My ‘recycled’ gifts for my favorite Boholanos

Since we are celebrating Christmas, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos.

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know?

In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know?
(Do you know what I know?)
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and…

 -Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

Do You Hear What I Hear? is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of its haunting, urgent and modern message. Originally penned by Noel and Gloria Regney in 1962, it is a timeless Christmas prayer for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Cold War.

 

Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Robert Goulet, Susan Boyle and Andy Williams are just a few of the artists that have recorded the more than 120 versions of Do You Hear What I Hear? in musical styles from jazz to reggae.

 

Since Christmas is only five sleeps away, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos:

 

-For Gov. Art Yap — Unwavering commitment for the welfare of the Boholanos.

 

-For Vice Governor Rene Relampagos— A clean bill of health! He has more work to share his extensive experience involving local governance.

 

-For Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vanessa Aumentado-— More noble initiatives for the promotion and improvement of the second district of Bohol. Their “fitspiration” can inspire many people to live a healthy lifestyle.  

 

-For Representatives Alexie Tutor and Edgar Chatto — Confidence that they have the continued support of their constituents and more successful efforts in local governance.  Same for Board Members Jade Acapulco Bautista, Lucille Lagunay, Mimi Boniel and Aldner Damalerio.

 

-For Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap and First Lady Jane Yap— More high-impact projects for Tagbilaran City’s #AsensoPaMore.

 

-For Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo — An opportunity to represent the beauty and grace of the Boholano women in a national pageant.

 

-For Willy Ramasola—   A “silencer” that will prevent him from posting “shocking” and “revealing” tidbits. He can do it after Christmas! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

-For Joy Sevilla and Rain Calimbayan— Creative and colorful ideas for their bayong projects ! And peace pipes they should smoke with Willy Ramasola! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

 -For Vanessa Cubrado and her beau— Wedding bells! Wedding bells!  Same for  Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag.

 

-For Dominic “Dobap” Aparicio and Charmaine—   A marriage contract! His Christmas wish? “I will be celebrating my Christmas together with my future wife, Charmaine. Though almost all of us are struggling due to the crisis brought about by pandemic, we should not forget that everything happens for a reason. This is the time we should show and give love to everyone, express love to one another and spend it to the people we treasure the most. Loving them the way God loves us.”

 

-For Mizken Tirol- A colorful lovelife!

 

-For  Shanon Pamaong, Maximiel Tallo, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rose and Paul Ranara, Rhigel Dulfo, Charlow Arbasto and EJ Relampagos, Aileen Sendrijas, Khim Magtagad —A huge runway project to display their artistic collections! Same for Khim Laway, Roxanne Monton, Kim Villamor, Christian Bustrillos, Ryan Sadudaquil, Christian Relator and Nikki Simporios.

 

-For Chris John Rener Torralba— More opportunities for professional growth and a holiday with his special someone.

 

-For Mikey Gatal— A hot partner to color his world.  Same for Jholly Lim, Edison Gumapac, Anthony Ceniza and Butch Bernas.

 

-For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint” venture!  The nights are cold! Ha!Ha!Ha! More energy to liase between provincial and national leaders.  His Christmas wish? “We will celebrate Christmas at home in Quezon City with family and friends. We will prepare our usual Christmas delicious recipes for the Filipino Christmas tradition Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Dinner) like Paella, Morcon, Embutido, Kaldereta, Pansit, Bibingka and Lechon de Leche. And the family will set up a wide screen TV for the online Christmas Eve Mass. We also prepare gifts for the children and a trip to Tagaytay and Batangas to breathe some fresh air in the holidays.”

 

-For Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April) and Arch. Junibe Froilan— A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for  Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos and Anthony Aniscal and DarL.

 

 -For Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin—She can establish her own school for beauty pageant and public speaking in the province. After all, she has nothing to prove to anyone. Her Christmas wish? “That there will be enough food for each and every member of the family to partake and share the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, even in this difficult time when our smiles are concealed.”

 

-For Achinette Joy Villamor—More award-winning films! Her Christmas wish? “No plans. Maybe we will watch two films at night instead of one, read more books, maybe get a little writing done. Because we always lived outside of the normal anyway, 2020 feels like one more exercise in improvisation, like playing jazz, shooting guerilla, speaking extemporaneously. You go into a state of flow, managing bumps as they come. The funny thing about this is, the science affirms it. Jazz and physics are more connected than earlier realized.”

 

-For Lailette Boiser, TinTin Ng and Gerry Lugod— Another teleseryes and movies that will showcase  their natural acting.  Same for YamYam Guc-ong, Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito and Fenech Aimee Veloso.

