How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid (Part 2)

Christmas 2020 will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. Contributed Photos

We love the traditions that come with Christmas. The coronavirus pandemic may mean our Christmas won’t look exactly the same as it usually does. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

After all, a global pandemic doesn’t have to ruin the festive season completely. 

Vera Villocido-Gesite-  Christmas during this pandemic means going to church and going back to family. It will be mostly just staying at home with food and singing with just my siblings and their children.

Mikey Gatal-  Due to the current situation, my holiday events are being canceled. For sure Santa Claus will not stop from giving Christmas presents. You know what, he is an elderly, so he might rethink of not working. The good thing is, I heard, he can send some of his hunky Santa grandsons. I am lucky I have my BFF as the Santa hunk Ha! Ha! Ha! Better be safe than sorry after all.

Edison Gumapac- I will celebrate Christmas together with my father, my brother and his family in a simple gathering of thanksgiving. Even this time of pandemic it will not change our culture and traditions of finding joy this holiday that comes from our family. As it is said "family is love. " Maybe this Christmas, it's hard to feel some fun and  happiness compared to last year because the pandemic limited our activities. But it doesn't mean Christmas won't look exactly the same as  it usually does, but we can get creative and find some new ways to celebrate. 

Anthony Ceniza- I believe Christmas is everywhere... I will celebrate Christmas with my boss, colleagues and friends at Dumaluan Beach Resort. I am praying a safe and simple celebration especially to my family in Cebu. I'm so excited for my Christmas gifts from my bossing Dr. Doloriech and Madam Malou Dumaluan!  Christmas means Emmanuel, God is with us! 

Doris Isabel J. Racho- I will celebrate Christmas with my friends thru gift giving as what we did last year. 

  

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado- This may not be the kind of Christmas everyone expected but I will always be grateful and thankful to God for the gift of life, family and friends. Nothing is more important than celebrating this season with  your loved ones. On Christmas Eve, simple dinner will be prepared. Small get together with the family- my husband, kids, in-laws, nephews and nieces is what we are looking forward to. On Christmas day, mass will be celebrated in commemoration of my Father in-law, the late Governor Erico B. Aumentado's 8th death anniversary.  Despite the crisis we are facing today, I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and may our New Year be brighter than ever! Hopeful for a very fruitful and productive year ahead!

Butch Bernas- Celebrating Christmas same as usual with my family and there is a bit twist with glam phoshoot this yuletide season amidst the threat of the COVID19. Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year everyone!

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting- I usually don't celebrate Christmas being alone for q sometimes now. Maybe just stay in my apartment and use the two weeks vacation for my online job.

Arnel Corbita- Going to church will be my priority. I want to thank God for all the blessings. After church, I'll go back home for family bonding.

Bhea Minion-  I know we all want to roam and go for a walk but because of the pandemic we have a hard time doing it. I will celebrate Christmas with a family reunion. The presence and feeling of love for each other is enough.

The Christmas decors inside the Tagbilaran City- General Services Office headed by Chris John Rener Torralba, Ph.D. Photos:  Leo Udtohan

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And here’s today’s inspiring story contributed by Gerwin Yudelmo, a call center agent in Cebu City, who founded the #ProjectHope. He got the story from a friend of his friend and forwarded it untitled to VRS.  Enjoy reading.

The Little Match Girl Story

This is the story of a poor little girl who lived with her father. Her father used to send her to the streets to sell the matchsticks. It was New Year’s Eve and it was terribly cold out there. 

The Match Girl was noticed by no one and so she couldn’t sell the matches that day. She was afraid that if she would go home, her father would beat her. She used to miss her mother and grandmother who were now in Heaven.

It was so cold that she finally, dared to lit a match and made herself warm. Soon, the match turned into a fireplace and she made herself warm. But it didn’t last for long. Without thinking, she lit the second match. This time, the wall turned into a veil and she could see a dining room with lots of delicious foods. But in a couple of seconds, it vanished.  

When she lit the third match, a beautiful Christmas Tree appeared. It had many beautiful candles. She wanted to hold the candles. But as she reached, the candles flew to the sky and turned into stars. Next, when she lit the match, she saw her grandmother whom she loved the most. One by one, she struck the whole bundle of matches as she didn’t want her grandmother to go away.

