Shaping-up tips from Miss Tagbi

This early, a quick look at the Miss Bohol 2014 official candidates line-up shows some of the early favorites already catching the attention of pageant fans from here and abroad.

Among them is Miss Tagbilaran Geraldine Topsnik. She was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran this past April, and she will compete for the Miss Bohol title on July19.

 “She has a good fighting chance to win the crown,” according to a beauty pageant watcher.  “So far, she’s doing very well.”

Geraldine, who was born on April 15, 1997, stands 5'6", 110 lbs, and with vital statistics of 34-26-36, became Miss Cristal-e College 2013, Miss Teen ICM 2013 and then Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2014.

“Being Miss Tagbilaran 2014 doesn’t only mean that I was crowned that night, my work is done, but it means that I was crowned, my work is just beginning,” shared Geraldine. “I plan to utilize my title by influencing different people and promoting our tourism.”

The 17 year-old half German half Filipina will convince tourists to visit Bohol, which was devastated by the killer quake last year, through the power of social media. “Social media is one way of conveying the tourists to explore Bohol after the quake, although the quake might have devastated lives it also has sprouted different opportunities,” shared Geraldine.

In this season of Sandugo festival, VRS asked Geraldine for her fitness insights and sundry.

How do you feel about competing at the Miss Bohol 2014? I feel proud to be able to represent the City of Tagbilaran, but there’s always this uncertainty in pageants especially this one, that makes me nervous. Who wouldn’t be? It’s Ms.Bohol2014 and I’m competing against 17 beautiful girls, but I am hoping that on the 19th of July I’ll be able to represent the province of Bohol. I am hoping and praying.

What is your favorite category (Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Interview, casual/On-Stage Question), and why? My favorite category is non-other than the casual on stage question because in this category the people get to know who the candidate truly is as a person and they get a glimpse on the candidates personality other than her beauty.

What is your least favorite category, and why? My least favorite category would be the swimwear category although this is the favorite of some, and I do respect that, but it’s my least favorite because behind that beautiful body is hours and days of diet and exercise and it’s also makes me feel very conscious about how I look and the way that people think about how I look and portray who I am as a person in the swimwear category of the competition.

What would you say to someone who says that pageants are superficial and/or demeaning to women? I would tell them that to personally get to know a previous pageant winner or a contestant and I’m sure just by getting to know them, they’ll instantly know how pageants have improve their lives and personalities as it did with mine.

How do you stay motivated to eat healthy, exercise, and prepare for your upcoming pageant? I stay motivated to eat healthy and exercise by thinking of the people who believes in me and by thinking about the advocacies that I want to be implemented if I become Miss Bohol 2014.

What kind of diet do you have? I was obese when I was younger, and in Mutya sa Tagbilaran, I still had some of that baby fats on, and right now I’m doing my best to have my body toned. I’m having a less rice diet, less sweets, more protein, vegetables and the healthy stuff with exercise.

How much sleep do you get per night knowing that you have busy schedules in the Miss Bohol? It really depends, on some nights I get 8 or more hours of sleep but in some, 5 or 6 , But I do try to get up to 8 hours of sleep a day because having enough sleep makes you a lot healthier, makes you glow and have more energy.

Other than confidence, what would you say is the most important quality for a pageant contestant hoping to capture her next crown? I think that other than confidence the most important thing that a beauty should possess is the passion for what she is doing. I believe that you can expect greater things once you love what you do. And in order for her to get her next crown she must be confident and passionate and of course, she must never forget where she came from and never forget the Lord.

What is your favorite quote? My favorite quote is “live life without any regrets, trust in the Lord and he will keep you safe”.

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be? Right now, I am changing my persona of thinking too much of what other people would think about the things that I do and about me. I think that , I am doing my best to change this part of me, because I believe that to live happily means to not care that much on other people’s perception ,as long as you believe in yourself and you are happy , then what other people think of you really doesn’t matter that much.

