Start your days right in 2014

With the New Year comes the opportunity for a fresh start. The best way to greet 2014 is to start its first day on a healthy and a fabulously positive note. Thus, I am sharing with you some “reminders” to welcome your most awesome year yet.

Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2014 from statisticbrain.com:

1. Lose Weight

2. Getting Organized

3. Spend Less, Save More

4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest

5. Staying Fit and Healthy

6. Learn Something Exciting

7. Quit Smoking

8. Help Others in Their Dreams

9. Fall in Love

10. Spend More Time with Family

Top five (well, six) tips for staying healthy in 2014 from Cambridge News:

1. Eat breakfast – Ensure you have a substantial breakfast which includes some protein and fat, and aim to eat it within an hour of getting up. This will help your body to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and that’s key in order to reduce your cravings. And do yourself a big favour and skip the fruit juice - it plays havoc with your blood sugar levels.

2. Get active – Find an activity that you enjoy and actually look forward to, such as cycling, dancing, running or yoga – and do it twice a week. Current research suggests sitting for long periods can increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain and diabetes, so if you’re office based ensure you get up several times a day and take a walk.

3. Protein – Include some with all meals and snacks: think eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds, approximately the size of your palm. This will slow down the insulin response and help keep your weight stable.

4. Get into green tea - Replace some of your tea and coffee with green tea. It is rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that will not only help to keep you healthy this winter but may also slow down the ageing process as may encourage faster metabolism. Start with two cups a day and experiment by adding fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

5. Cut back on carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, biscuits - and ensure you load your plate up with healthy seasonal vegetables instead. Make them interesting by stir-frying, sautéing, baking in the oven, adding garlic and chilli - whatever works for you.

6. One final tip... Include mushrooms in your diet. They contain powerful compounds called beta glucans which have long been studied for their immune enhancing properties.

And some inspiring words from Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol on New Year's resolutions - The Pope Francis list:

1. Don't gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose the "more humble" purchase.
5. Meet the poor "in the flesh."
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Make commitments, such as marriage.
9. Make it a habit to "ask the Lord."
10.Be happy. This joy should translate to love of neighbor.

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VRS asked you to share your greatest moment of 2013. These are your stories...

Volunteerism-“It's being able to rediscover myself by realizing my capacity to help. The 7.2 earthquake and typhoon Haiyan were my greatest moments because it helped me realize not only that I can actually help but it let me witness the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen – the Filipinos and other countries helping each other to give aid to the victims. As they say, it is in times of disaster that brings out the best in the community.” -Anna Maris Igpit

Daughter’s Birthday-“When Cielo celebrated her 16th birthday with our family, her Grandma Wincie and Mommy Lou in attendance; when Jerome and I put on her medal for her victory in the Regional Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge in Cebu City, and when I escorted Cielo to the University of the Philippines-Diliman upon her college entrance.”- Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin

Heaven’s Bliss- “When I met Padre Pio in Boracay that made me back sincerely and religiously with God in the Catholic Church. I swear! Isn't that amazing?”- Joy Suarez

Partner-“My greatest moment of 2013 is that I met and married the woman that I'll love for the rest of my life, Atty. Joan Jagonos.” – Benjie Oliva

For Art’s Sake- “When I was chosen by the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) fellowship grantee for visual arts here in New York for six months to observe contemporary arts.”- Sam Penaso

Beauty with a Purpose-“As usual, the success of Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 with Daniel Padilla as special guest and when I was able to defend my master’s thesis en route to my Master in Business Management Degree at the Graduate School of Business and Administration of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.”-Raymund Delgado

A Helping Hand- “Co-convening the Oplan Bangon Bohol and doing relief and rebuilding missions in Bohol but still getting a year-end Performance Award from our Law Firm.” – Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado

Youth Service- “Winning the "Outstanding Barangay Official of the Year 2013 (Toboy Awards)" SK Category among 3,003 SK chairmen of the whole Region 7 and elected as Barangay Kawagad in our beloved Barangay Booy.” - Clement Ingking

Happy Feet- “The best moment for me this 2013 is when I went to the Grand Canyon...I felt God's presence there!!!”- EJ Relampagos

2013 was a good year for VRS as he was interviewed and featured on CNN.

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

Benjie, Joan make wedding guests cry

Wake-uppers:

US Ambassador Goldberg/US Embassy

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

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

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

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

***

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

Mr and Mrs. Benjie Oliva

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

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

It was their compatibility that kept the sparks flying.

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

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

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

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

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

The principal sponsors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

Boy Abunda to visit Bohol on August 20-21!

Multi-talented host and talent manager Boy Abunda will visit Bohol for the Debate ng Kabataan, one of the highlights of the Pinoy Youth Leaders’ Convention (LeadConl) organized by the Kabayanihan Foundation (KF) / Team Pinoy Inc. (TPI) and the National Youth Commission on August 20-21 at the CPG Sports Complex.   

Abunda, who is an NCCA Art Ambassador, will also talk about the Challenge of the Youth. 

This news is relayed to Bared by Boholano youth leader and former NYC Commissioner Benjie Oliva who is the project director of LeadCon.

Interested Boholano youth participants can call or text Joss Leano at 0917-842-7111 or call SK Provincial Office at (038) 411-5914 and look for Jejoma Asoy and Phoebe Lungay.  

 For SK chairmen and councilors, they should coordinate with their respective SK municipal presidents.
Stay tuned for more update!