And the winners and losers are...

Martin Slisans Courtesy: Facebook

Wake-upper:
Scene: Martin Slisans, a Latvian national swims from Bohol to Cebu to promote RP tourism.

"This is a kind of meditation for myself and the most important thing is to promote the Philippines," said Slisans.

Slisans, 36, started swimming at around 1 a.m. from Catagbacan, Loon and reached Argao, Cebu at around 2 p.m. last Saturday, May 18. The long distance swimming was almost 30 kilometers.
Slisans visited the Philippines in 2009 and settled in Moalboal after falling in love with the beautiful countryside town.

In 2010, he swam 22 kilometers from Libertad, Negros Oriental to Moalboal.

 

Long distance swimming from Bohol to Cebu Photo: Leo Udtohan

***
From Dr. Abe Lim: I congratulate Kag. Baba Yap, the next mayor of Tagbilaran for a job well done. The election campaign offered me another view of Tagbilaran. I urge my friends and followers to support Mayor Baba's plans and services to the people of Tagbilaran."I fought a good fight. I finished the race. I keep my faith." May God bless us all.
 
From Atty. Dodong Gonzaga:  The people of Tagbilaran have spoken by casting their votes yesterday. I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to my followers, leaders, slate, supporters and to those who believe in my cause. God may have other plans for me in serving my fellow Tagbilaranons. Congratulations to Vice- mayor Jose Antonio Veloso, Kag Alberta Betty Co Torralba and Atty Aleckoy Lim for the victory.

From 2nd District Congressman-elect Erico Aristotle Aumentado: First of all I thank the Lord for the graces He gave to me and my family. I thank everyone for all of your undying support and for putting your trust by casting your votes on me yesterday. I appreciate all efforts contributed for the success of this new journey I now face. This venture I choose is also my dream to follow my father’s footsteps and continue his legacy. And to Aumentado family, thank you for standing by me all this time, the same way how you stood by Papa Erico. Mabuhi ang Segundo Distrito!

From Tagbilaran City Mayor-elect John Geesnell "Baba" Yap: My profound and heartfelt sense of gratitude to everyone! Your trust and confidence in my leadership will be my undying zeal and commitment to serve Tagbilaran to the best of my ability. Together, we can make our dreams come true! Together, we can make our beloved city great and prosperous! Thank you very much! I am enthusiastic that this triumph will be the catalyst of change in governance that will ensure that all the basic services will be delivered to each and every citizen! Public office is not only of public trust, it is foremost of PUBLIC SERVICE! To all Tagbilaranons, with confidence I can say; "The best has just begun!" Thank you very much and may God bless us all!

From Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor- elect Jose Antonio Veloso:The elections have ended peacefully and the people made their choices. As a saying goes, "Vox populi, Vox dei". The voice of the people, is the voice of God. I have been so much blessed when i was put back as Vice-Mayor of the City of Tagbilaran. My dear brothers and sisters in Tagbilaran, thank you for the trust you have given me. Kini ang inyong amigo TOTO VELOSO.

***
Thank heavens that Mrs. Peregrina "Greenie" Cabagnot-Aumentado's 72nd birthday party cum Aris Aumentado's victory party last Thursday, May 16, at the Bohol Tropics, went smoothly and emotionally.

Greenie Aumentado

"With all combined efforts, it was a huge success! Maam felt so happy on her natal day because she never expected to be given attention," revealed Fatima Mapesos, former staff of the late Rep. Erico Aumentado, who emceed the program. " As per her speech, she was truly touched! We all began to feel emotional when she cried. Her birthday was another memorable memory to be treasured in the years to come."

As the guests (a mix of politicians and businessmen) shared a hearty meal, Aris thanked his supporters and well-wishers. Two days after he was officially proclaimed by the provincial board of canvassers (headed by lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano), he had already thanked his supporters on Facebook.

"I dream to follow my father’s footsteps and to continue his legacy," said Aris.

