My ‘recycled’ Christmas list

How many kings are born in hovels?

King are meant for thrones, not pastures.

But this king did and we can marvel

He is different, that we can be sure.

While commoners who deserve far less

Demand far more, He models meekness.

There was no room in a crowded town

People gathered to be registered.

All must heed the emperor’s decree.

Even Mary, in her condition.

No one says no to the emperor

Not even Him who would be Savior.

It was hard for Joseph and Mary

There was not even a place to stay

Comfort was not in the mix of things

Not in today’s context and thinking.

Privilege and favor, no one craved. 

All they sought was a room for the Babe. 

So He was born inside the manger.

That no one cared, it did not matter.

The shepherds came, it was a welcome

Fit for this King, so gentle, so calm.

And yet, no doubt many years later

We remember the humble manger.

Jesus says that He is still knocking

At our own doors, where He is welcome.

He will only enter when open.

God seeks mangers that welcome Him in 

Those that rejoice over His coming

For mangers wide open for this King. 

    -The Manger by Chito Fuentes  

“The Manger” written by veteran journalist Chito Fuentes (more poems and articles at http://yellowlightsign.com) tells us that Jesus is not the helpless infant or even a grown-up man, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  As we celebrate Christmas, let us celebrate the miracle of His love. I encourage you to ponder the majesty of God and the goodness and power He brings to your life.

Like you, I wish peace on earth and goodwill in Bohol which this year has been torn apart by unimaginable tragedies and controversies.

I have my own Christmas list for my favorite Boholanos, regardless of whether they’d been naughty (Where are you Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Brigitte Burato?!) or nice (What’s your next Bangon Bohol projects Anna Maris Igpit?! ). Only three days before Christmas Day, so better late than never.

Here they are:

For Rep. Art Yap— May Cong. Art Yap continue to muster support in his claim to rebuild homes for the earthquake victims thru the Rebuild Bohol Foundation he initiated so that those rendered homeless by the calamities  will no longer have to sleep in tents.

For Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs — A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen. How about a marriage contract? Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!

The country’s tallest Santa Claus

For Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A solemn march down the aisle.....  A marriage contract!

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva— A stork’s visit. Same for Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos,  Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap. 

For Nemi Monton — A clean bill of health and an award (long delayed?) recognizing his talent and tireless dedication as sports czar in Bohol! Paging Capitol!

For Idy Cagas — Beauty rest and hot boyfriend!  Same for Bia Ursula Bautista, Fer Mary Baliquig, Ely Rose Apple Angcon, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian, Carlene Yap, Candy Cumayas, Aya Montero, Trisha Chatto and Elvie Bongosia.

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal beauty! She will continue to possess beauty, grace, wisdom and wealth and influence through the years as Bohol's Queen of Tourism and Santacruzan Queen.    

For Atty. Brian Gaviola, Doc Homer Singco, Lemuel Belarmino — A marriage contract (Hurry!!! Hurry!!!)!

For Ardy Batoy —After her numerous hosting stints this year, Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a Mediterranean vacation (or in  Bora Bora in Polynesia). Same for Gloria Leodivica Araneta and Raul Gatal.

For Atty. Greg Delgado — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for Dobap! A quote from The Time Traveler’s Wife: “It's hard being left behind.. . It's hard to be the one who stays.”

For Anna Maris Igpit— A boyfriend to color her world. Note: In the strictest sense of the word…a boy friend. Addendum:  As Bb. Pilipinas, she will help promote to bring back the vigor in Bohol’s tourism industry. Same for Brigitte Burato that her presence can be felt in Bohol.

For Vida Tirol-de Juan and Butch de Juan — Another “joint venture.” Their daughter Bea needs a brother or a sister. Same for Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap and Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap whose daughter Janah needs a sister or a brother. The same wish for Atty. Doi Magdoza and Dra. Aileen Tan.

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

For Onie Oclarit, Fr. Fro Lungay and Meo Mascariñas — Good health and beautiful music.

For Mila Lim — Good health and more years tocontinue decorating her Christmas village at home with happiness and joy.

