Mikey Gatal at 50: Untouched by Science

Mikey Gatal hasn’t changed at all and not a part of his was altered by science (he's a Beauche user for years).

Look, Ma, no wrinkles! 

At 50 (last Nov. 1) , it seems that nothing about US-based socialite Mikey Gatal has changed at all through the years.

In a Zoom chat, he runs his fingers across his flawless face and says with singular pride, “Untouched by Science.”

Not even the rigorous and stressful stories (and work!) can seem to ruffle him.

Has he perhaps uncovered the fountain of youth? 

"Only Beauche touches my skin," says Mikey.

At whatever age, he will always be Mikey Gatal. 

But due to the pandemic that has kept him at home, Mikey is celebrating his 50th with special friends to thank the Lord for all the blessings.

"My wish is to have a good health, finding one true love...and I wish the pandemic will end so that I can go home and spread world peace," says Mikey, who owns the famous www.mikeygatal.com. 

Before we intrude deeper into Mikey’s private life, let’s find out Mikey’s 50 (actually, more!!!) memorable events and good reasons to celebrate life.

1. I miss my Lolo Intong and Lola Inday because they raised me until l was 6 years old. 

2. I knew it, when I became an expert of chinese garter at the age of seven! LOL! 

3. I became a prince charming in 2nd Grade. 

4.I can't forget someone planted a kiss on my cheek during graduation practice in 6th grade.

5. Then I saw Jorge Besa the moment I reached high school. Ha! Ha! Ha! 

6. When I competed with my sister in getting some papaya leaves to scrub and whiten our legs in high school. 

Whether US-based socialite Mikey Gatal was seven (when starting to perfect the Chinese garter) or fifty (as he turned last Sunday, Nov. 1), he will always be Mikey to all his family and friends.

7. I became a dancer when Ma'am Nila Itac saw my potential. 

8. I was wearing shorts when someone kissed me while walking near Bohol Quality. 

9. I really enjoyed high school life. 

10. My first ever beer after high school graduation. 

11. I flew to Manila to study. 

12. I went back to Bohol for one semester. 

13. I left Bohol because I felt left out of my batchmates.

14. I went to Davao to study.

15. That's My Boy 1992 winner in our campus.

16. A crew at Jollibee Davao was my first ever job.

17. I went to Cebu after college graduation then worked at Jollibee.

18. I met a friend who became a flight attendant.

19. I was interviewed for another job.

20. I was employed at House of Representatives.

21. I became obsessed with tennis.

22. I left Congress and worked at the Meridian Hotel in Bohol for a year.

23. A heart to heart with dad that I have to go back to Manila because he believed in me.

24. Back in Congress for two years.

25. I arrived in America in 2000.

26. My first ever relationship lasted for 10 years.

27. I became an American.

28. I traveled to Thailand.

29. Vacationing in Hongkong with my two sisters and Mom.

30. Mom's trip to the US.

31. I met someone who became my inspiration again.

32. I miss my sister who died of breast cancer.

33. I traveled to Niagara Falls in Canada.

34. I went to New York, New Jersey visiting my friends and relatives.

35. Wine tasting in Napa Valley.

36. Health scare.

37. I appeared and interviewed on TV and newspapers at Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.

38. My red carpet experience during the Oscars in Hollywood.

39. I helped someone became a beauty queen.

40. I witnessed and had a picture with Pia Wurtzbach before she became a Miss Universe winner.

41. My 40th birthday spent in Bohol wearing Halloween Costumes with family and friends. 

42. We call each other BFF until now, 8 years of friendship.

43. I love Switzerland.  It never ceases to amaze me!

44. I love Italy and Spain.  I love to visit again!

45. I became skinny! Hehehe

46.  H Club got me inspired again!

48. I worked at Kaiser.

49. This pandemic I have learned to value and cherish life more.

50. My dream house is almost complete.

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

FaceApp reveals what Bohol leaders would look like as members of the opposite sex

Can you recognise these Boholanos? Some well-known faces are almost unrecognisable as they change sex or become younger or older using FaceApp. 