What do you find sexy in a man? It would definitely be how a man carries himself, his height and his eyes... I don’t know why, but I just find it sexy. (Laughter)

Will Geraldine join the Miss Bohol Honor Roll?

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In 2006, Bb. Pilipinas World-2006 Anna Maris Igpit shared to me her strict diet days before she went to Poland to compete for the Miss World 2006. To stay thin, she followed a healthy strict diet and practice few exercise.

When I saw Maris in Poland, her wait was 24 inches! Maris is a person naturally thin, and doesn't have tendency to increase weight.

The MISS BOHOL SANDUGO (www.facebook.com/missboholbeautypageant) admins and other beauty watchers have noticed that some of the girls have "baby fats"...and they have less than two weeks to trim down!

“A lot of people have noticed that some of our Miss Bohol 2014 candidates need diet and exercise,” the fanpage said. “A beauty contestant's diet does not consist of starvation and countless hours on the treadmill. Instead, it is about adopting a healthy lifestyle and working to achieve long, lean muscles. They have 17 days to do it before the finals night on July 19.”

The fanpage shares the pageant secrets to diet and exercise:  find opportunities to exercise, eat clean, and stay prepared. “Cravings are natural, even for a beauty queen. However, pageant contestants combat these with preparedness --- always with healthy snacks and fruits on hand,” added the fanpage.

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Fresh from Europe, Bohol’s Tableya Princess Dalareich Polot (extreme left, with Andrea Trinidad Echavez of the US Embassy and VRS), is back in Bohol. Dalareich was in Belgium (the home to some of the world’s finest beer, most decadent chocolates, and mouthwatering delicacies) on a scholarship grant about chocolate-making.  She was the grand winner in the First Young Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp 2013.

Dalareich Polot means do$$ar

• Dalareich Polot means do$$ar

• JCI-Boholana Kisses reacts

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Centerstage band, which served as frontact for the concert of Cueshe last Wednesday, September 25, at PMI-Taloto ground, as part of the 40th Foundation Day celebration of PMI Colleges-Bohol, declined the offer to work in London.

CenterStage Courtesy: Ariel Fullido

 “CenterStage thanks everyone for the unsolicited advice regarding the offer from Holiday Inn Hotel in London,” said Ariel Fullido, one of the members of the band, posted on Facebook. “We might as well reconsider our decision, or regret it with a heavy heart, but for now we really intend to stay here for the meantime, as two members are studying, and we stick to our obligations and commitments in the contracts we signed in our local bookings here.”

Years ago, a German promoter Rodulf Bruenner invited the band to perform in Europe. Sadly, they declined the offer.

Seen: A young socialite who married into a wealthy family has started taking wines and spirits? No, she hasn’t turned alcoholic, not yet anyway. Could it be her way of breaking the boredom of a leisurely life as a virtual princess?

Scene: According to the Manila-based International Rice Research Institute, about one of every two people in the world relies on rice as a staple food. So if the price of rice jumps, nearly half of the global population could be impacted. We are sensitive to more expensive rice because it makes up about 9% of our country’s basket – the highest percentage in all of Asia. The price of rice is expected to keep rising although NFA-Bohol Information Officer Jhoel Lim says “there is a stable rice supply in the province.” What's the top price you've seen for rice? Snap a photo and tell me your breaking point.

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Boholano young entrepreneur Dalareich Polot was the grand winner in the First Young Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp 2013 which was held on Sept. 23 -25 in Manila organized by Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (Spark! Philippines, Inc.) and teamed up with the US Embassy in Manila.

Dalareich Polot Courtesy: Dalareich Polot

Spark is a non-government organization composed of women entrepreneurs seeking to empower small- and medium-scale enterprises ventured in by Filipino women all over the country.

“Lord! You’re sooooo goooodddd!! I won the grand prize,” said the Dalareich Tableya owner on Facebook. “Reallly soooooooo happpy!! I cried when they called me the First Young Women Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2013 grand winner!”

