Bohol’s bursting with twinkling displays; PH’s tallest Santa Claus found in Bohol

Bohol’s bursting with twinkling displays

(PH’s tallest Santa Claus found in Bohol)

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The Philippine bet to the first Mister Supranational AR de la Serna became one of the Top 20 finalists.  Diego Garcy of Mexico was named Mister Supranational. AR’s mom, Glorivic, was in Poland to support his journey. “You did your best AR.. .So proud of you tonight...Better things to come..Other doors will open for what's best for you.. Keep your head up..Love you lots,” she posted on Facebook. After the pageant, Glorivic and AR went to Vienna, Austria.

Scene:  A personal note: Thank you to the Association of Writers and Radio Announcers Foundation, Inc. (Awra), Bohol Literacy Arts and Cultural Circle (Blacc) and Lubas Sa Dagang  Bisaya, Inc. (Ludabi) for the “Feature Writer of the Year” Award to VRS  for the nth time during the 16th Awarding Rites on Dec 10 at JJ’s Seafood Village, K of C.  Gracias por todo!

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It took seven days for Carlito Tacgos and his team to finish the 28-foot-tall Santa Claus, the town’s holiday display.

The town plaza of Tubigon in Bohol undergoes

 a transformation, as they festoon the plaza with

 ten thousands of twinkling lights and elaborate 

holiday decorations.- Leo Udtohan

Tacgos, the municipal electrician, said that his six men were involved in its construction that began last Nov.  22.  The job was completed in seven days, nine days before the town’s fiesta last Dec. 8.

He cut and sewed the dress for the Santa. He said, however, it was challenging to clothe the Santa Claus since it was huge.

"We have new clothes for the Santa Claus for this year. Normally, we change the clothes every two or three years because it fade," said Carlito.

Sierra Bullones is a third class municipality situated in the interior parts of the province of Bohol. It is composed of 22 barangays whose major source of income is derived from agriculture.

The Santa Claus project started in 2001 during the first term of Sierra-Bullones Mayor Simplicio Maestrado Jr, according to Tacgos. He said the town skipped the parol (lantern), belen (nativity scene) and Christmas trees and went instead for Santa Claus this holiday season.

“Those were common in other towns. So, we chose Santa Claus,” Tacgos said.  “We thought it would be special for the people in our community and for others to celebrate Christmas,” he added.

The 28-feet Santa Claus in Sierra-Bullones town 

in Bohol province is getting much attention that 

people come to view and get pictures 

with the giant Santa Claus.- Leo Udtohan

Santa Claus is one of the icons of Christmas. For some, the idea of Christmas is intimately connected to the image of a chubby old man dressed in red and wearing black boots and belt and a white beard. This man, people called Santa Claus, Saint Nick, or just Santa, is the personification of Christmas.

Tacgos said the Santa is getting much attention that residents and tourists have come to view and get pictures with the giant Santa Claus.

The giant Santa Claus in Sierra-Bullones is a white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots.  He has eyeglasses, too. His other hand is carrying a bag and the other hand is making a high-five sign.

Tacgos maintained their Santa Claus is the tallest and largest in Bohol province and probably in the Philippines, though there were no official records. No other provinces in the Philippines have claimed either.

“Other towns have Santa Claus, but here our Santa Claus is gigantic,” said Tacgos.

It would be hard to miss the town’s holiday display because it is along the national highway, facing the town’s hall building.

Tacgos said the Santa Claus is facing the town hall which signifies the role of the local government unit of Sierra-Bullones.

“Santa Claus has displayed his love through the giving of gifts. Just like Santa, the local leaders are here for the people,” he said.

When Jocelyn Vitos, 29, from Tagbilaran City, chanced to visit the town during fiesta, she didn’t miss to have a photo with the Santa Claus.

“I am absolutely loving it,” said Vitos. “So, far the tallest I have seen. You’re really a dwarf at the giant Santa Claus,” she added.

But Vitos said she hopes the town can add another features for next year. She suggested a mailbox by the display for next year.

Glorivic Yap-De La Serna enjoys her trip in Europe

 to support her son AR in the first Mister Supranational. 

AR was included in the Top 20 of the said competition.  

Contributed Photos

“Perhaps putting letters in the mailbox for Santa can help. Can they add a reindeer please?” she said.

At night time, spotlights beam towards the Santa Claus so people can enjoy the view on a cold night.

The Santa Claus is on display until Feb. 2 next year.

In Tubigon town, thousands of bulbs and holiday decorations come to life once again at Tubigon Plaza making the town as the “Most Christmassy Place” in Bohol province. 

