'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.”

 

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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! 

 

***

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

 

 

 

Start your days right in 2014

With the New Year comes the opportunity for a fresh start. The best way to greet 2014 is to start its first day on a healthy and a fabulously positive note. Thus, I am sharing with you some “reminders” to welcome your most awesome year yet.

Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2014 from statisticbrain.com:

1. Lose Weight

2. Getting Organized

3. Spend Less, Save More

4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest

5. Staying Fit and Healthy

6. Learn Something Exciting

7. Quit Smoking

8. Help Others in Their Dreams

9. Fall in Love

10. Spend More Time with Family

Top five (well, six) tips for staying healthy in 2014 from Cambridge News:

1. Eat breakfast – Ensure you have a substantial breakfast which includes some protein and fat, and aim to eat it within an hour of getting up. This will help your body to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and that’s key in order to reduce your cravings. And do yourself a big favour and skip the fruit juice - it plays havoc with your blood sugar levels.

2. Get active – Find an activity that you enjoy and actually look forward to, such as cycling, dancing, running or yoga – and do it twice a week. Current research suggests sitting for long periods can increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain and diabetes, so if you’re office based ensure you get up several times a day and take a walk.

3. Protein – Include some with all meals and snacks: think eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds, approximately the size of your palm. This will slow down the insulin response and help keep your weight stable.

4. Get into green tea - Replace some of your tea and coffee with green tea. It is rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that will not only help to keep you healthy this winter but may also slow down the ageing process as may encourage faster metabolism. Start with two cups a day and experiment by adding fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

5. Cut back on carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, biscuits - and ensure you load your plate up with healthy seasonal vegetables instead. Make them interesting by stir-frying, sautéing, baking in the oven, adding garlic and chilli - whatever works for you.

6. One final tip... Include mushrooms in your diet. They contain powerful compounds called beta glucans which have long been studied for their immune enhancing properties.

And some inspiring words from Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol on New Year's resolutions - The Pope Francis list:

1. Don't gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose the "more humble" purchase.
5. Meet the poor "in the flesh."
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Make commitments, such as marriage.
9. Make it a habit to "ask the Lord."
10.Be happy. This joy should translate to love of neighbor.

***

VRS asked you to share your greatest moment of 2013. These are your stories...

Volunteerism-“It's being able to rediscover myself by realizing my capacity to help. The 7.2 earthquake and typhoon Haiyan were my greatest moments because it helped me realize not only that I can actually help but it let me witness the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen – the Filipinos and other countries helping each other to give aid to the victims. As they say, it is in times of disaster that brings out the best in the community.” -Anna Maris Igpit

Daughter’s Birthday-“When Cielo celebrated her 16th birthday with our family, her Grandma Wincie and Mommy Lou in attendance; when Jerome and I put on her medal for her victory in the Regional Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge in Cebu City, and when I escorted Cielo to the University of the Philippines-Diliman upon her college entrance.”- Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin

Heaven’s Bliss- “When I met Padre Pio in Boracay that made me back sincerely and religiously with God in the Catholic Church. I swear! Isn't that amazing?”- Joy Suarez

Partner-“My greatest moment of 2013 is that I met and married the woman that I'll love for the rest of my life, Atty. Joan Jagonos.” – Benjie Oliva

For Art’s Sake- “When I was chosen by the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) fellowship grantee for visual arts here in New York for six months to observe contemporary arts.”- Sam Penaso

Beauty with a Purpose-“As usual, the success of Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 with Daniel Padilla as special guest and when I was able to defend my master’s thesis en route to my Master in Business Management Degree at the Graduate School of Business and Administration of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.”-Raymund Delgado

A Helping Hand- “Co-convening the Oplan Bangon Bohol and doing relief and rebuilding missions in Bohol but still getting a year-end Performance Award from our Law Firm.” – Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado

Youth Service- “Winning the "Outstanding Barangay Official of the Year 2013 (Toboy Awards)" SK Category among 3,003 SK chairmen of the whole Region 7 and elected as Barangay Kawagad in our beloved Barangay Booy.” - Clement Ingking

Happy Feet- “The best moment for me this 2013 is when I went to the Grand Canyon...I felt God's presence there!!!”- EJ Relampagos

2013 was a good year for VRS as he was interviewed and featured on CNN.

