No 'recycled beauties' in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013

It’s Miss Bohol Sandugo once again!

Eighteen beauties are competing for the plum at the 2013 Miss Bohol Sandugo on July 20, at the Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City.

There are no "recycled beauties" (whose undying motto is "try and try until you succeed") in this year's batch. However, keen beauty-pageant followers have been telling Bared, with a triumphant ring in their voices, that this year's candidates, are not greenhorns (most of them are winners in their schools and hometowns) to beauty contests.

Like the other beauty contests, the Miss Bohol Sandugo is a rich source of "showbiz" material. Some of the title-holders and finalists who eventually became "famous" include Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005 Anna Maris Igpit who became Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006  and now a TV personality and Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 first runner-up Ely Rose Apple Angcon who was selected as a finalist for the Olay White Bar Ambassador in 2011.

This year’s official candidates are: 

Shereen Alainah Acuña, 22, from Catigbian, raised in the United Arab Emirates. "Shane" as she’s fondly called by her family, is a nurse. She was declared Miss Katigbawan 2011 and Miss UNO Visayas 2011. Vital statistics: 5’3", 34-24-34.

Brigitte Burato, 18, from Alicia, is a consistent dean's lister at the University of San Carlos. She was Miss University of San Carlos School of Business and Economics 2012 and Miss Gaisano Hot Body SRP. 5’4”, 34-22-32.

Shaila Mae Rebortera, 17, from Baclayon.  She crowned Lakambini at Ateneo de Davao University High School. A Teatro Ateneo president, Shaila is a first year college student at Cebu Doctors University. 5'4", waistline: 27

Feby Dannica Garrote, 17, of Cortes. She was Miss Rock of Cortes 2012 third runner-up and Miss United Nations in high school at Infant King Academy. She also represented her town in Miss Ubi 2012. 5'3", bust: 35.

Ma. Mercedes Cutanda, 16, the youngest among the candidates, represents the town of Corella.In high school, she was crowned Miss Nutrition, Miss Intrams second runner-up and Diyosa ng Kalikasan. 

Phoebe Jhane Bulala, 18, of Dagohoy, is one of the tallest among the delegates.  She was Bb. Talibon 2013 first runner-up, awarded Best in Long Gown and Production Number. 5’7". 

Ruth Basarte, 21, from Jagna, represents the Bohol Table Tennis Club. She was Miss Jagna 2011 first runner-up and Miss BIT-IC Personality 2011. 5'6", 32-26-36.

Brenda Liza Cagatin, 17, of Sierra-Bullones, raised in Doha, Qatar.  She was a campus journalist and debater at the Philippine School Doha. Brenda also joined Miss Teen-ICM. 5'7", 36-29-38.

Genina Abrau, 18, of San Miguel, represents Bohol Island State University (BISU).  A DOST scholar, Nina is Miss BISU-MC 2012 first runner-up and Miss BISU SCUAA 2013 first runner-up. 5’4.1", 33-25-35.

Myra Fritzie Golosino,23, of Guindulman, is a part-time model -nurse and niece of Miss Bohol Sandugo 1988 Elizabeth Mumar Añana. Fritzie won ICM Model Quest 2006. She has won in singing contests.  5’4", 34-25-39.

Jan Jeahnette Labastida, 19, of Loon, is taking up pharmacy at University of Bohol. A member of the Parish Youth Ministry and Confraternity of Our Lady of Lourdes,  she was Miss University of Bohol Pharmacy 2010 and Miss Loon Sidlakasilak 2012. 5’2.5", 35-26-35.

Meshellane Real Jade Cajels, 20, from Panglao, is a nursing graduate at Holy Name University. She is Miss Panglao 2012. 5’7".

Mary Elaine Cimfranca, 19, of Dauis,  is taking up International Studies at Mirriam College. The elder sister of Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 and Miss Bohol International 2012 Mary Ebone Cimafranca, she was Miss Dauis 2011. 5’6”, 34-24-35.

Jessica Timbal, 21, from Guindulan, is a resort receptionist who represents  the Royal Business Club. She was Miss Teen Bohol 2010 first runner-up and Miss Photogenic. 5'3", 32-24-36.

