Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

 

Sumad karon, ang kalibutan nagpangilin
Ngano kaha natawo ang batang buotan gayud
Kinsa siya, wa ba hi-ilhi
Siya manunubos sa yuta nga karon mikunsad gikan sa langit

Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sayawan ta ang bata
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon

Pasko na usab, sayawan ta ang bata
Pasko na usab, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon.

—Sumad Karon by Susan Fuentes

 

Four days before Christmas Day and here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts to my favorite Boholanos, with some new additions, inspired by Sumad Karon, a Visayan Christmas song classic by Susan Fuentes, Hajji, APO and Passionata, from their music album Mananaygon, which opens today's VRS.

 

Here they are:

 

Queenie Melody Fullante- A boyfriend who will love her forever and ever, amen! The guy must be romantic, confident, artistic, foreign, free spirit (aka the bad boy), intelligent/witty and considerate!

 

For Anna Maris Igpit and her Aussie football player Thomas Taylor —Marriage contract!  Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!

 

For Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen!  Same for Fer Mary Baliquig and her beau; Elvie Bongosia of PIA and her labidab and  Clyde Ebojo and his girlfriend. 

 

Various parols and belens are displayed at Tubigon
town plaza to bring more cheer to this year’s Christmas celebration.
The holiday ambience that Tubigon affords its visitors is
 making the place as one of the Most Christmassy Places on Bohol. 

For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros—  Wedding bells!!!  

 

For Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso— Marriage contract (indefinite)!

 

For Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc — A marriage contract? Nope, it’s too early. Meanwhile, they may live(on?) happily ever after as sweethearts.

 

For Dalareich Polot —A perfect holiday with someone special. She’s been working so hard for her Chocoreich! Remember, all work and no play (and no lover) makes Jane a dull girl.

 

For Pat Ruiz- Inner strength to continue her advocacies! Same for Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares and Vera Gesite.

 

For Nonito Donaire — More wining bouts! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot and Boom-Boom Bautista.

 

For Candy Cumayas—Another beauty pageant to join to prove that a probisyana charm and beauty can capture the country! Same for Mary Rose Butalid.

 

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Home sweet home! (Figure that out.) As the songs goes (to the tune of Moon River by Andy Williams: Loboc River, wide than a mile, I'm crossing you in style someday, Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, Wherever you're going, I'm going your way.....

 

For Nene Lungay, Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents. Same for Tadiyandi, Baji,  Arte Malaya, Glenn Lumantao, Joey Labrador,  Joyle Alipala, Ric Ramasola, Loboc Children’s Choir, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador, Katipunan Elem. School Rondalla, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe and Bohol Master Singers.

 

For Mikey Gatal — A Roman holiday with his special someone.

 

For Geraldine Topsnik and Immaculada Cleofe Leopardas— Hot boyfriends!  Same for Idy Cagas, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian and Trisha Chatto.

 

For Cesar Montano and Rich Asuncion— More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies.  Same for  TinTin Ng and  Lailette Boiser.

 

For Mila Lim and Dr. Mary Grace Uy — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Musette Hontanosas, Vicky Wallace, Doc Joy Yap, LJ Lumayag, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Fiel Gabin, Kit Oppus, Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Marina Salamanca, Dodong Almedilla, Freda Tirol, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias,  Hans and Lani Schoof,  Atty. Jas Montes,  Dr. Nenita Po, Greenie Aumentado, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Fancy Baluyot, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Conching Lim, Pureza Chatto  Paz Trotin, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie Geonzon,  Gerry Egos, Edi Borja, Reigh Monreal, Malou Cempron and Atty. Eliseo Labaria.

 

For Joy Suarez — A new world-class resort to manage!

 

For  Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Tracy Remolador Torres and Sony Pamaong— Fashion shows to display their artistic collections!

 

For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking to showcase his world-class talent.

 

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — More "talkative" and “controversial” guests on Showbiz Rampa.  Same for  Inday Charity (dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka).

 

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta and Gerry Pabe (dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) — More  explosive news and “controversial” guests. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado and Ted Ayeng (dyTR’s Cuentas Claras).  

