• Mikee Andrei brings you ‘Yes I Do’ • Brothers sing ‘Tagai Kog Rason’

Boholanos take their weddings seriously, such that bridal fairs featuring both homegrown talents and Cebu-Manila-based import are a hit in the province, one of the wedding destinations in the country.  This year, fashion icon Mikee Andrei will showcase her creativity, style, influence and professionalism.

Mikee, of course, is one of the country’s young and eminent designers, known as much for her elaborating the female silhouette and creating vintage stuffs into design pieces. As president of the Fashion Designer Alliance Manila (FaDal), she finished her studies at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines where she is presently working as the school’s administrator and one of the teachers in fashion design.

On July 13, Mikee, in partnership with Bellevue Resort, Blue Grass Project and JCI-Bohol Chocolate Hills, will showcase her bridal collection-“Yes I Do!” with the Miss Bohol 2015 candidates and special guests.

It will be a lovely treat for all the brides-to-be, wedding planners, and wedding enthusiasts helping their loved ones plan for their big day.

Mikee Andrei to hold ‘Yes I Do’ bridal fair on July 13

 with Miss Bohol 2015 candidates.

“Well, I’m from Bohol and I’ve shows in Manila already and it’s time to go back to where I started and came from," said Mikee.

Special guests include actress Rich Asuncion, Miss Bohol International 2012 Mary Ebone Cimafranca, Miss Earth Bohol 2015 Gayle Suzette Yu and Miss Bohol 2014 Queeni Melody Fullante who will showcase dresses from each brand new (hot off the rails) collections.

“I’ll be showcasing a variety of bridal pieces perfect for a garden or church wedding and especially beach wedding in hue of white, ecru, silver and ash, gold and cream,” said Mikee. “There will be themed bridal dresses also which are not the typical colors of bridal gowns.”

Tickets for the “Yes I Do” are at P350, available at Martin’s Restobar and Wilsons Restaurant.

And here’s more back-and-forth with Mikee Andrei:

What’s totally new for this collection? In this collection, you will see not only the hues of cream, white, ecru, and beige. There will be other colors perfect for themed weddings and creative brides.

Fantasy bride? I’ve been dreaming of having a black bride. That includes the long veil! The red lips and the bloody red bouquet of roses to complete the look.

Save the date, July 13 and get a glimpse of your
 dream wedding at Bellevue Resort in Panglao. 

Engaged celeb you’d love to dress? There is none that I can think of right now but if I am to be asked, my dream celebrity bride is Soleen Heusaff!

First dress you ever designed? The first dress I made as I can remember, that I consider a decent dress, is the one I made for myself for the gala night of Cary Santiago at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Resorts World Manila. The front act of that gala was John Herrera who was my mentor. My gown was in rust orange and stretch suede fabric. It was inspired from my Greek goddess obsession.

Most favorite dress you’ve ever designed? I can say the one I made for the Faculty segment of the graduation show 2012 of Fashion Institute of the Philippines was and still my favorite. My muse was Krista Kleiner. It was inspired by royalties and it was made of lace and layers of soft tulle and decorated with swarowvski crystals.

Who is the Mikee Andrei bride? The Mikee Andrei bride is the one who is unafraid to say what she wants and how she wants to be remembered on her wedding day - glowing, beautiful and happy, genuinely happy. When a woman wears something she loves and is total comfort and confidence, that's a kudos to the designer.

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Tanio brothers sing 'Just Give Me A Reason' in Visayan

Sukad nagkaila ta/Ikaw aking gihigugma/Nganong imo kung gibiyaan/Gimaotan ba ka sa akoang hitsura

Maong imo kung giilisdan

Gusto mo lalaking macho ug guwapo/Di ka gusto nako kay mura kog di tawo/Guwapo man unta ko sa wa pa nauso ang tawo

CHORUS: Tagai kog rason/Nganong dili ko nimo sugton/Lisod ba higugmaon sama nako/Nga maot og nawong?/Naglibog ko sa akoang hitsura/ Angay bang mahayan ko / Si mama sa akong hitsura.

