Showing posts with label loboc riverwatch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loboc riverwatch. Show all posts

Monday, November 4, 2013

Ray of hope & quake-licious in Bohol

Tomorrow marks the two-week anniversary of Bohol’ devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that affected thousands of Boholanos.

Bayanihan spirit Photo by Leo P. Udtohan
Images of hardships are still flooding your TV screen especially in the towns that were the epicenter of the disaster. Many families lost their properties and loved ones and some just disappeared in an instant.

The effects of this dreadful quake are visible everywhere in tent cities where people are still living without proper homes, clean running water and food.

As I went to barangay Bagtic in Catigbian town, I saw people harvesting crops near the tension cracks. There was “Diskwento Caravan” of the DTI in Loon town last Thursday. And despite the quake, the people of Antequera had celebrated their town fiesta yesterday. It was those little things –I’ve realized these are signs of hope.

I salute many amazing people and organizations that are making things better. I’ve realized that there are many young people who care about other people and the province keeping the bayanihan spirit alive. They have volunteered to pack and deliver relief goods to far-flung barangays.

A lot do voluntourism on Facebook and text messages to help promote the affected tourism of Bohol.

Yes, there is still great suffering from the horrific quake, but resilience and a passion for life still dominate the Boholano people.

As you're reading this, you can do something.

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Loboc Riverwatch offers quake-licious

I saw how the 7.2 magnitude earthquake damaged the kitchen of the Loboc Riverwatch, owned by Tessie and Libby Sumampong.

Madame Susan Laguras (Tessie’s right hand) and crew were cleaning the area where a big tree collapsed and destroyed the kitchen. They were saving some stuff.

Loboc Riverwatch floats again!
“The earthquake may have left us devastated after our property sustained damage but our spirits were not dampened to rebuild again,” says Tessie. 

Other floating restaurants are now operational last week but Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto rises up and brings new menu with a twist.

Tomorrow, Oct. 28, starters on the new menu include  the primary wave: soup of the day which is the linog-gaw, guso salad, manga-nitude with 7.2 bagoong, the epicentre has plain rice, pancit especial, humbang nangka, earth quickquick, chopseuy ni ondoy, battered chicken, seafood kurog-kurog, intensified shrimp, grilled fish tuna-mi, dinakdakan or pork bbq.

The quake delights includes aftershock-koy, bingkang niliki, banana flitters, lindol-dol, faulto cheese, suman, dagandagan fruits in season with one round softdrink.

We aim to give the earthquake a lighter note despite its heartbreaking effects to Bohol. We decided to introduce our new menu so that diners can treat themselves while enjoying the Loboc River,” adds Tessie. 

It can be noted that Tessie started serving authentic Boholano cuisines last summer.

“50 % of the income will be donated to the Loboc Church,” says Tessie.

(Note: Loboc Riverwatch: Tel. No: (038) - 537–9460, (038) -537–9460; Mobile: +63918 - 510 – 4032/ +63917- 306–0010/+63917-382–2254; Email: lobocriverwatch@gmail.com)

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While we are at it, Prof. Marianito Luspo shares his thoughts on Bohol and the killer quake:

 BAMBOO FLOWERS. If you notice this was the title of Maryo de los Reyes’ latest film project. He told me he got the title while cruising along the Abatan River where some bamboo groves grow. He obviously heard about how the bamboo flowers only once in its lifetime – just before it dies. A poignant tale indeed and this inspired him to develop the storyline of his movie. Seeing the preview, however, I was struck by the fact that nowhere in the entire movie –all about Boholanos and shot mostly in Bohol – is the lesson of the bamboo flower reflected. I did not see beauty preceding extinction, of reality taken for granted until just as it started to get noticed and admired death comes to take it away forever.

Then the cataclysmic earthquake happened and as I tried to grapple with the reality of our Boholano heritage either ruined or lost it dawned on me Maryo J’s tribute movie Bamboo Flowers may have, albeit inadvertently, presaged the fate of Bohol.