His wife, Maria Vanessa "VanVan" (nee Cadorna), is 2001 Miss Bohol Sandugo. VanVan met Aris when she crowned the 2002 Miss Bohol Sandugo (Cherry Mae Bacarro of Dimiao) with then Gov. Erico Aumentado and First Lady Peregrina Aumentado. Little did she know that Aris would become her hubby the following year.

2nd Congressman-elect Aris Aumentado with PBOC

The made-in-heaven romance led to the altar. Now, Aris and VanVan are parents of two boys, Erico Vann Lawrence and Erico Vann Lance, and more are sure to come…maybe after the elections?
Aris can enlist VanVan as his “secret weapon” like politicians with beautiful wives usually do, but he’d rather not because VanVan is so shy and so private. (She is like the tukbihon or  makahiya plant that slowly closes at the slightest touch.)

Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor also posted on Facebook: The victory of Congressman-elect Erico Aris Aumentado is not ours alone, the Aumentado family, but of the people in the second district of Bohol. Our patriarch, the late Cong. Erico Boyles Aumentado, had led an honorable path and had rendered a remarkable service. A new and greater challenge we face: to continue to live the ideals of a humble yet destined to be great Boholano. Congressman-elect Aris shall follow the exemplary trail the father of Bohol had set. Thank you all for the untiring support and prayers. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for the trust. Again, we gain victory, us- the family, and you-Boholano people, our extended family since time immemorial. Daghan kaayong salamat! Basta Aumentado, segundo distrito padayon sa pag umento! Mabuhi ang Bohol!

Back to Maam Greenie, she doesn’t look 72. Nobody revealed what the secret behind her youthful look. (Fatima spilled the secret that Maam Greenie shuns worries! She refuses to be weighed down by problems. Instead, she keeps a pleasant disposition.)

The 2013 elections again validated Aumentado's power and might in the second district of Bohol.
As they said, the people have spoken. We pray that there's no more time for bitterness.

Here’s the (official) list of winners and losers ("showbiz"-connected and lovers of the arts and culture):

Congressmen: Rene Relampagos (first district), Aris Aumentado (second district) and Art Yap (uncontested, third district)
Governor: Edgar Chatto
Vice Governor: Conching Lim

Reelected Gov. Edgar Chatto

Board Members: Yul Lopez, Benjie Arcamo, Abel Damaerio (first disrict), Jaja Jumamoy, Gerry Garcia and Tommy Abapo (second district), Dioning Balite, Elpidio Jala, Godofreda Tirol, Boy Imboy (third district).

Mayors: Marlon Amila (Tubigon), Nila Montero (Panglao), Sample Tirol (Buenavista), Baba Yap (Tagbilaran City), NiÑo Rey Boniel (Bien Unido), Marnilou Ayuban (uncontested, Alicia), Sulpicio Yu, Jr (Calape), Moloy Apat (Dagohoy), Tita Gallentes (Garcia Hernandez), Roygie Jumamoy (Inabanga), Fortunato Abrenilla (Jagna), Casoy Camacho (Jetafe), Rina Salazar (uncontested, Lila), May Imboy (Loay), Lloyd Peter Lopez (Loon), Leoncio Evasco, Jr. (Maribojoc), Tessie Boyboy (Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Island) and Judith Cajes (Trinidad).

Balilihan Vice-Mayor-elect Pureza Chatto hugs her hubby re-elected Gov. Chatto

Vice-Mayors: Pureza Chatto (Balilihan), Pedro Budiongan, Jr (Carmen), Iven Lim (Cortes), Lulu Bongalos (Dauis), Wilson Pajo (Pilar) and Pedro Fuertes (Panglao).

Councilors: Ondo Montero (Panglao), Ariel Lungay (Catigbian), Jono Jumamoy (Inabanga), Rochelle Brigitte Imboy (Loay), Crispina Vergara (Mabini), Allan Tinaja (San Isidro) and Adam Jala, Oscar Glovasa, Jojo Bompat and Aleckoy Lim (Tagbilaran City).

