Catigbian wins NCCA's Haligi ng Dangal Awards

By Leo Udtohan

The Catigbian Municipal Town Center in Bohol province designed by Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben. Photo: Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben

The Catigbian Municipal Town Center has been honored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

It is one of the winners of the 2022 Haligi ng Dangal Awards, which is given by NCCA’s committee on architecture and the allied arts during a Saturday (May 28) ceremony at 

Metropolitan Theater Manila. 

Designed by Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben, the Catigbian Municipal Town Center has the creative integration of local architecture exemplifies the virtue of a sense of place and pride of identity. 

The NCCA cited the Catigbian Municipal Town Center as a "testament of rising anew may be seen in this project, for it demonstrates how Boholanos have transcended hardships by rebuilding major government edifices." 

The Haligi ng Dangal is a biennial award conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the National Committee on Architecture and the Allied Arts.  It honors examplary works of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Urban and Environmental Planning. 

Reelected Bohol Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin holds the plaque after her town hall has been conferred the Haligi ng Dangal Awards 2022 under People Choice Category at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Saturday, May 28, 2022.  She is accompanied by Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben and Benjie Oliva. Contributed photos

For this year's event, the other honorees were Teatro Amianan of the University of the Philippines-Baguio City for Architecture which is designed by Archt. Aristotle Go, and Bulacan Capitol Garden of Bulacan Capitol Compound in Malolos City for Landscape Architecture which is designed by L.Archt. Madonna Danao, L.Archt. Ross Pabustan and L.Archt. Danilo Flores. 

Reelected Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin received the plaque. She was accompanied by former youth leader Benjie Oliva and Guidaben. 

The Catigbian town hall was damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013.

Thru the Bohol Earthquake Assistance BEA Fund, it paved way to the construction of the Catigbian Municipal Town Center, a testament of how Boholanos have transcended hardships by rebuilding major government edifices. 

The creative integration of local architecture exemplifies the virtue of a sense of place and pride of identity. 

Its basic sustainability feature of using white colored roofing, natural ventilated common areas, pavers for rainwater percolation to natural ground. 

The integration of the callado, ventanilla and local lattice design motifs unravels the splendor of vernacular architecture woven into major public edifices.

After it was finished, the municipal town center has become a destination. Locals and tourists would stop and have pictures taken with the building as their background.

Guidaben felt so much pride and joy seeing that design through architecture enshrines empowerment of the people and the community for it intensifies the sense of identity of the locality.

He incorporated the architectural elements found in heritage houses and structures seen commonly in Catigbian into the design of the town hall. Which is why the townspeople have naturally embraced and valued their newly rehabilitated government center and are proud of it. He considers that success which is worth beyond material gains from the project.

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  Archt. German Janus Niño Guidaben

Guidaben studied heritage conservation in University of Rome in 2013, Theater architecture in Antwerp, Belgium in 2016, and the architect representative for the Prague Quadrennial theater exposition in the Czech Republic in 2011.

He is also an active Member of the United Architects of the Philippines and became the president of the Bohol chapter for three consecutive terms from 2018-2020. 

He is also an international associate of the American Institute of Architects and has attended the AIA conferences in New York and Las Vegas in 2018 and 2019.

Aside form the Catigbian Municipal hall, Guidaben also designed major architectural edifices in the province like the Tagbilaran City hall and its fountain foreground park, the ongoing Alburquerque Municipal Hall and the proposed Jagna Municipal Hall.

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These helpful reminders, Retirement, author unknown, contributed by Anthony Ceniza of Panglao: 

1. One day you will retire. You won't be going to work. You won’t have office power any more. No influence or at best, a reduced influence. Your cash flow will also reduce.! Check retirement date on your payslip.

2. Always  go for your 30 days annual leave. Whatever you do during your leave, is what you will be doing when you retire. If all you do is to sleep or watch TV, then that’s what you are likely do do in your retirement. Remember the book of Proverbs. A little sleep and a little slumber, so shall your poverty multiply. 

Watching Big Brother Naija will not save you heartache in retirement. Learn a trade or a skill during your leave. It will come handy. Spend your after-office hours learning something. Don’t spend it sleeping, Gossiping, watching TV!! Same goes for your weekend. Make them productive. You will thank yourself for spending your time productively. 

3. Invest for your retirement... your children are not retirement investment. Don’t bank on your children’s support or the support of friends or relations. That’s a BIG risk. It may not happen. Be ready to take care of yourself!! Everyone has his own responsibilities. They won’t be able to help you that much. You will also lose your dignity and respect if you adopt a life of begging. 

4. Start a hobby early in your working days to take you along when you retire. Rearing chicken, farming or own a shop. Acquire marketable skills ( not useless paper certificates) Etc

5. Where shall you retire. Build yourself a home. Don't retire and start to rent a house or refuse to vacate government house. You will be at the mercy of your landlord at a time when your cash flow is not only reduced but unpredictable!!

6. Who shall be your dependants. By the time you retire, your children should be above 18, and self reliant.

7. Don't retire and stay in a big city unless you can TRULY afford it. You can't continue living in a big city after 60 with limited financial resources. The language and the hustle will be hard for you. Where possible, Relocate to a less expensive town where your reduced take home (pension) can go further. 

8. Have property which can be rented or converted into cash. Have shares that pay good dividends. Plant cash trees. Rear goats, cultivate vegetables etc. these activities will not only give you income but will also keep you healthy. 

9. Live a simple life. If you never built a house at your rural home, dont use your retirement package to build. It is unwise unless you plan to live there on a permanent basis or you are super rich and therefore can afford the luxury. The choice is yours. 

