Cleia Tadena: The Eskaya girl with the golden voice

Retired hospital administrative staff Fidelito Digal Doria
 (second from right) with his nephew, US-based
insurance broker Andy Digal Doria and niece Fatima at
The Buzzz last May 23, 2019. 

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Sandra Jele, who represents Tagbilaran City, in Mutya Pilipinas 2019. The pageant night is on Aug. 18 at SM MOA Arena at 7 p.m.

Seen: Brian Klein Villapaz Fernandez, a graduate of the University of Bohol, held the 8th spot with a rating of 85.55 percent in the Physical Therapist Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last August 2019.

Scene: Lobocanon Fidelito Digal Doria, a retired hospital administrative staff at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, passed away last Aug. 11. He was 62. Known to his friends as "Dodong", Sir Fedel was a wide reader (he was also a fan of The Bohol Chronicle) and a story-teller. The last time I met him was on May 23 this year when his nephew, US-based fashionista and insurance broker Andy Digal Doria and his sister Fatima visited him. So long Sir Fidel.

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The mountainous regions of Bohol hide one of the province’s well-kept mysteries—the Eskaya Tribe. But it also hide a young girl whose voice reverberates in the mountains, a lullaby for neighbors in a less visited place.  

Cleia Tadena from Eskaya Tribe in Taytay, Duero.
Photo: abs-cbn.com

Cleia Tadena, from the Eskaya Tribe in Taytay, Duero town brought her heritage to a wider audience when she joined "The Voice Kids Philippines,” the first in her tribe to share and charm the nation with her voice.

The Eskaya is an indigenous tribe found in the hinterlands of the towns of Duero, Guindulman, Pilar and Sierra Bullones, Bohol's southeast interior. The settlement of this tribe is at Biabas, Guindulman, established in the early 20th century by one Mariano Datahan. The tribe has its own distinct culture, literature, and language.

Cleia, a Grade 5 student at Taytay Elem. School, bagged the top spot in the provincial search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Kids for 2019 organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to recognize the performance of children belonging to the family beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The awarding ceremony was held last week at the Panda Tea.

Criste Tadena receives the award
on behalf of her daughter Cleia
who was the winner in the provincial
 search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Kids
for 2019 organized by the Department
 of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Photo: Leo Udtohan

Cleia, 10, is eldest of three siblings. Her younger sister, 6-year-old Cian and Ernie Jr, 2. His father, Ernie, 37, is a farmer while her mother, Criste, 29, is a housewife.

Cleia performed effortlessly “Oras Na” last Sunday’s episode of “The Voice Kids,” while delivering a fresh sound to those familiar with the lyrics. The three judges- Lea Salonga and Bamboo and Sara Geronimo- turned for her. But it isn’t just her stage presence captivating a crowd of followers. It’s her highly relatable, humble disposition as well.

Criste said Cleia likes singing when she was two years old. Her favorite songs were "My Heart Will Go On" of Celine Dion and "May Bukas Pa" by Rico J. Puno.

Criste narrated that when the family had TV, Cleia was curious to watch singing contests. She would ask her lola how to be inside the TV.

Years later, Cleia’s question was answered on TV last Sunday.

“Nalipay ko pag-ayo kay dili tanan bata makaabot ana,” Criste told VRS.

As she continues her journey in “The Voice Kids Philippines,”  Cleia's eyes are gleaming with excitement; her voice resonates with enthusiasm.

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

• 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.”

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

Gian Ale chases his dreams

Wake-uppers:

Scene: El Gamma Penumbra will be performing in Tagbilaran City on July 27, 8:30 p.m. at Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. This is their first public performance after winning Asia's Got Talent in Singapore.

 

Scene: Bol-anon Cyclist, the umbrella group for all bike groups in Bohol, organized the Freedom Ride bringing Philippine flags "to defend Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity" during the Independence Day celebration in Tagbilaran City. 

 

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The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2 has just been started last Saturday, but the nine-year-old Gian Luigi Ale of Cogon District, this city, already spiced up the stage with his undeniably amazing blind auditions performance.

 

Gian Luigi Ale on the Voice Kids Philippines 2 Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Gian made all the three coaches turned for him when he sang the hit song “Thinking Out Loud” while playing guitar. Just when I thought I'd seen every cover of "Thinking Out Loud" in the known universe, Gian’s might be the best (and the cutest) version.

 

"Masarap lang 'yung tapon mo eh, parang steady lang, very cool, hindi trying hard. Alam mo kung sino ka bilang artist," Lea Salonga told Gian.

