Laiilette: 50 Carats (The Actual Birthday Celebration)

Laiilette a.k.a. "Scarlet": "Just turned 50, looks like 40, and feels like 30."

Showbiz luminary Leah Scarnet “Laiilette” Jo Geulen - Boiser, also known by her screen name “Scarlet”, just turned 50 years young(er) last Sunday, an event she’s celebrating with family, relatives and friends. 

According to the “golden girl”, she feels so blessed and she is thankful to God for having received greetings and gifts from family and friends. 

Something unique about that night were the cosplayer-usherettes dressed as angels, Julianne Nina Almiranez Lao and Hannah Samonte, who welcomed and gave alcohol to the guests and facilitated the remembrance signatures.

The gracious sister of the birthday girl, Jesyn Lovette Geulen - Laolao, led the prayers and grace before meals. During dinner, video greetings from well-wishers arranged by Cielo Gabin were flashed which included Christine Manigque - Menguito, New Jersey, USA (friend and neighbor at Soledad); Leo Madanguit, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Holy Spirit School elementary classmate); Michelle Rama, Riverside, California, USA ((HSS elementary and high school  classmate); Ma. Nerissa Virtusio - Clarete, Chula Vista, California, USA (HSS elementary and high school classmate); Veronica Quijada - Manintan, Canada (HSS high school classmate); Gia Galicia, Los Angeles, California, USA (Cebu Doctors’ College classmate); Ricky Inting, Daly City, California, USA (Divine Word College of Tagbilaran – College of Arts and Sciences schoolmate and 1988 Sandugo Re-enactment Group); Margot Recio, Japan (Friend); and Miriam Badayos – Wynn, California, USA (DWCT CAS classmate and friend).

After God, her main source of strength: husband Jade, Mommy Lucila, sister Lovette and family.

A montage of Laiilette’s milestones in photos was presented to the tune of her favorite singer Angela Bofill’s jazzy “Love is in Your Eyes”. 

Adding to the excitement were the messages from Laillette’s showbiz friends - singer Frenchie Dy, actresses Richelle “Rich Asuncion” Angalot - Mudie and Snooky Serna, and Sen. Bong Revilla (Laiilette’s Ultimate Showbiz Crush)

Erstwhile Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT) star dancers - twins Maria Florida “Pol” Acuna and Maria Loreta “Loy” Acuna, still superbly graceful even in their 50’s, opened the after-dinner program with Spandau Ballet’s “Gold” dance interpretation (later was “Despacito”) that ushered the entrance of the birthday girl. 

Unexpectedly, Laiilette was teary-eyed when her sister Lovette’s family and her husband, Jade Boiser, presented her with bouquets of flowers. 

The lady of the house and Laiilette’s mother, Ms. Lucila Jo-Geulen, a certified “fashionista”, turned out to be a woman of few words, thanking the guests and well-wishers and then sat to excitedly watch the whole proceeding. 

Thankful to VRS' Leo Udtohan's birthday gift: the first of the 2-part feature with birthday party coordinator and host, Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao - Gabin.

A uniquely cute knee dance number with ‘80s hits background music was performed by “pamangkins” Lovelle, Luzzio, and Luizzi. Kicking off the singing part was Jeanette Ladaga-Uy’s bombastic song and dance number, followed by Gerry Lugod, Allan Caberte, Gay Andoy – Indick, Charisse Mascarinas. 

Suave seasoned host Raul Phillip Gatal was a hit with his Rick Astley song number who also livened up the party with humor. 

The cosplayer-usherettes Julianne Nina Almiranez-Lao and Hannah Samonte in angel costumes with her sister Lovette.

An impromptu rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For” was done by Laiilette, Maria Florida Acuna, Maria Loreta Acuna-Cacho, and Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao – Gabin, her Holy Spirit School Class of 1983 and Divine Word College of Tagbilaran College of Arts and Science classmate, and 1988 Raje Palanca Sandugo Reenactment Theater Guild fellow performer, who prepared and designed the video presentations and coordinated and emceed the program as her birthday gift for Laiilette. 

