Novel ideas to enjoy Valentine's Day in the time of coronavirus scare

As if nobody's talking about Valentine' Day. Mmmm..

With the novel coronavirus keeping people off the streets, love is not exactly in the air ahead of Valentine's Day on Friday.

But it does not have to be a drab occasion. There are still ways to celebrate the day, even if nCoV means "no cash on Valentine."

Here are some "novel" (pun intended) ideas to make Valentine's Day 2020 a memorable one - for all the right reasons.

Hit the beach for sun, sea and sand this Valentine's Day. Photo: LPU

1) Watch movies. Play (again and again!) your CDs of old, familiar love songs. As VRS has been saying (at the risk of sounding like, you gussed it, a broken record), there's nothing like old familiar songs (especially love songs) to make Valentine's Day extra-special, songs that have in one way or another something to do with episodes in our lives.

For instance,  Taylor Swift's "Love Story," The Supreme's "Baby Love," Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You," The Righteous Brother's "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," Madonna's "Justify My Love," Celine Dion's "The Power of Love," Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," and Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is."

The Terminal, Touch & Go, Answering Machine, Escape (The Pina-colada Song), Him and Let's Get Crazy Tonight by singer-writer Holmes are arguably some of the greatest hits of the '70s and '80s; while I'd Really Love To See You Tonight, Love Is The Answer, Just Tell Me You Love Me, Sad To Belong, We'll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again, What's Forever For and Where Do I Go From Here, etc., were among the Top 40 hits of the '70s and '80s and remained popular until the '90s, were the products of the musical talents of Coley, the other half of the popular '70s-'80s duo England Dan and John Ford Coley.

The Biggest Part of Me, You're The Only Woman and The Key To You are just four of the top hits of Grammy Award-winner Pack, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ambrosia.

Several big hits performed by lead vocalist Jimi Jamison, such as The Search Is Over, Ever Since The World Began, Moment of Truth and Eye Of The Tiger.

Relive that famous spaghetti kiss from ‘Lady and the Tramp’!

2) Set a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter day to look greet your loved ones. Send them personal messages.

3) Go online shopping. You can have practically any gift imaginable shipped right to your doorstep!

4)  Face the world confidently with a beautiful heart! Visit Bohol's cosmetic surgeon Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter ( 4th floor, Lim Hong Khu Medical Arts and Wellness Center) and Dr. Armi Judy Piollo (3rd Floor, Tagbilaran Community Hospital).  Touch of April General and Cosmetic Surgicenter gives 20% discount in some services in celebrating Valentine's Day.

5) Have a make-over! Change your hair and make-up. Find the perfect dress! Call Bebei Tagoctoc, EP Relampagos, Jonathan Ucat, Ramil Dolauta, Donna Vitos, Rolly Ingking and Ryan Sines. For the latest collections, see Mikee Andrei,  EJ Relampagos, Charlow Arbasto,Omie Auza,  Maximiel, Aileen Pasagad, Kim Villamor, Christian Relator, Christian Bustrillos, Nikki Simporios, Ryan Sadudaquil, La'doie Aquino and Rose and Paul Ranara.

Your VRS with veteran journalist Ric V. Obedencio at Garcia Hernandez town, where the public beach is a favorite place for locals  to escape the weekend heat. Rather than fine sand, the shoreline is riddled with smooth, white pebbles and remains of bleached corals. Photo: Helen Castaño

6) Have a food trip, coffee break.  Visit
Figaro Coffee Company- Bohol (located across the University of Bohol), Lantaw, Bohol Bee Farm, Tarsier Botanika, Bring House and Gerarda's.

7) Go for a hike together. Couples who hike together stay together—or something like that. With Valentine’s falling on a Friday this year, that gives you a whole weekend’s worth of opportunities to get your hearts pumping—for real.

8) Hit the beach for sun, sea and sand! Bohol just abounds with gorgeous beaches from north to south, east to west.

9.  Give her fresh flowers. Red rose has an impact!

10.  Watch the sunset at K of C to remember your  love story.Remember,  the first stab of love is like a sunset, a blaze of color -- oranges, pearly pinks, vibrant purples.

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This is not fake news: Residents of Garcia Hernandez are apprehensive of the presence of an international cargo vessel from China which has been docked here since Friday to load limestone.