Note that many of retirees die early because of the following: 

1. They are not mentally prepared to retire.

2. Lack of finances. 

3. They lapse into depression. 

4 They develop Hypertension/ Diabetes because of worries, anxiety and uncertainty and financial pressures. 

Your desk at your work place is not permanent. Plan for your retirement. 

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

Benjie Oliva: A father in many ways

Just like great moms, Bohol is filled with famous dads who never shy away from doting on their children. These men are generally better known for their contributions to politics, engineering, music, and more.

Case in point: Benjie Sanchez Oliva who seriously takes his role.

Married since 2013, the former youth leader and community builder has two children with lawyer Joan. 

"I love being a father; it’s one of the joys of life," said Benjie, also known as "Bobong" to his friends and relatives. “My greatest achievement is my children and my family.”

The smart and talented Edelle Rose “Edroe”, 6, and bubbly and intelligent Ven Victor “Vin”, 4, are blessed to have a hardworking and dedicated man to be their father. Notwithstanding his busy schedule, he makes it a point to spend quality time with them.

Student leader

Benjie, 39, was born to Ben Segundino Cabillanes Oliva, a native of Barangay Baang in Catigbian, Bohol and Rosita Camiguing Sanchez of Misamis Occidental. His father passed away when he was four years old. His mother who was then a jobless widow was to get a job as a day care teacher in Catigbian to support and sustain his two growing children.

He finished his elementary education at Central West Elementary School, Poblacion Weste, Catigbian, Bohol with honors and secondary education at Immaculate Mary Academy also in Catigbian as first honorable mention.

He finished his Bachelor in Agricultural Technology degree as cum laude at Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT)- Bilar town now Bohol Island State University (BISU).  He also finished his Master in Agricultural Development, summa cum laude, at the same university. Currently, he is on dissertation of his Doctor of Philosophy in Community Development in the same institution.

Benjie rose from being a committee secretary and legislative staff assistant III at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol in 2002 to Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC) in 2005 and administrator of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 2015 until his term ends in February 2020.

At present he is the chairman of the YO Prime Construction and Realty Corporation based in Tagbilaran City, Bohol; managing partner of the Pasion, David, Oliva, Durias and Associates based in Quezon City; and vice president of the Institute of Budget and Governance Studies, (IBGS) Inc. also in Quezon City.

 

‘Father’ to many youth organizations in the country

At 22, Benjie was appointed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Commissioner of NYC on December 19, 2005. He holds the record as the first and only Boholano commissioner at NYC.  

At the time of his appointment, he was considered as the youngest national government official in the Arroyo administration with an equivalent rank of an Assistant Secretary.

For almost six years in NYC, Benjie played as a “father” figure to many campus, church based and community youth organizations in the country whom he supported in many ways. He travelled in every corner of the country from Batanes to Tawi-tawi promoting values formation and character building to various youth leaders and youth organizations in partnership with the Presidential Commission on Values Formation and Good Citizenship Movement as well the advocacy programs on restorative justice of children in conflict with the law with the support of Consuelo Foundation and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council.

He also managed to secure the computer literacy education and livelihood programs of the out of school youth and youth with special needs with the support of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He also served as the NYC point person for the job generation program together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through the Out of School Youth Serving Towards Economic Recovery (OYSTER) Program wherein out of school youths (OSYs) are employed as road maintenance workers.

He helped push for the passage of the Local Youth Development Council, SK Reform Bill, Magna Carta for Student Rights and the Free Higher Education Bill.

Benjie is also a ‘father’ to many youth organizations in Bohol. He was elected president of the Bohol Alliance of Student Councils (BASC), a conglomeration of student councils/governments in all colleges and universities in the province; federated president of the Supreme Student Government Federation of Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) now Bohol Island State University (BISU); member, CVSCAFT Board of Trustees representing the Supreme Student Government Federation of the five campuses of Tagbilaran, Bilar, Calape, Clarin and Candijay; president, Supreme Student Government, CVSCAFT Bilar Campus; provincial president, Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) Bohol Chapter; vice chairman, Campus Ministry-Student Catholic Action Diocesan Council; president, Campus Ministry-Student Catholic Action (CM-SCA) CVSCAFT Bilar Campus; board of rirector, Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) Diocesan Youth Council; Vicarial Youth Coordinator, Mt. Carmel Vicariate; parish coordinator, Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) Immaculate Conception Parish, Catigbian, Bohol ; youth leader, Youth for Christ (YFC) Catigbian Chapter; and president of CVSCAFT Bilar Student Cooperative.

 

‘Father’ of creativity and innovations

At his stint at CDA, its employees considered him as the "father" of creativity and innovations.

Foremost, the new Cooperative Development Authority Charter is a landmark legislation in cooperative regulation and development in the country. There were many doubtful Thomases among the many officials and employees of the CDA starting from its inception until in the last stage of the approval of the two houses of congress. 

Benjie’s strong determination and bold move of pushing the agency’s reform bill is purposely to respond to the current challenges, opportunities and realities in the 21^st century on cooperative regulation and development. The agency was strengthened in terms of its regulatory powers, additional manpower support, more developmental functions and a much closer partnership with the cooperative sector in terms of policy and program coordination through the organization of the national cooperative alliance.

The strong leadership of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives Development was instrumental for the overwhelming approval in Senate with the support also of Deputy Minority Leader Senator Bam Aquino and Senator Risa Hontiveros who is the Vice Chairperson of the said committee. 

House Deputy Minority Leader Congressmen Anthony Bravo and House Committee Chairman on Cooperative Development Congressman Ben Canama were the champions at the lower house in advancing for its approval. And of course, under the leadership of Benjie in CDA together with the strong support of the cooperative sector and stakeholders, the new CDA Charter was enacted into law by virtue of Republic Act 11364.