The technical direction was done by Lovette Geulen – Laolao. 

Other visitors who gave messages were Boy Castillo and Susan Lim. It was, after all, a pandemic 50th birthday to remember.

***

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Rich Asuncion and Benj Mudie's baby Bela gets baptized

Kapuso actress Rich Asuncion and Benj Mudie  marked another family milestone on Sunday, August 25, with the baptism of their daughter,  Bela Brie.

Rich Asuncion and Benj Mudie

 with their daughter,  Bela Brie. P

from IG: benjmudie

On Instagram and Facebook on Thursday night, August 29, Rich shared photos of the baptism, with the caption: “Bela Brie Baptism!”

The photos show Bela Brie smiling with Rich and Benj.

The baptismal gown, according to Rich, was the same garment worn by husband Benj and his siblings. This was kept by Benj's mother over the years so that the next generation may also wear the same, like Rich's baby.

Some of the celebrities who were present at the event were Sunshine Dizon, Yasmein Kurdi, Mike Tan and Sheena Halili.

The baptism was held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Taguig.

Welcome to the Christian world Baby Bela Brie! Congratulations to the parents!

***

Two big people are marking milestones last week: National Food Authority Manager (NFA)-Bohol manager Maria Fe "Peng" Evasco for her birthday (no need to reveal how old she is since she doesn’t look it) and Dave Sibbaluca Maulas for a triple birthday celebrations, a house blessing and a thanksgiving (you know for passing the bar).

Surrounded by family and friends, 

Birthday Girl Maria Fe "Peng" Evasco 

 flashes a big smile on her birthday. 

Friday last week (August 30), Peng hosted a buffet for her friends and NFA employees and Dave on Saturday (August 31), with a dinner buffet at  his new home at Barangay Mansasa.

NFA Manager Maria Fe 

"Peng" Evasco on her 'ty-nine year.'

When it was time to blow the candle, everybody gathered around Peng. As a collective "Happy Birthday" reverberated around NFA, the Birthday Girl flashed a sweet smile.

Perhaps not many people know that Peng was a radio dj and a writer before she joined the government. 

Dave, a popular student leader in his college days, is a lawyer and a certified public accountant (CPA).

NFA information officer Jhoel Lim kept busy entertaining Peng’s guests, making sure that food was replenished on the buffet table. The waiters of Saya's were very polite, asking the guests, always with a smile, if they needed more drinks or whatever.

Atty. David Maulas with his wife

Jennisa and  daughter Danielle Quinn.  

Photo: FB account of Atty. David Maulas 

"I am so very thankful, incredibly grateful and wonderfully blessed! Thank you everyone for your loving wishes and birthday greetings and for being part of my journey," said Peng.

Dave and his wife Jennisa recently moved their family into their new dream  home in Barangay Mansasa where they wanted a place to watch their kids play and grow up.

The long buffet table was loaded with food, with fresh fruits during Sunday's celebration.

Lawyers David Maulas, REA

and Ralp Ryan Lagura, CPA of Maulas and Lagura Law Offices.

In high school, Dave thought  of becoming a lawyer. Believing it was the best route, he took up Accountancy but ended up with a Management Accounting degree.

To pursue his other passion, that is teaching, he finished Masters in Business Administration and  taught in a University.

He also obtained a Real Estate Appraiser and Broker license.

In 2014, he entered law school. Midway, he got married to Jennisa and fathered a lovely daughter Danielle Quinn.

He passed the bar examination and he is on his way to become one the province’s best young lawyers.

Last week, Dave with his friend lawyer-accountant Ralp Ryan Lagura  opened the
MAULAS & LAGURA Law Offices at the Ground Floor of Castelcelo Building, at the back of Robinsons Bank near Garden Cafe/Save 'n Earn and old City Hall.

"Blessings come in different sizes. Some are so small that we sometimes take them for granted. Others are too big that we are sometimes consumed by them,"  Dave said.

