The ‘Biggest Likes and Yikes’ of 2011

Let us start the New Year with this wonderful message: Isn’t it strange how 100 peso bill appears to be a large amount when donated to church but too small when you go shopping? Isn’t it strange how 1 hour seems so long in church and so short when having fun? How everyone wants front row tickets on concert or show but they want last row in the church? As usual but strange reality. We say God is our priority but have we proven it everyday? Hope you have time to read and share this message.

And…

Remember the laughter,
the joy,
the hard work,
and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year,
also think of the new one to come.

Because most importantly,
this is a time of new beginnings
and the celebration of life.

***

Drum roll, please! It's time to find out which entertainment stories, people and events caught our attention in 2011! And, ehem, these Bohol’s who’s who cum celebrities received an award for being famous/infamous in the year 2011!

Likes! Most Beautiful Boholana of 2011

Farrah Faye Mian of Tubigon was declared Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011. The Bohol’s Finest Daughter and Most Beautiful Boholana is now included in the Miss Bohol Honor Roll.

Likes! Most Trending in 2011

“You know you're a Boholano if?’ trended worldwide on Facebook. Other hottest fanpages on  Facebook for Boholanos worldwide were ‘Taga- UB ka kung…’, ‘Taga-Calape ka kung?,’ ‘Nka skwela kag HNU Highschool kung?’, ‘Taga VDT-ALC ka kung..’, ‘Taga-WISDOM ka kung...’, ‘Nakatungha ka sa Grace Christian School kung?’, ‘Tatak Sevillahanon ka kung?’ and  ‘Nakaskwela ka sa Bohol High kung?’.

Yikes! Most Unforgettable Celebrity Feud

The claws are out! Which who’s who battle had you jumping to take sides? 2011 was a feisty fight between Mayor Dan Lim and Gov. Edgar Chatto. Also, Mayor Dan Lim and Taloto Barangay Captain Faro Cabalit's claws were out last 2011, and their weight war earned them the first-runner up.

Yikes! Most Shocking Celebrity Scandal

In December, TV 5 reported that Mayor Dan Lim, stuck on a flight and too impatient to wait for the toilet, unzipped his pants in front of the flight attendant. The flight attendant said Mayor Lim was obviously impatient, though he blamed the incident on being diabetic. The incident gained further notoriety when it was uploaded in youtube.

First runner-up was the “No Other Woman” involving a beauty queen and a photographer. The housewife-beauty queen herself slipped unnoticed into the apartment and caught them in the act. The couple broke up immediately after that. 

Second runner-up was the sex scandal video involving a media personality with a “minor” girl. 

Yikes! Most Shocking Death of a Cultural Icon

Cultural icon, educator and dancer Oscar Real, the co-founder of Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe, died at age 60 on March 29.

Yikes! Best Brouhaha Incident of the Year

In April 2011, a Philippine National Bank teller “accidentally” gave the million pesos to the wrong person. The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)-Bohol campaign says, “Be honest…Even If others are not. Even if others will not. Even if others cannot.”

Likes! Hottest Duo

Central Visayas bets Blake Mahecha Valles was declared second runner-up and Felisse Marie Carvajal was top 5 in the Ginoo and Mutya ng Prisaa 2011 held on April 13 in Zamboanga City. The Ginoo and Mutya ng Prisaa 2011 was one of the highlights of this year's Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa), an athletic competition among private schools in the country.

Yikes! No Miss Tagbi 2011

There was no Miss Tagbilaran 2011 because the search committee decided to cancel the pageant. The reason? Most of the applicants were repeaters or recycled beauties. There were no pageants in 1987 and 1995.

Likes! Hottest Celeb of the Year

Many had career years in 2011 -- but which one truly stood out from the pack? Yes, the Starstruck alumna and beauty queen was the cover babe of FHM Philippines May 2011 issue. Not only her first FHM cover, but also her first time to pose for a magazine cover. A homegrown Kapuso artist, Rich finished 1st Princess on GMA talent search "StarStruck 4: The Next Level" and later competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2009 and was declared first runner-up. She can no longer join beauty pageants in the future as she posed sexy for a men’s magazine.