Benjie is also the "father" of the creation of the Credit Surety Fund Department of the CDA Central Office, the creation of the CDA Region 4-A composed of the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan also known as the MIMAROPA Region. And the man responsible in securing the Three Hundred Five Million Pesos budget under the GAA 2021 for the Construction of the new CDA Office Building in Cubao, Quezon City.

He is known as an iron hand executive of CDA by initiating the Run Against Fraudulent Cooperatives (RAFC) to go after erring cooperatives used for illegal rice importation, investment scams like Ponce scheme, tax evasion, among others. RAFC was an inter-agency coordinating platform that includes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Fraud Unit, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), PNP-Crime Investigation and Detection Group, and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

His last innovation before his term ended at the CDA was the Coop Film Festival. A documentary program together with GMA 7, Inc. to produce short films of successful cooperatives and members in the Philippines.

 

Father of Catigbian’s community development

In Catigbian town, barangay officials considered Benjie as the ‘father’ of Catigbian’s community development.

Catigbian has been known as one among the center of insurgency in the province from the 60’s to the 90’s. At present, intel reports showed that there are still sightings of their presence in the remote barangays but military operatives are there to ensure that insurgency will no longer thrive again in Catigbian. It can be recalled that it was in Catigbian when the CPP-NPA-NDF Regional Spokesperson and Secretary General Silvino “Ka Bino” Clamucha was killed in a running gun-battle with government troops in the hinterlands between barangays Liboron and Maitum in 2004.

Since then, Benjie reach out to the people and the insurgency affected communities to find out the root cause of the problem.

“Unsaon man intawon Sir nga nakalimtan naman me sa gobyerno amoang kalsada guba kaayo mao ang mga taw mahaylo gyud sa NPA. In an adjacent barangays Cang-iras and Liboron, the same sentiment was raised on the road problem. A woman, once approached and told him in barangay Cang-iras, pirteng paita Sir wala me tubig mainum hilabi ug ting-init ut ting-ulan usab ma lubog ang among mga tubod. Kanus-a pa kaha me malingi ug matabangan sa atong gobyerno,” a resident in Barangay Maitum told him.

With his connections in Manila, Benjie moves heaven and earth to secure the funding of the P50-million road concreting of Triple Union-Maitum-Kang-iras Road, the P60-M concreting of Baang-Liboron Road and the P13-M Waterworks Project for LGU-Catigbian. 

When he inspected the project during the construction stage, a mother approached him and said, “Sir wala jud me magtu-o nga ma semento ang amoang lugar. Abi namo ug pareha ka sa uban nga miari lang ug gipangsaadan ming tanan. Salamat kayo Sir. A grandmother also said to him, wala jud me magtoo nga usa ko motaliwan sa kalibutan makabutan me ug hinlo nga mainum nga tubig.”

To date, an additional P35-Million Waterworks project in on-going in barangays Kang-iras, Mahayag Norte and Bagtic courtesy of Bohol 1^st district Rep. Edgar Chatto with the strong lobby of LGU-Catigbian under Mayor Elizabeth Mandin.

Benjie is not yet done with these barangays, he initiated the proposal for the construction and opening of new roads like the Kang-iras-Mahayag Norte Road, Baang-Sitio Binaliw (Liboron) Road, Maitum-Liboron Road, Catigbian (Maitum)-Batuan (Behind the Clouds) Road to further advance the development of the area. Alongside with the infrastructure development is a social preparation for the proposed livelihood support program on coco sugar and cacao production in the community.

He was instrumental also in several infrastructure projects in Catigbian with the help of several senators and partylist congressmen like the covered courts of barangays Baang, Ambuan, Bagtic, Candumayao, Bongbong, Causwagan Norte, Mahayag Norte and Catigbian National High School in Poblacion and multi-purpose buildings like the Poblacion Barangay Hall and Catigbian Slaughter House with a total of more than P40-M.

His efforts in Catigbian started during the time of former Mayor Boy Lurot with the full support of then Rep. Rene Relampagos and continues today.

Yet, Benjie has one more dream. He wants to be the “father” in the Halls of Congress for cooperatives, farmers and fisherfolks through KOOP KAMPI Partylist by providing policies and programs that would uplift their lives and their living conditions.

KOOP KAMPI stands for Kooperatiba Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda sa Pilipinas with Rep. Anthony Bravo as its first nominee.

"Fatherhood is the best thing that could happen to me, and I’m just glad I can share my voice," he quipped.

 

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

 

Tagna-Tagna 2021

Women empowerment: (From left) Incumbent Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Tutor will seek re-election, Vanessa Aumentado will announce sooner if she will run, and former Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio- Delos Reyes will run for mayor in Carmen. 

On the 12th day of 2021, Year of the White Metal Rat, your VRS is making a big “reveal” of what’s in store for our favorite Boholanos  in the next 12 months.  

As in the past years, your VRS based the following Tagna-Tagna not on a deck of tarot cards, enneagram or upon a crystal ball but on  juicy items and snippets from different soources and on social media. 

Now, more about the Metal Ox:  The Chinese New Year will start on February 12 2021 and will end on January 31, 2022.

The recent zodiac years of Ox sign are: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033…An Ox year occurs every 12 years.

Astrologers said 2021 will be a better year for almost all Chinese zodiac signs who have had problems with money or career in 2020, a year dominated by disorders and the economic crisis.

2021 will make many people to be more prone to health-related issues, especially lung diseases.  If during 2020, many people have suffered from respiratory infections caused by a virus that has affected the world, this year, many people will more healthy and will enjoy their life to the fullest. 

Those born under the zodiac signs of rabbit, ox, tiger, horse, and rooster could expect a more favorable year. While those born in the years of the rat, boar, sheep, dog, dragon, and snake should brace themselves for more challenges.