If your social media feeds are suddenly full of gender-swapped photos of friends, families and celebrities, it's because of the 

facial morphing app FaceApp which is making the rounds again.

FaceApp is a photo editing application that allows users to transform their appearance entirely. It allows people to see what they would look like when they are older and change the gender of the person in the photo. 

From our congressmen to mayor, many quickly joined in on the fun. 

Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap II took to Facebook on Thursday to try the gender swap trend. 

In a post that has left many amused, he transformed himself into a beautiful woman. 

"Ga lisod ang faceapp sa baba yap hairstyle. Ga tindog gihapon.." Yap said referring to his signature hairstyle. 

His post has collected over 5,800 'likes' and more than 1,600 shares. 

The photos of Reps. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor also garnered a ton of amused comments from netizens. 

Aumentado shared a picture of himself as he transformed into a woman. It only proved that Aumentado is undeniably beautiful. 

On the other hand, Tutor showed a photo of a handsome man with a sexy facial hair. Netizens were loving the shot. 

Board members Aldner Damalerio and Jade Bautista also charmed netizens who reacted to their transformations of a seductive woman and sexy man. 

"Shout out sa mga Ate's ug mga Tita's," posted Damalerio who showed his female persona. 

"Always mi mupahinumdom ninyo nga mag sul-ob ug face mask, social distancing, frequent handwashing, stay healthy by keeping fit and exercise, eat fruits and vegetables, Ok? From your Tita A :) Maki-uso lang ta pang pa good vibes :)," he added. 

Boholano singer-actress-comedienne Scarlet Geulen-Boiser also shared her photos of a young and old lady of herself. Because of her transformation, she captivated the hearts of her fans. 

Fashion designer Rommel Auza also shared a photo of a seductive woman. 

The photo of US-based socialite Mikey Gatal's younger but thin appearance still charmed many netizens who reacted on his post that showed his being a woman. He also appeared to add a lick of makeup to finish off the virtual makeover.

Ariel Fullido of CenterStage Band also transformed himself into a woman. His caption amused many netizens, too. 

While the world was taken by storm by FaceApp, it also faced criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes and sparked heated debates about gender norms.

A few tech analysts from across the world have accused FaceApp as a blatant breach of data privacy.

5 ways you can’t get HIV

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The OMG’s outreach program was held in Lila town last Jan. 12 organized by US-based socialite Mikey Gatal. It was supported by US-based topnotch lawyer Sandy Roxas. The charity event was also a homecoming of balikbayan couple Alot and Babat Bagotchay of Los Angeles California.

Scene: Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla died of cardiac arrest on Jan. 14. He was 69. Abrenilla, known to many as “Bic-Bic”, was a former legal staff director of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). He was elected mayor of Jagna in 2010, 2013, and 2016. Abrenilla used what he learned about NEDA’s internal control system to effectively manage Jagna town’s limited resources. “Your loss has left all of us deeply saddened,” nurse Oliver Acebes posted on Facebook.  Resident Dexter Ranis also said, “We lost a great Mayor in our town but his memory will remain.” Municipal government employees were also mournful upon learning their mayor had died.

***

The OMG charity event organized
 by US-based socialite Mikey Gatal
 and supported by topnotch lawyer
 Sandy Roxas was held in Lila last week.

Various posts are circulating in social media that eating fish caught in Bohol and on the Mactan Channel can cause HIV infection.

The Department of Health 7 said persons can’t be infected with HIV by eating fish caught at the Mactan Channel.

The Commission on Population (Popcom) in Central Visayas said that there’s no truth about the text circulating.  It said that the virus (HIV) will die when exposed to air, heat, moisture and acid.

HIV can only be passed on from person to person if infected body fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal or anal secretions and breast milk) get into your bloodstream  through unprotected sex, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, injecting drugs with a needle that has infected blood in it and infected blood donations or organ transplant.

