Diocese of Tagbilaran holds Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

By Leo Udtohan 

TAGBILARAN CITY — A Requiem Mass was held at Diocese of Tagbilaran on Wednesday, Jan. 4, to honor the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

The pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 95.

Bishop Abet Uy led the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine at 12 noon. 

In his homily, Uy said that Pope Benedict was given the nickname "God's Rottweiler" for his uncompromising conservative views.

He stressed that the pope was completely the opposite of the caricatures that his enemies made of him.

"Caricatures are simply not true or exactly the opposite. He was meek, humble, warmth and very compassionate who listens and makes one important," Uy said. 

The prelate also shared on how Pope Benedict tried to teach the joy of discipleship.

He said Tagbilaran Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso, and Boholano bishops 

Antonieto Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao and Crispin Varquez of Borongan in Eastern Samar could vouch for the pope. 

"They said he's gentle, simple, holy, loving kaayo, same sa Ginoo," said Uy. 

The prelate ended his homily borrowing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "The happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity!" 

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope at age 78 and took the name Benedict XVI. 

He served as pope from 2005 to 2013 and was the first pope to resign from the papacy in almost 600 years.

Photo caption:

Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran officiates the requiem mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Bishop Abet Uy 

Change in lifestyle tops their #2019Goals

Along with the New Year come new beginnings, a new hope and, for others, a fresh start. 

For me, the best way to greet 2019 is to start its first day on a healthy and a fabulously positive note.

VRS asked some Boholanos what are their #2019Goals.

Atty. Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine- Only one - conquer the English Channel!

Cristopher Boncales- To travel more places in the Philippines and to discover more Asian countries being me tagged as #theAsianSweeper.

Benjie Oliva- I want to more productive and exercise more. I want to travel to Europe with my wife, Atty. Joan.

Jhoel Lim- Ticking off more travel bucketlists.

Daisy Gultiano- I need to be more fit, healthier and eat what’s good for my body.

Roger Ryan Laway Magtagad- My #2019Goals?  Continue to explore and discover aspiring models to be part of The Art Nouveau or TAN Models.   I will focus more on my career, work harder and take better care of myself. I want to search for my true love forever Errrrrrrr

 

Ariel Llanos- To have a healthy lifestyle.

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin- My goals for 2019: Hopefully, to shed off the extra pounds of flesh and start a healthy lifestyle, to spend more quality time with family, to look at the brighter side of life, even with all the negativity in the world, and to always be grateful to God for both blessings and challenges that continue to define my personhood.

Melinda Mendez-Basalo- My goals are just simple: Intense family bonding by travelling together, more success in our Aviation Security at Bohol- Panglao International Airport and unity among all government and private agencies working at the said airport to make every civil aviation client arrive to his/her destination happy, secure and safe most especially to our Boholano travellers.

Lourdes "Malou" Brunidor- I want to start a healthy living by religiously doing my morning exercise. I want to eat more fruits and veggies.  And, most of all to be more prayerful.

Vilma Yorong- I want to welcome the New Year with a fresh start. I hope more people  can avail the best services that our office has to offer.

Atty. Ted Lagang- I want to maintain a simple lifestyle while spending quality time with my family and real friends.

 Glorivic Yap-Dela Serna- This 2019, I want to manage my time better and more prayerful.

***

Additional “reminders” to welcome your most awesome year yet.

1. Lose Weight

2. Getting Organized

3. Spend Less, Save More

4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest

5. Staying Fit and Healthy

6. Learn Something Exciting

7. Quit Smoking

8. Help Others in Their Dreams

9. Fall in Love

10. Spend More Time with Family

And some inspiring words from Pope Francis:

1. Don't gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose the "more humble" purchase.
5. Meet the poor "in the flesh."
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Make commitments, such as marriage.
9. Make it a habit to "ask the Lord."
10.Be happy. This joy should translate to love of neighbor.

***

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

3 years feels like ‘33 seconds’ for quake victims

Wake-uppers:

Scene:   Sports enthusiasts were devastated by the passing of sportsman and civic leader Nemi Monton last Oct. 4.  As president of Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) in Central Visayas, Nemi opened doors wider for Boholano athletes (he discovered Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, et al).  He will be sadly missed for his energy, great sense of humor and timeless example as discoverer of athletes.