Likes! Lifetime Achievement Award for a Beauty Queen

Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy, who is also the Rotary Queen for the nth time, wowed the crowd during the Santacruzan 2011 street parade. She was also hailed as Queen of Alay Lakad 2011.

Yikes! Better Luck Next Time Award

 2011 was unfavorable for our beauty queens Aileene Ella Dango and Renee Soraya Rosete Hassani who didn’t make it to the final 10 in the Miss Philippines-Earth 2011. Also, Miss Denmark Maya Celeste Padillo Olesen (her mother Elizabeth Padillo Olesen is from Bohol) didn’t make it in the Miss World 2011.

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 first runner-up Ely Rose Apple Angcon was selected as a finalist for the Olay White Bar Ambassador.  However, Angcon failed to win the title.

Miss Mandaue 2011 Donna Cardino failed to grab a spot in the Miss World-Philippines 2011.

Ubayanus Kru from San Pascual, Ubay, Bohol failed in the monthly finals rounds on ABS-CBN late-morning show Showtime.

Likes! Biggest Celebrity Wedding of 2011

It was provincewide spectacle when Tagbilaran City Councilor Baba Yap married Jane Censoria Cajes in Tagbilaran City on February 5. The ceremony inside St. Joseph Cathderal was attended by roughly 1,500 guests, including Sec. Florencio Abad of Department of Budget and Management,  Gov. Edgar  Chatto, V-Gov. Conching Lim,  Reps. Rene Relampagos, Erico  Aumentado and Arthur Yap. Talk about a short engagement, Yap, a city councilor, popped the question to Cajes in December 2010, after they had been dating for about three months.

Yikes! Kumukupas Na Paraiso Award

The devastating condition of the Raha Sikatuna Park (Magsaysay Camp) in Bilar. Due to the war torn nature of the area, it is now practically abandoned. Sadly, this now decaying place was home to rare flora and fauna.  Gone are the days when Rajah Sikatuna National Park was a haven for nature lovers and a bird-watchers paradise.

Likes! Most Memorable Celebrity Travel

Fashion icon EJ Relampagos went to Italy where he treated her mother Josefina “Jo” Relampagos to a bakasyon grande. Like other visitors, EJ and his mom, came in search of fine art, pizza, spaghetti, cappuccino, wine and fashion.  Also, Trisha Chatto had a memorable trip in France and Germany.

Yikes! Real Drama of the Year

The youngest survivor of the ill-fated M/V Island Fast Craft 1 on Aug. 21 was three-month-old Rema May Abigial Tugap.  Her mother, Emmie Tugap, hugged her tightly before they jumped into the churning waters. Fortunately, a fisherman helped save them and the other passengers. Three dead while 70 others were rescued.

Yikes! Nature’s Fury Experiences

After land fissures, flashfloods occurred in Sierra-Bullones last March which killed one person. The Anda landslide killed two young men working inside a quarry. There were reported floods occurring in Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez and Jagna in March 2011.

Likes! Most Memorable Concerts

The concert of Miss Saigon star and award-winning recording artist Ima Castro on Sept. 13 topped the list.. First runner-up was the concert of songwriter and singer Jose Mari Chan for dyRD’s 50th anniversary. Second runner-up was the concert of world-renowned operatic tenor and philanthropist Sal Malaki. Tied for third runner-up were the concerts of Jovit Baldivino and Bugoy Drilon; and Erick Santos and Ai-Ai delas Alas.

Likes! Homecoming Award

After his exhibitions abroad, visual and performance artist Sam Penaso and his works returned to Bohol. After their church wedding on 11-11-11, Nonito Donaire Jr. and his wife Rachel paid Bohol, his home province, a surprise visit.

Likes! Bring Home the Bacon Award

Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC) bagged 3rd place in the Tolosa International Choir competition in Spain.  Before that, the LCC members had their mini-concerts in Europe as part of their Europe 2011 Tour.  Also, Gov. Edgar Chatto received the Dangal ng Bayan Award.

