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.

Graduation & Summer at Bet and Choy Farms

Graduation noisily celebrates the future and farewell to student life. 

Teacher Jeycelle Espejo-Inting had been crying last week. "I can't stop feeling sad," she shared. What's got her so heavyhearted? Her students graduated from high school at Cogon High School (Day and Night Class) last April 4.   

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting (center) with her students

The 9th batch of graduates composed of 193 students was led by Christine Ortega, valedictorian of the day class; and Velyn Aninipot, valedictorian of the night class, respectively.

This school year's 90 graduates from the day class is the first batch of Cogon Day High School products. The day class was created at the start of this school year to cater the growing population of the Cogon High school which was originally established as a night high school 11 years ago.

The commencement exercises was attended by the parents, guardians and the 40 solid faculty members of Cogon High school headed by Tagbilaran City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Evangel Luminarias and the two equally active principals of CHS Day and Night classes, Grace Marie Campos and Nilo Sendrijas.

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting with her 4th year class

The event was hosted by the CHS faculty president Ms. Jeycelle C. Espejo – Inting.

“It feels so great! I’m so proud of my students,” said Jeycelle, CHS faculty president who emceed the event.  “On the other hand, I’m a bit worried and sad because I know not all of them can pursue higher education due to economic status of their families.”

Jeycelle also shared that most of the students of Cogon High are not rich; it made her proud that these students are working hard to finish their studies.

Celian Janice Pesquira and Jerwin Jala

Case in point: Velyn Aninipot topped in almost all subjects and she is a consistent topnotcher of the class from first grading up to 4th grading periods.  She is also the editor-in-chief of the campus paper The Glow. She has been into various inter-schools competitions in the division level.

Speaking of graduates and honor students, we have our own batch in the family: my cousin Jomari Galleros (from Holy Infant Academy in Booy) and Cesarius James Pesquira (from Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School; Congrats Maam Concepcion Bagotchay, the school principal). My niece Celian Janica Pesquira (Booy South Elem. School) was first honor with five “best” awards, while Jerwin Jala was with honors.

I was not there when they marched up the stage in their graduation dress and togas because I hate hearing graduation/marching music. Personally, it makes me sad. It is one of the saddest music in the world, next to old Christmas songs bringing back my elementary, high school and college days-- that was ages ago, in nineteen-forgotten.

Anyway, I say "Good luck and God bless!" to the graduates and honor students in our family and all the graduates out there! Aim high!

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Summer Gimik 2014: Bet and Choy Farms

Looking for an alternative to beaches and swimming pools for your next vacation? Try going to Bet and Choy in Catigbian town.

Revive, renew and replenish at Bet and Choy.

Last week, my summer gimik destination was Bet and Choy Farms. As I saw the place, it was a relaxing breeze of the countryside.

The entrance has smell of perfect aroma of luffa (sikwa) and squash (kalabasa) hanging around with ornamental plants to complement the place.

“Bohol tourism is booming but those tourism developments are designed for foreigners, ngayon ang tanong saan pupunta ang local tourists? We want to give them the facilities which are affordable and presentable,” said former Catigbian Mayor and owner Roberto “Bertsal” Salinas. “You see, na-hit namin ang vacuum na while Bohol tourism is booming ma-entertain natin mga foreign tourists, on the other hand, Bet and Choy will entertain local tourists.”

Built on a two-hectare property, Bet and Choy (named after Bertsal’s grandchildren) is a destination appropriate for family gatherings, reunions and field trips. The slides, rides and attractions were designed to provide visitors with a day filled with aqua thrills and adventure.

Entrance at Bet and Choy

The Brent Pool Side is for adults and it gives thrills with splash where visitors can experience swimming and relax in this large pool while soaking up rays of the sun.

The Cocoy Water Park is ideal for kids. It has large water slides and rides for everybody's fun and amusement. It is actually a playground for kids submerged in knee-high water but many adults can also be found enjoying this playground.

Unlike other resorts, visitors can bring their food and drinks, even snacks, inside Bet and Choy for free!

“They can bring all they want. Bet and Choy does not collect corkage,” added Bertsal.

There are picnic huts for rent at Php 100-Php 400. Unlimited use of facilities such as the basketball court, karaoke sing-a-long, pool table, dart boards may be arranged.