"I thank the Almighty for this yet another milestone, without discounting those several others which came before this. I thank Him for all the people I met, who helped mold me to be what I am today. Most of all, I thank the Lord for the blessing of a family," he added.

*   *   *

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

Bohol’s Maynard Fullido on GMA’s Starstruck

GMA Network’s original artista search is finally back. ‘Starstruck’ is now on its 7th season and on its pilot episode on Saturday, it has officially revealed the finalists.

Part-time model-performer of The Art Nouveau (TAN) Models Maynard Bungabong Fullido is part of the Top 22 of StarStruck 7.

“I’m fighting for a spot to continue my Starstruck journey.  I am grateful and proud that I came this far andI thank you all who supported me in this journey,” said the 19-year old part-time model from Capitol Valley in Tagbilaran City.

 Maynard tried his luck on GMA’s two-day ‘StarStruck’ audition held at Robinsons Galleria Cebu last Feb. 16.

“My Starstruck experience is unforgettable because I wasn’t expecting that I get passed in audition. There were many young hopefuls like me who auditioned,” he said.

He made the cut and he was told to fly to Manila for the nationwide selection.

“My dream is to become a role model. I want to inspire other people that they can be whatever they want to be in the future,” he told VRS when asked what made him to audition for the  talent search.

He enjoyed the StarStruck audition.

He was also encouraged by his manager and friend Khim Roger Ryan Laway Magtagad of  TAN Models to audition for StarStruck.

Maynard is not a newbie in the entertainment industry.

Maynard Bungabong Fullido of The Art Nouveau (TAN)
Models is a finalist of GMA Network’s
original artista search ‘Starstruck’-7.   Contributed Photo

Aside from being a member of the Bohol Boyband, he was a grand finalist of Mr. BQ Mall 2018 who won the best in talent and production number awards.

Maynard said he is a dreamer, believer and survivor in real life.

Meanwhile, Boholana actress Rich Asuncion posted on Friday her #FlashbackFriday photo  when she joined the Starstruck 4: The Next Level.

On her Facebook status, she narrated her father accompanied her to the Cebu auditions back in 2007.

“We braved through the storm (literally) just to make it there. Luckily, I made the cut and was told to fly to Manila for the nationwide selection,” said Rich.

She said it wasn’t an easy decision to make because she was already enroled for the second semester.

“There was no guarantee that I would even make it to the finals. There were still 100 auditionees and they were cutting it down to only 14 hopefuls through series of eliminations. But I said to myself, this opportunity will only come once. I then took the leap and the rest is history,” she said.
.
Rich said, “I dreamed, believed and survived!”

Rich Asuncion ties the knot

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Tarsier 117, Bohol's response team, bagged the Quality Award on Gold Category during the Business Initiative Directions  (BID) International Quality Convention in New York. The award was personally received  by provincial administrator Ae Damalerio and Mark Sydney Galia, team leader of Tarsier 117.

Mr and Mrs. Mudie 

Scene:  Speaking of brewing battles…Members of the LGBT community have openly declared war against an event organizer of a mall in Tagbilaran City. Talent managers, handlers and make-up artists criticized the event organizer  for his “modus operandi”-- negotiating the models without their knowledge. 
Scene:  Erika Limbago was crowned in the revived Miss Loboc 2018.  Erika’s mother, Cynthia, was crowned Miss Loboc many years ago.

***

Rich Asuncion, Benj Mudie marry in Hong Kong

Actress Rich Asuncion and her longtime boyfriend, Filipino-Australian rugby player Benjamin Mudie, tied the knot in Hong Kong last Monday, May 28.

Her family and a few close friends -- Gerry Lugod, former beauty queen and reporter Mayumi Lugod-Ortiz, actress Cathy Remperas, April Recio, Vanessa Ramirez-McLaughlin and Kikoi Busalla –have flown to Hong Kong to witness the union, which took place at the Hong Kong Marriage Registry.  Hong Kong- based Shirmie Cuadra Biloy and Timmy Pacaldo Lorete also witnessed the union.