The latest fake news circulating on the HIV rumour mill means that many are misinformed. In fact, the fake news just keep reinforcing HIV-related stigma and have had a long-lasting and damaging impact on many people’s perceptions about how the virus is spread.

Remember, you cannot get HIV from…

1-You can’t get HIV from kissing. Yes, even torrid kissing!

2- You can’t get HIV from shaking hands or hugging.

3- You can’t get HIV from being bitten or scratched.

4- You can’t get HIV from sharing food, water utensils and other household items.  HIV can’t survive in water, so you won’t get HIV from swimming pools, baths, shower areas, washing clothes or from drinking water.

5- You can’t get HIV from animals such as fish, mosquitoes and other insects. The virus cannot survive to insects and animals.

***

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

Christmas, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. Personally, Christmas season is always my favorite time because of the festive Christmas decorations and songs, the nippy weather and the happy smiles of the people.

I asked some personalities to share their most memorable Christmas and how they intend to celebrate the holidays this year. Some of our Boholano friends asked simply ignored the questions. Here are those who shared their seasonal thoughts:

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

The Christmassy house of the Paredes

 family in Dauis town in memory 

of Roochie.  Contributed Photo/Rosalinda Paredes

Rosalinda Paredes— Christmas of 1981 was most memorable to me though a bit sad. It was the last Christmas of my three-year old daughter, Roochie, who was then fighting for her life due to cancer of the brain. For the first time, Rene and I pooled meager resources and invested in Christmas lights so we can give Roochie a colorful and starry Christmas every kid desires. Roochie died June the following year. But, we still keep her memory by making sure we enliven our house during Christmas time with multi-colored lights and glittering lanterns so every child and those adults who remain kids-at-heart will enjoy the happy spirit of season. Merry Christmas!

Queenie Melody Fullante— For me, every year is memorable because though our family celebrate it in the same ways every year, the joy that I feel always increases knowing that we get another year to celebrate it together.

Vera Villocido-Gesite— When my two children were in the elementary grades and I was a high school teacher, we had the same Christmas break. I loved that we were able to do things together and go to places together during the holidays. My favorite was taking long drives with them to Southern California and singing along the way or watch cartoons. And then go to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland. It simply was joy to enjoy the rides and see the sights in the eyes of my children. And, especially because at that time, they also enjoyed and loved my company.

ChitoVisarra— As you start to feel the aches of age, holidays are more of reminiscing and the joy of seeing the young ones revel in the things you enjoyed years back.

Idy Caseñas Cagas —Every Christmas spent at home is always memorable for me. This time of the year, I always look forward to being able to celebrate with them. After my first Christmas away from home few years ago, I had a whole new appreciation of being able to spend Christmas with them. It made me cherish every memory. Treasuring every moment with them and spending time with them are the most precious ones. This year, I will have to miss Christmas with my family because of work, but it will still be a memorable one, it will still be a merry Christmas as my partner and I will get to spend our first Christnas together.

For Vera Villocido-Gesite, her most 

memorable Christmas was bringing 

her children to Disneyland. 

Contributed Photo/Pinay Adiong

Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor—My most memorable Christmas would be 2013 after the earthquake and typhoon Yolanda that affected thousands of Filipinos. It was the most humbling event in my life and I saw right before my eyes the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about the presence of gifts and food but it's about being giving joy and love to other people in whatever forms. I believe it will always be my most memorable Christmas, an event I can't wait to share with my kids and grandchildren in the future.

CHRISTMAS 2016

Adelyn  Joy Esclamado—Christmas season is the season of giving, I intend to give  simple gifts to children at our place and spread love and happiness. I want to be an advocate of positivity for the year to come. Christmas will be merrier with the persons I love, and in connection to that, I will spend my Christmas day with my family who are always there with me through the years.  I want to give back to them the happiness they gave me.

Eden Descallar- Ceballos— Nothing beats the feeling of spending it with your loved ones, our family. And sharing our blessings to the people who are with us this year.