Monsignor Alberto Uy is the new bishop of the
Diocese of Tagbilaran. Courtesy:
From the Facebook page of Msgr. Alberto Uy

Scene: Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Alberto Uy as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.  He will replace Bishop Leonardo Medroso, 77, whose resignation has been accepted by the pope.  A priest for 23 years, Msgr. Uy is currently the Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Talibon and at the same time the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Jagna town.

Scene: I thank the esteemed judges and organizers of the Globe Media Excellence Award (GMEA) and the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for chosen me as one of the finalists of GMEA’s Explanatory Story for “Rice Bowl of Central Visayas is near empty” and CMMA’s Best Investigative Report on the 3-part series on the recovery of Bohol after the Earthquake. Both articles were published in Philippine Daily Inquirer. Thank you, thank you!

***

It’s been three years since a magnitude 7.2 earthquake brought Bohol province to its knees.

Three years later, change is uneven although industries are bouncing back. The way people see recovery and resiliency would depend on where they are since rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts continue.

After the strong earthquake in 2013, 

Boholanos have developed a powerful 

sense of disaster consciousness.  Inocencia Reyes, 

a grade 1 teacher of Cogon Norte Elem. School in Loon town, 

demonstrates how to use the “kuratong,” 

a bamboo traditionally used to call the community, as

 the school revives it for disaster risk reduction. 

Leo Udtohan/Bohol Chronicle

The earthquake also taught Boholanos to be better prepared for disasters, especially at the community level.

At Cogon Norte Elementary School in Loon town, one of the hardest-hit areas, the school has adopted the use of "kuratong" - a bamboo communication device - to warn students and teachers of possible calamities.

Inocencia Reyes, a Grade 1 teacher, said kuratong is traditionally used to call community members to assemble at village halls for meetings, alert people or call children home.

She said the school revived the use of kuratong as part of disaster risk reduction efforts, especially when earthquakes strike.

"In case of power disconnection, we can use kuratong to alert our students since no one knows when an earthquake will happen," she said, noting teachers and students were trained in using the device.

The school has also a student-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) organized by Save the Children to develop and capacitate student leaders who will serve as advocates in promoting DRR in schools and communities to protect them from any harm cause by natural and human made hazards.

Student leaders were trained in first aid and emergency response, leadership, communication and other life-saving skills. They also conduct seminars to their schoolmates about disaster preparedness inside the DRR kiosk.

Boholanos may have picked up the pieces, but the scar left by earthquake remains.

For Genara Somoro, the Bayong falls in Barangay Katipunan in Sagbayan town, is hard to look at, because this is the place where her two daughters and other three lost their lives.

Three years ago, Somoro’s siblings Jonalyn, 13 and Joellene, 11 and their friends-Jess Marvin Empinado, 10, Meme Jane Empinado, 9, Reynaldo Sipsip, 15, were taking a bath at Bayong Falls in Barangay Katipunan, Sagbayan town.  

They were swimming when the earthquake struck, triggering a landslide that buried the children.

Their bodies were never found making the families in a state of emotional and legal limbo.

 “Naka-recover naman ko after three years pero lisud hikalimtan ang nahitabo makahilak gihapun ko makahiumdum sa akong duha ka mga anak (I have recovered after three years, but I cry when I remember my children),” said Somoro.

Genara Somoro is still thinking of her two daughters
who perished during the earthquake in 2013..

But she learned to accept their fates even closure is elusive.

“Sakit huna-hunahunaun pero dawaton namo kay pagbuot man sa kahitas-an (It is painful but I learned to accept it because it is Heaven’s will),” said Somoro who held the photos of her daughters who vanished without a trace.

“Wala ka namo makita (We never found you)," mother said to her daughters. "Pero kahibaw mi asa mo- naa ka sa Ginoo run (But we know where you are — with our Lord in heaven)."

The Bayong Falls, which was a tourist destination, is now an abandoned place.  It lost its beauty. No one else go there except for the families of the victims who pay homage to the five children every Oct. 15 and Nov. 1 which bring obvious comfort to the bereaved.

Somoro said that although she thinks of Jonalyn and Joellene daily, their death anniversary remains a special day.

Salome Israel, 26, who lost her right arm and has a dislocated pelvic bones resulting from the quake, has found a work at rural health office in Tubigon town after three years.  She said she was denied because of her being handicapped.

