My own ‘recycled’ Christmas list

What are the hottest entertainment stories of 2011? Bared will retell the stories, events and people that shaped 2011. Send your feedback to leoudtohan@yahoo.com or text +639212446791.

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As the year comes to a close (6 days to go!), we're thinking hard about what we'd like to happen in the gossip world come 2012. On our wish list are the celeb weddings we're dying to see (Anna Maris Igpit are you listening?) and interesting and lovely news we can't wait to read about.

I am asking Dear Santa to deliver my wish list for my favorite Bohol’s who’s who:

For Governor Edgar Chatto, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Erico Aumentado and Art Yap — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Mayors Jono Jumamoy, Tom Gonzaga and Roberto Salinas.

For Mayor Dan Neri Lim — A peace pipe he should smoke with Gov. Edgar Chatto. Another peace pipe with Mayor Lim on one end and Taloto Barangay Captain Faro Cabalit on the other.

For Anna Maris Igpit and Glenn Soco — A marriage contract (hurry!!!).

For Lailette Boiser, Rich Asuncion and Tintin Ng — A hit teleserye (if not a movie) to show their effective "natural" acting.

For Inday Rufing and Inday Charity — More shows and colorful lovelife.

For Prony (largest python) — A new home with unconditional love. Same for Paloma/Marimar, we miss “her” acrobatic/kagwang performance!

For Farrah Faye Mian — Stay fit and beautiful!  Same for Bia Ursula Bautista, Fer Mary Baliquig, Ely Rose Apple Angcon, Felisse Marie Carvajal and Donna Cardino.

For Mayor Niño Rey Boniel — A marriage contract (indefinite)!    

For Baba Yap and Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap — A healthy baby due in February next year. Same for Adonis and Reina Thea Damalerio.

For Fr. Fro Lungay and Meo Mascariñas — Good health and good music.

For Mikey Gatal — A partner who will love him forever and ever, amen! Same for Edik Dolotina.

For Betty Veloso-Garcia — Good health and inner strength for the TBTK 2012!

For Ardy Batoy, Gloria Leodivica Araneta and Raul Gatal — Good health and more mega projects (in hosting)!

For Rose Soy —- Good health, more years and eternal beauty to continue her works as Bohol's Queen of Tourism and Santacruzan Queen.    

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Nila Montero, Paz Trotin, Uly Dolojol, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Dianne Uy, Gerry Egos and Musette Hontanosas. — Success in business and good health. Same for Pureza Chatto, Doc Joy Yap, Dr. Mary Grace Uy, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Fancy Baluyot, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Coun. Kit Oppus, Vicky Wallace, Hans and Lani Schoof, Vice Mayor Jas Montes, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Fiel Araoarao-Gabin, Greenie Aumentado, Greenie Aumentado and provincial board members Freda Tirol and Roygie Jumamoy.

                                                         

For Nonito and Rachel Donaire Jr. —A healthy baby. The couple should buckle back down to work - pronto! - during this very conducive season.

For Glenn Mark Blasquez— Home sweet home. (Where are you now?) Same for Marcing Tsurumi, Jiji Apalisok and Rebecca Lusterio.

For Loboc Children’s Choir — More performances and exposures next year. Same for the Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Loboc Youth Ambassador and HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe.

For Sam Penaso, Nene Lungay, Glenn Lumantao, Ric Ramasola, Marianito Jose Luspo, Napoleon Abueva, Aldrin Palaca and Jesat Cathy Duce — More years to showcase their talents. Same for Ryan Macalandag, Tadiyandi, Baji, Bohol visual artists and Arte Malaya. To quote Liza Macalandag, “That more of their activity be unleashed. No restraints, no hesitations, just limitless, purposive works of art.”

For Nemi Monton— An award (Hall of Fame) for his tireless dedication and spirited enthusiasm in discovering Boholano talents in sports. Nag-iisa ka lang Nemi!