***

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

Tête-à-tête with Atty. Midas Marquez

• Clement is Region’s Outstanding SK

• Tête-à-tête with Atty. Midas Marquez

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Spotted in Bohol last week were Pinoy Dream Academy runner-up Ronnie Liang, Viva Hotbabe Jaycee Parker and Kapamilya star Aldred Gatchalian during Lila’s town fiesta.

           

Scene: The nation’s first Miss World, Megan Young, is back in the Philippines, her home country. Young was treated to a warm welcome by hundreds of people who had gathered at the airport to get a glimpse of their Miss World. Young was all smiles as she waved and greet to cheering fans during last Friday’s parade.

Scene: CenterStage band is getting ready for another big event on Oct. 15, the Foundation Day of Bohol Island State University.

***

While covering the fire incident in Poblacion 1 last Tuesday, Oct. 8, I chanced upon Tracy Remolador Torres who went there to see his friends. He asked me if I was able to read his Facebook status about the Bohol Cultural Center, which I honestly said with all honesty, “no.”

Tracy and other friends are “complaining” about being uncomfortable at the backstage of the Bohol Cultural Center. The experience, according to them, is like inside a furnace.

By the way, here is Tracy’s message (verbatim) addressed to Gov. Edgar Chatto and other concerned officials:

Tracy Torres

TO GOVERNOR EDGAR CHATTO AND OTHER CONCERNED OFFICIALS:

THE BOHOL CULTURAL CENTER IS ONE OF THE PROVINCE'S MOST USED FACILITY WHICH IN TURN GENERATES A LOT OF INCOME.

HOWEVER, UNTIL NOW, ITS BACKSTAGE LACK CERTAIN EQUIPMENTS SUCH AS AIRCONDITIONING UNIT, ELECTRIC FANS, LIGTHS AND CABINETS ETC.PERFORMERS, PAGEANT CANDIDATES, MAKE UP ARTISTS ETC SUFFER FROM ITS POOR FACILITIES.

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, WE HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY AHEAD KUDOS,KUDOS,KUDOS BOHOLANOS!!!

(Note: Tracy, a formal letter or to set an appointment with Gov. Chatto will greatly help. I am sure he would listen.)

***

Spotted in Tagbilaran City last Friday, Oct. 11, was Supreme Court Administrator Atty. Midas Marquez.

We see him all the time on TV who looks so cool despite the great stress in his job, you know announcing a controversial decision of the Supreme Court of which he’s the spokesperson, except when he accidentally pushed a microphone in a presscon in 2011 which became viral over the Internet and other social media sites.

Marquez came to Bohol not for a vacation but for a seminar (he was a resource person) initiated by the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), an environmental non-government organization committed to helping communities uphold their constitutional right to a healthful and balanced ecology.

Supreme Court Administrator Atty. Midas Marquez with your VRS.  Courtesy: Clarence J. Pesquira

Our tête-à-tête led to the judiciary's version of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

He said he is already investigating, albeit discreetly, alleged corruption in the judiciary perpetrated by a certain “Ma’am Arlene".

He also explained that there are no public funds involved in the alleged transactions. He also said that when he checked the facts of reports of 50 rooms being booked in Manila Peninsula, it turned out to be false.

“Palagay ko small time ito compared kay Napoles. Pangalawa, ang Napoles incident involved sa public funds kaban ng bayan, dito naman walang public funds involved ito. Simple graft corruption ito...dapat maimbestigahan,” explained Marquez.

Marquez said that the investigation is moving and that before people will be named, they have to conduct a more extensive investigation.

