New year, new goals

2021 is just three days old.  We bid goodbye to 2020 - a year when many of us have suffered setbacks in different areas of our lives- and we carry the learnings of an unprecedented year to New Year 2021.  

 

VRS asked some Boholanos what are their goals and wishes to feel great in 2021. 

 

Ralph Barajan- To be a better father, husband and competent public servant.

 

Many are eager to leave 2020 behind with all its ups and downs and we carry the learnings of an unprecedented year to New Year 2021. 

Chris John Torralba, Ph.D.- 2021 goals: 1. learn how to drive, 2. spend less time online, 3. drink more water, 4. reconnect with old friends and 5. spend more quality time with my family.

 

Atty. David Maulas- For 2021, I will strive to balance time for family and time for work. One thing I have realized in 2020 is the supposedly obvious fact that no amount of money can buy time. And time is best spent with family.

 

Usec. Pat Ruiz- My goals are: reduce poverty  and empowered Filipinos; healthy society and economy and for myself living well. 

 

Lourdes Brunidor-  First and foremost to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the family to combat covid...to be more prayerful and grateful for all the blessings especially for the gifts of life, family and work.

 

Atty. Ted Lagang- Continue being an inspiration for others so as to create optimism in the midst of the pandemic. Have a cheerful and safe new year everyone!!!

 

Marianito Luspo- To survive with grace intact.

 

Benjie Oliva- I have two goals for 2021:

1.) Finish my PhD in Community Development and 2.) Start my Construction and Trading Business. 

 

Scarlet Geulen-Boiser- I hope that this pandemic would be over. Personally, I hope to start and succeed in my intermittent fasting diet program so that I can diminish huge pounds for a healthier Scarlet! And I wish success on our foodie online business as well. I just beg God that He would  keep  my loved ones healthy and sound this year and in the years to come. 

 

Adonis Damalerio- Good health for me and my family. And, a second child if matagaan pa kaha :) 

 

Joy Bonita Sevilla- 2021 is a year full of hope and promise. I look forward to a much better year just like everyone else. The uncertainties and hardship of the past year has taught us invaluable lessons on how to survive in the midst of a pandemic. But with faith in God and a relentless determination to overcome life's challenges, I can only wish the best for everyone. May this year bring out our indomitable spirit of resiliency. I hope we all can find peace, serenity and contentment and be able to live as normally as we can with COVID. Cheers!

 

Ariel Fullido-  This year 2021, I would like to rise up from the ashes just like Phoenix, get up, stand up, and fix everything what's  been left off in 2020; and in God's perfect timing, this yeat let's get back to business......this year let's get back to business! 

 

Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine- I stopped eating pork, beef, and non-organic chicken in 2017. My transition from the previous diet to a vegan diet last April 30, 2020, was easy as I only had to remove organic chicken and fish from my daily meals. Two months after adopting the new diet, I shed off 5kilos, my blood pressure normalized, and I have no more asthma attacks. My only concern during the first few weeks of my vegan diet was the source of fruits and vegetables since I reside 54km from the city. My solution is to eat only whole foods, which means no processed vegan products, and buy supplies from the local producers. At least I can minimize damage to the environment by eliminating the transportation of food from abroad and help the Philippine economy by buying local products. So my goal this year is to maintain my vegan diet because it is healthy for me, good for the environment, and supports the local economy.

 

Edik Dolotina- This is more of a wish than goal. A wish for a virus-free 2021 where people can move freely and greet each other with a hug or a kiss, or meet and greet in public without restrictions, and go home to families whenever they want to.

 

Fr. Roel Lungay- I hope it’ll be a brighter 2021 health-wise. 

Along with the new year come new beginnings, a new hope and for others a fresh start as the new year will not wash away every challenge, especially when it comes to the pandemic.

 

Christian James Memije-  This 2021, I want to achieve my dreams. I’d like to have a sound mind and body. I’m building my physique this year so that I will be able to do more works and be productive without getting fatigue. I want to explore more and improve my talents especially in singing, acting, and modeling. I also want to be part of a movie that’s why I’m preparing myself so that when that time comes, I’ll be ready. 2020 was a year of rest and meditation for me and I think 2021 is a good year to rekindle my passion and for self development.

