Touching moments in Hong Kong and Macau

Wake-uppers:

Scene: During the pre-pageant activities, two Boholana beauties have done well in the 2014 Mutya ng Pilipinas.  Candidate # 20 Candy Cumayas is Miss Fishers Mall, while candidate #2 Dorina Loseñada Doerr (half German half Filipina) is Miss Photogenic. The grand coronation night on August 8 will have the theme, “Mutya ng Pilipinas, Where Beauty Begins…” The top 3 most coveted titles are Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Overseas Communities and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International. To vote for Candy and Dorina, visit www.mutyapilipinas.com/vote-your-mutya-ng-pilipinas.

Mrs. Aumentado

Seen: Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, wife of Bohol 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, was wearing a black Filipiniana accentuated with white fern and gumamela flower (the provincial flower of Bohol) created by fashion icon EJ Relampagos during the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Someone requested a solo pic with Mrs. Aumentado who looked gorgeous on the red carpet.

Scene: The memorable church wedding of Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs at St. Augustine Church in Panglao. “To our families of both sides thank you for knowing us deeply.. to our friends who came: thank you for witnessing and for sparing some time on our day..” said Chandrina.

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Pardon my ignorance (blush, blush, blush!) but I didn’t know that Hong Kong was the shopping capital of world and Macau was world’s gambling capital until last week my cousin Eva Aquino-Idon with her daughter Shiela Mae, my nephew Jerwin Jala and I came here for a vacy on such a hot summer weekdays arranged by IJEA Travel and Tours (31-A Airport Road, fronting DILG, Tagbilaran City, Tel No:   038-412-3885/09182610130).

During the four-day tour, we explored and loved Hong Kong’s and Macau’s vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle, it’s cultural fusion and diversity, as evident in everything from its shopping, dining, arts, history, entertainment, nightlife, festivals and events. 

Your VRS at the St. Paul Ruins, arguably Macau’s most famous landmark.

We used our first day in Hong Kong as a walking day. We roamed around the city’s Central watching the dramatic skyline with 1,251 skyscrapers and high-rises, the most in the world.

“HK has amazing skyscrapers!” exclaimed Shiela Mae.

On the second day, we visited the Avenue of Stars (modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which pays tribute to Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Maggie Cheung, John Woo, Wong Kar-wai and Hong Kong's rich cinematic tradition), Aberdeen Fishing Village, Mid-Level of Victoria Peak, Jewelry Shop and Chocolate Shop.

After the city tour, we went to Disneyland until fireworks displayed at 9 p.m. The smallest in the world, Disneyland Hong Kong has a legendary fairy tale kingdom which celebrates the spirit of fantasy and an amazing world of tomorrow with a forever-young sense of adventure.

Hong Kong offers travelers the opportunity to experience a vibrant living culture featuring a unique blend of East and West.

Shiela Mae and Jerwin did enjoy the seven theme parks (The Main Street of USA, Adventure land, Fantasy land, Tomorrow Land, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and the Mystic Point) in Disneyland. However, they confessed that they liked the It’s a Small World, a musical boat ride located in the Fantasyland which features over 300 brightly costumed audio-animatronic dolls in the style of children of the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity, and singing the attraction's title song, which has a theme of global peace.

“Look, there’s a tarsier!” said Jerwin while we’re approaching Asia. The Philippines spot has two dolls wearing Filipiniana inside a bahay kubo, tarsier and chocolate hills.

Inside Venetian Hotel

People go shopping in Hong Kong, by day or night. They have many night markets (Mong Kok, Stanley and Temple Street) where you can bargain certain products at the lowest price. Your shopping in Hong Kong would not be complete if you would not try their street foods.

After visiting Temple Street, my VRS (noted for dishing out, ehem, hard to guess blind items) were sending some “goodies” straight from Bohol:

1) This “center of the class (COC)” likes to grab the responsibilities from his co-COC. Flashing a Garfield smile, this COC is close to the controversial head of all COC. This psychopant Garfield has been known for his character of humiliating their heavenly leader and creating faction within the community. “Careful, this Garfield is cunning,” warned VRS.

2) This businessman envisioned to earn millions outside the south pearl. He became successful only to find out his girlfriend spent all his cash and pawned his jewelries. “He is back in Bohol,” VRS said, “empty-handed. No money. No girlfriend.”

