An abundance of love: Valentine happenings around Bohol

There’s a lot of lessons to be learned (yes, by everybody) from Bamboo Flowers, a film by Direk Maryo delos Reyes.

Think positive.

Faith is a tool. When the world is darkest, and you struggle to survive, faith can get you over the worst.

Simply survive each day and you will succeed. Learn from each step, better yourself on the next step, and you will succeed.

Make good things that you can say your own legacy.

Make your own bamboo flowers.

Last Tuesday morning, the Bamboo Flowers stars Xyrus Cruz, Asley Strom, Orlando Sol and Ruru Madrid were in Bohol for (another) Bohol premier. They also answered the questions from the media and crowd during the presscon.

It was also a sort of “reunion” when I met some people in the film industry like Direk Maryo delos Reyes, Lailette Geulen-Boiser, TinTin Ng, Gerry Lugod, Jerome Sarabia, Gardy Labad and Yuri.

Veteran broadcaster Peddie Bolanio (who claimed he’s Robert De Niro’s lost twin) with Direk Maryo delos Reyes during the Bamboo Flowers premier last Tuesday. Photo by Arlene Pisquera

“Para sa akin kaya pinili ko Bamboo Flowers na title dahil universal ang ibig sabihin ng bamboo flowers. It has ancient flavor na maintindihan natin lahat ito,” Direk Maryo told the media while having our lunch at The Buzz. “It has a universal appeal and universal sounding film.”

A lovely day with friends (l-r) LPU, Gerry Lugod, Tintin Ng, Inday Charity and Lailette Boiser.-Jade Boiser

In addition, according to Inday Charity (who loved the trailer and, of course, Ruru Madrid), Bamboo Flowers is a movie about achieving one’s dreams in life. “We should learn how to fight for our true love,” shared Inday Charity.

 “Kapag nag-fade na ang bamboo tree, the flower starts to bloom. Ganun din ang heritage kapag wala na ang magulang ang mga anak naman nila mag-take over. Ganun din ang buhay natin kapag umalis na tayo ang maiiwan ay ang magagandang alaala natin,” said Direk Maryo.

(Note: The Bamboo Flowers regular screening is until Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the ICM Screenville Cinema. Proceeds will go to PROCESS-Bohol Inc. for the development of the Abatan River.)

Three days after, I saw myself at Cion-Virge Restaurant (inside the Tagbilaran Airport) for a tête-à-tête with Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy.

Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy (2nd from left, with her staff at Cion-Virge Restaurant) amazes many people by looking forever young. Her secret? “I don’t think of problems!” -LPU

 

The widely-smiling Rose Soy (who offered me her product “Up,” an instant coffee mix with tongkat ali and ginseng which is available only at her restaurant), shared about loving her work and helping other people through the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran. 

Unfazed by her back-breaking job running the restaurant and charity works, Rose Soy amazes many people by looking forever young, never mind if she insists that she’s “loveless.”

So what keeps lovely in lovelessness?

“I don’t think of problems. I just love my work,” said Rose Soy.

From where we were seated, I had a good view of a vintage photograph of Rose Soy at the top of the Chocolate Hills in Carmen.  It was Rose, the only Rose, who promoted Bohol to the world when Bohol was not yet known at that time.

At 3p.m., at Eva’s Flowershop, I’d witnessed how people were busy buying flowers and Valentine items for their loved ones.

At 4p.m., I went to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School to see their Valentine gimiks.

They had a “love bulletin” where students could display their love messages for five pesos. Other offerings were face painting for five pesos, card reading for three pesos and palm reading for two pesos.

Proceeds from these gimiks will go to their charity projects.

 “We aim to go to Sunshine Home and help the kids. We also want to help the girls who are involved in drugs,” said student Mary Rose Castro.

But the best of all was the “funny” wedding ceremony for 10 pesos. Student volunteer Vanessa Siao explained that someone could pay for the couple’s wedding. The team would look for the pair and had them married.

 “It’s for fun and enjoyment as celebration of Valentine’s Day,” said Vanessa.  

Proceeds will go to rehabilitate their classroom.

At 5 p.m., Inday Charity and I went to Camp Dagohoy to witness how Philippine National Police (PNP) -Bohol marked Valentine’s Day with a mass wedding.  

Ten couples, whose spouses are members of the PNP have exchanged their vows at St. Michael Archangel Chapel inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Dagohoy.

Solemnized by Msgr. Jeff Malanog, the mass wedding ceremony was organized by the PNP under Senior Supt. Dennis Agustin.

“This is to allow police personnel the opportunity to legitimize relationship with their partners,” explained PSupt Joie Pacito Yape Jr, PNP-Bohol Information Officer.