The judges were impressed of Dalareich and they were inspired of her life story.

Dalareich also said that she is very excited to go back to Bohol and share her experiences  she got in the young entrepreneurs Bootcamp.

True to her name, Dalareich has received a cash prize (a whooping US5,000 dollars!) and a plaque.

           

“Now I can justify why God gave me my name Dalareich (Dollar-rich),” she said.

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Kim Mainit, “The Boses na May Gustong Patunayan,” posted on Facebook his experiences in the Voice of the Philippines (VOTP):

It has been 3 days that passed since i got eliminated in the show that opened millions of opportunities for me :)) I do believe in the saying that goes "if a door is closed, thousands more will open"... In those 3 days of trying to sink it in.. I realized of what a great journey and what a long road have I taken for someone who is such a newbie in competitions and performing in a big stage...

And through the journey.. It never would have started without the guidance, choice , and plans of GOD for me.. And I’m so thankful to the most wonderful instrument that he used to accomplish all these.. Which is my coach Lea Salonga... Coach.. If you didn’t turn that chair around.. My .. I wouldn’t have gone through the journey... And that's why coach... I thank you from the bottom and core of my heart.. For the advices, complements, comments, chikas, and everything coach.. Thank you so so much...

Kim with Leah Salonga Courtesy: Kim Mainit

The journey would have been boring without all the challenges and bonding moments i had with the VOICE ARTISTS .. Guys.. I can’t name you all one-by-one.. But to all of you guys.... Thank you so so so so so so so much!!! For the joy and sharing that we had and for all the advices to me and all the love that we will forever have :))

To my parents.. MOMMY, DADDY, thank you so much for the all-out support that you've shown and made me feel :)) i hope to repay both of you to that support as soon as i have taken more opportunities..

To my FANS (charness!!!) ... Thank you so so much sa support ha? Hope to meet you all soon!!

And to all that is part of the voice especially our directors, ep's, sp's,pa's,ap's, cc's,music researchers, and all... Thank you so so much sa pag aalaga po ninyo sa amin :)) sa lahat po Ng pagod at pagpupuyat na inyong ginawa para sa amin.. Sobra sobrang salamat po

I performed my last performance with all the knowledge, experience, and learning that I went through throughout the course of the competition... And i hope that people see my growth as an individual and as an ARTIST..ate Radha, tatay Michael Yonting, sir Darryl Shy... Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng inyong ishinare sa akin para akoy gumaling :)))

My journey in "THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES" ended last Sunday... But my journey as an Artist, Singer, and as a Person just started.. With all the experience that I got in that competition.. I know .. Soon.. I’ll reach my dreams of success :))

Have a great day and GOD BLESS YOU ALL always!!

PS: Hope you buy my song in I-Tunes guys.

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Here’s the official public statement (addressed to yours truly) dated Sept. 27, 2013 from the past presidents of JCI-Boholana Kisses Cecile Theres Atup (2010), Cheryl Yap-Tirol (2011) and Arizza Nancy Jule Yap Tirol (2012) on the “controversial” Sikatuna: Rajah sa Bohol:

Dear Mr. Leo P. Udtohan,

The core members of JCI Boholana Kisses would like register a response regarding your Very Reliable Source (VRS) article that appeared in the Bohol Chronicle on September 22, 2013 in order to set the record straight.

Since JCI Boholana Kisses, is a collegial body, all proposed activities must be approved by a majority of the members before it may be carried out in behalf of the group, the activity dubbed as Rajah sa Bohol held last July 19, 2013 has never been put to a vote nor calendared for approval in a general membership meeting called for that purpose; and neither has the Rajah sa Bohol  been included as one of the listed activities of the organization in our annual strategic planning.

