Gerwin finds meaningful life in 'Sawsaw'

Gerwin Yudelmo: 'Don't despair---things will improve.'

A meal is not complete without a delicious dip.  

That is what Gerwin Yudelmo, a former call center agent in Cebu City, thought to venture while he quarantined for more than a month.

The dip--Sawsaw Bojol Sukang Binaryo-- is now a well-loved blended spiced coconut sap vinegar. 

Gerwin, 30, said his dip is simple. The vinegar dipping sauce is made from a vinegar of organic coconut fragmented sap also known as “tuba” blended with garlic, ginger, chilli and other spices.

He said once the ingredients have been selected and chopped,  the next step is to mix them all together with vinegar. 

"Combine ingredients vigorously. It will be stored or fermented for two months," he said. 

But behind the delicious sauce is the  life story of Gerwin who lost his job in Cebu City due to the pandemic. 

He also founded the #ProjectHope with other volunteers to help fellow locally stranded individuals or LSIs in Cebu City .

He went home to Inabanga to rest and take new adventure in life.

"Sawsaw Bojol Sukang Binaryo" (Spiced Vinegar) is a perfect dipping sauce for grilled, fried and dried meats. Photo: Leo Udtohan

"At the quarantine facility, I thought of starting a business. But the big question is what business should I do? While we were eating with my colleagues there, I thought that the sauce is a big thing to make the food delicious," said Gerwin. 

The municipal government provided food for locals stranded at the quarantine facility. 

"So to make our food more satisfying, we put some sauce on it. So, I suddenly thought that the sauce would be my business after the quarantine was over," he added. 

His new business also helps farmer Rodel Punay, a tuba gatherer, who is also affected by the pandemic. 

"I lost my income because no one is buying  my tuba. I thank Sir Gerwin who buys my vinegar. Now, I can buy food for my family," Rodel said. 

Gerwin's "Sawsaw" became a hit in Inabanga, some parts of Bohol and Cebu.

It is a perfect dipping sauce for grilled, fried and dried meats. 

"The Sawsaw has become part of our meals everyday. It's our new favorite with my barkada and my family," said Simon Lastimoso. 

He said "Sawsaw" is really different from spiced vinegar. 

"It has the right flavor, right 'spiciness' , right 'sourness' , right 'sweetness' . It's just right," said Lastimoso. 

Simon Lastimoso says "Sawsaw Bojol Sukang Binaryo" has the right flavor and blend. Photo: Leo Udtohan

And for every purchase of "Sawsaw,"  one peso will go to #ProjectHope to help LSIs in Cebu and other parts of the Philippines.

Although Gerwin takes a different road in life, far from his job, Gerwin enjoys what he is doing right now.

What lessons he learned from this pandemic? 

 "First, don't despair---things will improve. Someone will always help us. I have witnessed it not only for myself but to all the Boholanos who have been stranded in Cebu. Second, we need to save something from our salary because we do not know what tomorrow brings," advised Gerwin. 

We rise by lifting each other.

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Online schooling has a tech issue

Last month, some schools across the country have had to quickly shift to remote learning as they adapt to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

In Bohol,  six-year-old Arvin Jay Curangcurang climbs on a makeshift tree house on  top of a hill in Barangay Cabatang in Alicia town to attend online classes. 

Arvin is a Grade 2 pupil of Advance Christian Academy-Banawa Inc.

When I visited Arvin, I'd learned that before classes opened last August 18, his grandfather, Martin, built a “tree house” on Gmelina tree located on top of a hill because it is the only place in the area where cellular phone signal is strong.

The tree house is actually made up of wooden floor with no walls and tarpaulin as roof. It has a small table and small chair. 

His android phone is on a small table, leaning on the tree trunk, to keep it steady while Alvin listens to the teacher.

Arvin's aunt, Giecel Marie Curangcurang, said Barangay Cabatang is a dead spot along with the other neighboring barangays. 

"We really have no signal at all," she said. 

The tree house was inspected by Pastor Eleazar Banawa, the school administrator, to ensure Arvin's safety.

He said he told the family not to bring the boy to the treehouse if the weather was bad since the area was landslide prone and exposed to lightning and snakes. 

Banawa assured that the school would provide a module as well as  video and audio recordings if Arvin failed to attend the online class.

In order to access stable internet connection, 6-year-old Arvin Jay Curangcurang in Alicia town, Bohol has to go to a small tree house to attend his online classes. Photo: Leo Udtohan

But the main problem remained connectivity.

Even if Arvin was already in the area where cellular phone signal was supposedly strong, it was not consistent. The classes have been bogged down by interconnectivity issues.

Many students from low-income families like Arvin’s lack the basic technology they need to study online, including access to a laptop and a reliable broadband connection. 