3) “Since you’re there in Hong Kong maybe you’ll bump into this son of a wealthy family who is doing a miracle while far away from home,” texted VRS. “Last month, he was spotted at Kow Loon in HK holding hands with a young gentleman while giggling and whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears.” Confirmed!

I just smiled...

On the third day, we went to Macau, Asia’s Sin City. It is just an hour by ferry (TurboJet) from Hong Kong.

Tourism is a major industry in Macau. It is famous for the blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures and its gambling industry and entertainment.  

Most come to Macau for the casinos, but it has a wealth of activity to offer for those who want to enjoy a non-gaming environment, such as a UNESCO world heritage site, museums, historic buildings and areas.

Macau is a small place just like Panglao Island but it has striking architecture and ambitious new developments.

The best part for visitors is that the city is compact, making the best of Macau simple to explore. We visited the Kuan Iam statue considered as one of Macau’s finest Buddhist temples, and the Ama Temple, a destination offering silence and spectacular views, has a classical Chinese architectural treasures.

We also visited the Macau Tower, a new tourist spot with cinema, cafes and restaurants, shopping mall, 360° Cafe, 180° Lounge, conference centre, theatre and exhibition hall and a local cake shop for some delicious treat found only in Macau.

Of course, we went to St. Paul Ruins (also known as Sam Ba Sing Tzik), the most famous sight in Macau. The front façade and the grand stone stairs are the only remains of the greatest church in Macau. It is said the original church was probably designed by an Italian Jesuit in the early 17th century. It reflects great Catholic history of this former Portuguese colony.

Our guide Ken laughed when I told him about lutong Macau in Philippines. "Lutong Macau" is coined from the way the Chinese (Macau) prepared their food in advance.  When Pinoy says "lutong Macau," it means that there is something wrong or unscrupulous with the transaction from the beginning. It also means the transaction was "fixed" already before it was started to give way to a "favored" party just like in beauty pageants or singing contests.

Harbor in Hong Kong

The remaining hours in Macau were spent at the Venetian Hotel to experience a lavish full-service haven featuring sophisticated accommodations and numerous dining establishments and entertainment facilities.  The Venetian Macau has fake perfect skies.

Eva and Shiela Mae insisted that we should have an authentic gondola ride down the canals of the Shoppes at the Venetian.

Our gondolier was a Filipino who is working in Macau for four years. He was singing Italian opera melodies during our ride. He engaged us in a breezy, free-wheeling and delightful conversation, calling us by names and making us feel we’re in the Philippines.

“You will love my next song,” he said.

Surprisingly, he was singing “Usahay” ala Luciano Pavarotti. Before he was able to finish the song, people were clapping and saying bravo! He captured the attention and affection of the tourists with his heart-rending rendition of the Visayan love song.

We took home a souvenir photograph to remember our wonderful experience.

How can you not love Hong Kong and Macau? I asked my co-turistas.

“What a beautiful experience!” gushed Eva.

Night market in Hong Kong

Said Shiela Mae: “I want to come back!”

Jerwin commented, “I love Disneyland!”

It’s only a quick three hour flight away to see you again Hong Kong and Macau!

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

Queenie Fullante: ‘My personality makes me a winner!’

Miss Dauis Queenie Melody Fullante has won the title of Miss Bohol: The Quintessential Boholana 2014, in a glittering ceremony on Saturday night.

Queenie, 21 (Pisces, March 10, 1993), beat out 17 other fellow beauty queens to claim the title. She received P50,000 cash prize, trophy, sash, bouquet of flowers and other special prizes.

Her night started to take a turn for the fabulously possible when she was named one of Top 5 shortly after the show got underway.

Queenie (center) and her court

Other runner-ups, judged on interviews, evening gowns and swimsuits were: Mary Rose Butalid of Panglao as first runner-up; Geraldine Topsnik of Tagbilaran City as second runner-up; Jaya Lozano from Tubigon as third runner-up and Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas of Barbra Pearls Cosmetics as fourth runner-up.

Many people compared Queenie as Venus Raj deadringer. She even had encounters with people who mistake her for Venus but she is not riding on the wave of being Venus Raj’s look-alike during the pageant.

“I think to have Venus Raj’s aura is just a factor for me to be noticed onstage,” said Queenie. “What I consider my edge for winning the crown is my commitment to serve Bohol with all my heart, which was exuded by the sincerity I have shown while performing on stage.”