Bet and Choy personnel are friendly and they are trained to assist visitors.

“At Bet and Choy, the facilities are maintained in accordance with the highest standards of safety and cleanliness,” said Bet and Choy staff Jackie Tolop.

Bet and Choy owner Bertsal (2nd from left)

“The place is very beautiful. We can relax and enjoy here,” said Ma. Catherine Cutang of Bohol Island State University. “The facilities are very good. Of course, the good thing is we can bring our own food without corkage. That is amazing and great.”

Other exciting activities that Bet and Choy has to offer are fishing and wildlife adventure. Fishing is one of the leisure activities that all guests of this farm can fully enjoy even if this is their first time at the rods. The wildlife park houses Philippine eagle, Philippine king cobra, pythons, birds, chickens, pigs and cows.

Entrance Fee: Php 20 (for adults), Php 10 (senior citizens and students), free (kids below 85 centimeters)

Brent Pool and Slide- Php 100, kids below 85 centimeters are free.

Cocoy Water Park- Php 100, kids below 85 centimeters are free.

How to get there: For those who want to commute, you can ride a bus bound for Catigbian at Dao Bus Terminal for Php 45. At Poblacion, ride a habal-habal for Php 10 or walk, it’s just 400 meters from Poblacion Highway.

Reservation: 0915-813-9823/0912-518-0937.

CLICK HERE FOR BET AND CHOY on GMA NEWS

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

Honor thy Father; and other tidbits

Our fathers are our heroes. Let’s start today’s Father’s Day with a little story:
 

A father retired after years of service and bought a brand-new car, his first ever, with the money he got from the insurance company.

One morning, he caught his little son scratching one side of the car. Furious, the father beat up both hands of the boy who ran inside the house in pain, crying.

When the father checked the damaged part, he turned pale with remorse. Scratched on it were these words: Happy Father’s Day, Dad I love you!

Touching, touching, isn’t it?

While we are at it, here are some quotes about fathers (dad, pa, daddy, pop, popsy, tatay, amang, ama, etc) or by fathers that are perfect for Father's Day:

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. ~ 17th century English proverb

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. ~ Unknown 

A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again. ~ Enid Bagnold

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.~ Anonymous

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. ~ Johann Schiller

A man knows when he is growing old because he begins to look like his father." ~Gabriel García Márquez

Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, who loved thee so fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, and joined in thy innocent glee. ~ Margaret Courtney

To her the name of father was another name for love.~ Fanny Fern

How true Daddy's words were when he said: "All children must look after their own upbringing." Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.~ Anne Frank

A father is a banker provided by nature. ~ French Proverb

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:2-3

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Bells Ring Mr.King at 35^th Gawad Urian 

The short film, Bells Ring Mr. King, directed by Ted Ramasola, was one of the nominees for best short film in the 35^th Gawad Urian Awards organized by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP), an organization of respected film critics.

Bells Ring Mr. King tells the story of undocumented home-health caregiver working in the US who is suffering from an acute case of homesickness. It  was originally created as Bohol's sole entry to NCCA's flagship project Cinema Rehiyon (CR) 2011, a non-competition film festival that features films from the different regions of the Philippines.

The screenplay was from Lorely Trinidad and it was based on her theater performance. It was originally developed and performed for TeAdaWorks New Works Festival, Highways Performance Space, Santa Monica, in California U.S.A.

The actor, Mitzi Ibaya, who is also into theater and literature, translated some of the lines into the Visayan dialect for added authenticity. It was her first time to perform for film.

It was shot entirely in Bohol at Ramasola Studio. The film was just shot using a DSLR as shown in the behind the scenes video available in the internet. The set production was done in one day and the shooting was done for another one day.

Since its debut in Cinema Rehiyon, it was also featured during Arts Month in the province of Bohol and also shown during Women's Month.

“Bells Ring Mr. King is the second time Bohol was represented at Cinema Rehiyon.  The first time was when they included another Short I made entitled ALLAN, shown in CR 2010 at the CCP,” Ted told Bared on Facebook.  

At CR 2011 in Davao, one of the jurors for the Urian Awards watched it and told Ted to submit it as an entry for the Urian. “All along I thought it was being considered for last year's Urian and that it didn't make it,” said Ted.  