Broadband access has been a problem long before the pandemic, with limited competition, high prices, slow speeds, and a simple lack of coverage affecting communities nationwide. 

The  Department of Education (DepEd) -Division of Bohol is also  struggling to keep education accessible to all in this pandemic. 

In its August 26 report to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, DepEd-Bohol said 61% of schools in Bohol have no internet connectivity in schools, while 39% have limited internet access (insufficient bandwidth given by providers). 

My friends-- Butch Bernas, Ph. D and Edison Gumapac of Manga High School in Tagbilaran City said they and other educators are scrambling to teach themselves software like Google Meet, Google Classroom, Zoom, Facebook Chat to create interactive content to help students at home stay engaged. 

To address the problem on lack of internet connectivity, DepEd was eyeing radio stations and local cable providers to air its learning programs to be able to reach more students.

But in the province's biggest public school in terms of population, their blended learning of choice is the delivery of printed copies to their 6,339 students.

But the parents don't have to pay for these modules, said Maurine Castaño, principal of  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) in Tagbilaran. 

“They will get the printed copies here and return these after use,” she said.

Pastor Eleazar Banawa, the school administrator, checks the place to ensure Arvin's safety. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Castaño explained that they could not go into online classes because most of their students come from low-income families.

She expects some adjustments since even teachers are learning from this new normal.

Arvin's touching story get inside our hearts that some have helped him in some ways. 

Thank you Ms Eden Descallar-Ceballos of Globe Telecom-Tagbilaran for the Globe At Home Prepaid Wifi for Avin! 

And thank you Ms Marissa Flores, senior vice president of GMA News for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8 for Arvin! 

Indeed, if there's a will, there's way. 

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Nasal washing is important

Siblings Drs. Doloreich Dumaluan (left) and Theodore Dumaluan on fighting against COVID-19. Photo: Allen Doydora/DYRD

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ignited interest in viral transmission and prevention owing to the extent of it and significan morbidity and mortality associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Nature Medicine said the cells in the eye and some other organs also contain the viral-entry proteins. The study also predicts how a key entry protein is regulated with other immune system genes and reveals potential targets for the development of treatments to reduce transmission.

The COVID-19 affects the lungs and airways. In the worst cases, the virus causes pneumonia that can ultimately lead to death. The virus is thought to be spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and appears to be easily transmitted within affected areas. 

Just like our teeth, our nasal needs cleaning.

Last Saturday's "The Doctor is In" (with Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan as the main resource person), the topic was about nasal washing. 

Sinus rinsing, using a saline solution of salt and water, can be beneficial for those with allergies and sinus and nasal diseases. 

It moisturizes the nose while flushing out allergens and mucus, says Theodore "Doyet" Dumaluan, M.D., an eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) surgeon. 

He said all infections of the body result from failure of innate immune system.

The primary defense against respiratory infection is in the nose in the way of mucus clearance. 

Dumaluan recommends spray washing (not nasal irrigation) "because it is very convenient and gentle, easy to apply on daily basis, adaptable to all ages and generally safe."

But with the rise of the novel coronavirus, nasal washing is recommended. 

Here' an article from Theodore Dumaluan, EENT about  Novel Nasal Wash for Airborne Particles: a home remedy solution I lifted from his Facebook page" Nasal Care": 

Nasal washing, in its practical sense, would mean sanitation. That is, lessening the number of contaminants lodged in the nasal cavity. Since it started as an ancient Hindu practice in preparation for meditation, a significant amount of liquid was used to pass into the nasal cavity to cleanse it.  Neti pot, a tea pot shaped vessel, was popularized in the early 70’s. It delivers saline solution into the nasal cavity by gravity; that is, positioning the tilted head below the pot while pressing the spout into the nostril. 

Since then, with the basic principles in place, nasal washing evolved with the use of squirt bottles and mist sprays (and even automated irrigation-aspiration device). 

A study was done to prove the efficacy of saline nasal lavage for long term use (1 year) with unfavorable outcome, showing lower incidence of infection AFTER discontinuing. 

The recommendation then was not to use saline nasal irrigation on a regular basis, only when there is infection. One possible reason for the risk of infection is the retention of fluids in the sinuses, when not properly drained, which favors pathogenic eruption as normal saline has no antiseptic potential.

Saline nasal (lavage)wash is basically good, but not for long term. We unknowingly inhale airborne particles (dust, pollen, virus, bacteria etc.) from the environment most of the time, on a daily basis, that would trigger allergic reactions to acute and chronic infection. These micro-particles are initially trapped in the mucus layer covering the nasal epithelium. Our innate immune system has limited capacity, depending on the load and virulence of the pathogen, among others.