It is unfortunate that Pres. Adam Tagaktak, pushed on with the project on his own initiative and without the backing of the rest of core members of JCI Boholana Kisses. For this reason, the rest of the members had no knowledge of the financial and organizing details of the event. In fact, the said activity was never reported to the mother organization,  JCI PHILIPPINES National Secretariat, for accreditation and recording purposes and it does not fall under any of the categories of activities aligned with objectives of the organization. Apparently, he felt strongly that Rajah sa Bohol would be a success and that projected sponsorships would cover the cost of its implementation.

 We all intend to resolve this issue in the most amicable manner by exerting all efforts to reach out to Pres. Adam Tagaktak to enlighten us on the matter. Just like the rest of the public, we are also in the dark regarding the issue at hand. Thank for you and more power.

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9 days of 'Misa de Gallo' officially starts Christmas season

Wake-uppers:

Seen: The giant Santa Claus, which measures 25 feet high, in Sierra-Bullones, Bohol colors the Yuletide Season! The biggest and tallest Santa Claus in Bohol and probably in the Philippines has been attracting visitors for years.

Scene: Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad will visit Bohol on Monday, Dec. 17 to give a lecture to judges, prosecutors, government and private lawyers and police investigators on the Judicial Affidavit Rule (A.M. No. 12-8-8-SC).

Seen: 3rd District Rep. Arthur Yap is the only Boholano solon who showed up and voted against the Reproductive Health Bill in Congress.  Yap cited some provisions in the Reproductive Health Bill that need to be scrapped or heavily amended for being unjust, unconstitutional and harsh or unnecessary at all.

Seen: Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Manager Rey Anthony Chiu received the "Most Prolific Writer." He has written the most number of news stories and features for 2011. PIA-7 RD Minerva Newman assisted by PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma presented the award to Chiu.

Seen: Paul Emerson Salinas Almontero was recently adjudged as one of the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy (Overseas Filipino Worker) Children - Ibang Klaseng Talino Category - 2012. He is the first Boholano to receive such prestigious award from the Bank of Philippine Islands search for outstanding expat children that made its final judging from among 86 national finalists nationwide.

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What a busy, busy schedule I had last week! After watching Pacman-Marquez IV, I hurriedly went to JJ’s Seafoods for the preliminary interview of the Mr and Ms Teen Bohol 2012 organized by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Provincial Federation headed by Jethro Nathaniel Imboy.  

The 28 contestants sat down for a conversation with Jeycelle Espejo and yours truly. I could say, this year’s contestants are “one of the best batches” of Mr and Miss Teen Bohol. Many of the contestants were recruited from the modeling field so we’re seeing familiar faces. There were also neophytes and veterans.

Last Friday, Dec. 14, Adryan Mila of Panglao and Thea Rose Rizaldo of Tubigon were crowned Mr and Miss Teen Bohol 2012.  

Rep. Sonny Angara

As we were about to end our interview, I saw Alvin Acuzar and Myttee Palo who were busy preparing the function room for senatorial aspirant Aurora Rep. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. Rep Angara was the guest of honor during the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA)- Regional Meet.

Rep. Angara, who was named one of the country’s Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in 2010, is the author of the measure seeking to create a Philippine High School for Sports (HB No. 3825). This will answer the clamor for a stronger national grassroots sports program that will help young Filipino athletes become more competitive in the global arena.

Rep. Angara gladly listened to the queries and concerns from the people’s organizations/civic organizations and from the media.

We ended the night saying, “What a Sonny Day! Angara ang buhay!”

The next morning, Edward Guyano, Janet Villarojo and other media friends went to Pilar to cover the inauguration and turn-over ceremony of the modern Bohol Rice Processing Complex (BRPC) funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (Koica).

Rep. Arthur Yap, the only Boholano solon who showed up and voted against the RH Bill in Congress, delivers his message during the inauguration and turn-over ceremony of the modern Bohol Rice Processing Complex in Pilar town. Courtesy: Ric Obedencio

The BRPC intends to improve efficiency in the rice postproduction system through the reduction of postharvest losses, enhancement in the quality of milled rice, improvement of the distribution system and maximization of rice by-products.