And we’re not talking about a Christmas tree or a simple nativity scene: Among the kitschy pieces you see are life-size snowmen, stockings, sleigh and reindeers, a giant bell and Christmas carols blaring from loudspeakers and tens of thousands of sparkling lights.

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

• Sierra-Bullones has the tallest Santa Claus in Phl; •Doc Homer Singco: Christmastime is family time

• Sierra-Bullones has the tallest Santa Claus in Phl
• Doc Homer Singco: Christmastime is family time

Wake-uppers:

Seen: The Jukebox King and Plaka King Victor Wood was in Bohol for his first concert at Calape Cultural Center last night. In Calape, Wood brought back fond memories of Mr. Lonely, Sweet Caroline,I Went To Your Wedding, You Are My Destiny, Crying Time, Paper Roses and The Great Pretender — his biggest hits.

Scene: Wow! Fireworks, a licensed manufacturer and distributor of superior pyrotechnic devices made from imported materials, will open its Bohol outlets for the Holidays on December 16 along Baclayon National Hi-way near Cignal Cable and La Paz, Cortes near Manga Bridge V-hire Terminal. This piece of good news is from Sam Pingkian. For inquiries, contact Sam at 09173748099/(038) 5019988/4120074.

Scene: Members of the Alpha Phi Omega (Apo) Zeta Beta and Zeta Epsilon chapters will visit Aliguay Primary School in Maribojoc town on Dec. 13 for the Christmas charity project. The adopt-a-school project is part of the 86th anniversary of Apo. For queries, call Brod Cesar Rubi at (038) 501-8242/412-0203.

Seen: A surveillance camera caught the “almost famous personality (AFP)” in the city stealing the high-end gadget of a participant in a conference AFP was the resource speaker. “The participant asked the care taker of the government building to review the CCTV the day the ipad was lost. Naa siyay kutob nga gikawat to,” shared the roving VRS. “AFP was caught on CCTV picking the ipad inside the venue. AFP was interrogated by the office staff he was connected before. However, AFP denied to death jud that he is innocent. Then police officers came to investigate, AFP still insisted he’s innocent. Shocked to the max nalang siya when confronted by the closed-circuit TV camera footage. AFP saw himself! Tagam!” added VRS.

Seen: Who will be the Newsmakers of the Year 2011? As the year ends, Bared will retell the stories, events and people that shaped 2011. Send your feedback to leoudtohan@yahoo.com or text +639212446791.

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Gigantic Santa Claus found in Sierra-Bullones

The hometown of Asia’s Best Supporting Actress Rebecca Del Rio continues to amaze people.

We know this after having gone to Sierra-Bullones last week to attend the town fiesta. The town’s Santa Claus is finished.

It is touted to be “the biggest and tallest Santa Claus in Bohol and in the Philippines” and rightly so: It measures 25 feet. Their Santa Claus is a white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. It has eyeglasses, too. His other hand is carrying a bag and the other hand is making a high-five sign.

It took one month to finish the foundation of the Santa Claus; and two weeks to dress the Santa Claus. It should be ready before the town’s fiesta on Dec. 8 and we’re thankful enough for that, aren’t we?
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"This Santa Claus measures 25 feet, the biggest Santa Claus and the tallest in Bohol and maybe in the Philippines as of this time," said Restituto Perocho, a municipal employee.

All day long, and both prior to and after the town fiesta, people from the neighboring towns would come to visit and have their picture taken in front of one of Bohol’s most famous and recognizable Christmas attraction.

At the foot of the gigantic Santa Claus, you could see kids playing. Then, there’s Lorenzo Butron, a blind musician who hails from Alicia town. He’s roaming around and playing Christmas carols accompanied by an old guitar and a harmonica.

This year’s Christmas, he really wants to make some real money to have an enjoyable Christmas. Ten days he did already the towns caroling. So far, he has earned 600 pesos which is enough to buy rice and other needs.

Lorenzo lost his sight when he was eight years old. When Lorenzo learned about the gigantic Santa Claus, his heart leapt for joy. “Kita kog Santa Claus gamay pa ko pero gagmay man ang Santa Claus sauna. Maskin dili nako kakita pero kahibaw ko naa siya (I saw Santa Claus when I was a kid and it was small. Even though I can’t see it, I know he’s there,” he explained.

At 69, Lorenzo still believes in Santa Claus.

“Motuo kog Santa Claus kay Katoliko man ko. Hinaot unta iya kong tabangan ug kaloy-an, (I believe in Santa Claus because I am Catholic. I hope he will have mercy on me),” said Lorenzo.

