Dalareich Polot: 1st Filipina to win 'Goldman Sachs and Fortune Global Women Leaders Award'

By Leo Udtohan

Bohol-based entrepreneur and chocolatier Dalareich Polot will receive the prestigious "Goldman Sachs and Fortune Global Women Leaders Award", the first Filipina to receive such distinction during the 15th Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit on October 10-12, 2022 in Laguna Niguel City in California, USA. Photo: Dalareich Chocolate House

Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

-Gov. Aris Aumentado on his First 100 Days in office: "True to our campaign promise to institute Good Governance, we took steps to rid the Capitol of unscrupulous people who have soiled the good reputation of Boholanos. The so-called" Ivan" who victimized quarry operators, mining permitees, and sand and gravel dealers by collecting 30% kicback, has been removed from the equation. In just three months, we have tripled the collection of quarry permit fees from industry players. While before, many local businessmen and suppliers shun away from, and were deprived of the opportunity to do business in our Capitol due to rigging of transactions to favored bidders from Cebu and Luzon, there is now a substantial increase of bidders and a more fair and transparent procurement set-up."

-Jingle Lofranco Tripoli on his Pakal's, the newest foodie destination in Tubigon town: "We have budget-friendly, drool-worthy, and super delicious menu. Lutong bahay nga pagkaon nga patok sa masa."  The blessing and ribbon cutting on Saturday, Oct. 8 was graced by Gov. Aris Aumentado and 2nd district Rep. Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado. 

Gov. Aris Aumentado and 2nd district Rep. Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado graced the blessing of Pakal's in Tubigon town. Contributed photo

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By the time you are reading this corner, I'd assumed that Bohol-based entrepreneur and chocolatier Dalareich Polot is already in the USA. 

Well, she won the prestigious "Goldman Sachs and Fortune Global Women Leaders Award", for the rehabilitation of cacao industry and empowering rural women farmers. 

Polot, 34, is the first Filipina to receive such distinction in California in United States of America during the 15th Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit on October 10-12 at Laguna Niguel City in California, United States of America. 

"Actually, I cried when I read the confirmation [in] e-mail because deep inside my heart, I know I'll get this. After all, the things happened to our world, pandemic plus typhoon Odette, I'm still hoping for a good news to get this year," said Polot, who was one of the Goldman Sachs scholars in 2011 under 10,000 Women Business Training Program in partnership with University of Asia and the Pacific and IESE Business School. 

She said the opportunity came in God's perfect time that she is only an instrument of God and just following His mission. 

"I’m very excited to speak in the world stage again and represent my beloved country, my province and city," she added. 

The 2022 Summit with the theme "Realizing Your Power" will convene the preeminent women in business—along with select leaders in government, philanthropy, education, sports, and the arts—for wide-ranging conversations that inspire and deliver practical advice. 

Among the leaders already committed to attend the summit are American philanthropist and former computer scientist Melinda French Gates, U.S. Representatives Liz Cheney and Katie Porter, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom; and some leaders and chief executive officers of top companies in the world. 

"I’m also eager to listen and network with women leaders and CEOs that I will meet during the summit. I’m so looking forward to engage with women leaders," said Polot. 

Known as the “Chocolate Princess” in Bohol, Polot established the first and only Chocolate House in the province after winning the Young Women Entrepreneurs Bootcamp in 2013 sponsored by the US Embassy in Manila and SPARK Philippines. She won a cash prize that helped her to expand her family's “Dalareich Tableya" which started in 1994. 

In June 2014, she went to Europe for a scholarship grant to study food engineering on chocolate processing at Gent University in Belgium. When she came back to the country, Dalareich launched her own chocolate line—"Ginto Luxury Chocolates. "

On Sept. 8,  2017, Dalareich opened “Dalareich Chocolate House”, the first chocolate factory in Bohol. It is a bigger facility, which employs housewives and part-time students, to produce more chocolates and so visitors can see the whole chocolate production process.

Polot sources her cacao beans from small farmers from the towns of Calape, Carmen, Pilar, Sierra Bullones and Jagna.