 

For Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng and Atty. Salva Diputado—A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. He He He

 

Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos— A long-delayed stork’s visit. Same for Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Dr. April Lumuthang-Froiland and Arch. Junibe Froilan.

 

For Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap—A healthy baby due in February next year.

 

For Che Toribio-delos Reyes— Good things in life.  And a sign that screams, "DON’T!!! In 2016!

 

For Dr. Maria April “Doc April” Lumuthang-Froilan- A big clinic for her Touch of April to beautify  the province of Bohol!

 

For Governor Edgar Chatto, Reps. Erico “Aristotle” Aumentado, Rene Relampagos and Art Yap and Mayor Baba Yap — Divine guidance and enlightenment for political will.

 

For  Inday Rufing  — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for  Inday Charity, Ryan Sines, John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Deo Guden, Rico Guigue, Charlow Arbasto, EP Relampagos, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas.

 

For Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Hannah Precillas and Kirby Asunto— A big break to showcase their singing prowess!

 

For Marc Joseph Batoy, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila, Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz and Ar-Ar dela Serna — More exposures to prove to all that Boholano men naay ikabuga!

 

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal youth beauty for Bohol's Queen of Tourism.

 

For AD— A chastity belt! He He He

 

For Ardy Batoy —A vacation! The Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a break!

 

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint venture.” He He He Same for Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace.

 

For Baby Tagoctoc— He may continue to shine!  Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading deserves a vacation, too.

 

For Raul Gatal—  A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from his “haters.”

 

For Josephus Anthony Bumaat — Another kilig novel as engrossing as Anh To Be Surprised.

 

For Atty. Greg Delgado — A seductive girlfriend!   Same for  Van Delima, Doc Homer Singco and Lemuel Belarmino.

 

For Leah Tirol-Magno — A baking session and an outlet to show her delectable world of baking mastery.

 

For Mizken Tirol-Andan— A partner to color his world.

 

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Msgr. Jeff Malanog, Fr. Warli Salise, Jr.,  et al— Good health and more years to share the gospel as Veritas de terra orta est! (“Truth shall spring out of the earth”). Same for pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba.

 

And...

 

—No more painful and violent deaths. Well, we all have to go. But I hope and pray that deaths won’t be as painful. And I wish to see the end of the chain of deaths that had hounded the province in 2014.  

-—Safe arrival, peaceful and successful events with Pope Francis in the Philippines.

 

***

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

Hasta la vista EJ! Goodbye Susan Fuentes!

•Goodbye, EJ, hasta la vista!

•Goodbye Susan Fuentes!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 7^th School Press Advisers Movement Inc. (SPAM) was held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Sept. 12-14 attended by student writers and advisers in the country. Two GMA pillars are recognized by SPAM with their first awards of excellence for media practitioners. GMA News anchor and “Imbestigador ng Bayan” Mike Enriquez has received the Award of Excellence in the Field of Broadcasting, while GMA News Online Editor-in-Chief Howie Severino has received the Award of Excellence in the Field of Documentary Reportage. With the theme “Intensifying the power of Campus Paper in Protecting and Preserving the Environment and Natural Resources,” the convention aims to recognize the excellent services of campus journalists and advisers, hone their talents, and provide them with the recent trends in campus journalism.

Mike Enriquez and Howie Severino during the 7th SPAM

Scene: Dindo Tallo and his wife Rose (Miss Tagbilaran 1987 first runner-up) were in Bohol to attend to their father’s wake and burial.  Dindo is the eldest son of Dr. Prisco Tallo who died on August 28. Dr. Tallo served as resident physician of the Bohol Provincial Hospital and chief of the Loon District Hospital and Carmen Cong. Natalio Castillo Memorial Hospital, respectively.

