Bohol fans remember Isabel Granada

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Angelica Panganiban and John Prats were spotted in Bohol last Friday, Nov. 10. They visited Bohol to shoot some scenes for ABS-CBN’s “Banana Sundae,” which will be aired on Nov. 19, after ASAP.  Panganiban and Prats were mobbed by fans as they visited the Loboc River, Panglao, Chocolate Hills and Sevilla Hanging Bridge.

Scene:  Environmental lawyer and triathlete Ingemar “Pinoy Aqumana” Macarine will attempt to swim from Pamilacan Island, Baclayon to Alona Beach in Panglao Island on Sunday, Nov. 12. This solo and unassisted swim which will promote clean seas and beaches is sponsored by the municipality of Panglao thru Mayor Nila Paredes-Montero and supported by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines -Bohol Chapter led by lawyer Warren Yap and Dagohoy Freemason Lodge No. 84 led by Worshipful Master lawyer Lord Cocot Marapao.  The 15-km swim will start at 5 a.m.  “This is part of my preparation for my last and final attempt to conquer the 21-Mile English Channel in August 2018,” said Macarine.

Scene:  “The Rise of the AMERICAN BULL-ANONS Invitational Show 2017”  on Sunday, Nov. 12 at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. This event intends to unite dog lovers and enthusiasts in the province.  It is organized by Bol-anon Pitbulleros and Metropolitan Pitbull and Bully Club which committed to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

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Friends and fans of singer- actress Isabel Granada were saddened of her death after she succumbed to brain hemorrhage due to aneurysm, a localized weakening of a blood vessel, in Qatar.  She was 41.

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (extreme right) and her
sister Ann Claire Araoarao-Young come to see Isabel Granada
and her love team Rueben Manahan in 1992, the singer- actress’
 first visit to Bohol.

Her fans in Bohol remembered the singer-actress who visited Bohol thrice.

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, 47, a fan of Granada, recalled that her first visit to Bohol was in July 1992 when she was invited to perform for the Sandugo Festival.

She was with her love team Rueben Manahan.  Her parents- Isabel Villarama, aka Mommy Guapa, and the late Huberto Granada accompanied her.

 “She was so sweet in person, buotan siya sa akong first impression,” said Gabin who came along with her sister Ann Claire Araoarao–Young to have photo ops with the singer-actress.

 “She had a strong Spanish features and long curly eyelashes,” recalled Gabin.

In 2015, Granada came back to Bohol for a holiday. Tessie Labunog-Sumampong said Granada was so accommodating to her fans when she had lunch at Cuisina ni Tisay in Carmen town in 2015.

She said her smile was infectious.

As the first Ever Bilena model, Granada came to Bohol to attend the event of Ever Bilena Cosmetics in 2016, according to Gabriel Medel, Ever Bilena-Tagbilaran manager.

Isabel Granada’s fans will never forget the singer-actress
who was admired both for her beauty and talent. (Clockwise)
Isabel Granada in Bohol with Gabriel Medel of Ever Bilena-Tagbilaran,
 Libby and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Cuisina ni Tisay
 and Engr. Jerome John Gabin of Department of
Trade and Industry-Bohol. Contributed Photos 

The cause of Granada’s death instantly brought public attention to the dangers of brain aneurysm.

Gabin, a Miss Tagbilaran 1987, hopes that Granada’s death could raise public awareness of aneurysm as well as funding for additional research.

“It’s shocking for people because we have our misconception that only those obsessed people are prone to this, but even those health-conscious people could die unexpectedly because of this,” said Gabin.

“There are diseases which could cause instant death even those who looked seemingly health or healthy buffs,” she added.

Granada rose to fame as part of the late ‘80s variety show That’s Entertainment hosted by the late German Moreno and had been visible in TV shows and movies.

***

Ultimate frisbee teams compete in

championship tournament in Bohol

Beryl Elizabeth Lupot on the successful 6th TARSIER ULTIMATE 2017:

Twenty four seasoned Ultimate Frisbee teams from all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao competed in the 6th TARSIER ULTIMATE 2017 which was held last Oct. 27-29.

Team Mohawks from Bohol  Contributed Photo

Last year’s champion, Mohawks Ultimate together with the other four teams from Bohol - Tarsier Ultimate, Mercenaries, Patapak Ultimate Doggs and the youngest Gladiators also participated in the event.

