Paloma/Marimar does incredible animal sounds

Wake-uppers:

Libby and Tessie Sumampong receive the
 “Best Bohol Cuisine Specialty Restaurant”
 during the Golden Globe Annual Awards 2015
 for Business Excellence. –Courtesy: Loboc RiverWatch Floating Resto

Scene: The Cuisina Ni Tisay has been awarded the “Best Bohol Cuisine Specialty Restaurant” during the Golden Globe Annual Awards 2015 for Business Excellence on April 15 at the Manila Hotel. The award was presented by the Philippines Best Companies.Com Inc., Sinag News Magazine, Sining at Gabay ng Buhay Foundation Inc., and the National Data Research Examiner and Marketing Services Inc.  The Golden Globe Awards (GGAABE) is an annual recognition that searches for companies and brands that exhibit innovative business practices, deliver quality products and services, epitomize customer concern and engagement, exemplify a reputable and ethical business image, display excellent value proposition and pricing, and serve truthfulness in business management. The award was personally received by couple Libby and Tessie Sumampong. “Just received our Certificate and our Trophy! Super Thankfulllll ! To God be the glory,” said Tessie. Cuisina ni Tisay is located at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (Chap) in Carmen town.

 

Scene: Three blind items for this week: 1) Is S sleeping over at the apartment of his girlfriend Ms A (a  beauty queen)? A VRS (who happens to live nearby) swears that she saw S coming out of A’s place in the early hours of the morning. “A’s bestfriend is S’s girlfriend,” said VRS; 2) Photo of this beauty queen circulating in the net has received negative feedback. But her friend-manager came to defend her “alaga” saying, “don’t comment if you don’t like.” “Well, people can do what they want in this hi-tech society,” said VRS; and 3) This make-up artist and hairstylist (MUAAHS) was disappointed with one of the members of the beauty committee who is slow to answer queries. “Busy-busyhan ang show ni Mommy A,” said VRS. MUAAHS also said that the upcoming contest has invited big celebrities. "The contestants whose photos were severely photoshopped, I think are not worth it," said MUAAHS.

 

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Remember Paloma aka Marimar, well-loved and fondly remembered by visitors at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Baclayon, also known for his kagwang--buwis-buhay performance?

 

Last week, I went to Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Baclayon town to visit JingJing  Salibay and Paloma.  After the death of Prony, Bohol’s international animal superstar, on August 14, 2013, the wild park had experienced a laidback.

 

“Everything is back to normal,” said JingJing Salibay, the park’s caretaker.  Well, she was right because I saw a lot of foreign visitors and locals visiting the park.

 

At the entrance, Paloma was busy welcoming the guests.

 

Paloma aka Marimar has a new talent: to mimic sounds
of animals in weirdest and funniest ways. –LPU

“Welcome to the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park!”

 

Then, he began shouting:

 

Oooohhhhlok olokok olokolok...(for turkey)

 

Ahhhhtatakakakaa (for bird)

 

Whaaaakkkk ming kaun naka waaakkkkk (for crow)

 

owhhhh owhhhh (for bird)

 

Spectators were amazed that animals became “alive-alert-awake-enthusiastic” upon hearing Paloma. It was a remarkable feat that visitors could hardly believe what they witnessed.

 

Paloma can mimic the sounds of the animals, from monkeys and pigs to birds and even flies! Paloma’s crow and turkey imitations are spot-on, the bird perfect.

 

While Paloma has been known for his deadly antics and acrobatic performance (he is still performing after the animal tour), mimicking animals seems to be a particular talent.

 

Paloma has studied and mastered the sounds of the different species of birds during his pasttime. He spends his time imitating their sounds -- the way the birds communicate with each other on different situations.

 

JingJing Salibay kisses her new pet
(and beside the glass which contains
the bones of Prony). -LPU

And it is hard to believe that he has been able to mimic the sounds of the birds (of course, in weirdest and funniest ways!Ha!Ha!Ha!).

 

"I will preserve their voices," said Paloma.

 

On the other hand, JingJing said that a visit to the park is a learning experience.

 

“Here at Bohol Python and Wildlife Park, it is not only a tourist destination but it’s also an educational tour,” said JingJing. “Because we have lots of wildlife animals not only pythons.”

 

If you have missed Prony, “her” preserved body is still the biggest attraction inside the park Sofronio, the “reincarnation” of Prony.  Prony’s bones are on display inside a glass. The arrangement of the bones and delicate structures is remarkable. The Salibay family has plans to register Prony’s preserved bones to the Guiness Book of World Records (in other category) sometime soon.