Cacao seeds are sold at P35 per kilo for wet beans in the local market, but Polot buys these from farmers at a higher price of P120-P160 for dried and fermented beans to be able to help them.

Bohol produces only five percent of the country’s cocoa supply. 

Cacao seeds turn into cocoa powder to make “tableya,” a traditional Filipino hot chocolate beverage made from 100 percent pure, roasted cocoa beans that are pressed into coin-shaped tablets, and, chocolates.

But since the farmers could not meet her demand of 63,700 kilos a month, Polot had to tap those in Davao region. 

She launched "Adopt-a-Cacao Tree" advocacy campaign to preserve the cacao farming in Bohol and encourage Boholanos to take care of the cacao trees that had been planted near their houses.

She expanded her network in several towns and led farmers to rehabilitate and plant cacao trees. 

However, when Typhoon Odette (Rai) ravaged the Visayas region in Dec. 2017, it destroyed cacao plants.  At least 100 families were affected. 

For the past 10 months, Polot has led in the livelihood recovery of rural women farmers through cacao production and rehabilitation. 

"I am also very ecstatic that it comes with a grant that I can utilize to pay-it-forward to my adopted communities," said Polot. 

Polot's love of cacao started with the family's business of "tableya" which her mother Elsa inherited it from her mother-in-law. 

In 2019, the family's "Dalareich 100% Unsweetened Chocolate" received the gold award from the Academy of Chocolate in London. 

She won the “Best Family Support" Award for APEC “Business Efficiency and Success Target” Award 2019 (APEC BEST Award) during the Women and the Economy Forum in La Serena, Chile.

Her message to the world? 

"The past two years have been challenging for everyone in this world. Many of us felt confused, sad, disappointed, and lost, but God always sends us a message to continue to hope and pray even with all the challenges in our way. Those tears you shed will be worth it, and you understand better in His perfect time. God is always watching over us; things will fall into place in His perfect time with His great surprise that you didn’t imagine," she shared. 

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Beauty queens turned doctors

Tubignons celebrate the recent milestones of their beauty queens who passed the September 2019 licensure examination for physicians during the thanksgiving party held last night at the Tubigon Cultural and Sports Center.

The thanksgiving party was attended by their close family relatives, friends, well-wishers and townmates.

Among  this  young generation of Tubignon, they are the first beauty queens turned physicians.

Both graduates of the Cebu Institute of Medicine who epitomize “beauty with a purpose” – saving lives, Dr. Clarice Elaine Falcon Radoc (Miss BACS Personality 2008 and Anyag sa Tubigon 2008) and Dr. Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian (Miss BACS Personality 2009, Miss CVIRAA 2010, Anyag sa Tubigon 2010, and Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011) have been classmates since prep.

They have undoubtedly inherited their beauty, charm, and bearing from their grandmother, erstwhile Maribojoc Mayor Paula Raagas Valles, who was Miss Bohol High School and Miss Bohol respectively in her younger years.

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Wonderful Wincie at 80

In 1961, she was a gymnast who placed first in the regional swimming competition held in Cebu City to recruit members for the Philippine Swimming Team.

In 1979, she founded the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT), a folkloric group based at Bohol National High School. In 1980, she choreographed the first-ever Sandugo re-enactment performed in Bohol for the Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines and Philippine Diplomat Carlos P. Romulo during the Blood Compact Anniversary, which also became the champion in the 1981 “Alay sa Pangulo” in Cebu City.

In 1990, she was second placer and the only solo entry in the 2nd Philippine Annual Philippine Folk Dance Festival held at Pace University, Manhattan, New York City.

These are just some of the highlights in the life of Wincesa Espejo Araoarao, the eldest child of former Cogon Barangay Captain Hilario Araro Espejo and homemaker Josefina Mercader Balatero.

Even at a young age, she has been accustomed to working hard, helping her parents in their simple carenderia at the pantalan and taking care of her younger siblings while her parents were away.