For Pepe Recitas, Ramie Cadag, Manuel Cempron and Francis Dompor — Good health and more years to continue the programs of  HomeReach Foundation.

For Zenaida Darunday, Raul Barbarona, Salvio Makinano and company —Good health and more years to continue their advocacies to protect the fragile environment of Bohol. Same for Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Atty. Kins Aparece and Shem Quezon.

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta and Jerry Pabe —More “controversial” and "talkative" guests to spice up their programs. Same for BG Guingguing, Salva Diputado, Lito Responte and Ted Ayeng.

For Mayor Dan Lim, Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng, Atoy Cosap and  Richard Bompat-—A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw feisty words this Christmas time. They can make "war" after the Holidays He He He

For EJ Relampagos— Success in business and colorful lovelife! Same for Maximiel, Charlo Arbasto, Baby Tagoctoc, Omie Auza and Tracy Remolador Torres.

For Rey Boom-Boom Bautista, AJ Banal, Caesar Amonsot and Jedara Docena — More wins!

For Eden Descallar — Wedding bells! Wedding bells! Same for Adam Jala, Eric Ngo and Mark Vincent Ramasola.

For Karla Tirol Magno and Tsino Lim — Also a marriage contract.

For Centerstage Band — More gigs and an album! Same for Brownbuds.

For Amir Sol— A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from the maddening crowd. (The poor girl needs second chance to start a new life.)

For Sam Pingkian — A man (as much as possible sexy and seductive) who will love her forever and ever, amen! 

For Trisha Chatto — A colorful lovelife! Same for Janice Aurora Tirol, Carleen Yap and Loida Lagonoy.

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso — Good health and more years to continue teaching and witnessing the Word of God. Same for Pastors George Lungay, Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Franco Trigo and Rey Rodriguez.

For Doc Homer Singco — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for Atty. Brian Gaviola, Dave Maulas, Atty. Greg Delgado, Benjie Oliva and Dr. Renz Acedo.

For Gerry Lugod —- Inner peace and true love. Same for Mizken Tirol Andan, Reuben Gulle, Gabriel Medel, Raymund Delgado and Arvin Rubillos.

For Arizza Nancy Jule “Tukay” Tirol —-Inner strength and courage as she leads the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Boholana Kisses.  Same for Ate Vi Yorong.

For Ar-Ar dela Serna — A smiling doll that will teach him to smile. Like Kristoff Ferniz, this model is handsome but he seems to be so full of himself, hardly smiling.

For Dobap — A marriage contract (indefinite)!

For Mila Lim — Good health and more years to light her Christmas village to make people happy during the Holidays.

For Jeroen Hellingman, Leah Tirol-Magno, Jerome Auza, Mike Ligalig, Roy Bayonas and Rene Econg— Good health and energy to the highest level to bring Boholanos around the world closer to beautiful Bohol.

For BZ, AL, RT and JT — A chastity belt! You know who you are! He He He

For NPC and RC and HM and JS — One more chance  (tan, tan, tan, tan!!!), one more chance (tan, tan, tan, tan!!!). Again, you know who you are He He He He

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

• Sierra-Bullones has the tallest Santa Claus in Phl; •Doc Homer Singco: Christmastime is family time

• Sierra-Bullones has the tallest Santa Claus in Phl
• Doc Homer Singco: Christmastime is family time

Wake-uppers:

Seen: The Jukebox King and Plaka King Victor Wood was in Bohol for his first concert at Calape Cultural Center last night. In Calape, Wood brought back fond memories of Mr. Lonely, Sweet Caroline,I Went To Your Wedding, You Are My Destiny, Crying Time, Paper Roses and The Great Pretender — his biggest hits.

Scene: Wow! Fireworks, a licensed manufacturer and distributor of superior pyrotechnic devices made from imported materials, will open its Bohol outlets for the Holidays on December 16 along Baclayon National Hi-way near Cignal Cable and La Paz, Cortes near Manga Bridge V-hire Terminal. This piece of good news is from Sam Pingkian. For inquiries, contact Sam at 09173748099/(038) 5019988/4120074.

