Media walk out on TOSP’s presscon and Candijay’s spring, falls & rice terraces

• Media walk out on TOSP’s presscon

• Candijay’s spring, falls & rice terraces

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last Holy Week was Miss Universe 2006 Miss Photogenic Lia Andrea Ramos.

Seen:  GMA star Rich Asuncion also spent her Holy Week in Bohol with her family. Also spotted in Bohol was Direk Maryo delos Reyes who will direct GMA’s new teleserye Niño.

Scene: After years of absence, Alona Beach has a party place! U Lounge Bar (formerly Opps Bar)’s opening on Alona Beach brought just about everyone out it the block.  It’s the night life you want, U Lounge Bar offers drinks, dancing and music with a perfect Alona beach ambiance. There’s a big selection of beers, wines, cocktails and shooters.

Quir Nicole Maghuyop

Seen: Quir Nicole Maghuyop is joining ‪‎Miss Teen Philippines 2014. Visit http://www.missteenphils.org or Miss Teen Philippines on Facebook page for updates.

Scene: Cuisina Ni Tisay, the home of traditional Boholano cuisine is in Carmen town.  It can be found inside the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (Chap) before the Chocolate Hills Complex. Owner Tessie Labunog-Sumampong posted on Facebook: “New beginning, New hope, New adventure!!! GOD will always provide!”

Scene: The 15 candidates of Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2014. The organizers aim to make this year’s Mutya an affair to remember.

Scene:  From Jammy Ungab, this message she posted on Facebook:  Lesson learned thus far today.... You need to pack a lot of patience in your backpack when you take a bus... in Bohol... like... seriously. I'm reaching out to all municipal mayors or to the honorable governor of Bohol. I have an idea for you. It would be sweet, really sweet to put 4 or 5 BUS STOP in every municipality. You probably don't know how it feels because you have your own transportation, but it is super annoying when the bus stops each and every time to drop off and pick up passengers. And by every time, I meant, almost every farking minute, almost every 20 meters. And do you know what's worse? When the bus stops to drop off a passenger, and a passenger from 4 meters away who wants to get in, waits for the bus to stop in front of her. Seriousfarkingly???!!!! People are lazy to walk 4 or 5 meters towards the bus. I almost went crazy, and definitely reached my quota of saying "Jeeeeeeeez" and "faaaaaaaark" for the day. The less than two hour trip became almost 4 hours because of the bus stopping for like vagigazimillion times. So I guess our travel lives will be better with a BUS STOP. This is my cry. Hear me. Please don't despise me. Thank you! But on lighter side of things, pretty farking amazing scenery on the east side, ya dig! All good! Whoooop!

***

I still have my hangover of last week’s Holy Week. I had my visita iglesia-- covering news of the church activities--- especially the Easter Sunday celebration when I heard the Loboc Children’s Choir singing Alleluia! and saw the non-liturgical ritual of burning Judas in Baclayon’s hugos. You see, even in Holy Week, your favorite news reporters, anchors and writers need to work to give you the latest news.

The good thing about journalist Mike Ligalig is he knows how to share info. He doesn’t forget to “text blast” if there are press conferences and other news events.

We come to attend the media/presscon whenever there is an event an organization wants to inform the community about or breaking news.

It was surprising to learn that last week’s presscon of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) turned ugly. I just found out that my media colleagues didn’t like the presscon and walked-away.

It was Rey Anthony Chiu of PIA who tagged me on Facebook to cover the event. One hour after, I got the same invitation from Mike. (Thank heavens! I had a busy day so I wasn’t able to attend the presscon or else I’d have a heart attack.)

“It was a horrible press conference,” said EG, a radio reporter. “Everything was unprepared to think it was a national event or something.”

The media colleagues “lectured” the organizers about press and media conferences.  That a great press conference can mean blanket coverage in newspapers, radio, TV and blogs -- but a horrible press conference can haunt the organizer.

Reporters want to hear a little about the news, then ask questions and get quotable answers.  We hate sitting for almost one hour before opening up for questions. 

Reporters want documents. Make sure there are enough copies to go around -- and post those documents online for reporters and bloggers who are interested in the press conference but couldn't make the trip.

It was not the first media walk out. Last April 12, media people had to wait for couple of hours for a presscon organized by Edcom only to find out the resource person was not able to make it.