 

If you have never tasted the Bohol new product, don’t forget to try the crunchy and spicy organic “chichaworm” at the park. “It’s rich in protein just like my favorite,” said Paloma. To order, contact EAL Organic Chicaworm at 0935125820/09323822345.

 

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HNU-Ultimate Mohawks wins 3rd in Frisbee tournament

 

Frisbee might not be totally mainstream in Philippine sports thinking, but it was on full display just recently as Dumaguete hosted the tournament.

 

The crunchy and spicy organic “chichaworm” 

is available at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park. -LPU

The Holy Name University (HNU)- Ultimate Mohawks won third place in the recently concluded UCL (Ultimate Collegiate League) Frisbee Tournament held at the Silliman Ballfield in Dumaguete City. Silliman University's disc breakers ranked second beaten by MSU-Iligan's team which won the championship with a score of 14.15 leading only by one point. 

 

The first intercollegiate frisbee league was participated in by different prestigious schools from the Philippines.

 

The HNU- Ultimate Mohawks roster were Dave Samson, Peter Hamoay, Eric John Borja, Ray Conner Samson, Rainfred Galanida, Fred Anthony Soriano, Anthony June Madronero, Gio Jubac, Chiojo Jubac

Richard Andamon, Raymond Andamon, Ian Reambonanza, Paul Sarabia, Christian Montanez, Gerald

April Joy Baliong, Ina Laurel, Abigail Bernadas, Valerie Joy Omas-as, Nina Ello and Chelsea Lagang.

 

April Joy Baliong (player who had the highest points scored) received the “score machine” award while Fred Anthony Soriano received the “best defense” award.

 

Beryl Elizabeth Lupot was the team’s coach.

 

The Holy Name University (HNU)-Ultimate Mohawks
 after winning the Ultimate Collegiate League Frisbee Tournament in Dumaguete City.-Courtesy: Beryl Lupot

Jake Linton, France Jordan and Bencel Borja also trained the team before the tournament.

 

“We won because we played hard for each other. Every single player on our team played the best he could play, put in 100 percent effort and contributed to the team,” Lupot said.

 

The team was also sponsored by JNP Construction and Supply, FB Shutters and Services, Joann Pabato, Dr. Dale Ello, Jeric Lim – Bohol Hotel La Roca, Jun Constantine Caturza – Jj’s Seafood Village, Aaron Domingo – Bohol Island Leo Club, Coby Rubillar – Bohol Trading, Dr. and Mrs. Doyet Dumaluan andA’s Chicken Nuggets.

 

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

Prony is dead

Wake-uppers:

Scene: At least 24 people died and hundreds were rescued in sea waters off Cebu province where the passenger

ship MV St. Thomas Aquinas collided with the cargo ship MV Sulpicio Express 7 last Friday evening. 2Go's MV St. Thomas Aquinas came from Nasipit for a stopover in Cebu has more than 800 passengers and 100 crew while Sulpicio Lines' cargo ship with 36 crew members are all accounted for. Beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit posted on Facebook: I can't sleep thinking about the victims of the ship collision off Cebu. My thoughts and prayers to those who are still lost at sea. May the rescuers be also guided by His divine light.

Seen: Jollibee-ICM has a new, vibrant and refreshing look.

Seen: Spotted in Panglao and Loboc last week was PDI’s entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal. Hollywood reporter Ruben Nepales and his wife Janet were also spotted in Bohol.

                                                                                       ***

#Throwback Thursday

It’s a #Throwback Thursday on Facebook as Old Bohol (www.facebook.com/Old.Bohol) is sharing old memories of Bohol.

I dove into the archives from the early days of Bohol and I found a fascinating look-back into what people were talking about.

Cases in point:

Kung ikaw Inday mangita'g pamanhunon,
Siguro-a baya inday ang Bol-anon,
Kung matuman mo suwerte ka

kay ang Bol-anon buotan gayud         

Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa kahangturan...

   -Ang Bol-anon

As everybody probably knows, “Ang Bol-anon” is a popular Visayan song, thanks to our FM stations in Bohol for playing the song every Sunday.

But what some people probably don’t know is that “Ang Bol-anon” was composed by Boholano (not Cebuano) composer Regino Bastes Dano. He swept music lovers off their feet with his “Ang Bol-anon," song that Baby Boomers love to play again and again. Dano came from Poblacion Ondol, Loboc town. The song was one of the repertoires of the Bohol-Tagbilaran Sanghimig Choir, the second time National Champion in National Choral competitions held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (1973) and Folk Arts Theatre (1974).