Before winning the title, Queenie was first runner-up in Miss Dauis 2011, Ms. UB-College of Business and Accountancy 2012 and Ms. UB Personality 2012.

Queenie is a half-Bengali half-Filipina who works as an NGO worker that provides shelter to disaster hit areas.  She grew up under the care of her aunt while her mother is working in Manila. She finished Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at University of Bohol. She hopes to be a merchant to be able to travel and meet people from all walks of life.

She describes herself as just an average person but for the next 365 days, she’ll be anything but as she is now Miss Bohol: The Quintessential Boholana 2014.

Queenie Melody Fullante on winning the crown: ‘It defines the purity of my intention for what is in the crown.’

Let’s go straight to the crucial Q&A.

When did you realize that you are Miss Bohol? During the coronation night or the morning after? It was such a pleasure to be crowned Miss Bohol on July 19, 2014. Such was, if I may say a public recognition of the many beautiful gifts and talents God has given me. Thus, this crown is a symbol of the God-given beauty and talents that I have and at the same time of the responsibilities to take good care, uphold and use all these to inspire all the Boholanos to appreciate what they have received from God and use them well.

What are your winning traits? My personality makes me a winner. Basing from the feedbacks I garnered from Miss Bohol pageant, I exude a strong personality. It sums up my physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristic as an individual. My being comfortable with my skin, with my skills and with everything that I have, is reflected in my personality and that’s what makes me come out and be of service to my community with enough confidence.

Do you have secrets sustaining your poise, your grace under pressure, especially during the crucial points in any contest? I’ll take Miss Anna Maris Igpit’s words that practice makes permanent. Indeed, it’s true enough. In the early part of our Miss Bohol journey, I don’t have that poise. I don’t know how to handle pressure with such grace. But with my team’s help, I was able to achieve that poise and grace under pressure through constant practice until such time that my system got used to it. Aside from practice, is focus. Don’t compare your performance with the other candidates, focus on yourself. Focus on the points that you need to improve and work on it one at a time. Above all, pray, pray, and pray. Praying is my greatest secret and the most effective among others.

What is your best asset and why? My best asset is my winning trait. It’s my personality. I am not the prettiest nor the smartest in our batch but I have a well-honed personality. It defines the purity of my intention for what is in the crown. It reflects the commitment I have to the advocacies of Miss Bohol. And it’s what makes me who I really am.

Would you rather be smart but not too beautiful, or beautiful but not too smart? God has given me everything. We are all equipped by God, it’s just a matter of how we use it. Therefore, life is not a matter of choosing whether one has to be beautiful or smart but instead it is how one appreciates these gifts and use them well to make life even more beautiful.

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life?  College is a crucial stage for students because it is here where we are starting our journey to the real world. And a lot of my big decisions were made during my college years. The biggest is taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy when in reality I just want to take up Tourism or Psychology. I took up Accountancy because I was thinking of the job opportunities that await. And because it’s not really my passion, I had a struggle during my college years. Nevertheless, I have no regrets for taking up BSA. I believe it was my fate to take that path, because it is the place where I really developed holistically. I was intellectually challenged, I met my true friends (the Eksangels), and I have unwrapped my skills and unleashed my potentials.

How relevant are beauty contests today? Beauty contests reveal what constitutes true beauty. It is one of the avenues for women to share their thoughts and open up their stand on matters in the society, where they can be heard and their opinions could be considered. It is where we can foray our advocacies for the enrichment of our society.

Do you think that women today are on equal footing with men? Woman was created from a man’s ribs. Not from his head to be above him or from his foot to be stepped upon, but from his side to complement each other. Men and women from the very beginning has always been equal and will always be.

What is your stand on PDAF scam? The people are already annoyed and so stressed of the many enumerable issues on corruption of government officials at all levels, national and local. Very disgusting, discouraging, exhausting and etc. but, there is always hope and a future so bright that awaits us. Recovery of our dying moral values is what we need to focus now. This may be difficult for those who have been in the system for quite a long time but so much hope is given to the younger generations.

Who’s your role model?  Tyra Lynne Banks. I look up to her not just because we have the same skin complexion but because I admire her ideals. Along her way to stardom she met rejection and discrimination. However, she conquered her dreams and became a pioneer in her undertakings. Most of all, she is active in social and charitable causes. She has a foundation aimed at developing teenage girl’s independence and self-esteem. For me, she shows not what a role model is but HOW a role model should be.

