Prony is dead

Wake-uppers:

Scene: At least 24 people died and hundreds were rescued in sea waters off Cebu province where the passenger

ship MV St. Thomas Aquinas collided with the cargo ship MV Sulpicio Express 7 last Friday evening. 2Go's MV St. Thomas Aquinas came from Nasipit for a stopover in Cebu has more than 800 passengers and 100 crew while Sulpicio Lines' cargo ship with 36 crew members are all accounted for. Beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit posted on Facebook: I can't sleep thinking about the victims of the ship collision off Cebu. My thoughts and prayers to those who are still lost at sea. May the rescuers be also guided by His divine light.

Seen: Jollibee-ICM has a new, vibrant and refreshing look.

Seen: Spotted in Panglao and Loboc last week was PDI’s entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal. Hollywood reporter Ruben Nepales and his wife Janet were also spotted in Bohol.

                                                                                       ***

#Throwback Thursday

It’s a #Throwback Thursday on Facebook as Old Bohol (www.facebook.com/Old.Bohol) is sharing old memories of Bohol.

I dove into the archives from the early days of Bohol and I found a fascinating look-back into what people were talking about.

Cases in point:

Kung ikaw Inday mangita'g pamanhunon,
Siguro-a baya inday ang Bol-anon,
Kung matuman mo suwerte ka

kay ang Bol-anon buotan gayud         

Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa kahangturan...

   -Ang Bol-anon

As everybody probably knows, “Ang Bol-anon” is a popular Visayan song, thanks to our FM stations in Bohol for playing the song every Sunday.

But what some people probably don’t know is that “Ang Bol-anon” was composed by Boholano (not Cebuano) composer Regino Bastes Dano. He swept music lovers off their feet with his “Ang Bol-anon," song that Baby Boomers love to play again and again. Dano came from Poblacion Ondol, Loboc town. The song was one of the repertoires of the Bohol-Tagbilaran Sanghimig Choir, the second time National Champion in National Choral competitions held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (1973) and Folk Arts Theatre (1974).

I bet you didn’t know that photography was a fad at Digal Studio near the intersection of Libertad Street and El Filibusterismo, which currently are CPG and Genaro Visarra Streets. The Digal Studio was located where Footstep is now (fronting LICA Trading). “There used to be a Farmacia in one of the doors of the building owned by the Digal,” says Fernando Po.

Interesting! Interesting!

***

Her name is Prony. I saw her when she was small. I attended her “Quinceañera.” I also witnessed when she transferred to her new home in Baclayon town.

That’s how important this “woman” to me that I’d witnessed her life. But sad to say, she died of unknown causes early Wednesday (August 14) in her cage.

Yes, she’s Prony (python reticulates). People called her “The Anaconda of Bohol.”

A visit to Bohol, Philippines is not complete without Prony which is considered as one of the tourist attractions in the province of Bohol.

It was on October 21, 1996 when Prony was found by Sofronio Salibay which measured 5 feet and 5 kilograms at that time. In 2012, Prony weighed 280 kilos and measured 27 feet long. Her waist line was 34 inches.

JingJing Salibay with her gigantic pet Prony. LPU

The Salibay family, which runs the sanctuary and owned the python, maintained she was the largest snake in captivity in the Philippines, though there were no official records.

"Prony is a self-developed and trained Python found in the Philippines," shares Georgia “JingJing” Salibay, caretaker of Prony.

Prony is a very choosy snake! They fed Prony live chickens before but due to her large consumption and the cost of chickens, they fed her with virgin dogs. However, the animal rights groups protested the feeding of dogs. From then on, the Salibay decided to give her two goats or one white pig, and they must be live during feeding time or else Prony will just snub them. After eating, Prony can sleep for the whole month!

Prony is a superstar as Filipino celebrities Kris Aquino, Richard Gutierrez, Dra. Vicky Belo, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and Hollywood celebrities coach Freddie Roach, Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields went to see her.

Now that she's gone, what will happen to Prony and Wildlife Park (where it houses other animals such as birds, flying lemurs and monkeys)?