I bet you didn’t know that photography was a fad at Digal Studio near the intersection of Libertad Street and El Filibusterismo, which currently are CPG and Genaro Visarra Streets. The Digal Studio was located where Footstep is now (fronting LICA Trading). “There used to be a Farmacia in one of the doors of the building owned by the Digal,” says Fernando Po.

Interesting! Interesting!

***

Her name is Prony. I saw her when she was small. I attended her “Quinceañera.” I also witnessed when she transferred to her new home in Baclayon town.

That’s how important this “woman” to me that I’d witnessed her life. But sad to say, she died of unknown causes early Wednesday (August 14) in her cage.

Yes, she’s Prony (python reticulates). People called her “The Anaconda of Bohol.”

A visit to Bohol, Philippines is not complete without Prony which is considered as one of the tourist attractions in the province of Bohol.

It was on October 21, 1996 when Prony was found by Sofronio Salibay which measured 5 feet and 5 kilograms at that time. In 2012, Prony weighed 280 kilos and measured 27 feet long. Her waist line was 34 inches.

JingJing Salibay with her gigantic pet Prony. LPU

The Salibay family, which runs the sanctuary and owned the python, maintained she was the largest snake in captivity in the Philippines, though there were no official records.

"Prony is a self-developed and trained Python found in the Philippines," shares Georgia “JingJing” Salibay, caretaker of Prony.

Prony is a very choosy snake! They fed Prony live chickens before but due to her large consumption and the cost of chickens, they fed her with virgin dogs. However, the animal rights groups protested the feeding of dogs. From then on, the Salibay decided to give her two goats or one white pig, and they must be live during feeding time or else Prony will just snub them. After eating, Prony can sleep for the whole month!

Prony is a superstar as Filipino celebrities Kris Aquino, Richard Gutierrez, Dra. Vicky Belo, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and Hollywood celebrities coach Freddie Roach, Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields went to see her.

Now that she's gone, what will happen to Prony and Wildlife Park (where it houses other animals such as birds, flying lemurs and monkeys)?

“Life must go on,” says JingJing. “She is like a daughter and I know her characteristic. She is the only snake which has human feelings.”

“The Python and Wildlife Sanctuary is still open,” adds JingJing.

What will happen to Marimar who is known for her deadly acrobatic antics?

“I will continue my animal show!” gushes Marimar. 

The Salibay family wants to preserve the snake's body and put it back on display.

I will be missing Prony. She will be remembered forever as an important part of the magic web of life. 

CLICK HERE FOR CNN 

***

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

Prony finds a new home!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Tickets to the A Night with Christian Bautista on April 28, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center are priced at P600, P400 and P200. Call/text Cleford at 09177012288/09228803373.

Karen Gallman

 

Scene: See the works that celebrate women’s strength and courage and honor the female body in Baji 2012: Through The Fire, an all-Boholana visual-literary arts exhibit at the lower ground of the Island City Mall (ICM) from March 4 to 30. The exhibit features the artwork of 46 women in recognition of the International Women’s Month of March. The exhibit includes the work of Hermogena “Nene” Lungay, Rowena Cuadra Seloterio, Alma Aparece, Amor Maria Vistal, Anna Hormiguera, Anni Vi Tirol, Bethlehem Bullen, Bona Dea Padron, Cecilia Agnes Ortiz, Chrisylli Mitzi Abaya, Darlene Sanguenza Cano, Dawn Likha Borja, Dedinne Docoy-Boucher, Dimpna Cutin, Fides Maria Vistal, Gee Biliran, Irish Glori Galon, Izabelle Petines, Jacquelou Curambao, Jessica Jayectin, Joanna Flores, Josielou Liray Chan, Joy Jakosalem-Balane, Liza Macalandag, Lovely Rose Acedo, Lumin Tirol-Pamaran, Ma. Bernes Acedo, Ma. Daisylou Daquipa Manluza, Maria Binhi Blanco Borja, Maida Jabinez, Maria Paz Oppus Villanueva, Mary Grace Ido Bernaldez, Matet Galarido, May Blanco, Melanie Oncog, Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes, Pie Padron, Rain Calimbayan, Regina Estorba Macalandag, Rosa Shiela Café, Sandra de la Serna, Silveri Marsamolo, Sonieta Labasan, Victorina Jumawid, Vida May Tirol-de Juan and Virna Avergonzado.  