According to the village chief Joeritz Baybay, although the 22 Chinese crew members were not allowed to disembark from the vessel, several residents of Barangay West Canayaon were opposed to its presence in the village due to the threat of 2019 novel coronavirus (nCov).

MV Fortune Tiger came  from China and arrived at the waters off Barangay West Canayaon on Feb. 4 to load limestone at the town's Philippine Mining Service Corporation (PMSC).

Baybay said the personnel of BOQ and municipal health office boarded the ship to check on the health of the crew.

Since none of the crew members showed  symptoms of the nCov, the vessel was allowed to drop anchor on Friday morning. 

Barangay officials carefully monitor the activities of the Chinese crew.

Still, the presence of Chinese crew members, who were wearing masks, didn't sit well with many of the residents in the village.

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

#VRSHugotPaMore on Valentine's Day

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.

Scene: The 60th birthday celebration of Junibe Froilan, Sr.

Scene: Tagbilaran City Comelec Officer lawyer Ariel Selma attended the weeklong Executive Training for Trainors for the Vote Count Machines (VCM) in preparation for the May 2016 elections.  Selma was with provincial election supervisor lawyer Eliseo Labaria, Dauis election officer Oliver Chatto Glovasa and Comelec Bohol CVL Technician Rojene Tabanera.

* * *

Do you dread Valentine's Day? Chill out. Here are 10 things to do this February 14th.

1. Hit the beach for sun, sea and sand! Bohol just abounds with gorgeous beaches from north to south, east to west. So, your heart has many choices to wanderlust. 

2. Fill up some of your community service hours. Do some charity works. Spend time with the less fortunate, give love during summer. Share your blessings. (Check the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital, Sunshine Home  and Holy Trinity Orphanage Home in Albur town). Visit the Philippine National Red Cross-Bohol chapter if you want to give the safest blood possible to save life.)

3. Play (again and again!) your CDs of old, familiar love songs like Taylor Swift's "Love Story," The Supreme's "Baby Love," Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You," The Righteous Brother's "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," Madonna's "Justify My Love," Celine Dion's "The Power of Love," Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," and Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is."

TURN YOURSELF confidently beautiful with a heart 

at the Touch of April by Bohol’s first cosmetic surgeon 

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan. Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

4. Set a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter day to look for old friends and classmates. Send them personal messages.

5. See Bohol's cosmetic surgeon Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter (Bohol Medical Center Institute, Dao District, Tagbilaran City; Contact numbers: 09324146871/09283687041) and face the world confidently with a beautiful heart! Doc April’s Touch of April surgicenter offers noselift (rhinoplasty), nosetrim (alarplasty), eyebag removal (lower blepharoplasty),  slit eye ( upper blepharoplasty), cleft chin creation, dimple creation, buttocks augmentation, vaginal repair (vaginoplasty), virginity restoration (hymenoplasty), penile enlargement/lengthening, ear reconstruction (otoplasty), breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, lip reduction, chin augmentation, warts/mole and keloid removal, botox injection and glutathione injection.

6. Have a food trip at Gustus Reto (M. Torralba Street, Tagbilaran City), Dong Juan (M. Parras cor G. Visarra Street, Tagbilaran City),  Mosia Cupcakes and Cookie Shop (V. Inting Avenue,  Tagbilaran City), Peacock Garden (Baclayon), Swiss Garden Restaurant (Alona Beach, Panglao), Miravilla Resort (Booy, Tagbilaran City), Time Out Resto Bar (BQ Mall), Walk Express (BQ Mall), Gerry's Grill (BQ Mall), Mang Inasal (Gallares, Street, Tagbilaran City), STK (Graham Avenue, Tagbilaran City), Prawn Farm (ICM), Chicken Ati-Atihan (Putong Street, Tagbilaran City), Bohol Bee Farm (Dao, Dauis),  The Buzzz Cafe (Island City Mall, Luisa Galleria and Alona Beach), Rai-Rai Ken (ICM), Payag (CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City), Cuisina ni Tisay (Chap Complex in Carmen), Linaw Beach Resort Pearl Restaurant (Panglao), Lohob – Tagbilaran Bohol Bar and Restaurant (V.P. Inting St. formerly Burgos in front of Tire Queen Servitek near the Tagbilaran Cathedral), Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Italian Restaurant (Alona Beach, Panglao), Oops Bar (Alona Beach, Panglao), JJ's Seafood Village (Tagbilaran City),Cion Virge Café and Restaurant (Airport Road, Tagbilaran City), Trudis Place (Alona Beach, Panglao), Garden Café (Tagbilaran City near St. Joseph Cathedral), Persona Mesa  (J.A. Clarin Street, Tagbilaran City), Tarsier Botanika (Tawala, Panglao), Black Forest Hut Restaurant (V.P. Inting Avenue, Tagbilaran City),  Aioli Cafe and Restaurant (717 CG Avenue,  Booy District, Tagbilaran City),  Shiang Ma Nou (j. Borja Street cor C. Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City),  Heritage Crab House Seafood Restaurant (V.P. Inting Street, Mansasa Seaside, Tagbilaran City), Chocoreich (H. Grupo Street, Tagbilaran City) and Frankies (UGF, Island City Mall and Rajah Sikatuna Ave, Dao, Tagbilaran City)