“Life must go on,” says JingJing. “She is like a daughter and I know her characteristic. She is the only snake which has human feelings.”

“The Python and Wildlife Sanctuary is still open,” adds JingJing.

What will happen to Marimar who is known for her deadly acrobatic antics?

“I will continue my animal show!” gushes Marimar. 

The Salibay family wants to preserve the snake's body and put it back on display.

I will be missing Prony. She will be remembered forever as an important part of the magic web of life. 

CLICK HERE FOR CNN 

***

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

Prony finds a new home!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Tickets to the A Night with Christian Bautista on April 28, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center are priced at P600, P400 and P200. Call/text Cleford at 09177012288/09228803373.

Karen Gallman

 

Scene: See the works that celebrate women’s strength and courage and honor the female body in Baji 2012: Through The Fire, an all-Boholana visual-literary arts exhibit at the lower ground of the Island City Mall (ICM) from March 4 to 30. The exhibit features the artwork of 46 women in recognition of the International Women’s Month of March. The exhibit includes the work of Hermogena “Nene” Lungay, Rowena Cuadra Seloterio, Alma Aparece, Amor Maria Vistal, Anna Hormiguera, Anni Vi Tirol, Bethlehem Bullen, Bona Dea Padron, Cecilia Agnes Ortiz, Chrisylli Mitzi Abaya, Darlene Sanguenza Cano, Dawn Likha Borja, Dedinne Docoy-Boucher, Dimpna Cutin, Fides Maria Vistal, Gee Biliran, Irish Glori Galon, Izabelle Petines, Jacquelou Curambao, Jessica Jayectin, Joanna Flores, Josielou Liray Chan, Joy Jakosalem-Balane, Liza Macalandag, Lovely Rose Acedo, Lumin Tirol-Pamaran, Ma. Bernes Acedo, Ma. Daisylou Daquipa Manluza, Maria Binhi Blanco Borja, Maida Jabinez, Maria Paz Oppus Villanueva, Mary Grace Ido Bernaldez, Matet Galarido, May Blanco, Melanie Oncog, Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes, Pie Padron, Rain Calimbayan, Regina Estorba Macalandag, Rosa Shiela Café, Sandra de la Serna, Silveri Marsamolo, Sonieta Labasan, Victorina Jumawid, Vida May Tirol-de Juan and Virna Avergonzado.  

 

Scene: The deadline of the submission of entries for the Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 is on March 16. The Miss Teen Tagbilaran is a project of Tagbilaran City SK Federation headed by Councilor Mary Liene Shaene Karaan of Poblacion 1.  

 

Scene: The Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council general assembly and elections, March 31, 9 a.m., at Meridian Hotel, this city. Vida Tirol de Juan and Fiel Angeli Gabin posted on Facebook: Calling all artists, arts enthusiasts, arts advocates, arts teachers, arts students, municipal cultural/tourism officers, cultural heritage workers, history/language advocates, performing arts groups, arts collectives, eco-cultural advocates. Individuals. groups, NGOs, civic organizations, government agencies. And all who loves Bohol with all its richness of culture and arts! Please come!

 

Scene: Bb. Pilipinas- World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit on Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman, the other Boholana candidate in the Bb. Pilipinas 2012: You’ll never fail to ignore Karen Gallman who’s a deadringer of Ms. Universe Ximena Navarrette. She has a standout beauty, bubbly personality and she’s very articulate and the walk is something you have to watch out for. I love it that she speaks English with an Australian accent yet is not ashamed of speaking Bisaya in a full Boholano swag. I see her in the top 5.

 

***

As you can see, there’s an exclamation point in today’s headline as a way to herald a new chapter in Prony’s life — and “her” caretakers, too!

 

 

Paloma aka Marimar, Prony’s “twin” is now ready to do deadly acrobatic performance in Prony’s new home in barangay Laya, Baclayon town. LPU

 

And so, after all the twists and turns, the action, drama, romance, suspense, etc, as you and I have expected all along, ends up happily ever after in the waiting. Prony, the longest and biggest python in captivity used to have “her” home in Sta. Fe, Allbur town. “She” is now calling Barangay Laya, Baclayon home last March 7. That is official.

