We Filipinos are so freaking fickle. We lambast and rebuke her yet have the balls to support someone who goes against a Filipino’s moral code. It’s an outrageous double standard that is so hypocritical, it’s sickening. Let’s disqualify the “inexperienced” candidate who doesn’t meet the requirements of residency and continue glorifying the corrupt, unscrupulous and indecent,” he said; adding he wasn’t paid to endorse but would just like to defend his friend from the hate he believes she doesn’t deserve.

“My issue here isn’t about who you want to vote for. Vote for who YOU personally believe in. That’s fine. But do not use these technicalities to question someone’s ability or inability to lead,” he said.

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

60 things people should know about Grenie Aumentado; Sevilla has a new Mayor

• 60 things people should know about Grenie Aumentado

• Finally, Ernesita “Nene” Digal is new Sevilla mayor

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Blind hymnist and lyricist Onecimo “Onie” Oclarit needs our help. Onie, who suffers from chronic kidney ailment, has to undergo dialysis. “Gamay nalang nahibilin sa akong kinabuhi, nagsuway ako sa paghangyo kaninyo og diyutay nga hinabang,” he said in a video posted on Facebook. To help Onie, contact his daughter Alma at 09354989726. He has given much to the Church and to the beautiful musical culture of our province. Onie composed the songs Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon and  Balik sa Bohol (popularized by Loboc singers at the floating restaurants). His composition "Señor San Jose" is sung anywhere in the world where there are Visayan devotees of Saint Joseph.

Scene: The successful book launching of Nestor Maniebo Pestelos’ Old Warrior and Other Poems last Wednesday, May 14 at the BQ Atrium.  Thanks to Sir Marianito Luspo (who emceed the event) for the invitation to the special and meaningful book launching. It was special because the book charts the life and experiences of Mr. Pestelos, and meaningful because the net proceeds of the book will be donated to the Bohol Quake Assistance Fund Drive of Bohol Local Development Foundation, Inc and partner agencies to help provide shelter and livelihood assistance to the victims of the killer quake. Visit www.nestorpestelos.blogspot.com or www.bldf.blogspot.com.

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Comelec sits new mayor in Sevilla town

After one year of waiting, former Sevilla Mayor Ernesita “Nene” Digal was finally proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Manila as the new mayor last Wednesday, May 14.

Mayor Ernesita Digal took her oath as the new mayor of Sevilla before Judge Sisinio Virtudazo with witnesses Marie Karen Digal-Asoy, Doxson Asoy and Atty.Theodoro Lagang. Photo By: Leo Udtohan

After Digal’s proclamation, she went home and took her oath before Judge Sisinio Virtudazo on the same day. The oath-taking was witnessed by former SK leaders-couple Marie Karen Digal-Asoy and Doxson Asoy and lawyer Theodoro Lagang.

“I thank the Lord! Nagpasalamat ko sa Ginoo nga minggawas ang resulta sa kaso nga sayo,” said Mayor Digal. “Ug akong panawagan sa katawhan sa Sevilla nga magmalinawun, makighiusa ug matinabangay para sa kaayuhan ug kauswagan sa mahal nga lungsod sa Sevilla.”

VRS sought Mayor Juliet Dano for comments but it was Sevilla municipal administrator Pat Dano who answered on her behalf.  

He said Mayor Dano has not yet receive a copy of the proclamation. He also added, “As of now, business as usual walay interruption.”

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Sixty years ago, The Bohol Chronicle was born. This newspaper fought for freedom of the press.

The Bohol Chronicle’s anniversary (the 16^th on Friday, May 16) coincides with the birthday of Peregrina “Grenie” Aumentado (her 73^rd) who should be, according to Fatima Mapesos, addressed as “Maam Grenie”, described as “the best first lady of Bohol.”

What many people perhaps didn’t know is that her husband the late Rep. Erico Aumentado (who’s celebrating his 74^th birthday today, May 18) was a columnist of this paper.

In keeping with The Bohol Chronicle’s 60^th year, VRS asked Jiselle Rae “Jamie” Aumentado Villamor to do a list of the 60 things about her Lola Grenie.

1. She is our model of simplicity. Simple, in the very strict sense of the word and in all angles. She likes less complicated things.