For Vanity Kintanar Salinana—Ageless beauty to continue her advocacy helping the transpinay and the LGBT community.  Same for Baby Tagoctoc, Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading.

For Mikey Gatal — A round trip ticket to Thailand with his someone special. Stephanie Laurens’ The Edge of Desire says, “My heart only ever had one thought, one want. One need. Despite all, in spite of all...All my heart has ever wanted is you.”

For Mizken Tirol Andan and Ryan Sines — A hot “partner” to love them dearly. Same for  John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Tracy Remolador Torres, Charlow Arbasto, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas. Heide Klum says, “I've been heartbroken. I've broken hearts. That's part of life, and its part of figuring out who you are so you can find the right partner.”

For Tagbilaran City councilor Adam Jala — A seductive and sexy girlfriend! Same for Gabriel Buates.

For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking (with his popular stripes and shades)!

For Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona and company —Good health and more years to protect the fragile environment of Bohol. Same for Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Vera Gesite and Shem Quezon.

For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros—  A marriage contract (indefinite)!  Wedding bells! Wedding bells!  Same for Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc.

For Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal-Asoy— A healthy baby due in February next year.                                     

For Jeroen Hellingman— Good health and long years to continue promoting Bohol to the world. Same for  Jerome Auza, Mike Ligalig, Roy Bayonas, Alfonso Potane, Rene Econg and company.

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta, BG Guingguing and Jerry Pabe —Exclusive and explosive segments with their “controversial” and “talkative” guests and “violent” callers. Same for  Atty. Salva Diputado, Lito Responte and Ted Ayeng.

For City administrator Edi Borja, former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim, Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng and Richard Bompat—A silencer (for this season) that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. They can come back after the Holidays!  He! He! He! Peace!

For Marc Joseph Batoy, Ar-Ar dela Serna, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila and Clement Ingking — More exposures next year!  They deserve the kliegs and flickers!

For Beryl Elizabeth Lupot— A car and a true love!

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo —Hot and explosive showbiz news for their Showbiz Rampa. Hope to hear great (shocking) revelations from guests in 2014!

For Governor Edgar Chatto and Rep. Erico “Aristotle” Aumentado — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and real goodwill. To come up with more concrete initiatives  that address crisis and disaster management in the province, bearing in mind the painful lessons from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake and supertyphoon Yolanda. Same for Rep. Rene Relampagos.

For former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Neri Lim — Again, a peace pipe he should smoke with Gov. Edgar Chatto.

For Madame Paz Trotin, Che Toribio-delos Reyes, Leah Tirol-Magno, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie Geonzon,  Gerry Egos and Musette Hontanosas — Good things in life. Same for Doc Joy Yap, Dr. Mary Grace Uy, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Kit Oppus, Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Angie Valencia, Rey Chiu, Chito Fuentes, June Blanco, Ric Obedencio, Jun Gutierrez, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Freda Tirol, Boy Dumadag, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias, Vicky Wallace, Hans and Lani Schoof, Jas Montes, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Amalia Tirol, Dr. Nenita Po, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Pureza Chatto and Greenie Aumentado,

For Dalareich Polot — Bohol’s tableya princess may continue to inspire the youth to become business minded like her!

For Mayor Nila Montero— She may have the determination to bring out the best in Panglao and the political will to change wrong practices of the past for the good of the LGU.

For Cesar Montano, Rich Asuncion, Tintin Ng, Lailette Boiser, Gerber Mercado and Cathy Remperas — More challenging roles in a hit teleserye (if not a movie) to prove what they made of and to show their effective "natural" acting. Where are you Mich Capili?

For Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo, EJ Relampagos and Sony Pamaong— Another gathering of talented fashion experts and couturiers as engrossing as “Reveal.” Paging Rotary Club of Tagbilaran!

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Beauty rest and inner strength to fight against odds and obstacles in life. Like the Loboc River, she will continue flowing!

For Inday Rufing and Inday Charity — Hot partners to warm their cold nights. The night is cold and the comforter may not be enough to warm you up.