Congratulations to our media friends who won: Sendoy Guinguing (dyTR, Baclayon councilor) and Gerry Pabe (dyRD, Tagbilaran City councilor). Better luck next time to our media friends: Tibbs Bullecer (for Loay Mayor, dyRD), Dodong Libatona (for Balilihan councilor, dyTR), Danny Reyes (for Panglao councilor, dyRD), Peddie Bolanio (for Tagbilaran City councilor, dyRD) and Frony Narisma (for Baclayon councilor, Bohol Sunday Post).

See you next time, losers:  Egen Salibay (for Albur councilor), Carmen Gatal (for Baclayon councilor), Jojo Baritua (for Baclayon councilor),  Azon Galbreath (Bilar Mayor), Jimmy Jimenez and Victor Migrino( for Dauis Mayor),  Dominic Villafuerte (for Candijay councilor),  Arlene Palgan (for Carmen Vice Mayor), Boy Ancog (for Carmen councilor), Vito Rapal (for Corella Mayor), Apolinaria Balistoy (for Cortes Vice Mayor), Dan  Montero (for Cortes Mayor), Eksam LLoren (for Jagna Mayor), Hilario Ayuban (for Loay councilor), Luisito Digal (for Loboc Mayor), Nilo Sarigumba (for Loboc Vice Mayor), Malou Sombrio (for Loon councilor), Sancho Bernales (for Mabini Mayor), Dodong Veloso (for Maribojoc Mayor), Benedicto Alcala and Vangie Lazaro (for Panglao Mayor), Walter Sultan (for Panglao Vice Mayor), Bebeth Dinorog (for San Isidro councilor),Kit Oppus and Nuevas Tirol-Montes (for Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor), Bryan Gaviola, Johnny Enerio and Gibyrlu Lumayag (for Tagbilaran City councilor), Rammel Cagulada and Romy Sales (for Valencia councilor), Che Toribio delos Reyes and Amay Bisaya (for Bohol Governor),Sharleen Lim and Joseph Sevilla (for Bohol Vice Governor), Dan Lim (for Congressman, first district),  Ondoy Cajes (for Congressman, second district), Handel Lagunay and Arlene Karaan (for first district board members);  and Mafe Camacho and  Molex Cepedoza (for second district board members).

Take a bow, Lionel Marco Castillano, Macario Delusa, Annie Maglahus, Malou Cempron, Juvenal Beniga, Priming Ontong, et al (who were getting five hours of sleep during election), our teachers, police and army men...and to Nang Besing Rulona, the ever San Pedro at the SP Session Hall! Clap! Clap! Clap!

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

Dapat Tama!

Alam natin ang tama, ba't di natin ginagawa?

Paulit-ulit na lang na ito ang bagong simula.

Simula nang simula bakit walang natatapos?

Ilang beses nangako ilang beses napako.

'Pag tayo'y nagsama-sama lahat ay malalampasan

May mas maayos na bukas para sa ating mga anak.

Ang unang hakbang ay piliin ang tamang nakatatak

na pangalan sa balota.

 

Kaya dapat tama!

 

-From GMA News and Public Affairs “Dapat Tama” advocacy

 

Tomorrow, you will decide who will run this province for the next three years. Your vote is your dignity.

 

Dapat tama! How can we choose right leaders?

 

Gloc 9 Courtesy: GMA News

Here are the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting or PPRCV’s 10 Commandments for Responsible Voting (and reminders that vote buying is an evil act from Jagna Movement for Good Governance or JaMGGo):

 

1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience.

 

2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

 

3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

 

4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote.

 

5. Do not sell your vote.

 

6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold, and glitter.

 

7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption.

 

8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude), popularity, good looks, or “pakikisama” (peer pressure).

 

9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

 

10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.

 

***

It goes without saying that Mother's Day is one of our favorite days of the year. Year after year mothers give us so many beautiful reasons to be thankful they’re our mothers. Today, we honor mothers everywhere for their sacrifices, for making us laugh, for the lessons they impart, and for their unconditional love.

 

Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise up and call her blessed.”