2. She is comfortable in her own skin, in her own beauty and what she got as a person. To me, it is a mark of a truly beautiful person, inside and out. 

3. She smiles at simple things in life. A simple greeting. A simple gathering. A simple present. Give her that and she finds joy in it.

4. She is feisty. She knows how to get her ideas across.

5. She never let anything hold her down.

6. She is independent.

7. She finds ways on her own to get out of a difficult situation.

8. She turns difficult and hard situation into fun and amusing experience.

9. She thinks ahead of the situation. She anticipates and readies herself with anything that might happen.

10. She is one tough lady to hold her own in certain situations.

11. She lets go of the bad days and move forward to better ones.

12. She does what needs to be done “period.”

13. She is fearless with anything, except with God.

14. She was always there behind Lolo Rico’s 45 years of public service- supporting, inspiring and helping out the best way she could.

15. “She loves to be held and kissed every time I go out from the house”, according to Lolo Rico.

16. She is smart and wise.

17. She gives the most practical advice on marriage and how to deal with your husband. Yes, I am still single but I am lucky enough to have heard and listened to my Lola’s advice on men.

18. She lives not to impress but to be her own.

19. She prefers not to live in someone’s expectation.

20. She does not expect everyone to understand her journey because she knows we have not been exactly where she is going.

21. She is a very down to earth woman.

22. She never demands.

23. She settles on what is available, and she does not want to cause people hard time only for her convenience. What is convenient for all is convenient for her.

24. She is bold and original. 

25. She always refuses to be in the limelight.

26. She prefers lightness and elegance than lavish and glamor.

27. She stood for the family and is still standing for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

28. She always reminds us to live within our means.

29. She always reminds us that power and material things are temporary in this world.

Jiselle Rae with her Lola Grenie

30. I don’t ever remember her baking cookies or cooking a dish- she is not that kind of grandmother- but I do remember her making her own version of hot pot dish ‘shabu-shabu’ and she proudly, exclusively and specially served it to only one person, Lolo Rico who delightfully and ‘carefully’ chose his words to describe the dish Lola Grenie made only for him.

31. She has a green thumb, a real farm and garden lady. She likes to stay and work in her garden or farm for hours and not go anywhere. It is either of vegetables, fruits or flowers. I could not think of any person I know who has excellent gardening skills than her.

32. She has the skill to take what is available and turn it into something very useful and special. She’d turn an empty tea jar to a nice pen holder, a used and torn sarong to beautiful handkerchiefs. Nothing goes to waste.

33.  She does not spend money unless necessary.

34. When she does spend money, she sees to it that she spends for the most reasonable price.

35. She likes to write and post it on walls. I am not talking about FB or Twitter kind of posts, but literally, she writes on a paper with a marker and posts it on everywhere she thinks visible- kitchen walls so the girls get reminded of her instructions, on the bathroom wall so she and Lolo Rico would be reminded of important dates and tasks.

36. She also writes her sentiments and post to a strategic place where the person the message is intended for can read.

37. She is a very generous woman. Often times, one would not leave her house empty handed because she gives even the little things she can offer.

38. She thinks of the welfare of everyone first before her own. She’d rather give out the money intended for her own to people who need it more than her. For her, nothing is too insignificant when it comes to lending a hand to someone else.

39. She never runs out of stories to tell. One of the best things about her. We could talk for hours and we always love that.

40. She is naturally funny and cool. Yes, that’s because we can talk about anything to her and laugh about it.

41. She is adorable in so many ways like the way she talks, her facial expressions and gestures. Get close to her once and you will know what I mean.

42. She still plays around with her great grandchildren.

43. She does not overthink. She worries less and she thinks for better solution.

44. She pays close attention to the people whom her loved ones find so important in their lives.

45. She believes that in order to serve your purpose in this world, you have to remove toxic people in your lives.

46. She is a very strong willed woman.

47. She takes responsibility of her actions.

48. She gives credit and gratitude to the one who deserves it.

49. She speaks in truth even when her voice shakes or even when you don’t like what you hear.

50. She tells you what she wants and really means it.

51. She always reminds us the power of prayer and how God is faithful to His promises to us. I remember one time, I was sick and became anxious over something. Lola Grenie said “Pray and call upon Jesus. He helps and will never leave you.” In situations like that, I always hear my Lola’s voice reminding me to pray and it comforts me every time.