Kapuso actress Rich Asuncion ties
the knot with Filipino-Aussie rugby
 player Benjamin Mudie, in Hong Kong, May 28.  Contributed Photo

Making the occasion more special was the presence of her few celebrity friends, including Sheena Halili, Glaiza de Castro, Renz Fernandez and Sunshine Dizon, also attended the special moment.

“It was an intimate, beautiful wedding and Rich looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress,” said Gerry.

After getting married, the couple had a celebration on a yacht.

Rich got engaged during GMA’s “Ika-6 Na Utos” 7 taping last April 2017. Benj popped the question at the set of the show.

***

Buenavista, Bohol residents in fear

after Mayor Sample Tirol’s killing

Buenavista residents are in fear after the killing of Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell “Sample” Tirol last Sunday.

Police are considering politics, business, and personal conflict as possible motives behind the killing of Tirol, 38, a bachelor, and a scion of a political family in Bohol.

Gerry Lugod with Mr and Mrs. Mudie in Hong Kong.
Contributed Photo

“I feel I am no longer safe here,” said Gina, a resident who asked to withhold her family name.

Another resident, Victoria, said she plans to transfer to another residence due to the killings in Buenavista, a fourth class town with a population of 27,261.

“I hope there will be no more killing here. It is still scary,” she said.

Tirol was the third high-profile shooting victim in Buenavista. The two others were a policeman and a militiaman.

Chief Insp. Rully Lauron, Buenavista police chief, Station, admitted that there was a sense of unease among the residents following the killing of the mayor.

“I notice that the people were scared since their mayor himself was killed. They found that alarming,” he said.

“I hope that the residents would not be cowered by fear. We have disseminated our contact information for people who may have known the whereabouts of the gunmen who killed the mayor,” he added.

However, it was still business as usual at the municipal hall, said Vice Mayor Dave Duallo who assumed the post of acting mayor following the death of Tirol.

The newlyweds with their family friends (l-r) Vanessa Ramirez,
 Mayumi Lugod-Ortiz, Cathy Remperas, April Recio,
Shirmie Cuadra Biloy, Gerry Lugod, Kikoi Busalla
and Cathy’s fiancé.  Contributed Photo

Number one Councilor Ma. Christine Cabarrubias-Torregosa also took over as acting vice mayor based on the law of succession.

Duallo said it was understandable that the people were shocked by the mayor’s killing. “But life goes on. Our service to the people will not stop,” he said.

The police have filed murder complaints against two men who were suspected to be behind the killing of Tirol.

Elmer Melencion was identified by witnesses as the one who allegedly shot Tirol while playing a card game inside the cockpit arena that he owned in Buenavista past 3 p.m. on Sunday.

At that time, the mayor’s bodyguards were running an errand for Tirol.

Melencion, an alleged gun-for-hire, had a separate murder charge but was able to post bail. Also charged was Emedio Aparece Jr. who allegedly served as look-out.

 Loboc Councilor Tessie Labunog-Sumampong
with the candidates and winners of Miss Loboc 2018.
\Leo Udtohan

Senior Supt. Angeles Geñorga, police Bohol director, said the suspected gunman likely carried out the attack on orders of a still unidentified “mastermind.”

“Although we have identified the gunman, the work is not complete since we still don’t have the mastermind,” said Geñorga.

***

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

Mich Capili: A new bet for stardom

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Actor Aga Muhlach was in Bohol last Monday to shoot an episode about Bohol for his travel-adventure show Pinoy Explorer on TV5.

Aga and his crew, including Rowell Santiago, who is the director of Pinoy Explorer, were surprised to learn that the torrential rains caused two million Pinoys to battle the monsoon floods.

 

Aga with fans

“It’s not raining in Bohol. Napakaganda ang panahon sa Bohol parang summer noong nagshooting sila,” said VRS. 

 

Aga visited the beaches, Loon Macaques Habitat, Bohol Bee Farm and other tourist attractions in Bohol.

