Loon’s ‘Festival of Lights’ post-depression feeling

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  The rice infested with “bukbok” (weevils) which were given to Loon residents came from the buffer stocks of the provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO), according to the results of the investigation of the provincial government of Bohol.

Scene:   Bohol 2nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado made an unprecedented mark in the latest survey conducted by the Center for Research and Publications of the Holy Name University. He was the lone public official with a zero dissatisfied rating, maintaining his net satisfaction at 92 percent. This rating was eight points higher than last year which was +84.  “That’s a record  for the first time  in the Bohol Poll that there is no dissatisfaction in absolute numbers.  We are so happy because this young man is trying his best to be of good service to his people,” said Boy Pernia. “Naningkamot nga makatabang sa iyang igsuon  dinha sa Segundo distrito labi na pirmi isulti nga mga pobre kuno ang Segundo Distrito.  So, mao naningkamot siya. And I think resulting to people nga narecognized sa iyang effort to bring about a change or better life with them.”  Incidentally, Aumentado and his wife Vanessa celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary last Friday.

Scene: Our dear Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 9, 2001) is lovingly remembered on her 17th death anniversary. Treasured in our hearts you'll stay, until we meet again someday.

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Dr. Joahna for Board Member?

The 2019 elections (will they be pushed through or not?) are eight months away and already, sizzling news are filtering in as to who is running for what position.

Dr. Joahna Cabalit-Initay

A few days ago,  some members of the Bohol media met Dr. Joahna Cabalit-Initay at the Godillos Restaurant (owned by Engr. Nolan Evangelista) along Rajah Sikatuna Avenue (near island City Mall).

In 2016, she made headlines when she fought against incumbent Rep. Rene Relampagos. It was a tough experience since she was a newbie in politics.

But she said her only weapon was genuine service.

There was a report (largely ignored because it was tucked in the inside pages) that she is planning to run for congressman again?  The big question is: Is she or isn’t she? 

 Asked about her "future political plans" by your VRS, Dr. Joahna answered first with an enigmatic smile.

“I think for board member in the first district of Bohol,” she said.

She shared about her programs—livelihood for indigents and free life insurance for the head of the families— if ever she will be elected.

As a financial advisor, researcher and consultant of private firms and a graduate studies professor, she is an advocate for health and wellness programs.

Last Friday, Bohol Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite has announced his plan to run for Congressman.

“I will run for Congressman in the third district of Bohol. Kamatayon ray makababag (Only death can hinder my plan),” Balite said.

 He is expected to clash with former Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio-Delos Reyes.

In the latest Bohol Poll 2018, it said that 76 percent were satisfied with his performance as vice governor while only six percent were dissatisfied which resulted to a net satisfaction rating of +70, the same net satisfaction rating as last year.

 Dr. Joahna Cabalit-Initay with some members
of the Bohol media : Rey Tutas (dyRD), Bob Galero
(dyRD), Dave Charles Responte (dyTR),
Allen Doydora (dyRD) and your VRS. Contributed Photo

Balite also announced that PDP-Laban has endorsed Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr for governor.

He also claimed that he has been appointed as the ruling PDP-Laban’s highest ranking official in the province, the same post claimed by Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, a long-time member of the party.

Both claimed to be the provincial president and the provincial chairman.

Balite aid Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, national president of the ruling PDP-Laban, signed his appointment as provincial chairman on Jan. 11, 2018.

Dumaluan, however, said that after the party’s election in 2012, there had been no elections held since then.

“It’s fake. There is no such position as chairman. Being at a higher rank than him, Balite should observe delicadeza, courtesy and decorum,” said Dumaluan.

As I’ve said, the 2019 elections (if that will ever happen) are only eight months away and it’s never too early for anybody "with an intention" to, well, stand up and be counted.

Right, Board Member Joahna?

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Post Loon’s Sidlakasilak (Festival of Lights) depression is a real thing. It’s that blue, miserable, nothing-will-ever-be-magical-again feeling you get after you leave Loon town last Sept. 6. 

 For the 19th time, the Sidlakasilak would tide you over for a few glorious hours as you sink into blissful, glorious immersion. 

In Loon’s Sidlakasilak (Festival of Lights), the fusion of lights
 creates more drama and ethereal effect against the darkness of the night. Leo Udtohan

Loon’s festival of lights is one of the most important and religious festivals in Bohol.  It is one of its kind in the province because the street-dancing is done at night. 

The street-dancing competition is held in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Luz or Birhen sa Kasilak (Our Lady of Light). 

Eight schools joined this year’s competition.

Unlike most street dancing competitions, which are known for their colorful costumes and props, Loon’s version is very challenging and different.

The emphasis is on the lights, how to make it move and dance. The LED lights dazzled in festive colors of red, green, blue and silver—leaving the crowd mesmerized and in the magical mood.

The fusion of lights creates more drama and ethereal effect against the darkness of the night.

This year’s event, I saw familiar faces: Reigh Monreal, Mayor Elvi Peter Relampagos, Grace Ramada, Gov. Edgar Chatto and Rep. Rene Relampagos. 

There were also University of Bohol’s Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno and husband Art, and Emerson Pinos who was one of the judges.

