TAN's Khim on her struggles during COVID-19 pandemic; inspirational short stories

It’s feel-good Sunday, November 15, 2020. Time out from nega sizzlers, time in for  inspirational short stories that left me speechless.

1.)The Butterfly (shared by Rotary Club of Tagbilaran President Alex Nale Bongawan, who celebrated his birthday last week, who got it from a friend, source unknown).

Priceless moment: Alex Bongawan (center), president of Rotary Club of Tagbilaran; Anthony Ceniza, Marilou Dejan-Dumaluan of Marilou Resort;Angie Hoffman, president of Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Fely Lorejo at Bohol' s newest attraction, Bung-aw Eco Farm in Clarin town, Bohol. Contributed Photos

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. 

One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.

Until it suddenly stopped making any progress and looked like it was stuck.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, although it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man didn’t think anything of it and sat there waiting for the wings to enlarge to support the butterfly. But that didn’t happen. The butterfly spent the rest of its life unable to fly, crawling around with tiny wings and a swollen body.

Despite the kind heart of the man, he didn’t understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle needed by the butterfly to get itself through the small opening; were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings. To prepare itself for flying once it was out of the cocoon.

Moral of the story: Our struggles in life develop our strengths. Without struggles, we never grow and never get stronger, so it’s important for us to tackle challenges on our own, and not be relying on help from others.

 2.) Control Your Temper  (contributed by Anthony Ceniza of Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod in Panglao town who got it from a friend, source unknown).

There once was a little boy who had a very bad temper. His father decided to hand him a bag of nails and said that every time the boy lost his temper, he had to hammer a nail into the fence.

On the first day, the boy hammered 37 nails into that fence.

The boy gradually began to control his temper over the next few weeks, and the number of nails he was hammering into the fence slowly decreased.

He discovered it was easier to control his temper than to hammer those nails into the fence.

Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father the news and the father suggested that the boy should now pull out a nail every day he kept his temper under control.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.

“You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.”  

Moral of the story: Control your anger, and don’t say things to people in the heat of the moment, that you may later regret. Some things in life, you are unable to take back.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for all of us. Many say COVID-19 is a great equalizer. It spares no one--- rich or poor, young or old, an ordinary or a celebrity.

Yes, including Khim Roger Magtagad of The Art Nouveau (TAN). 

"During the whole quarantine period brought by the COVID-19, I was so depressed because I don’t have a stable job since events were canceled but. .." 

Khim finds hope from her family and friends. 

"It's a bit difficult for me to sustain my daily needs. I am just so much thankful because I have my family who always look after me, the Art Nouveau models and parents who extend their helping hands giving me goods and financial support," says Khim who is beyond grateful. 

Khim Roger Magtagad: 'I'm moving forward from the old me to the new Khim.'

Khim confessed in a tell-all exclusive interview with VRS that there have been many major changes in her life during this pandemic. 

"I become a mentally and emotionally tough person. I am watchful on what I should do and whom I should trust. I need to adapt the new normal life especially now I need to go out of my comfort zone and I don't just settle from what I am used to do. I'm moving forward from the old me to the new Khim," she beams with pride. 

It’s hard, Khim concedes, but she tries to remain calm and positive. 

" I will continue my passion as a creative director and manager of The Art Nouveau. Then at the same time find an extra job for me," says Khim. 

" I need to triple my hard work for me to expand and more productive, and of course, I will never forget the people who help me without them I am not here," says Khim who sees better things to come...very soon!’

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

Mayor Tungol cries, 'Foul!'

Wake-uppers:

Seen: The welcome and thank you marker of the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran at  the city pier. 

Scene: Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Bianca King, Rafael Rosell, Dion Ignacio and Diva Montelaba will perform in the Kapuso Night tonight, July 28, at Tagbilaran City’s CPG Sports Complex starting at 6 p.m. Prior to the Kapuso Night, the cast of Maghihintay Pa Rin led by  King, Rosell and Ignacio, will participate in the Sandugo Festival parade at 1p.m. in the city's major thoroughfares.

Rep. Aumentado (center) with wife and nephew

Scene: The 2nd Galinato Global Grand Gathering (GGGG) of the Galinato family this weekend to reminisce and strengthen family relationships.  This year's GGGG is also dedicated to Jane Zenaida "Baby Jane" Galinato-Smith and Jeffrey "Apoy" Galinato. By the way, Baby Jane was a famous child wonder in the Philippines in 1960s. More of her next Sunday. 

