Miss UB's Isabel turns 18

“When I was born into this world, I was like an unlit candle

Whose wick is time’s fickle friend in itself.

As I grew up, I learned to treasure beautiful moments in life

My family, loved ones and most of all, God are my sources of light

 and because of them, the fire inside me continues to burn bright

This is my 18th lap around the sun.”

—Isabel Iris Tirol Garsuta

 “Is this the little girl I carried?

I don't remember growing older,

When did she?

When did she get to be a beauty?

Wasn't it yesterday when she was small?

Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset,

Swiftly flow the days,

Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,

Blossoming even as they gaze...

Sunrise sunset…”

—Marissa Tirol-Garsuta

A lady of talent and lustre, and she's just 18.

Growing up in an amazing household, like what one of her friends called it, Isabel Iris Tirol Garsuta is someone who is young, eloquent, lovely and admirable. Not surprising for the young lady who was obviously raised well by her parents- Lt.  Col. Lino and Marissa Garsuta.

Isa, short for Isabel Iris, had a coming-out party when she turned 18 recently. Gold was the theme of the night.

Isabel Iris Tirol Garsuta, who started in the singing industry at four years old, 

now turns 18 and hopes for the best things that life can offer. Courtesy: TJ Medrana Photography

Isabel’s mother was hands-on in the preparation of “Isa at 18” — from the theme, invitation, giveaways to other details — to ensure that it will create special moments and unforgettable memories for her and the people who will be part it.

The party went well as planned.

Isabel sauntered into the ballroom of the Metro Centre Hotel without any tinge of stress or tension typical of most debutantes. She was radiant in her gown which fit her image and status as a teen queen creation by Kim Villamor.

Isabel is apparently a well-loved friend, relative 

and family member. She was the star that night 

and her parents  Lino and Marissa, brother 

Dr. Lemuel and sister Sofia— simply took

 the sidelines, allowing  Isabel to shine more.

   Courtesy: TJ Medrana Photography

Instead of table hopping for the posterity shots, Isabel got to sit on centerstage and the guests in every table were requested to pose with her. Prior to that, she also got to enjoy dinner unhurriedly with her close friends in one table, where she had a spotlight to herself.

Isabel waltzed with her dad Lino and her good-looking brother Dr. Lemuel Lino Garsuta.

Her 18 roses were Johnmar Yap, Kheim Dexter Garay, Rei Christian Sepe, Christian Butlig, Jomel Campaña, Adrian Blanco, Rogelio Lomotos Jr, Jake Kinno Ursos, Vince Cabagnot, Juvan Angelo Garsuta, Geovil Graphy Garsuta, Van Vincent Garsuta, Sean Rey Tupaz, Daryl Fadri, Floyd Gillian Salomon, William Erick Karcher, John Franklin Gallares and Marcus Andrei Villas.

Isabel’s 18 candles were Niña Janielle Sumeguin, Giesil Grace Garsuta, Zyra Zamora, Norden Debby Bual, Marian Daphny Tare, Bea Rosari Supanga, Dennissa Lorelle Owen, Regine Mae Mondelo, Vanessa Marie Grandeza, Mikhaela Anne Alagon, Angeli Tirol, Alicia Nicole Bomediano, Jasmine Shania Tasker, Hannah Logarta, Erika Sofia Karcher, Adrianna Kyla Sevilla, Shyra Reyna Tupaz and Shekinah Sofia Garsuta.

Her 18 books were Eunice Mae Limbaga, Herma Darien Pamplona, Julia Faith Joaquin, Elmare Samocino, Nicolett Lapay, Donabel Faye Igagamao, Irgel Jude Enriquez, Keanna Inferido, Zedneli Paulet Alas, Angelica Ayco, Jacobe Joaquin Sevilla, Danielle Mae Floresca, Vanessa Achacoso, Carlos Rey Garcia, Maruen Sevilla, Dacylle Lou Alaba, Ralph Jacob Medina and Celine Alveona Marcos.