52. She teaches us the value of loyalty and that none of us are perfect, but we all have the ability to be loyal to those we love, such as family and true friends.

53. She may at times forget your name but she doesn’t forget how you were to her. I personally had this experience with Lola when she couldn’t remember the name of the person we met at a grocery store but she did tell me how that person in a way touched her life.

54. She is not afraid to step outside of the box and out from her comfort zone.

55. She loves and she fights, depending on what is needed.

56. She is one of the few people I think of when I am caught in doubting situations and I ask myself what she could have done if she were on my shoes.

57. She has always been the rock, a stronghold in the family.

58. She is one woman who constantly showed me to never compromise myself, to trust my instincts, and to stand for my convictions.

59. She is someone I could not thank enough for what I have become now.

60. She is the definition of love, beauty and simplicity.

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

Songs of praise and worship with Don Moen on Nov. 10

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Lion and fellow journalist Priscilla Richards, this invitation:  The U.S. Embassy will host “U.S. Election Watch 2012,” in partnership with SM City Cebu on November 7, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 pm.  Guests at the event can vote in a “mock election,” watch live elections returns from the actual polls in the U.S., and take part in intermission activities such as trivia games, a free photo booth, and avail of elections-related information. Representatives of the U.S. Embassy will be on hand to answer questions pertaining to the U.S. elections, and the U.S. electoral system.

Atty. Delgado

Scene: As Halloween approaches, excited costume enthusiasts queue at BQ Mall to buy some Halloween costumes and props such as skull face glowing or bleeding costume, witches, vampires, hanging screaming zombie, inflatable body form and other ghoulish trick-or-treating costumes. Skulls and other scary objects are to greet people at the entrance of the Island City Mall. Bohol's first hotel, the Hotel La Roca, has creepy and creative Halloween decorations. At the Tagbilaran City Square, Hoocha has also Halloween decors to treat customers.  There will be an Ultimate Halloween Dance Party on Oct. 31 at JAD Memorial Center in Loboc town. Dubbed the Hottest Halloween Disco in Loboc, entrance fee is P30 with one bottle SMB, while partygoers can pay P400 pesos per table which is good for four persons. Tickets are available at the Loboc Tourism Office or call 510-1428. 

Seen: Lawyer Julius Gregory Delgado is spotted in Japan. He is enjoying Kyoto, Japan’s ancient city and Osaka and Nara. He posted on Facebook: “Kampai para sa mahabang buhay! In joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, Sake is part of Japenese life!”

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God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way…
               - Don Moen

Don Moen

What an inspiring (powerful) song, isn’t it? I’ve been listening to Don Moen ever since I was a kid at the old Caingget neighborhood. I love his songs. It’s really true that God will make a way for each one of us whatever troubles or big problems we have. God will never leave nor forsake us. 

Many people from all over the world can testify that God Will Make A Way has helped them (including yours truly) renew their faith so many times especially during tough times when we feel like God is nowhere to be found. 

Here is a trivia: Don Moen’s song God Will Make A Way sprang from a tragedy in his family. According to praisecharts.com, “after learning that his young nephew was killed in a car accident, Don Moen searched for some way to help bring comfort to his grieving family even as he struggled with his own sorrow. While reading Isaiah 43, he asked God to give him something that would bring hope to the family in the middle of a hopeless situation. As he prayed, the words for “God Will Make A Way,” came to mind. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. For a while, that song remained a private message for his family. But slowly, he began sharing it with others and soon found that it was a message for the whole church. A message to cling to when “there seems to be no way.”

Don Moen will perform at the Bohol Wisdom gym on Nov. 10 in a concert produced by Ovation Productions. The concert is part of his three-day tour “God Will Make A Way! Philippine Tour 2012.” (Don Moen will have performances on Nov. 8 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City and at the JCCU Auditorium in Butuan City on Nov.11.)

Expect Don Moen to include in his repertoire his hits praise-and-music songs that interpret closely the words of the Bible, such as God Will Make A Way, Thank You, Lord, God Is Good All The Time and Give Thanks.