Scene: Danilo Torcendes was declared the first Sikatuna: Rajah sa Bohol.  According to VRS, who attended the pageant, the barongs of designers Maximiel and Omie Auza were well appreciated. 

Seen: It was a simple parade of beauty and elegance on the Batasang Pambansa red carpet, as government officials and politicians; spouses showed up for President Benigno Aquino's fourth State of the Nation Address. The newly-elected Bohol 2nd district Representative Aris Aumentado showed up in a custom-made barong tagalog while his wife Vanessa (a Miss Bohol Sandugo title holder) glamoured everyone in her apple green Filipiniana gown designed by Wendell Quisido of Cebu with light golden lace details on the bust area. 

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You, too, must have read the official statement of local government unit of Albur on allegedly "fake" team in the recently concluded Boholympics, which was not "officially" endorsed by the LGU. 

Here is Albur's official statement on the issue: 

Official Statement on the 17 and Under Football Team named Alburquerque in the Boholympics 2013

The Football Team organized by Mr. Erwin Angalot of Tagbilaran City for the 17 and Under which played as the Alburquerque Team during the recently concluded Boholympics 2013 is not recognized by the Office of the Mayor of Alburquerque, Bohol. The so called Alburquerque Team is composed of members who are not from Alburquerque, Bohol, much less of Barangay Ponong. Neither was it organized by any Alburanon, trained in Alburquerque or by an Alburanon, adviced by an Alburanon nor was it formed in coordination with LGU officials of Alburquerque or supported by LGU funds.

The Office of the Mayor condemns the fraudulent way and brazen trickery that led to the formation of the fake Alburquerque Team, especially the getting of Certificates of Residence from the Barangay Captain of Ponong and the signing of the forms by the Albur MPDC in behalf of the Mayor.

On July 18, 2013, reports have reached the Mayor’s Office regarding the formation of the team. It was known that Mr. Angalot came looking for the Mayor on the afternoon of July 17, 2013, for his signature of the required paperworks of the players. Said papers were not personally signed by the Mayor, but was signed by the MPDC. The following day, the Mayor instructed Ms. Vera Villovido-Gesite to coordinate with the office of Mr. Joel Molina to inform him that the Alburquerque Team is not recognized by the office of the Mayor. An assurance was given that this request will be dealt with and acted appropriately.

On July 24, 2013, the Office of the Mayor received reports that an Alburquerque Team still played during the Boholympics, despite the Mayor’s putting all the stops to the fake team. 

According to Mayor Tungol, “In Albur, we teach our children honesty and integrity! We do not teach them to lie just to play in the Boholympics”. Mayor Tungol, further, is demanding an investigation on this anomalous behavior with the Sports Commission and the Boholympics Committee of the Provincial Government.

(Note: VRS called and texted Erwin Angalot of 17 and Under Football Team for his side but he never replied.)

Miss Alicia crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013

The beautiful 18-year-old University of San Carlos sophomore and a dean's lister brought the Miss Bohol Sandugo, the  province’s oldest beauty pageant, last June 20. She is now included in the Miss Bohol Honor Roll.

Brigitte Tanoja Burato, of Alicia town, beat 17 other beauty queens to take the title. She is also the 2013 Miss University of San Carlos School of Business and Economics and the 2012 Miss Olive C- USC Campus.

Keep smiling! (l-r) first runner-up Shaila Mae Rebortera, Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Brigitte Burato and second runner-up Dae Narah Garcia, appear on stage after being named Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 winners. Courtesy: Miss Bohol Sandugo Fanpage 

Named first runner-up and Miss Photogenic was Shaila Mae Rebortera of Baclayon (hometown of actor Cesar Montano) and second runner-up was Dae Narah Garcia  of Talibon town whose family lineage includes former Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia. 

Known as Miss Bohol (1955-1988), Miss Bohol Fiesta Islands (1989)  and Miss Bohol Sandugo (1990-present), Miss Bohol Sandugo will celebrate its 60th year in 2015. 