Scene: Members of the Alpha Phi Omega (Apo) Zeta Beta and Zeta Epsilon chapters will visit Aliguay Primary School in Maribojoc town on Dec. 13 for the Christmas charity project. The adopt-a-school project is part of the 86th anniversary of Apo. For queries, call Brod Cesar Rubi at (038) 501-8242/412-0203.

Seen: A surveillance camera caught the “almost famous personality (AFP)” in the city stealing the high-end gadget of a participant in a conference AFP was the resource speaker. “The participant asked the care taker of the government building to review the CCTV the day the ipad was lost. Naa siyay kutob nga gikawat to,” shared the roving VRS. “AFP was caught on CCTV picking the ipad inside the venue. AFP was interrogated by the office staff he was connected before. However, AFP denied to death jud that he is innocent. Then police officers came to investigate, AFP still insisted he’s innocent. Shocked to the max nalang siya when confronted by the closed-circuit TV camera footage. AFP saw himself! Tagam!” added VRS.

Seen: Who will be the Newsmakers of the Year 2011? As the year ends, Bared will retell the stories, events and people that shaped 2011. Send your feedback to leoudtohan@yahoo.com or text +639212446791.

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Gigantic Santa Claus found in Sierra-Bullones

The hometown of Asia’s Best Supporting Actress Rebecca Del Rio continues to amaze people.

We know this after having gone to Sierra-Bullones last week to attend the town fiesta. The town’s Santa Claus is finished.

It is touted to be “the biggest and tallest Santa Claus in Bohol and in the Philippines” and rightly so: It measures 25 feet. Their Santa Claus is a white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. It has eyeglasses, too. His other hand is carrying a bag and the other hand is making a high-five sign.

It took one month to finish the foundation of the Santa Claus; and two weeks to dress the Santa Claus. It should be ready before the town’s fiesta on Dec. 8 and we’re thankful enough for that, aren’t we?
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"This Santa Claus measures 25 feet, the biggest Santa Claus and the tallest in Bohol and maybe in the Philippines as of this time," said Restituto Perocho, a municipal employee.

All day long, and both prior to and after the town fiesta, people from the neighboring towns would come to visit and have their picture taken in front of one of Bohol’s most famous and recognizable Christmas attraction.

At the foot of the gigantic Santa Claus, you could see kids playing. Then, there’s Lorenzo Butron, a blind musician who hails from Alicia town. He’s roaming around and playing Christmas carols accompanied by an old guitar and a harmonica.

This year’s Christmas, he really wants to make some real money to have an enjoyable Christmas. Ten days he did already the towns caroling. So far, he has earned 600 pesos which is enough to buy rice and other needs.

Lorenzo lost his sight when he was eight years old. When Lorenzo learned about the gigantic Santa Claus, his heart leapt for joy. “Kita kog Santa Claus gamay pa ko pero gagmay man ang Santa Claus sauna. Maskin dili nako kakita pero kahibaw ko naa siya (I saw Santa Claus when I was a kid and it was small. Even though I can’t see it, I know he’s there,” he explained.

At 69, Lorenzo still believes in Santa Claus.

“Motuo kog Santa Claus kay Katoliko man ko. Hinaot unta iya kong tabangan ug kaloy-an, (I believe in Santa Claus because I am Catholic. I hope he will have mercy on me),” said Lorenzo.

Then, he started playing his instruments to the tune of Jingle Bells.

Santa Claus’ smiling… Ho ho ho!

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Dr. Homer Singco

Like most everybody, Dr. Homer Caseñas Singco will be home for Christmas no matter how busy he is.

“Christmas is better spent with the family in Jagna,” Doc Homer confessed during a chat with Bared while treating dogs at his vet clinic (along 53-A Airport Road, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City, Tel. No: (038.) 501-9021, Cell No: +639994263392). “Christmas is of love and compassion and of family bonding. That’s why I make it a point to drop everything and be with my parents during Christmas.”