 

Scene: The deadline of the submission of entries for the Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 is on March 16. The Miss Teen Tagbilaran is a project of Tagbilaran City SK Federation headed by Councilor Mary Liene Shaene Karaan of Poblacion 1.  

 

Scene: The Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council general assembly and elections, March 31, 9 a.m., at Meridian Hotel, this city. Vida Tirol de Juan and Fiel Angeli Gabin posted on Facebook: Calling all artists, arts enthusiasts, arts advocates, arts teachers, arts students, municipal cultural/tourism officers, cultural heritage workers, history/language advocates, performing arts groups, arts collectives, eco-cultural advocates. Individuals. groups, NGOs, civic organizations, government agencies. And all who loves Bohol with all its richness of culture and arts! Please come!

 

Scene: Bb. Pilipinas- World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit on Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman, the other Boholana candidate in the Bb. Pilipinas 2012: You’ll never fail to ignore Karen Gallman who’s a deadringer of Ms. Universe Ximena Navarrette. She has a standout beauty, bubbly personality and she’s very articulate and the walk is something you have to watch out for. I love it that she speaks English with an Australian accent yet is not ashamed of speaking Bisaya in a full Boholano swag. I see her in the top 5.

 

***

As you can see, there’s an exclamation point in today’s headline as a way to herald a new chapter in Prony’s life — and “her” caretakers, too!

 

 

Paloma aka Marimar, Prony’s “twin” is now ready to do deadly acrobatic performance in Prony’s new home in barangay Laya, Baclayon town. LPU

 

And so, after all the twists and turns, the action, drama, romance, suspense, etc, as you and I have expected all along, ends up happily ever after in the waiting. Prony, the longest and biggest python in captivity used to have “her” home in Sta. Fe, Allbur town. “She” is now calling Barangay Laya, Baclayon home last March 7. That is official.

 

A visit to Bohol is not complete without Prony which is considered as one of the most important tourist attractions in Bohol. Prony has a special niche in the hearts of the people from all walks of life, including celebrities such as Richard Gutierrez, Dra. Vicky Belo, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, coach Freddie Roach, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Kris Aquino, et al, and Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields. 

 

Notice any, uhm, changes on Bohol’s superstar? Prony is now longer. JingJing Salibay said, “Prony measures 27 feet long from 26 feet last year. We love her very much!”

 

And notice any, uhm, changes on Paloma aka Marimar? Paloma was stagnant for almost four months when the Sta. Fe mini zoo was closed for public viewing. “She” needs to lose more weight.

 

Paloma said,“Gimingaw ko magperform og animal show!” The Greek goddess of love, desire and beauty Aphrodite was born from sea foam but Paloma aka Marimar was born uniquely. “Ako ang babaeng ahas. Gikaon ni Prony unya giluwa!”

 

Does this mean she’s returning to do kagwang performance (and some deadly antics) again? “More, more better show! Promise!”

 

In a jiffy, Eugene and JingJing Salibay are now busy improving the place and the negative feelings towards a certain public official are consigned to the dustbin with a hug. And the feelings became lighter when the people of Baclayon have received Prony with open arms, without any hesitation, mental reservation or doubts.

 

Among the guests I spotted were Laya Barangay Captain Carlito To-ong, Baclayon Councilor Romulo Balangkig, Madame Cony Geonzon, Atty. Epifanio Bolando, former Albur Mayor Mayor Ugdoracion, Albur councilor Jubac, Lourdes Pinlac and Rev. Fr. Glen Alipoyo.

 

Also in attendance were the media friends: Gerry Pabe, Willy Maestrado, Richelyn Maestrado, Jun Guttirrez, Andy Nalzaro, Dodong Libatona, Egdar Tumanda, Rey Tutas and Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity emceed the affair.

 

We enjoyed the mouth-watering, tummy-filling items during the merienda sienna: inasal, sinugbang tulingan, kare-kare, etc. and some native delicacies such as puto coshenta, biko, ubi with latik, kamote with latik, etc., then redwine and Tanduay.

 

I left early so I’m not sure if Prony was able to sleep or Paloma was still entertaining the more than 500 guests from Albur and Baclayon towns. Everyone was celebrating new home full of love.

 

Burp!!!

***

 

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

 

In this month that celebrates women’s history, some of the works of Boholana women are featured in ‘Baji 2012: Through The Fire’ exhibit at the lower ground of the Island City Mall. LPU