• Memorable birthday
parties in California
• Exploring the
mystic island of Siquijor
Wake-uppers:
Scene: Again, there is no Miss
Tagbilaran 2013. “Miss Tagbi will not be staged this year,” reports a Very
Reliable Source (VRS). “Then, there will be no Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2013. The
City failed to stage the pageant in 1987, 1995, 2011 and 2012, one of the major
activities leading to the fiesta celebration. In 2012, the Miss Tagbi was
replaced by Miss Teen Tagbilaran. Trivia: Zosita Caliao Clarin was the first
Miss Tagbilaran in April 1986. Twenty years after, her daughter Margo Adelaiz
Clarin Manigque became Miss Tagbilaran 2006. Miss Tagbilaran beauties who won
the Miss Bohol Sandugo title were Vanessa Joyce Matuod Evardone in 1994,
Socorro d'Marie Tallo Inting in 1997 and Daisy Jean Quilicot in 2009.
Seen:
Spotted in Bohol last Friday was Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista. His last
visit to Bohol was in April 2012.Also
spotted in Bohol last Holy Week were Kim Chiu and Xian Lim.
Scene: It's
goodbye time for Lion and
media colleague Priscilla Richards who is finally leaving for US this week. Priscilla will go
back to US (for good?) with daughter Cathy. Priscilla will be surely —
and sorely — missed by her friends.
For almost seven years already, I have gone to Siquijor at this time of the
year and stayed at the house of Mrs. Laura Jumawan Gabin (former Department of
Education Supervisor), together with daughters Lanih Lei Flores and Monette May
Burgon and their families. Her son, Engr. Jerome John Gabin (married to Fiel
Angeli Araoarao), now based in Bohol, would go home to dutifully attend to his
“tinuig nga tulumanon” as apostle of the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish since
he was 13 (as passed on by his father, Engelberto). Now, he has been serving as
Saint Peter for almost 15 years.
For my travel to the “Isla del Fuego” or “Mystic Island” this year, Butch Bernas (Tagbilaran City Science High School MAPEH teacher), Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity (my Bohol Tri-Media Association colleague) and Jhelmar Jala (my nephew) joined me. We were together in the boat with Mrs. Wincesa Araoarao (retired Bohol National High School PE teacher and Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe founder) for her first Holy Week observance in the island, who was with her daughter, Fiel, and grandchildren, Cielo and Renji.
As early as 4 a.m. of Good Friday, the five (5) - kilometer via crucis started, participated in by a thousand devotees. Before 12 noon, we dipped ourselves in the sea, as we were told that we will be spared from evil spirit if we did that. In the afternoon, we witnessed the veneration of the cross.
We then proceeded to Capilay Spring Park (San Juan), Saint Isidore Parish and
biggest convent in Asia and Cambugahay Falls (Lazi), then visited a friend’s
house in Larena and Salagdoong Beach (Maria). Of the six municipalities of
Siquijor, we failed to make a stopover in Enrique Villanueva (Talingting) because
we had to go back to Tagbilaran taking the 7 p.m. Sunday trip from Larena.
Scene: The short film
Bells Ring, Mr. King (BRMK) directed by Ted Ramasola is included in the 2013
The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. BRMK is one of the three films
representing the Philippines. There are 140 films from all over the Asia
Pacific region. “It is an honor to represent not only our country but our
province, Bohol. I hope this will inspire our young film makers back home to
pursue their dreams,” said Ted.
Scene: A daughter of a
high ranking official in town was immediately rushed to the hospital. According to VRS,
the daughter, who is the rose of the family, was broken hearted. “Her labidab left her and the strain was too
much for her,” revealed VRS. “She attempted suicide by slashing her wrists and
was rushed to a nearby hospital where she soon recovered.”
***
Come
in formal attire.
That
was the “strict” reminder from Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal when we would
attend birthday parties during my recent trip to California.
It’s
the Boholano unity in the foreign land. Even if they live miles away, our paisanos still have time to celebrate or
remember important milestones in life.
In
America, they like to celebrate, and rarely more so than on their birthdays. “Expect
cake, balloons and presents at any birthday party you attend in America,” said
Mikey. “More fun if they have hit a significant milestone in their lives.”
Cases
in point:
Dr.
Yvonne Tutor-Uy celebrated the golden year of her life with a big bang at the
famous Golf Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, California.
The
function room of the Golf Mountain Meadows was decked with more than just the
usual American birthday decor; it was literally turned into a floral paradise,
with tables nicely set up just outside the social hall deemed too small to
accommodate the well-wishers.
“Turning
50 is overwhelming for some people but not for Yvonne Tutor Uy for it was the
most glamorous thing I've ever seen on this eventful party and right on a
course,” said Mikey Gatal. “If you were there, you'd swear you were on
candid camera.”
Mikey added: Kind
of nostalgic by taking a walk down memory lane. Created a quiet dinner party
and gathered friends who took pictures of her and at times, more sparks of
gladness when the music played at the right time and place where host Poca
Rafael entertained the guests and the performance of Divo Mayer capped the
birthday bash with high remarks on his performance. Played music from the
teenage years and it brought some memory lane.
“She
celebrated her 50th birthday with special gifts and giveaways for family and
friends. The food was just right for everyone don't want to be filled up for
everyone was expected to line dance all night and we did!” said Mikey.
On
the other hand, Dindo Tallo, the eldest son of Dr. Prisco Tallo and the late
provincial board member Dra. Socorro Buslon-Tallo celebrated his birthday on
March 9 at Dancetime in Carson City, California with family and friends.