Other Chinese zodiac signs will be asked to step up their efforts this year, but for the Ox, it’s time to reap the benefits of the cumulative efforts they’ve made year in, year out. 

This year also calls for the use of mental skills, in the detriment of brute force, in order to reduce aggression by using our common sense and wisdom strategy.

Lucky colors: Regarding clothes, the lucky colors in 2021 will be white, purple, blue and grey. To increase your luck, wear metal accessories.

But as tradition dictates, VRS is dishing out  his predictions for 2021. 

Xanu Angels, Xanu Boys and Ki-ki and Friends will create good music.

(Warning: As a "gentle" reminder (I may sound a broken record), these are all tagna tagna. Your VRS can’t/won’t tell who are those in the “blind items,” so please refrain from asking. Note: Last year, our “Tagna-Tagna” was 96 percent credible! Blush! Blush! Blush!) 

• Maria Vanessa Aumentado will run in the 2022 polls, if, and that is a big if. She will make a shocking announcement....sooner! 

• Incumbent 3rd district Rep. Alexie Tutor will seek re-election. Same for Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos and 1st district Rep. Edgar Chatto. 

• Senior board member Victor Balite will run for vice governor! 

 

• Former youth leader Benjie Oliva will not run for mayor in Catigbian town. He has more energy to liase between provincial and national leaders. 

• The "missing" billionaire and former Carmen Mayor Conchita "Che-Che" Toribio-Delos Reyes will resurface with a big “surprise.” A VRS said she will run for mayor in Carmen, if, that is a big if, her supporters will agree with her decision. 

• Vanessa Cubrado will run for mayor in Pilar town after her mother, Mayor Necitas, will take her bow after completing her third term with flying colors.  

• It will be a good year for Misses Bohol Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo

 if they will join a national pageant.  

 

• With the bright trail paved by the likes of Achinette Villamor, Ted Ramasola, some of our Boholano indie makers will win awards in filmfests. 

Benjie Oliva will not run for mayor in Catigbian in 2022 polls. In photo shows Benjie conducted a land survey at Sto. Nino Parish Plaza in Barangay Baang, Catigbian  for its development with Councilor Oliver Oliva, Engr. Arnel Cabulao and his team. Arch. Nino Guidaben who designed the beautiful Catigbian Municipal Hall will provide the design and concept for the project subject to the approval of the Parish Pastoral Council.

• Xanu Angels, an all-female band in the province, and Xanu Boys, will release a top-rated song! 

• Ki-ki and Friends will make another hit song! 

• Reggae boyband Brownbuds will have a reunion after this pandemic. CenterStage band will release their debut album. 

• Beauty queen Pauline Amelinckx will make another history. Aim high, girl!

• Media influencer Willy Ramasola will make "shocking" revelations!!! He will make many "frenemies! 

• Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine will not conquer the English Channel this year. He will conquer the English Channel, the "Mt. Everest" of all swims, in 2022, if not, in 2023. 

 AND NOW, THE BLIND ITEMS: 

• The winner for Bohol Governor is….Drum roll please! The complete name has letters A, R and T.  Ooops! The crystal ball becomes blurred! He! He! He!

 

• Tagbilaran City has a new mayor. Clue? The complete name has letters J, A and N! 

Look, I didn’t say if a “he” or a “she”.  Ooops! The crystal ball becomes blurred! He! He! He!

•  A prominent family will be in the “limelight,” as their in-law will seek for a position.   

• Politicians will jump over the bakod! Many of them will feel the pain after they will discover betrayal from their political mates. Ouch, ouch, ooouch!!! 

• Some politicians will suffer from depression due to cyber bullying since campaign will be done online. 

• Scandals will rock the political scene. Some will try to get media mileage out of it. 

•  Many local radio programs will fade out and will be shortened to accomodate political ads. 

•  Some Boholanos will shine and bring honor to the country. No elaboration. 

•  A Boholana will make a name in the national pageant. Another Boholana beauty queen will have a hard time gaining back the confidence of the pageant organizer. 

• The "war" between supporters of Gov. Art Yap and supporters of 2nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado will continue to “sour” into highest level during election time. The feuds will continue as politicians will have mudslinging and character assassination. Trolls are coming!!!! 

• Two high-ranking officials will wage an ugly word war against each other on — Facebook.

• Controversies will rock an LGTBIQ+ association. 

•   A high-ranking official will be “removed,” or “axed” from office not that he’s not performing well his duties but because of “unseen” hands. 

•  Many Boholano vloggers and social media influencers will make names in socmed...and will earn millions!! Wow!!! 

• A Boholano will penetrate the movie industry. Then, another Boholana will be active in showbiz (again).

• Two politicians who were "best friends" but became "best enemies" will reconcile, let bygones be bygones, with no apologies for the ugly words that trailed their breakup.

•  A wedding of the son of a prominent family in Tagbilaran City will not  push through. Reasons?  Only the family of the groom knows.

• More businesses will slowly recover and some will declare bankruptcy as the pandemic continues. 

• A wife of a businessman will have problems with her philandering hubby. 

• A trusted aide de camp of a politician will be removed due to grave misconduct and illegal activities.

• New tourist destinations will emerge in Bohol.

• Bohol will be in the limelight for its beauty and wonder. Wow na Wow Bohol! 

• 2021 will have lots of surprises!!! Surprise?! 

Will the Year of the Metal Ox be lucky for you?

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

Their #2018Goals

A new year, a new you.