 

Sarah Geronimo said, "Pwede kang mag-ballad, pwede ka rin 'yung chill lang na parang nagkukwento lang. Pwede ka ring bumirit nang palaban."

 

"Masarap lang 'yung tapon mo eh, parang steady lang, very cool, hindi trying hard. Alam mo kung sino ka bilang artist," Lea Salonga told  Gian.

 

"Pwede kang mag-ballad, pwede ka rin 'yung chill lang na parang nagkukwento lang. Pwede ka ring bumirit nang palaban," Sarah Geronimo added.

 

Bamboo Mañalac then joked that Geronimo was describing him, pointing out that  Gian also plays the guitar.

 

"Parang ako 'yun, parang ganun, parang ako ang dinescribe mo eh. Oo, ganun, eksakto, tapos may gitara pa."

 

He then told Ale: "Gian, ang gusto ko sa boses mo, 'yung puso, very soulful, kung English. Soulful 'yung pagkanta mo. Natutunaw na kami."

 

Gian Luigi Ale after his performance during 

the birthday celebration of Engr. Jerome 

John Gabin (2^nd from right)... with (l-r)

 his father Arthur, Wincesa Espejo- Araoarao,

 Fiel Angeli Gabin, Cielo and Renji.

Gian chose to be part of Team Sarah.

 

Incidentally, last Friday, Gian performed at the birthday party celebration of  Engr. Jerome John Gabin of DTI-Bohol who turned 45 (His wife Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin shared this message on Facebook: ‘Happy 45th Philippine Independence Day Birthday to a man who is loving, caring, endearing, understanding, responsible, generous, supportive and thoughtful in the superlative degree! Your loved ones are here because you are well-loved... You are a blessing to all of us, Hon. You have done so much for so many people . Thank you so much for everything! With much love from all of us!’).

 

 “At first, I felt nervous when the judges had not yet turning their chairs around,” Gian told Butch Bernas of Tagbilaran City Science High School cum cultural worker who conducted the interview. “When Bamboo and Sarah turned their chairs I was very happy and finally coach Leah. I’ve got a standing ovation from the three of them that made me proud of myself.”

 

Butch Bernas with Gian Ale

Gian started singing when he was seven years old, mostly at home. When his teachers and classmates he could sing well, he was asked to sing in school’s activities when he was a grade two pupil at Cogon Elem. School.

 

Gian said he plays the guitar, drums and the ukelele. He shared he likes Ben of Michael Jackson.

 

“I used to play drums, play karatedo at Holy Infant School,” shared Gian who is now a Grade 5 pupil at Holy Infant.

 

His father Arthur and lola Criselda give him sound advices.

 

“They told me to keep feet on the ground... and always be thankful to God,” said Gian.

 

Hundreds of fans say they are hoping Gian will be the next Voice Kids.

 

“I hope they will support me in the competition so I can reach up to semi-finals and the grand final. Please pray for me,” said Gian.

 

The Voice Kids has helped Gian to showcase his talents.

 

“After the contest, I found myself like an artist already,” said Gian who dreams to become a pop artist.

 

"The Voice Kids," which is hosted by Robi Domingo and Yeng Constatino, airs Saturdays at 6:45 p.m. and on Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

 

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

Kim Mainit gets warm homecoming

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Edik Dolotina on Mandolin Regis’ (Amay to all her friends) death:  If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven, And bring you home again. As I close the Ramadan today, I offer my sacrifices for the everlasting peace of my very good friend, Mandolin Regis and her unborn child. I will surely miss you Amay. I had an exciting journey with you. We will be having our reunion when it is our time. Sleep tight girl.

Scene: The coronation night of Miss Philippines-USA 2013 is on August 18 at the La Mirada Theatre of Performing Arts. For tickets, please call 818-242-2088.

A mini-tornado hit Jagna, damaging five houses in barangay Can-upao. Courtesy: Allan Espiritu/Can-upao BDRRMC

Scene: From Brigitte Tanoja Burato who posted this message on Facebook:  Hi Everyone! I would just like to tell all of you that I was not dethroned as Ms. Bohol Sandugo 2013. I backed out as a candidate for Ms. Silka Bohol 2013 after I have learned that I am not allowed to join any pageants while I am the reigning Ms. Bohol Sandugo 2013. The issue has already been resolved. I am hoping that this will end all the speculations. Let us all maintain positive vibes. Thanks to all Boholanos who are all been supportive since day one. I am truly grateful after seeing all the concerned comments and reactions, it all made me happy that there are many people that care. God Bless and again Daghang Salamat Bohol!