We asked our friends to tell us: What did your mom teach you?

 

Some of our friends asked simply ignored the question. Here are those who shared short of inspiring, from sweet to funny to tear-jerking to wise responses in our celebration of motherly wisdom:

 

Reigh Monreal: I can’t remember many. My Nanay died when I was six and my younger siblings were four and one. From stories I learned she was thrifty, hardworking and good at sewing by hand. She even made me a school bag because she didn’t like that I use a Guitar cellophane bag that some of my classmates were using. The bag lasted for a couple of years. Today, I hand-sew buttons on my shirts, hems on my pants, and any torn part of my clothing. Maybe I got this “talent” from my Nanay. I was also a wise and practical spender when I was still a struggling scholar at the Visayas State University.

 

Berly Elizabeth Lupot: My mom taught me that success is sweeter when wrapped with humility.

 

EJ Relampagos: My mom has taught us the unconditional kind of love...whatever me and my siblings have become now is the result of that love we have enjoyed since we were conceptualized by our parents.

 

Benjie Oliva: She taught me to live a simple life, to stay humble, to have a mission in life and to love God above all things.

 

Adri Anne Tirol Montes- Espanola: My mom taught me how to be strong no matter what life brings you, to find joy in every circumstance, and to never give up. She is the family`s source of strength.

 

DonDon Suganob: Always be humble whatever life will bring you, pray and trust everything to God.

 

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong: My Mama taught me to help other people and to love and care for each other. I’m a very generous person gyud hehehehe basta naa lang.

 

Judith Uy-Sumatra: My mom taught me that there are only two people in the world: the oppressor and the oppressed. One thing I learned from her is never to surrender, to fight till your last breath.

 

Jo Menorias: My mom taught us to take good care of our names as well as reputation even if we are not rich.

 

Fiel Angel Araoarao-Gabin: Born into a family who had less in life, Mama Wincie - through her actions, personal conviction and dedication - has taught my siblings Ondoy, Baby, Coeli and I, even my children, nieces and nephews that honest hard work pays off, that it is better to give than to receive (especially where sharing one’s talents is concerned), and that, above all, our strong faith in God makes us conquer our fears and achieve the impossible... A true personification of self-sacrifice and compassion, Mama Wincie’s life is a living testament of her ideals.

 

Katrina Schoof-Chu: Doing the household chores, even if you have maids - that’s how I learned to wash and iron clothes, do the dishes and most especially, clean the house. My mother said that, when married, I have to make sure I take care of my husband, see to it that he’s presentable - no holes on the socks or shirts - because it will always reflect on the kind of wife I am. My mom is a very generous person, so I think I got that trait from her.

 

Malou Cempron: My mom taught me to be God fearing and sensible at all times.

 

Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs: My mom taught me to become a better person and feel what’s inside my heart, and most of all when I stumble, try to find ways to be back and raise your head high that you have undergone such endeavor.

 

Leslie Domapias-Ramirez: The value of spiritual strength in love, family life and profession.

 

Kit Oppus: How to stand for what one believes in!

 

Ariel Fullido: To fear God, and always look on the brighter side of life!

 

Reuben Gulle: My mom taught me the values of giving without expecting something in return. She instilled in me that by giving, the windows of heaven will open, and pour the blessings on me.

 

Toto Veloso: To always do what is right, so there will never be any regret for whatever you do. This is what my beloved mom taught me.

 

Tracy Remolador Torres: My mom taught me to stop comparing myself to others because I will have my own race. She taught me to be generous and patient.

 

Blair Panong: She was always telling me when I was a child that when I go out into the world - I have watch out for traffic. We have to hold hands. We have to stick together.

 

Aris Aumentado: Good manners and right conduct.

 

Nikko Sereno: My mom taught me the value of hardwork and to never take my health for granted.

 

Leah Tirol-Magno: My Mama taught me a lot of great things. One of those is the love for cooking and baking. Now, I cook and bake for my own family and for others.