Imagine this, for the past several hundred years this island and all the wonders in it stood at the edge of nowhere. It was even bruited about for quite some time that nothing good ever comes out of this backwater of a province. Yes, even us, its inhabitants, used to be the butt of national jokes, it led some enterprising individuals, the likes of Yoyoy Villame, to simply say “Cebu” when asked where they come from, just to avoid the inevitable ribbing.

Then not so long ago, Bohol suddenly hit the limelight and was touted about as the next exciting tourist destination. It took us sometime to adjust to our new found fame, the new monicker as the beautiful province. Overnight, it seemed, we have become like the ugly duckling grown to become a splendid-looking swan. The splendor of our hills were written about; the whiteness of our beach sand is marveled at; our churches touted as exemplars of conservation and heritage sensibility. Yes, even the tiny tarsiers became giants in the eyes of an appreciative world. It took us sometime, yes, but soon we became convinced ourselves we truly have a beautiful province to call home.

The bamboo has flowered, after centuries of flourishing as an overgrown grass species along the banks of the Abatan river. How long did its season of flowering last – twenty years? No, it was much less than that. When the earth groaned and went into paroxysms of sub-tectonic readjustment that fateful morning of October 15, 2013, changing the face of our accustomed topography and cultural landscape just as we were just learning to appreciate and take pride in them, we were just ten years as a tourism frontliner, fifteen years cherishing our natural and cultural inheritance and close to eighteen when we started on the road to cultural rebirth. Now, most of beauty of that short-lived flowering are but sad memories. But other bamboos are still there and someday soon they will also come to flower.

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

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Loboc Riverwatch earns 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Direk Maryo J. De los Reyes, cast and crew are in Anda, Bohol. Direk Maryo has chosen Anda for his film entry Bamboo Flowers in the forthcoming “Sining Pambansa Film Festival, All-Masters Edition” this September 2013 and hopefully be part of the International Children’s Film Festival. The film will also feature Abatan River, Kawasan Falls of Balilihan, Catigbian’s adventure site, Corella and Loboc Tarsier’s Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills of Carmen, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble and Panglao Island.

Scene: From re-elected 3rd district Congressman Art Yap: Elections always bring out the best and worst in us. This year's elections was no exception. But in the end, no lies nor propaganda, no threat nor violence, no vice nor money can stand against the truth of the people's will. For one day in three years,  the people get to judge their public officials. The people have spoken. Let us honor the people by graciously accepting their choices. Congratulations to all the winning candidates, thank you for all the courageous  and steadfast support to my campaign and my gratitude to the Lord Almighty. God bless our incoming term and God bless Bohol.

Scene: The mass resignation of the staff of the Tubigon Tourism Culture Arts and Heritage Office, organizer of Anyag sa Tubigon, Tanda Festival Street Dancing and Sambunot sa Awit when incumbent Mayor  William Jao lost to mayor-elect Marlon Amila. Some sectors call it sour-graping, however, according to VRS, the resignation was to give the new administration a free hand in choosing his staff who will run his programs for the town.

Seen:  Spotted in Bohol is erstwhile commissioner of the National Youth Commission Benjie Oliva. If you think Benjie is missing in action, he is busy traveling the country as personal assistant of Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala.

Scene: Thank you to all my family and friends for the overwhelming birthday wishes and cheer yesterday (May 25). I thank you many times over for all the birthday greetings! This very special message from a friend: The way of all peace is to scale the mountain of self. Loving others makes the climb down easier. We see all things darkly until love lights the lamp of the soul.
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Loboc Riverwatch receives 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Courtesy: Tripadvisor

Loboc Riverwatch has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

"The Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto is honored to be recognized with TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence," said Tessie Labunog-Sumampong. "We strive to offer our customers a memorable dining experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor."

The Loboc Riverwatch, the Floating Resto to the Stars, is the only restaurant in Bohol which offers authentic Boholano cuisine.

"The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers," said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business.

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

On the other hand,  Amorita Resort has earned yet another distinction as a winner of the TripAdvisor 2013 Traveler’s Choice Award, ranking eighth among the Top 25 Hotels in the Philippines.