 “Time will take care and heal of everything,” Israel said.

The fraught passage of three years feels like “33 seconds” for Clement Paulinel Ingking who lost her mother Linda during the 33-second quake.

“The emptiness can't be filled by anyone... and the grief is always there behind the smiles... we just chose not to move on in order not to forget her and all the memories,” he said.

Full recovery will take still longer.

***

Panubig festival goes on despite rain

Amid  a downpour, the participants of the 3rd Panubig Festival in Pilar town last Oct. 11 drew cheers as they danced in honor  to Nuestra Señora del Pilar or Our Lady of the Pillar, the town’s patroness.

The heavy rains failed to dampen the spirits of the
Pilarnons who had to witness the 3rd Panubig Festival
 in Pilar town. Leo Udtohan/Bohol Chronicle

 The rain did not appear to affect the enthusiasm of the dancers (seven from elementary and three from high school) who wore colorful costumes and props as they showcased the tradition and culture of the Pilarnons.

Butch Bernas, Ph.D., the Panubig Creative Team, said it was amazing "come rain or shine."

"It was really pouring rain, but people stayed," Butch told VRS.

Hundreds, many without umbrellas, including students, were drenched barely for three hours, but stayed on, watching and supporting their favorite contingents.

“Panubig literally water! It’s raining! It’s water!” said student Lloyd Quieta.

Giant scarecrows also added attraction to the festival.

 The event was hosted by Inday Rufing of Kiss 102.3 FM.

Take a bow, Butch. Take a bow, Vanessa Cubrado-Unajan, Panubig Festival Executive Chair.

***

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

Bohol's big moments of 2015

As we near the end of the year, it’s time to take a look back.

VRS is bringing you the big moments that defined 2015 and the people that inspired us the most.

Mercy and Compassion

Five Boholano survivors— Veneranda Gentallan of San Roque, Maribojoc; Shirley Bongay of Lintuan, Loon; Niza Flores of Poblacion, Sagbayan; Saturnino Barace, Jr. of Tagubaas-Obujan, Antequera;  and Salome Israel of Tubigon— met Pope Francis on Jan. 17.

Flores lost her youngest son, Geevie, 12, who was covered by rubbles of the collapsed internet cafe. She said that she can hardly overcome what happened to her youngest son.

Look back on the biggest news stories and best moments from the year on VRS. 

Contributed Photos/ABS-CBN/BC/Ric Obedencio/Panglao PS/Vatican 

Israel lost her right arm and broke her pelvic bone when earthquake struck. However, the cheerful Salome said that “everything happened has a purpose.”

Bongay of Loon town lost her right hand after being trapped in wreckage for nine hours.

Gentallan almost died when her house collapsed. She suffered a head injury and was brought to Cebu province to undergo an operation. She stayed at the hospital for one month. Her recovery was said to be a “miracle.”

Half of Jr's body was buried underground after the quake. He, too, was injured, but he managed to survive. Unfortunately, Barace lost four of his family members who died during the earthquake.  After the tragedy, Barace entered the seminary.

All of them were excited — and nervous — during their meeting with Pope Francis. They said they found comfort with the Pope.

In Manila, some Boholanos were lucky to see the Pope in person.

“Surreal. Unexplainable. Magical,” said Engr. Aprimel Lupot when she saw the Pope along Finance Road, going to Manila Cathedral in Intramuros. “I cannot describe the feeling of being so close to Pope Francis even for just a few seconds. Such an unforgettable moment. It's like I'm closer to God or something. I love you, Pope Francis!”

JP Maslog also shared his experience, “So this is how it feels to see the Pope... I cried and I cannot explain why!”

The Pope had been a few feet away from couple Benjie Oliva and his wife lawyer Joan.

“Honored to have joined the crowd of Catholic faithful today at SM MOA and Roxas Boulevard to experience a personal encounter with Pope Francis, the vicar of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth,” said Oliva. “Father in Heaven bless the Pope and the Filipino people.”

Hundreds of thousands showed up for the Pope including Engr. Dionisio Neil Balite who was at MOA Arena to join the “Encounter with Families” with the Pope.

May Pope Francis continue to smile and spread his message of mercy and compassion.

Viral celebrity

Jenali Alexis Mandin Calipusan sounds like Justin’s. Her voice is a replication of Justin’s and Alexis can dance as well. She does a lot of things that are very appealing.