Like the other beauty contests, the Miss Bohol Sandugo is a rich source of "showbiz" material. Some of the title-holders and finalists who eventually became "famous" include Olivia Solis (Miss Bohol 1957 ) who became actress in Visayan films, Delia Canda- de la Serna  (Miss Bohol 1962 ) won Miss Philippines 1962-Visayas or third runner-up to Lalaine Benett who became the 1963 Miss Universe third runner-up, Emma Mumar (1968 Miss Bohol)  was a semifinalist in 1968 Bb. Pilipinas,  Irah Noemi Naron (Miss Bohol Sandugo 1995) who was a semi-finalist in the Mutya ng Pilipinas 1996, Cherry Mae Bacaro (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2003) who was Bb. Pilipinas 2003 semi-finalist, Anna Maris Igpit (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005) who won Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006 and voted as Top 5 Prettiest and Top 20 in the swimwear competition in Miss World 2006; and Ely Rose Apple Angcon (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 first runner-up) who was selected as a finalist for the Olay White Bar Ambassador in 2011.

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

1st Mr. & Ms. HNU 2013 held

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The people of Bohol wish Gov. Edgar Chatto a (belated) happy birthday (Feb. 20). Feliz compleaños to former Mayor Jose Torralba, Dr. Cyrilda Tallo and fashion icon Maximiel Tallo (Feb. 9), Councilor Kit Oppus (Feb. 10), Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim (Feb. 11), Bohol's seasoned host Raul Gatal (Feb.  12), Atty. Handel Lagunay and Fr. Val Pinlac (Feb. 14), Meljun Daniel (Feb. 15), Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag, Louella Husain and Tagbilaran City Councilor Lucille Lagunay (Feb. 17), Fr. Joesum Sumampong (Feb. 21); and Dr. Jojo Maniwan and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (Feb. 24).

 

Scene:  Talented fashion experts and couturiers Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo and EJ Relampagos will “Reveal” their collection in a gala fashion show on March 2, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center. Initiated by the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran, “Reveal” is re-building and re-shaping the Boholano design aesthetic. One of Bohol’s respected designers who will showcase his collection is Maximiel Tallo, the master of elegance, who specializes in formal wear and wedding gowns. His clientele usually is international. Maxi was a semi-finalist of the Mega Young Designers Competition, finalist in the Paris Concours International de Jeunes Creatures de Modean International Young Designer Competition held at Bonifacio Tent and Top 20 in the Project Runway Philippines in 2010.

 

Scene: This barangay chief “RFJ,” who is seeking higher office in this May 2013 election in the water town of Bohol, was misbehaving. When two media personalities were covering the event in his barangay while a big rally was held on the same day, he got mad and forcibly picked and removed the mediamen from the place. “He should ask us politely besides that’s a public event,” said one mediaman.  

 

 

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It’s never too late.

 

Beauty watchers were hopeful that the Holy Name University (HNU) would have time to include male candidates in the school pageant. It took many years to realize, thanks to Stephen Bryan Yu Bongcaras, Central Student Organization (CSO) president and secretary-general of the 9th National Youth Parliament.

 

Bongcaras, who also won in several personality pageants in the province, has a penchant for pageants.

 

Known as Miss Holy Name College (HNC), Miss DWC-T Personality (which was held at the time when Martial Law was at its peak after Marcos' declaration)  and Miss HNU, it produced many beauty queens like the late Mrs. Pastora Mendoza Visarra and Miss DWCT 1976 Ms. Lety Tinampay- Te, who according to Bohol’s seasoned host and “beauty expert”,  one of the most elegant Miss DWCT winners who reigned during the golden years of pageantry in Divine Word College of Tagbilaran City.”

 

Capitalizing on promoting social relevance and a sense of responsibility and volunteerism among the youth, the CSO of HNU headed by Bongcaras, produced the first-ever Mr. and Ms. Holy Name University (HNU) Personality.

 

In the afternoon of February 8, the 16 candidates representing the different departments and campus organizations shared a piece of their minds to the panel of interrogators led by Rev. Fr. Dudz Lero, during the one-on-one interview and pre-pageant judging which constituted 30 percent of the total score.

 

In the evening at the HNU Gymnasium, the pageant highlighted the CSO “BIG” Night which showcased the “BIG” advocacy projects, namely Bohol Red Cross' participation to the Million Volunteer Run 2, I Transform Hambabauran Initiative and the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge in March 2013 in the municipalities of Antequera and Talibon, aside from the candidates sashaying on stage in their best behavior and bearing wearing production number outfits, professional and formal attire. In the grueling question and answer portion, each male and female candidates were made to share their insights on individual and common questions.