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GMA Kapuso gives away 2,000 school bags to Bohol
Education, a basic children’s right, comes with a challenge especially in the country’s most desolate areas. Fortunately, GMA Kapuso Foundation, the socio-civic arm of the GMA Network, is reaching out to far-flung communities to touch more Filipino lives.

Last week, I accompanied Amabelle Rusiana,  the regional coordinator of GMA Kapuso Foundation and the DepED people, for the distribution of GMA Kapuso Foundation's bags and school supplies under its project “Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan (First Step towards the Future)".

Some 2,000 children in Grade 1 levels in five district schools of Bohol (Baclayon, Albur, Loay, Lila and Dimiao) have recently received school supplies from GMA Kapuso Foundation.

The children received a package of school supplies packed in a knapsack that contains  five notebooks, two pencils, two pad papers, a sharpener, and a box of crayon.

Evident with the loud expressions of “Thank you” to GMA Kapuso, the children including their parents and the local school authorities were grateful for the initiative hoping that this will encourage the kids to value and pursue education, amidst poverty, to improve their lives.

The company and its foundation will continue to help ensure that many of the Philippines’ next generation achieve a bright future.

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

Monday, April 29, 2013

Tessie’s sumptuous feast of traditional Boholano cuisine

Wake-uppers:
Scene: The 14 contingents for the 2nd Cobra International Dragon Boat Competition in Dauis, Bohol.
 
Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda. Now sporting short hair, Arnel was mobbed by fans at the Loboc River.
 
Scene: From Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, City Information Officer, on Saulog festival: The City Government of Tagbilaran and the Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph the Worker are embarking on collaborative efforts for this year’s celebration of the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1 dubbed “Pit Senor San Jose! Viva San Jose! Viva Tagbilaran!” Starting last Monday, April 22 with the daily novena at 4:30 p.m., followed by a holy mass at 5:30 p.m.  at the Cathedral and the nightly activities at 7:30 p.m. at the Tagbilaran Port, the activities are aimed at reviving, preserving and promoting the city’s significant tradition and unique cultural heritage, in cognizance with Executive Order No. 2 Series of 2013 which created the City Council for Culture and the Arts.
 
On April 29, from 2 to 6 p.m., the statues of Saint Joseph, Mother Mary and Santo Nino comprising the Holy Family will be featured during the fluvial procession from Manga Port to Sitio Ubos, Poblacion I.
 
On April 30, the first-ever “Saulog Tagbilaran,” a religion-based cultural activity, bringing to the fore the life of Saint Joseph, the City’s patron saint, as a loving father and devoted worker and the local devotees’ way of paying homage and thanksgiving. The streetdancing also intends to drumbeat the 250th anniversary of the Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph the Worker in 2017. The 9 contingents - Bool, Booy, Cabawan, Cogon, Manga, Mansasa, Poblacion I, Poblacion 2 and Ubujan - shall assemble along the Old City Hall at 12 noon. The streetdancing shall kick off at 1:00 p.m., turning left at C. Gallares Street, turning right at B. Inting Street, proceeding right to CPG Avenue along City Square, turning right at J.S. Torralba near Plaza Rizal, making a left turn at E. Sarmiento fronting the Cathedral, turning left at J. A. Clarin Street leading towards the Tagbilaran City Hall Compound.
 
Hapit na jud ang fiesta sa Tagbilaran (May 1), the opening salvo of the month-long fiesta season of Bohol.
 
Scene: From erstwhile Tubigon’s Queen of All Media Raymund Delgado: Anyag 2008 Clarice Radoc has a very huge chance of winning the crown however her tight schedule couldnt warrant the requirements and demands of joining a provincial pageant. As of Anyag 2011 Lori Geisha Cabrera , we are still subjecting her to some further enhancing trainings that would further bring out the best in her and mold her to become more competitive in the provincial level. Since the previous year when I was connected with the University of San Jose Recoletos as a full time professor , I only focus on handling one committee in Anyag and that is the Committee on Seminars, Trainings and Workshops to bring out the best in all our candidates and reserve beauty queens and I do see the value of a good education as a foundation for success in any endeavors. Even, Miss Teen Bohol 2012 Thea Rizaldo was molded by the A-List Beauty and Personality Academy, which is the basic education arm of the Anyag sa Tubigon.
 