“For those who invite media people to cover your events,” said EG. “Please have a heart. We are also human beings. We have busy schedules. We have families.”

As you are reading this page, please excuse me, ehem, I need to visit my friends this week for the fiestas. May 1 marks the beginning of merriment in Bohol as almost everyday fiesta celebrations are held where people are rotating here and there to partake lavish preparations.

Ang humba, lechon, imbutido ug bahalina, ayaw kalimti! Cheers!

***

If you’re looking for another summer adventure, try the enchanting Canawa Spring and Can-umantad Falls in Candijay.

The cold Canawa Spring

Canawa Spring is located in barangay Canawa. Its shaped like a pan or cawa. Its refreshing cold aquamarine water meanders into the streams irrigating rice fields on the plains near the idyllic pastoral town of Canawa.

According to residents, Canawa has unfathomable depth. Years ago, divers tried to solve the mystery but they could not reach the bottom of the spring.

“ Even its source remains a mystery,” said our guide-driver.

Four or five kilometers from Canawa Spring is the Can-umantad Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Bohol.  To see the falls, go to barangay Cadapdapan (not barangay Can-umantad) to also marvel the lustrous rice terraces before reaching the falls.

Can-umantad’s natural crystal clear pools are good for swimming while its cool and green surroundings are ideal for picnic.

Can-umantad Falls

Believe me, a trip to this place is a very worthwhile experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Oopps, here are some tips:

* Barangay Lungsud-daan, Candijay, is a good landmark for meet-up. It is situated along the highway.

* It’s advisable to take habal-habal or 4-wheel vehicles to access the bumpy section of the road. The road directions are easy to follow. Look for the signs. Caution: Taking the habal-habal is costly.

* Free and plentiful parking is available.

* Entrance fee is Php 10 (adults) and Php 5 each for kids in Canawa Spring, while it is free in Can-umantad Falls.

* Bring change of clothes and towel.

* There is a small restroom in Canawa Spring and Can-umantad Falls.

* Bring your own food and water. Refreshments are sold at the parking area in Canawa Spring but not in Can-umantad Falls.

***

Selfie at Can-umantad Falls

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

Ray of hope & quake-licious in Bohol

Tomorrow marks the two-week anniversary of Bohol’ devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that affected thousands of Boholanos.

Bayanihan spirit Photo by Leo P. Udtohan

Images of hardships are still flooding your TV screen especially in the towns that were the epicenter of the disaster. Many families lost their properties and loved ones and some just disappeared in an instant.

The effects of this dreadful quake are visible everywhere in tent cities where people are still living without proper homes, clean running water and food.

As I went to barangay Bagtic in Catigbian town, I saw people harvesting crops near the tension cracks. There was “Diskwento Caravan” of the DTI in Loon town last Thursday. And despite the quake, the people of Antequera had celebrated their town fiesta yesterday. It was those little things –I’ve realized these are signs of hope.

I salute many amazing people and organizations that are making things better. I’ve realized that there are many young people who care about other people and the province keeping the bayanihan spirit alive. They have volunteered to pack and deliver relief goods to far-flung barangays.

A lot do voluntourism on Facebook and text messages to help promote the affected tourism of Bohol.

Yes, there is still great suffering from the horrific quake, but resilience and a passion for life still dominate the Boholano people.

As you're reading this, you can do something.

***

Loboc Riverwatch offers quake-licious

I saw how the 7.2 magnitude earthquake damaged the kitchen of the Loboc Riverwatch, owned by Tessie and Libby Sumampong.

Madame Susan Laguras (Tessie’s right hand) and crew were cleaning the area where a big tree collapsed and destroyed the kitchen. They were saving some stuff.

Loboc Riverwatch floats again!

“The earthquake may have left us devastated after our property sustained damage but our spirits were not dampened to rebuild again,” says Tessie. 

Other floating restaurants are now operational last week but Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto rises up and brings new menu with a twist.

Tomorrow, Oct. 28, starters on the new menu include  the primary wave: soup of the day which is the linog-gaw, guso salad, manga-nitude with 7.2 bagoong, the epicentre has plain rice, pancit especial, humbang nangka, earth quickquick, chopseuy ni ondoy, battered chicken, seafood kurog-kurog, intensified shrimp, grilled fish tuna-mi, dinakdakan or pork bbq.