How about celebrating Christmas with pets?

“Pet owners can celebrate Christmas with their pets in a fun and safe way. They can buy presents like dog biscuits,” said Doc Homer. “They can dress up their pets in holiday gear, or just put a Santa hat on then. Your pet can have the excitement of having their own presents on Christmas day, too!”

The path to becoming a veterinarian is never easy, but Doc Homer learned that a longer journey makes for a better adventure.

After graduating from the Visayas State University in Baybay City, Leyte, he worked in a vet clinic in South Island, New Zealand. "I stayed there for two years,” he recalled. He returned to the Philippines and he worked as a senior vet at Ole Veterinary Hospital, a premier veterinary hospital in Cainta, Rizal.

Home is where the heart is. He decided to go back to Bohol. “I'd like to stay close to home and to establish a vet clinic.”

Dr. Homer Singco attending the modern day orthopaedics for animals seminar...

Is he happy with his career? “Workings with animals take a great passion and patience. I guess this is true to almost every job but this is where I love to do and where I am most fulfilled. I have been in love with animals since childhood. I even had a dog when I was in grade one and that at the age of 7. This is the job that I would love to do and to see myself grow.”

Have you been bitten by an animal? “Yes. You could not be a veterinarian if you wouldn’t be bitten by an animal.” Of all trauma-related veterinary visits, 10 to 15 percent are related to bite wounds, “I had been bitten several times with my dogs but I have them vaccinated. I guess all animal lovers or pet owners should do the same. Safety should always be considered responsibly. Prevention is still better than cure,” said Doc Homer.

The people of Japan was so touched by Hachiko’s loyalty and love for his owner that a monument was erected at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan. Photo shows Jagnaanon Sarah Bajamonde Onodera, who lives in Japan for 10 years, at the statue of Hachiko.

Homer’s passion for animals started when he was a young boy. Among his pets, dogs are his favorite. “I have one Shih-tzu and one Aspin. I had one native cat, too. I named my dogs Son-joe, Coycoy and Ba-an for my cat.”

A typical day for Doc Homer is waking up at 3 a.m.; checking the admitted pets, spending hours the clinic and having a siesta at 1 p.m. Sometimes his schedule changes when he has an emergency call from patients. “The work is hard but if you work with passion, it becomes so easy. I never forget to say prayer before I work. Well, this is aside from breakfast and the regular things we do every morning.”

In Bohol, a number of people are having pets.”Yes, but sadly some pet owners are not responsible. Others just owned a pet to look after their house without giving the pet’s need. I think everybody should know that dogs should see a veterinarian in two to three weeks from birth. And should be regularly check twice or thrice a year.”

Doc Homer also shared the therapeutic benefits of having pets at home. “Studies reveal that pets can reduce stress and control blood pressure even better than drugs. Pets can ease our loneliness, reduce our stress, promote social interaction, encourage exercise and playfulness, and provide us with unconditional love and affection.”

How about bringing pets at home? “New pets are new family members and the whole family should be involved in the discussion. Don't rush into it. You need to consult all members of the family because owning a pet does not affect just you. Make sure you know how to care for that particular animal. Choose a reasonable animal and one that you know you can take care of or can match your lifestyle. Having a pet means responsibility and dedication,” he advised.

He had seen the movie Hachiko, a must for pet lovers. (Hachiko is a dog hero which inspired Japan in thinking that friendship can last forever. Hachi was adopted by a college professor who later died while far from Hachiko. Hachiko waited 10 years for his master to come back after which he died.). “I watched it many times. I highly recommend everyone to watch it not only to animal lover or dog owner.”

Told that animal doctors are better lovers or magnets for women, Doc Homer laughed a bit.

“It works to me. But it depends, to own a pet comes with discipline, love, patience. It might help.”

At 32 (a Libra, born on October 8), Doc Homer is still single. Is he ready to settle down?

“Not for now but it will come at the right time. No need to rush or panic.”

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