Until this present moment in time, we at Anyag envisions of producing globally competitive and empowered beauty queens which would not only excel in the municipal level but also at the national and international levels. Though I’m no longer connected with the Local Government Unit of Tubigon I still take an active role and part in the committee since I do see that this is my way of giving back to the community who gave me my identity as a Tubignon.
 
(Note: The Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 is on May 10 with special guest Daniel Padilla. Tickets are at Php300 (Blue), Php500 (Orange) and Php 1,000 (Fuschia). Visit or call Tubigon Tourism Office at (038) 508-8496.)
 
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The flamboyant chef and food connoisseur Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations food tripping in America made me relish in my head those gustatory adventures I went through vacationing in the US.
 
Like music, food does bring people together. My bonding moments with friends in the US revolve around anything edible-- that there are plenty to eat and thank God for-- and you can’t feel the economy is down.
 
Here’s the tip: To enjoy your stay in the land of milk and honey that is America, never convert. I stopped whining about how I have to shell out $2 for a bottle of cranberry juice or Hershey’s chocolate when I can get it here for a reasonable price.
 
Food tripping in the US. Yours truly with (clockwise) Lorenzo and Richel Galaura, Mikey and his Thai friend Kevin and Alot and Babat Bagotchay.
The King’s Buffet in Hollywood was the first restaurant I had bonding moment with a Boholano family. Lorenzo Galaura (from Jagna town), his wife Richel and daughter Loraine invited me for a dinner. Lorenzo is a nurse and a tennis enthusiast. At 13, Loraine, who stands 5”5”, is an A+ student in a private school in LA and a potential beauty queen in the future. After dinner, the Galaura family brought me to The Grove for another bonding moment.
 
My real bonding with US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal was the Thai (Thai Restaurant in Hollywood) and Korean (Haus of Desserts) cuisines. Since Mikey has a Thai friend, he loves to introduce Thai food that when TV/concert-producer Amy Almirol had to see us, we ended at the Thai restaurant in downtown LA).
 
My bonding with RN and make-up artist Rey Reformina was the Chinese cuisine. He brought me to Regent Chinese restaurant near the famous Union Station.
 
My bonding food with Jocelyn Oppus, Babat Malacay and Jinky Jane Labrador were Burger King, Jollibee, McDonalds and The Pantry. When hunger strikes you on the road, turn to Jollibee Drive Thru.
 
The send-off dinner with Miss BodyShots International 2013 Janelle Logrono, Lorenzo and Richel Galaura, Alot and Babat Bagotchay, Mikey and Rey was held at the at the Ganda Thai Restaurant.
 
After my vacation, I’m gaining weight. I need to go on a diet…so I thought…   
 
As promised, we showed up with “empty stomachs” early Tuesday noon at Loboc Riverwatch (the “Floating Resto to the Stars,” you will know why when you will visit their booth at the Loboc River Complex) of Tessie Labunog-Sumampong. “We” included Liza Macalandag of Lifestyle Bohol, my nephew Jhelmar Jala and yours truly.
 
The next time you visit the famous Loboc River (the River of Life), you can indulge yourself in authentic Boholano cuisine at the Loboc Riverwatch. It is the only floating restaurant which offers a wide array of mouth-watering traditional Boholano cuisine.  
 
As most people must know by now, years ago Tessie was hired to manage a floating restaurant. When she was given the opportunity to run her own floating restaurant, Tessie’s imagination was activated. Voila, a few weeks later she put up her own floating restaurant, the Loboc Riverwatch.
 
Tessie and her Loboc Riverwatch team cooked “borrowed” foods. They served the same menu with other floating restaurants. So, Tessie gave it a try last April when guests started asking for Boholano cuisine and it has been doing good business since then.
 