 

Clarlaine Falcon Radoc: To follow what my heart desires and being true to myself. All I need to remember is that I should be responsible in everything that I do with mature obedience, trust and faith in God. She never really fails to inspire me.

 

God bless all the mothers, all across the world.                               

 

***

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

Boholana beauty queen achiever and other tidbits

Wake-uppers:

Dr. Tayag

Seen: Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag was spotted in Bohol last Wednesday, Oct. 10. Tayag was the speaker of University of Bohol’s Diamond 2013 staff development program. According to John Edgar Tiu, the organizer of the event, there was a “dance for health program” number with Doc Tayag.

 

Scene: President Aquino's younger cousin and former Youth Commissioner (NYC) and founder of Happinoy, a cooperative for small-medium investors and businesses Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV visited Bohol last Oct. 10. Bam attended the Getafe Foundation Day celebration with reelectionist Gov. Edgar Chatto. Accompanied by former NYC commissioner and now DAR consultant Benjie Oliva and provincial administrator Ae Damalerio, Bam met the press people at Metro Center Hotel. He twitted: “You have everything in Bohol - beach, mountains, adventure, nature, seafood and most of all, kind, accommodating and hospitable Pinoys!”

 

Scene: A daughter of a local chief executive was bloodied and bruised after allegedly being beaten up by ex-boyfriend. According to VRS, there are angry welts on the daughter’s forehead over both brows, grazing to one cheek, cuts to her chin, swellings around her eyes and marks on her nose and lips. The incident happened last Thursday when the daughter accidentally met the ex-bf. The daughter didn't report the incident to the police but asked her friends instead. Her whole family didn't know about the incident.

Bam Aquino

 

Scene: The campaign trail is on! Ask politicians what is it that they cannot live without? And they might tell you that, yes, it’s a bottle of alcohol. The handwash habit is popular with this rising politician which his factotum (read: alalay) has alcohol every time he’s on the campaign trail shaking hands with people. “Lami kaayo siya mo-smile namo,” complained a voter (not anymore!), “pero mutalikod na dayun pangayo sa alcohol kay manghugas sa iyang kamot.” Clue? There are two “l’s,” two “e’s” and this politician has “mysophobia” ever since. Then, another politician is taking no chances as she washes her mitts with sanitizer after shaking hands with people. This politician is now busy campaigning and attending purok-purok tapok. But once she got back to her car her alalay squeezed a dollop of gel on to her hands to kill off any unwanted germs and bugs. A voter heard her saying, "Baho kaayo ang mga tawo,ew...hugaw jud." Now, the voter won't vote for her in 2013 elections. "What an insult! Ew pud siya noh!" Germs, germs, germs!    

                      

Scene: Correction please! Brigadier General Joseph Sevilla is not running for governor as reported by Bared last week. He is running for Bohol vice governor. No, Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy is not running for re-election in next year’s elections. According to VRS, he has plans to stay in Australia. Missed out in Bared’s list of political luminaries running were provincial board member Roygie Jumamoy for mayor of Inabanga against Ipafanio Muñises, Tagbilaran City Poblacion 1 Barangay Chairman Arlene Karaan for board member of the first district of Bohol,  Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol for reelection against Alfonso “Boy” del Rosario, Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla for reelection against Vice Mayor Exuperio Lloren, Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco for reelection against former provincial board member Jose Veloso (for the second time) and Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala for reelection against Vice Mayor Evangeline Lazaro and former councilor Leonila Montero.

 

***

Being Miss Bohol Sandugo truly meant being more than just a beauty queen. It declared having both brains and beauty— that is to say good looks mixed with a sophisticated mind—so one could carry oneself with exemplary grace and meaningful impact in the province.

 

At the eve of their crowning itself, the winners already had gone very far in their youth proving that youth like beauty knows no age. They have gone to become the best they could be in their chosen fields.

Celevel Ranoco

 

Case in point: Miss Bohol Sandugo 1992 Celevel Ranoco.

 

Anyway, Bohol’s seasoned host (and now a blogger) Raul Gatal has to share about Celevel.