He said that there are three different "Arlenes" being looked into in the investigation. Initial findings pointed to a clerk from the Court of Appeals, a former employee at the Manila Regional Trial Court, and a known contact from Manila City Hall.

“Base sa ating unang imbestigasyon, mayroong three ‘Arlenes’...ayaw kong pangalanan muna kasi very raw yung information natin,” said Marquez.

Marquez also said that based on the initial findings, the issue started because of the hotly contested PJA elections. It started as a smear campaign against someone aspiring for the presidency of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA), which was picked up by some columnists in newspapers.

During the convention and election of officers of  PJA (Judge Ralph Lee of RTC Quezon City won as President, while Boholana Marlou Magdoza-Malagar of RTC Manila was elected VP for administration), Marquez reminded the judges of their role in the society.

“Doon sa pagtatapos ng convention at election ng Philippine Judges Association, medyo sinabihan natin ang ating mga judges na sila ay mga huwes at  hindi pulitiko. At dapat hindi mangyayari yun sa judiciary. Nakakalungkot dahil ito sana ang pagkakataon na umangat ang Judiciary. Kaso dahil sa election na ito, dahil sa paratang na yan, pati na ang Judiciary bumabagsak talaga,” lamented Marquez.

Incidentally, after we talked, we heard the bells ringing at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St. Joseph Cathedral and other churches in the Diocese of Tagbilaran as part of the national sounding of church bells against pork barrel called by the church-based group Church People's Alliance against Pork Barrel.

***

Clement Paulinel Ingking was selected as Region VII’s The Outstanding Barangay Official of Year 2013 or TOBOY for SK Chairperson Category on Oct. 10 in Cebu City.

“It was like in the Cloud Nine and feeling nako worth it tanan efforts, initiatives and sacrifices that I made in order to pursue my passion of public service,” Clement told VRS.

Clement Ingking

At 15, Clement was elected SK barangay chairman of Booy in Tagbilaran City in 2010.

Clement initiated worthy projects for the youth in his barangay such as zero out of school youth in Booy,  seminars on youth development, livelihood and entrepreneurship, disaster coordination and health task force, education services, moral recovery activities and anti-drug abuse campaign, sports program and community immersion activities.

Unlike other officials who are tardy coming to the barangay hall, Clement has his presence in the barangay hall every vacant time during class days.

“Yes, he has perfect attendance,” confirmed Booy Barangay Captain Jun Telmo. “We are proud of him that the winner came from our barangay of Booy.”  Telmo is seeking reelection this October.  

Clement has the ability to lead, motivate and influence people. Being a good leader for him means being strong by taking the risks yet, still being optimistic. He also motivated and influenced his SK and KK members and the barangay constituents as a whole.

“I want them to be a part of an active crusade for change in the system of government and let them be participative in everything,” shared Clement.

Is he running for a higher position?

“I’m running for barangay kagawad in order to continue serving not only the youth but for the whole community na,” said Clement. “Even though wala nay SK (Pres. Aquino has signed into law a bill postponing the SK elections scheduled on Oct. 28- LPU), I’ll make sure mapadayon nako ang kalambu-an sa community.”

The recent award is another feather to his well-decorated cap.  He was chosen as The Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman (TOSKA) in 2012, Mr. and Miss Teen Bohol 2012 Top 5, ICM’s Kiddie Idol Champion in 2006, ICM’s Model Quest 2007 (male category champion), Mr. Alturas 2011, Mr. Bohol Island State University (BISU) FreshFace 2011, Lakandula ng BISU 2011, Mr. Sophie Paris 2012 and Mr. BISU-Main Campus 2012 first runner-up.

TOBOY is designed to give recognition to barangay officials who have shown exemplary performance in the discharge of their functions. It is jointly undertaken by the Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (LADPAAP) Region 7 Chapter, the DILG and the Liga ng mga Barangay of Region 7.

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