Her terpsichorean prowess and grace ushered her way towards  taking up Bachelor of Science in Education – Major in Physical Education at the University of Southern Philippines in Cebu City. Following her initial teaching stint at St. Mary’s High School in Marawi City, Lanao del Norte in 1963, she welcomed the opportunity to teach at her Alma Mater – Bohol High School.

In 1969, she married Derclo Reparato Bongoyan Araoarao, a Philippine Banking Corporation employee.

Their union was blessed with five offsprings: Fiel Angeli A. Gabin (Tagbilaran City, Bohol), Hannah Gay (died of meningitis in 1974), Reparato Anthony (Pearland, Texas, USA), Ann Claire A. Young (Haymarket, Virginia, USA), and Coeli Marie A. Ruiz (Salem, Oregon, USA).

Being the First Lady of Panglao when her husband “Rep” served as Mayor of Panglao from 1980 to 1986, “Wincie’s” passion for culture and performing arts never waned.

This unrelenting dedication for her advocacy to selflessly share her talent to preserve and promote culture and the arts has made her withstand life’s challenges, anchoring on God as her main source of strength.

Her 80th birthday celebration last September 28, 2019 was made more meaningful with the reunion of her children 23 years after her daughter Fiel’s August 10, 1996 wedding to Jerome John J. Gabin from Siquijor.

According to Albert Einstein, “Only a life lived for others is a life well lived.”

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Dalareich wins Best Family Support Award for APEC Best Award 2019

After winning in the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London, Bohol’s Chocolate Princess, Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Chocolate House won the “Best Family Support" Award for APEC “Business Efficiency and Success Target” Award 2019 (APEC BEST Award) during the Women and the Economy Forum in La Serena, Chile.

Dalareich competed with other nominees from 21 other APEC economies.

The Philippine Commission on Women nominated her on this.

“I didn’t expect any award because I feel like it’s lesser chance for Philippines to win because I only presented online," said Dalareich whose business model presentation was done via Skype.

She was given seven minutes for her presentation and another five minutes for the Q and A.

"God is good! This is not my award. I owed this to people who believe and support us all the way. Receiving 3 international awards this year 2019 are all His plans. I'm forever grateful," Polot said.

The award was received by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VII Director Aster Caberte, who represented the Department of Trade and Industry in the APEC Ministerial Meeting from October 2-9, 2019.

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Bohol’s Dalareich ‘tableya’ is world’s best

‘Dalareich 100% Unsweetened Chocolate’ wins Gold in London’s Academy of Chocolate

Where to find the best chocolate? Of course, at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol!

Bohol's “Dalareich 100% Unsweetened Chocolate” of Dalareich Food Products (DFP) based in Tagbilaran City has won a Gold Award in a prestigious international London-based Academy of Chocolate Awards 2019.

Elsa Polot sells pure tableya. Photos Leo Udtohan

According to Dalareich Polot, the general manager of DFP, it is the first time that Philippines got the Gold Award since the international chocolate award started in 2015 on all the categories.

“My mom and I are so happy because we were able to go to college because of tableya," said Dalareich who helped the family business since 1994.

Her mother Elsa, owner of DFP, shared that there was no secret that her tableya won internationally with more than 1,500 entries representing producers from 46 nations, making it the most successful year in the history of the awards.

“It’s 100% pure unsweetened chocolate we called tableya,” she said.

It was first time for Dalareich to send an entry to the international chocolate award based in London and “Dalareich 100% Unsweetened Chocolate” got the Gold award under drinking chocolate together with Laguna-based Auro Chocolate.

Other Philippine companies such as Malagos Chocolate, Theo and Philo, also got silver and bronze awards from different categories.

The Academy of Chocolate was founded in 2005 by five of Britain’s leading chocolate professionals, united in the belief that eating fine chocolate is one of life’s great pleasures.

The Academy campaigns for better chocolate and to promote a greater awareness of the difference between fine chocolate and the mass-produced chocolate confectionery which most of us eat.

Dalareich grew up in a family that ran a business of making tableya since 1994. She accompanied her grandmother Tomasa in selling anchovies and tableya in the neighborhood.

