Wake-uppers:
Scene: The rice infested with “bukbok” (weevils)
which were given to Loon residents came from the buffer stocks of the
provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO), according to the
results of the investigation of the provincial government of Bohol.
Scene: Bohol 2nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle
Aumentado made an unprecedented mark in the latest survey conducted by the
Center for Research and Publications of the Holy Name University. He was the
lone public official with a zero dissatisfied rating, maintaining his net
satisfaction at 92 percent. This rating was eight points higher than last year
which was +84. “That’s a record for the first time in the Bohol Poll that there is no
dissatisfaction in absolute numbers. We
are so happy because this young man is trying his best to be of good service to
his people,” said Boy Pernia. “Naningkamot
nga makatabang sa iyang igsuon dinha sa
Segundo distrito labi na pirmi isulti nga mga pobre kuno ang Segundo
Distrito. So, mao naningkamot siya.
And I think resulting to people nga narecognized sa iyang effort to bring about
a change or better life with them.”
Incidentally, Aumentado and his wife Vanessa celebrated their 15th
wedding anniversary last Friday.
Scene: Our
dear Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 9, 2001) is lovingly remembered
on her 17th death anniversary. Treasured
in our hearts you'll stay, until we meet again someday.
***
Dr. Joahna
for Board Member?
The 2019 elections (will
they be pushed through or not?) are eight months away and already, sizzling
news are filtering in as to who is running for what position.
A few days ago, some members of the
Bohol media met Dr. Joahna Cabalit-Initay at the Godillos Restaurant (owned by
Engr. Nolan Evangelista) along Rajah Sikatuna Avenue (near island City Mall).
 |
| Dr. Joahna Cabalit-Initay |
In 2016, she made
headlines when she fought against incumbent Rep. Rene Relampagos. It was a
tough experience since she was a newbie in politics.
But she said her only
weapon was genuine service.
There was a report
(largely ignored because it was tucked in the inside pages) that she is
planning to run for congressman again?
The big question is: Is she or isn’t she?
Asked about her "future political plans"
by your VRS, Dr. Joahna answered
first with an enigmatic smile.
“I think for board member
in the first district of Bohol,” she said.
She shared about her
programs—livelihood for indigents and free life insurance for the head of the
families— if ever she will be elected.
As a financial advisor, researcher
and consultant of private firms and a graduate studies professor, she is an
advocate for health and wellness programs.
Last Friday, Bohol Vice
Gov. Dionisio Balite has announced his plan to run for Congressman.
“I will run for
Congressman in the third district of Bohol. Kamatayon ray makababag (Only death
can hinder my plan),” Balite said.
He is expected to clash with former Carmen
Mayor Conchita Toribio-Delos Reyes.
In the latest Bohol Poll
2018, it said that 76 percent were satisfied with his performance as vice
governor while only six percent were dissatisfied which resulted to a net
satisfaction rating of +70, the same net satisfaction rating as last year.
 |
| Dr. Joahna Cabalit-Initay
with some members of the Bohol media : Rey Tutas (dyRD), Bob Galero (dyRD), Dave Charles Responte (dyTR), Allen Doydora (dyRD) and your VRS. Contributed Photo |
Balite also announced that
PDP-Laban has endorsed Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr for governor.
He also claimed that he
has been appointed as the ruling PDP-Laban’s highest ranking official in the
province, the same post claimed by Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, a long-time member
of the party.
Both claimed to be the
provincial president and the provincial chairman.
Balite aid Sen. Aquilino
“Koko” Pimentel III, national president of the ruling PDP-Laban, signed his
appointment as provincial chairman on Jan. 11, 2018.
Dumaluan, however, said
that after the party’s election in 2012, there had been no elections held since
then.
“It’s fake. There is no
such position as chairman. Being at a higher rank than him, Balite should
observe delicadeza, courtesy and decorum,” said Dumaluan.
As I’ve said, the 2019
elections (if that will ever happen) are only eight months away and it’s never
too early for anybody "with an intention" to, well, stand up and be
counted.
Right, Board Member Joahna?
Right, Board Member Joahna?
***
Post Loon’s Sidlakasilak (Festival of Lights)
depression is a real thing. It’s that blue, miserable,
nothing-will-ever-be-magical-again feeling you get after you leave Loon town
last Sept. 6.
For the 19th time, the Sidlakasilak would tide you over for a few glorious hours as you
sink into blissful, glorious immersion.
 |
| In Loon’s Sidlakasilak (Festival of Lights), the fusion
of lights creates more drama and ethereal effect against the darkness of the night. Leo Udtohan |
Loon’s festival of lights
is one of the most important and religious festivals in Bohol. It is
one of its kind in the province 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).
Eight schools joined this
year’s competition.
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. The LED lights dazzled in festive colors
of red, green, blue and silver—leaving the crowd mesmerized and in the magical
mood.
The fusion of lights
creates more drama and ethereal effect against the darkness of the night.
This year’s event, I saw
familiar faces: Reigh Monreal, Mayor Elvi Peter Relampagos, Grace Ramada, Gov.
Edgar Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos.
There were also University
of Bohol’s Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno and husband Art, and Emerson Pinos who was
one of the judges.
There was also Bohol 3rd
District Rep. Arthur Yap, deputy speaker for Visayas, who said it was his first
time to witness the festival of lights.
"Loon impresses
me," he told Loonanons.
Mayor Elvi 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.
A fireworks display capped
the event.
Take a bow, Loonanons!
As I left Loon after the
Festival of Lights, colors seem duller.
Nothing is sparkly or exciting. Will anything ever feel good again?
(Winners: Grand Champion: Sandingan High School; 1st
runner-up: Gov. Jacinto Borja National High School; 2nd runner-up:
Loon South National High School)
***
Thanks
for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at
leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