Mikey Gatal—Though many sad things happened in my life this year, I will still celebrate Christmas for it's the of the year to be forgiving, sharing, happy and thankful to God for all the blessings He has given me. Nothing special but all I can say is, love is still in the air.

Butch Bernas— I will clean my room; attend 9 novena and misa de gallo. Oops, I will attend parties, reunions with family.

Leah Tirol-Magno—Baking and decorating more cakes!

Benjie Oliva—We will celebrate the holidays this year with the family in prayer and thanksgiving to the Father Almighty for the bountiful blessings that He has given us for 2016. My family and in-laws are all in Bohol for the celebration. We will take this opportunity also to spend the holidays with relatives and friends in Catigbian, Tagbilaran City and Panglao.

Benjie Oliva and his family will spend Christmas in Bohol. 

Contributed Photo/Oliva Family

Fiel Angeli  Araoarao-Gabin—Christmas this year is simpler than the past years, but most  importantly, it will be spent with family, with prayers for thanksgiving.

Clement Ingking—Christmas season is always my favorite time. It’s the time of the year when every one seems to be more giving, happier and more forgiving in remembering and celebrating the birth of our dear saviour, Lord Jesus Christ. Personally, I believe the best Christmas for me is now because I know I am able to breeze through the stormy phase in my life and found the peace and true happiness that I have long been praying for.

Glorivic Yap-de la Serna—I will spend my Christmas with my family. I am thankful for all the blessings and the tests which strengthen our bonds.

Van Delima— I intend to celebrate Christmas with my family. I want to make most of the time as we gather entirely in this joyous occasion

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas—Well this year, my holiday would be the start of something new, something I cannot live without. I would celebrate this year's holidays by spreading the seeds of love everyday. I'll surely have a time with my family and I'd connect with my loved ones and remind them about how thankful I am to have them in my life. I'll send personal messages to the people I'll treasure forever and I'll be a lot jollier this Christmas. I'd probably make my heart happy by doing good deeds and sharing my blessings to those who are in need. I'd continue to be true to myself and live the real spirit of Christmas.

AR de la Serna- I will spend Christmas with my family. This year, I have received a lot of blessings. Dreams do really come true.

***

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

Mikey Gatal creates buzz in Bohol; Mizken Andan is new Belo endorser

• Mikey Gatal creates buzz in Bohol

• Mizken Andan is new Belo endorser

WHIRLWIND VISIT. US-based socialite 

Mikey Gatal (center) meets the OMG models (l) 

Rodulfo Malto, Jr., Adelyn Joy Esclamado and

 Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas during 

the outreach program in Tagbilaran City. 

Contributed Photo

Here for a three-day visit was US-based socialite and beauty pageant watcher Mikey Gatal. Mikey, who owns the popular website www.mikeygatal.com and www.boholster.com, got the “royal treatment” from his family and friends.

Mikey met his siblings and friends. He also spearheaded an outreach program at Karaw-an Day Care Center in Tagbilaran City last Tuesday, June 21. At least 29 pupils received apples and school supplies.

“Yes, part of my visit was to give back and as much as I can, prioritize this endeavor of mine which is very close to my heart,” he said.

Of course, OMG models--- Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas and new image Rodulfo Malto, Jr.-- were there. Neil Namuag, Gayle Suzette Yu and Pham Marzon didn’t make it to the event since they are working outside the province.

“My OMG models are very supportive and they possess the kind of people I envision to be giving, loving and always give their support to good causes,” Mikey said.

“Seeing the OMG models in action gave me chills, they did not disappoint me and I am happy that they also loved to support my causes,” he added.

Speaking of Malto, popularly known as Junior, Mikey has chosen him because he perfectly embodies OMG---confident, secure and knowing exactly what he wants.

NEW FACE.  Part-time model 

and college student

 Rodulfo Malto, Jr. 

is the new face of OMG. 

Contributed Photo

 Malto, who is taking up Criminology at University of Bohol (UB), was Mr UB Personality 2015 third runner-up. A part-time model, Malto was part of the Hanford model last week at the Island City Mall attended by Mikael Daez.