The quake delights includes aftershock-koy, bingkang niliki, banana flitters, lindol-dol, faulto cheese, suman, dagandagan fruits in season with one round softdrink.

“We aim to give the earthquake a lighter note despite its heartbreaking effects to Bohol. We decided to introduce our new menu so that diners can treat themselves while enjoying the Loboc River,” adds Tessie. 

It can be noted that Tessie started serving authentic Boholano cuisines last summer.

“50 % of the income will be donated to the Loboc Church,” says Tessie.

(Note: Loboc Riverwatch: Tel. No: (038) - 537–9460, (038) -537–9460; Mobile: +63918 - 510 – 4032/ +63917- 306–0010/+63917-382–2254; Email: lobocriverwatch@gmail.com)

***

While we are at it, Prof. Marianito Luspo shares his thoughts on Bohol and the killer quake:

 BAMBOO FLOWERS. If you notice this was the title of Maryo de los Reyes’ latest film project. He told me he got the title while cruising along the Abatan River where some bamboo groves grow. He obviously heard about how the bamboo flowers only once in its lifetime – just before it dies. A poignant tale indeed and this inspired him to develop the storyline of his movie. Seeing the preview, however, I was struck by the fact that nowhere in the entire movie –all about Boholanos and shot mostly in Bohol – is the lesson of the bamboo flower reflected. I did not see beauty preceding extinction, of reality taken for granted until just as it started to get noticed and admired death comes to take it away forever.

Then the cataclysmic earthquake happened and as I tried to grapple with the reality of our Boholano heritage either ruined or lost it dawned on me Maryo J’s tribute movie Bamboo Flowers may have, albeit inadvertently, presaged the fate of Bohol.

Imagine this, for the past several hundred years this island and all the wonders in it stood at the edge of nowhere. It was even bruited about for quite some time that nothing good ever comes out of this backwater of a province. Yes, even us, its inhabitants, used to be the butt of national jokes, it led some enterprising individuals, the likes of Yoyoy Villame, to simply say “Cebu” when asked where they come from, just to avoid the inevitable ribbing.

Then not so long ago, Bohol suddenly hit the limelight and was touted about as the next exciting tourist destination. It took us sometime to adjust to our new found fame, the new monicker as the beautiful province. Overnight, it seemed, we have become like the ugly duckling grown to become a splendid-looking swan. The splendor of our hills were written about; the whiteness of our beach sand is marveled at; our churches touted as exemplars of conservation and heritage sensibility. Yes, even the tiny tarsiers became giants in the eyes of an appreciative world. It took us sometime, yes, but soon we became convinced ourselves we truly have a beautiful province to call home.

The bamboo has flowered, after centuries of flourishing as an overgrown grass species along the banks of the Abatan river. How long did its season of flowering last – twenty years? No, it was much less than that. When the earth groaned and went into paroxysms of sub-tectonic readjustment that fateful morning of October 15, 2013, changing the face of our accustomed topography and cultural landscape just as we were just learning to appreciate and take pride in them, we were just ten years as a tourism frontliner, fifteen years cherishing our natural and cultural inheritance and close to eighteen when we started on the road to cultural rebirth. Now, most of beauty of that short-lived flowering are but sad memories. But other bamboos are still there and someday soon they will also come to flower.

***

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

Tessie’s sumptuous feast of traditional Boholano cuisine

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 14 contingents for the 2nd Cobra International Dragon Boat Competition in Dauis, Bohol.

 

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda. Now sporting short hair, Arnel was mobbed by fans at the Loboc River.

 

Scene: From Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, City Information Officer, on Saulog festival: The City Government of Tagbilaran and the Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph the Worker are embarking on collaborative efforts for this year’s celebration of the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1 dubbed “Pit Senor San Jose! Viva San Jose! Viva Tagbilaran!” Starting last Monday, April 22 with the daily novena at 4:30 p.m., followed by a holy mass at 5:30 p.m.  at the Cathedral and the nightly activities at 7:30 p.m. at the Tagbilaran Port, the activities are aimed at reviving, preserving and promoting the city’s significant tradition and unique cultural heritage, in cognizance with Executive Order No. 2 Series of 2013 which created the City Council for Culture and the Arts.

 

On April 29, from 2 to 6 p.m., the statues of Saint Joseph, Mother Mary and Santo Nino comprising the Holy Family will be featured during the fluvial procession from Manga Port to Sitio Ubos, Poblacion I.