A Belieber since 2009, her YouTube video gone viral, the world knows it too.

Apparently, Alexis is not new in singing. She was a member of the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. She had toured Europe, the USA and China together with the other members of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

For Alexis, her rise to Internet stardom was a mix of the right song at the right time.

Dream and Believe

Gian Luigi Ale, 9, of Cogon District, this city, had spiced up the stage with his undeniably amazing blind auditions performance in The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2.

Ale made all the three coaches turned for him when he sang the hit song Thinking Out Loud while playing guitar. Just when I thought I'd seen every cover of Thinking Out Loud in the known universe, Ale’s might be the best (and the cutest) version.

Also joining The Voice Kids were brothers Emmanuel and Sandy Tanio who sang the (unofficial) Visayan version of Pink’s Give Me A Reason.  Their performance made a huge impression on Bamboo who turned his chair as he watched them singing with their diwdiw (an invented musical instrument with two strings) and ukelele.

From Amakan Village in Dampas, Tagbilaran City, Emman, 12, and Sandy,9,  are singing for various people in the beach in Panglao, terminals and restaurants, to help their parents-- Sanny, an occasional construction worker and Elizabeth, a housewife.  Until The Voice producers saw Emman and Sandy were caroling in Acacia de Bubu on Burgos Street.  The Voice producers sent them straight through to the judges in Manila.

Unfortunately, Ale and the Tanio brothers didn’t win. However, Ale’s version of Thinking Out Loud has gathered 10 million viewers on Youtube.

‘Feelings’ over Miss Bohol results

Miss Tagbilaran Mary Eda Cimafranca won the most coveted crown and the “hakut queen” award ---with at least 12 corporate and major awards during the Miss Bohol 2015.

Cimafranca’s win met with boos and criticisms as the audience reacted intensely that she was booed repeatedly during the pageant night.  However, beauty watchers said Cimafranca kept her poise despite the boos. 

Boholanos turned to social media to express their opinions with bitter and hilarious posts to express their dismay with the results of the Miss Bohol. Much has been said about this year’s pageant; not only about the organizer’s unpreparedness but it was pre-arranged (lutong Macau), and a “cooking show.” 

Some netizens were also entertained by how some people can post humorous feedback like “luto na ang lechon (the lechon is ready) and some rejoinders said, “kalami ba anang lechon, (the lechon is yummy)” and “paghukad na kay excited nako mo hiwa sa panit sa lechon. (Get it ready because I am excited to get the skin of the lechon).”

A popular Pinoymail.com website posted their review on the pageant saying “Miss Bohol 2015 is the best cooking show at its finest.” The website said that “a clear gesture that everybody disagreed to the final decision as it was very different based on what we’ve seen and heard during the entire ‘cooking show.’ I pity Miss Tagbilaran as she’s now on the hot seat and the target of all bashes.”  The post was deleted.

Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante said, “That was a well-deserved win. I salute Eda for being able to handle pressure with such grace.”

‘Twilight’ actor visits Bohol

Hollywood actor Kellan Lutz, known for playing Emmett Cullen in “The Twilight” Saga film series; as Poseidon in the 2011 film “Immortals”; as Hercules in the 2014 film “The Legend of Hercules” and as ex-US Marine John Smilee in the action-thriller “The Expendables 3”, visited Bohol last July.

He was in Panglao town to attend the wedding of his friend Jeremiah who married Miss Bohol International 2003 Maya Calope Galvan in a beach wedding.  During the reception, Lutz joined the CenterStage Band performing on stage.

Lutz was mobbed by fans who said, “He’s so mabait at sobrang guapo.”

Bohol’s Mister

AR dela Serna (real name: Alberto Rodolfu), the son of Alberto and former Poblacion 2 barangay captain Glorivic, was a runner-up in the Mister of Pilipinas (MP) 2015.  MP is responsible for selecting the country’s representative for four international male beauty contests--Mister International, Mr. Tourism International, Mister Model International and Mister Globe.

He said his modeling and acting workshops helped him become more conscious, confident and disciplined-traits he believes can help him in the competition.

He already joined other male beauty pageant in previous years. He won the title Mr Generation East 2013  of  Sta. Lucia Generation East Model Search. He was also declared first runner-up in Mr Philippine Youth in 2002 but he replaced the dethroned Mr. Philippine Youth 2012 Leo Angeles Flores of Parañaque in Nov. 2012.