Her 18 treasures were Dr. Katrina Logarta, Maricel Tirol, Angelica Garsuta, Thea Garsuta-Hontanosas, Ruffa Sumeguin. Dr. Janice Aurora Tirol, Jenny Estoquia, Rosemarie Nini, Dr. Vida May Tirol-De Juan, Christian Jane Tiu, Roy Mondragon, Daryl Paredes, Atty Gee Galon, Pretty Anifel Edulan, Shannon Ray Tupaz, Mehulbhai Dabhi, Lina Alaba and Jocelyn Omas-as.

Isabel, who is Miss University of Bohol (UB) Personality 2017, undoubtedly, she also has the talent to boot. She is a singer, composer and a black belt beauty queen.

In her 18th birthday party, she delighted the guests were her song number and playing the violin.  The event was an evening of heartstrings and violins.

She started singing at the age of four and she joined local contest like Little Big/Star, The Voice Kids Philippines and Tawag ng Tanghalan.

In 2013, Isabel topped the BEAT100 Music Video Chart with her original track, Glad You Came. Her entry received a Bronze Video award.

After dinner, an audio-visual presentation with Isabel’s beautiful photos kicked off the night’s program. Her family and close friends only had nice words and praises for her.

Marissa said, “I consider myself blessed to have you in my life and it’s always a privilege to be your driver, personal assistant, mentor, manager, producer and a stage mom. Keep in mind that God has great plans for you and no matter what problems or obstacles come your way take those as a challenge. I love you Ate.  Enjoy your special day and welcome to legality.”

Her dad said, “I'm so blessed to have a daughter like you. Count your blessings, be grateful and keep the Faith. Surely you can move mountains. Happy 18th Birthday Anak!”

Meanwhile, just like that of a typical debutante, her mind is whirling with thoughts of her formal "coming out". Let's "dissect" that mind a bit.

Do you have any birthday wish?

“My birthday wish is for God to continue being the Light and Guidance in my life so I may walk in His path. I also wish good health and happiness unto the Lord for the people who I love.”

Now that you're 18, what are the things that you'll be deciding on by yourself?

“Now that I’m 18, I challenge myself to take initiative and be more responsible when it comes to making decisions in life.”

 What are your most cherished memories as a child?

“My most cherished memories as a child were trips and spending quality time with the family. I also treasure my achievements during the past years.”

What's the best lesson that you learned from your parents?

“The best lesson that I learned from my parents is that in everything I do and whatever I have in life, I should give thanks to the Lord because He is the source of It all.”

Which song means so much to you?

“The song which means so much to me is One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey because it is also the title of the band that my siblings and I formed. It means that One Sweet Day, we would all be reunited with our brother Jake who is in heaven.”

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Nonito Jr. and Rachel Donaire spend holiday in Bohol and other tidbits

Wake-uppers:
Scene: November 23, 2011 is the International Day to End Impunity as the nation remembers the 2nd anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 victims on November 23, 2009 -- 32 of them were journalists. After two years, justice is nowhere in sight, “the wheels of justice, which have always ground slow, appear to have stalled to an almost dead stop and, worse, remain in danger of being reversed,” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said in a press statement.  As we wait for action, we grieve for the martyred journalists who believed the Constitutional protection of their rights was enough. Bared requests readers not to forget...

Scene: The 3rd induction and turn-over ceremony of the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Boholana Kisses is on Dec. 8, 2011, 6:30 p.m. at the Metro Centre Hotel.  JCI Member Arizza Nancy Jule “Tukay” Tirol is the incoming president. She is one of the youngest presidents in JCI Philippines at the age of 21. With this year’s JCI Boholana Kisses theme “Work as One, Succeed as One!” Pres. Tukay continues to pursue their projects with the province of Bohol and their organizational projects.

Arizza Nancy Jule “Tukay” Tirol, JCI-Boholana Kisses incoming president

Scene: A group of beauty watchers is strongly pushing for the delisting of a beauty queen who was “caught in the act” by a housewife-beauty queen. “Last week, the beauty queen resigned from the office after a complaint was filed against her. The beauty queen’s “fairy godmothers” are also planning to leave Bohol after they were implicated on the incident as tipsters causing internal turmoil. The beauty pageant committee is brink of being disbanded,” said VRS.  