 

Walter and Leslie Ramirez- No New Year's resolution for us, just a brighter hope for another year from the Creator of Great things. 

 

Jerome Magallen, Ph. D. - Last year was a real struggle. Like the most, I also became anxious on many things especially in financial matters. Honestly, one of the goals that I set is to look for solutions. One way is to set an emergency fund, control our expenses and eliminate unhealthy spending habits. Other goals for this year include strengthening of self-care and also career advancement and growth.

 

Fatima Mapesos- Vision is everything to dream enormously big. Being persistent in anything I do makes all the difference. Setting my goal in every day life gives me meaning in life. I stop playing small for true success is all about working towards meaningful goals and dreams. I never loose sight of my dream because that's where I aspire where I'm headed for. I'm focused. It's never too late to redirect and adjust my sail just to reach my desired destination. 

 

Jonathan Ocat- My goal this 2021 is to make something with my career to be able to survive this pandemic (COVID-19 crisis). I am hoping that our bridal shop "Sean'iah Boutique" would grow and cater to more clients this year 2021. Of course, I am praying for the fast recovery of my mother who suffered a mild stroke. I am hoping everything will be okey in God's perfect time.  

 

Ramon Caresiosa- A brighter and safer year ahead of us despite the health problem(Covid virus) that we're experiencing today that can be considered a havoc in our life. May God strenghten our Faith and protect us from harm and damnation.

 

Shandy Mission-   I have to make small changes in my daily routine to encourage self-care and promote better health. I consider health and wellness as my priority this year. I have also to master my craft, as hair and make up artist, to gain more clients. I am hoping this year will  be a glorious year for me, my work and most especially my beloved family. 

 

Roger Ryan Magtagad- This 2021, I am taking it all in, all the challenges, lessons and blessings. Right now, I am still making my way to my passion and goal. I've had numerous ups and downs due to the pandemic. It was a rollercoaster and it was very hard but I felt fulfilled. I have to deprogram my perception and points of view of how I should think, behave and feel to be accepted. I have learned so much about myself, met new family and friends, and I have found my purpose. I will give my best and all for my The Art Noveau Models because this serves as my hope, inspiration, strength, happiness and my all.

 

 

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

 

2020 was unpredictable

While 2020 may go down in history as a year that many people would prefer to forget, VRS takes time to weigh in on the top moments worth remembering. Contributed Photos

As the New Year approaches, it seems like many people would prefer to forget 2020. 

 

Take a look back at the key moments of 2020 as they were reported by your trusted VRS.

 

The province of Bohol closed its borders on March 16, 2020 as part of its "preventive measure" against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Governor Arthur Yap said that since health is a primary public concern, it is within his mandate to protect the people.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is confusing and frightening millions of people as it refused to die down.

 

It has redefined social graces--- no beso-beso, hugs and kisses, and shaking hands. People are reminded to observe "social distancing" --- that is three feet away or farther from each other.

 

The virus has also affected social life. Birthday parties, weddings, concerts, graduations and the like have either been postponed or cancelled.

 

We were advised for home quarantine to protect the whole community. 

 

Tourism affected

With business disrupted and provinces on lockdown to contain the pandemic, the economy slumbers. 

 

Most projects are at a standstill. Beauty pageants and events have been cancelled and postponed.

 

So sad the virus has all but completely shut down their industry.

 

Doing hair and makeup professionally involves face-to-face, one-on-one contact — the very thing that the entire world has been told to avoid to stop the spread of the virus. 

 

For the freelance make-up and hairstylists  their jobs are their primary source of income, they are left to find creative ways to survive financially and emotionally. 

 

But the pandemic didn't stop them to makeup lost time and to render community volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

They have volunteered to paint social distancing markers around Tagbilaran City. They also helped to check the home quarantine pass and monitor social distancing in both public and private establishments. 