Elsa, 54, inherited the small business when Tomasa passed away in 2000.

Elsa, then a street cleaner, and husband Ricardo Polot made tableya on the side to augment their income. But their sideline helped the couple send their five children to college --Irene, 33; Dalareich, 30; Renel, 27; Jessa, 24; and Angelah, 20.

Although a graduate of Computer Engineering, Dalareich helped her parents innovate their products and market it to local merchants.

Dalareich, 30, has been known as the “Chocolate Princess” in Bohol. She established the first and only Chocolate House in the province after studying in Belgium.

From her mother’s tableya, Dalareich launched her own chocolate line—“Ginto Luxury Chocolates”, which has already been showcased in international chocolate exhibits, along with other local brands.

“I want to make chocolates not only tableya on the island of Chocolate Hills in Bohol,” she said.

 To preserve the cacao farming in Bohol, Dalareich launched Adopt-a-Cacao tree advocacy campaign to encourage Boholanos to take care of the cacao trees that had been planted near their houses.

 “We believe that there are more than 10,000 historical cacao trees in each town across Bohol,” she said.

For her, she wants Bohol known not for the Chocolate Hills but also the home of Chocolates.

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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.

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

Some favorite expressions (In Bohol, we don’t say...)

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, is the new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). She took her oath before Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.  Leah Tirol-Magno (of Bohol’s Baking Mama), Macuno’s youngest sister shared on Facebook, “We are very proud of you Anang. Carry on the torch of righteousness and continue to share God's love to His people with this new responsibility He entrusted you.”

Scene: The Dalareich Food Products has won the first BPI Sinag Accelerate Challenge 2016. The program aims to empower up-and-coming enterprises with a social mission through an exclusive series of mentorship programs, said the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ social development arm, BPI Foundation. “God really works in mysterious ways,” said Dalareich Polot.

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Last week, someone posted on Facebook a list of expressions of Boholanos (In Bohol, we don’t say) which has attracted millennials in the time it was posted and shared on the social media. 

Other Bisdaks who can relate of the expressions have started to make their own by simply changing the name of the province.  They say it is as a way of letting others know how they feel.

Bohol’s chocolate princess Dalareich Polot

 (3^rd from left, with her sister Irene and BPI 

Foundation staff) receives the award for the first. 

BPI Sinag Accelerat Challenge 2016. Contributed Photo

Here are some expressions that you might find interesting and amusing making daily conversations more colorful. Read on.

In Bohol, we don't say, "Ang gwapo niya!" Instead we say, "Sheeet kalami niya"

In Bohol we don't say, "Hi kumusta na?" Instead we say, "Buhi pa diay ka buanga ka? "

In Bohol, we don't say, "Awesome!" Instead we say, "Ataya ato gud?!"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Buti nga sayo" Instead we say, "Dah! Merese! Gabaan ang buang"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Weh? Di nga? Instead we say, "Pagsure ba kay magbiko tag Pink"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Dami mong pera Pare!" Instead we say, "Namayot napud ka gabii no?"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Saan kana?" Instead we say, "Piste oy! Dugay pa?"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Pasensya na po" Instead we say, "Strikto lagi ka sa personal oi"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Excuse me" Instead we say, "Padaplin daw bi"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Ulan na naman" Instead we say, "Managhan nasad ta ani"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Where's my pen?" Instead we say, "Animal ang nagkawat sa akong ballpen!

Mayrag mamatay karun dayun."

In Bohol, we don't say, "Tahimik mo naman" Instead we say, "Pakahoy-kahoy ang buang ohh"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Wag mokong idamay" Instead we say, "ay ko amunga ha kay wa raba ko galabot-labot"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Wow sexy" Instead we say, "Hubagang ate oy! Ka salad naba"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Girlfriend mo bro? Congrats!" Instead we say, "Lahi napud na pre?"

And...

Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, is the 

new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares 

Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). 