 

A visit to Bohol is not complete without Prony which is considered as one of the most important tourist attractions in Bohol. Prony has a special niche in the hearts of the people from all walks of life, including celebrities such as Richard Gutierrez, Dra. Vicky Belo, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, coach Freddie Roach, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Kris Aquino, et al, and Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields. 

 

Notice any, uhm, changes on Bohol’s superstar? Prony is now longer. JingJing Salibay said, “Prony measures 27 feet long from 26 feet last year. We love her very much!”

 

And notice any, uhm, changes on Paloma aka Marimar? Paloma was stagnant for almost four months when the Sta. Fe mini zoo was closed for public viewing. “She” needs to lose more weight.

 

Paloma said,“Gimingaw ko magperform og animal show!” The Greek goddess of love, desire and beauty Aphrodite was born from sea foam but Paloma aka Marimar was born uniquely. “Ako ang babaeng ahas. Gikaon ni Prony unya giluwa!”

 

Does this mean she’s returning to do kagwang performance (and some deadly antics) again? “More, more better show! Promise!”

 

In a jiffy, Eugene and JingJing Salibay are now busy improving the place and the negative feelings towards a certain public official are consigned to the dustbin with a hug. And the feelings became lighter when the people of Baclayon have received Prony with open arms, without any hesitation, mental reservation or doubts.

 

Among the guests I spotted were Laya Barangay Captain Carlito To-ong, Baclayon Councilor Romulo Balangkig, Madame Cony Geonzon, Atty. Epifanio Bolando, former Albur Mayor Mayor Ugdoracion, Albur councilor Jubac, Lourdes Pinlac and Rev. Fr. Glen Alipoyo.

 

Also in attendance were the media friends: Gerry Pabe, Willy Maestrado, Richelyn Maestrado, Jun Guttirrez, Andy Nalzaro, Dodong Libatona, Egdar Tumanda, Rey Tutas and Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity emceed the affair.

 

We enjoyed the mouth-watering, tummy-filling items during the merienda sienna: inasal, sinugbang tulingan, kare-kare, etc. and some native delicacies such as puto coshenta, biko, ubi with latik, kamote with latik, etc., then redwine and Tanduay.

 

I left early so I’m not sure if Prony was able to sleep or Paloma was still entertaining the more than 500 guests from Albur and Baclayon towns. Everyone was celebrating new home full of love.

 

Burp!!!

***

 

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

 

In this month that celebrates women’s history, some of the works of Boholana women are featured in ‘Baji 2012: Through The Fire’ exhibit at the lower ground of the Island City Mall. LPU

 

 

Thank heavens for Doc Ale, Prony & MariMar

Wake-uppers:

Seen: An urban legend: The real reason why Filipino high jumper Simeon Toribio failed to clear the bar and settled for the bronze medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics was because he was already feeling the call of nature but was not allowed to take a bathroom break.

Scene: The 3rd annual MG Halloween Party is on October 31, 2011, 8 p.m. at the Metro Center Hotel. Members of www.mikeygatal.com and www.boholster.com are also invited to celebrate the 41st birthday of US based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal. “Wear your wackiest and scariest Halloween costumes, this is going to be fun ever,” says Roger Gatal.

Seen: Mama Rene Salud is in Bohol. The famous designer is here for a vacation with a “friend”.

Scene: The Jose Mari Chan Concert on Oct. 28 at the Panglao Island Nature Resort. The charity concert is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bohol’s first radio, dyRD. Donations for dyRD’s Inyong Alagad are now accepted during the radio program while donors will be given concert tickets.

***

Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla (right) has witnessed the release of JT, a hawksbill sea turtle treated by the team of Dr. Alessandro Ponzo (left) of Physalus.

Edward Guyano (aka Inday Charity) and I were very early in Jagna to witness the release of the hawksbill sea turtle which was treated for four months after it ingested at large amount of plastic (bags and red balloon).