Scene: Maria Mercedes ang pangalan ko! Sa 'king pamilya'y tumutulong ako. Nagtatrabaho ng kahit ano. Sanay ako magbanat ng buto...Maria Mercedes, the Mexican telenovela starring Thalia will be back on primetime. The first official teaser for the Philippine remake of the hit Mexican series "Maria Mercedes" was released last week. The clip uploaded on ABS-CBN's official YouTube page shows lead actress Jessy Mendiola dancing in a long red dress -- a throwback to the iconic take of Mexican superstar Thalia on the title character. The teaser also offers a brief taste of the updated Filipino version of the series' theme song, as first heard in the local telecast of the original "Maria Mercedes" in 1996. Thalia fans couldn’t wait to see the soap. Si señor!

***

Ania si Rosas Pandan
Gikan pa intawn sa kabukiran
Kaninyo makiguban-uban
Sa gisaulog nga kalingawan

Balitaw day akong puhunan
Maoy kabilin sa akong ginikanan
Awit nga labing karaan
Maoy garbo sa kabungturan

Ayayay ayayay ayayay!
Ayay sa akong balitaw
Kanindot ba mosayaw
Daw yamog ang kabugnaw

Tigadong tigadong tigadong!
Ayay usab si Dodong
Nagtan-aw kang Inday
Nagtabisay ang laway...

Susan Fuentes

I’m not sure how old I was at the time but I remember singing Rosas Pandan while the song was being played by our neighbors back in old Booy. The neighborhood was simple. Technology was slow then. Since only a handful few had TV, most people tuned in on radio especially on Sundays for their favorite oldies.

I also remember Rosas Pandan was used as talent in barangay beauty pageants and amateur singing contests. It was easy to sing. It still is. Thanks to the Queen of Visayan Songs Susan Fuentes, who’s a half-Boholana-half Butuanon, who also has a string of other enduring hits to her name.

For the information of today’s generation of music-lovers, between 1970s and 1980s, Susan racked up

several No. 1 Visayan songs, including “Matud Nila” (They Say), “Gimingaw Ako” (I Feel Lonesome), “Usahay” (Sometimes), “Rosas Pandan,” She also originally recorded and popularized “Miss Kita Kung Christmas.”

Call me old, but I love listening to Susan’s authentic and uniquely poignant voice that reminds me of good times.

I like Susan’s version of “Ang Bol-anon” (originally composed by Regino Bastes Dano) which shows her clean, soulful and authentic voice. And it’s Binol-anon for using the word gaJud instead of gayud.

Kung ikaw Inday mangita'g pamanhunon, Siguro-a baya inday ang Bol-anon, Kung matuman mo suwerte ka kay ang Bol-anon buotan gajud, Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa Tagbilaran... Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa kahangturan...

Is there any difference between women of past and women of present? Yes, her song “Kagahapun ug Karun” tells why.

Kagahapun ug karun

Kadako diay sa kabalison
ang dalaga ta manggi-ulawon
moduko lang kon imo lang sud-ungon

Ang karun pagkatahum
kon tutokan mo mapahiyumon

kon halaran mo iya kang tubagon
hinay ka ra kay may tag-iya na

Ang dalaga ta karon dili daling muhilak sama kagahapon Ondo

ikaw pa hikapa ang gihay di ba mangatangtang ug mangapangtagak

Lahi ang kabulakan nga katilingbanun

Buyog magsibadsabad mata magsiplatsiplat

Mao kini ang lingla sa bag-o nga panahon
lahi ang kagahapon lahi ang karun...

Her fans, including my Mama Inday, Inday Charity and yours truly, are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Susan who died on Sept. 7 after a prolonged confinement due to a kidney ailment. She was 58.

Mama Inday has paid tribute to Susan last week. She was singing all her Awitnong Bahandi songs although Mama Inday was not hitting all the right notes with her lusty vocals and emotional stylings like Susan’s, while Inday Charity has  paid tribute to Susan in her radio program.

Well, it’s a misty-eyed Sunday morning today while listening to Visayan classic oldies.