When
the birthday boy arrived at the venue, what greeted him were blinding flashbulbs
and the singing of “Happy Birthday” punctuated by applause.
As
the guests (a mix of Filipinos and Americans) shared a hearty buffet dinner,
Dindo’s wife, Rose (Miss Tagbilaran 1987 first runner-up) prepared a short film
clips of photos showing Dindo from little boy to teenager to a fulfilled
husband were flashed on the monitor, eliciting applause and affectionate
laughter.
Rose
thanked the people who attended the party and she even narrated their love
story. What made the night so meaningful when she sang “Through the Years” to
Dindo. That’s when the Cry Baby in Dindo
came out, forcing a smile and vainly trying to hold back tears, he watched
obviously thrilled, like the whole house, as his wife dedicated the song for
him. And what a show it was!
Dindo’s
eldest son Dale rendered a song, while Josh showed his dance prowess.
Also
spotted in the crowed were Dindo’s sister Dr. Aida Tallo and ex-PBA star
Bernard Fabiosa.
Mikey
Gatal set the energy that rose until midnight when the show was capped by a
line dancing marathon participated in by the guests and Tallo kids.
We
had so much fun, the food was overflowing, had a special bartender from Las
Vegas who had the best mixes of alcohol, wine and even some non alcoholic beverages
and surprise numbers.
As
birthday boy Dindo moved around the venue greeting his overflowing well-wishers,
I asked him about his birthday wish.
“Good
health and long life,” said Dindo.
Then,
another memorable birthday party was of Rey "Bodo" Reformina who celebrated
his birthday on February 3 in West Hollywood.
The
tummy-filling goodies served for Rey’s guests were prepared by his friends.
Everyone
had so much fun and many familiar faces came to attend his special day.
Rey
is a registered nurse and a certified make-up artist in New York before moving
to LA last year.
His
friends took some time for some photo shoot, they have supermodel skills
especially the catwalk, cobra walk, fish and tsunami walk.
Well,
Rey doesn’t look
50.
Nobody
revealed what the secret is behind his youthful look.
Can
you guess what?
If
turning 50 is as painlessly celebratory as Yvonne, Dindo and Rey did, everybody
must welcome their half-century mark with an open heart.
As
the invitation said, “Nifty at 50!”
***
Whether
it be for internalizing spirituality by fulfilling Lenten religious practices,
observing folk healing activities, and simply communing with nature in one
whole package, Holy Week is still the best time to go to Siquijor.
When
passengers jampacked the ticketing booths for tickets to other destinations to
spend Holy Week, we’re thankful for the help of Edgar Gineta and Ann Cajilog
for facilitating us at the Lite Shipping office so that we could cross the
island.
 |
| Engr. Jerome Gabin, almost 15 years as Saint Peter and apostle since 1983, with Fiel, Cielo and Renji after the Easter Sunday mass...and (left to right) Butch, Edward and myself with two matriarchs – Mommy Lou Gabin and Ma’am Wincie Araoarao. |
For my travel to the “Isla del Fuego” or “Mystic Island” this year, Butch Bernas (Tagbilaran City Science High School MAPEH teacher), Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity (my Bohol Tri-Media Association colleague) and Jhelmar Jala (my nephew) joined me. We were together in the boat with Mrs. Wincesa Araoarao (retired Bohol National High School PE teacher and Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe founder) for her first Holy Week observance in the island, who was with her daughter, Fiel, and grandchildren, Cielo and Renji.
On
Maundy Thursday, we went to the church for the traditional washing of the feet
of the Apostles re-enacted by Msgr. Candelario “Larry” Catubig, followed by the
last supper at the Assisi High School stage, an activity fully supported by
parishioners who bring food to be blessed by the priest and shared with the
Apostles. The locals keep the bones of the fish, chicken, pig or cow and hide
it atop the “abuhan” in the kitchen with the belief that one will never run out
of food for guests in any gathering in one’s house.
As early as 4 a.m. of Good Friday, the five (5) - kilometer via crucis started, participated in by a thousand devotees. Before 12 noon, we dipped ourselves in the sea, as we were told that we will be spared from evil spirit if we did that. In the afternoon, we witnessed the veneration of the cross.
While
waiting for the procession arrive, we chanced on former Siquijor Mayor Ling
Avanzado and his son, Dingdong with his wife, Jessa Zaragosa, at their
residence just across the church. After the photo opportunity, we did an
interview with Dingdong, a vice-gubernatorial candidate, who bared his plans on
how to better promote the island’s tourism industry.
The
next day, Black Saturday, our goal was to trek to Camp Bandilaan and the house
of Juan Ponce in San Antonio, Siquijor to let Butch, Edward and Mawmaw see for
themselves the ritual of mixing exotic herbs and rather “unusual” ingredients
to come up with a potent love potion (“lumay”) or “tambal” for illnesses.
 |
| Cambugahay Falls in the town of Lazi is one of the famous Siquijor’s tourist attractions. |
Anyway,
there’s always a next time - next year – and, maybe, with new people.
Though
it would still be the same mystic island, but, hopefully, another sight to
behold, another Holy Week experience to capture. But, while Bohol’s little neighbor
has been maligned with things associated with black magic or “barang,” the fact
remains that the people there are friendly, hospitable and above all, have
strong faith in God.
I
warn you: There are no witches but beautiful beaches!
***