As we start another year, it’s always good to strive for certain goals for better, healthier and more fulfilled lives—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Here are some notable (my favorite!) Boholanos who shared their #2018goals:

Idy Caseñas Cagas — PERSONAL: Learn something new. Move more! Create a workout routine, find time to exercise. Eat healthy and increase water intake. Be more grateful. RELATIONSHIP: Visit my parents more often and call them more often. Be in better touch with my closest friends. Have regular date nights with the fiance. WORK: Learn the difference between important and urgent. Keep on learning. Drive my own development. Celebrate successess, big or small, reward myself and stay motivated. Stress less. Understand others better.

Leah Tirol-Magno — To continue innovating, be a blessing to someone each day and also to be a doctor.

Some Boholanos think that it’s important 

to start 2018 the right way—by having a New Year’s goals!

Doris Dinorog-Obena — To visit one or two countries like Brunei and Bali  (Indonesia) and visit Coron (Palawan) then study and explore an online business. I would also want to develop more grounded participatory planning processes inclined towards gender equality...anything that will make use of my previous governance experience.

Benjie Oliva — My 2018 goals are: 1) To lose weight through regular exercise and proper diet; 2) a short-term  scholarship  abroad; and 3) with God’s blessings  another baby in the family.

Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes — This year I intend to be bolder and better. Also, I intend to unapologetically spend more time putting myself first, say NO to others and spend time on myself and my girls.

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas — My 2018 goals seem like my most genuine decisions. I want to be really mindful, be more passionate wherever I go and I want to change for the better. I will no longer dwell on negativities and insecurities but rather, I will practice positive thinking and be more focused. I want to be closer to God, I want to still make time to some people who matters to me. I will have a healthy lifestyle and take care of myself. Lastly, I want to be a woman who's selfless and she knows her purpose and lives with it. And I will live a meaningful life.

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong —I want to  travel more around the world with my family, to be physically fit because I am not getting any younger and to expand my catering business and to have a home my own na jud

Charina Aumentado-Jones:  To lose weight.  Ha!Ha!Ha!

AR De La Serna— Achieve more. Continue working hard. Travel to places I've never been before.

Mikey Gatal — I need a break before I get crazy in America! My plan is to apply for a dual citizenship to be able to stay longer in the Philippines especially in Bohol for a well deserve vacation and not rushing to go back and work. I am considering a job over there at The Panglao International Airport if there is an opportunity and be closer to my family again, I will also consider a work in Congress for that’s where I started and hopefully I will have a happier and peaceful mind this 2018!

Lourdes Brunidor Cempron — Maintain a healthy lifestyle, success for my loved ones and most of all to be more prayerful.

Gisela Mae Apalisok-Leggington—My goals in 2018: track my calories intake and diet, exercise regularly, be a minimalist at home and whichever, spend on things necessary and finish food n the fridge or pantry before buying, not a hoarder, to travel anywhere, time management.  Another goal: go to the gym regularly, go to bed early to get a real good eight hours of sleep

Ingemar Macarine— To conquer the English Channel!

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Today is the best time to relate to VRS readers some inspiring stories sent to me by travel specialist Jocelyn Pilayre and beauty queen Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin who must have gotten them from their other friends or other sources.

Anyway, “A Shoe Seller Walks in the Shoes of Kindness” is worth retelling, from which we can all learn a lesson or two.

I am sharing you this to make you smile and inspire you this 2018.

A Shoe Seller Walks in the Shoes of Kindness

Today, I felt terrible. My head was full of problems and confusion.  I decided to take a walk even though I didn't know where I would go. The most extraordinary thing happened when I was out on this walk.

I saw an old man sitting on a chair. He was a seller of second-hand shoes. I thought he looked at least 70 years old. He seemed so tired and nobody was buying his shoes. I wanted to give him something but I had not brought anything with me.

Then, a little girl came toward him. I heard the child say, "Grandfather, may I polish your shoes?" That old man took pity on her, smiled and he gave her a  shoe to polish.

The girl said, "I polish the shoe because I need money to buy my brother a new school uniform."

SubmitI heard this and tears came to my eyes. The old man answered, "Oh, little girl. Just stop doing this. Come with me and I will buy you a uniform." Then they walked to a market (I followed behind) and he bought her a uniform.

The girl was so happy.  She said, "Thank you so much for doing this. May God bless you." Then she left, leaving the old man smiling.

He walked away from the market, but I stopped him. I whispered in his ear, "You are a hero! Thank you for your kindness!"  As I walked away, I glanced back and I could see him still smiling.

I was blown away by the kindness I had just seen.  Someone who had so little themselves, was able to show such incredible generosity! Amazing! My own sadness had completely disappeared, chased way by the light of this kind act.

I began realizing that I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope, some day, I can show my appreciation of what I have by following the example of the old man who only had a little, but shared it so beautifully with someone who had nothing.

***

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

RIP John Romulo Caresosa Garcia & 108th Rotary International Convention

Corporal John Romulo Caresosa Garcia had long wanted to go home but new assignments kept cropping up that eventually brought him to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

The 28-year-old member of the Philippine Marine Corps was finally home last Tuesday in his native San Miguel town, Bohol.

But it was a sad homecoming for the family who first learned about his death on Facebook.

John Romulo Caresosa Garcia of Bohol was 

among the 13 soldiers killed in Marawi on June 9, 2017. 

Contributed Photo

John had wanted to come home in March but he was ordered to provide security to the president of Vietnam who was attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, said his grandmother, Conrada Relampagos-Caresosa, 76.

He was not also able to come home after the summit meeting because he was told to go to Marawi City to augment the troops fighting against the Maute group.

His family’s worst fears came true.

John was one of the 13 Marines who were killed on June 9 in a 16-hour firefight against an undetermined number of Maute group members in Barangay Lilod Madaya that started around 3:30 a.m. on Friday.

His 19-year-old sister, Princess, said they were browsing Facebook when they noticed that John’s page was filled with condolences from his friends.