The Boholano players did not disappoint as they showcased their ultimate skills and gave the visiting teams a good run for their money, playing head to head with other great athletes with some of them from the national team.

The annual tournament is hosted every semestral break here in Bohol at the CPG Sports Complex Tagbilaran City and is looked forward to by everyone in the Philippine Ultimate Frisbee Community. This year has been the biggest so far with over 500 players participating in the 3-day tournament.

After the intense games, the participants were in for a treat when the awarding was held at the famous Alona Beach, side trips to the Chocolate Hills, Bilar Manmade forest, Alexis Cliff dive and other attractions where also part of the itinerary.

The players did not only come to Bohol for the games but also to see its world-famous beauty.

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3 Duterte secretaries test New Bohol International Airport

A test flight has been carried out by three secretaries of the Duterte administration to evaluate the function of the New Bohol International Airport on the tourist-island last Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Secretaries Arthur Tugade of Transportation (DOTr), Ernesto Pernia of National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and Leoncio Evasco took a private aircraft from Manila and landed safely at the Bohol International Airport at 10:05 a.m. on Panglao Island at least 18 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran.

After the coverage of the successful test flight at the
New Bohol International Airport, a lunch at Giuseppe Pizzeria
 and Silican Roast Italian Restaurant in Tawala, Panglao town
hosted by Bohol Tri-Media President and Loay Municipal
Councilor Engr. Tibss Bullecer.  With Bullecer are
Dave Responte (dyTR), Rey Tutas (dyRD) and your VRS. 

The aircraft flew back to Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

Tugade said they planned to start operations at the P7.8-billion facility in June 2018 .

“However, it will be commercially operational in August 2018,” said Tugade.

Once it becomes operational, the Tagbilaran Airport, the 11th busiest airport in the country, will immediately be closed.

Tugade said the test flight had successfully proven that the new airport met the standards for civil aviation.

He said the airport, which can accommodate large aircrafts for international flights, will be ready by August next year with day flights of international standard.

Other buildings now being constructed under the current project phase are the terminal building, control tower, administration building, fire station and ancillary buildings.

***

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Paloma/Marimar does incredible animal sounds

Wake-uppers:

Libby and Tessie Sumampong receive the
 “Best Bohol Cuisine Specialty Restaurant”
 during the Golden Globe Annual Awards 2015
 for Business Excellence. –Courtesy: Loboc RiverWatch Floating Resto

Scene: The Cuisina Ni Tisay has been awarded the “Best Bohol Cuisine Specialty Restaurant” during the Golden Globe Annual Awards 2015 for Business Excellence on April 15 at the Manila Hotel. The award was presented by the Philippines Best Companies.Com Inc., Sinag News Magazine, Sining at Gabay ng Buhay Foundation Inc., and the National Data Research Examiner and Marketing Services Inc.  The Golden Globe Awards (GGAABE) is an annual recognition that searches for companies and brands that exhibit innovative business practices, deliver quality products and services, epitomize customer concern and engagement, exemplify a reputable and ethical business image, display excellent value proposition and pricing, and serve truthfulness in business management. The award was personally received by couple Libby and Tessie Sumampong. “Just received our Certificate and our Trophy! Super Thankfulllll ! To God be the glory,” said Tessie. Cuisina ni Tisay is located at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (Chap) in Carmen town.

 

Scene: Three blind items for this week: 1) Is S sleeping over at the apartment of his girlfriend Ms A (a  beauty queen)? A VRS (who happens to live nearby) swears that she saw S coming out of A’s place in the early hours of the morning. “A’s bestfriend is S’s girlfriend,” said VRS; 2) Photo of this beauty queen circulating in the net has received negative feedback. But her friend-manager came to defend her “alaga” saying, “don’t comment if you don’t like.” “Well, people can do what they want in this hi-tech society,” said VRS; and 3) This make-up artist and hairstylist (MUAAHS) was disappointed with one of the members of the beauty committee who is slow to answer queries. “Busy-busyhan ang show ni Mommy A,” said VRS. MUAAHS also said that the upcoming contest has invited big celebrities. "The contestants whose photos were severely photoshopped, I think are not worth it," said MUAAHS.