 

While shooting, Aga showed signs he was really worried for his family in Manila. According to VRS, in between filming, he had to call his wife Charlene to monitor the situation.

 

The Pinoy Explorer fanpage on Facebook posted last Tuesday, “Ingat, mga Kapatid! Maaraw dito sa kinalalagyan namin pero nananalangin kami para sa kaligtasan ng lahat!”

 

Aga will celebrate his 43rd birthday on August 12 in Camarines Sur where he will run for congressman of the province’s 4th district.

 

Seen: Matinee idol/TV host Drew Arellano was spotted in Bohol last Thursday for his weekend adventure on GMANewsTV’s Weekend Getaway. The Bohol visit was the nth time for Drew.

 

Drew Arellano

According to GMA 7, Weekend Getaway is a reality-travel show about real weekend warriors — people with regular jobs who take off their suits or uniforms, strap on their sandals, pack their shades and bathing suits for some travel and adventure on weekends. Host Drew Arellano treats two adventure-seekers to a weekend trip and shows them that traveling can be fun on a budget! Weekend Getaway will showcase affordable, off-the-beaten-track weekend getaway options in the Philippines and around Asia.

 

To join Weekend Getaway, send an audition video to weekend.getaway@yahoo.com. Weekend Getaway will air on GMA News TV channel 11 every Saturday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

 

***

“Mich Capili, 15, Bohol!”

 

That is how she introduced herself on national TV when GMA 7’s Protégé revealed the Top 20 individuals from thousands of aspirants who would advance to the next level of the competition last Sunday, August 5.

 

(Two winners will be proclaimed at the finals night -- one male protégé and one female protégé. At stake are 12 million pesos worth of cash prizes and a management contract with GMA 7.)

 

Just as Mich Capili appeared on screen, my inbox started flooding with messages asking about her.

 

But who is Mich Capili?

 

GMA 7 website says:

 

Mich Capili

Mitch lived a comfortable life when her parents were still in the poultry business.  But in a reversal of fate, the princess has become a pauper.

 

Her mother is now living abroad, and Mitch is hurting: "Galit ako sa kanya dahil in-abandon niya kami.  Pero mahal ko siya dahil kahit ganoon ang ginawa niya, siya pa rin ang nanay namin."

 

For Mitch, stardom means a redemption from poverty.

 

Of this stage in her life: "Ito na ang panahon para mapakita ko sa lahat ang talent ko. Confident na ako at alam kong mag-i-improve pa ako."

 

Her favorite celebrities: Aljur Abrenica, Regine Velasquez.

 

After Protégé, the socialite and showbiz na showbiz Very Reliable Source (VRS) gave me a ring.

 

“Kuya, happy jud ko nasud si Mich Capili! I really like her! Artista na jud siya. Dili jud basta-basta nga makuha ka kay daghan kayo ang ming-audition sa Protégé. I saw her during the audition in Cebu. She was very good in acting. When Jolina told her to act having a cerebral palsy, Mich gave justice to it,” informed VRS.

 

“Really? But I don’t know her. Her family name is unfamiliar.”

 

“Sus Ginoo si Kuya, she is the daughter Ex-councilor Edgardo Kapirig from Tagbilaran City! Screen name rana niya. I am sure happy iyang dad for her achievement. Wala diay ka kita sa TV kadto ming-audition siya? When the camera panned to the audience area, there were familiar faces. Naa iyang father and cousins,” added VRS.

 

So, Mich Capili is Michelle Angelu Kapirig in real life.

 

The following night, I turned on the TV set to GMA 7’s Inside Protégé (a 15-minute daily updates which air weeknights from 10:15-10:30 pm on the Telebabad block, Mondays to Thursdays, after One True Love and every Friday after Lie To Me.) and saw her again. She looked like a young and fresh Angelu de Leon or Kylle Padilla. Okay, make that a virginal mixture of Angelu de Leon and Kylle Padilla which makes her a lethal combination. Mich has eyes that can melt hearts of boys.