He is also included in the top 8 official candidates of the Alturas Festival King 2016.

Before flying back to the US with his mother Fely (who is now an immigrant), Mikey also met his high school classmates of HNU  Batch 1987.

Mikey said he will attend the 30 years reunion on July 14-17, 2017.

“See you, all!” he said.

***

Mizken’s new Belo endorser

“Wow, bongga!!!”

So who’s the new model on the Belo billboard at the top of Tagbilaran City Square on B. Inting Street, that gets everyone excited every time we pass by that area?

I guess you, too, must be wondering who that baby is, with a smile so endearing that you want to pinch her. Yes, the new endorser of Zo Skin Health (by world-renowned board certified dermatologist for 30 years Dr. Zein Obagi, M.D.) of the Belo Medical Group is eventologist Mizken Tirol Andan.

The worth of most celebrities now is measured through billboards. The more your face pollutes the highways, the more popular you are.

NEW ENDORSER. The billboard of Mizken Tirol Andan 

as the new Belo endorser.  Contributed Photo

Then, it has to be on the much-coveted prime spot just like Mizken’s.

It will be exciting to see how Mizken will bloom and transform in the coming days under the care of Belo.

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

Ima Cleofe: The good daughter

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has finally filed his COC for president in Friday under PDP-Laban in substitution of Martin Dino who earlier filed and withdrew his COC for Duterte.

Scene: Today ends the People’s Pilgrimage for Climate Change. Some 20 Boholano environmental activists took the 99-kilometer journey on foot, from Tagbilaran City to Anda town in Bohol on November 27-29, to call for 100 percent Clean Energy and walk in solidarity with the People's Pilgrimage to the Paris climate talks.

Scene: Many people in the Philippines have HIV. So you might know someone who is living with this virus. Since the most common ways to get the virus are through unprotected sex or drug use, teens who have HIV may feel embarrassed and want to keep the issue very private. People also can be born with the virus or get infected through a blood transfusion in another country. To understand more about the HIV-Aids, the World Aids Day Run in Tagbilaran is on Dec. 5. For inquiries, contact Dr. Wilnilia Causing, MD; Eduardo Gabud Jr and Bon Ryan Bongato at 09287958201.

***

Grandma Betty: A stitch in time

The feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Baclayon town is just a few days away.

Alberta "Betty" Real-Brua, 89, (with Miss Tagbilaran 1987 

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and son Renji) is 

content with the fact that she is able to share her talent, 

creativity and activity while she savors quality time with her family. 

Contributed Photo

As the town prides itself of its centuries-old church that is still teeming with both international and domestic tourists even when the 7.2 magnitude earthquake ravaged its facade and belfry, it has a skilled person who has proven her craft for almost a quarter of a century now.

At 89, Alberta "Betty" Real-Brua doesn't look her age. She actually looks younger. According to her son, she still sews gowns herself or does direct supervision on her workers, though at times, she uses her eyeglasses or asks someone to assist her to put the thread inside the eye of the needle. She was 18 years old when she started sewing wedding gowns for the "alta sociedad" and the prominent in the province, among them, erstwhile Bohol First Lady Amalia Reyes - Tirol and the other gracious ladies in the Tirol clan, long before Boholano Luciano "Shannon" Pamaong founded the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) and the younger generation of couturiers, Maximiel Tallo and EJ Relampagos, started to make names for themselves.

In her younger years, she was a beauty queen at the Rafael Palma College (University of Bohol), as attested by Wincesa Espejo Araoarao, Bohol National High School Physical teacher and Bukang Liwayway Dance founder.

From her wealth of experiences, she is content with the fact that she is able to share her talent, creativity and activity while she savors quality time with her family.

***

Beauty queen Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas hasn’t declared her independence yet.

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas: ‘I believe that if you 

want a positive life, then one should have a 

positive mind. In the end, it's all in the mind.” 