Likes!  Hot Show

Bohol’s First Car and Motor Show featured Bohol’s best cars including Mercedes Benz SLS 2012, Audi TT, BMW Z3’s, Mercedes Benz ML, Subaru WRX STI, Nissan 350z, fully set-up Ford F150, customized Honda cars and more.  And, also the Big Bikes exhibition organized by the Bohol Bikers Association. The motorbikes came in all brands (on Harley-Davidsons and other brands), shapes and sizes, with some that appeared to defy gravity, if not other rules and regulations!

Likes! Cutest Boholano Artista

Christine “Tintin” Ng, who hails from Tagbilaran City, has come a long way from being the shy probinsya and now a rising actress in the country. She starred in movies and indie films; however, her breakthrough role was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera which showcased Tintin’s natural acting. She appeared the talkative and seductive (read: Malandi) yaya or maid in teleseryes.

Yikes! Forget-Me-Not Award

The 80 Boholano talents in the indie film Amigo had least six (6) named supporting roles were not included in the movie’s supposedly “full” cast listing in IMDB. The local talents played their roles, no matter how “small” with such honesty, so natural that they understand well the concept of ensemble acting. 

Likes! Triple Treats Award

In the field of beauty pageant, 2011 saw the rising beauty queens from Tubigon town. Farrah Faye Mian won the Miss Bohol Sandugo crown.  Then, Rochelle Cabilla was declared Miss BACS Academics 2011 and Clarlaine Radoc was proclaimed Miss BACS Personality 2011.

Likes! Santa’s Ho Ho Ho/Happy Holidays

The biggest and tallest Santa Claus in Bohol and in the Philippines caught our attention. First runner-up was the Christmas Village of Mila Lim which fascinated visitors and friends who visit it during the holidays.

Yikes! The “Animal Non Grata” aka Homeless of the Year Award

After celebrating “her” 15^th birthday, Prony, the biggest python in captivity was declared “animal non grata” in Albur after Mayor Efren Tungol ordered closure of the area because Prony’s owners, the Salibay family, had no business permit to operate. Also homeless was Prony (Marimar) who became famous because of “her” kagwang performance.

Yikes! The Nega Award

First district Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos filed House Bill 5422 that seeks to rename Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Corazon Aquino Avenue. Relampagos said “EDSA should be named after Aquino because “one cannot think of the 1986 EDSA Revolution without thinking of former President Corazon Aquino.” However, large number of Pinoy Nettizens (including celebrities such as Tim Yap, Georgina Wilson and Paolo Paraiso) refuse to have anything to do with the bill and expressed their disagreement openly online.  The topic became a top trend on Twitter.

Yikes (Untrue) Rumor of the Year

Which false story was the most egregious? The “treasure hunting” in Loboc Church was a dud! The local authorities in Loboc denied treasure hunting activity as the drilling operation was intended for the study of the bearing capacity of the ground where the church now stands. Some people were not convinced, though.

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

Tintin Ng: Funny and Fabulous

Shiela and her mom

Wake-uppers:

Seen: My aunt Lucila Udtohan-Olorvida died of lung cancer last October 13, 2011. She was a second hand smoke victim. She was 59 years old. Her daughter Shiela Olorvida-Glaring would like to donate their unused, unexpired cancer medications to needy cancer patients. Please text or call +63908-663-4183 or +63921-244-6791.

Scene: The local government unit of Catigbian presents “Catigbian D.A.T.E. Park Photo Challenge,” an onsite photo contest on Dec. 3, 2011. Registration Fee is P700 (P550 for early birds) which includes free shuttle from Tagbilaran, lunch and two snacks, photo lectures, model shoot, cash and trophy, kit and certificates.  Open for DSLR and P&S categories. Visit facebook.com/catigbian to know more. Text or call Charles Borja at +63926-571-1111.

Seen: Eight of the lovely candidates of Miss Earth 2011 were here in Bohol for an official visit last Friday. They were Miss China Yu Jun Liu, Miss Singapore Felicia Orvalla, Miss Canada Ashlea Moor, Miss Turkey Merve Saribas, Miss India Hasleen Kaur, Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen,  Miss USA Nicole Kelley and Miss England Roxanne Smith. Miss Sweden Renate Cerljen was Miss Universe 2009 Top 15 and Beauty of the World 2010 fourth runner-up. The 2011 Miss Earth pageant has been moved back to the Philippines, its original home, because of the rising floods in Thailand, threatening Bangkok where it was supposed to be held. The grand coronation will be held on Dec. 3, 7 p.m. at the University of the Philippines Theater.