One of participants, PO3 Darwin Andales of PNP-Loon, has been civilly married to his wife PO2 Rosalinda Andales for four years.

"We’re very happy because after four years sa among civil marriage our church wedding came true,” said Andales while gazing into the soulful eyes of his inamorata. “I am very thankful for this opportunity”.

The police officials advised newlyweds to remain faithful to their chosen lifetime partners.

The ceremony, including the reception, was provided by the principal sponsors, Supt. Agustin. Gov, Edgar Chatto, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Aris Aumentado and Art Yap.

In Ubay town, 84 couples finally tied the knot at San Pascual Church on Valentine’s Day. It was sponsored by Bohol 2^nd Rep. Aris Aumentado.

After the mass wedding, I went to the city and I saw Valentine’s Day was a busy night for Cupid, but it was just as busy for restaurants and their staffs. The restaurants all across the city up the ante with prix-fixe meals and amour-themed specials that the lovebirds and family sure to love.

What a busy Valentine! Ako? Busy-busyhan lang pag may time! Ha!Ha!Ha!

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

All things bright and beautiful for new Anyag

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Despite wishes that a female would finally be crowned "American Idol" after five years of male domination, Jessica Sanchez came in second place when Phillip Phillips was pronounced the winner. Jessica Sanchez said, "I was really fighting for the girls in this round. the only reason i wanted to win was because i want to break the whole thing with the guys winning."

 

Soy, Queen for the nth time

Scene: Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy is the Queen of Santacruzan 2012. Santacruzan is a religious parade that re-enacts the finding of the cross of St. Helena in Cavalry 300 years after death of Jesus Christ. 

 

This year’s Santacruzan organized by the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran had military men who were assigned to hand-carry the bamboo arches decked with color-themed flowers.

 

During the procession, there were Methuselah (the oldest person whose age is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. He reminds people that all that glitters may end up like dust) and little angels.

 

It was also a harvest of blooms and beautiful ladies as they portrayed Reyna Mora (represents the religion before Christianity or she is a female Muslim), Reyna Fe (symbolizes virtue of faith and she carries a cross), Reyna Esperanza (symbolizes virtue of hope and she carries an anchor), Reyna Esther (she carries a scepter. She represents the biblical Jewish who saved her countrymen), Veronica (the woman who wiped the face of Jesus. She carries bandana with the imprinted face of Jesus), Tres Marias (Mary of Magdala, she carries a bottle of perfume. Mary Mother of Christ, she carries a handkerchief. Mary Mother of James, she carries a bottle of oil), girl scouts who were the Ave Maria (8 girls each one carrying a letter to spell out AVE MARIA), Rosa Mystica (she carries a bouquet of roses), Queen of Flowers (she carries a bouquet of flowers) and Reyna Elena (the legendary founder of the Holy Cross. She carries a small cross and escorted by her son, Constantine) portrayed by Miss Bohol International 2012 Mary Ebone Calimbayan Cimafranca.

 

Some Rotarians who were present during the parade were City councilor Butchie Zamora, Joy Suarez, Louella Bantol, Alex Bongawan, absent were Rotarians Nila Montero and Raul Gatal.

 

Seen: Award-winning Boholano director Maryo J. de los Reyes is in Bohol.

 

Scene:  Looks like love is in the air in Bohol these days.  Some balikbayans who attended the recently concluded Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) 2012 are deciding to take the plunge and get engaged. Case in point: TBTK president Betty Veloso-Garcia‘s daughter, Maribeth, is now engaged to boyfriend Rob.  “They have been dating for years now. They are engaged and planning a trip down the aisle. He popped the question last week at Gerarda’s during the family gathering,” said the high-profile VRS.  “Na-kilig ang mga witness when Rob gave the engagement ring,” added VRS.

 

Scene:  The next time there is a big event in town, this special occasion designate (SOD) should know how to behave in public. Case in point: The high-ranking official (HRO) asked SOD to prepare a banquet for the many guests. After half an hour, HRO came back with the guests and to his surprise the food was all gone! “The HRO got blush because the visitors didn’t eat that afternoon because HRO threw a banquet for them,” said the roving VRS. “HRO found out that SOD ordered the men to clean the tables and to bring the foods, er, bring house,” added VRS.

 

Seen: Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin is spotted in LA the other day with her daughter AJ Wincielo Johanna visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fiel accompanied Cielo who is a member of the Philippine team to the International Regions Math League competition in Las Vegas, USA. Likewise, also spotted in London is Trisha Chatto.