The next day, it was the New Year. The match girl was sitting at the corner with red cheeks and a smiling face. The people there thought she was trying to keep herself warm last night. But no one knew the magic moments she spent last night. 

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San Isidro beauty takes Mutya crown

An obvious crowd favorite from the start, Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro clinched the coveted Mutya sa Tagbilaran crown that won her the right to represent the city in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant held last Friday (April 27),  hosted by Manila’s eventologist Tim Yap  with actress Iza Calzado as co-host.

Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro
(with Butch Bernas, Ph.D.) was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.
Photo by Helen Castaño

The other four winners were Mutya sa Booy Dann Audrey A. Cadenas, first runner-up; Mutya sa Ubujan Rueggy Mae Namoc, second runner-up; Mutya sa Manga Lady Aira Lumantas,  third runner-up; and Mutya sa Poblacion 2 Margarett Requillo, fourth runner-up.

Youth leader and Booy village councilor Clement Paulinel Ingking told VRS that the winners were exceptionally beautiful and witty.

“All questions were answered with substance. The dreaded Q&A portion was as exciting as it promised. There were a few misses, some with very good saves but mostly, it proved that the level of competition is stronger than ever,” said Clement.

He added, “Most of the eventual winners had very impressive answers that had depth and delivered with conviction. They all performed exceedingly well during the finals.”

Cultural worker Butch Bernas, Ph.D. who also watched the pageant shared that the pageant was “full of innovation and incomparable.”

“The production number of the Mutya was so spectacular and grandeur like ever before. Stunning led wall helps the production awesome,” he said.

“Wow na wow,” he gushed.

Another crowd favorite Dann Audrey Cadenas 

was declared first runner-up in Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.  

Cadenas was as supported by her family and the Booy 

Council headed by village chief Jun Telmo, councilors 

Eulogia "Yolie" Ayeng and Clement Paulinel Ingking. 

Photo by Helen Castaño

Clement said that prior to joining Mutya sa Tagbilaran, Cadenas, a former president of the Supreme Student Government at Bohol Wisdom School, already represented Purok 5 during the barangay search level. She even slayed the Question and Answer portion with her presence of mind, poise, and confidence.

Cadenas and Requillo were also winners of Island City Mall’s beauty and modelling contests, and making the mall as their training ground. Cadenas was Miss Teen ICM 2017 second runner up, while Requillo  was Mannequins Live 2016 first runner-up.

***

2 young entrepreneurs

committed to help Bohol

Bright, ambitious Filipinos were leaving the Philippines In the 1970s in pursuit of better opportunities, a time period known as the “Brain Drain.”

To this day, the trend continues as the number of Filipinos leaving for work abroad has increased. However, some Filipinos opted to stay here. Some are staying here to build businesses and help communities that will engage more Filipinos and create more job opportunities for them.

Case in point:  Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Chocolate House and Joy Angeli Uy of Belian Hotel.

Just recently, they launched their personal advocacy-movement FAÇADE (Food, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education) with a  tagline “"Opening an open space of possibilities."

FACADE aims to change the face of culture in the province of Bohol through community development and education.

“We want to see Bohol in the future as a creative hub for food, agriculture, culture and the arts and development,” said Dalareich.

Organizers, speakers and participants 

during the launching of FAÇADE (Food, 

Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education). 

Contributed Photo

“We want Boholanos to talk, collaborate, open a conversation and inspire each other. Shobe Joy and I personally thank all our sponsors who were at our back when we planned for this,” said the Belgian-trained chocolatier.

Two social entrepreneur speakers from Manila, Josh Mahinay, founder of BEAGIVER and Dr. Anton Mari Lim, co-founder and President of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, also inspired the guests with the stories of the respective communities they are helping.

Young entrepreneurs, academe, community builders, resort managers, leaders and media were present during the event.