 

Jagna set an unprecedented feat in 1992 when its bet Celevel Ranoco won for the town its third consecutive Miss Bohol Sandugo title. The first two were Tiffany Yap 1990 and Recelle Adlaon 1991. Until now, the record has been unbeaten. Tubigon  which won the crown twice with back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011 almost tied with Jagna this year with its 1st runner up placement to the winner who by a twist of fate also comes from Jagna

 

Back in the 1992 edition of Miss Bohol Sandugo, Celevel with her sultry looks and morena complexion was not the pre- pageant favorite but on that fateful night, the moment she strutted her stuff, sashayed onstage and spoke her mind and heart out, everyone including the members of the Panel of Judges were simply mesmerized with her. 

 

She was the picture of the modern and contemporary Boholana; confident and witty yet grounded and well- mannered

 

She is making waves in the world of advertising, conquering new horizons and daring to go where only a few of her paisanos and is now reaping the just rewards for her ground- breaking and innovative marketing savvy with her present position as the General Manager at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising - Singapore

 

She is described as a top advertising executive who comes with years of international brand management and account handling experience and is equally armed with senior marketing experience from the client land. 

 

Furthermore, she embraces the opportunity to bring account leadership and client business to a whole new level.

 

From her UP Sigma Delta Phi sorority, I came across this news item written by Madi Belen 08:

 

“CELEVEL RANOCO- BUTLER IS SAATCHI SINGAPORE’S GENERAL MANAGER

 

Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore promoted senior brand director, Celevel Ranoco-Butler ’93, to the post of Singapore general manager in 2010, filling a role that had been vacant for nine months after Robbie Bempasciuto’s departure in 2009. Celevel oversees the office’s daily operations and reports to Dean Taylor, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore and Malaysia.
Prior to her appointment as general manager,

Celevel was the Regional Brand Director at Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore. Her work involved managing the high-profile and first global Sony Ericsson campaign and launching impressive 7 x 360 degrees campaigns for brands like premium home beer brand, Tiger.

 

Her previous work experience has also included positions with O2 Asia & ME, Y&R Singapore, M&C Saatchi, and 141 Worldwide and Bates Advertising.
Of her work in Saatchi, Celevel says that she “enjoys the high energy agency life and thrives when things get mad busy.

 

***

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

Who will run in 2013 elections in Bohol & other tidbits

• Who will run, who will not, who may, who might

• Family and friends mourn the death of Uly Dolojol

 

Wake-uppers:

Seen:  VanVan aka Guadalajara Mimosa de Salamanca is representing Miss Paraguay in the Queen of Cebu 2012, a pageant for alternatives, on Nov. 9.  “She is another pride of Bohol beaming towards bagging the most prestigious Search for Queen of Cebu 2012,” says fashion icon EJ Relampagos. To support Miss Paraguay, visit Queen of Cebu on Facebook.

 

Scene: Some 6,000 barangay officials from the 1,109 barangays all over Bohol and other invited guests welcomed Pres. Noynoy Aquino on Sept. 26, at the Bohol Wisdom School gym for the 1st Bohol Barangay Day celebration. Pres. Aquino also stood as witness to the oathtaking of hundreds of converts of the Liberal Party. Spotted were Senator TJ Guingona,  Energy Secretary Rene Almendras, Secretary Edwin Lacierda, Akbayan Rep. Riza Hontiveros , Gov. Edgar Chatto, Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, Rep. Rene Relampagos (1st district, Bohol), Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes, ABC President Crispina Vergara, Ae Damalerio and provincial board members .

 

Scene: Alay Lakad 2012 is on October 7 instead of Sept. 30, which is Milo Marathon day.

 

***

The sudden death of eventologist and Alona's darling, Uly Dolojol, last Sunday, Sept. 23, shocked friends all over Bohol. The outpouring of grief was immediate, with one common refrain: Alona Beach had lost one of its greatest persons.

 

Bohol's seasoned host Raul Gatal, one of Uly’s closest friends, says it all:

 

I have been in a state of catatonia since I received the devastating news yesterday morning that a good friend of mine has just passed away.