 

"This quarantine I would say is life changing. It had swayed me how many times, made me blank for awhile and made my life uncertain at some point. I belong to the events industry that is greatly affected by this pandemic. No events means no job and no job means no money and no food to eat, " shared Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad of The Art Noveau who volunteered to assist frontliners at malls and public markets. 

 

Resort owners, especially on Panglao Island, Bohol’s tourism jewel, were bracing for tough times ahead especially that they were relying on local tourists to boost sales during summer months following the drop of foreign arrivals due to COVID-19.

 

Despite the coronavirus threat, Bohol has reopened its door to tourists in a bid to revive the ailing economy.

 

 

ECQ aid

The lockdown has left the most vulnerable communities struggling for food – the local government units and community-led volunteers are leading efforts to help.

 

The city government of Tagbilaran  distributed a sack of rice per household in a bid to keep residents at home during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period due the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II said all 27,000 households in the city’s 15 villages would receive one sack of rice.

 

The provincial capital of Bohol has 100,000 residents.

 

The provincial government has allocated P150-million for the staple food subsidy program for the distribution of 8 kilos of premium rice subsidy for every household to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.

 

Last November, some displaced tourism workers in Loboc town opted not to claim their rice assistance from the provincial government after they found out that these smelled moldy and infested with “bukbok."

 

The National Food Authority (NFA) –Bohol also clarified that the rice distributed was free of any weevils as NFA follows international standards in good warehouse-keeping. 

 

Online learning

Six-year-old Arvin Jay Curangcurang, a Grade 2 student in Alicia town, who climbs a small tree house to attend his online classes becomes the face of how teachers and students suffered deep in online learning

 

Determined to support his education, the family built a "tree house" in an elevated area where the signal is strong enough for his online schooling after physical meetings have been cancelled to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.  However, the entire sessions have been bogged down by interconnectivity issues.

 

Broadband access has been a problem in Bohol province long before the pandemic, with limited competition, high prices, slow speeds, and a simple lack of coverage especially in remote areas. 

 

In Alburquerque town, youth leaders and volunteers at Barangay Bahi, do not mind pushing a cart loaded with school and hygiene materials for more than a kilometer as long as they reach children who want to continue learning despite challenges posed by the health crisis. 

 

The tech gap isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. 

 

Gardening boom

The coronavirus pandemic has set off a global gardening boom as an antidote, extending the promise of contact with something real. 

 

Some of my friends who are  avid plant collectors even during the pre-pandemic period say they've noticed the huge price difference of the plants between now and before the March lockdown.

 

Elvie Bongosia has thrice visited the exhibit  to buy some succulents to add to her collections. As a means to destress, she started caring for succulents and cacti, until she eventually tended to variations ornamental plants.

 

Elvie, who has been dubbed a certified "plantita" - a portmanteau of plant and the Filipino word for aunt (tita) -- because of her love for plants, has amassed more than 200 potted plants in her home and has transformed her abode into a fresh green spot. 

 

Other plant enthusiasts, Merlyn Diez-Bantugan and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, have said plants give them joy that money can't buy. 

 

 

New discoveries

Christian Gio Bangalao, Jestoni Alagon, Fel Vincent Vargas and Geo Rodell Nacorda accidentally found the megalodon fossilized tooth while hiking in a mountainous barangay in Maribojoc, the second Megalodon specimen found in the town.

 

The tooth fossil, that measures 7.6 centimeters x 6.5 cm, in Barangay Jandig, was donated to the National Museum last May 28.

 

Most fossils of the megalodon were determined to date back to the middle Miocene epoch to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 15.9 million to 2.6 million years ago.

 

This year we discovered new tourist attractions: Rolling Hills and Fascination Farm-Home of Dragon fruits in Ubay town and  Pulang Yuta ni Lolo Agaton in Barangay Sohoton in Calape town. 

 

The food and restaurant business has been one of the worst-hit by the pandemic. But the pandemic has spawned several food trends in the province. Among these is baked sushi—deconstructed sushi rolls baked in a casserole. Izzybites becomes a household name with many flavors. 

 

Many food entrepreneurs brought their business online amid the lockdown.