Other Christian songs that he has popularized include Lord, I Offer My Life To You, I Want To Be Where You Are, Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord, Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and many more.

Now at 62, Don Moen is as captivating as ever, treating audiences all over the world with his worship songs. His voice quality has remained the same through the years. He produced a total of 11 volumes in the series, including the first album, Hosanna! Music: Give Thanks, which sold hundreds of thousands of copies and became the label’s bestseller and his list of accomplishments (a Dove Award) is a testament to an incredible professional career as singer, composer, pastor and producer of Christian music. 

Don Moen has enjoyed a long music career that refuses to fade away because God and the fans won’t allow it.  It will be a history that Don Moen makes his Bohol debut on Nov.10. You can’t afford to miss watching one of the greatest performers in Christian music history — it’s a chance of a lifetime.

Tickets are priced at P1, 200 (Gold/Court Area), P700 (Silver/ Lower Side Bleacher) and P400 (Bronze/General Admission).  Ticket outlets are PCBS (call 501 0823), Island City Mall, Bohol Tropics Resort and All Dunkin Donut Outlets.  For details, call

0923-160-5876 (Claire), 0927-211-2448 and 0921-284-7653 (Rachael).

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Mayor Nene gets warm birthday cheers from people

Sevilla Mayor Digal

Sevilla’s well-loved public servant Mayor Ernesita “Nene” Digal celebrated her birthday last Saturday, October 20, at Digal’s residence in Poblacion, Sevilla town. 

Rain or shine, the celebration went smoothly as the people of Sevilla were treated a birthday celebration ala fiesta. Heavy rain didn’t stop those invited from showing up. 

Mayor Nene, as she is fondly called in Sevilla, played host to her people and friends from academe and politics, such as Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, reelectionist Rep. Art Yap and former provincial board member Josil Trabajo.

"What is Mayor Nene’s wish?"  Inday Charity chided the birthday girl. Mayor Nene’s daughter, Karen, who’s former SK municipal federation president, answered for her mom, “Good health and mudaog siya!” 

Mayor Nene is seeking reelection in May 2013 elections. 

Also present were her Vice Mayor (to be) Councilor  Victoriano Fernandez and councilors (to be)  Geny Calamba, Marcelita Adolfo, Glenn Rubenial, Beverly Beniga, Dinah Barrete and reelectionists Councilors Marcelo Item, Antonio Patac and Anastacia Lagrosa. 

Of course, Mayor Nene’s husband, former Mayor Ceferino Digal, was also there entertaining guests and visitors. He has significantly improved Sevilla during his three consecutive terms.

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Tracy is elected gay assn prexy

Tracy Torres

Bohol's most popular make-up artist and hairstylist Tracy Remolador Torres is the newly-elected president of the newly-formed gay association of Tagbilaran City. 

According to Kim (who posted on Facebook that s(he) is hoping for peace, unity and progress to the group),  other elected officials are Jun Quimpan as vice president,  Charlow Arbasto as secretary, EJ Relampagos (treasurer), Rany Gespert ( auditor), Rizalino Torralba aka Inday Rufing and Alexis Calediña are press relation officers, sergeant at arms are Reynald Culgue, Stanley Hamilton Sevilla and Jonathan Ocat and Donna Betos (muse). 

The oathtaking of the new officials and members is in December.

 The United Society of Artists (USA) is the newest Tagbilaran-based gay/bisexual and transgender rights organization and the new progressive voice for full gay equality. Tracy has distinguished himself as a strong supporter and advocate for human rights. 

“It is both exciting and a privilege to be part of this association," he says. “I am deeply inspired by the people of all ages and circumstances and from all backgrounds who create positive change in their communities.”

According to Tracy, the Boholano Gay Community has undeniably been the backbone of many events in the province. 

“I am confident that this organization will reach its goals of providing peace, unity, and progress to the Gay Community of Tagbilaran City,” says Tracy. “I am encouraging everyone to actively participate in all our advocacies. I, as the President of this organization, I will do my best for the betterment of the gay community of this city and for the progress of our home province Bohol  and with that, I encourage everyone to join me in this cause because we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided! Thank you!”

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