 

Raul and Uly (right) in 2009

I am grieving and I am so saddened by his untimely demise. Mind you, it's not pro forma grief but real pain and anguish

 

Early last year, just before the 10th year bash of his swinging Oops! Bar which is ideally located right smack in the middle of the entire Alona Beach stretch, we had a falling out. It was a simple, petty misunderstanding that soon blew out of proportion. Add some intrigues here and bloated egos there and it was a point of no return. Some well- meaning friends tried to step in and intervene but these were simply exercises in futility

 

Crossing paths in a very small community where everybody knows everybody became an acid test for civility. Exchanging dagger looks and giving each other the cold shoulder treatment became a common occurrence that it soon bordered on the comical. But what's funny about losing a friend? The wedges between us became so deep that it became clear to those in the know that it was impossible for us to become friends again. 

 

I thought I had moved on. I thought I had everything covered. I was coasting along with my second lease on life when the call came yesterday morning

 

Right now, I am so distraught and my heart bleeds for dear Uly with whom I shared a lot of personal and private triumphs, the small intoxicating doses of hedonism and his constant advice on how to live a worry- free life. He is gone now and I really regret that I wasn't able to say sorry and for not telling him how wonderful he was as a friend

 

Alona Beach would never be the same again. Uly was the master planner and a wiz when it comes to events and especially when it has something to do with creating noise and making waves.  The signature pose, his boisterous laughter and his witty punchlines ...all these would be memories from now on. 

 

I'm sure right now as I am blogging this very minute that Uly is up there and peering down from where he is ensconced, he is asking "My oh my, what's the big fuss dahleeng?"

 

Uly, sleep tight now.  Goodbye, my friend...

 

***

“Yes, wala nay atrasay, go, go, go na si Congressman Arthur Yap,” a political consultant and businesswoman aka the Genius Lady (GL) told Bared in a chance interview the other day at The Buzzz Cafe.

 

The widely-smiling GL was shopping alone, sans the usual alalay (factotum) rich people can’t do without.

 

“I love reading your column but you no longer include tsismis and blind items!” said GL. “Those are colorful elements of entertainment column.”

 

With a glass of corn coffee and carrot muffins, the conversation proceeded without any further hitch.

 

“Dong Leo, Yap is not afraid of Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, businessman Angelo Balili and Dr. Elpidio Jala this coming election. Yap is really prepared,” warned GL, making the sign of “okay”.

 

3^rd district Rep. Arthur Yap (center) who is seeking reelection might face businessman Angelo Balili (left) and educator Elpidio Jala in 2013 elections.

Added GL: “Congressman Yap is running to further serve the people of third district because three years is  too short a period for a long list of projects and full program to make up for the many years prior his stint that 3^rd district  had been lagging behind the two other districts in the province.”

 

How about the critics who are (again) saying Rep.Yap is not a pure Boholano?

 

“Who is lumad nga Bol-anon among us? It’s the Eskaya tribe. Not the critics. Moreover, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already resolved the issue on his residency wherein Comelec ruled that Yap has complied the minimum length of time required for him to qualify to run as congressman of 3^rd district. That cropped up in 2010 elections. And after having served for over two years and a half, obviously the issue is moot and academic. The people will vote you not because you are Boholano or not, but because you showed sincerity and your intentions are genuine. Depriving one to serve because he is not lumad Bol-anon is racial discrimination.”

 

Flashing a big mysterious smile, GL whispered, “There will be a lot of surprises next week! You wait and see!”

 

And while we are at it, here’s a rundown of those who will run, who will not run, who may run and who might not run in 2013 elections (that is, if, a big if, there would be elections next year). We will know who are officially running after the filing of certificate of candidacy (CoC) on Oct. 1-5. The list will grow longer and longer. You bet?

WHO WILL RUN

• Incumbent Gov. Edgar Chatto (For same position)

• Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes (For Governor)

 

• Rep. Rene Relampagos (For reelection)

 

• Rep. Arthur Yap (For same position)

• Vice Governor Conching Lim (For reelection?)