 

On April 30, the first-ever “Saulog Tagbilaran,” a religion-based cultural activity, bringing to the fore the life of Saint Joseph, the City’s patron saint, as a loving father and devoted worker and the local devotees’ way of paying homage and thanksgiving. The streetdancing also intends to drumbeat the 250th anniversary of the Cathedral Parish of Saint Joseph the Worker in 2017. The 9 contingents - Bool, Booy, Cabawan, Cogon, Manga, Mansasa, Poblacion I, Poblacion 2 and Ubujan - shall assemble along the Old City Hall at 12 noon. The streetdancing shall kick off at 1:00 p.m., turning left at C. Gallares Street, turning right at B. Inting Street, proceeding right to CPG Avenue along City Square, turning right at J.S. Torralba near Plaza Rizal, making a left turn at E. Sarmiento fronting the Cathedral, turning left at J. A. Clarin Street leading towards the Tagbilaran City Hall Compound.

 

Hapit na jud ang fiesta sa Tagbilaran (May 1), the opening salvo of the month-long fiesta season of Bohol.

 

Scene: From erstwhile Tubigon’s Queen of All Media Raymund Delgado: Anyag 2008 Clarice Radoc has a very huge chance of winning the crown however her tight schedule couldnt warrant the requirements and demands of joining a provincial pageant. As of Anyag 2011 Lori Geisha Cabrera , we are still subjecting her to some further enhancing trainings that would further bring out the best in her and mold her to become more competitive in the provincial level. Since the previous year when I was connected with the University of San Jose Recoletos as a full time professor , I only focus on handling one committee in Anyag and that is the Committee on Seminars, Trainings and Workshops to bring out the best in all our candidates and reserve beauty queens and I do see the value of a good education as a foundation for success in any endeavors. Even, Miss Teen Bohol 2012 Thea Rizaldo was molded by the A-List Beauty and Personality Academy, which is the basic education arm of the Anyag sa Tubigon.

 

Until this present moment in time, we at Anyag envisions of producing globally competitive and empowered beauty queens which would not only excel in the municipal level but also at the national and international levels. Though I’m no longer connected with the Local Government Unit of Tubigon I still take an active role and part in the committee since I do see that this is my way of giving back to the community who gave me my identity as a Tubignon.

 

(Note: The Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 is on May 10 with special guest Daniel Padilla. Tickets are at Php300 (Blue), Php500 (Orange) and Php 1,000 (Fuschia). Visit or call Tubigon Tourism Office at (038) 508-8496.)

 

***

The flamboyant chef and food connoisseur Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations food tripping in America made me relish in my head those gustatory adventures I went through vacationing in the US.

 

Like music, food does bring people together. My bonding moments with friends in the US revolve around anything edible-- that there are plenty to eat and thank God for-- and you can’t feel the economy is down.

 

Here’s the tip: To enjoy your stay in the land of milk and honey that is America, never convert. I stopped whining about how I have to shell out $2 for a bottle of cranberry juice or Hershey’s chocolate when I can get it here for a reasonable price.

 

Food tripping in the US. Yours truly with (clockwise) Lorenzo and Richel Galaura, Mikey and his Thai friend Kevin and Alot and Babat Bagotchay.

The King’s Buffet in Hollywood was the first restaurant I had bonding moment with a Boholano family. Lorenzo Galaura (from Jagna town), his wife Richel and daughter Loraine invited me for a dinner. Lorenzo is a nurse and a tennis enthusiast. At 13, Loraine, who stands 5”5”, is an A+ student in a private school in LA and a potential beauty queen in the future. After dinner, the Galaura family brought me to The Grove for another bonding moment.

 

My real bonding with US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal was the Thai (Thai Restaurant in Hollywood) and Korean (Haus of Desserts) cuisines. Since Mikey has a Thai friend, he loves to introduce Thai food that when TV/concert-producer Amy Almirol had to see us, we ended at the Thai restaurant in downtown LA).

 

My bonding with RN and make-up artist Rey Reformina was the Chinese cuisine. He brought me to Regent Chinese restaurant near the famous Union Station.

 

My bonding food with Jocelyn Oppus, Babat Malacay and Jinky Jane Labrador were Burger King, Jollibee, McDonalds and The Pantry. When hunger strikes you on the road, turn to Jollibee Drive Thru.