Scene:  Netizens were abuzz moments after Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said he is willing to cut off one of his balls if his clients, the Arroyos, do not return to the Philippines after their planned trip abroad to seek medical treatment. "I'm willing to do the worst. Ipatatanggal ko itlog ko 'pag di bumalik ang mga Arroyo," he said. The hashtag #itlognitopacio became the top trending local topic on microblogging site Twitter. Netizens poked fun at Topacio's "offer" on Twitter saying “Atty. Topacio didn't say kung sinong gusto n'yang tumanggal sa isang itlog n'ya. I'm not sure if Sec. De Lima's willing to do that.”

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If you haven’t noticed, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. and wife, Rachel had a surprise visit to Bohol last week, days after their church wedding held on Nov. 11, 2011 or 11-11-11 (said to be a lucky date).

Nonito Jr, also known as Jun-Jun, called Tessie Labunog-Sumampong (owner of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Restaurant, +638537-9460/+639173060010) to prepare sumptuous meal for the group (mostly Americans) who were amazed of the beauty of the Loboc River cruise.

“Jun-Jun and Rachel are very sweet. She is blooming!” said VRS.

 Jun-Jun with Tessie Labunog-Sumampong….

…and  dancing the kuradang with the Loboc folks

While in Bohol Jun-Jun and her entourage savored the island’s famous tourist attractions like a visit to a tarsier sanctuary, the Loboc River cruise and a trek to see the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

Jun-Jun was mobbed by fans upon arrival at the Loboc River. Same thing happened anywhere he went.

“He was very good in singing while at the floating restaurant. He danced well while joining the local entertainers at the Loboc River bank,” added VRS.

The group also tried the zipline, the newest attraction of Loboc town before going to Talibon.

The couple visited Bohol in 2009 after Jun-Jun won the fight against Raul Martinez. It was also a “sentimental journey” because Jun-Jun went emotional when he visited the old house in Talibon where he was born.
   


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Forever Living is back!

Forever Living is back! Bohol welcomed Asia’s number one Forever Living Diamond Manager Edmund Ramos on Nov. 7 at Informatics Computer Institute Conference Room. 

Forever Living Products website says: Forever Living Products are the World's leading grower and processor of Aloe Vera. Why we chose aloe vera? “The amazing qualities of this plant have been known and used for centuries.  Produced from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf, cold processed and stabilized directly - not freeze dried and reconstituted. This ensures that none of the aloe goodness is lost.
In the range you will find excellent natural health and beauty products including moisturizers, lotions, toners - all containing natural Aloe Vera. In addition we have drinks in various flavors, and a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and other supplements.

“Everyone who wants to be healthy knows that the closer we stay to nature, the better we feel. That is why Forever Living’s mission is to give you the purest health and beauty nature products,” says Shem Quezon who is business builder.

To become a FLP distributor or business builder, you can contact Shem Quezon - +63910-970-1285 and Alvin Acuzar - +62917-304-2900)

If Bohol is a fruit…

Ariel Llanos

Meeting people of different nationalities and culture is challenging and exciting as well. Ask Ariel Llanos, the “walking encyclopedia” and the charming front desk officer at the Metro Centre Hotel, who met different nationalities and have taught him a lifetime’s worth of lessons.

“For one,” Ariel begins, “my work has taught me all about adaptability. I had no idea how much it would broaden my horizons and open up my mind.”

Ariel has learned to control his temper when some guests got mad or vehemently complaint on anything.

But he knows he can’t complain or else. 

“I stay focus and poise,” he relates.

Ariel has noticed the increasing number of tourists who are visiting Bohol. Most of them are locals, Koreans, Japanese and Americans.

“If Bohol is a fruit, it is mango. The sweetness of the Boholano hospitality is really superb!” says Ariel.

“If Bohol is a delicacy, it is Star Peanuts. One you have taste it, you always want it,” adds Ariel.

Bohol, Ariel explains, has blessed with wonderful places and people.

According to Ariel, the 5 Must-Visit Places in Bohol are Chocolate Hills, Danao (for extreme adventure),  Panglao (Panglao Island Nature Resort),  Tagbilaran City (Metro Centre Hotel) and  Loboc. The 5 important places to dine are Wok Express, Gerry’s Grill, Asiatika, SunBurst and Payag.

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