 

• Rep. Erico Aumentado (For same position)                        

 

• Dr. Abe Lim (For Mayor of Tagbilaran City)                        

 

• Ex-Tagbilaran City Councilor Dodong Gonzaga (For Mayor of Tagbilaran City)

 

• Ex-Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Toto Veloso (For Vice Mayor of Tagbilaran City)

 

• Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes (For Congressman of 2^nd District of Bohol)

 

• Tagbilaran City Councilor Baba Yap (For Mayor of Tagbilaran)

 

• Tagbilaran City Councilor Kit Oppus (For Vice Mayor of Tagbilaran)

 

• Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga (For reelection)

 

• Panglao Vice-Mayor Evangeline Lazaro (For Mayor of Panglao?)

 

• Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes (For reelection)

 

• Ubay Mayor Eutiquio Bernales (For reelection)

 

• Dauis Mayor Jimmy Jimenez (For reelection)

 

• Sevilla Mayor Ernesita Digal (For reelection)

 

• Former Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat (For Mayor)

 

• Loay Mayor Rosemarie Imboy (For reelection)

 

• Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol (For reelection)

 

• Mark Leo Monton (For Mayor of Balilihan)

 

• Ex-Tagbilaran City Councilor Dandan Bantugan (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City?)

 

• Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy (For reelection)

 

• Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey Boniel (For reelection)

 

• Gerry Pabe (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City)

WHO WILL NOT
• Ex-barangay captain Glorivic Yap ("Running for Tagbilaran City Councilor? She is campaigning for Gonzaga-Veloso!")

• Tessie Labunog-Sumampong ("For Councilor of Loboc? My husband Libby will run!")

 

• Aris Aumentado (“For board member? He will file his CoC in 2016!”)

 

• Ex-Mayor Jose Torralba (“For Mayor of Tagbilaran City? He will be campaigning for his wife Councilor Betty Torralba!”)

 

• Ex-Provincial Board Member Amalia Reyes-Tirol (“For Mayor of Ubay? She is busy as a wife and grandma!”)

 

• UB Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno (“For Councilor of Tagbilaran City? She is busy as an ICT Princess!”)

 

• Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol- Macuno (“For Mayor of Ubay? She runs too, and plays tennis also!”)

WHO MAY RUN
• Businessman Angelo Balili (For Congressman of the 3^rd district of Bohol?)

 

• Ex-Dauis Mayor Lulu Bongalos (For Mayor?                                                           )

 

• Andy Manatad (For Congressman of the 2nd district of Bohol?)

• Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim (For Congressman of 1^st district of Bohol?)

 

• Ex-Catigbian Councilor Doris Dinorog-Obena (For Mayor of Catigbian?)

• Ex-Panglao Councilor Nila Montero (For Mayor of Panglao?)

• Dr. Elpidio Jala (For Congressman of the 3^rd district of Bohol?)

• Ex Vice-Governor Julius Cesar Herrera (For Vice Governor? Or, for Congressman of the 1^st district of Bohol?)

 

• Former SK Bohol President Bobbith Cajes-Auza (For Mayor of Talibon?)

 

• Ex-provincial board member Corazon Galbreath (For Mayor of Bilar?)   

 

• Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio (For Vice Governor?)

 

• Catigbian Mayor Bert Salinas (For Board Member? Or, for Congressman of the 1^st district of Bohol?)

 

• Former Panglao Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes (For Vice Mayor of Panglao?)

 

WHO MIGHT RUN

• Dr. Sharleen Lim (For Vice Governor?)

• Ed Macalandag (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City?)

• Barangay Captain Arlene Karaan (For board member?)

 

• Booy Barangay Captain Jun Telmo (For Councilor of Tagbilaran City?)

 

• Actor Cesar Montano (For Bohol Governor? "He is running in Manila.")

 

• Former Governor David Tirol (For Board Member? (“I didn’t hear it too. But he is running everyday, about more than 1 km. a day!”)

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