'Hot Cop' Neil Perez invades Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Former National Youth Commissioner
for Visayas Benjie Oliva takes his oath Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) administrator for Visayas before DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Scene: Congratulations to Benjie Oliva as the newly appointed administrator of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for Visayas. CDA is to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments for equity, social justice and economic development. Benjie, a former National Youth Commissioner for Visayas and administrative officer of the Department of Agriculture, took his oath before DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima.  

 

Scene:  Japanese engineering giant Chiyoda and Mitsubishi Corp. have signed a contract to build a new airport in Bohol, Nikkei reported. The two companies said construction of the new Bohol airport will begin shortly. The airport is expected to be completed in 2017.

 

Scene: Alexis Calipusan, the voice-a-like of Justin Bieber, catches the world attention.  The Huffington Post said that “This Girl Sounds So Much Like Justin Bieber, It's Scary.”  Taylor Trudon wrote “Press play on the video above and close your eyes. Think you're hearing a young Justin Bieber? It's actually the voice of 18-year-old Alexis Calipusan. The teen girl from the Philippines is giving the Biebs a serious run for his money with her identical acoustic cover of the radio hit "Baby." According to EllenTube, Alexis combined forces with her friend Cyril Cailing, to create Jam-C. The duo has also covered "U Smile" and even Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud."  Meanwhile, Seventeen said “This girl is Justin Bieber’s voice-twin- she sounds exactly like him when she sings. Seriously, you won't be able to tell the difference.”

 

***

Pageant watchers and entertainment lovers got the biggest surprise of their lives when Mister International 2014 Neil Perez (real name: Police Officer 2 Mariano Flormata Jr.) visited the province last week.

 

The "hunk cop" was in Bohol for Wedding and Beyond Magazine photo shoot in an exclusive resort in Panglao Island. 

 

Recently proclaimed Mister International 2014
 Neil Perez visits Bohol. More than with his looks,
he has his infectious humility and natural friendliness. 
Courtesy: Raymund Isaac/Butch Bernas/Kit Solis/Ryan Sines

An instant crowd favorite, he also attended the birthday party of Rhigel Dulfo, founder-director of Ramp Models Association of Bohol (RMAB).

 

“He’s nice and very friendly,” said hairstylist Ryan Sines who had a photo opportunity with Neil. “He has a nice smile and very seductive eyes and... humot! We’re like so bagay Ha! Ha! Ha!”

 

Butch Bernas was also impressed on Neil. “He is handsome. A down to earth kind of person even though we had only a few time together with my friends. He is smart and has a good body physique.”

 

Neil’s manager and handler told Butch that they love the beauty of Bohol that Neil wanted to come back.

 

He also visited the Bohol Provincial Police Office to share his experiences as Mister International to his fellow police officers. He also talked about healthy lifestyle.

 

After winning the crown last month, Neil has been doing the rounds in his capacity as Mister International.

 

Here’s what you know about Neil Perez courtesy of Missosology:

 

His real name is Mariano Flormata Jr.

He is a graduate of Criminology at the Manuel L. Quezon University.

He stands 5'11''.

His hobby includes playing the guitar and doing some sketching.

He joined the police force in 2008. In his six years, he has gained 13 medals for showing excellence in responding to disasters and civil disturbance.

He specializes on bombs and explosives.

His father is a retired police sergeant assigned with the so-called Manila’s Finest, the Western Police District which is now called the Manila Police District.

You can spot him at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as part of the Aviation Security Group. 

 

***

It’s graduation season again!

 

Speaking of graduates, we have our own batch in the family: My nephew Charles Jade Pesquira will finish high school at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School and my cousin Shiela Mae Aquino will graduate high school at Holy Name University-High School. Celian Janica Pesquira, a grade 5 pupil of Booy South Elem. School, is first honor.

 

It’s a déjà vu! Was it only yesterday when I myself graduated from elementary (Booy South Elem. School), from high school (University of Bohol-Day High School) and from college (University of Bohol)? That was ages ago, in nineteen-forgotten.

 

Graduation is a celebration of your achievement and marks the beginning of an amazing journey. I am sure parents and the whole clan are very proud of their graduates. Cases in point:

 

Youth leader and Booy Kagawad Clement Paulinel Ingking has finished Bachelor in Hotel and Restaurant Service Technology at the Bohol Island State University –Tagbilaran. He shares:

 

Photo shows Clement Paulinel Ingking in his graduation
 toga visiting the tomb of his mother Linda before the graduation rites
 last Friday at Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran. 