Dae Narah Garcia, 17, a college student at Silliman University is Binibining Talibon 2012. 5'4", 34-22-36.

Rhea Mae Antigua, 17, of Loay,represents the Great Minds. She graduated valedictorian at Holy Trinity Academy. 5’1", 34-24-36.

Antoniette Grace Mortejo, 18, of Cortes, represents Marcela Farms. She was Miss Rock of Cortes 2012 fourth runner-up and best in swimwear. She also competed in Miss Silka, Bikini contest and Mr. and Miss PRISAA. 5’3", 35-25.5-35.5.

Lizyl Jane Lomotos, 20, of Antequera, is a licensed teacher. She is the reigning Miss Antequera 2013.

The big question, of course, is: Who of them will get the crown?

Meanwhile, Bared has checked the Miss Bohol Sandugo (unofficial fanpage on Facebook) and found out that the Top 5 (early) Favorite Misses Bohol Sandugo with highest numbers of likes and shares of their photos are: Miss BISU, Miss Guindulman, Miss Loon, Miss Baclayon and Miss Alicia.

But don’t bet on it.

"There are surprises!" gushed Alexis Cadeliña, this year's choreographer.

"We love dark horses, they can make their reveal at the right time," seconded by Emerson Pinos.

Supporters can marshal and campaign for votes. At the end of the day, it pays more for a contestant to compete purely on her own merits.
 
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Acknowledged as the  province’s oldest beauty pageant, the Miss Bohol Sandugo will celebrate its 60th year in 2015.

Known as Miss Bohol (1955-1988), Miss Bohol Fiesta Islands (1989)  and Miss Bohol Sandugo (1990-present), the winners are:

1955 - Paula Raagas- Valles (Maribojoc)
1956 - Olivia Solis -Cabrera (Calape)
1962 - Delia Canda dela Serna (Maribojoc)
1968 - Theoprolia Clarin- Parras (Sevilla)
1976 - Geraldine Galang (Carmen)
1977 - Reza Cabagnot (Tagbilaran City)
1982 - Rachelle Oculam (Lila)
1983 - Marcel Orimaco Gatal  (Tagbilaran City)
1986 - Gemma Manding (Tagbilaran City)
1988 - Elizabeth Mumar Añana (Guindulman)
1989 - Winnie Moreno Lim (Tagbilaran City)
1990 - Tiffany Yap (Jagna)
1991 - Rcelle Adlaon (Jagna)
1992 - Celevel Ranoco (Jagna)
1993 - Mary Ann Eronico (Talibon)
1994 - Vanessa Joyce Matuod Evardone (Tagbilaran City)
1995 - Irah Noemi Naron (Baclayon)
1996 - Lainne Reyes Canoy (Maribojoc)
1997 - Socorro D' Marie Tallo Inting (Tagbilaran City)
1998 - Josely Yap Ferniz (Bilar)
1999 - Maria Niña Cubillo (A.B.E.N.A.), replaced by Jennifer Ejoc (Catigbian)
2000 - Mellanie Angelina Wallace (Calape)
2001 - Jeany Justiniane (Valencia), replaced by Vanessa Cadorna (Miss Duero)
2002 - Cherry Mae Bacarro (Dimiao)
2003 - Fatima Liora Lloren Rana (Jagna)
2004 - Rhiz Novah Arenas (Inabanga)
2005 - Anna Maris Igpit (Panglao)
2008 - Joy Marie Maglajos (Catigbian)
2009 - Daisy Jean Quilicot (Tagbilaran City)
2010 - Amir Paraguya Sol (Tubigon)
2011 - Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian (Tubigon)
2012 - Idy Caseñas Cagas (Pundok Jagnaanon)

 










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









(The Bohol Chronicle July 14, 2013 issue)

Renowned Boholano director in Hollywood celebrates equality

Wake-uppers:
Scene: Be there as romantic singer, composer and lyricist David Pomeranz will sing The Old Songs, Born for You, King and Queen of Hearts and Got to Believe in Magic this Sandugo fever on David Pomeranz LIVE! on July 21 at the Bohol Tropics. The concert is presented by Smart. Tickets are priced at P1,500, P800 and P500. For details, call 411-3510/412-2048.