How do we balance the issues of long-term wash, daily airborne-particle load, and pathogenic virulence which maybe carried?

In washing, what you cannot do with small volume, you can compensate with technique. Mist sprays cannot mechanically displace contaminated mucus but can deliver enough liquid coating to lessen viscosity and make it more displaceable. If we coat it with layers of saline, good mucus clearance is attained easing down particle load, without possibility of fluid retention in the sinuses that predisposes to infection.

Apparently, saline is not enough.  How do we address pathogenicity?

 Povidone-Iodine (PVI) is a very potent antiseptic, which is widely available and has been around for ages. It is the only antiseptic which increases biocidal potency, at contact time of 15 seconds, when diluted. Free Iodine, the active component, is released when 10% PVI is diluted, with the highest free Iodine at 0.1% dilution (4.88 ppm) where it is tasteless, odorless and colorless. 

At the same dilution, studies have shown that it is non-toxic to the ciliary lining of the nasal mucosal epithelium.  The free Iodine is involved in blocking viral attachment to cellular receptors and inhibits viral release and spread from infected cells. PVI is useful to prevent infection and limit spread of human and avian influenza viruses. 

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is generally recommended and safe (GRAS) oil for oral intake and local application. It has antiulcerogenic activity, thus a good mucosal conditioner, minimizing the mild irritating effect of hyperyonic saline. Its monolaurin compounds reduce viral infectivity of enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. Though local application may trigger irritation and mild allergic reaction, it is not common.

Delivering the saline wash thru pump mist spray minimizes fluid retention; VCO promotes nasal mucosal epithelium function, and together with the free iodine from PVI, biocidal activity is potentiated without ciliotoxicity. This Saline-Iodine-VCO (SIV) emulsion wash is a novel home remedy solution made with boiled/sterile water.

 

Thus, SIV emulsion is a safe nasal wash solution for daily hygiene, with minimal tolerable irritation, delivered with pump nasal spray bottle and can be applied 2-3x a day.

Homemade saline solution requires the following:

1. 4 cups of distilled or boiled (for at least 20minutes) water. Cooled later.

2. 1 tsp iodized salt

3. An airtight storage container with a lid, such as 350ml bottle 

To make saline solution (stock): 

 A. Wash hands thoroughly

 B. Sterilize container and mixing utensil using dishwasher or boiling them in water

 C. Pour 300-350 of the cooled sterile water into 350 ml sterilized bottle

 D. Add and mix 1 tsp of iodized salt into the bottle.

To make SIV emulsion wash with 30 ml saline in spray bottle:

A. Add 3-5 drops of 10% PVI (Betadine) then

B. Add 2 ml VCO

To apply, shake the spray bottle thoroughly to emulsify the oil before using.  Position spray tip 2-3mm in the nasal opening. Apply 3 rounds of 5 puffs per nostril, sniffing in every puff and blow out gently after every round. Wash nose 3x a day. Refill with stock saline when consumed then add PVI and VCO.

(See technique at  "Nasal Care" Facebook page)

https://www.facebook.com/107202160845042/videos/507688963266732/

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SK Bahi will definitely impress you

Youth leaders of Barangay Bahi in Alburquerque town in Bohol push their mobile classroom to teach schoolkids this pandemic. Photo: Leo Udtohan

How's your barangay’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) doing so far? Are they living up to your expectations of them? If not, they can probably learn a thing or two from the SK of Barangay Bahi in Alburquerque town. 

The SK officials of Barangay Bahi has successfully implemented "Project Tulak Karunungan - eSKwela Program Mobile Kariton Klasrum" last July 18 with some 100 grade school pupils as their beneficiaries.

Last week, your VRS had personally witnessed how SK Barangay Bahi chairman Kien Alphe Garsuta and his councilors and a volunteer pushed their cart filled with books, papers, and chairs while they roamed around in the village. 

Their destination was sitio Pantad at least 1.5 km from village proper on a mission to teach children whose studies has been interrupted by a pandemic through their "kariton klasrum" (cart classroom). 

As I accompanied them, I personally witnessed their dedication as well as their endurance. When they reached a hilly part of the road, they pushed the cart with all their might  or else the cart would push back against them.

"We created this mobile classroom so we can just go to them so would not leave the barangay. That's what we thought 'pushing wisdom,' we 'push wisdom' to the children," said Garsuta.

When the "mobile classroom" debuted last July 18, there were only 20 students. Now, they have already taught 100 schoolkids. 

Garsuta, 23, said his team noticed that children got bored at home during the quarantine with activities limited only to watching TV and using cellphone. 

"We want to continue what they have learned in their schools, " said Garsuta, who was also the municipal federated SK president. 