Amidst all the excitement about Graduating and moving on to new things is an underlying fear. As much as I’ve tried to embrace changes in my life, change still makes me uneasy. Despite all of the changes that have occurred since she died last Oct. 15, 2013 - during the wrath of 7.2 magnitude earthquake, these changes feel harder. It scares me to know that I will no longer be surrounded by my family on a day-to-day basis, nor will I be in an environment I know. I’m worried that it will be easier for my memories of her to fade; I’m terrified I’ll begin to forget. 

 

As the years since my Mama’s death have grown in number, fewer and fewer of my friends are people who actually knew my Mom, and it scares me to think that moving on after college, and on with my life, will only make this worse. This, in itself, is a thought that has brought me to tears on countless occasions. 

 

Thus, I know and I believe that God has His own plans for me and that everything happens for a reason. I Love my Mama Linda so much and I owe my life and everything that I am today. 

 

Thank You so much Mama Linda! I LOVE YOU!

 

On the other hand, Fatima Mapesos, former staff of the late Rep. Erico Aumentado shares her excitement that Roland Sacristan, a scholar of the Aumentado family, has finished his Bachelor of Science in Psychology major in Industrial Psychology.

 

“It seems like it was only yesterday this young soul graduated high school. One day, he went to the office for a plea to Sir. He wanted to pursue college but his parents couldn't afford to send him to school,” said Fatima. “Somebody denied him at first but I told Sir about his ambition and his achievements. When you invest knowledge to people, you don't just give them hope but you give them a life, even a life for the lives of whom those that person is striving to lift for not just themselves.”

 

Roland is proud to say he was able to reap the harvest:  

 

Time travels fast. It seems like my 14 years in school only happened in a week-time. Monday- when I got to read and write my own name, Tuesday- when I learn to solve simple Math and speak good in English, Wednesday-when I got to meet my high school friends and became competitive in the world of academe, Thursday, I entered college and time flies too fast to finally come to Friday to mark my metamorphosis. Time indeed is magic.

 

Roland Sacristan has made through
all the storms and hurricanes in his college
life as a working student. 

Although, I will not be graduating with flying colors, I am proud to say that I made through all the storms and hurricanes in my college life by myself. I am proud that I am a working student and I am never ashamed to be such.

 

Of course there are always those people who came to support me. To name them all is going to lag your computer. I would like to express my warmest appreciation and gratitude to my loved ones, to my family, to the Aumentados, and above all to God.

 

For all the students out there who may struggle to finish college, keep these words: Dreams come true if you believe they are. Think of your dreams every single moment to keep you standing, to keep you from falling and to make you fly!

 

I love you God!

 

To all graduates out there, be the best of who you are, transcend yourself beyond your limits and reach for that star! 

 

***

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

 

 

 

Rajah Sikatuna winner angry over delayed prizes

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Bohol’s well-loved hairstylist Ryan Sines celebrated his birthday last Sept. 1 with an ultimate dinner. Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal said, “It was a heady mix of friends from childhood, from school and from the beauty and fashion scene where Ryan is in great demand for the way he weaves magic and beauty to every girl’s crowning glory. Yes, Ryan is Bohol’s numero uno when it comes to stunning hairstyling. Women, men and even those from in- between including Bohol’s top socialites, beauty queens, models, brides and debutantes have availed of his services

When 2010 Miss Universe runner up Venus Raj flew

in to Bohol to grace the 2013 Miss Panglao Pageant, it was only apt that the honor of making up her fabulous hairdo would naturally go to Ryan Sines. It’s never a stress- free moment with Ryan when he is busy with your tresses.”

Scene: Watch out for the Wedding of the Year in December 2013! VRS has learned that the son (clue: WY) of a “powerful business family (PBF) was asking the woman's family (also PBF in Bohol) for her hand in marriage. Another clue: The bride-to-be is the goddess of the moon.

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last Friday was actress Isabel Oli. She described Chocolate Hills as “one of God’s amazing creations.” Kapamilya star Julia Barretto was also seen at ICM. Last week, Richard Poon and Christian Bautista were spotted in a wedding in Panglao.