 

Cool but witty Collin Chio Joshua Jubac and statuesque Candy Cumayas romped to victory over their contenders and were crowned Mr. and Miss HNU Personality 2013, respectively. Noriefumi Palban and Crizelle Jade Requierme were proclaimed first runners-up, while Ralph Melchor Lacang and Melanie Quimson were adjudged second runners-up.

 

Other male candidates were Arjo Carajay, Kenneth Salabsab, Kevin Cantoneros, Vincent Descallar and Jason John Japon, with their female counterparts April Joy Baliong, Ezra May Corona, Suzanne Mae Campos, Tanya Bianca Schreurs and Ann Lorraine Ladera.

 

EJ Relampagos, Bohol’s fashion guru, Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, City Information Officer and Miss Tagbilaran 1987, and HNU’s Fr. Ruel S. Gado, high school and grade school chaplain composed the board of judges.

 

“I am overwhelmed with how good all the candidates look and speak their minds... to think it was all impromptu... wow!!! :) Kudos to all Holynamians! And of course to the organizing committee headed by Stephen Bryan Yu Bongcaras, congratulations for staging a decent and relevant personality search.  You guys did not only make history for the school, you also made a big difference in promoting social responsibility. You just proved that the quality of a beauty pageant does not rely on how much is spent for it, but it is the dedication of every person involved that makes it simply amazing,” EJ posted on Facebook, after the pageant.

 

Gracing the affair were Fr. Francisco T. Estepa, SVD, university president, Fr. Ruel F. Lero, SVD, vice-president for Academic Affairs and Fr. Vicente L. Uy, SVD, vice-president for administration,  and Nanelyn D. Wate, Student Affair's Office director. Pageant hosts were Stephen Bongcaras, Mr. Olive-C Bohol first runner-up and Lara Lumayag, Miss Teen Bohol 2012 second runner-up and Miss Friendship awardee.

 

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

Flashback: Yearbook photos of the who’s who

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  If you Love To Dance, join the Valentine event at FoodMix Plaza Marcela on February 14. For more info, please call or text 09075436669.

 

Scene: A socialite VRS shared the rumors circulating in the river town. The “King of the Jungle” sent a messenger to ask “Yes, Yes” to reimburse all that he had spent in advancing himself as the challenger for a higher position.  However, “Yes, Yes” camp reportedly junked it with the response, 'If you think you can win it, go ahead'.  “Yes, Yes” also allegedly said. 'Why should I do it? I'm a candidate. That is not honorable. Maybe after the elections, let's see how we can be partners for development. But paying off a political opponent? That's untoward.”

 

“Take note,” added VRS, “it's the King of the Jungle’s camp that made the offer. True or not, one thing is certain. It is “Yes, Yes” who has the edge, because he anchors his campaign on hard work and performance.”

 

VRS also said that “Yes, Yes” has been instructed by his mother-in-law to stay quiet, because that is what his constituents like in him--silently working without bragging every inch of an accomplishment. "So, don't change," as he was advised. Maybe, he can report from time to time to update the people how he is doing just for transparency, not for other reasons--worst, undue media mileage.

 

VRS shared this lesson: Campaign is not like a commercial of a paint product that says you can suddenly become as white as the wall behind you when the paint roller runs on you.

 

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Recognize any of those faces?

 

Let us hunt down famous faces before they were famous.

 

Case No. 1: Luke Mejares was known as the Gary Valenciano of Bohol, singing and moving like the famous singer, although he still maintains Michael Jackson is his most influential artist.

 

When he was in high school, Luke sang as front act for Joey Albert at a concert in Bohol.

 

His musical journey brought him to Manila in 1997 and he became a session singer for several bands until he finally joined the South Border which he later left and decided to go solo. Luke is married to Inger with whom he has a child.

 

Luke’s favorite motto: Don't trouble troubles, till trouble troubles you.

 

Case No. 2: (Councilor to-be) Joseph “Jojo” Bompat was a high school varsity player. The Heights Highlights ’03 says: His height as well as his skills granted him the privilege to be a Captain Barbell of the school’s Basketball Varsity Team. A big, naughty guy may seem but responsibility is something he could handle very well.

 

Bompat was the president of the Columbian Squires and member of the Baby Falcons.

 

Although now happily, if quietly, settled with his high school classmate Joanne Rochelle Aumentado Villamor, Jojo is taking the challenge to serve the people of Tagbilaran, following in his father’s footsteps.