Contributed Photo/Leah Tirol-Magno

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Wow nice haircut or hair style." Instead we say, “Dagway sa hinampak ay,wala pa nimo gipadakup ang nag tupi nimo!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Nice suit. What's the occasion? Why so dressed up?" Instead we say... "Halaahh ka porma sa hinampak oh! Asa na punerarya nimo nakuha? Asang lubong bro?"

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Ampangit ng boses nya." Instead we say, "Pakantaha nag My Way!"

In Bohol, we don’t say, “Pasumbag kah." Instead we say, "Gusto kag mangehi ug taga bay!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, “I miss you guys.”  Instead we say, “Sum-ola ninyog dagway oi, hug ko beh! "

In Bohol, we don’t say, “Sinungaling ka!” Instead we say, “Estoryaheee!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, “May ubo ka pala?” Instead we say, “Iluwa na kay maka-upaw.”

In Bohol, we don't say.. "Susuntokin kita diyan pag hindi ka tumahimik!" Instead, we say "Daahh maypag pusilon.. Dah hilom lagi kang pisteha ka!"

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Ba't ka nakatingin, ano problema mo?" Instead we say, "Ayaw'g tutok diha buanga ka, lugit ng mata nimu run"

In Bohol, we don't say "Saan kana ngaun nakatira?" Instead we say, "Aha naman ka gibutang sa Ginoo oi!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Hi, it’s you again." Instead we say, “Naa nasad ang giatay ay."

in Bohol, we don’t say “Ang landi nito." Instead we say, “Hoy cholera pagtarong ha kay ma torjakan nya ka!”

We're proud Boholanos, aren't we? Kolerang lambay mo!  Ha! Ha! Ha!

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

Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

 

Sumad karon, ang kalibutan nagpangilin
Ngano kaha natawo ang batang buotan gayud
Kinsa siya, wa ba hi-ilhi
Siya manunubos sa yuta nga karon mikunsad gikan sa langit

Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sayawan ta ang bata
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon

Pasko na usab, sayawan ta ang bata
Pasko na usab, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon.

—Sumad Karon by Susan Fuentes

 

Four days before Christmas Day and here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts to my favorite Boholanos, with some new additions, inspired by Sumad Karon, a Visayan Christmas song classic by Susan Fuentes, Hajji, APO and Passionata, from their music album Mananaygon, which opens today's VRS.

 

Here they are:

 

Queenie Melody Fullante- A boyfriend who will love her forever and ever, amen! The guy must be romantic, confident, artistic, foreign, free spirit (aka the bad boy), intelligent/witty and considerate!

 

For Anna Maris Igpit and her Aussie football player Thomas Taylor —Marriage contract!  Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!

 

For Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen!  Same for Fer Mary Baliquig and her beau; Elvie Bongosia of PIA and her labidab and  Clyde Ebojo and his girlfriend. 

 

Various parols and belens are displayed at Tubigon
town plaza to bring more cheer to this year’s Christmas celebration.
The holiday ambience that Tubigon affords its visitors is
 making the place as one of the Most Christmassy Places on Bohol. 

For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros—  Wedding bells!!!  

 

For Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso— Marriage contract (indefinite)!

 

For Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc — A marriage contract? Nope, it’s too early. Meanwhile, they may live(on?) happily ever after as sweethearts.

 

For Dalareich Polot —A perfect holiday with someone special. She’s been working so hard for her Chocoreich! Remember, all work and no play (and no lover) makes Jane a dull girl.

 

For Pat Ruiz- Inner strength to continue her advocacies! Same for Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares and Vera Gesite.

 

For Nonito Donaire — More wining bouts! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot and Boom-Boom Bautista.

 

For Candy Cumayas—Another beauty pageant to join to prove that a probisyana charm and beauty can capture the country! Same for Mary Rose Butalid.

 

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Home sweet home! (Figure that out.) As the songs goes (to the tune of Moon River by Andy Williams: Loboc River, wide than a mile, I'm crossing you in style someday, Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, Wherever you're going, I'm going your way.....