They were shocked.

“Many had posted on Facebook that he had died. But we, his family, didn’t know about it. When we learned about it, we were very shocked,” she added.

Princess said they could not believe that he was really gone until John’s commanding officer called their parents to inform them about what happened.

Their parents, Sylvia and Romulo, flew to Metro Manila on Saturday to retrieve their son’s body.

And on Tuesday, June 13, John was finally home.

His remains arrived on board a C-130 cargo plane of the Philippine Air Force at the Tagbilaran airport at 4:20 p.m.

Soldiers carried the casket bearing his remains as John was given full military honors by his comrades from the 47th Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt. Michael Bumatay.

No local official was in the airport to condole with Sylvia and Romulo.

Bumatay told the family that it was a fitting tribute for a brave Boholano who gave his life for peace in Mindanao.

After the arrival honors, his remains were later brought to his house in Barangay Kagawasan, San Miguel, where his four siblings, relatives and friends waited for him.

John, the eldest among five siblings, had been in the Philippine Marines for four years and had graduated from Central Visayas State College of Agriculture Forestry and Technology, now called the Bohol Island State University.

His family was against his plan to join the Philippine Marines but his love for the country prevailed.

Romulo and Sylvia said they could not accept the death of their eldest child, saying he was too young to die.

Romulo said it hurt to lose a son who was kind and generous.

He said they had received financial assistance from the government but no amount could compensate for the life of his son.

“Until now, I still cannot believe what happened to him. We don’t know how to recover from the pain,” he said.

John was given a posthumous military merit award for his gallantry in action.

The medal with a bronze spearhead was traditionally pinned on the left chest of the awardee.

In the case of John, his medal was placed on the left side of the glass covering of his casket.

Caresosa said it was painful and difficult to accept the death of her eldest grandchild.

“The only thing I could say was my grandson was a good man who was gone too soon,” she said.

***

Benjie and Joan Oliva attend

Rotary’s confab in Georgia, USA

Boholano couple Benjie and Joan Oliva had attended the 108th Rotary International Convention, organized by Rotary International, was held at Georgia  World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on June 10-14, 2017.

For Benjie, erstwhile National Youth Commission (NYC) Visayas Commissioner and now Cooperative Development Authority Central Visayas administrator, said the confab was “one of the amazing international events” he attended.

Benjie and Joan Oliva attend the 108th 

Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Contributed Photo

Here is Benjie:

 There are at least 40,000 participating Rotarians from 160 countries all over the world who attended the 108th Rotary International Convention.

  In this event, I tagged along with me my wife Joan to experience herself the very purpose of the founders of Rotary Club organization.

I became involved in the Rotary way back in 2010 when I was chosen as one of the members of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Program sent to North Carolina, USA for two months on a goodwill exchange by Rotary International District 3810 and the Rotary Foundation.

In said convention, the Philippine delegation composed of ten Rotary districts has registered as the 4th largest contingent. It only shows that the Filipinos has been in the forefront of Rotary Club movement in the world. Not to mention being the first to organized a Rotary Club in Asia way back in 1919, the Rotary Club of Manila. At present Rotary Club Manila is under District 3810 composed of Manila, Pasay, Cavite and Occidental Mindoro. 

The Rotary International Convention is an annual gathering of civic and and business community leaders across the globe to exchange ideas on how to improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

The convention aims to renew friendship, find inspirations, promote camaraderie and goodwill, build linkages among rotary clubs and Rotarians in pursuit of service to humanity and doing good in the world.

The highlight of this year's convention is the centennial anniversary of Rotary Foundation. The Foundation's 100 years of existence has been instrumental in delivering programs and projects in many rural communities worldwide with specific area of focus such as Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy and Economic and Community Development.

The notable speakers for this year's convention includes billionaire businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates, actor Ashton Kutcher, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Indian philanthropist Rajashree Birla, golf icon Jack Nicklaus, WWE Superstar, actor, and Rotary polio ambassador John Cena, among others.

This year's convention has reached a total pledges of 1.2 Billion US Dollars in the cause to End Polio in the next three years with Bill Gates as the leading donor with a contribution of 450Million US Dollars under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Atlanta convention brings good memories and experiences that Joan and I can't forget for the rest of lives. Our dedication to be of service to our fellowmen and communities has been raised to a higher degree of commitment to make a difference even in our own little ways.

In July of this year, Joan and I will join the Rotary Club of Pasay Cyber City as a manifestation of our commitment to continue in doing good in the world. Rotary indeed is true to its motto of 'Service Above Self'.

***

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Christmas, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. Personally, Christmas season is always my favorite time because of the festive Christmas decorations and songs, the nippy weather and the happy smiles of the people.

I asked some personalities to share their most memorable Christmas and how they intend to celebrate the holidays this year. Some of our Boholano friends asked simply ignored the questions. Here are those who shared their seasonal thoughts:

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

The Christmassy house of the Paredes

 family in Dauis town in memory 

of Roochie.  Contributed Photo/Rosalinda Paredes

Rosalinda Paredes— Christmas of 1981 was most memorable to me though a bit sad. It was the last Christmas of my three-year old daughter, Roochie, who was then fighting for her life due to cancer of the brain. For the first time, Rene and I pooled meager resources and invested in Christmas lights so we can give Roochie a colorful and starry Christmas every kid desires. Roochie died June the following year. But, we still keep her memory by making sure we enliven our house during Christmas time with multi-colored lights and glittering lanterns so every child and those adults who remain kids-at-heart will enjoy the happy spirit of season. Merry Christmas!

Queenie Melody Fullante— For me, every year is memorable because though our family celebrate it in the same ways every year, the joy that I feel always increases knowing that we get another year to celebrate it together.