Bisan ingon ani lang ni akoang hitsura/ Pero imong tutukan maanad raka/ Kung ikaw dili maakoa di ko maagwanta/Nga ikaw wanay gugma

Gusto mo lalaking macho ug guwapo/ Di ka gusto nako kay mura kog di tawo/ Guwapo man unta ko sa wa pa nauso ang tawo... ---Tagai kog Rason

That’s the (unofficial) Visayan version of Pink’s Give Me A Reason sang by brothers Emmanuel and Sandy Tanio during the blind audition of The Voice Kids on June 28. Their performance made a huge impression on Bamboo who turned his chair as he watched them singing with their diwdiw (an invented musical instrument with two strings) and ukelele.

Brothers Emman and Sandy Tanio join the The Voice Kids to help their parents earn a better income. Courtesy:  The Voice Kids Philippines/ABS-CBN

From Amakan Village in Dampas, Tagbilaran City, Emman, 12, and Sandy,9,  are singing for various people in the beach in Panglao, terminals and restaurants, to help their parents-- Sanny, an occasional construction worker and Elizabeth, a housewife.  Until The Voice producers saw Emman and Sandy were caroling in Acacia de Bubu in Burgos Street, Tagbilaran City.  The Voice producers sent them straight through to the judges in Manila.

Sanny and Elizabeth had to borrow clothes and shoes from their neighbors for Emman and Sandy. They also borrowed money from their friends for the terminal fees. Sanny had only 200 pesos in his pocket when they arrived in Manila.

“But the Lord provided,” said Sanny.

"Tuwang-tuwa ako,," Bamboo said.

"Sa umpisa pa lang, nahuli niyo na ako. Instrumento pa lang. Isa ito sa mga paborito kong performance sa season na ito," he added.

Bamboo even tried his hand at playing the diwdiw, an improvised homemade instrument, which Sanny made for them using a pot.

Emman and Sandy Tanio in Panglao.
Courtesy: Doris Dinorog-Obena

It's all surreal they said they were able to sing at The Voice Kids, especially as they watched the auditions surrounded by hundreds of kids from the different parts of the country.

“Gikulbaan pud ko gamay,” said Emman who wants to become a policeman.

“Hapit ko malimot sa lyrics,” said Sandy who wants to be a doctor.  

Bamboo asked Sanny if he could make diwdiw for him. Bamboo also gave smartphones to Emman and Sandy for them to use while in Bohol waiting for the next battles. Their old slum house was also repaired.

Hundreds of fans say they are hoping the brothers would the next Voice kids.

Prof. Marianito Luspo who watched the episode posted on his Facebook: Saw these two Boholano kids on TV tonight performing for The Voice Kids. I used to see them singing for various people in the beach in Panglao and I always make it a point to give them something, other than my words of encouragement. Now they're on TV, their raw talents pitted against many other contenders with voice techniques and looks infinitely much more sophisticated than theirs. I had to admit my heart bled and my tears flowed, especially when Eman said he is doing this to help augment their family's income and that his father's earning as a carpenter does not always guarantee there's enough food for all of them. Somebody suggested, "If I were one of the judges, I'll make them win!" Why- because of pity? Since when has an artistic competition become a work of charity? We have to admit their performance paled in comparison with the other contestants'. To make them win simply because of 'luoy' would be pathetically patronizing. If there was something the two boys succeeded in proving tonight, it is that there are untold numbers of children out there living marginal lives and who deserve a better deal in society, and that we should do our part.

In December 2014, the Tanio family were invited to the South Palms Resort in Panglao to perform during the initial discussions on Hawaii-Bohol sisterhood agreement attended by guests from Hawaii, the vice speaker of Hawaii Congress John Mizuno, Consul General Congen Gina Jamoralin and Capitol officials headed by Gov. Edgar Chatto. It was facilitated by Andrea Echavez of the USAid who searched the family after Janet Lau in Hawaii saw Emman and his father on Youtube (uploaded by a priest from Jagna) wished to give donation.

After their performance, the guests were impressed that they were given new guitars, ukuleles and cash gifts.

“We really appreciated the raw talents of the Tanio family who showed to our guests from Hawaii and to our consul general based in Hawaii how the kids can be trained on musicality as well as used of musical instruments from scrap materials normally thrown to the garbage, but they are using it for music,” said Gov. Edgar Chatto. “The kids talents are vey original and we can use of this as also starting point for bringing out the best from the other people talented as they are but moving in communities. We will develop a program at Center for Culture and Arts and Development to support this kind of arts and talent of these children.”