Eight of the Miss Earth 2011 candidates with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and wife Pureza and provincial administrator Ae Damalerio.

 

Miss Sweden and Miss India with Catherine Untalan, former Miss Philippines Earth who was crowned Miss Air (2nd RU) in the 2006 Miss Earth Pageant. Miss Untalan is now an Executive Director of Carousel Productions that produces the annual Miss Philippines & Miss Earth Pageants.

 

 

 

 

Never forget...

Scene: Some journalists and concerned citizens gathered last November 23, 2011 at the Plaza Rizal to celebrate the International Day to End Impunity as the nation remembered the 2nd anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre which claimed 58 victims on November 23, 2009 -- 32 of them were journalists. The statement read: “We, Bol-anon journalists and concerned individuals call on the end to impunity in the Philippines and all over the world. We call for justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre. We call for justice for all journalists and freedom advocates who have been killed for exposing the truth." (Thanks to Liza Macalandag, Shem Quezon, Salvio Makinano, Vida May Tirol-de Juan and Nemi Monton and his angels.)

Seen: First district Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos has filed House Bill 5422 that seeks to rename Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Corazon Aquino Avenue. The measure is now pending with the committee on public works and highways of the House of Representatives. Relampagos said “EDSA should be named after Aquino because “one cannot think of the 1986 EDSA Revolution without thinking of former President Corazon Aquino.” However, large number of Pinoy Nettizens (including celebrities such as Tim Yap, Georgina Wilson, and Paolo Paraiso) refuse to have anything to do with the bill and expressed their disagreement openly online.  The topic became a Top Trend on Twitter last Wednesday.

Seen: World-renowned operatic tenor and philanthropist Sal Malaki will perform on Dec. 4 at the Bohol Cultural Center, 6 p.m. The two-hour concert, dubbed “Christmas Showers of Grace” is directed by thespian Daisy Baad and animated by Spring Rain Global Consultancy Inc. led by president and CEO Glenda Antonio. The concert will have pianist Carmencita "Menchi" Ybud. The Placido Domingo protégé, Malaki, who traces his roots to Anda, Bohol, was born in Leyte and studied at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music, major in Flute and Voice, is the only Filipino member of two prominent ensembles in the US: the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Opera. (Note: The tickets are pegged at P1,000 (gold), P 500 (silver) and P 300 (bronze). For ticket reservations, contact 0915-8886488, 0928-4551866 and 0923-3186800. Visit Holy Spirit School or call 411-2558.)

***

Christine “Tintin” Ng has elicited laughter and admiration from fans, friends and even foes.

For an artista to get through the industry, it’s either you get the breaks or you break barriers. Some of them bloom late. Others bank on pure talent, versatility and fame to step in without much struggling.

Ask Christine “Tintin” Ng, who hails from Tagbilaran City, has come a long way from being the shy probinsya and now a rising actress in the country.

Tintin was discovered by her fellow Boholano, renowned director Maryo delos Reyes, who was initially doubted Tintin’s ability but eventually ended up a adviser and a good friend.

What made Tintin decide to join showbiz?

“My love for acting!” exclaimed the comedian-actress. “It was my mentor and beloved director Maryo J. de los Reyes who convinced me to enter showbiz. He gives sound advices. You know, I don’t have any acting workshop, kumbaga eh nasabak ako sa digmaang biglaan na walang dalang sandata at bala. Sabi ni Direk Maryo sa akin ‘gamitin lang ang diskarte at magiging observer.’”

In 2008, Tintin appeared in Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo, I’ll Be There (2010) and in some indie films like Biktima (2010), Pendong (2010) and Mainit (2011).

Her breakthrough role, however, was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera (will end in January 2012) which showcase Tintin’s natural acting. Quite credible in her role in Munting Heredera, Tintin appeared the talkative and seductive yaya or maid and showed she could act, exuding both comic and sensitivity.