 

Scene: Music-lovers filled the venue last week to watch balladeer Basil Valdez who sang those oldies but goodies from the 60s and 70s that we loved so much...beautiful memories are made of them. Yes, Basil did sing Ngayon at Kailan Man, Kastilyong Buhangin, Kung Akoy's Iiwan Mo, Siya na Ba, Nais Ko, Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, Hindi Kita Malilimutan, et al. As I’ve been saying, there’s nothing more relaxing and more soothing than listening to old familiar love songs that bring you back to specific periods in your past, evoking memories that you never tire of recalling and reliving. Thanks Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. and K & N Productions!

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Evardo

She used to be just a name as far as beauty-watchers were concerned, a member of the town’s Lungsuranon Performing Arts Ensemble (LUPAE), until she joined as one of the candidates of  Anyag sa Tubigon 2012, the most highly produced and the most-expensive production (with an estimated budget of Php 700-800k) beauty pageant in Bohol.

 

Mariecris Batula Evardo has put a face to the name and what a very beautiful face it is, matched by a beautiful mind and a beautiful body. Will Mariecris the third Anyag to win Miss Bohol Sandugo in a row?

 

Mariecris is now carrying the customized Anyag crown donated by Manila Vice-Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso. It is worth Php 60k designed by a famous Cebuano jeweler Alpio Saban, (who also designed the crown for the Queen of Cebu World).

 

“We want to show to other towns what honest to goodness showmanship and production is all about,” said Raymond Delgado, erstwhile Tubigon’s Queen of All Media.

 

“The program was swift and enjoyable,” said Mr. Cebu 2009 Kris Nimrod Cabigas on his Facebook who hosted the event with Bb. Pilipinas- World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit. “I had a great time hosting Anyag sa Tubigon.”

 

A few days after she was crowned at glittering ceremonies at the Tubigon Cultural Center last May 13 with Star Magic’s Matteo Guidicelli and Rep. Cynthia Villar as special guests, Bared tried to pick this year’s Anyag’s brain by asking her some questions.

 

Mariecris said that she could make Tubigon a better place to live in by segregating waste, cleaning the environment and planting trees those are just simple yet smartest things in order to save our mother earth. It is one to show the best that we could in providing measures for the next generation.

 

What is the essence of being an  Anyag sa Tubigon? “An Anyag is not just a title but being one entails a lot of responsibilities and the biggest of all is being an ambassadress of goodwill. A woman who definitely leaves a mark to everyone---a woman with dignity, pride and honor!”

 

A Capricon (Dec. 25, 1990), Mariecris stands 5’3”, weighs 110 lbs., measures 32-25-36, and wears small-sized shirts and 9-inch shoes.

 

What are your winning traits?
“I think, it’s all about in me with confidence, humility and faith. Of course, we should also be prepared in everything that we do.”

Do you have a boyfriend?

“Yes!”

If you were to choose between your boyfriend and Anyag, which would you choose?

Anyag 2012 Committee

“I will choose them both since I have a supportive boyfriend and why should I chose one when I can have both.”

As Anyag Queen, what qualities of the Tubignons youth would you highlight?
“Being hospitable, hardworking yet gentle.”

How would you convince people abroad that it’s more fun in Bohol?
“It’s more fun in the Philippines because of the good weather we have plus the beautiful beaches and warm welcoming faces of the Boholanos. It’s more fun in Bohol because of the Boholanos innate faith in God. So whatever happens, God is still in full control.”

What’s your take on the transgender issue (should transgender be allowed to compete in beauty contests for women)?

“We know that we are all created equal and have the right to be respected but I'm against on it because beauty contest are intended for women only.”

If that’s the case, how would you prove that you are more female than transgender?
“I'm not just a woman in nature but the most important thing that makes me differ from them is that I see to it that I live in accordance to god's will and that's what makes me respected wherever I go.”

Who is your role model and why?
“Mother Teresa. She's definitely a woman who exemplified a child like faith and matured obedience to God's will.”

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?
“As a Filipina Catholic, I still believe in the sanctity of marriage. I always value and preserve the purity of my life and my soul.”

 

Why do you think education is important?
“Education is important because it equips us with all that we need in order to make our dreams come true, it open doors with brilliant career opportunities, it builds in every individual the confidence to face life and accept failure.”

 

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why?
“I always bow down my head to the flexibility, perseverance and understanding of my father. He is my inspiration and a good example to me. He is man with essence, pride and full of love.”

What are your beauty secrets?

“Enough rest, food and exercise and most of all adequate time with God.”

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be?
“I wouldn't change anything because God created me for a purpose and I'm contended for who and what I am.”

 

Describe yourself in three words.
“Confident, bubbly and friendly.”

 

What is your favorite quote?
“There's nothing impossible for those who never give up.”

 

How's your love life?
“We're going strong. Thank God!”

 

What do you find sexy in a man?
“Sense of humor.”

 

And what turns you off?
“An irresponsible man.”

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