***

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

Benjie, Joan make wedding guests cry

Wake-uppers:

US Ambassador Goldberg/US Embassy

Scene: Two days after USAid Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Gregory Beck visited the earthquake-ravaged areas in Bohol,  US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg was in Bohol last Thursday, Dec 12. He mingled with kids at the Maribojoc Central Elem School.  Goldberg and USAid Philippines Program Director Gloria Steele gave school kits and teaching materials which the US government donated to Bohol teachers who lost their kits during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

Scene: Christmas season starts with the observance of misa de gallo or simbang gabi on Dec. 16. For nine days ( beginning on December 16 and culminating on December 24), Filipinos wake up in the wee hours of the morning and brave the cold weather, to attend dawn masses which usually start at 4 a.m., as an expression of devotion to God. Traditionally, completing the novena is also supposed to mean that God would grant the devotee’s special wish or favor.

Scene: “Bohol Sings for Hope” album is now on Soundcloud featuring the singles Bangon Boholano and Tugkaran. Full songs and teasers may now be played/downloaded. Help to raise funds for the rebuilding of Bohol! For more info visit facebook.com/bangonboholanomusic or soundcloud.com/bangonboholanomusic and share the music!

Scene: “Where is Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Brigitte Burato now?” asked the roving VRS (codenamed May Asim Pa). “There was no shadow of her doing her job as Bohol’s ambassador of goodwill especially during the 7.2 earthquake. I don’t think she’s busy! I hope she can give time to Bohol while the crown is in her head,” added VRS.

***

Having met several times during Benjie Oliva’s early days at the Department of Agriculture (DA), it seemed like the two were only meant to be acquaintances. But after being forced to work together, where Atty. Joan Jagonos as the DA’s internal auditor and senior staff and Benjie as the secretary’s regional engagement officer in charge for the regional  trips and activities, the two eventually warmed up to each other and fell in love.

Mr and Mrs. Benjie Oliva

Ihad an exclusive interview with the couple for GMA News when their wedding wascancelled last October after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Bohol where theyshared their beautiful love story. Benjie admitted that it was a love at firstsight when he saw Joan.

What’s surprising to learn was that Benjie was sending flowers to Joan several times. 

It was their compatibility that kept the sparks flying.

I asked Benjie and Joan what was the most beautiful thing about each other inside and out. Benjie enthused, “She is a gift from God. She is the woman that God wants me to marry. Working with her feels like the biggest blessing and such a dream come true.” Joan is grateful for having Benjie by her side. “He is the most unique gift from God.”

On December 7, 2013, Benjie tied the knot with Joan at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Taloto District, in Tagbilaran City, dubbed “wedding of the year.”

The much-anticipated wedding was attended by politicians and generated incredible star power.

The wedding vows were so touching that the well-heeled guests couldn‘t help but cry.

The radiant bride walked down the aisle while the groom was singing Ikaw (popularized by Martin Nievera) accompanied by Major Plus organizer, part of which goes, Ikaw ang bigay ng Maykapal, Tugon sa aking dasal, Upang sa lahat ng panahon, Bawat pagkakataon, Ang ibigin ko’y ikaw, Ikaw ang tanglaw sa ‘king mundo, Kabiyak nitong puso ko, Wala ni kahati mang saglit, Na sa iyo’y may papalit, Ngayo’t kailanma’y ikaw...

The principal sponsors

Recounted Mrs. Lea Fabia, owner of the Philippine Nautical Training Colleges, who was among the teary-eyed guests, “I was touched and teary-eyed when I heard Benjie sang the song Ikaw. I couldn’t help sharing their joys. The overflowing happiness etched on their faces was infectious.”

The groom lovingly looked at his bride, as he said, “I take you to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever...” and Joan, her eyes fixed on her brand-new husband, answered, “I take you to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever...”

Anyway, Atty. Ethel Lungay-Reyes, daughter of former Catigbian Mayor and Senior Board Member

Arnold Lungay and one of the secondary sponsors of the wedding, says it all:

The first time I saw on Facebook that Benjie Oliva, a very good friend of mine, was saying words of love, I know it was something more than just an ordinary love story.  When I heard about their story, there was nothing extraordinary either.  Both Benjie and Atty. Joan are connected with the Department of Agriculture, they were introduced by their bosses and they became friends. Benjie was smitten by Joan and he never let her out of his sight.  It didn’t take too long and Benjie finally proposed marriage.