Contributed Photo

“I haven’t moved out yet,” she clarified. “Actually, I am living with my mother because my father is on abroad (The last time she saw his father was when she was in grade six. Now, Ima is a graduating college student taking up BS Industrial Psychology at the Bohol Island State University Main Campus-LPU). I'm still living with my mother because I'm still 20 and I am still studying and maybe because I think I am not ready to be independent because I grew up with my mother who is always by my side. In fact, she has been very supportive to me, like on every pageant that I have joined, she's always there and she's just a dream mother that every child wanted to have.”

Her friends and neighbors have described Ima a good daughter.

She said, “I guess the best way to answer this question is by letting the whole world know that I am more than proud to have a very good mother. She is my inspiration and I love her so much, that I will do whatever it takes to make her happy and be proud of me. I have this thought in my mind wherein I've been thinking about my mother when she was at my age. And so, she might have been dreaming for an ideal daughter. And for the past 20 years, I have been secretly living that "dream daughter" my mother may have been wishing for. Everytime I win on a beauty pageant, believe me or not, I give all the money to her and everytime I surprise her, I always make her cry. Tears of joy. Wow!”

Her own love life is, as she put it, going great.  She describes herself very optimistic.

“Yes. Yes, because I should be. Yes, because I have to. I have dreams for my family and I figured that the only way to turn that dream is to be optimistic, “ said Ima, a Sagittarius (Nov. 24). “Sometimes, it's hard to understand life especially when I haven't seen my father for eight years. Life is unfair, yes, that is true, but it should not stop us from motivating ourselves to be better, to do better and to live the life you have imagined. I have been through a lot of darkest and downest moments in life but in the end, I always think positive. I believe that if you want a positive life, then one should have a positive mind. In the end, it's all in the mind.”

Regal at 5’8”, 130 lbs., Ima likes to join beauty pageants.

 “I learned that winning isn't always about winning the crown. It is learning with all of your heart those many life lessons because to me, the real pageant is life, itself. I learned to wear my self confidence and drop the fear, and whatever that fear is, I would always choose to face my fears and drop the insecurities,” stressed Ima. “I learned to accept myself and then let the real me shine. I learned that a beauty queen is not just concerned on how her figure looks and on what's going on with herself, because a true beauty inspires people to be the best possible version of themselves and that makes her even more beautiful. And lastly, I learned that beauty queens come and go but what will truly matter in the end is who you are a person, and so, I just live my life to the fullest, I make each day count and I take risks in life because I want to make my family proud.”

Ima on joining beauty pageants: ‘I learned that

 winning isn't always about winning the crown. It is

 learning with all of your heart those many life lessons 

because to me, the real pageant is life, itself.’ 

Contributed Photo

Lately, in preparation for Miss Carcar Cebu 2015, Ima has been exerting extra effort to keep trim by eating healthy, a routine that she decided to be a regular part of her life.

Incidentally, Ima and other OMG (www.mikeygatal.com) models will join the OMG Outreach program “Apples for kids an souvenirs” in Pilar town on Dec. 6. It is supported by US-based lawyer and philanthropist Sandy Roxas and OMG friends in America.

“It feels like home because it's where I feel like I belong. I am really comfortable with my responsibility as an OMG model because this makes me happy and seeing those children smile makes me happier,” she said.

She also said that she is excited to make kids happy.

 “I can't wait to make that day a memorable one. I like being with those children because when I was young, I was inspired by a beauty queen whom I looked up to, even if I don't even know her name. Now, I believe it's time to inspire those children that dreams do come true.”

***

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

Ima Leopardas is loveless but happy

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Congratulations to Aster Caberte, Central Visayas Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for having been chosen Best DTI Executive in the Philippines during the recent "SPRInts (System on Performance, Rewards and Incentives) Huwarang DTI 2015" awarding ceremonies.