Scene: On July 20, at the Bohol Cultural Center, 18 candidates are competing for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013. Bohol's most popular choreographer par excellence Alexis Cadeliña is directing the show.

Seen: Another tarsier in the city! A tarsier rescued at a bus terminal in Quezon City died after hours
of rescue. According to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), the tarsier was found to have “rope burns” on its chest and stomach. PAWB director Theresa Mundita-Lim explained that smuggling tarsier can be a threat not only to the species but also to the ecosystem it belongs to.

Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti Archbishop Barney Auza with fellow Boholanos during the 15th Biennial Convention of the Confederation of Boholanos in USA and America (Conbusac) in Chicago, Illinois. Courtesy: Charina Aumentado

Scene: Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and his wife Balilihan Vice-Mayor Pureza Chatto in Chicago, Illinois for the 15th Biennial Convention of the Confederation of Boholanos in USA and America (Conbusac). Conbusac President Neil Bonje welcomed the participants to the event.  "CONBUSAC was formed as a group and by the collective efforts of Boholanos in the United States and Canada who share common bond of interest, the same nationalism and patriotism, are motivated by the needs back home, and have come together in response to the call of the Motherland in nation building," said the Conbusac official website.

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Guess who's getting hitched?

Renowned director RD Alba, right, and Philip Anthony, left, celebrate at the West Hollywood in California after the Supreme Court rulings. Courtesy: RD Alba

No matter how you slice it, thousands of same-sex couples across the United States were thrilled by  Supreme Court rulings that same sex spouses legally married in a state may receive federal benefits and cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California by rejecting an appeal on the state's Proposition 8, including US-based Boholano director and producer  RD Alba.

They called it "supremely wonderful day" for equality.

RD Alba, who became popular for his direction of Kapalaran, Milyonaryong Mini and Biktima,  used the historic moment as an opportunity to exercise his rights and stand strong that all men, and women, and everything in between are created equal, together with his partner in life Philip Anthony.

"The decisions affect us emotionally because it means we do not have to struggle and fight for our rights," said RD in an email interview. "The laws are the same now for husband and wife as for any married couples/partners."

Same-sex couples in the US worried about second class treatment and issues that plagued them before like adoption, tax, hospital rights, medical benefits, immigration and end-of-life rights.

"What the ruling means to me and my partner? Well basic equality!  It's about time that we are treated the same like anyone else and not a second class citizens. We can have the same rights as any couple," explained RD. " Not long ago women didn't have the right to vote. Things are changing. I think millions of people around the world have someone they love and they want to be with that person. Why can't they have the same right? Love is a human thing, we should be treated like humans."

Supporters of same-sex marriage cheer at Hollywood, California. Courtesy: RD Alba

RD and Philip have been engaged for 14 years, but the couple's previously said they wouldn't marry until their gay friends were legally allowed to.

"Well we are not alone, millions of gay couples cried happy tears including our friends Colby and Brandon who have been together for four years and they want to marry. But for me and Phil, we have been together 14 years now, we celebrated together with our friends," said RD.

RD, who produced the critically acclaimed  Panaghoy sa Suba  (The Call of the River) with fellow Boholano Cesar Montano,  studied Drama at Jacksonville State University in Alabama and moved to Los Angeles to finish Film Directing at the Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, California. He took his Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing at the Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, where he was mentored by Philip Noyce (director of Clear and Present Danger, Bone Collector and SALT), Donald Petrie (director of Grumpy Old Men and Miss Congeniality) and Jon Amiel (director of Entrapment, Copycat and Tudors) to name a few. After college, he made several short films that went into local LA film festivals and in Canada. He also directed RSVP (hosted by actress G. Tongi and Dr. Tess Mauricio)  on TFC and The Dr. Tess Show on GMA Pinoy TV.

"So for future plans, now that we know that all is good, and everything is legal, we can marry anytime we want, no rush, we can plan our lives like normal. I say this not only for us but for the rest of humanity who are equal now and we should all agree that fair is fair,"  RD enthusiastically responded.