 

For Nene Lungay, Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents. Same for Tadiyandi, Baji,  Arte Malaya, Glenn Lumantao, Joey Labrador,  Joyle Alipala, Ric Ramasola, Loboc Children’s Choir, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador, Katipunan Elem. School Rondalla, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe and Bohol Master Singers.

 

For Mikey Gatal — A Roman holiday with his special someone.

 

For Geraldine Topsnik and Immaculada Cleofe Leopardas— Hot boyfriends!  Same for Idy Cagas, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian and Trisha Chatto.

 

For Cesar Montano and Rich Asuncion— More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies.  Same for  TinTin Ng and  Lailette Boiser.

 

For Mila Lim and Dr. Mary Grace Uy — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Musette Hontanosas, Vicky Wallace, Doc Joy Yap, LJ Lumayag, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Fiel Gabin, Kit Oppus, Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Marina Salamanca, Dodong Almedilla, Freda Tirol, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias,  Hans and Lani Schoof,  Atty. Jas Montes,  Dr. Nenita Po, Greenie Aumentado, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Fancy Baluyot, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Conching Lim, Pureza Chatto  Paz Trotin, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie Geonzon,  Gerry Egos, Edi Borja, Reigh Monreal, Malou Cempron and Atty. Eliseo Labaria.

 

For Joy Suarez — A new world-class resort to manage!

 

For  Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Tracy Remolador Torres and Sony Pamaong— Fashion shows to display their artistic collections!

 

For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking to showcase his world-class talent.

 

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — More "talkative" and “controversial” guests on Showbiz Rampa.  Same for  Inday Charity (dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka).

 

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta and Gerry Pabe (dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) — More  explosive news and “controversial” guests. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado and Ted Ayeng (dyTR’s Cuentas Claras).  

 

For Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng and Atty. Salva Diputado—A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. He He He

 

Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos— A long-delayed stork’s visit. Same for Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Dr. April Lumuthang-Froiland and Arch. Junibe Froilan.

 

For Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap—A healthy baby due in February next year.

 

For Che Toribio-delos Reyes— Good things in life.  And a sign that screams, "DON’T!!! In 2016!

 

For Dr. Maria April “Doc April” Lumuthang-Froilan- A big clinic for her Touch of April to beautify  the province of Bohol!

 

For Governor Edgar Chatto, Reps. Erico “Aristotle” Aumentado, Rene Relampagos and Art Yap and Mayor Baba Yap — Divine guidance and enlightenment for political will.

 

For  Inday Rufing  — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for  Inday Charity, Ryan Sines, John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Deo Guden, Rico Guigue, Charlow Arbasto, EP Relampagos, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas.

 

For Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Hannah Precillas and Kirby Asunto— A big break to showcase their singing prowess!

 

For Marc Joseph Batoy, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila, Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz and Ar-Ar dela Serna — More exposures to prove to all that Boholano men naay ikabuga!

 

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal youth beauty for Bohol's Queen of Tourism.

 

For AD— A chastity belt! He He He

 

For Ardy Batoy —A vacation! The Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a break!

 

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint venture.” He He He Same for Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace.

 

For Baby Tagoctoc— He may continue to shine!  Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading deserves a vacation, too.

 

For Raul Gatal—  A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from his “haters.”

 

For Josephus Anthony Bumaat — Another kilig novel as engrossing as Anh To Be Surprised.

 

For Atty. Greg Delgado — A seductive girlfriend!   Same for  Van Delima, Doc Homer Singco and Lemuel Belarmino.

 

For Leah Tirol-Magno — A baking session and an outlet to show her delectable world of baking mastery.

 

For Mizken Tirol-Andan— A partner to color his world.

 

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Msgr. Jeff Malanog, Fr. Warli Salise, Jr.,  et al— Good health and more years to share the gospel as Veritas de terra orta est! (“Truth shall spring out of the earth”). Same for pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba.

 

And...

 

—No more painful and violent deaths. Well, we all have to go. But I hope and pray that deaths won’t be as painful. And I wish to see the end of the chain of deaths that had hounded the province in 2014.  

-—Safe arrival, peaceful and successful events with Pope Francis in the Philippines.

 

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