Topnotchers

Prayers and hardwork paved the way for three Boholano nursing graduates to land in the 10 topnotchers of the May 2015 nursing licensure examination. Thus, a good year for Bohol's nursing schools.

Euben Hope Olaso Gamutan, Krissa Mae Duco Lapiz and Christine Joy Camilotes Roferos went to different schools, prayed in different churches and reviewed in different styles but there’s one common denominator---topnotchers! Gamutan finished fifth place with a rating of 85 percent, Lapiz was ranked sixth place with a rating of 84.8 percent and Roferos landed on the eighth spot with a rating of 84.4 percent.

They shared only one secret in preparing for the board exam.  Prayer.

“Prayer. That is my best secret. I prayed for wisdom and for strength that I can endure all the sleepless nights,” Gamutan told VRS. “Of course, I also had to do my part in studying. I usually isolate myself when studying because that is where I can concentrate the most.”

“Prayer. I prayed a lot. When I had time I went to the Sto. Niño and I prayed not just to top but to pass including my classmates as well,” Roferos said.

Gamutan, Lapiz and Roferos were among the 9,707 aspirants who passed the May examination out of a total of 17,896 examinees, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Heroes of the Year

This year there were no shortages of heroes.

Poet and community organizer Nestor Pestelos was Rappler’s The Enterprise Mover awardee.

As president of the Bohol Local Development Foundation, he launched the Bohol Quake Assistance Fund Drive to help families who were homeless by the strong earthquake. "This award will inspire our young volunteers and fieldworkers to work harder to expand our current work," he told Rappler after accepting the award on Sept 26 at the World Resorts Manila. The Move Awards is Rappler’s first effort to celebrate those who actively campaign and move for social change.

Friends Michael Horcasitas, Alejandro Bonita and Fulgencio Esterado turned-over to police officers P138,000 cash they found inside a belt bag that fell from a car in Panglao town.

The three chased after the car to warn the driver but the vehicle sped off. Instead of splitting the money among themselves, the three went to the police to track down the owner and return the money.

Not one of them was tempted to keep the money even if only Esterado had a regular job which barely paid him P10,000 a month.

Esterado works as a merchandiser at the City Hardware in Tagbilaran. His wife, Isabel, 39, is a housewife. They have two children- Issagene, 11 and Ian Jay, 4.

Horcasitas and Bonita don't have regular jobs.

Esterado said, “Returning the money is the right thing to do because we didn’t earn that money.”

The honesty shown by the three came a month after a tricycle driver returned an envelope containing P88,135 left by a female passenger in Tagbilaran City.

Reynaldo Ingking, 45, turned over the envelope to radio station dyRD which started looking for the owner.

A tearful woman went to the station and profusely thanked Ingking who was later cited by the city government for his honesty.

They taught us a lesson, didn’t they? That money didn’t matter.

In a year with so much darkness comes a beautiful lesson from all of these heroes on how to view the world.

***

Pia ‘confidently beautiful amid chaos’, say Boholano fans

Boholano supporters who travelled miles away from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to support Philippines’ Miss Universe bet Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who was crowned Miss Universe 2015 held on Dec. 20 (Monday, Manila Time), was worth watching.

“42 years is a very long time waiting for the crown. This is our time to win the Miss Universe again,” said US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal, who along with his friends , including Boholano Andy Doria, watched the pageant at The Axis in Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Boholano fans who were watching the Miss Universe 2015 at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, say Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (shown in Bohol for a glorious summer shoot and a much-needed break in April 2015) deserves to win the title. 

Contributed Photos/Mikey Gatal & Philippine Daily Inquirer  

Gatal and Doria were in the same group when they watched the Miss Universe in 2006.

“Her presence is strong. We are captivated by Pia,” he said.

Wurtzbach, according to Gatal, said she felt she never left home and she felt the love of her kababayans.

For Digal, “Wurtzbach is a complete package: Beauty, grace and brains.”

However, before Wurtzbach was announced winner, the crown went to Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo by mistake when host Steve Harvey read the wrong card.

“My first reaction was so mad. I even cried, and everybody was shocked,” he said.

He said Miss Colombia was not deserving since Wurtzbach aced her Question and Answer.