Then, he started playing his instruments to the tune of Jingle Bells.

Santa Claus’ smiling… Ho ho ho!

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Dr. Homer Singco

Like most everybody, Dr. Homer Caseñas Singco will be home for Christmas no matter how busy he is.

“Christmas is better spent with the family in Jagna,” Doc Homer confessed during a chat with Bared while treating dogs at his vet clinic (along 53-A Airport Road, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City, Tel. No: (038.) 501-9021, Cell No: +639994263392). “Christmas is of love and compassion and of family bonding. That’s why I make it a point to drop everything and be with my parents during Christmas.”

How about celebrating Christmas with pets?

“Pet owners can celebrate Christmas with their pets in a fun and safe way. They can buy presents like dog biscuits,” said Doc Homer. “They can dress up their pets in holiday gear, or just put a Santa hat on then. Your pet can have the excitement of having their own presents on Christmas day, too!”

The path to becoming a veterinarian is never easy, but Doc Homer learned that a longer journey makes for a better adventure.

After graduating from the Visayas State University in Baybay City, Leyte, he worked in a vet clinic in South Island, New Zealand. "I stayed there for two years,” he recalled. He returned to the Philippines and he worked as a senior vet at Ole Veterinary Hospital, a premier veterinary hospital in Cainta, Rizal.

Home is where the heart is. He decided to go back to Bohol. “I'd like to stay close to home and to establish a vet clinic.”

Dr. Homer Singco attending the modern day orthopaedics for animals seminar...

Is he happy with his career? “Workings with animals take a great passion and patience. I guess this is true to almost every job but this is where I love to do and where I am most fulfilled. I have been in love with animals since childhood. I even had a dog when I was in grade one and that at the age of 7. This is the job that I would love to do and to see myself grow.”

Have you been bitten by an animal? “Yes. You could not be a veterinarian if you wouldn’t be bitten by an animal.” Of all trauma-related veterinary visits, 10 to 15 percent are related to bite wounds, “I had been bitten several times with my dogs but I have them vaccinated. I guess all animal lovers or pet owners should do the same. Safety should always be considered responsibly. Prevention is still better than cure,” said Doc Homer.

The people of Japan was so touched by Hachiko’s loyalty and love for his owner that a monument was erected at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan. Photo shows Jagnaanon Sarah Bajamonde Onodera, who lives in Japan for 10 years, at the statue of Hachiko.

Homer’s passion for animals started when he was a young boy. Among his pets, dogs are his favorite. “I have one Shih-tzu and one Aspin. I had one native cat, too. I named my dogs Son-joe, Coycoy and Ba-an for my cat.”

A typical day for Doc Homer is waking up at 3 a.m.; checking the admitted pets, spending hours the clinic and having a siesta at 1 p.m. Sometimes his schedule changes when he has an emergency call from patients. “The work is hard but if you work with passion, it becomes so easy. I never forget to say prayer before I work. Well, this is aside from breakfast and the regular things we do every morning.”

In Bohol, a number of people are having pets.”Yes, but sadly some pet owners are not responsible. Others just owned a pet to look after their house without giving the pet’s need. I think everybody should know that dogs should see a veterinarian in two to three weeks from birth. And should be regularly check twice or thrice a year.”

Doc Homer also shared the therapeutic benefits of having pets at home. “Studies reveal that pets can reduce stress and control blood pressure even better than drugs. Pets can ease our loneliness, reduce our stress, promote social interaction, encourage exercise and playfulness, and provide us with unconditional love and affection.”

How about bringing pets at home? “New pets are new family members and the whole family should be involved in the discussion. Don't rush into it. You need to consult all members of the family because owning a pet does not affect just you. Make sure you know how to care for that particular animal. Choose a reasonable animal and one that you know you can take care of or can match your lifestyle. Having a pet means responsibility and dedication,” he advised.

He had seen the movie Hachiko, a must for pet lovers. (Hachiko is a dog hero which inspired Japan in thinking that friendship can last forever. Hachi was adopted by a college professor who later died while far from Hachiko. Hachiko waited 10 years for his master to come back after which he died.). “I watched it many times. I highly recommend everyone to watch it not only to animal lover or dog owner.”

Told that animal doctors are better lovers or magnets for women, Doc Homer laughed a bit.

“It works to me. But it depends, to own a pet comes with discipline, love, patience. It might help.”

At 32 (a Libra, born on October 8), Doc Homer is still single. Is he ready to settle down?

“Not for now but it will come at the right time. No need to rush or panic.”

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