 

Why do we need a designated holiday to celebrate love? -LPU

Scene: From Reigh Monreal this info: Congratulations to the Bohol Island State University (BISU) for being listed by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) among the Top 5 performing teacher education institutions in the country in Category B (500 to 999 takers from 2009 to 2014) with a running passing average of 85% for both BEEd and BSEd. The other four: De La Salle University (Manila), 99%; University of Saint La Salle (Bacolod), 86%; Ateneo de Naga (Bicol), 85%; and University of Southeastern Philippines (Tagum), 85%. Tops in Category A (1,000 and above examinees): University of the Philippines – Diliman, 97%; University of Santo Tomas, 94%; Philippine Normal University (Manila), 93%; St. Louis University (Baguio), 87%; and Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro), 90%.

 

Scene: The Splash Day the 13th at the University of Bohol. “If you are an alumni/alumna and you wish you experienced this kind of fun during your time! don't worry ... you will have your chance... just join us in our Grand Alumni Homecoming this July 2016,” says Janice Aurora Tirol, Ph.D., dean of Student Personnel  Services.

 

Scene: Valentine gimmicks were held at different schools in Bohol.  To spice up their V-day celebration, the students of  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School had love wall, kasal-kasalan, love knot, et al . One student said, "I am taken by you." On the other hand, people bought flowers at downtown Tagbilaran a day before Valentine's Day. Prices of fresh blooms escalated on Friday morning. According to Boholano florist Eddie Dahunog of Eva's Flowershop, there was a low supply of flowers. Dahunog added that some people were practical that instead of buying fresh flowers they preferred V-items made of plastic. “People are practical now that kahit plastic basta makapgabigay lang sa kanyang minahal. Kasi sabi nila ang plastic forever daw ang presko hindi tumatagal. The most important is your true love,” said Dahunog.

 

***

Would you believe that beauty queen Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas has been loveless for  many years now (her last boyfriend was when she was in high school)? How does Ima cope with this barrenness in her lovelife?

 

"I'm fine," said Ima who has signed a non-exclusive contract with OMG (www.mikeygatal.com/ www.omg755.com/www.boholster.com) of US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal (who took his oath as US citizen last yesterday, Feb. 14).  The contract signing was attended by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, Roger Gatal, Nikki Gatal-Quintia, Marjo Gatal-Dumas and Kiss FM dj Robert James.

 

Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas:
 ‘Love is a choice and when you choose to love,
 you choose to get hurt.’ Courtesy: Miss Bohol

“OMG! I love it! The moment I knew that I was gonna be one of the endorsers, I really thanked Mr. Mikey Gatal for choosing me,” said Ima, a BS in Psychology Major in Industrial Psychology School student at Bohol Island State University- Main Campus. “This has been one of my dreams and OMG turned it into a reality. And I am in love with the charity works that we've been doing because that is so me.”

 

During the contract signing, Mikey expressed his gladness on Ima and other models as OMG models. "Ima is beautiful and talented.”

 

On Valentine’s Day, Imma together with other OMG models Neil Namuag, Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Pham Marzon, Erika Gatal abd Gercy Daraido had a charity event in Baclayon, Ima’s hometown.

 

“It’s one of the most amazing things in my whole life! The first thing I know was I was once a pupil of Baclayon Central Elementary School and the next thing I know, I am leading a charity work, and that just felt really amazing,” shared Ima. “And it made me feel really happy knowing that I served as an inspiration and a good example to those children.”

 

Ima is loveless. She has remained fancy-free, so a VRS Q&A with her focused on her present state of being.

 

What keeps you busy? I'm busy being myself. One day, I found myself dreaming about making my family proud and the next day, I found myself living that dream. There is one thing that I would like to always do in my life and that is to make my mother be really happy and that's what I'm doing now. I am busy learning everything about life so that I can make each day count. I have this habit of inspiring people for as far as I know, dreams do come true. Everyday, I think of the many things that I can be and I never stop discovering and improving myself, for I know that life is a gift and I don't have an intent of wasting it.