Garsuta’s team looked for a design. But it was their fellow SK Lourdes Ungab who designed the pushcart and transformed it into a makeshift, mobile classroom. 

The SK of Barangay Bahi in Alburquerque: Their routine includes pushing the mobile cart on some up and down slopes that they pass along the way. Photo:  SK Bahi

Garsuta always believed in the capability of the youth to implement projects that don’t have to be costly. He also wants to minimize the use of the SK’s funds.

The cart costs them P8, 000 including labor, and another P10, 000 for educational materials such as papers, books and pencils, chairs, pails and soaps. 

The cart was perfect for the task which is small enough to roll in roads. 

The schedules would depend on their availability but they were able to teach thrice a week with Sunday as the group's fixed day.  They just finished eight session last Sunday, August 2. 

The class lasts for two hours would start at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. held in a vacant lot. 

It begins with a prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Bohol and Alburquerque hymns. 

A story telling would follow, then a five-minute exercise. 

Children from kindergarten to Grade 4 were grouped by their levels with assigned volunteers-teachers who would teach about reading, writing, counting, and proper handwashing. 

"We teach children the tracing of letters, basic reading, basic writing, identifying colors and shapes, as well as spelling, and then we teach them proper hand washing because we are here in the pandemic. We taught them how to sanitize and wash their hands," said Garsuta. 

The community gladly welcomed the "mobile classroom".

One of them was the 25-year-old Antonette Pabio whose five-year-old Jayshine Dave attended the class.

"This is a big help for our children especially now  there are no classes, no teachers because of  COVID-19. It's okay for me to bring my son here because he will also learn something," she said. 

 

Pabio said making children stop schooling in midstream breaks momentum of the learning process and makes them lose interest and the motivation to study to better themselves.

Hence, the mobile classroom refreshes what they learned from school.

Kimberly Channel Garsuta, 9, one of the students, said she was energized to study again. 

She would be in Grade 4 this August 24 if classes will push through. 

"I want to attend here because I learned a lot and then I'm happy I have a lot of friends here," she said. 

After the sessions, the youth leaders have to clean the area and  place the chairs and other materials in the cart. 

Going back is also challenging due to a slopping ground.

But these youth leaders have no qualms since they have a  meaningful and fulfilling day. 

Garsuta is a kind of a youth leader who can motivate his peers and lead by example that will make the youth group stronger and more effective.

He also encourages other youth to also do their share in making a difference in the community.

Garsuta said they have to learn to adapt and evolve just like the coronavirus is doing, by improvising, innovating and pioneering without stopping education. 

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COVID-19 leaves beauty industry unemployed

There’s no denying that the majority of freelance makeup artists and hairstylists are affected by the COVID-19.  But Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad is at your service at the BQ Mall.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

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.

 

For the freelance make-up and hairstylists  their jobs---which 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--- they are left to find creative ways to survive financially and emotionally. 

 

Andrew, a Tagbilaran-based freelance makeup artist, hasn’t worked since March 16. He primarily does wedding makeup and worked a wedding that day, but he's been self-quarantining ever since.

 

“My June weddings were cancelled," he told VRS. 

 

Another make-up artist Pickles said that next year's project is totally empty. 

 

"No bookings compared to last year's, " he said. 

 

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. 

 

Roger Ryan" Khim" Magtagad of The Art Noveau volunteered to assist frontliners at malls and public markets. 

 

"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 Khim. 

 

He thought it was the end. 

 

For freelance makeup artists and hairstylists, their lives have already changed dramatically during this pandemic.  But Nina and Angela are at your service at the Dao Public Market. Photo: Leo Udtohan

"The Art Nouveau Models and my closest and trusted supported me and motivated me. They provided me not just material things but also wisdom and determination," he said. 

 

He said it was a challenge venturing into a new platform of work that he was not used to it. 

 

"I have been managing and handling models for more than 10 years. So I have to adjust everything on this also," he said. 

 

"I want to be able to take part in helping flattening the curve for COVID- 19. As a new member of the Glam Team, I am one of those who is very blessed to receive aid from  (Tagbilaran City First Lady) Ate Jane Yap our very active and loving 1st lady. Under the administration of Mayor Baba Yap, I am very happy and honored that I am able to help my community and work to make this community sanitized to prevent the spreading of the virus. I will render myself and continue to volunteer in maintaining the safety protocol in Tagbilaran City."

 

COVID19, he said, is still here. He encouraged everyone to protect ourselves and the community.

 

"As much as I want to help, this is the only thing I can do that is why I am giving my all because I know it will make a difference. It is very risky for me but I want to help and I want to tell people to be responsible and to stay at home when it's not needed. We should ask not what the government can provide but ask ourselves, 'What can I do to help flatten the curve?', " said Khim. 