 

Mich was a fourth year high school student at Holy Name University before she joined Protégé. Her classmates and schoolmates described her quiet and shy.

 

“She is very shy in school. She became popular after joining a beauty pageant, yet he remains low-key and soft spoken,” SM Aquino told Bared.

 

Mich is also a product of GreAtMinds' fun-filled-summer theater and film workshops. Last May, she joined Miss Bohol International 2012 but people could hardly remember her if she joined the pageant.

 

Of course, we still remember the circumstances of her parents’ business and political adventure.

 

But what do you know? Given Mich’s potentials, she may just end up as the next artista. I have a gut feeling that she can make it and the show is merely a stepping stone for her.

 

We wish her well. A girl, who sticks to her guns, knows who she is and what she wants when it comes to her future career deserves only the best this world could offer.

 

After Rich Asuncion (First Princess of StarStruck: The Next Level in 2007) and Cathy Remperas (Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up Housemate in 2009), we have a new bet for stardom.

 

Her name is Mich Capili.

 

***

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

The ‘Biggest Likes and Yikes’ of 2011

Let us start the New Year with this wonderful message: Isn’t it strange how 100 peso bill appears to be a large amount when donated to church but too small when you go shopping? Isn’t it strange how 1 hour seems so long in church and so short when having fun? How everyone wants front row tickets on concert or show but they want last row in the church? As usual but strange reality. We say God is our priority but have we proven it everyday? Hope you have time to read and share this message.

And…

Remember the laughter,
the joy,
the hard work,
and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year,
also think of the new one to come.

Because most importantly,
this is a time of new beginnings
and the celebration of life.

***

Drum roll, please! It's time to find out which entertainment stories, people and events caught our attention in 2011! And, ehem, these Bohol’s who’s who cum celebrities received an award for being famous/infamous in the year 2011!

Likes! Most Beautiful Boholana of 2011

Farrah Faye Mian of Tubigon was declared Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011. The Bohol’s Finest Daughter and Most Beautiful Boholana is now included in the Miss Bohol Honor Roll.

Likes! Most Trending in 2011

“You know you're a Boholano if?’ trended worldwide on Facebook. Other hottest fanpages on  Facebook for Boholanos worldwide were ‘Taga- UB ka kung…’, ‘Taga-Calape ka kung?,’ ‘Nka skwela kag HNU Highschool kung?’, ‘Taga VDT-ALC ka kung..’, ‘Taga-WISDOM ka kung...’, ‘Nakatungha ka sa Grace Christian School kung?’, ‘Tatak Sevillahanon ka kung?’ and  ‘Nakaskwela ka sa Bohol High kung?’.

Yikes! Most Unforgettable Celebrity Feud

The claws are out! Which who’s who battle had you jumping to take sides? 2011 was a feisty fight between Mayor Dan Lim and Gov. Edgar Chatto. Also, Mayor Dan Lim and Taloto Barangay Captain Faro Cabalit's claws were out last 2011, and their weight war earned them the first-runner up.

Yikes! Most Shocking Celebrity Scandal

In December, TV 5 reported that Mayor Dan Lim, stuck on a flight and too impatient to wait for the toilet, unzipped his pants in front of the flight attendant. The flight attendant said Mayor Lim was obviously impatient, though he blamed the incident on being diabetic. The incident gained further notoriety when it was uploaded in youtube.

First runner-up was the “No Other Woman” involving a beauty queen and a photographer. The housewife-beauty queen herself slipped unnoticed into the apartment and caught them in the act. The couple broke up immediately after that. 

Second runner-up was the sex scandal video involving a media personality with a “minor” girl. 

Yikes! Most Shocking Death of a Cultural Icon

Cultural icon, educator and dancer Oscar Real, the co-founder of Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe, died at age 60 on March 29.

Yikes! Best Brouhaha Incident of the Year

In April 2011, a Philippine National Bank teller “accidentally” gave the million pesos to the wrong person. The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)-Bohol campaign says, “Be honest…Even If others are not. Even if others will not. Even if others cannot.”