 

The send-off dinner with Miss BodyShots International 2013 Janelle Logrono, Lorenzo and Richel Galaura, Alot and Babat Bagotchay, Mikey and Rey was held at the at the Ganda Thai Restaurant.

 

After my vacation, I’m gaining weight. I need to go on a diet…so I thought…   

 

As promised, we showed up with “empty stomachs” early Tuesday noon at Loboc Riverwatch (the “Floating Resto to the Stars,” you will know why when you will visit their booth at the Loboc River Complex) of Tessie Labunog-Sumampong. “We” included Liza Macalandag of Lifestyle Bohol, my nephew Jhelmar Jala and yours truly.

 

The next time you visit the famous Loboc River (the River of Life), you can indulge yourself in authentic Boholano cuisine at the Loboc Riverwatch. It is the only floating restaurant which offers a wide array of mouth-watering traditional Boholano cuisine.  

 

As most people must know by now, years ago Tessie was hired to manage a floating restaurant. When she was given the opportunity to run her own floating restaurant, Tessie’s imagination was activated. Voila, a few weeks later she put up her own floating restaurant, the Loboc Riverwatch.

 

Tessie and her Loboc Riverwatch team cooked “borrowed” foods. They served the same menu with other floating restaurants. So, Tessie gave it a try last April when guests started asking for Boholano cuisine and it has been doing good business since then.

 

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong

“Most of the restaurants here do not serve the Boholano cuisine, it's time to show to them what we have,” said Tessie. “I am not afraid of change. I make it sure I am always open to new challenges and ready for discoveries.”

 

On Tessie’s menu: Pancit bisaya, piniritong manok, humbang baboy, kusahos,  lauja, manok hinalang, humbang nangka, ensaladang talong, guso salad, spicy crab, escabeche, inon-on, shrimps and crabs, puto cheese,  manga with uyap, native kakanin, cathy’s cuchinta, bibingka’s special, fruits in season and dol-dol.

 

And the visitors embraced her Bol-anon cuisine with gusto.

 

The classic Filipino pork dish, the humba (Visayan answer to adobo from the North) and the kusahos  de Loboc (sun dried carabeef strips) are the best sellers.

 

 “Whether cooking food or managing the floating restaurant, everything should be done with love and passion,” said Tessie.

 

Tessie’s Boholano cuisine at the floating restaurant is at P350 per person (just add 50 pesos for the municipal fee) and it is “eat all you can.” The price is worth it because she never scrimps on ingredients.

 

Try to imagine: They serve a buffet lunch. The musician is very entertaining. The river cruise is relaxing.

 

Riding at Loboc Riverwatch will also double as charity work for you since she helps public schools in Loboc (Bartolome Doria Elem. School and Tambis Elem. School in Calunasan Norte).

 

And so how do I rate that Boholano cuisine of Tessie’s Loboc Riverwatch? It’s, burp, filling.

 

The mouth-watering traditional Boholano cuisine at the Loboc Riverwatch Floating Restaurant, the Floating Resto to the Stars.

 

 

 

(Note: Loboc Riverwatch: Tel. No: (038) - 537–9460, (038) -537–9460; Mobile: +63918 - 510 – 4032/ +63917- 306–0010/+63917-382–2254; Email: lobocriverwatch@gmail.com)

 

***

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

Their favorite pick-up lines for Valentine’s

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Tessie Labunog-Sumampong (of Loboc Riverwatch) and her family are spotted in the US. “They are having a great time here in California. Next week, they will visit New York,” says the US-based VRS. “The other day, Tessie and hubby Libby, Hazel Marie Labunog, Miguel and Melecia Labunog visited the Napa Valley, home of the finest wines in the world,” adds VRS. A website says on Napa Valley, “Breathtaking views abound at every turn – mustard in the late winter, picturesque rolling hills planted with vineyards year-round and wineries of every stature dot the landscape.”

Mira

Scene: Condolence to the family of Mrs. Asuncion “Asun” Mira, trustee and treasurer of the University of Bohol (UB). Maam Asun passed away on Feb. 9. “You will surely be missed Maam Asun. You have helped a lot of people and touched a lot of hearts and lives. You are certainly loved by many. That place will never be the same again. Your kindness, generosity, sweet words, listening and caring heart, compassion and many more good things about you, will always be remembered and kept in our hearts. You’re ever so understanding and considerate to others' needs. God will surely reward you for all these. We love you Maam Asun!” says Leah Tirol-Magno, UB Registrar, on Facebook.