"The turtle was nearly dead because the stomach is full of plastic. It was too weak.  It has lung and intestinal infections as well as pneumonia,” said Dr. Alessandro Ponzo, D.V.M. of Physalus.

The turtle is now safe, to say the least. Anyway, here is a backgrounder of “JT” courtesy of Julissah C. Evangelio, MSc. Ecological Marine Management:

A hawksbill sea turtle called JT was released last Friday at the Marine Protected Area of Brgy. Cantagay, Jagnal. The release was witness by the Physalus Team headed by Dr. Alessandro Ponzo, BRUMM, Juliet Paler of DENR, Leonarda Vallejos of BEMO, representatives from BIDEF, KAYAKASIA team, MAO and LGUs of JAGNA, Cantagay Brgy. Captain Joel Rosario, Jeremy Horowitz, Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla and some residents of Cantagay.

JT was found floating lifeless by a fisherman in the sea waters of Brgy. Can-upao, Jagna on June 18, 2011. With the help of Ms. Mytee Palo of BANGON and the Jagna MAO’s, JT was handed over to Physalus and the team managed to get hold of the turtle and started the therapy as soon as possible. It was very sick, with lung infection and gastric problem and did not eat for the first few weeks to almost a month. This was due to the ingestion of plastic bags and plastic balloons found in the stool after more than 2 months. The plastic caused the obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the animal to feed and debilitating the animal. Unfortunately some of the foods that turtles commonly eat, like jellyfish and squid, resemble the shape and colors of plastic bags and deflated balloons and they can get easily confused. That is why the ingestion of plastic is one of the major threats for most of the marine wildlife in the world.

The turtle has been treated daily with vitamins and antibiotics for the first two months by the medical team of Physalus headed by Dr. Alessandro Ponzo.  In collaboration with the Bohol Rescue Unit for Marine Mammals, the Municipal Agricultural Office and the LGU of Jagna, it has been taken cared 24/7 for more than 4 months by its expert marine biologists to be able to ensure the successful rehabilitation of the animal. JT was being tube fed for 2 months and slowly fed with whole squids. After JT had fully recovered and became very active, it could consume 10-12 squids a day and gained almost 2kgs from 4.2kg since the day it was stranded to 5.75kg after 4 months.

"We will have our BYOP or Bring Your Own Bayong.  We urge the people not to use plastic because it is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment, "said Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla.

Again, thank you, Doc Ale for reminding us to take care of our marine animals. Thank you for teaching us the importance of “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

(Oppss! Edward also discovered that the turtle “JT” was named after Justin Timberlake.)

And thank you, too, Prony & MariMar

After Jagna, Edward and I were at barangay Sta. Fe, Alburquerque to attend the 15th birthday of Prony (Python reticulates), the biggest and longest python in captivity.

MariMar entertains the crowd in her deadly “animal show.”

A visit to Bohol is not complete without Prony (and MariMar), the superstars of Albur!

After singing “happy birthday,” Georgia “Jing-Jing” Salibay, the python lady gave Prony a kiss! Visitors had the chance to have photo ops with Prony inside the cage. Of course, Jing-Jing was there to assist those who have phobia.

“Taga-saan po kayo Madam? Sir?” asked MariMar.

“Taga-Manila po kami,” answered by a visitor.

“Taga-Manila din ako! Taga-Manila Zoo!” answered MariMar.

The audience once again thrilled to MariMar’s “animal show” with her deadly acrobatic movements like that of kagwang or flying lemur. MariMar was also getting the biggest applause.

Good show, MariMar!

Jing-Jing Salibay and Prony

The whole barangay was invited for food and fun!

The feeling of nostalgia was heightened by seeing Prony so big and healthy. I saw Prony when she was small.
“Prony is a self-developed and trained Python found in the Philippines.  If she is a human being, she is now a dalaga like me” said MariMar.

It was on October 21, 1996 when Prony was found by Sofronio Salibay which measured 5 feet and 5 kilograms. Now, Prony weighs 250 kilos and measures 26 feet long.