For Joy Suarez — A perfect holiday (not in Boracay, Palawan or Bohol) with someone special. She’s been working so hard that hapit makalimti ang lovelife! He!He!He!

For Fiel Angeli Espejo Araoarao-Gabin — More than anything in the whole world, love of family, good health and safety for everyone.

For Glenn Mark Blasquez— Roundtrip ticket to Bohol so that he can feel home sweet home. Same for Marcing Tsurumi, Jiji Apalisok, Rebecca Lusterio, Jocelyn Oppus, Babat Malicay, Auring Balili, Rey Reformina, Lorenzo and Richel Galaura.

For Centerstage Band — More gigs and release of their (long delayed) album!

For Nonito Donaire — We are the champion belt! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot, Boom-Boom Bautista and Jesus Pacaldo. 

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, et al— Blessed years ahead to continue sharing Christ and loving people. Same for pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

For Aldrin Palaca— A concert to showcase his talent as the Beatbox King of Bohol together with Kimpoy and the Loboc Children’s Choir (we want to hear your angelic voices), Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador and HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe.

For Nene Lungay, Glenn Lumantao, Ric Ramasola, Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents. Same for Ryan Macalandag, Liza Macalandag, Tadiyandi, Baji, Bohol visual artists and Arte Malaya.

For Bohol Chronicle- Our kinaham forever and vanguard of freedom. More 100 years and beyond!

For VRS readers— May your Christmas and the coming New Year be blessed beyond measure!

***

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

Chop the pork and beauty pageant gaffe

• Angry but peaceful anti-pork protest held in Bohol

• Latest beauty pageant gaffe in America goes viral

Last week’s highlights and surprises:

Surprise: On Miley Cyrus' twerking performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, many find it awkward. We were surprised to see her tongue constantly sticking out, grabbing her crotch, molesting a dancer's butt and grinding aggressively against Robin Thicke and sucking a foam finger! Looking at the audience reaction that awarding night, most of them were dumbfounded. Many didn’t find it sexy including my nephews and cousins who liked her during her Hannah Montana days.)

Highlight: In Bohol, less than 200 concerned citizens and taxpayers came to Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City to join the nationwide Million March Protest, demanding an end to the alleged misuse of public funds.

Spotted in the event was former provincial administrator Antonio Amora who joined the crowd in giving burning insights about the pressing issue.

Marianito Luspo came to protest the pork barrel misuse.

Environmental activist  Zenaida Darunday, who came with friends Adelia Dela Serna, Rosemarie Schwartz, Winston Bolo, Novis Lagunay, Dr. Virgie Bube, Roebert Varquez, Bert Gacera, Celio Tomoc, said they attended the event to show their outrage on the pork barrel system of the government.

Angry but peaceful Million March anti-pork protest was held in Bohol last Monday banding people from different walks of life and many sectors of society.- LPU

 

Doris Dinorog-Obena was there as one of the volunteers who “organized” the citizen-driven activity.

“We are here to signify our sentiments to scrap the pork and any form, our stand is not to be resurrected in any form,” said Dinorog-Obena.

There were also Mitzi Ibaya, teacher DenDen Calope, Lope Hubac, Atty. Alma Aparece with former CM-SCA Secretariat members, Fr. Dennis Salazar, Pat Ruiz, Dr. Zaldy Buac, Ric Ramasola, Engr. James Uy and Noel Uy.

Miko Cañares was also at the Plaza Rizal to show support to the people's demand for transparency and accountability from our government officials. His wife Arlene Salgados and kid were also there.

Mytee Palo shared the sentiment of the people. There were also NGO people like Alvin Acuzar and his two kids, Emie Roslinda, Joy Balane, Regina Estorba-Macalandag and Liza Macalandag.

There were also Jeff Bernasor, A. Hontanosas, Doy Bantugan, Rey Anthony Chiu, Judith Sumatra-Uy, Ric Obedencio, Paul Vistal, Nobet Bolo and some BCBP members.