In the Philippines, same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized although there is a reportedly high degree of tolerance and increasing visibility. The LGBT (lesbian-gay-bisexual-transsexual) community is lobbying for such a union to be recognized under Philippine law, as part of its campaign for equal rights. However, Malacañang has distanced itself from the matter and said it is "best left to the sound discretion of the legislature."

RD's message to all: Well, I want everyone to know whether what religion, politics or belief you have - we should all live good lives, rrase the hate because that makes the chaos in this world. Keep to yourself your hate and turn it to goodness and  share the love. We only live once and we want to spend that with the persons we love!

In Germany, Ayessa Roi Cardino, who hails from Tagbilaran City, rejected the idea that homosexuals should be treated differently than other citizens.

"I welcome this new development in the US policy on same sex marriage. It goes to show that their magistrates are true to the principles of the US constitution on the equal protection clause," said Ayessa.

In California, Jocelyn Oppus from Baclayon seconded the point.
"Thats OK..its their life..who I am to judge if it is right or wrong..if we believe in God and as the Bible said marriage is between a man and a woman..then at the end its between them  and God because we are not be judged in the eyes of God of what we did but what's in our heart that only Him can see..kung sa ato pa..'"JAHAY MAN TA UG KALAG"..thats why we are given free will," she said.

While in Wilshire, California, Babat Malicay-Bagotchay from Lila was heartened by the news.
"I'm devastated! All the cute guys are now coming out in a open and now married to another hot guy!!! Hahahaha," she said.

Same-Sex Marriage Facts:

Same-sex marriage is legal in 13 U.S states and the District of Columbia: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. (The law goes into effect on August 1, 2013 in Minnesota and Rhode Island.)

Same-sex marriage is banned by constitutional amendment or state law in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

New Jersey and New Mexico have no laws either banning or allowing same-sex marriage.
Worldwide, 15 other countries (and parts of Mexico) also have laws allowing same-sex marriage and domestic partnerships: Argentina (2010), Denmark (2012), New Zealand (2013), Spain (2005),Belgium (2003), France (2013), Norway (2009),  Sweden (2009),Brazil (2013), Iceland (2010), Portugal (2010), Uruguay (2013),Canada (2005), The Netherlands (2000) and South Africa (2006).

Civil Unions: Civil unions grant couples most of the rights of state civil marriages, but provide none of the federal benefits of marriage, such as Social Security benefits. These rights include spousal support, medical decision-making privileges, access to a partner's insurance, and hospital visitation rights. Civil unions are legal in: Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, and New Jersey.

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

The Bohol Chronicle , July 7, 2013 issue

What!?! No Miss Tubigon in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013?

Surprise!! Surprise!! You don't have to grab your eyes while reading this corner. Yes, this is VRS or Very Reliable Source which will chronicle people, places and events—and gossip!

My two-week "absence" in the gossip world was full of many surprises– not all of them pleasant, judging from the responses of some of who's who and luminaries and those in the social media.
Cases in point:

Rex Pilayre Bangalao didn't make it in the Mister International Philippines 2013 which was held last Friday, June 21, at the Flying V Arena in San Juan, Manila.

"Too bad he didn't place," said the socialite VRS. "Rex doesn't look mature and masculine compared to other contestants who look experienced and well-prepared. He has next time."
"It's not just about winning.  It's about taking part," said another VRS.  "Being one of the candidates in Mister International Philippines is already a privilege. It means that our men in Bohol have place in the male beauty pageant."

Rex Bangalao Courtesy: Mister International 

Philippines

Mr. Teen Bohol 2013 Adryan Mila managed to be in the top 12 of the Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth 2013 which was held recently at Philippine International Convention Center. 

"Some of our Boholano supporters said that the pageant was lutong macao when Mila was only placed top 12," said the veteran pageant watcher VRS. "They said Mila's answer was better than other contestants and blah blah blah, but the Q and A portion was just part of the whole presentation. The judges were looking for the total package."

But the night truly belonged to a contestant from Cebu.