 

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Remember Paloma aka Marimar, well-loved and fondly remembered by visitors at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Baclayon, also known for his kagwang--buwis-buhay performance?

 

Last week, I went to Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Baclayon town to visit JingJing  Salibay and Paloma.  After the death of Prony, Bohol’s international animal superstar, on August 14, 2013, the wild park had experienced a laidback.

 

“Everything is back to normal,” said JingJing Salibay, the park’s caretaker.  Well, she was right because I saw a lot of foreign visitors and locals visiting the park.

 

At the entrance, Paloma was busy welcoming the guests.

 

Paloma aka Marimar has a new talent: to mimic sounds
of animals in weirdest and funniest ways. –LPU

“Welcome to the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park!”

 

Then, he began shouting:

 

Oooohhhhlok olokok olokolok...(for turkey)

 

Ahhhhtatakakakaa (for bird)

 

Whaaaakkkk ming kaun naka waaakkkkk (for crow)

 

owhhhh owhhhh (for bird)

 

Spectators were amazed that animals became “alive-alert-awake-enthusiastic” upon hearing Paloma. It was a remarkable feat that visitors could hardly believe what they witnessed.

 

Paloma can mimic the sounds of the animals, from monkeys and pigs to birds and even flies! Paloma’s crow and turkey imitations are spot-on, the bird perfect.

 

While Paloma has been known for his deadly antics and acrobatic performance (he is still performing after the animal tour), mimicking animals seems to be a particular talent.

 

Paloma has studied and mastered the sounds of the different species of birds during his pasttime. He spends his time imitating their sounds -- the way the birds communicate with each other on different situations.

 

JingJing Salibay kisses her new pet
(and beside the glass which contains
the bones of Prony). -LPU

And it is hard to believe that he has been able to mimic the sounds of the birds (of course, in weirdest and funniest ways!Ha!Ha!Ha!).

 

"I will preserve their voices," said Paloma.

 

On the other hand, JingJing said that a visit to the park is a learning experience.

 

“Here at Bohol Python and Wildlife Park, it is not only a tourist destination but it’s also an educational tour,” said JingJing. “Because we have lots of wildlife animals not only pythons.”

 

If you have missed Prony, “her” preserved body is still the biggest attraction inside the park Sofronio, the “reincarnation” of Prony.  Prony’s bones are on display inside a glass. The arrangement of the bones and delicate structures is remarkable. The Salibay family has plans to register Prony’s preserved bones to the Guiness Book of World Records (in other category) sometime soon.

 

If you have never tasted the Bohol new product, don’t forget to try the crunchy and spicy organic “chichaworm” at the park. “It’s rich in protein just like my favorite,” said Paloma. To order, contact EAL Organic Chicaworm at 0935125820/09323822345.

 

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HNU-Ultimate Mohawks wins 3rd in Frisbee tournament

 

Frisbee might not be totally mainstream in Philippine sports thinking, but it was on full display just recently as Dumaguete hosted the tournament.

 

The crunchy and spicy organic “chichaworm” 

is available at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park. -LPU

The Holy Name University (HNU)- Ultimate Mohawks won third place in the recently concluded UCL (Ultimate Collegiate League) Frisbee Tournament held at the Silliman Ballfield in Dumaguete City. Silliman University's disc breakers ranked second beaten by MSU-Iligan's team which won the championship with a score of 14.15 leading only by one point. 

 

The first intercollegiate frisbee league was participated in by different prestigious schools from the Philippines.

 

The HNU- Ultimate Mohawks roster were Dave Samson, Peter Hamoay, Eric John Borja, Ray Conner Samson, Rainfred Galanida, Fred Anthony Soriano, Anthony June Madronero, Gio Jubac, Chiojo Jubac

Richard Andamon, Raymond Andamon, Ian Reambonanza, Paul Sarabia, Christian Montanez, Gerald

April Joy Baliong, Ina Laurel, Abigail Bernadas, Valerie Joy Omas-as, Nina Ello and Chelsea Lagang.

 

April Joy Baliong (player who had the highest points scored) received the “score machine” award while Fred Anthony Soriano received the “best defense” award.

 

Beryl Elizabeth Lupot was the team’s coach.