Likes! Hottest Duo

Central Visayas bets Blake Mahecha Valles was declared second runner-up and Felisse Marie Carvajal was top 5 in the Ginoo and Mutya ng Prisaa 2011 held on April 13 in Zamboanga City. The Ginoo and Mutya ng Prisaa 2011 was one of the highlights of this year's Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa), an athletic competition among private schools in the country.

Yikes! No Miss Tagbi 2011

There was no Miss Tagbilaran 2011 because the search committee decided to cancel the pageant. The reason? Most of the applicants were repeaters or recycled beauties. There were no pageants in 1987 and 1995.

Likes! Hottest Celeb of the Year

Many had career years in 2011 -- but which one truly stood out from the pack? Yes, the Starstruck alumna and beauty queen was the cover babe of FHM Philippines May 2011 issue. Not only her first FHM cover, but also her first time to pose for a magazine cover. A homegrown Kapuso artist, Rich finished 1st Princess on GMA talent search "StarStruck 4: The Next Level" and later competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2009 and was declared first runner-up. She can no longer join beauty pageants in the future as she posed sexy for a men’s magazine.

Likes! Lifetime Achievement Award for a Beauty Queen

Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy, who is also the Rotary Queen for the nth time, wowed the crowd during the Santacruzan 2011 street parade. She was also hailed as Queen of Alay Lakad 2011.

Yikes! Better Luck Next Time Award

 2011 was unfavorable for our beauty queens Aileene Ella Dango and Renee Soraya Rosete Hassani who didn’t make it to the final 10 in the Miss Philippines-Earth 2011. Also, Miss Denmark Maya Celeste Padillo Olesen (her mother Elizabeth Padillo Olesen is from Bohol) didn’t make it in the Miss World 2011.

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 first runner-up Ely Rose Apple Angcon was selected as a finalist for the Olay White Bar Ambassador.  However, Angcon failed to win the title.

Miss Mandaue 2011 Donna Cardino failed to grab a spot in the Miss World-Philippines 2011.

Ubayanus Kru from San Pascual, Ubay, Bohol failed in the monthly finals rounds on ABS-CBN late-morning show Showtime.

Likes! Biggest Celebrity Wedding of 2011

It was provincewide spectacle when Tagbilaran City Councilor Baba Yap married Jane Censoria Cajes in Tagbilaran City on February 5. The ceremony inside St. Joseph Cathderal was attended by roughly 1,500 guests, including Sec. Florencio Abad of Department of Budget and Management,  Gov. Edgar  Chatto, V-Gov. Conching Lim,  Reps. Rene Relampagos, Erico  Aumentado and Arthur Yap. Talk about a short engagement, Yap, a city councilor, popped the question to Cajes in December 2010, after they had been dating for about three months.

Yikes! Kumukupas Na Paraiso Award

The devastating condition of the Raha Sikatuna Park (Magsaysay Camp) in Bilar. Due to the war torn nature of the area, it is now practically abandoned. Sadly, this now decaying place was home to rare flora and fauna.  Gone are the days when Rajah Sikatuna National Park was a haven for nature lovers and a bird-watchers paradise.

Likes! Most Memorable Celebrity Travel

Fashion icon EJ Relampagos went to Italy where he treated her mother Josefina “Jo” Relampagos to a bakasyon grande. Like other visitors, EJ and his mom, came in search of fine art, pizza, spaghetti, cappuccino, wine and fashion.  Also, Trisha Chatto had a memorable trip in France and Germany.

Yikes! Real Drama of the Year

The youngest survivor of the ill-fated M/V Island Fast Craft 1 on Aug. 21 was three-month-old Rema May Abigial Tugap.  Her mother, Emmie Tugap, hugged her tightly before they jumped into the churning waters. Fortunately, a fisherman helped save them and the other passengers. Three dead while 70 others were rescued.

Yikes! Nature’s Fury Experiences

After land fissures, flashfloods occurred in Sierra-Bullones last March which killed one person. The Anda landslide killed two young men working inside a quarry. There were reported floods occurring in Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez and Jagna in March 2011.