 

 

Bohol's Pride 

Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx brought honor and pride to Bohol. She was crowned 3rd runner-up in the Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2020.  She was also named Ambassador for Tourism by the  MUP organization. 

 

Amelinckx was crowned Miss Bohol 2017.

 

Vanessa Sarno, 17, reaped three gold medals in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Online Youth World Cup last November hosted  by Lima, Peru.

 

The pandemic also saw the birth of "The Doctor Is In" by Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan. His program in social media gives information about health and how COVID-19 affects health and economy. 

 

Spread Kindness

Vinegar opened opportunities for Gerwin Yudelmo, a former call center agent in Cebu City, who lost his job in Cebu City due to the pandemic and quarantined for almost a month.  It’s hard, Yudelmo conceded, but he tried to remain calm and positive. 

 

Yudelmo, 30, said his dip--Sawsaw Bojol Sukang Binaryo-- is now a well-loved blended spiced coconut sap vinegar. 

 

While he was struggling for himself, he and his friends founded the "#ProjectHope" with other volunteers to help fellow locally stranded individuals or LSIs in Cebu.  They have distributed cash, relief packs, canned goods and even a wheelchair.

 

He said most of them did not have food, water, and place to stay since they had lost their jobs after the enhanced community quarantine was implemented.

 

"I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring," Yudelmo said.

 

Yudelmo went home to Inabanga to rest and take new adventure in life. While at the quarantine facility, he  thought of starting a business.  His new business also helps other farmers who are also affected by the pandemic. 

 

"We rise by lifting each other," said Yudelmo. 

 

The pandemic also questions our faith. It’s easy to lose faith when pain is plaguing our mind, body, and soul. But no matter how hard the situation is, no matter how unsure the world is, we can count on finding some strength in G-d’s word.

 

Taking risks to deliver the news

Last March 16, your VRS (the lone mediaman) witnessed when Police Colonel Jonathan Cabal, then provincial director of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, implemented the lockdown. 

 

At times like this, media is crucial in bringing life-saving information.

 

Like the other frontliners (medical workers, policemen, security guards, barangay officials, et al), members of the Bohol media also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

 

Their task is to deliver the stories, especially updates on the raging virus, right into your home. 

 

In telling the stories of frontline workers and keeping government officials’ feet held to the fire, they’ve become frontline workers themselves.

 

Among them are Rey Tutas of dyRD and Dave Charles Responte of dyTR. They do it the normal way, still very visible in the field gathering facts for news. They also use their own social media accounts for real-time news updates. 

 

Othern frontliners are dyRD's Jun Gutierrez, Allen Doydora and Willie Maestrado and dyTR's Joshua Fullido, Ern Pahayahay and Lordina Vergara. 

 

Bob Galero is regularly anchoring his programs at both stations. Veteran journalist Ric Obedencio is busy doing the round in Bohol for big news breaks. So does Helen Castano. 

 

The senior anchors have been enjoined to stay home most of the time. They opted to do remote broadcasting on selected dates (including dyRD's veteran broadcasters Chito Visarra and Fred Araneta and dyTR's veteran broadcastersTed Ayeng, Pedi Bolanio and Ardy Araneta). 

 

As frontliners, they carry on and do the work they think Boholano people deserve.

 

Personal

On a personal note, I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Association of Writers and Radio Announcers Philippines Inc. (AWRAPI) for recognizing VRS with the Writer of the Year (Feature) Award. I am truly humbled and honored to receive it.

 

Thank you also to Globe Media Excellence Awards 2020. It's already an honor to be a finalist in three categories. Baruch HaShem!

 

I want to sincerely thank all our readers and followers who have supported, inspired and shared with us.  You are the reason for our optimism and belief that 2021 will bring only positive news. VRS wishes you to enter it prepared, healthier and happier. 

 

2020 was unpredictable, to say the least. 

 

May G-d illuminate your life and the lives of all those around you forever and may He bless you with good health and material and spiritual abundance!

 

 

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

Revving up 2016

No doubt you’re still recovering from the New Year’s Eve revelry, and the only thing you want to do right now is to get a chance for a fresh start.