 

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Panglao, still beautiful

 

In Panglao, without all the boats and people in the sea, the water is as clear as it's been in a long, long time. Photo by Leo Udtohan

I terribly missed the beach.  Swimming and snorkeling is one of the pleasures of pre-quarantine life.

When veteran journalist Ric Obedencio asked us if we could join him for an excursion in Panglao town, Helen Castano and I didn’t waste time.

We visited Alona first. The place is almost empty where it is used to be packed with tourists. Without all the boats and people in the sea, the water is as clear as it's been in a long, long time.

In an interview with Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero she told us that Panglao tourism will be back to business this week if they will be allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force, Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to re-open.

 

And if allowed to open, Maam Nila said the target would be domestic tourists.

Maam Nila said at least 5,000 tourism-related business establishments in Panglao were affected since February.

The tourism industry in Bohol has been tested by times. The 1990 typhoon Ruping (international name: Mike), the 2000 Y2K bug and the 2013 7.2 magnitude earthquake crippled the tourism industry particularly in Panglao. But slowly, the tourism was able to bounce back.

"The tourism stopped and it took us years to recover. Since this is pandemic it will take time to recover because the world economy is really affected," said Maam Nila.

But even if tourism is back, some resort owners chose to suspend operations for fear of the virus.

 

When I met Anthony Ceniza, supervisor of Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod, he said they will remain close indefinitely.

"So far, we can't open until there is a vaccine. It will be difficult since there's no assurance of what will happen to us. Let's us leave it this way, we will wait and follow the government," he said.

Anthony said one seemingly positive impact of the majority of Bohol remaining inside during the coronavirus outbreak is being seen off of our shores.

He said the beaches become clearer with less garbage in the absence of human activity due to the government’s efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

 

Anthony said visitors can see a refreshing Panglao during their next trip in Bohol.

 

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How TAN models are coping

Nick Gumanit, Erika Ahern and Mark Brandon Philipps are busy during these unprecedented times.

As the lockdown forces many sectors to work from home, what are models up to these days? VRS asked some of the models of The Art Noueveau (TAN) how they’re keeping busy during these unprecedented times.

How does their day start and how does it end?

"If I'm not lazy enough I work out and study," said Nick Gumanit, 19, 2nd runner-up in Sandugo Festival King 2019, who is stranded in Cebu City.

" I have a healthy breakfast. I end my day watching a movie or an episode of one of my favorite series," said 17-year-old model and Vlogger Mark Brandon Philipps.

"I walk outside with my dog and I work out," said fellow model and Vlogger Erika Ahern, 16, who hails from Ubay town.

They shared that social media has saved the days by offering sources of inspiration, creativity and a much-needed break from the monotony of lockdown.

Aside from your barber (wink), what do you miss most about the “outside” world?
Nick: Playing basketball and having a good time with friends.
Mark: Hanging out with my friends and going to the beach.
Erika: What I miss is going out with my frnds and going to the beach.

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?
Nick: I follow the law or rules of our government like staying at home.
Mark: I wash my hands and I avoid touching my face.
Erika: I use alcohol to disinfect myself and I wear mask every time I go out.

How do you envision post-COVID life?
Nick: The pandemic creates a big impact to me. I have learned to value everything that I have. I've realized that I'm blessed enough, and I'm grateful for the gift of life. And I'm so thankful for the people who never fail to support me. It's more than a billion peso reward.
Mark: I think most of the people are at home.

Erika: For me, a lot of people are still scared to go out. 

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'Lockdowned' at home

Being on lockdown doesn't have to be boring, not if you keep yourself occupied. If you've pretty much completed all of Netflix, you can change up your routine and look for other things to do. You can let those creative juices flowing.

 

You can learn how these aspiring models are coping with being cooped-up at home.

 

"The first thing that starts my day is through a prayer. I do jogging and walking 3 times a week. I do household chores then if I have time I used to play guitar and make some dance covers daily. And my day ends with a workout because I don't have time to do it in the morning or afternoon," said Arnel Corbita, 19, who was the grand finalist of Mr. Teen ICM Cycle 3 2017. He was also Mister BISU Calape 2019 and Mister  BISU SCUAA 2019.

 

Jack Green, 17, from Loon town, said that the extended lockdown he cannot help it not to be concerned about our surroundings.

 

"I’m doing well that’s why I always start my day by praying to God and then doing the household chores like fixing the bed, cooking, cleaning the house and still ending the day with a prayer," said Jack who was 4th runner-up in Mr and Miss UB Personality 2019, 1st runner-up in Mr. Loon Campus Personality and Top 6 in Mr Teen ICM Cycle 3 2017.

 

Sean Rey Tupas admitted he gets bored for the same routine at home.