Scene: A magnitude 6.9 quake rocked the provinces of Negros Oriental and Cebu that left a number of residents dead and many others missing. The strong earthquake was also felt in Bohol on Feb. 6, 2012. Memorable earthquakes that hit Bohol: May 27, 1996 (5.6 magnitude) and January 8, 2009 (6.8 magnitude). The earthquake on February 8, 1990 (magnitude 6.8 at 3:15 pm) was the worst- six people died, 200 were injured and 7,000 were homeless. Phivocs reports that “Six fatalities were reported and more than 200 were injured in the event. About 46,000 people were displaced by the event and at least 7,000 among them were rendered homeless. Estimated damage to properties is amounting to 154 million pesos.”

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Couple Tessie and Libby Sumampong of the famous Loboc Riverwatch are in the US for a vacation. Photos show Tessie and Libby at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge…and with their family at the Napa Valley wine country.

Let’s start this Valentine’s Day with a little story (told to me by my nephew YakYak who read it on Facebook):

“A Letter from Mom and Dad”

My child,

When I get old, I hope you understand and have patience with me. In case I break the plate, or spill soup on the table because I’m losing my eyesight, I hope you don’t yell at me. Older people are sensitive, always having self pity when you yell. When my hearing gets worse and I can’t hear what you’re saying, I hope you don’t call me ‘Deaf!’ Please repeat what you said or write it down. I’m sorry, my child. I’m getting older.

When my knees get weaker, I hope you have the patience to help me get up. Like how I used to help you while you were little, learning how to walk.

Please bear with me, when I keep repeating myself like a broken record, I hope you just keep listening to me.

Please don’t make fun of me, or get sick of listening to me. Do you remember when you were little and you wanted a balloon? You repeated yourself over and over until you get what you wanted.

Please also pardon my smell. I smell like an old person. Please don’t force me to shower. My body is weak. Old people get sick easily when they’re cold. I hope I don’t gross you out.

Do you remember when you were little? I used to chase you around because you didn’t want to shower.

I hope you can be patient with me when I’m always cranky. It’s all part of getting old. You’ll understand when you’re older.

And if you have spare time, I hope we can talk even for a few minutes. I’m always all by myself all the time, and have no one to talk to. I know you’re busy with work.

Even if you’re not interested in my stories, please have time for me. Do you remember when you were little? I used to listen to your stories about your teddy bear. When the time comes, 'n I get ill 'n bedridden, I hope you have the patience to take care of me. I’m sorry if I accidentally wet the bed or make a mess.

I hope you have the patience to take care of me during the last few moments of my life. I’m not going to last much longer, anyway. When the time of my death comes, I hope you hold my hand and give me strength to face death.

And don’t worry… When I finally meet our Creator, I will whisper in His ear to bless you. Because you loved your Mom and Dad. Thank you so much for your care. We love you!

And here’s another love story:

The tale of a 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his 80-year-old wife has moved millions of people in 2006. The man passed away in the cave, which has been the couple's home for the last 50 years.

The story began half a century ago when 20-year-old Liu Guojiang fell in love with widowed mother Xu Chaoqing. In a twist worthy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, friends and relatives criticized the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children. Desperate to escape market gossip and the scorn of their communities, the pair eloped to live in a cave in Jiangjin County in southwest China's Chongqing municipality.

At the beginning, life was harsh and Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, "Are you regretful?"

Liu always replied, "As long as we are industrious, life will improve."

Liu and his wife were not present at the award ceremony due to their age, but their son, Liu Mingsheng, came with a kerosene lamp that his father had made from an ink bottle.

"My parents have lived in seclusion for more than 50 years because of their love for each other. They had no electricity and my father made kerosene lamps to lighten our lives," he said.

"My mother seldom goes down the mountain, but my father cut the 6,000-plus stairs for her convenience," Liu said. "It's a ladder of love."

Touching, isn’t it?

I’m sure you have your own “Valentine” stories. I have my own.

When I was in elementary, our grade four teacher Mrs. Magdalena S. Cespon taught us Valentine’s songs during break. I don’t know if how many of you have heard these songs and I wonder if my classmates in grade school (at Booy South Elem. School) can still remember or sing these songs:

"Mother's Valentine's Song"

Dearest child believe me you are truly my friend;

So today with gladness to you will I spend,

just a kind of friendship from this heart of mine that will tell you in words you are my Valentine.