 

Who/what inspires you?  My family is my inspiration. Even if I haven't seen my father for eight years for he has to work abroad, even if I would say that really, my life story is like the MMK on TV and even if we have been through those many darkest moments in life, still I learned. I learned that life can be unfair, but one should always get up no matter how many times you fall. And it strucks me to the point that I will do anything just to make them happy and proud. I love my family so much. (Ima’s parents are Engr. Eleazar Leopardas, Sr. and  Ma. Gloria (nee Edubas). Her supportive siblings are Vanessa Joy, Roman Ceferino and Eleazar Jr.- LPU)

How long do you think you can survive being single? Honestly, this question made me smile. Well, I have this theory and it is a theory of bread. You like eating a piece of bread only if there is a sandwich spread.

 

Ima Leopardas with her fellow OMG models (l-r): Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Gercy Daraido , Erika Gatal,
Pham Marzon and Neil Namuag. Courtesy: Roger Gatal

Now what happens if there's no more sandwich spread? Well you have to eat and enjoy the bread and hope for the better sandwich spread that you may have next time. The sandwich spread stands for the person you fall in love with, and the bread is you. You see, there will always be that one person who can make your heart beat faster and slower at the same time. But in my case, I am not searching for someone because I am waiting for the right one. I wouldn't mind waiting too long, for the love from my family, best friends and supporters are more than enough to me.

 

With you, once a relationship is over, it’s over na jud, no more second time around? Any kind of relationship deserves a second chance, for this time, you realized how much you really care for that person and by that, you don't want to lose the person again. But if circumstances won't allow you to be together again, I think it's best to let it go. It will hurt, of course it will really hurt for it was true. Everything happens for a reason. The most important thing there is, you have to learn from it, accept it, move on and be better, not bitter.

 

What lessons (or “mistakes”) did you learn from your past relationship that will guide you in your future relationship?  I loved too much, that is the mistake. It was way back in high school and that was my first love. I have no regrets, for the person made me happy and made me see how beautiful people can be, just the way they are. Everything I learned about love and pain, I owe it to my past and I am forever thankful for that. But at the end of the day, the past has turned me into the best version of myself because I chose to look at the positive side of life.

 

Love can wait, says Ima. Courtesy: Miss Bohol

What is love to you? Love is when you give it first to someone who deserves it and that someone should be yourself. Love is a choice and when you choose to love, you choose to get hurt. Love isn't love until someone asks you what is love and you cannot explain it, because you only feel it. Love is when all you ever wanted was to make that person happy, even if you're not the reason behind that happiness.

 

What is your favorite love quote? "Love is not blind. It sees but it doesn't mind." We love people the hard way, we love people the wrong way, but in the end, it will never be about how many lovers you had, for it is about how true you are when you fall in love.

 

How does a single girl spend Valentine’s? A typical single girl spends Valentine's Day by liking the Facebook status of those happily inlove Facebook friends, she would look like she's not jealous of those girls who had a lot to receive on Heart's Day and she secretly hopes that someone would offer her some flowers and chocolates. You might ask me why I know all these things, so here's the answer: Yes, I'm single.

 

What’s your most memorable Valentine? I surprised my mother with a personalised gift which was from my savings, I wrote her a letter and I spent February 14 with her, that was my most memorable Valentine's Day. Every year, I always surprise my mother, not only on a Valentine's Day but also on her special occasions like her birthday. I never get tired on making her happy because seeing her smile makes me happy, too.

 

What qualities do you look for in a guy? Someone who has a good morale, someone taller than me, the one whom I can learn more about life, someone not just with the looks but also with a stable job, someone three or four years older than me, is honest, loyal, respectful to his mother, the one who knows how to make me laugh and can handle me at my worst and most of all, the one who can make me feel in love again...now that's what others may say "the impossible to find" kind of man. But I believe that that someone exists somewhere and at the right time and at the right place, I am going to see that man in God's will.

 

Who is your celebrity dream date? Mario Maurer. I really like him because he is the kind of handsome who is really humble and that makes him even more handsome. I really cannot forget his role in his movie, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and he really looks so cute.

 

Nonetheless, there is no hurry for Ima.

 

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