Vera Villocido-Gesite— When my two children were in the elementary grades and I was a high school teacher, we had the same Christmas break. I loved that we were able to do things together and go to places together during the holidays. My favorite was taking long drives with them to Southern California and singing along the way or watch cartoons. And then go to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland. It simply was joy to enjoy the rides and see the sights in the eyes of my children. And, especially because at that time, they also enjoyed and loved my company.

ChitoVisarra— As you start to feel the aches of age, holidays are more of reminiscing and the joy of seeing the young ones revel in the things you enjoyed years back.

Idy Caseñas Cagas —Every Christmas spent at home is always memorable for me. This time of the year, I always look forward to being able to celebrate with them. After my first Christmas away from home few years ago, I had a whole new appreciation of being able to spend Christmas with them. It made me cherish every memory. Treasuring every moment with them and spending time with them are the most precious ones. This year, I will have to miss Christmas with my family because of work, but it will still be a memorable one, it will still be a merry Christmas as my partner and I will get to spend our first Christnas together.

For Vera Villocido-Gesite, her most 

memorable Christmas was bringing 

her children to Disneyland. 

Contributed Photo/Pinay Adiong

Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor—My most memorable Christmas would be 2013 after the earthquake and typhoon Yolanda that affected thousands of Filipinos. It was the most humbling event in my life and I saw right before my eyes the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about the presence of gifts and food but it's about being giving joy and love to other people in whatever forms. I believe it will always be my most memorable Christmas, an event I can't wait to share with my kids and grandchildren in the future.

CHRISTMAS 2016

Adelyn  Joy Esclamado—Christmas season is the season of giving, I intend to give  simple gifts to children at our place and spread love and happiness. I want to be an advocate of positivity for the year to come. Christmas will be merrier with the persons I love, and in connection to that, I will spend my Christmas day with my family who are always there with me through the years.  I want to give back to them the happiness they gave me.

Eden Descallar- Ceballos— Nothing beats the feeling of spending it with your loved ones, our family. And sharing our blessings to the people who are with us this year.

Mikey Gatal—Though many sad things happened in my life this year, I will still celebrate Christmas for it's the of the year to be forgiving, sharing, happy and thankful to God for all the blessings He has given me. Nothing special but all I can say is, love is still in the air.

Butch Bernas— I will clean my room; attend 9 novena and misa de gallo. Oops, I will attend parties, reunions with family.

Leah Tirol-Magno—Baking and decorating more cakes!

Benjie Oliva—We will celebrate the holidays this year with the family in prayer and thanksgiving to the Father Almighty for the bountiful blessings that He has given us for 2016. My family and in-laws are all in Bohol for the celebration. We will take this opportunity also to spend the holidays with relatives and friends in Catigbian, Tagbilaran City and Panglao.

Benjie Oliva and his family will spend Christmas in Bohol. 

Contributed Photo/Oliva Family

Fiel Angeli  Araoarao-Gabin—Christmas this year is simpler than the past years, but most  importantly, it will be spent with family, with prayers for thanksgiving.

Clement Ingking—Christmas season is always my favorite time. It’s the time of the year when every one seems to be more giving, happier and more forgiving in remembering and celebrating the birth of our dear saviour, Lord Jesus Christ. Personally, I believe the best Christmas for me is now because I know I am able to breeze through the stormy phase in my life and found the peace and true happiness that I have long been praying for.

Glorivic Yap-de la Serna—I will spend my Christmas with my family. I am thankful for all the blessings and the tests which strengthen our bonds.

Van Delima— I intend to celebrate Christmas with my family. I want to make most of the time as we gather entirely in this joyous occasion

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas—Well this year, my holiday would be the start of something new, something I cannot live without. I would celebrate this year's holidays by spreading the seeds of love everyday. I'll surely have a time with my family and I'd connect with my loved ones and remind them about how thankful I am to have them in my life. I'll send personal messages to the people I'll treasure forever and I'll be a lot jollier this Christmas. I'd probably make my heart happy by doing good deeds and sharing my blessings to those who are in need. I'd continue to be true to myself and live the real spirit of Christmas.

AR de la Serna- I will spend Christmas with my family. This year, I have received a lot of blessings. Dreams do really come true.

***

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'Hot Cop' Neil Perez invades Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Former National Youth Commissioner
for Visayas Benjie Oliva takes his oath Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) administrator for Visayas before DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Scene: Congratulations to Benjie Oliva as the newly appointed administrator of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for Visayas. CDA is to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments for equity, social justice and economic development. Benjie, a former National Youth Commissioner for Visayas and administrative officer of the Department of Agriculture, took his oath before DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima.  

 

Scene:  Japanese engineering giant Chiyoda and Mitsubishi Corp. have signed a contract to build a new airport in Bohol, Nikkei reported. The two companies said construction of the new Bohol airport will begin shortly. The airport is expected to be completed in 2017.

 

Scene: Alexis Calipusan, the voice-a-like of Justin Bieber, catches the world attention.  The Huffington Post said that “This Girl Sounds So Much Like Justin Bieber, It's Scary.”  Taylor Trudon wrote “Press play on the video above and close your eyes. Think you're hearing a young Justin Bieber? It's actually the voice of 18-year-old Alexis Calipusan. The teen girl from the Philippines is giving the Biebs a serious run for his money with her identical acoustic cover of the radio hit "Baby." According to EllenTube, Alexis combined forces with her friend Cyril Cailing, to create Jam-C. The duo has also covered "U Smile" and even Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud."  Meanwhile, Seventeen said “This girl is Justin Bieber’s voice-twin- she sounds exactly like him when she sings. Seriously, you won't be able to tell the difference.”