 

"I admit that sometimes it gets boring because I fell for the same routine every single day. But it's okay as long as I'm breathing, then it's fine with me. The fact is, I know everyone of us gets bored due to this pandemic but what I mean is we just have to stay positive, stay safe and follow what the government tells us to do," said the 20-year-old Mr. UB Personality 2018.

 

John Anthony Migallon, 18, said the lockdown gives him more time with his family.

 

"Since lockdown, I did learn a lot of things by simply taking my time more useful specially in surfing the internet and exploring social media. I just spend a lot of time with my family," said John who became 2nd runner-up in Mr Teen ICM Cycle 4 2019.

 

Aside from your barber, what do you miss most about the “outside” world?
Arnel: The most thing that I miss in the outside world is playing basketball because  I like to play basketball the most and it gives enjoyment and happiness to me. And if I can't play basketball my day is not complete.
Jack: I miss hanging out with my friends and co- models and enjoying life like how it used to be.
Sean: Everything! I miss how normal it was before.
John:  A lot of things!  But for me, what I've missed the most is traveling. I am this kind of person that I wanted to travel anywhere and anytime even I don't have intentions on where to go. I just want to meet a lot of people and seeing a lot of beautiful places.

 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?
Arnel: I protect myself by always washing my hands and put disinfectant regularly. Every time I go outside I used to wear face mask and If I'm back home I wash my hands before I touch every part of my face and body.

Jack:  I protect myself from COVID-19 by staying at home as much as I can, washing my hands often, and following the directions of our local health authority. It’s really necessary for us to keep our hands clean all the time, keeping a safe distance and wearing mask every time we go outside.

Sean: Aside from wearing a face mask, washing my hands, observe social distancing, follow everything what the government says etc, I also make sure that I'm physically fit that's why I do my home workout everyday and balance my diet. And I also haven't go outside our house yet starting the very first day of quarantine. I don't even know how the outside world looks like.

John: We always make this as a habit to disinfect ourselves and as well the things that we brought from the outside. Since three of my siblings are nurses,  they always taught us on how to be responsible of everything, from ourselves and also when entering our house. I always take my vitamins...and I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

 

How do you envision post-COVID life?
Arnel: I see bad because it stops us on what we usually do but in the good side is it teaches to be more responsible and always observe cleanliness in our body. And I believe is the most important--to stay at home and spend some time with our family.

Jack: For a typical Filipino, it would be challenging since it's the time to make up for all the losses brought by the crisis. But eventually, we are strong, God-centered individuals who live by faith that God would always provide. Eventually, we can get through it.

Sean: Like they say, this is now the "New Normal". I'll be expecting that some people might be struggling because we're not used to this situation. Some people have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 so it means they don't have money and if they don't have money, then they don’t have something to eat or to sustain their needs. But there many ways to solve that problem. Like for instance, if we don't have something to eat because we don't have money, we can also do alternatives like planting and harvesting and more. I'll be expecting that it's not that fun and enjoyable as it was before. As many of us shelter in place with no end in sight, all we can do is to imagine how life will resume, even if the unfamiliar and unpredictable behavior of the virus has made it difficult to know with any certainty. What matter the most is to make sure that we're safe, we survive, have faith in God and keep moving forward.

John: For me, we really don't know what life is. Like I mean, we don't know the future world or future generation. But for me it will serve as a memory that the next generation will be more fighter and more knowledgeable if only if this pandemic would happen again.

 

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

At home with Vanessa

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: ‘Health is wealth. It is truer now than ever. LIFE itself is great wealth.’

For two months and eight days, former beauty queen Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado is getting the hang of being quarantined at home with her family.

Although it took the virus to put an abrupt to Vanessa's breakneck schedule, she said there can be joy in being lockdowned.

 

Known as Bohol's Mommy Vlogger, Vanessa released her second video sharing powerful tips to declutter our homes. Dealing with the clutter elevated levels of moms' stress hormones. “So the less we have, the better for our health,’ she stressed.

 

As a Tiktoker, she shares her funny side. She can act and dance,too.

 

Yes, Vanessa is doing all that..and more!

 

How have you (Cong. Aris and kids)  been since the lockdown was imposed (March 16)? We are fine... I mean trying to be fine. Our world now is full of uncertainties, we could only hope & pray for the best.

 

How do you beat boredom? Keeping myself busy with some stuff like cooking, exercising, k-drama watching  and preparing relief goods for our frontliners. Aside from Tiktok, creating my YouTube channel as Mommy Vlogger of Bohol Van-van made me busier as i get excited of what's going to upload next.  By the way, please subscribe. 