Likes! Most Memorable Concerts

The concert of Miss Saigon star and award-winning recording artist Ima Castro on Sept. 13 topped the list.. First runner-up was the concert of songwriter and singer Jose Mari Chan for dyRD’s 50th anniversary. Second runner-up was the concert of world-renowned operatic tenor and philanthropist Sal Malaki. Tied for third runner-up were the concerts of Jovit Baldivino and Bugoy Drilon; and Erick Santos and Ai-Ai delas Alas.

Likes! Homecoming Award

After his exhibitions abroad, visual and performance artist Sam Penaso and his works returned to Bohol. After their church wedding on 11-11-11, Nonito Donaire Jr. and his wife Rachel paid Bohol, his home province, a surprise visit.

Likes! Bring Home the Bacon Award

Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC) bagged 3rd place in the Tolosa International Choir competition in Spain.  Before that, the LCC members had their mini-concerts in Europe as part of their Europe 2011 Tour.  Also, Gov. Edgar Chatto received the Dangal ng Bayan Award.

Likes!  Hot Show

Bohol’s First Car and Motor Show featured Bohol’s best cars including Mercedes Benz SLS 2012, Audi TT, BMW Z3’s, Mercedes Benz ML, Subaru WRX STI, Nissan 350z, fully set-up Ford F150, customized Honda cars and more.  And, also the Big Bikes exhibition organized by the Bohol Bikers Association. The motorbikes came in all brands (on Harley-Davidsons and other brands), shapes and sizes, with some that appeared to defy gravity, if not other rules and regulations!

Likes! Cutest Boholano Artista

Christine “Tintin” Ng, who hails from Tagbilaran City, has come a long way from being the shy probinsya and now a rising actress in the country. She starred in movies and indie films; however, her breakthrough role was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera which showcased Tintin’s natural acting. She appeared the talkative and seductive (read: Malandi) yaya or maid in teleseryes.

Yikes! Forget-Me-Not Award

The 80 Boholano talents in the indie film Amigo had least six (6) named supporting roles were not included in the movie’s supposedly “full” cast listing in IMDB. The local talents played their roles, no matter how “small” with such honesty, so natural that they understand well the concept of ensemble acting. 

Likes! Triple Treats Award

In the field of beauty pageant, 2011 saw the rising beauty queens from Tubigon town. Farrah Faye Mian won the Miss Bohol Sandugo crown.  Then, Rochelle Cabilla was declared Miss BACS Academics 2011 and Clarlaine Radoc was proclaimed Miss BACS Personality 2011.

Likes! Santa’s Ho Ho Ho/Happy Holidays

The biggest and tallest Santa Claus in Bohol and in the Philippines caught our attention. First runner-up was the Christmas Village of Mila Lim which fascinated visitors and friends who visit it during the holidays.

Yikes! The “Animal Non Grata” aka Homeless of the Year Award

After celebrating “her” 15^th birthday, Prony, the biggest python in captivity was declared “animal non grata” in Albur after Mayor Efren Tungol ordered closure of the area because Prony’s owners, the Salibay family, had no business permit to operate. Also homeless was Prony (Marimar) who became famous because of “her” kagwang performance.

Yikes! The Nega Award

First district Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos filed House Bill 5422 that seeks to rename Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Corazon Aquino Avenue. Relampagos said “EDSA should be named after Aquino because “one cannot think of the 1986 EDSA Revolution without thinking of former President Corazon Aquino.” However, large number of Pinoy Nettizens (including celebrities such as Tim Yap, Georgina Wilson and Paolo Paraiso) refuse to have anything to do with the bill and expressed their disagreement openly online.  The topic became a top trend on Twitter.

Yikes (Untrue) Rumor of the Year

Which false story was the most egregious? The “treasure hunting” in Loboc Church was a dud! The local authorities in Loboc denied treasure hunting activity as the drilling operation was intended for the study of the bearing capacity of the ground where the church now stands. Some people were not convinced, though.

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