 

***

Pageant watchers and entertainment lovers got the biggest surprise of their lives when Mister International 2014 Neil Perez (real name: Police Officer 2 Mariano Flormata Jr.) visited the province last week.

 

The "hunk cop" was in Bohol for Wedding and Beyond Magazine photo shoot in an exclusive resort in Panglao Island. 

 

Recently proclaimed Mister International 2014
 Neil Perez visits Bohol. More than with his looks,
he has his infectious humility and natural friendliness. 
Courtesy: Raymund Isaac/Butch Bernas/Kit Solis/Ryan Sines

An instant crowd favorite, he also attended the birthday party of Rhigel Dulfo, founder-director of Ramp Models Association of Bohol (RMAB).

 

“He’s nice and very friendly,” said hairstylist Ryan Sines who had a photo opportunity with Neil. “He has a nice smile and very seductive eyes and... humot! We’re like so bagay Ha! Ha! Ha!”

 

Butch Bernas was also impressed on Neil. “He is handsome. A down to earth kind of person even though we had only a few time together with my friends. He is smart and has a good body physique.”

 

Neil’s manager and handler told Butch that they love the beauty of Bohol that Neil wanted to come back.

 

He also visited the Bohol Provincial Police Office to share his experiences as Mister International to his fellow police officers. He also talked about healthy lifestyle.

 

After winning the crown last month, Neil has been doing the rounds in his capacity as Mister International.

 

Here’s what you know about Neil Perez courtesy of Missosology:

 

His real name is Mariano Flormata Jr.

He is a graduate of Criminology at the Manuel L. Quezon University.

He stands 5'11''.

His hobby includes playing the guitar and doing some sketching.

He joined the police force in 2008. In his six years, he has gained 13 medals for showing excellence in responding to disasters and civil disturbance.

He specializes on bombs and explosives.

His father is a retired police sergeant assigned with the so-called Manila’s Finest, the Western Police District which is now called the Manila Police District.

You can spot him at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as part of the Aviation Security Group. 

 

***

It’s graduation season again!

 

Speaking of graduates, we have our own batch in the family: My nephew Charles Jade Pesquira will finish high school at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School and my cousin Shiela Mae Aquino will graduate high school at Holy Name University-High School. Celian Janica Pesquira, a grade 5 pupil of Booy South Elem. School, is first honor.

 

It’s a déjà vu! Was it only yesterday when I myself graduated from elementary (Booy South Elem. School), from high school (University of Bohol-Day High School) and from college (University of Bohol)? That was ages ago, in nineteen-forgotten.

 

Graduation is a celebration of your achievement and marks the beginning of an amazing journey. I am sure parents and the whole clan are very proud of their graduates. Cases in point:

 

Youth leader and Booy Kagawad Clement Paulinel Ingking has finished Bachelor in Hotel and Restaurant Service Technology at the Bohol Island State University –Tagbilaran. He shares:

 

Photo shows Clement Paulinel Ingking in his graduation
 toga visiting the tomb of his mother Linda before the graduation rites
 last Friday at Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran. 

Amidst all the excitement about Graduating and moving on to new things is an underlying fear. As much as I’ve tried to embrace changes in my life, change still makes me uneasy. Despite all of the changes that have occurred since she died last Oct. 15, 2013 - during the wrath of 7.2 magnitude earthquake, these changes feel harder. It scares me to know that I will no longer be surrounded by my family on a day-to-day basis, nor will I be in an environment I know. I’m worried that it will be easier for my memories of her to fade; I’m terrified I’ll begin to forget. 

 

As the years since my Mama’s death have grown in number, fewer and fewer of my friends are people who actually knew my Mom, and it scares me to think that moving on after college, and on with my life, will only make this worse. This, in itself, is a thought that has brought me to tears on countless occasions. 

 

Thus, I know and I believe that God has His own plans for me and that everything happens for a reason. I Love my Mama Linda so much and I owe my life and everything that I am today. 

 

Thank You so much Mama Linda! I LOVE YOU!

 

On the other hand, Fatima Mapesos, former staff of the late Rep. Erico Aumentado shares her excitement that Roland Sacristan, a scholar of the Aumentado family, has finished his Bachelor of Science in Psychology major in Industrial Psychology.

 

“It seems like it was only yesterday this young soul graduated high school. One day, he went to the office for a plea to Sir. He wanted to pursue college but his parents couldn't afford to send him to school,” said Fatima. “Somebody denied him at first but I told Sir about his ambition and his achievements. When you invest knowledge to people, you don't just give them hope but you give them a life, even a life for the lives of whom those that person is striving to lift for not just themselves.”

 

Roland is proud to say he was able to reap the harvest:  

 

Time travels fast. It seems like my 14 years in school only happened in a week-time. Monday- when I got to read and write my own name, Tuesday- when I learn to solve simple Math and speak good in English, Wednesday-when I got to meet my high school friends and became competitive in the world of academe, Thursday, I entered college and time flies too fast to finally come to Friday to mark my metamorphosis. Time indeed is magic.

 

Roland Sacristan has made through
all the storms and hurricanes in his college
life as a working student. 

Although, I will not be graduating with flying colors, I am proud to say that I made through all the storms and hurricanes in my college life by myself. I am proud that I am a working student and I am never ashamed to be such.

 

Of course there are always those people who came to support me. To name them all is going to lag your computer. I would like to express my warmest appreciation and gratitude to my loved ones, to my family, to the Aumentados, and above all to God.

 

For all the students out there who may struggle to finish college, keep these words: Dreams come true if you believe they are. Think of your dreams every single moment to keep you standing, to keep you from falling and to make you fly!

 

I love you God!

 

To all graduates out there, be the best of who you are, transcend yourself beyond your limits and reach for that star! 

 

***

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