Scene: The Bohol Runners Club has announced that runners can register for the Bohol International Marathon 2013 today. With a new route for the race, the event is expected to draw keen participation from both professional and leisure runners from Bohol, the country and across the globe. The Bohol International Marathon 2013 will be held on Sunday, August 25. There will be three official race categories – 42km, 21km and 10km – and registration fees are Php 1,500, Php 1,000 and Php 500, respectively. For the 5k- fun run category, the registration fee is Php 350 (with singlet) and Php 100. Registration for the Bohol International Marathon 2013 is available at Tagbilaran Community Hospital Business Office, Runner's Circle Shop in Cebu, Arbilon's Eatery beside Panglao Municipal Hall. It is also available on Facebook page Bohol International Marathon. For more details, contact the Secretariat at 09327111484.

Scene: At least five houses were damaged when a waterspout which developed into a tornado barreled through barangay Can-upao in Jagna last Sunday, August 4. While no one was reported hurt, residents were scared as winds blew the roofs off their houses. According to Allan Espiritu,  who took photos of the damaged houses, residents were caught by surprise as what they initially thought as an approaching heavy rain formed into a huge violent rotating column of winds ripping away roofs of their houses around 10 p.m. Barangay Can-upao was hit by a tornado in July 2012.

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Winning "The Voice Philippines" is the goal, but for Bohol’s pride Kim Mainit, “The Boses na May Gustong Patunayan,” going home is always the sweetest trip.

Kim Mainit

After the stressful battle rounds, Kim got the chance to be with his family and friends for a two-day visit in Bohol on Wednesday.

According to VRS, who tagged along with Kim, tears flowed as he finally got to meet his immediate family in Anda town whom he hadn’t seen for a long time. He also paid an emotional visit to the cemetery to visit the graves of his grandparents “to pay homage and ask for guidance.”

The 16-year-old lad from Anda couldn't keep his emotions in check during his sentimental trip back to Bohol, where he dropped in at the city and provincial government offices, hung out with friends at Martins Resto Bar and judged a talent show in Dauis. He also popped in to dyRD and dyTR for his radio stations drop-ins.

Kim studied at Holy Spirit School (HSS)-Tagbilaran where he was an active member of HSS-Red Cross Youth (RCY). 

According to Emman Pilayre, former president of RCY, Kim also volunteered in the many activities of RCY.

“I’m proud of Kimpoy! He’s proud to be an RCY!” said Emman.

Since TVOP contest requires tons of loads to guarantee a win, Kim is asking the support of his fellow Boholanos to vote for him to achieve his long-time dream of becoming the voice in the music industry.

“Thank you so much for the support system BOHOL :))” he posted on Facebook.

During every battle round, Kim always earned the praises of the judges and the viewers, making him as one of their top favorites.

He admitted that ever since he was a child, he always loved to sing and be able to sing with his idols.

Kim Mainit receives a warm welcome from officials and fans in his whirlwind visit to Bohol. 

 Courtesy: Elvie Bongosia and Kim Mainit

Kim said that through TVOP, he was able to embrace and love the music world.

His mentor Broadway star Leah Salongga said she always believed in his exceptional talent.

Kim is asking his fellow Boholanos to vote for him. Just wait for the text voting mechanics.

Also in first season of TVOP is Boholano diva Eva Gulle-delos Santos (of Sarah G team). Music has been part of Eva's life. During her glory days of singing, she was able to perform around the country and in some major cities around Asia. She told ABS-CBN that  she joined the competition not only for the chance of making her dreams come true, but to inspire people her age that they can still dream new dreams, or awaken passion in hiatus.

The plot is thickening. Painit na nang painit!

Again, stand by for further development.

More of Kim courtesy of TVOP:

Kim discovered that he is adopted when he accidentally overheard his Aunts talking about it. He later on learned that his birth father is the brother of his adoptive father, but he still has not met his birth mother. Both of his adoptive parents are working overseas and it was his extended relatives who worked together to raise him to the young lad he is today.

Kim Learned music through the family he grew up with. It may not be in his genes, but he did a fantastic job of learning to spot notes on his own. He wanted to join a choir earlier on, but the group turned him down as he would cause "imbalance" in the team. That incident might have affected him as he did not join any singing competitions prior to the show.

Kim Mainit joins TVOP to make his adoptive parents proud. He would want to win the competition to save enough money to keep his parents from working abroad further.

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