 

The Holy Name University (HNU)-Ultimate Mohawks
 after winning the Ultimate Collegiate League Frisbee Tournament in Dumaguete City.-Courtesy: Beryl Lupot

Jake Linton, France Jordan and Bencel Borja also trained the team before the tournament.

 

“We won because we played hard for each other. Every single player on our team played the best he could play, put in 100 percent effort and contributed to the team,” Lupot said.

 

The team was also sponsored by JNP Construction and Supply, FB Shutters and Services, Joann Pabato, Dr. Dale Ello, Jeric Lim – Bohol Hotel La Roca, Jun Constantine Caturza – Jj’s Seafood Village, Aaron Domingo – Bohol Island Leo Club, Coby Rubillar – Bohol Trading, Dr. and Mrs. Doyet Dumaluan andA’s Chicken Nuggets.

 

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Remembering our loved ones…and CPG

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Six teams are competing for the first Tarsier Ultimate Frisbee Tournament held at CPG Sports Complex yesterday and today. According to Beryl Lupot, one of the organizers, Ultimate is a team sport played with a flying disc. Wikipedia adds, “The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc to a player in the opposing end zone, similar to an end zone in American football or the in-goal area in rugby.  Players may not run with the disc, and must keep a pivot while holding the disc.”

 

Scene: Nearly 100 children together with their parents celebrated Halloween by trick-or-treating last Oct. 28 at the Island City Mall. The Activity Center was decorated in a spooky yet fun way for the Halloween celebration. The children roamed the mall in their best costumes and were given prizes for being scary-looking, cute and having the most elaborate disguise. A one-month old baby girl was the youngest participant.

 

Seen: The 12 contestants of the Scariest Halloween Costume 2012. The contestants dressed in movie-inspired Halloween outfits, like Freddie, Jason and other evil dead characters. (Lamok:” 'I'll swallow your soul!')

 

***

If I do Visita Iglesia during Holy Week, I do Visita Cementerio - that is my own version of visiting cemeteries during Kalag-Kalag. My visit gives me spiritual realization and the chance to know more of our sam-ang and the people who passed away.

 

Days before Kalag-Kalag, Inday Charity and I visited an ancient graveyard at Basdio, Guindulman.  There were many boat-shaped coffins in Duero, Candijay, Mabini and Anda which were utilized by our ancestors to understand the belief system particularly in relation to beliefs about the soul and the afterlife. I have been there several times and I’d noticed that only few of the boat-shaped coffins or bangka can be found wedged on cliff sides.

  

Boat coffin

On boat coffins, Prof. Jose Marianito Luspo said, “It’s part of the belief system of the ancient people that death is like a river or passage to other life which can be reached by a body of water. Among the ancient Greek they believe the so called river Styx that can traverse by spirit on his way to the afterlife. It’s not surprising, here in the Philippine also has that tradition. We human beings are born to the womb of our mother which is always liquid-filled. Perhaps this give an idea to the ancient people that when we die we pass thru the passage.”

 On Nov. 1, I visited the Dampas Catholic Cemetery. It houses the remains of the dean of Boholano journalists lawyer Zoilo Dejaresco and wife Rosario, Miguel Parras, Bernardino Inting, Asuncion Mira, composer and military man Alberto Cainglet, Dr. Margarito Lim, et al.

 

Few meters from Dampas Catholic Cemetery is the cemetery for UCCP members. It houses the remains of Dr. James Alexander Graham and his wife Merne. Graham was a native of Scotland, the first medical missionary in Bohol.

 

The Masonic Cemetery of the Dagohoy Lodge No. 84 houses the remains of UB first president Victoriano D. Tirol Sr. and his wife Iluminada, Pio Castro, Catalino Castillo, Angelita Tormis, et al.

 

The Victoria Memorial Park was laid out in 1975 in a park-like, rural setting away from the center of the city. Notables interred here include Doña Basing, Obdulio Caturza Sr. and his wife Juana, businessman Antonio Ong Guat, Carolina Alvarez, church founder Dr. Nelson Rio Sr., et al.  (Note: Boy Kalag is there to guide you.)

 

From Tagbilaran, I went to Calape to visit the tomb of another great Boholano. Outside the Calape Catholic Cemetery was the tomb of Roman “Yoyoy” Tesorio-Villame, the Philippine King of Novelty Songs.