There was also Bohol 3rd District Rep. Arthur Yap, deputy speaker for Visayas, who said it was his first time to witness the festival of lights.

"Loon impresses me," he told Loonanons.

Mayor Elvi expressed his gratitude for the huge success of this year’s Festival of Lights.

Special mentions were the organizers, participants and the Loonanons here and abroad for joining the whole event.

A fireworks display capped the event.

Take a bow, Loonanons!

As I left Loon after the Festival of Lights, colors seem duller.  Nothing is sparkly or exciting. Will anything ever feel good again?

(Winners: Grand Champion: Sandingan High School; 1^st runner-up: Gov. Jacinto Borja National High School; 2^nd runner-up: Loon South National High School)

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

Remarkable talents in Mr and Miss UB searchs

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Tonight, Sept. 6, is the 16th SidlaKasilak or Festival of Lights in Loon town. Eight contingents from different schools will join the street- dancing parade and dance of lights competition in honor of the town’s patron saint the Virgen de la Luz (Our Lady of Light).  The SidlaKasilak is one of its kind 

Rovilson Fernandez
Photo: Ramil Duran

festival in the Philippines because the street-dancing is done at night with the emphasis on the lights.

Scene: Asia’s Got Talent host and model Rovilson Fernandez on Bohol International Marathon 2015: “One more thing about the Bohol International Marathon. It's all about the details when it comes to throwing a race. Especially looking out for the comfort, safety and overall experience of the runners. Water stations strategically placed every few Km's, ambulances and medical teams aplenty, encouraging marshals, nary a pothole on Bohol's 4-lane wide roads, bananas, crackers, Pocari Sweat, etc. Oh and this: at the 21K turnaround, there's a table filled with food! Like real legitimate pick-me up snacks(hotdogs, tinapay, BBQ on a stick, etc). Who does that!? Haha Well Played Bohol, well played...”

 

Scene: The 86th birthday of Ma'am Hermogena "Nene" Lungay, matriarch of Bol-anon Visual Arts on Sept. 2.

 

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The University of Bohol (UB) will celebrate its annual University Days on September 11-18. Various activities are lined-up for the occasion like athletic games, cheer dance and dance sport competitions, battle of brains, battle of the bands and the search for Mr and Miss UB Personality, the oldest campus pageant in the province.

 

Hermogena "Nene" Lungay with friends
and fellow artists. Photo courtesy: Liza Macalandag

Every year, we are looking forward to watch the search for beauty and brawn; and the remarkable talents of the candidates. Those who impressed the crowd with their talents through the years were Cromwell Besmark Cortes, Julie Mae Bigcal Fatima Hencianos, Jepsy Cajegas, Joan Canuto, Jesel Canuto, Cheryl Lyn Busano, Marjorie Patac, Moises Mari Lacierda, Floressa Cadiz, Joel Magno, Lupe McDonald Manug, John Torralba and Layell Mae Cartegenas.

 

However, there is one piece I can’t forget, the Genesis Reverse for its strong message about man and the environment. The piece was delivered by Beryl Elizabeth Lupot who represented the high school department. Here it is:

 

In the beginning was the earth.

It was beautiful and man lived upon the earth.

And man said:

“Let us build skyscrapers and expressways”.

And man covered the earth with steel and concrete.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the second day.

Man look upon the clear blue waters of the earth.

And man said: “Let us dump sewage and waste into the water”.

And man did.

The waters become dark and murky.

And man said: “It is good”

 

On the third day.

Man gazed at the forest on the earth.

They were tall and green.

And man said:

"Let us cut the trees and build things for ourselves.

And man did. And the forest grew thin.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the fourth day.

Man saw animals leaping in the fields and playing in the sun.

And man said: “

"Let us trap the animals for money and shoot them for sport.

And man did. And animals become scarce.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the fifth day.

Man felt the cool breeze in his nostrils.

And man said: Let us burn our refuse and let the wind blow away the smoke and debris.

And man did. And the air becomes dense with smoke and carbon.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the sixth day.

Man saw many kinds of people on the earth.

Different races, color and creed. And man feared and said:

“Let us make bombs and missiles in case misunderstanding arise”.

And man did. And missiles site and bomb dumps checkered the landscape.

And man said: “It is good”

 

On the seventh day.

Man rested. And the earth was quiet and deathly still.

For men and women are no more!

No more. And it is good.

 

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Why do people shout in anger? Let me share with you one of the most beautiful stories I ever came across.

 

A Hindu saint and his disciples were visiting the Ganges river, where they found a group of family members on the banks shouting in anger at each other. Turning to his disciples, the saint smiled and asked, 'Why do people in anger shout at each other?’

His disciples thought for a while. One of them finally said, ‘Because when we lose our calm, we shout.’

'But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you?' countered the saint. 'You can just as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner.' His disciples thought about it some more, but could not come up with a satisfactory answer.

 

Finally the saint explained: 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other, in order to cover that great distance. 

But what happens when two people fall in love? They don’t shout at each other but instead talk very softly because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small. And when they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only need to look at each other and that’s all. That is how close two people are when they love each other. 

So when you argue, do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.’

 

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