Scene: From Ariel Fullido: R.I.P. MICHAEL. So sad about the tragedy that befall my good friend Michael Villa, who died last Sunday while trying to finish the 21K of the 37th Milo Marathon here. He used to be my running buddy, and always in tandem with him in every running event. We always chat each other at the CPG Sports Complex during running routines. Last Sunday's marathon, I was not able to participate because of a band performance at Doctors Cardio Summit 2013, at Flushing Meadows Resort and Playground, last Saturday night. I arrived home early Sunday at 3 AM dawn, and no time to go to the marathon since gun start is at 4 AM. I trained so hard for 4 months for the marathon but I didn't bother to join it, because no matter what, I always listen to my body first. All I did was just slept the whole Sunday morning, but when I woke up I just got the bad news of Michael's death. One member of our AGC Runners Club (name withheld) suffered a stroke due to heat, and landed in the hospital. So long, Mike!

***

Ryan Sines with Venus Raj

Participants of this year’s Sikatuna: Rajah sa Bohol, a male beauty pageant, have accused the organizer, JCI-Boholana Kisses, of not giving them their prizes months after the event.

The pageant debuted on July 19, 2013.

Crowned Rajah sa Bohol Danilo Torrifiel Torcende said that the organizers told him he would receive his Php 10,000 cash prize as grand winner but he has not heard anything from the organizers and all efforts to get the prizes have proved futile.

According to Torcende, he and the other contestants paid Php 500 for the registration fee and also provided their own costumes at their own cost.

Torcende said JCI-Boholana Kisses President Adam Tagaktak could no longer be found in the city.

                   

“Maskin piso wala ko kadawat. Niduol ko sa ilang Vice President (Maria Escabarte- LPU) unya gipangita pa daw nila si Adam karun kay wala na magpakita,” Torcende told VRS. “The entire production gani wala pa mabayri.”

Non-winners, according to Torcende, were promised to receive a Php 500 consolation prize.

Last Wednesday, Torcende went to the PNP-Tagbilaran City to report the incident.

However, JCI-Boholana Kisses Vice President Maria Escabarte is not tight-lipped on the “pageant scam.” In her reply to VRS, she said, “Unfortunately, we can’t give you an official statement yet since we are still waiting for Mr. Tagactac's report. The organization has also been questioning Mr. Tagactac about the issue since he spearheaded the event and action especially on money matters has been taken by him.”

Danilo Torcende

(Note: VRS called, texted and messaged (on Facebook) Adam Tagaktak for his side but he never replied.)

Meanwhile, Bohol’s most popular hairstylist and make-up artist Tracy Remolador Torres also said that his “alaga” didn’t receive the prizes from Mr and Miss Teen Bohol 2013 organized by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Bohol headed by Jethro Lim Imboy.

“Same sa Mr.and Ms Teen Bohol 2013 wapa sad gibugwak ang mga prizes dugay nani,” revealed Tracy.

Tracy added, “Ilaha promise nila after 3 weeks after the pageant ma-release na, now pila na ka buwan. Didto ko last week ingon karun daw nga week unya asa naman?”

SK staff Julan Crisale Cordova answered:

“For and in behalf of the Mr. & Ms. Teen Bohol Organizing Committee, we would like to inform the followers that we follow strict compliance in terms of the prizes in all our events. Upon during the orientation of this year's pageant we already inform the candidates regarding about the dealing of our prizes. Just like the previous year among gisunod and process sa mga national pageants that the prizes will not be release right after the pageant kundi more or less a month or 2 pa siya namu mahatag due to government processing method...and we make sure that the candidates will receive their prizes and we have the office nga ila ma visita or makita. Unlike sa nahitabo sa Rajah nga wala na gyud magpakita og dili makontak. In as much as we would like to release the prizes og Sayo but due to a very keen strict COA policy in processing government fund Mao nga nadugay. But rest assured we give our prices as promised. Also to inform everyone that the prizes last year were already given and done. This is to emphasize the followers that we have our office and our faces to answer all your questions unlike og dili pareha sa nahitabo sa Rajah.”

Tracy Torres with Julia Barretto

When Torcende posted his anger on Facebook about the “Rajah scam,” it has struck chord around the province, racking up people and it quickly found its way to the beauty pageant industry in Bohol.

Blogger Edik Dolotina said, “Why a lot of them happened in Bohol?”

Fashion guru Henry Baron also commented, “My advice to all the concerned winners, it’s better to go directly to legalities, the authority will take care of this very abusive act. A very malicious pageant such like this and the abusive act of the organizers concerned should not be tolerated....it’s a disgrace to all the gay community....”

The plot is thickening.

Stand by for further development.

***

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