For weeks the couple were very busy in the preparation of their big wedding.  I described it as a Big wedding not only because of the number of the whole entourage but most of all because of the members of the entourage with no less than Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Governor Edgar Chatto, Vice Governor Concepcion Lim, Representatives Rene Relampagos, Arthur Yap and Erico Aristotle Aumentado, board members, mayors, undersecretary and directors of the Department of Agriculture and family friends.

The simple love story became extraordinary when the 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook the province of Bohol four days before their chosen church wedding date, October 19, 2013 at the Our Lady of Assumption Parish church, Dauis, Bohol.

The couple decided to move the wedding date and instead motivated everybody to stand on its feet and help the victims.  The earthquake did not shake their love for each other.  It nourished their relationship even more while they roamed around town after town, barangay after barangay to distribute the relief goods to the victims. 

The church wedding of Benjie and Joan was finally held last December 7, 2013 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Taloto District, Tagbilaran City at 2 pm.

The groom, Benjie, wore a dark suit and the bride, Joan, was very radiant in her white long gown.   The whole entourage was very colorful in red.

The wedding turned out to be a very intimate affair.  The groom sang “Ikaw” while the bride walked down the isle.  The Mass was officiated by Most Rev. Leopoldo S. Tumulak, formerly Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and co-offciated by Rev. Fr. Avelino S. Vale, Rev. Fr. Vengie D. Laguros, Rev. Fr. Leonel Grado and Rev. Fr. Alger Angcla.

The songs of Major Plus filled the church with music during the wedding ceremony. It was followed by heartwarming songs chosen by the groom and the bride sang by Mr. Jerome Sala during the pictorial.

The reception followed at the Panglao Island Nature Resort, Panglao, Bohol.  The bride and the groom as well as all the guests made the party very warm as they stayed and gamely stayed and participated in the program.

The program was made very lively by the energetic host Miss Gloria Araneta and the Center Stage band.

The first part of the program was capped by a very breathtaking fireworks display. Those who stayed were treated to an all night party with the couple having a fabulous night.

Indeed this is a well loved couple and it was shown by the very successful wedding. The earthquake shook them but their love for each other firmly stood ground.  And now it can be told, their love for each other conquered all.

***

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

Festival of Lights, Bamboo Flowers and US Ambassador Thomas

• Bohol’s Festival of Lights, Dance of Lights

• When Harry meets Mabi and friends

• Bamboo Flowers Red Carpet on Oct. 26

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Multi-awarded Boholano lyricist and composer Jimmy Borja posted on Facebook: I want to share some good news with my FB friends. My song is the title and theme song of the new TV series "Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin" which will start airing first week of September 2013 on ABS-CBN (Philippines) and on The Filipino Channel (worldwide). This song is the second most recorded that I've written after "Sana Ngayong Pasko". Lani Misalucha's version was the one that made it immensely popular, and there have also been other stellar versions including Jed Madela, Martin Nievera, Nyoy Volante, etc. I still have a clear recollection of the night I wrote "Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin", it was at Boy Morala's recording studio in Makati where I was the resident songwriter in the mid 90's. Jude Michael who was then a Polycosmic/Polygram artist at that time had asked me to write a song for him. I wrote it on a Korg X5 keyboard, it came together pretty quickly, I got the melody and lyrics in about an hour. I did a quick worktape/demo of it and Jude cut it on his CD. It was not a single but a few years later, it found its way to Lani Misalucha through her producer Ben Escasa who was also Jude's producer. And since then, the song just exploded. It's been a blessing, I can't thank God enough for it.

Scene: Our dear Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 9, 2001) is lovingly remembered on her 12th death anniversary. Treasured in our hearts you'll stay, until we meet again someday.

***

Bamboo plant grows abundantly in our country. It is known for its flexibility and versatility. It can be used in making furniture, musical instruments, kitchen utensils and other items for practical use.

Courtesy: Bamboo Flowers/Facebook

I bet you didn’t know that bamboo grass bears flowers. In Loboc River, bamboo flowers are hanging like chandeliers.

But what some people probably don’t know is that when the flowers bloom, the bamboo dies.

In northeast India, the people fear bamboo flowering. According to an ancient belief, when bamboos flower, there is death and destruction.

That is what Bamboo Flowers is all about. A film by Boholano certified master director Maryo J. Delos Reyes will be screened during the Sining Pambansa National Film Festival All-Masters Edition this week.