 

I was roasted under the scorching sun when I went to Loon Catholic Cemetery to find the tomb or grave of Justino “Tining” Romea. However, I failed to find his tomb. An old woman told me that Nong Tining was buried in Maribojoc.  I also saw the tomb of Juan “Aning” Relampagos, a World War II veteran and mayor of Loon (1951 to 1959).

 

From Loon, I went back to Tagbilaran to visit the Taloto Catholic Cemetery to offer flowers to my relatives. And I spent the night with my cousins at Victoria Memorial Park to visit the graves of my sister, aunts, uncles and relatives.

 

There were no major hitches as we remember our loved ones during Kalag-Kalag. Floral offerings were made as early as Nov. 1. Many of us stayed overnight at cemeteries. Many took it as an opportunity to make money. Vendors sold flowers, candles, siomai, doughnuts and other food products. Children cleaned the tombs or graves for money. They also collected and sold melted candles.

 

Memories give comfort.

 

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Today, November 4, Bohol celebrates the 116^th birthday of Most Illustrious Son, the late President Carlos P. Garcia (CPG). As we remember CPG on his 116th birth anniversary, may we be inspired by his example of prioritizing the interests of the Filipino people.

 

Born in November 4, 1896, CPG was a teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public official, political economist and guerilla leader. His administration was anchored on three basic policies: Austerity, Filipino First Policy and Cultural Revival.

 

In addition to being a political leader, CPG was a poet, orator and teacher. He was known as the “Prince of Visayan Poets” and the “Bard from Bohol.”

 

I am putting out the lyrics of one of my favorite Visayan songs that has a humbling effect on me and, I’m sure, on anybody who digests its lyrics. Yes, I’ve put out the song Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon by Onecimo “Onie” Oclarit from his Ubilandia album for CPG‘s birthday today and I think another replaying of it anytime won’t do any harm.

 

Okay, all together now:

 

Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon

 

Ang lalawigang Bol-anon

May anak nga bantugan

Matarung ug maligdong

Sulundon ug buotan.

 

Ang iyang mga mithi

Gugma ug kaangayan

Pag- alagad nga hingpit

Sa yuta tang natawhan.

 

Ug halad ka sa langit

Alang Bol-anon katawhan

Ang mga buhat mong matarung

Kanunay namong gikamingawan

Ang dila mong balaknon

Garbo ning yutang tabunon

Carlos P. Garcia buhi ka sa tanang panahon.

 

Ikaw mao ang kadasig,

Ikaw mao ang kalagsik,

Ikaw mao ang kahayag,

Sa dalan namong mangitngit.

 

Among paninguhaun ang pagsunod sa imong mga lakang

Ug ang imong pagtulun-an

Dili namo hikalimtan.

 

And maybe while humming that song, you and I can further reflect on the greatness of CPG with the help of another song, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, a finalist of the 1996 Bohol Song Festival performed by Marjorie Rebuya and written by Rudy Tutor.

 

Ikaw Carlos P. Garcia

Ang kanunay ginahandum sa mga Pilipinhon

Tungod sa imong kinaiya

nga kanamong mga Bol-anon mapasigarbuhon.

Ang pagpangalagad mo sa katawhan

Gipanaminan, gilarawan ug dili hikalimtan

Gibuhos mo ang  kaugalingon

Aron pagtagbaw sa kinabag-an mong mga igsoon…

 

Nagsuod siya sa pakarepresetante

Hangtud nga nahimong nasudnong presidente

Batid na ka pangagamhanan

First Filipino First Policy ikaw ang amahan

 

Talagsaun kang alagad nga wa magpaadunahan

Ni wala magpabuhong sa kaugalingon sa pangatundanan

Matiunud-anon ka ug ang dughan mo puno sa gugma

Pagkadalaygon mo President Carlos P. Garcia…

 

Just recently, Inday Charity and I visited the CPG Heritage House (formerly the Bohol Museum). The last time I have been there was in 2002, but it is good to see that the CPG Heritage House is still there to make the dream of leaving a legacy for CPG – the man and his works – but also to create an opportunity for this legacy to continue, which the heritage house now stands for.

 

Spending a day at the CPG Heritage House is like getting reacquainted with the life and works of CPG. It is a two storey strong concrete, white house. On display here are some of the late president's memorabilia - you may take time to see old photographs and read some notes about CPG.

 

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