 

Case No. 3:  Rotarian Alex Bongawan was a popular campus leader. He was known as “siga” (very brave) that all the students were very scared of his thundering voice. Pillars ’98, the University of Bohol High School yearbook says: Alex has a good sense of leadership. His strictness scares many but if you look at the good effect- it saves you from doing spooky stuffs. He’s a leader who brings his followers to a brighter end. He is a symbol of leadership and humility. He might be serious at times but behind the façade of this serious looking man hides a man with a very big smile and a truckload of jokes.

 

Alex, who runs a travel agency, is presently the secretary of the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran.

 

Case No. 4: Janice Aurora Tirol, Ph.D. was a popular campus figure. Pillars ‘97 says: She’s not just a girl- she’s a nice girl with an attitude. When she wants something- she usually gets it.

 

Dr. Nicey was one of the Philippines finest youth leaders who participated in the 34^th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) in 2007.

 

An active member of the Rainbow for Girls, she is the head of the Student Personnel Services of the University of Bohol.

 

Case No. 5:  As I am typing this story, my sis Arlene, told me that her batch had famous personalities. True enough, her 1992 high school yearbook of Bohol National High School (BNHS) had prominent faces like Kit Bagaipo and Dr. Janice Michelle Evardone-Sarigumba.

 

Janice Michelle Evardone-- called Wowie by those close to her-- aimed high literally. She graduated salutatorian at Manga Elementary School and BNHS and was also awarded as “Mathematician of the Year.”

 

She wanted to be a nightingale but fate took her to study physical therapy as an academic scholar at Southwestern University (SWU) and passed the 1997 licensure exams for Physical Therapists.

 

She ranked #3 in the Civil Service Professional Exams for the entire Region VII. She was a university scholar in the College of Medicine at SWU, where she graduated in 2003 as Top 1 in her class, a recipient of the Matias H. Aznar Academic Excellence Award (with highest GPA) and Southwestern University Scholarship Award.

 

Wowie was Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2nd Runner-up in 1997 and Ms. Negros Navigation-Sea Angel.

 

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Cielo, Sweet 16

Born on January 14, 1997, a day before the feast of Senor Santo Nino de Cebu of whom her father is a pious devotee, AJ Wincielou Johanna “Cielo” Araoarao Gabin was to be the “apple of the eyes” of her parents, Jerome John (of Siquijor) and Fiel Angeli, being the first child of the couple, the first grandchild of the Araoarao family and the first granddaughter of the Gabin family.

 

I have had the opportunity of “babysitting” her at home for some hours with her great grandmother, “Lola Pining,” 10 years ago, when her mother had to attend to some office-related activities and beauty pageants.

 

As the years have nurtured her, she is still very simple and easily contented, after her experiences as a little girl who was at the top of her class (DML Montessori School), as a pupil who has been consistently awarded as “Outstanding in Mathematics” since elementary (Holy Spirit School) up to now as a senior student (Tagbilaran City Science High School).

 

Her strong inclination in Mathematics - thanks to her father’s genes - has taken her to other parts of country and as far as Beijing and Tianjin, China for the China Primary Mathematics Olympiad in August 2009 and to Nevada, Arizona, California, Texas and New York as part of her stint in the International Regions Mathematics League competition as member of the winning Philippine MTG Teams.

 

On the other hand, she must’ve inherited her grandmother’s (Wincesa Espejo Araoarao, Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe founder) terpsichorean prowess as, in recent years, she was member of the Tagbilaran City Science High School group which won in the Tagbilaran City Schools Division “Kuratsa Boholana” competition in March 2011 and in the University of the Philippines-Kadugong Bol-anon – Iloilo Chapter LITMUS modern jazz competition in October 2012 (both dances choreographed by her mother, Fiel Angeli) and  performed in the CVIRAA 2011 welcome program for the Cebu Province delegation and the Alay Lakad 2012 program.

 

The birth of her little brother, JF Regelbert Johnson “Renji,” after 14 years, became her long-time wish granted. She strongly believes in family values as manifested in having family meals, praying the Angelus and the Rosary and attending Sunday mass together and considers faith in God and the love, care and support of her family – Papa Jerome, Mama Fiel, Grandma Wincie, Mommy Lou, Uncle Ondoy and Aunties Claire, Coeli, Diane, Nhenen and Bebe – her greatest motivating factors in life.

 

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