“I said some words that Miss Colombia is not deserving of the title and the crowd agreed to me then all of a sudden Steve Harvey calmed down the people after two minutes because he realized he made a mistake then the thought I had that he would day that came true and everyone was stunned,” he said.

“Gubot (Chaotic)” was how Gatal described this year’s pageant. He said previous Miss Universe pageants he had watched were “smooth” and “organized.”

He said that it was the moment when both countries were victims of a pageant blunder.

“What happened to Miss Colombia was very painful. To have the crown on your head and to have taken away from you for seconds,” said Gatal. “The moment of ecstasy turned to sour and because they one of the biggest supporters during the entire pageant, it can’t be denied that literally they hate each other now,” he added.

At the lobby and inside the stage area, Gatal said there was “so much drama” as  Colombia and Philippine supporters had chanting bout before and after the pageant.

 “Even the crowd and all the candidates were focusing now to Colombia not to Pia. It’s so sad, the moment of happiness for Colombia and Pia were taken away from them,” he said.

Earlier, Gatal had predicted that Wurtzbach would win the crown for “I believe this is Pia’s time. She is very fierce, very lovable and most of all, she is very intelligent as well.”

For Andy Doria, he admired Wurtzbach’s humility. He said that Wurtzbach had no hint of arrogance when she was crowned by Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega from Colombia.

“She looked happy yet sad for Miss Colombia,” he said.

Wurtzbach was the third Filipina beauty queen to win the crown after Gloria Diaz won it in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973.

During the Question and Answer portion, the top three contestants were asked, "Why should you be the next Miss Universe?”

Wurtzbach answered, "To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I will raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country, Philippines. I want to show the world-the Universe, rather-that I am confident and beautiful from the heart."

Miss Universe Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo was named first runner-up and Miss Universe USA Olivia Jordon was named second runner-up.

Wurtzbach visited Bohol during the pictorial of the Bb. Pilipinas. She was seen at the Punta Cruz, Baclayon Church and the Chocolate Hills in Carmen.

***

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

Rivermaya and Paolo Valenciano Live at Ubay Gym

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Congratulations to the selected OMG models Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas, Neil Namuag and Adelyn Joy Esclamado for  2015-2016. The contract signing was held yesterday, Jan. 24, witnessed by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, Roger Gatal, Nikki Gatal-Quintia, Pam Marzon and other OMG members.

 

Scene: The 15^th Ubi Festival was held on Jan. 21-23 to “venerate” the most important rootcrop in the province of Bohol. “We are holding the ubi festival to promote the products, the marginalized products of the farmers, to showcase to the community that ubiis unique in the province of Bohol and to promote the industry in order that it will become larger part of the high value crops in the province of Bohol,” said Larry Pamugas of the Provincial Agriculture Office. “This time, few farmers are going back to the farm, only few young people are going back to the farm, I hope this is a avenue to invite farmers to plant more ubi in Bohol.” Pamugas also said that climate change has affected the ubi production in Bohol. “One of the reasons why the harvest of ubi in the province now is (low) due to the impact of climate change. With that we hope we can innovate technologies that ubi can still survive even with the change of the climate.”

 

Seen: Spotted in Doral Miami, Florida in USA is fashion icon EJ Relampagos. EJ will be watching the 63^rd Miss Universe. The pageant night is on Jan. 25 (Jan. 26 Manila time, to be aired live on ABS-CBN).

 

***

Multi-platinum-selling rock band Rivermaya goes live at Ubay gymnasium on Jan. 28.

 

Catch Rivermaya and Paolo Valenciano\
 on Jan. 28 in Ubay town.

Rivermaya is one of the most significant Pinoy rock bands in the Philippines. Formed in 1994, it is one of the several bands which spearheaded the ’90s Philippine alternative rock explosion.

 

Rivermaya is composed of Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Japs Sergio, Ryan Peralta and Norby David. Rivermaya popularized chart-busting songs Ulan, Kisapmata and Himala.

 

Joining Rivermaya in the concert is Filipino music royalty Paolo Valenciano who is giving OPM a new twist.

 

Tickets to Rock and Rebuild 2 are priced at P300; P500; P1,000 (VIP); and P1, 500 (VVIP).

 

For details, call/text 0939-765-4093, buy your tickets at Tngardz Bicycle Supply, DPWH-Ubay, Ubay Parish Office, Van Trading Ubay and Omie Fashion Hauz in Talibon.