 

-For lawyers Julius Gregory Delgado and Marie Nickie Bolos— Another “joint venture.”  The night is getting colder!  Ha!Ha Ha! 

 

-For Nestor Pestelos, Dr. Rosalina Rara-Sarabosing, Maria Fe Evasco, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Mightee Palo, Rosalinda Paredes, Vera  Villocido-Gesite, Emilia Roslinda, Doris Dinorog-Obena, Liza Macalandag, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Lester Ouano, Michael Canares, Clement Paulinel Ingking, Jesse Acebes, Ludwig Quirog, and other earth warriors, Alex Bongawan, Dr. Mutya Tirol-Macuno, et al—Strength of character to overcome challenges and to continue advocacies.

 

-For Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra and Tibbs Bullecer (of dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) and Allen Doydora and Anthony Aniscal (of dyRD’s Tagbilaran By Nite) —   More explosive issues, more interesting and “controversial” personalities in their radio programs.  Same for Lito Responte, Peddy Bolanio and Ted Ayeng of dyTR’s Cuentas Claras, Bob Galero and Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy.

 

-For Leah Tirol-Magno, Karla Magno,  Dalareich Polot, Meg Raynaldo —Continued balance in professional and artistic endeavors. Same for Atty. Ted Lagang and Atty. Licelle Zamora.

 

-For Marianito Luspo, Gardy Labad, Reigh Monreal, Fr. Val Pinlac, et al —Unwavering dedication for preservation of historical and cultural assets of the province.

 

-For Joey Labrador, Sam Penaso, Rico Tompong, Pedro Angco Jr., Jackie Curambao, et al— More zeal to embark on more creative pursuits in arts.

 

-For Hannah Precillas, Gian Ale, Mark Michael Garcia, Cleai Tadena, Allan Roy Santarin, Gian Luigi Ale, Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Jerome Sala, Isabel Iris Garsuta and Center Stage Band— More music!!!

 

-For Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor and Thomas Luke Taylor, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso —Another “joint venture.” He!He!He! Same for lawyer David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros, Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace, Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal, Marianne Domivee Chatto and Rob Calipes.

 

-For Bebei Tagoctoc —The “Most Powerful Bading” deserves a round-trip ticket to Europe!  Her “Hair Majesty” deserves a grand vacation.

 

-For Shandy Mission, Ryan Sines, EP Relampagos, Rholly Ingking, Jonathan Ucat,  Donna Vitos, Nina Jasmine Cadeliña, Ramil Dolauta, Tamara, et al — A “hairy” year 2021 to more rakets and pangkabuhayan projects.   

 

-For Joseph Gara—Another album to showcase his artistic talent.  Same for Glee Orcullo and Feby Ingking and CenterStage Band.

 

-For Pauline C. Amelincx  —  An opportunity to represent the Philippines in an international pageant.

 

-For Ingemar Macarine — The “Pinoy Aquaman” can conquer the English Channel in July 2022.

 

-For  Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Marilou Dumaluan, Reichyl Vallente, Mary Ebone Cimafranca-Ong, Walter and Leslie Ramirez, Tina and Alexander Dumas,  Mila Lim — Grace under pressure in keeping with the demands of business pursuits.

 

-For Marisol Balistoy – She will be an instrument  that people who have lost their livelihood during the pandemic will find means to bring income into their families to provide for their needs in this health crisis.

 

-For DTI ASEc Aster Caberte – That as a Boholana trusted with higher position in the national government, she will be able to communicate the programs of the government that will give assistance and will redound to bring economic recovery to affected sectors.

 

-For Bishops Abet Uy and Dan Parcon– They can inspire more followers, especially the downtrodden. Same for Msgr. Jeff Malanog and Fr. Warli Salise Jr. , Pastors Boy Rio and Bobby Rio.

 

May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter!

 

***

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

Issues that matter

AS LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN STARTS

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Pope Francis has named Fr. Cosme Almedilla, 60, as the new bishop of Butuan. Almedilla, a clergy of the Diocese of Talibon, succeeds Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos who died in October 2017. A native of San Miguel town in Bohol, the bishop-elect is a product of the St. John XXII College Seminary in Malaybalay City and the Loyola School of Theology (LST) in the Ateneo De Manila University. He was ordained a priest on Aug. 4, 1987.