Tessie Labunog-Sumampong
“Most of the restaurants here do not serve the Boholano cuisine, it's time to show to them what we have,” said Tessie. “I am not afraid of change. I make it sure I am always open to new challenges and ready for discoveries.”
 
On Tessie’s menu: Pancit bisaya, piniritong manok, humbang baboy, kusahos,  lauja, manok hinalang, humbang nangka, ensaladang talong, guso salad, spicy crab, escabeche, inon-on, shrimps and crabs, puto cheese,  manga with uyap, native kakanin, cathy’s cuchinta, bibingka’s special, fruits in season and dol-dol.
 
And the visitors embraced her Bol-anon cuisine with gusto.
 
The classic Filipino pork dish, the humba (Visayan answer to adobo from the North) and the kusahos  de Loboc (sun dried carabeef strips) are the best sellers.
 
 “Whether cooking food or managing the floating restaurant, everything should be done with love and passion,” said Tessie.
 
Tessie’s Boholano cuisine at the floating restaurant is at P350 per person (just add 50 pesos for the municipal fee) and it is “eat all you can.” The price is worth it because she never scrimps on ingredients.
 
Try to imagine: They serve a buffet lunch. The musician is very entertaining. The river cruise is relaxing.
 
Riding at Loboc Riverwatch will also double as charity work for you since she helps public schools in Loboc (Bartolome Doria Elem. School and Tambis Elem. School in Calunasan Norte).
 
And so how do I rate that Boholano cuisine of Tessie’s Loboc Riverwatch? It’s, burp, filling.
 
The mouth-watering traditional Boholano cuisine at the Loboc Riverwatch Floating Restaurant, the Floating Resto to the Stars.  
 
(Note: Loboc Riverwatch: Tel. No: (038) - 537–9460, (038) -537–9460; Mobile: +63918 - 510 – 4032/ +63917- 306–0010/+63917-382–2254; Email: lobocriverwatch@gmail.com)
 
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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Shamcey Supsup: It’s more fun in Bohol!

As I said, I liked the way Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Gurrea Supsup delivered her message during the 142nd commencement exercises of the University of Bohol. She said it with so much fervor that nobody could say she didn’t say it from the heart.
 
The hills are alive… with Shamcey Supsup at the top of the highest hill in Carmen. Photo Courtesy: Elcid Tirol
Having the Miss Universe beauty and board topnotcher as speaker was a history in the making. It was Shamcey’s first time to speak in a graduation ceremony. Everyone who attended the event was inspired. And a big thanks to UB Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno, the graduation chair, for making it happened.
 
Before that Shamcey did a “whirlwind” countryside tour. Wearing a sundress, Shamcey flashed her winning smile to her Boholano fans, who either shrieked in admiration or were too dumbfounded to say anything. She’s really beautiful. She’s mobbed by fans wherever she went.
 
“It’s my second time here in Bohol. Matagal ko nang gustong pumunta. I didn’t have the time. Yung first time ko dito sa Bohol, hindi ako nakapagtour, so ngayon ko lang nakita ang Bohol. Mas maganda dito,” Shamcey told Bared.
 
Shamcey visited Loboc River, the river of joy. She was welcomed by Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch.  “This is better than river cruising in Bangkok, Thailand,” she quipped.
 
At the world famous Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Shamcey climbed the 214 concrete steps to reach the highest hill. She said that viewing the chocolate hills is a never-ending amazement. The guides (composed of Angeli Uy of Lab Tours and Travels, Melanie Tirol, Desiree Roxas, Liza Macalandag, Elcid Tirol, Charlito Andam and Gyn Mark Cajote) and Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. coordinator Ms. Liliana Soriano joined her watching the grandeur of the thousand hills—so beautifully formed in the central part of Bohol.
 