Ted left for the US last year.

“So imagine my surprise when I received a text message from the Philippines from the Urian yesterday informing me that my Film was a nominee for this year’s Best Short Film Category,” Ted shared.

“For me, the nomination is honor enough, even if doesn't win tonight it is enough that I know Bohol is represented and that it serve as inspiration to all aspiring film makers in the Province that they can pursue their own dreams,” he concluded.

Note: The 35h Gawad Urian was hosted by Venus Raj, Angel Aquino, Zoren Legaspi and Butch Francisco. Replays of the 35th Gawad Urian will be shown on Cinema One on June 17 at 4 p.m. and June 24 at 10 p.m.)

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Adrenalin rush!

Extremely exciting, extremely enjoyable! Our media colleagues— Rey Anthony Chiu, Edward Guyano, Rey Tutas, Jun Gutierrez, Willie Maestrado, Liza Macalandag, Ric Obedencio and yours truly—had experienced extreme activities at its best at Pandanon Island, Getafe and DATE PARK in Catigbian.

We were invited to cover the Bohol Wakefest 2012 at the Pandanon Island in Getafe, Bohol which started last Saturday until the 25th of June. It gives local and foreign tourists the opportunity to enjoy with one of the fastest growing sports in the world and in Asia–the wakeboarding.

Pandanon can be reached by a motorized pumpboat about 30-40 minutes from the town port.

                                                  

But first, we have Getafe Councilor Tony Ouano to thank for facilitating our Pandanon tour. You see, the influx of local and foreign tourists has grown so huge when Pandanon Island, which is also known as the “little Boracay,” is a favorite summer destination.  

First in Bohol and in the Visayas, wakeboarding and wakeskating are extreme surface water sports. 

Wakeboarding, a water skiing-snow boarding-surfing-technique combination wherein one rides, not skis, but a single board with stationary, non-release bindings for each foot while standing sideways. It is now one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and a burgeoning lifestyle for some.

Wakeskating is an adaptation of wakeboarding that employs a similar design of board manufactured from wood or fiberglass. Unlike wakeboarding, the rider is not bound to the board in any way, which gives the sport its own unique challenges. Instead, the top surface of the board is covered with grip tape, or foam. 

Wakeboarder shall be charged P600 for half-day use of the facility and P900 for its whole day use. Discounted rates include: PhP 2000 (3 days); PhP 3500 (7 days); PhP 5000 (10 days).

With offering like these, Pandanon Island has to become Visayas’ sports central. 

Gov. Edgar Chatto, accompanied by wife Pureza and daughter Trisha, graced the event. 

After Pandanon Island, we decided to visit  Catigbian for the Green Recreational Eco-Adventure Tourism (GREAT) offered at the Dagook Adventure Tourism Excitement (DATE) created during the administration of Mayor Bert Salinas. 

The DATE PARK is presented as another wholesome family treat for parents to introduce their kids to nature conservation and environment protection concepts. 

Here, one can experience nature. The canopy walk which is the park’s first outdoor like experience. From the canopy walk, one follows a trail carefully carved out from an old trail which people used to access the roaring Dagook Falls some 20 meters below.  

If you are not afraid of heights, the monkey bridge is the most exciting part. And oh, yes, the bridge is suspended some 30 meters where the roaring Dagook falls hurl a gurgling mass of water into the gorges below.  And, boy –oh boy! What a great range of adrenalin-pumping activities it provides.

                                                                                                      

I did a brief stop in the middle of the shaking bridge to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy panoramic views on the walk.

Tours of the DATE PARK take approximately 45 minutes, are fully guided and are currently offered every hour on the hour. 

The huge billboard inside the clean and well-manicured DATE PARK Information Center says: “Manage your fear and try the canopy walk, trek and enjoy nature through the mountain trails, test your adrenalin and negotiate the monkey bridge and refresh yourself on air taking the mountain slide.” 

Whew!!! Tiresome but uplifting. One day was just not enough for us to experience non-stop excitement and non-stop enjoyment. Whether for its specialty extreme water sports and scenic sight-seeing tours, Bohol never ceases to amaze. Oh well, there’s always a next time! Soon!!!

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