 

How is (Bohol 2nd district) Cong. Aris doing? He is fine as well. But became more occupied nowadays since he is very hands on with the distribution of relief goods, medical kits and PPEs to the frontliners. He also attends session every Monday-Wednesday afternoon via teleconference thru zoom and constantly monitors all the towns in Second District of Bohol especially the coastal areas.

 

How does your day start and how does it end? I’m the nocturnal kind, so my day starts a bit late. So when I wake up, I make sure to monitor what's going on around us like checking the latest news about COVID. My day ends at around 1-2am after watching movies on Netflix and make sure to give thanks before sleeping to our LORD GOD who is our ultimate refuge.

 

How did you celebrate your birthday last May 21, 2020? I went home to Duero- my hometown. Had lunch by the beach with my family (Vlog #3 is all about that, kindly watch soon...)

 

How do you protect yourselves from possible COVID-19 infection? I take vitamins accompanied with proper diet and exercise. I made sure to boost my immune system as well as my family's. Wearing of mask when going out, using of alcohol when necessary and proper handwashing have been part of my daily routine. Well, this is the new normal as they say.

How does it feel people are calling you Bohol's Mommy VBlogger and Tiktoker? Wow! That's quite overwhelming! Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for watching  and subscribing. I'm just here doing what I love to do and hoping others will be inspired too. That's my little way of spreading positivity.

 

Tell us more about your VBlog? It's more on showing my personal side. It's all about health, beauty, food, travel and life in general. I have more possible topics to share with you so hope you get to check it soon.

 

Tell us more about your Tiktok? The funny side of me! Ha!Ha!Ha! I get to act which is by the way one of my favorite things to do when I was young. Casting modesty aside, best in declamation was one of my High School awards. Through Tiktok, I get to dance and yes it's an exercise too.

 

Has this crisis changed in any way you look at life and the future? Yes, a lot of realizations were made. One of the significant ones is the importance of Life. Health is wealth. It is truer now than ever. LIFE itself is great wealth.

 

How do you envision post-COVID life? Hopeful for a brighter day.  May all of us go back to our normal living. People can work, students get to school again, business opens normally and economy recovers.

 

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

 

The power of a simple 'thank you'

Thank you.

These are two words that some of us take for granted especially in this age where we do multi-tasking and are preoccupied with so many activities in the world.

When I wrote a piece about Mother's Day last Sunday, a simple "thank you" from featured friends it melt the writer's heart. And if the subjects had received a positive write-up responds that was another bonus.

Of course, there is no law requiring people to do that. But saying "thank you"  is more than an act of courtesy, it’s a way of crossing frontiers on an emotional, personal and emotional level.

During the pandemic, some bashed our barangay, municipal and provincial  officials for being so slow... but mind you they are doing their best to protect and help us.  Why not recognize others for who they are, and for the qualities that cause us to love them?

We should also thank our frontliners (health-care workers, fish and vegetable vendors, cashiers, security guards, barangay officials, police, army, mediamen, et al) and countless other people, they also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

All of us are deeply grateful to all of them  who are working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

***

So how can you keep your sanity in the time of COVID-19? 

Most of us are in fear of anxiety and having sleepless nights and not eating properly being quarantined for two months. 

Psychology Today shared some tips in managing anxiety during this extraordinary time:

*Stay informed and updated on the news—but (important but) limit your exposure to TV images of pain and suffering so as not to become overwhelmed by grief. Consider reading the news online or in a “real” newspaper instead.

*Focus on the positive actions you can take to prevent exposure to the virus, including social distancing, hand-washing, and wearing a face mask while you’re around others in places like grocery and liquor stores.

*Don’t catastrophize or minimize the health crisis by exaggerating statistics or allowing loudly opinionated, under-informed public figures to influence you.

*Remind yourself “this too shall pass,” and when it does we will have changed, hopefully for the better if we learn from our experiences to be more resilient as we face future challenges.

*Reflect with gratitude on everything good and positive in your life and in the world.

*Think about your loved ones, your shared histories, things you’ve been through and survived together in the past.

*Make sure that voice in your head we refer to as “self-talk” directs your thoughts and actions from a place of information and positive action, not fear.

*Get outside (socially distanced as needed, of course) into the sunlight and nature. There is a beautiful springtime unfolding out there, and a walk or hike can do wonders for you.

*Have flowers and green plants in your home. Their beauty and "aliveness" are inspiring.
Listen to upbeat music. Dance! It’s incredibly therapeutic.

*Celebrate joyfully each positive step toward resolving the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front lines caring for the ill.

*Laugh. Regularly. Watch funny shows, movies, and stand-up comedy.

*And one final tip: Give yourself permission to cry as needed. It's healthy and a normal human compassionate response to suffering, and we are all suffering. Even the most resilient people need to vent the buildup of sadness at all we are living and witnessing. It's a hard time we are all going through together. But we can get through it together, while holding it together too.