During the mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral, there were Atty. Myrna Pagsuberon, Marissa Tuazon of Pakisama,  Suki Plaza Cyrus Lobrigas, Ruben Balistoy, Inting Loquellano and Msgr. Nalzaro.

The participants also agreed to ask the former congressmen who are allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam to explain to the Boholano people.

 “Nagkasinabot sab mi sa among tapuk karun nga manawagan sa kanhi congressmen nga naapil sa mga congresman nga nagahatag sa grupo ni Napoles,” said Acuzar. “Ihatag nila ang responsibilidad nga masabtan sa lalawigang Bol-anon kung giunsa, ug asa ug kinsa ang gitagaan sa maong pondo. Tungod kay mituo ta nga ang kausaban sa panawagan sa maong abolition sa PDAF magsugod diri sa atong lokal.”

After the Million March, the fugitive Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged brains of the P10-billion pork barrel scam, surprised the whole nation when, after hiding for two weeks, suddenly surrendered to Pres. Aquino.

Stay tuned: The night Napoles surrendered, the pork barrel scam saga is far from over.

***

I bet you didn’t know that a Filipina is probably the most well-known pageant contestant right now.

After US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal uploaded the video of the QnA portion of the Miss Philippines-USA 2013 held in California, it has gone viral, appearing on multiple news sites such as the E! News, Huffington Post, Daily Mail and CNN.

Candidate Number 13 Joanlia Lising was asked by a presenter which of the “five senses” (vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch) she would pick if she could only choose one.

Joanlia Lising's nervous answer was: “Thank you for that wonderful question."If I have to pick out of the five senses, I would pick seeing, because seeing is the best sense that we can ever see, because seeing is believing, and believing into what you see is perfect... and... um... out of all those senses... seeing... would really be wonderful... thank you... that will be it.”

What?!?

The Miss Philippines USA 2013 candidate’s cringe-inducing Q&A answer becomes a viral video hit. –Screenshot from CNN

Everyone was confused.

I’d asked Mikey (who was one of those behind the search) for his comment.

“First of all, thanks for your great understanding, about the pageant thing, I really felt so bad about the whole situation, I did not mean to hurt Joanlia Lising, I just did my part to blog all candidates Q and A, didn't expect this will become a big issue and it went viral,” said Mikey.

In my opinion, Lising was probably overly nervous.

Remember, it is not easy to be onstage. Ask any candidate and she would agree. Right Raul?

The interview portion is always the most dreaded segment in a beauty pageant. It is in this segment that we love to hear how smart and eloquent the candidates are. Most of the time, in beauty contest you can't easily find a perfect mix-up of beauty and brains.

Meanwhile, the annual charity project of Mikey (thru his Mikey Gatal Charity Inc.  in cooperation with Guindulman Association of California,Southern Area or GACSA)  was held on August 24 in Barangay Canhaway, Guindulman. 

Mikey gave out slippers to children too poor to afford them.

Mikey came out with the idea years ago during her vacation in Bohol.  He had realized the extent of the need for slippers, which is something a lot of people take for granted.

“More than 300 kids have received new and nice slippers they can use,” said Nikki Gatal-Quintia who supervised the activity.

***

Thank God, it’s September 1!

Do you smell Christmas in the air? Welcome the “ber” months!

The start of September also means that Christmas is just around the corner as the world’s longest Christmas season unfolds in the Philippines.

Never mind if the whole country just got shaken by the pork barrel scam, the Filipinos’ enduring spirit could never be shut down.

Today, radio programs begin playing holiday tunes. It can’t be denied that Christmas songs can help lift our moods.  And the thought of Christmas decor and Christmas bonus make the “Ber” months more exciting!

Now that the “Ber” month is finally upon us, the mornings are expected to get colder in the coming days.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Note: As you read this paper, I already sent my Christmas greetings to my high school classmate and VDT-LC principal Elaine Joy Auza. We have had our contest of “Who Can Greet First Merry Christmas on September 1” since we’re in high school. As expected, I won for the nth time!

***

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