Midag-om, midag-om na, dapit sa atong habagatan,

pagbantay-bantay mga kauban, ang timbangan dili pagbiyaan,

ayaw baya kalimot nga gikalisangan kining hangina,

 Mugisi sa layag, Muguba sa atong sakayan,

Timbang kamo, hinubig kamo, Dagan ngari, dagan ngadto,

Walay labing pait Ingon sa kinabuhing sakayanon,

 Init ug ulan , Gisawod nga walay pulupasilong,

Nia pay katugnaw, Ug kagutom pa gayud intawon,

 Giantus ang tanan,Kay gim but-an sa kapalaran...

***

Anytime now, fashion icon EJ Relampagos is flying to New York to relax.

He has been busy in wedding coordination alongside some other events like debuts, beauty pageants and fashion shows.

EJ Relampagos

EJ is planning to see famous landmarks in New York such as the Empire State Building, the 911 memorial, Statue of Liberty and American Museum of Natural History.

What will happen to EJ’s House of Fashion (along Pamaong Road, Tagbilaran City) where he has total creative responsibility for the designs and all of its collections?

“It is still open. It will continue with all my staff. But we're only accepting wedding gowns for now while I will be away,” says EJ.  

However, VRS heard that EJ was invited to design for an American singer (name not disclosed by VRS) as part of the New York Fashion Week in the US.

“He will also be there to visit some famous fashion houses and attend charming workshops in New York,” adds VRS.

Well, then, to EJ, wishing you the best in NYC! C'est la vie!

***

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

Hasta la vista EJ! Goodbye Susan Fuentes!

•Goodbye, EJ, hasta la vista!

•Goodbye Susan Fuentes!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 7^th School Press Advisers Movement Inc. (SPAM) was held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Sept. 12-14 attended by student writers and advisers in the country. Two GMA pillars are recognized by SPAM with their first awards of excellence for media practitioners. GMA News anchor and “Imbestigador ng Bayan” Mike Enriquez has received the Award of Excellence in the Field of Broadcasting, while GMA News Online Editor-in-Chief Howie Severino has received the Award of Excellence in the Field of Documentary Reportage. With the theme “Intensifying the power of Campus Paper in Protecting and Preserving the Environment and Natural Resources,” the convention aims to recognize the excellent services of campus journalists and advisers, hone their talents, and provide them with the recent trends in campus journalism.

Mike Enriquez and Howie Severino during the 7th SPAM

Scene: Dindo Tallo and his wife Rose (Miss Tagbilaran 1987 first runner-up) were in Bohol to attend to their father’s wake and burial.  Dindo is the eldest son of Dr. Prisco Tallo who died on August 28. Dr. Tallo served as resident physician of the Bohol Provincial Hospital and chief of the Loon District Hospital and Carmen Cong. Natalio Castillo Memorial Hospital, respectively.

Scene: Maria Mercedes ang pangalan ko! Sa 'king pamilya'y tumutulong ako. Nagtatrabaho ng kahit ano. Sanay ako magbanat ng buto...Maria Mercedes, the Mexican telenovela starring Thalia will be back on primetime. The first official teaser for the Philippine remake of the hit Mexican series "Maria Mercedes" was released last week. The clip uploaded on ABS-CBN's official YouTube page shows lead actress Jessy Mendiola dancing in a long red dress -- a throwback to the iconic take of Mexican superstar Thalia on the title character. The teaser also offers a brief taste of the updated Filipino version of the series' theme song, as first heard in the local telecast of the original "Maria Mercedes" in 1996. Thalia fans couldn’t wait to see the soap. Si señor!

***

Ania si Rosas Pandan
Gikan pa intawn sa kabukiran
Kaninyo makiguban-uban
Sa gisaulog nga kalingawan

Balitaw day akong puhunan
Maoy kabilin sa akong ginikanan
Awit nga labing karaan
Maoy garbo sa kabungturan

Ayayay ayayay ayayay!
Ayay sa akong balitaw
Kanindot ba mosayaw
Daw yamog ang kabugnaw

Tigadong tigadong tigadong!
Ayay usab si Dodong
Nagtan-aw kang Inday
Nagtabisay ang laway...

Susan Fuentes

I’m not sure how old I was at the time but I remember singing Rosas Pandan while the song was being played by our neighbors back in old Booy. The neighborhood was simple. Technology was slow then. Since only a handful few had TV, most people tuned in on radio especially on Sundays for their favorite oldies.