Animal and snake experts says that the growth of Prony is abnormal as pythons which live in the wild with the same sizes are already 50 years old comparing to Prony who is only 15 years old.

Prony is very choosy snake! They fed Prony live chickens before but due to her large consumption and the cost of chickens, they fed her with virgin dogs. However, the animal rights activities protested the feeding of dogs. From then on, the Salibay decided to give her two goats or one white pig, and they must be live during feeding time or Prony will just snub them. After eating, Prony can sleep for the whole month!

“Prony is really a superstar!” gushed Edward. She is rubbing elbows with politicians and celebrities (including Richard Gutierrez, Dra. Vicky  Belo, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, coach Freddie Roach, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, et al) who are starstruck by the snake's star appeal.

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

ABS-CBN's Maria la del Barrio on August 15!

First, let me tell you that I am a Thalia fan forever.  More or less, I know Thalia and her life.

Thalia became a name in the Philippines when her first Maria trilogy (MariMar) was shown in 1994 on RPN 9.  Filipinos loved her more when she visited our country in 1996 for major concerts.


Our soap operas in the Philippines would take 2 or 10 years to finish, but when soap operas or telenovelas from Latin America like Mexico were introduced, it would take 3-6 months to finish.

Marimar changed the viewing habit of the people all over the world including the Philippines.The story was fast-paced, not beating around the bush, original and people could relate.

How I witnessed how Thalia madness spread all over the world. People went gaga over Thalia.


In 2007, GMA 7 had a remake of MariMar starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. It enjoyed high ratings in primetime.

GMA 7's remake of Rosalinda (starring Carla Abella and Geoff Eigenmann) was not a big success. I liked the OST but the whole repackage lacked the appeal to capture the hearts of the televiewers although Carla and Geoff are good actors. The  Filipinization of the story didn't work at all.

Now, ABS-CBN will have a remake of Maria la del Barrio, the last Maria trilogy of Thalia.  The original Maria la del Barrio was shown on RPN 9 in 1996 and  GMA 7 aired it in 2003 or 2004. 

Thalia and Fernando Colunga

Thalia also sang Maria la del Barrio in Tagalog in her album released in 1996.

Premiering on Aug. 15,  ABS-CBN"s "Maria la del Barrio" stars Erich Gonzales as Maria, a poor young girl who falls for rich guy Fernando Jose, played by Enchong Dee.




ABS-CBN announced its plan to remake the series as early as December 2010  but the project met a few bumps that delayed production. Televisa, the original producer, had approved it lately.

I hope that with the Filipinized Maria la del Barrio will make us again a novelero!

We love you Thalia!

While waiting for Maria la del Barrio on August 15, here are lyrics in Tagalog:



MARIANG TAGA BARRIO (MARIA LA DEL BARRIO)

Ito'y istorya
Ni Mariang taga-barrio ay
Siya'y lumaki na isang mahirap
Pangarap niya'y magbago
Makaalis siya sa lumang barrio
Hanapin ang bukas
Ito'y istorya
Ni Mariang taga-barrio ay
Mula sa pagkabata ay natutuhan nang
Umibig sa kasuyo
Puso ay nabigo
Pag-asa'y naglaho

Ito'y istorya
Ni Mariang taga-barrio ay
Nagawang ikubli ang nakaraan
Pinilit niya na kalimutan
Na tanging siya lang ang may alam
At di alam ang hangganan

Maria, Maria la del barrio
No, no llores mas
Maria, Maria la del barrio
Por tu amor el regresara
Maria, Maria la del barrio
No te culpes mas
Maria, Maria la del barrio
Dios te perdonara

Kay daling magmahal ng puso ko
Na magpahanggang nagyo'y laan sa'yo
Hindi ko magawang limutin sya
Siya pa rin at wala pa ring iba
Ang lahat sa 'kin ay iniwan ko
Upang mapalapit sa puso mo
Isip ko'y litung-lito
Saan kaya patutungo
Kailan kaya darating ang panahon
Maibabalik ba ang kahapon
Diyos ko isip ko'y litung-lito na
May ligaya pa bang madarama
Escuchar fragmento