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

Jeycelle, Gerwin and friends spread love and kindness during COVID-19

Jeycelle Espejo: 'No one is invincible no matter how rich or powerful you may be.'

As the COVID-19 death toll continues to rise daily, and an increasing number of provinces extend lockdowns, it can be easy to feel discouraged, depressed, and uncertain of what the future holds.

But in the face of this crisis, people have come together to help other people and spread love and kindness.

Home-quarantined like the rest of the world, teacher and cultural worker Jeycelle Espejo has been preoccupied with packing rice, noodles and sardines which she distributes among the frontliners that include street sweepers, garbage collectors and security guards and, as she put it, “for those who need it the most."

Jeycelle and friends pooled resources to help fellow Tagbilaranons who are affected by the pandemic. Now, the beneficiaries cover those in need in other areas.

In her "libot pasalamat," another 15 relief packs were distributed to the most affected families yesterday, April 25, in the villages of Booy and Cogon.  Slippers were also given to the frontliners.

At home, Jeycelle is also helping friends selling avocado, calamansi, mango, dried fish and chicken at a very affordable price.

Asked what she had learned from this month-long quarantine, Jeycelle was direct to the point. "No one is invincible no matter how rich or powerful you may be. People get killed not because of this virus but because of people's stupidity and stubbornness. In the Philippines setting, the difficulties faced by our government and it's frontliners in controlling people is just a mirror of how damaged is the moral values of the people nowadays- blatant disregard of rules and disrespect for authority."

On the other hand, she said the crisis is a blessing in disguise for Mother Earth as she heals and recovers.

When quarantine is over, Jeycelle wants to go to church.

"A thanksgiving that G-d keep me healthy in this time of pandemic considering that I am among those who are highly susceptible to infection due to weak lungs and immune system. Pasalamat kay I have been given the opportunity to be of help to other, to be of service," she said.

In Cebu, Gerwin Yudelmo is busy organizing relief goods for stranded Boholanos who are appealing to be brought back home after Cebu and Bohol provinces have implemented lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Gerwin, who works as a call center agent in Cebu City, volunteered to list down the names of the stranded passengers in a group chat on Facebook that they created to make it easier for officials to track down in case help would come.

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," Gerwin said.

He and his friends organized "Project HOPE" campaign to help fellow Boholanos stranded in Cebu. They have distributed cash, relief packs, canned goods and even a wheelchair.

"Usahay mahadlok nalang ko mag-open sa akoa filtered messages kay magsakit gyud akoa dughan ug makahilak sa mga nagka-lain lain storya sa kinabuhi diri sa mga stranded sa Cebu," he said.

"Diyos ko tagai pakog dugang kusog para daghan pa ta matabangan na mga stranded nga grabe gyud nagkinahanglan ug tabang," he added.

Gerwin Yudelmo: ' I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring.'

Gerwin, a former youth leader, shared that he felt how to be helpless away from family.

"It was never easy when I started my life here in Cebu 10 years ago, I won't forget gyud katong I only have 5 pesos left in my pocket ug ang akoa gihuwat na mo help nako wala mopatim-aw. I ended up buying 1 peso candy and the rest is tubig na. Helpless kaayo ko and galuya gyud ko," he shared. 

Incidentally, he shared this article he read on Twitter. He said he didn't know the author but it’s very timely and meaningful.

“We’ve all been exposed.
Not necessarily to the virus.
We’ve all been exposed BY the virus.

"Corona is exposing us.
Exposing our weak sides.
Exposing our dark sides.
Exposing what normally lays far beneath the surface of our souls hidden by the invisible masks we wear.
Now exposed by the paper masks we can’t hide far enough behind.

"Corona is exposing our addiction to comfort.
Our obsession with control.
Our compulsion to hoard.
Our protection of self.

"Corona is peeling back our layers. 
Tearing down our walls.
Revealing our illusions.
Leveling our best-laid plans.

"Corona is exposing the Gods we worship:
Our health
Our hurry
Our sense of security
Our favorite lies
Our secret lusts
Our misplaced trusts.

"Corona is calling everything into question?
What is the church without a building?
What is my worth without an income?
How do we plan without certainty?
How do we love despite  risk?

"Corona is exposing me.
My mindless numbing
My endless scrolling
My careless words
My fragile nerves.

"We’ve all been exposed.
Our junk laid bare.
Our fears made known.
The band-aid torn.
The masquerade done.

"So what now?  What’s left?
Clean hands
Clear eyes
Tender hearts

What corona reveals, G-d can heal.
Come Lord Jesus.
Have mercy on us."

Spread love. Spread kindness. 

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