TinTin Ng first TV appearance on GMA 7’s Dwarfina (with Janice de Belen and Chanda Romero) where she played the comic sexy maid.

On and off the camera, Tintin makes you laugh with her wits. She catches your eyes with her height and fabulous figure. She leaves you amazed of the real Tintin Ng. Very natural! Very kuwela!

Asked what have her showbiz experiences taught her thus far, she turns philosophical: “Showbiz-showbiz para sa akin ay hindi habang buhay nasa kinang ka ng mga tala. Kailangan mo lang i–enjoy ang bawat ningning na nakapalibot sa iyo at ang pakikisama at lalo na ang pag-arte kailangan marunong makiramdam. Maging creative at maging listo.”

She adds, “Hindi lang naka- base kung ano ang blocking nang direktor eh yun na ang susundin mo. Kailangan mo ring mag-experiment na tutugma sa role na ginagampanan mo , at i-suggest mo sa direktor kung puwede  mo bang gawin yung idea na naiisip mo para mag-work ang character na in-established para sa iyo.”

Her height (4’8”), which she carries with natural gracefulness and confidence,  no doubt helped her right in showbiz. “Maybe kasi maliit ako at trying hard magpa-sexy na unique kasi nga yun ang role na established sa akin. Malandi na petite! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Drama or comedy? “Both, gusto kong maging versatile na pwede sa drama or comedy. Pero mas priority ang comedy sa akin. Nachachallenge kasi ako sa drama kasi ang hirap umiyak at matagal akong mapaiyak.”

She dreams of having Dingdong Dantes as her leading man if she will be given a big break. “Dingdong Dantes! Marian sa question lang to gurl He! He! He! Baka masabunutan mo ako dito. Choz!! For me, he is cute and sexy and yummy!! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

And she is willing to give it “all” in the name of acting. “Like kissing? Yes!  Kailangan! We did some of my leading man in Mujer na kahit wala sa script eh nag- smack siya sa akin pero walang reklamo kasi part na sa job namin ang ganoon. Diyan makikita ang pagka- actress or actor mo.”

To date, according to Tintin, she has never snubbed a fan, although he steers clear of people who have topak (tantrums). In fact, she has her own fast growing fans club whose members give her letters, flowers and stuff toys. “I’ll put it beside n my bed then tinatago ko yung mga perfumes at yung mga package na padala nila. Eh kasi tatanungin nila saan ako nakatira. Para sa akin I didn’t treat them as fans only but I treat them as my friends. I give time to talk with them kahit ilang minuto lang para kahit sa ganoon man lang eh makapagpasalamat ako sa kanila. Kaya valuable yung mga bigay nila sa akin. Ang mga letters tinatago ko lahat at dadalhin ko yun hanggang sa pagtanda ko na minsan sa buhay ko ay may mga humahanga din sa akin at iniidolo ako.”

I bet you didn’t know that Tintin is almost famous in the country. She is mobbed by fans wherever she goes. “I don’t know but I have noticed it lalo na sa mga places na may nag-papapicture sa akin at nag-papaautograph. Minsan nagtiyangge ako gaya ng ginagawa ko dati di ko naman alam na dudumugin nila ako at nagkapasa ako. Kinamayan ko sila, nag- shakehand hinila ako at sa liit ko namang ito nako po ay talagang nagkapasa ang kamay ko. But it’s ok natutuwa ako sa kanila.”

For years, Tintin has elicited laughter and admiration from fans, friends and even foes. She isn’t stopping just yet. “Simply lang po ang dream ko na mag-mark ang name ko sa mga tao na maalala nila ako bilang si Tintin na kakaiba at nakakatuwa.”

Tintin’s last visit to Bohol was in May 2010 and she missed her family and siblings. “Ahermm  Namimiss ko rin ang daming kalandian ko sa Bohol at alam niyo yan guys kong sino kayo if lalabas na tong article na to! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Despite her success, Tintin remains a simple Boholana at heart. She may have already achieved milestones in her career, but she prefers to remain humble. She proves that when it comes to pursuing dreams or just fulfilling your passions, limits do not exist. The possibilities are endless for those who have the right attitude.”

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