I also remember Rosas Pandan was used as talent in barangay beauty pageants and amateur singing contests. It was easy to sing. It still is. Thanks to the Queen of Visayan Songs Susan Fuentes, who’s a half-Boholana-half Butuanon, who also has a string of other enduring hits to her name.

For the information of today’s generation of music-lovers, between 1970s and 1980s, Susan racked up

several No. 1 Visayan songs, including “Matud Nila” (They Say), “Gimingaw Ako” (I Feel Lonesome), “Usahay” (Sometimes), “Rosas Pandan,” She also originally recorded and popularized “Miss Kita Kung Christmas.”

Call me old, but I love listening to Susan’s authentic and uniquely poignant voice that reminds me of good times.

I like Susan’s version of “Ang Bol-anon” (originally composed by Regino Bastes Dano) which shows her clean, soulful and authentic voice. And it’s Binol-anon for using the word gaJud instead of gayud.

Kung ikaw Inday mangita'g pamanhunon, Siguro-a baya inday ang Bol-anon, Kung matuman mo suwerte ka kay ang Bol-anon buotan gajud, Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa Tagbilaran... Magmahal kanimo hangtud sa kahangturan...

Is there any difference between women of past and women of present? Yes, her song “Kagahapun ug Karun” tells why.

Kagahapun ug karun

Kadako diay sa kabalison
ang dalaga ta manggi-ulawon
moduko lang kon imo lang sud-ungon

Ang karun pagkatahum
kon tutokan mo mapahiyumon

kon halaran mo iya kang tubagon
hinay ka ra kay may tag-iya na

Ang dalaga ta karon dili daling muhilak sama kagahapon Ondo

ikaw pa hikapa ang gihay di ba mangatangtang ug mangapangtagak

Lahi ang kabulakan nga katilingbanun

Buyog magsibadsabad mata magsiplatsiplat

Mao kini ang lingla sa bag-o nga panahon
lahi ang kagahapon lahi ang karun...

Her fans, including my Mama Inday, Inday Charity and yours truly, are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Susan who died on Sept. 7 after a prolonged confinement due to a kidney ailment. She was 58.

Mama Inday has paid tribute to Susan last week. She was singing all her Awitnong Bahandi songs although Mama Inday was not hitting all the right notes with her lusty vocals and emotional stylings like Susan’s, while Inday Charity has  paid tribute to Susan in her radio program.

Well, it’s a misty-eyed Sunday morning today while listening to Visayan classic oldies.

Midag-om, midag-om na, dapit sa atong habagatan,

pagbantay-bantay mga kauban, ang timbangan dili pagbiyaan,

ayaw baya kalimot nga gikalisangan kining hangina,

 Mugisi sa layag, Muguba sa atong sakayan,

Timbang kamo, hinubig kamo, Dagan ngari, dagan ngadto,

Walay labing pait Ingon sa kinabuhing sakayanon,

 Init ug ulan , Gisawod nga walay pulupasilong,

Nia pay katugnaw, Ug kagutom pa gayud intawon,

 Giantus ang tanan,Kay gim but-an sa kapalaran...

***

Anytime now, fashion icon EJ Relampagos is flying to New York to relax.

He has been busy in wedding coordination alongside some other events like debuts, beauty pageants and fashion shows.

EJ Relampagos

EJ is planning to see famous landmarks in New York such as the Empire State Building, the 911 memorial, Statue of Liberty and American Museum of Natural History.

What will happen to EJ’s House of Fashion (along Pamaong Road, Tagbilaran City) where he has total creative responsibility for the designs and all of its collections?

“It is still open. It will continue with all my staff. But we're only accepting wedding gowns for now while I will be away,” says EJ.  

However, VRS heard that EJ was invited to design for an American singer (name not disclosed by VRS) as part of the New York Fashion Week in the US.

“He will also be there to visit some famous fashion houses and attend charming workshops in New York,” adds VRS.

Well, then, to EJ, wishing you the best in NYC! C'est la vie!

***

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