The film’s Facebook account says, “The film talks about the youth's problems, hopes and aspirations; about love and life; about sacrifice, forgiveness and acceptance; about life and death.”

There is a popular saying, "The Filipino is as pliant as a bamboo." The bamboo is generally considered pliant, and symbolically it has been compared to the Filipino character. The Filipino character is similar to the bamboo because it has flexibility, endurance and harmony with nature. Like the bamboo grass, people bend with the wind, surviving the many trials in life.

Bamboo Flowers premieres on Sept. 8 at SM Megamall, Cinema 7 and opens at SM Theaters Nationwide starting Sept. 11. There will also be a special Red Carpet Premiere at Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City in Bohol where the film was shot in its entirety on Oct. 26.

***

Outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. loves not just music but also the environment. In his visit to Bohol, he went to barangay Taloto in Tagbilaran City last Friday, Sept. 6, to know the efforts done in the Mabaw Reef Pride Campaign.

Photo taken from the Twitter account of Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.

Finally, Ambassador Thomas met the famous Mabi, the clownfish mascot of Mabaw Reef, who has been making the rounds of elementary schools and other reef conservation activities in the province since 2011.

And Mabi also brought his friends, Meloy (a panther grouper or melo-melo) and Agaw (a threadfin bream fish).

The Taloto schoolkids had a great story teller as Ambassador Thomas read to them a story about the importance of marine environment.

Mabi, who has a Facebook account, posted, “I'm very excited to see you in this very significant event.”

The Mabaw Reef Pride says that it is a 84,339 sq. m. patch reef, about 3 km off the shores of Taloto, Ubujan and Manga in Tagbilaran City and home to more than eight species of Acropora corals and 70 fish species including the orange-and-white clownfish, locally known as bantay botbot. It has been declared a no-take zone marine protected area (NTZ-MPA) by the city government through an ordinance enacted in April 2006.

RARE, an international conservation organization, with its Philippine office located in Bohol, is organizing the event.

Ambassador Thomas also visited the Bohol Crisis Intervention Center and Garden Cafe. He praised Garden Cafe as he posted in his official Twitter account (@AmbHarryThomas), “Great food, better business! Eat @ #gardencafe - opportunity by and for the deaf in #bohol started by @PeaceCorps volunteers.” He also posted Garden Cafe’s menu.

 

Courtesy: Rey Anthony Chiu

Ambassador Thomas said he missed Bohol.

 "Farewell #Bohol! Leaving with memories of gracious ppl, success stories from @USAID_Manila & partners @Rare_org."

Ambassador Thomas’ visit to Bohol maybe his first and last as an ambassador. US President Barack Obama has appointed Philip S. Goldberg as Thomas’s successor.

***

Loon Mayor Lloyd Lopez expressed his gratitude for the huge success of this year’s Festival of Lights.

Special mentions were the organizers, participants and the Loonanons here and abroad for joining the whole event.

Courtesy: Rey Anthony Chiu

Loon’s festival of lights is one of the most important and religious festivals in Bohol calendar and a visit promises unforgettable memories.  It is one of its kind in the Philippines because the street-dancing is done at night. 

The street-dancing competition is held in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Luz or Birhen sa Kasilak (Our Lady of Light). 

Unlike most street dancing competitions, which are known for their colorful costumes and props, Loon’s version is very challenging and different.

The emphasis is on the lights, how to make it move and dance.

This year’s festival had six schools and three barangays contingents. They wowed their crowd in the street-dancing...and they danced their way to the 260-year-old Nuestra Señora De La Luz Church, the biggest church in Bohol, where the contest would culminate.

Courtesy: Ric Obedencio

The people appreciated the entertainment and jaw-dropping sight of the dancing lights. The beat of the drums and lyres also added fanfare during the night.

One contingent carried sakayan with lanterns shaped like baskets and fishes. The dancers used traditional candles underneath the lanterns. The lanterns were shaped into flowers, leaves and bulbs.

Of the school-based category, declared winners were: Sandingan National High School (grand winner), Sta. Teresa High School (first runner-up) and University of Bohol- Loon (second runner-up).

A fireworks display capped the event.

Take a bow, Mayor Lloyd Lopez!

Take a bow, Mr. Reigh Monreal and friends for a job well done!

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