Any other woman whom you admire? St. Theresa of Calcutta. I admire how she used her fragile self to alleviate the sufferings of many. She inspires me to use my title in giving my selfless service without reservations to my fellow Boholanoswho are in dire need of care.

Queenie Melody Fullante describes herself as just an average person but for the next 365 days, she’ll be anything but as she is now Miss Bohol: The Quintessential Boholana 2014.

 

 

 

Do you have a boyfriend? Not applicable. I never had one since birth. (Laughs)

What qualities do you want in a man? These seven (7) qualities that I found in the net capsulizes my ideal man.  (1)The Romantic Guy. He believes in classic romance. He is constantly bringing me flowers and chocolate and lighting candles during dinner. He calls me often to let me know he is thinking about me and looks into my eyes and tells me how he feels; (2) The Confident Guy. He is totally secure and sure of himself. He is assertive in public and gives off an aura of power and control (within reason of course, as the "cocky guy" is not on this list). In a relationship, he doesn't get jealous of other men; he doesn't feel threatened by my male friends or coworkers; (3) The Artistic Guy. The artistic guy is spontaneous and lives for the moment. Often, he will use his creativity to woo me, such as with a song he has written about me or a painting he has made for me; (4) The Foreign Guy. Note that you don't have to actually be foreign to fit into this category. If you are well-traveled or speak many languages, you might be able to pull off the charm as well as any sweet-talking foreigner. He might have a cute accent or a unique way of seeing the world. His social customs and everyday behavior can be a little quirky, but he always manages to come off as uniquely charming; (5) The Free Spirit Guy (aka the Bad Boy). The free spirit guy goes where the wind takes him — and the wind usually takes him on some kind of wacky adventure. He might ride a motorcycle, or he might skip work to take me on a last-minute road trip, but this guy doesn't worry too much about the consequences; he just sees where his own devices take him; (6) The Intelligent/Witty Guy. He instigates conversations that are intellectually stimulating and listens to what I have to say in response. He makes me laugh with his clever sense of humor and has an uncanny ability to make politics interesting. He can shoot the breeze with me for hours and it will never get boring; and (7) The Considerate Guy. He holds open my car door and pulls out my chair. He foots the bill for dinner and makes sure to offer me dessert. He always asks me out with reasonable notice and picks me up at my door. He is generally sensitive to how I am feeling and when I am ready to go home.

What advocacy experience do you have? Maybe you have an important message to share ... and Miss Bohol would be the venue or forum to start your advocacies. One of my advocacies is strengthening the Boholano Christian Values in the context of family. And as a member of the Diocesan Community of Evangelizers, I have been very active in the formation of Christian values in our parish. The identity of a Boholano is always anchored in the family. It is therefore but necessary to strengthen the Boholano culture and family values should we want Bohol to become even more beautiful and livable. 

How would you lure tourists to Bohol after the killer quake? The killer quake had shaken our land and had fallen some of our beautiful structures, but did not in any way destroy our people. Bohol can always attract tourists with the kind of people it has. We never failed to treat our visitors with due hospitality. Despite the different instances that we are in, we are still able to smile and make others feel comfortable in their stay in Bohol. It is here where tourists can find comfort and fun, especially now that we are rising from last year’s devastation and is becoming an even better Bohol.

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex? Pleasure is always coupled with responsibility. Sex for the mere experience of it or for pleasure is a big NO. It must always be within the context of marriage. Only in marriage is the fullness of sex experienced.

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be? I am very much comfortable with myself that I don’t have to think of any qualities that I have that needed to be changed. In fact, I have been crowned Miss Bohol for what I am and what I have. Everything in me is a blessing and my challenge is to use these blessings to inspire others and embrace themselves.

What is your favorite quote? “Do your best and God will do the rest”. This has been my mantra in all my endeavors and it really works. By saying this, I am enlightened and empowered to give out my best no matter what the result maybe because I am confident that God is always there to back me up.

Describe yourself in three (3) words: Quintessential. Magnanimous. Fabulous.

What is the essence of Miss Bohol? Miss Bohol is a prestigious pageant where we, young women are able to express our opinions on matters not just concerning ourselves but the society as a whole. It is an avenue for us to showcase our God-given Boholana beauties and skills. It enables us to influence positively the community through the ideals that we show off. And it molds our personalities helping us to become better individuals.

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