Model Alberto Rodulfo "Ar" dela Serna was declared Mr Generation East 2013 grand winner, Sta. Lucia Generation East Model Search. A trivia: Dela Serna was adjudged first runner-up in Mr Philippine Youth in 2002. In Nov. 2012, he replaced the dethroned Mr. Philippine Youth 2012 Leo Angeles Flores of Parañaque.

Adryan Mila Contributed Photo

Sta. Lucia Mall’s Generation East — The Model Search is now on its 14th year of discovering upcoming models and stars. It has produced showbiz personalities, beauty queens and models like Angel Locsin, Jeanne Harn, Teresa Paron, Jasmin Chua, Jennifer Lee and Arci Muñoz, Ron Morales, John Medina, Acis Austria, Edison Puruganan, Patrick Moore, James Versoza, Fianca Cruz and Rye Burgos.

"I prayed to God to let me walk properly, to let me bring myself well, and to give me the chance to speak. But He gave me more than what I asked (for)... thank you for all the people who supported me unconditionally, this is all for us ," Dela Serna posted on Facebook.

Ar's formula? "The key to success is to keep growing in all areas of life - mental, emotional, spiritual, social, as well as physical."

Ar walks the talk. And you can't help sit up and notice.

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Shock waves rippled through the business industry last June 12 (also his youngest son's birthday) as news surfaced that businessman and public servant Ben Udtohan had died. “Unbelievably sad news. A fine man,” tweeted some friends. Nong Ben loved movies. In fact, he supported movies Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa 'Yo (2009) and Amigo (2010) which were done in Bohol. I heard BJ, who is Cogon's number 1 barangay kagawad, is running for barangay chairman this October 2013 elections, if, that is a big, there is an elections.

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Yes, there’s an exclamation point(!) and  a question mark (?) in today’s headline.

Ar dela Serna Contributed Photo

You read it right: There is no representative from Tubigon for the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013.

Like most everybody, I’m sure your initial, incredulous reaction is, “What? No Miss Tubigon?”

After straight three years of joining Miss Bohol Sandugo (Tubigon beauties Amir Sol won the title in 2010 and Farrah Mian Abarquez in 2011), Tubigon's  entry is missing— and they blamed it to the Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 Clarlaine Falcon Radoc whose busy schedule in Cebu failed to appear during the screening.

"You're wrong, there was no mass resignation  at the Tubigon Tourism Office who manages the A List Training for Anyag beauties," revealed the roving and beauty watcher VRS. "Not yet, they are in good hands with the new town executive. "

Anyag committee had had to send  Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 Clarlaine Falcon Radoc (sister of Anyag 2008 Clarice Elaine Radoc) to Miss Bohol Sandugo.

"Radoc is studying in Cebu and she was not able to attend the screening because of the bad weather," explained VRS. "In fairness to the Anyag committee, they asked the Miss Bohol Sandugo organizers to have a special screening for Radoc but the organizers politely declined their request. It would be unfair to other girls who came from other towns to attend the screening."

The past and present winners of Anyag sa Tubigon (Maanyag nga Tubignon, Dalaygon!): (l-r) Clarice Elaine Radoc (2008), Amir Sol (2009), Farrah Faye Mian (2010), Clarlaine Radoc (2013), Lori Geisha Cabrera (2011) and Mariecris Evardo (2012). Courtesy: Anyag Fanpage

But it is not that easy. Beauty is  a serious business in Tubigon just like in Venezuela where Tubigon is the only town in Bohol which gives proper training for the girls who will represent the town.
"You wonder that all of a sudden there is no one girl to represent their town?" asked VRS.

VRS also said that there is a chance that the Anyag committee, to put it mildly, “saddened” by last year's results that Mariecris Evardo was just first-runner up to Miss Jagna Idy Cagas. "It can be also that the Anyag committee members find out that Anyag has no chance of winning this year."

By coincidence, I bumped into Dennis Balbero, one of the Anyag trainors at the Island City Mall last week. I told him about what I know and I asked him pointblank: True or not?

“It’s true!”

No further comment.

Anyway, there are 18 candidates who will vie for this year's Miss Bohol Sandugo. The swimsuit competition is on July 13 at the Miravilla Resort, the talent competition is on July 17 at the Tagbilaran Tourist Port, and the pageant and coronation night is on July 20 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

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