And a visit to the tarsier sanctuary in Corella town allowed Shamcey to see the natural habitat of the tarsier with ‘tarsierman’ Lito Pizarras as guide.
Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup at the Loboc river, the river of joy.  Photo Courtesy: Elcid Tirol
 
 “Sana mapreserve ang natural beauty ng Bohol. Once na nasira yun mahirap na ibalik. It’s more fun in Bohol,” Shamcey said.  
 
Anyway, to give everyone a chance to reminisce Shamcey’s graduation message (not only for UB graduates but for all the graduates there), here’s a copy of her message. Read on.
 
Good afternoon to all of you. First of all, thank you for inviting me to grace this most meaningful occasion.
 
Many people have asked me if I have change since April 10 when I won the Binibining Pilipinas that eventually brought me to the road to Sau Paulo  Brazil for the Miss Universe Pageant. Yes and no. I have changed in ways that amaze even myself. From someone who didn’t know the first thing about wearing high heels, putting on makeup or fixing my hair, I transformed into someone who could enhance whatever  God-given countenance I was given. From a person who was very shy, I learned how to speak to large audiences and flash my brightest  smile. And from  someone who was always within the comfort  zone of family  and friends, I learned how to interact with people from all walks of life.
 
Yes, I have change. But then again, I haven’t.
 
Last year, I was veritable probinsiyana. I grew up in my parents’ farm in GenSan. I rode “carabaos” and ran around the farm. There is simplicity and tranquility in my GenSan life that I miss. It is simplicity that makes up my core. In truth, even if a lot of me have changed, I am still very much a probinsyana at heart.     
 
Today, there are 725 of you who are probinsyanos and probinsyanas at heart who will graduate. Your parents have toiled hard to get you where you are. Some of you will venture to go out to the city, even out to the world. Some of you will opt to stay in Bohol. But all of you will pursue your dreams.
 
In pursuing your dreams, I urge to continue being a probinsyano. Dream big, but live simply. Learn to recognize the real and important from the mere trappings of glory. In my reign as Ms. Universe Philippines, I got caught in the whirlwind of several social and high profile activities. While I recognize the significance of each activity, somehow, it was in the low profile and simple activities where I found real joy.
 
Don’t get me wrong. Being simple does not mean being second best. It simply means discerning and being focused on the things that matter most. In your own simple ways, aim to be first, the best .The founders of your esteemed university did just that. Your school was the first university in the province. It is the home of several alumni whose names are synonymous with excellence. When I decided to give in to my mother’s wish for me to become a beauty queen, I took everything to heart. I took everything
seriously. I studied the moves, perfected my walk, and honed myself so I could bring honor to my country. At first, it was just an obedient daughter following her mom’s wishes .But as the competition progressed, I knew that I should push myself to be the best I could. Eventually, it boiled down to how I could be the best for my country.
 
From simple goals and the pursuit of excellence, I implore you young graduates to conquer the whole new worlds that lay on your feet not only with youthful fervor, but also with integrity. It is not enough that you reach your dreams. It is not enough that you be the best. It is most important if you do everything with dignity and respect. Never compromise your values and ideals. Never give up the beliefs that make you who you are in exchange for favors and rewards that are just material and transitory. This is exactly what was in my mind, when in a heartbeat ,I answered the question posed to  me during  the Miss  Universe pageant .Some say that I should  have stretched my answer to make it sound  more diplomatic. Some say that I should have asked for an interpreter. For me, however, the answer was so clear that I did not need a translator to say what was in my heart. There simply was no gray area in need of “stretching”. These are the values that were ingrained in me by my parents that are not negotiable at all.
 
Finally, I enjoin you to pay it forward. A lot of you will reach great heights in their endeavors. But always look back and pay it forward. There is a reason why you have been showered this blessing of education. Find a way for these blessings to multiply a hundred fold by giving back –to your family, to school, to province, to your country, and most of all to God. Paying it forward is the best way to show your gratitude. It is gratitude that manifests and multiplies itself in generosity.
 
Be simple. Be excellent. Be honest. Be generous in your gratitude. Be all these and you will be the best graduates of University of Bohol.
 
Thank you very much and congratulations to all.
 
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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter/ Facebook.