This well it says, mother's heart is true and never will change the love she gives you.

Ako’y nagtanim ng laguerta sa puso,

Puso ang tinamnan puso ang tumubo
Puso ang namunga ibinunga’y puso
Puso ang kumitil kinitil ay puso.
Nguni’t ang puso ng magulang
Ang s’yang tunay na pagmamahal.

***

Love is a many-splendored thing!

Love will find a way.

Love conquers all.

Love makes the world go round.

Love isn't finding a perfect person. It's seeing an imperfect person perfectly.

Love is patient and kind.

Love can move mountains.

Di porket lumindol, end of the world na kaagad? Di ba pwedeng kinikilig lang ang mundo dahil malapit na ang Valentine's Day?

Want to hear some of the pick-up lines?

Trisha Chatto: Bakit kasi ang likut-likot mo? Iyan tuloy, natabig mo na nga puso ko, nahulog pa sa ‘yo.

Mayor Bertsal Salinas: Saging ka ba? Kasi para kong nadarama ang puso mo.

Leah Tirol-Magno: You are making me think. I may give you more than one. First: Ballpen ka ba? Kasi, di ko na matuloy maisulat ang estorya ng buhay ko kapag wala ka. Second: Asin ka ba? Kasi, walang lasa ang buhay ko pag wala ka!

Benjie Oliva: Boy: Bilangguan ka ba? Girl: Bakit? Boy: Kasi gusto kong ikulong mo ang puso ko sa iyo habang buhay!

Atty. Greg Delgado: “Sana keyboard nalang tayo para magkatabi ang U and I” and “Chief Justice ka ba? Hindi ko kasi maimpeach-impeach sa puso ko.”

Dodong Almedilla: I have none of my own, diha koy nadunggan: Lalaki: Menteryo ka ba? Babae: Bakit? Lalaki: Kasi patay na patay ako sa iyo.

Ryan Sines: Postiso ka va? Bakit? Coz I can’t smile without you.

Aida Tanghal: Ako ang cancer mo ug muabot sa imong life, din a mawagtang.

Fatima Mapesos: Musika ka ba? Dahil kulang ang araw ko pag di kita mahagilap at marinig tulad ng isang musika.

Emerson Pinos: Crayon ka ba? Kulayan mo nga ang buhay ko!

Marianne Chatto: Heart valve ka ba? Bakit? Laman ka ng puso ko!” and “Handa akong takbuhin ang mundo mo basta ang finish line sa puso mo.”

Karen Batuhinay: Pag-ibig Fund ka ba? Mo-loan unta kog lovelife nimo.

JunJun Karaan: Nurse ka ba? Bakit? Eh, kasi parang gusto kong mag-hire ng private nurse para magcare ng puso ko.

Tracy Torres: Hindi ko akalain pati ako natamaan sa economic crisis dahil pati ako nagmahal na rin. Coke ka ba? Everyday kasi ako happy.

Raul Gatal: Keyboard ka ba? Kasi type na type kita.

Joven Menorias: Kuto ka ba? Mag-hapon ka kasi nasa ulo ko.

Sam Pingkian: Ampalaya ka ba? Kasi kahit anong pait ang nararanasan ko sa iyo ikaw pa rin ang sustansya ng buhay ko.

Reigh Monreal: Lubi ka? Ganahan man gud kang pakudkod. Kudkod as in kugos or sapnay sa bukton.

Jea Dano: Asa ka? Dalha nalang ni akong heart beh.. hago kayo sige pangita nimo.

Bon Ryan Bongato:  It’s not the earthquake that shook me- it’s you who rocks my world.

Ariel Fullido: Ikaw ang susi ng puso ko! Bisan og matay-an na walay duplicate ikapuli kanimo.

Morres Sarabia: Relo ka ba? Bakit? Anong oras na? Boom!

Dorris Dinorog-Obena: Susi ka ba? Bakit? Nabuksan mo kasi ang nakalock kong pag-ibig.

Ariel Llanos: Sana exam ka! Bakit? Kasi para nasa isipan kita palagi.

Glenn Blasquez: I.D. ka ba? Bakit? Kasi kung sakaling mawala ka, alam nilang akin ka.

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