It is very modern that Edward and I witnessed how brown, red, pink and white rice separate from each other. The rice processing complex has post-harvest facilities like modern rice mills, mechanical dyers and warehouses.

According to Gov. Edgar Chatto, Bohol is considered as the rice granary of the Central Visayas and farmers from the 18 towns of Bohol will be benefited from the modern rice complex.

"Ang RPC po ay magbibigay sa mga magsasaka  ng mataas  na kalidad ng bigas dahil sa makabagong makina nito," said Usec Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DA for Special Concerns.

Hon. Lee Hyuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, stressed the importance of Korea-Philippine relationship. He said that BPRC is a testament to the continuing and deepening commitment of the governments of the Philippines and Korea to develop the agricultural sector of the Philippines.

"I hope that this PRC project will set a milestone, a starting point for the national growth of the Philippines as well as the helping and empowering of the Filipino farmers."

Jerome Sala

Rep. Arthur Yap recalled that the project was proposed in 2009 during the administration of then Bohol Governor now 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aumentado. Yap said, "As our population is increasing, we have also to increase the use of our land and we have to increase rice production. Koreans and Filipinos stand side by side together in this battle against poverty, in this battle for self sufficiency in food.”

Also spotted during the event were Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo, Mabini Mayor Esther Tabigue, Pureza Chatto, Ae Damalerio, Larry Pamugas, and other officials.

The event was also an opportunity to see ABS-CBN Star in A Million 2005 grand champion Jerome Sala who sang the Philippine Anthem after years of inactivity.

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The nine-day Simbang Gabi (Tagalog term that literally means "Night Mass") or Misa de Gallo (Spanish term for "Mass of the Rooster") begins today, Dec. 16, officially starting the Christmas season, the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

Young entrepreneur Dalareich Polot and her tableya. 

The Catholic Church says that the nine-day dawn Masses are held at 4 a.m. to commemorate the actual birth of Christ. The liturgy for nine consecutive days is in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The tradition dates back to 1587 in Mexico, when Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, petitioned the Pope to hold Christmas Mass outdoors to accommodate the huge number of mass-goers.    

However, the novena Mass has no longer been strictly held before dawn. The Catholic Church has adjusted to modern urban schedules.

In our times, the Misa De Gallo has also become an opportunity to keep in touch with relatives and friends. And, ehem, it is also the time for young boys to court girls and many lovers also tend to spend more time in the churchyard rather than inside.

Some people still challenge to complete all nine masses especially if they have special petitions this Christmas.  A friend told me that if someone can attend the nine masses, wishes will be granted.

During Misa de Gallo, our love affair with food is heightened.  We don’t have puto bumbong (sweet taro steamed in small bamboo tubes) here but we have native rice cakes such as bingka, suman and puto maya. To keep warm during the cold weather, there are salabat (ginger tea) and sekwati.    

                       

One who is excited for Misa de Gallo is the young entrepreneur Dalareich Polot, owner of Dalareich Tableya (Booy District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Tel No: 038-501-9549/411-0584/+63939-902-3462/+63927-214-1456, website: www.dalareichtableya.com, email: info@dalareichtableya.com), Bohol’s finest homemade native chocolate solids.

“I can't wait for simbang gabi.. hot chocolate after mass!” Dalareich posted on Facebook.

Dalareich, who started her tableya business years ago, shares how to make sekwati (hot chocolate drink): Add 3 pieces of Dalareich Tableya on a cup of boiling water. Stir for two minutes. Remove from heat. Add sugar. Milk maybe added to make it creamier. Serve hot.

Make sure you have something in your stomach to have a memorable Misa de Gallo experience.

Meanwhile, join Bared for a look back at all the buzzed-about newsmakers who made the year -- and decade -- so unforgettable. Send your feedback to leoudtohan@yahoo.com or text +639212446791.

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