 

Produced by Bohol 2^nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado, the concert will again be a vehicle to raise funds for Ubay Pastoral Parish Council.

 

“Part 2 is back to back live band/disco sponsored by Colt 45. Proceeds of the disco will dole out for the expenses,” said Van Delima of Van Trading, one of the sponsors of the concert.

 

Added Van: “Don’t miss the chance of lifetime!”

 

***

Encounter with Pope Francis strengthens faith

 

Many Filipinos braved the crowd and the weather to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and be blessed by the Pope during the pontiff's five-day visit to the country. 

 

Pope Francis has lunch with some Yolanda typhoon
 and Bohol earthquake survivors at the archbishopric in
 Palo, Leyte on January 17.  Photo shows Salome Israel
receives a blessing from Pope Francis with
Saturnino Barace, Jr and Niza Flores (partly hidden)
and other Yolanda survivors.  \Courtesy: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Even though Pope Francis had to rush back to Manila from Leyte as gales from Storm Amang picked up, forcing him to shorten his visit to Leyte by four hours, he managed to have a quick lunch with several survivors of super typhoon Yolanda and Bohol strong earthquake.

 

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila who joined the lunch, recalled that he had asked the Pope whether he wanted to say something to the survivors. “But what can we say?” The Pope responded. “Before these 30 survivors, he himself was reduced to silence,” Tagle said in an interview.

 

The five Boholano survivors who had lunch with Pope Francis described it as "a blessing and meaningful experience." 

 

“Very happy, very luck to meet the Pope,” said Shirley Bongay of Loon. “I can’t describe my feelings. I felt enthusiastic. I was enlightened by the Holy Spirit with mixed emotions.”

 

Saturnino Barace Jr of Antequera shared that he found consolation in Pope Francis’ presence. “Nalipay ug minggaan ang akong pamati.”

 

“Malipayun mi nga among gikasalo si Pope Francis sa lunch bisan kadiyot ra nga higayun apan malipayun gihapun mi kay iya man ta gi-bless tanan,” said Niza Flores of Sagbayan. “Giapil kitang tanan sa iyang panalangin, mao kitang tanan nakadawat sa iyang panalangin.”

 

Salome Israel of Tubigon shared that she was moved by Pope Francis’ presence, stating that the pontiff spoke to them “heart-to-heart.”

 

“Our meeting with the Pope was once in a lifetime. Dako kaayo ang impact niya sa akong life. Kana bitaw moestorya siya nimo eye to eye contact nga naa jud listening ears, then he responded,” said Salome. “He gives me strength to move on.”

 

Veneranda Gentallan on meeting
Pope Francis: ‘I knelt down for his blessing
and I even kissed his shoes.’ While another
Boholano survivor Shirley Bongay looks on.
Courtesy: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Salome was able to give the nipa hut souvenir and my personal letter to Pope Francis. Confirmed! Confirmed!

 

For Veneranda Gentallan of Maribojoc meeting the Pope was a blessing. When it was her turn to meet the Pope, she knelt down and kissed the papal shoes while crying. 
“All of them had kissed the Pope’s hand. Pero ako na wala ko ka-kiss sa iyang kamot. Kay sa hunahuna nako ‘sa ubos lang ko unya siya sa taas’. Mingkalit lang ko luhod sa iyang atubangan. Minghilak nako, ug akong gihagkan iyang sapatos,” said Veneranda. “Iya ko gitindug unya akong nasulti niya nga ‘Salamat Lord, thank you Lord’ while iya kong gi-blessingan.”

 

Asked why she cried when she met the Pope:

 

“Mura jud ko naa sa heaven na! Nga akong hunahuna si Jesus Christ na akong nahimamat. Nice hunahunaun nga gipakita sa Diyos si Jesus Christ thru Santo Padre,” said Veneranda.

 

Veneranda will preserve her dress she was wearing during the luncheon with the pontiff.

 

 “Kini akong sinina nga gisuot kadtong nagkita mi ni Pope Francis, I will preserve this. Dili na ni nako suoton hangtud sa hangtud kay hunahuna nako holy nani. Naapil nani nga holy sukad nagkita mi ni Pope Francis,” shared Veneranda. 

 

How were you blessed by the pope?

 

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