Pope Francis has appointed
 Fr. Cosme Almedilla as the
 new bishop of Butuan.
Photo courtesy: CBCP

Scene:  Beauty pageant expert, make-up artist and host Oliver Esclamado Acebes, passed away last week at the age of 27, leaving Bohol entertainment and beauty pageant industry grief stricken. Soon after the news was confirmed, many of his friends and acquaintances took to social media to express their grief and share condolences. Acebes, a registered nurse from Jagna, Bohol, was a Pianatics member, the group of supporters of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. The last pageant he watched was the 67^th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand.  The municipal government of Jagna  said that “his delightful personality was memorable.” We will always cherish the memory of his enthusiasm hardworking capability and well-disciplined life.”  So long Oliver!

***

As the official campaign period for the local polls opens on Friday, politicians are likely to encounter the same old perennial issues: poverty and lack of social services.  Voters also questioned their sincerity, honesty, integrity, competence and track record.

While drug problem and corruption remain the most pressing problems in Bohol province, many voters are also concerned about tourism, climate change and environmental protection. Basic needs as water, electricity and jobs also matters to ordinary voters.

For Michael Cañares, tourism, climate change
 and environmental protection are of paramount concern.

Michael Cañares, a senior research manager for Digital Citizenship at the Web Foundation, said how candidates would give importance to environmental issues in their platforms would be critical in the election.

 “Will the local leaders betray the environment this time and pursue development projects at the expense of environmental destruction?” said Cañares, who has more than 10 years of research and development work experience in community-based project management and regional development in Southeast Asia.

According to Cañares, Bohol has enshrined the importance of the environment in its development thrusts but how this will be carried out by the leaders in terms of policies and programs would be critical.

"We have heard of the massive destruction of the mangroves in Bien Unido last year, the plan to put up an oil depot for some big company in Sandingan (in Loon town) recently, and the revival of the issue of Panglao reclamation as proposed by the some investors," the international consultant said.

The growing inequality is also a big issue here. He said that while there is relative growth in the different economic sectors the growth has favoured the rich.

"As expected, the already rich, making them all the more richer, while the majority of the population has not benefitted from this economic growth," he said.

He noted that the income from tourism had not trickled down to the poor, especially the farmers and the fishermen who are often times the victim of powerful businessmen. 

"So how will the leaders this time ensure, that growth will occur with equity?" asked Cañares.

For Willy Ramasola, the growing problems
of drug problem and corruption in Bohol province
 have become a major election issues. 

The third issue that will matter, according to Cañares, is how leaders will approach the issue of disasters and climate change. 

"We have experienced first hand how an earthquake and climate-related disasters (as typhoons) have devastated our province, impacting everyone. However, we have also seen that our capacity to cope with these have been differentiated.  The rich are able to bounce back easily, but the poor are having significant problems coping up," he said.

Part of being resilient is to ensure that everyone is able to withstand natural disasters and minimize losses, he said.

“I think the leaders who are able to provide us a clear vision of how people can be protected and made resilient in the face of natural disasters is critical in the coming elections.  I should also add though that man-made disasters should also be part of the equation, including threats to peace and order," he added.

But for Willy Ramasola, a social media influencer and political observer, issues on corruption and drug problem should be addressed urgently.

"Projects to solve potential problems on power and water, addressing environmental concerns, policies to promote investment and breaking up the monopolies that keep prices high," said Ramasola.

Both Cañares and Ramasola said that while many voters were conscious and concerned about the election issues, it was doubtful if they would elect candidates based on those concerns.

Beauty pageant expert Oliver Acebes with
 Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres  and Miss Universe
 1994 Sushmita Sen.

"Unfortunately though, while I have highlighted the issues above, it is still a fact that voters have the tendency to forget these issues come election day," said Cañares.

While the debates and the miting de avances will be a good place to discuss and learn about what are the stand/plans of candidates, Cañares said the fact that something else, other than proposed programs will matter.

“At the end of the day, it is the politician who has the political machinery that will be able to corner a large vote for the Boholanos,” said Cañares. "This includes, among others, the capacity of mayors to give "inangayan" on election day, or the ability of congressmen or governors to run a campaign, dispensing favours to mayors, and barangay captains while the campaign is ongoing.”

Money matters during election time, irrespective of age, income, level of education, or religion, according to Cañares.

Ramasola said voter’s education is critical in influencing the outcome.  However, Cañares said the problem is not just about voter’s education.

"It is more about reforming value systems and ensuring that people have the right incentive to really vote for the candidates that will bring citizens better public service and a better future," said Cañares.

"That’s why the candidate who has an organized social media team, a well- oiled political machinery that can bring in voters to join rallies and getting them out to vote will come out the winner," Ramasola said.

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

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.

***

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!

***

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.

*   *   *

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