And what better way to start 2016 than by making a list of New Year’s resolutions.

I asked my fave Boholanos how they plan on revving up their lives in 2016 whether it’s by pursuing their dreams or cultivating their passions. In short, how they will own 2016!

Fireworks light up the sky over Tagbilaran City during the New Year 

as Bohol greeted 2016 with champagne and cheers. Leo Udtohan/BC

Some of our Boholano “who’s who” asked simply ignored the question. Here are those who did not:

Leah Tirol-Magno— I look forward to 2016 spending more time with the Lord God, to myself and to my family. I also look forward to further enhance my baking skills and create more beautiful cakes.

Anna Maris Igpit —  2016 will be a new chapter for me as I build myself to become a wife and start my own family. I have finally found my bestfriend and soulmate who I will share this dream with and I am looking forward to what our future will bring us.

Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin —  Embracing 2016 means not making promises you can't keep. It means living life in moderation, getting rid of or dealing with "vexations" creatively by pursuing passion like dancing... More than ever, spending quality time with my family.

Charina Aumentado-Jones —  I will make 2016 cultivate my dreams to pursue my passion...and for  world peace.

Tessie,Labunog-Sumampong — My “Cuisina ni Tisay,” as the best Boholano restaurant, was a dream come true. This year, we’ll continue to serve the Boholano cuisine and hospitality. It’s really my passion to serve people while pursuing my dreams. Entering politics is one way of serving other people because I believe that a heart with a true service is a heart that truly cares.

Vilma “Ate V” Yorong —  My officemates and I will give importance on the JobStart Philippines project implementation. Good health and more blessings!

TinTin Bueno Ng —  How will I own 2016? I'm planning to take a focus on the enhancement in my acting skills so that I can pursue my one of my dreams in life which is to be a great actress someday. It may be impossible, but all I have to do is to pray and do my best and God will do the rest. We all know that, "For with Him, God, nothing shall be impossible."

Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace—  A little hence of both.

A good beginning makes a good end... or so for our Boholano friends who want to rev up 2016. 

Contributed Photos

Ferome Almine — Taking care of my health specially my voice and giving time to the people of Mansasa (in Tagbilaran City) as public servant. As a host, I want to take care of my health by not exhausting myself to work. That’s taking ease of everything.

EJ Relampagos —  More healthy lifestyle. Good food and good exercise! Less travel and more time with family!

Bon Ryan Bongato—  2016 is a new opportunity for a more compassionate year. Since 2015 was a wake-up call to us Filipino, a gear towards this new year of spreading humanity through advocacy and setting the right example, no matter the status we have, not the beauty outside but the inside and fulfillment of making the new generation secured knowing someone cares for them. It will be, for me, the year to extend to others in making them aware that the past heroic deeds did not die with them, but has transcended to a more pure form and bravery is facing the consequences and criticism that attacks us emotionally and the fuel of our being, it is what I desired and is my true calling.

Sam Pingkian —  Wanna make a lot of changes this year. More time with my family specially my daughter. Be better in terms of work. Good health, will exercise more and eat less. And to be financially stable... And hopefully magka- lovelife! Cheers to awesome 2016!

Jammy Ungab —  This 2016, I just really want to travel more and try to live a plastic free life as much as possible. My strong environmental concern has made me decide to do beach clean up more this year and hopefully able to spread awareness about plastics and why we should not throw them anywhere. I'm also going to expand my small business (crossing fingers) so I can help more organizations that protect our ocean and the marine wildlife.

Engr. April Lupot —  I stopped doing so long before. But my 2016 will be a year for a more prosperous year for my career. Perhaps making myself better in my field and taking bigger risks to see how far I can go.

Ryan Sines — I have a simple New Year’s resolution that is do my best as a stylist. I also wish for a good health for me and for my family. More clients. Brides and beauty queens to work with soon. I wish to become an inspiration to other gay stylists to be their best.

 2016 is a year of new opportunities. A leap year, too. Let's make it a good one. Happy New Year!

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