FAÇADE Series 1 happened last April 24-26 at Tagbilaran City Grounds, a side event of Fusion Nights 2018. Duke Minoza of Buenaventarada Farm and Paolo Rigotti of Rigotti Coffe talked about Coffee Seed to Cup and appreciation night last Tuesday. Ms Vina Antopina of Bean55Chocolaterie and Dalareich Polot of Ginto Chocolates talked about the cacao and chocolate journey.  Chocolate tasting was held last Wednesday. On the 3rd day, April 26, Efrenia Holt of Atbang Farm and Cyrus Lobrigas of KABOOM talked about Organic Food and Farming.

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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. 

 

***

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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'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. 

 

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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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10 contingents to join Pilar’s 1st Panubig Festival ; Kirby Asunto to hold benefit concert for quake victims

Salamanca

•10 contingents to join Pilar’s 1st Panubig Festival
•Kirby Asunto to hold benefit concert for quake victims
Wake-uppers:

Scene: Marina S. Salamanca, Ph.D. is the new assistant schools division superintendent of DepEd, Division of Bohol. Salamanca is a multi-awarded Scout Leader and trainer of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, having received the Silver Usa for her meritorious and outstanding service to scouting.

Seen: Sen. Bongbong Marcos was in Bohol last Friday for the multisectoral dialogue on Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaption and Disaster Preparedness.

Scene: Making sure that no one is left behind in all the educational programs available, NYC Commissioner-At-Large Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III was in Bohol last Monday for the Abot Alam Project. Abot Alam seeks to locate out of school youths (OSYs) and enroll them in program interventions in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Dantes stressed the collaboration with partners in engaging ordinary citizens to adopt an OSY and ensure that they are enrolled in the Abot-Alam program.

For his part, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell gave books for the OYs through Abot Alam event. He said education is "a critical component of human development which in turn is necessary for economic growth."

***

Rising Broadway artist Kirby Asunto is spearheading a fund-raising concert billed Gift of Joy to benefit the victims of the Oct. 15, 2014 quake that killed nearly 200 people and displaced thousands of Boholanos.

The show will take place on Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Wisdom Auditorium.

Guests include JM de Guzman, Fr. Jonas Mejares, Loboc Children’s Choir, Penelope, Van and Maki Rickafort of the Singing Bee.

Kirby Asunto is coming to the province for a benefit concert on Dec. 13. 

 Photo grabbed from her official Facebook page.

Asunto got her first shot at fame during the fight between Pacquiao-Bradley fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2012. She was personally handpicked by Pacman to sing the Philippine National Anthem during his match against American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr.

The New Jersey Suburban News reported that “Asunto has earned high recognition in the Filipino-American communities in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. even at her tender age.” As Most Outstanding Filipino in New York, she was the grand champion of the Philippine Fiesta Grand Idol singing competition.

Ticket prices are P200, P 500 and P750. For inquiries, please call 09157572551/0927-564-9047.

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Ten contingents will take part in the first-ever Panubig Festival, a socio-religious event in honor of the Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of Pilar town, on October 11.

“As the center of rice granary in the province of Bohol, “Panubig” is a general term commonly used by the people to irrigate the farm, since water is life,” said Butch Bernas who conceptualized the first Panubig fest.

Pilar, formerly a barrio of Sierra Bullones town, has the Malinao Dam which was constructed to help irrigate the farms of Pilar and nearby towns of San Miguel, part of Ubay and Alicia.

Butch said that the actual feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated on Oct. 12 with grand nine-day nightly events every year in her honor.

“Panubig festival will commemorate its maiden celebration as thanksgiving and blessing of the people in honor of Our Lady of Pillar for giving a bountiful harvest to the devotees,” said Butch, a member of the Bohol Arts Culture and Heritage Council.

On Oct. 11, the town of Pilar will reverberate to the sound of revelry 

as residents and visitors celebrate the 1st Panubig Festival. 

Courtesy: Butch Bernas

One of the highlights of the festival is the search for the Panubig King and Queen.

“Each contingent has one Panubig Queen and one Panubig King,” said Butch.

“The music to be used is a combination of Pilar Hymn or any religious chants and must be celebratory,” said Butch. “It is of a free rhythm, not patterned from Sinulog or other famous festival in the region.”

“The entire performance shall be divided into street dance and ritual. Each contingent must perform the street dance routine using only progressive movements, no backward steps,” said Butch.

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