...and have a fill of Boholano bread and pastries at Central Bakery for pan de sal and binangkal, Jojie's Bakeshop's sliced bread, torta, cay-cay, otap; BQ Bread Basket's farmers bread, French bread and bahug-bahug (colored bread); Alturas/Island City Mall Bread Cottage's Spanish bread; Ramirez Cakes and Pastries' cakes; Shopper's Mart's torta; Jojie's Painitang Bol-anon, Pasonangka's special siopao, Empanada Alma's empanada, Park 'n Go's caramel bread, Sunny Angel's Peanut Nuggets, Osang's broa, Tessie Pagdato's broa; and Bohol Bee Farm's camote bread, squash and carrot muffins.

LOVEBIRDS at the K of C Promenade in Tagbilaran City.

 As they watch the romantic sunset, they are reminded that the

 first stab of love is like a sunset, a blaze of color -- oranges, 

pearly pinks, vibrant purples. Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

7. Go on a nature hike, backpacking/camping trip. Don't forget to bring a camera. Have a date at Plaza Rizal, it’s free. If you want to see a romantic sunset, visit K of C and just pay P2 for the entrance!

8. Have a make-over! Change your hair and make-up. Find the perfect dress! Call Tracy Torres Remolador, Jojo and Bebei Tagoctoc, Charlow Arbasto, Jonathan Ucat, Ramil Dolauta, Donna Vitos, Rolly Ingking and Ryan Sines. For the latest collections, see EJ Relampagos, Henry Baron, Omie Auza and Maximiel.

9. Go outside and find different kinds of flowers. Look for the red rose if you can.

10.  Watch the sunrise and sunset.  The sun coming up every day is a love story, while the first stab of love is like a sunset, a blaze of color -- oranges, pearly pinks, vibrant purples.

And while we are it, VRS is celebrating Valentine’s Day with #VRSHugotPaMore, the busiest word online.

“Hugot” is a Filipino word that means “to draw or pull out.” #Hugotlines are sentiments drawn from both the sweet and bitter experiences of love.

Add sugar (or spice) to your feelings with these witty and lovely #Hugotlines:

1. Alam mo ba ang mapait sa pag-ibig? Iyon eh, AMPALAYAin ka.

2.Kung mahal ka talaga niya, dapat hindi ka nya balikan..dahil simula pa lang, dapat hindi ka na niya iniwan.

3.Masakit isipin na yung taong mahal mo may ibang nagpapasaya.

4.Ang pag-ibig natin parang Facebook. Pwedeng i-like, pwede ring magcomment, pero hindi dapat i-share.

5.May taong mabilis mahulog ang loob mo, pero bigla ka nalang iiwan at kung saan nakalimot kana, saka nagpaparadam.

6. Hindi tanga yung taong sobrang nagmahal. Mas tanga yung taong mnahal ng sobra pero naghanap pa ng iba.

7.  Buti pa ang ballpen…  Nahahawakan ang kamay mo.

8. Buti pa ang camera, lagi mong nginingitian.

9. Buti pa ang Leron Leron… May sinta.

10. Kung paglalaruan mo lang pala ako. Sana sinabi mo agad para nakapag P.E. Uniform pa ako.

11 Yung piniga piga mo yung toothpaste tapos mahuhulog lang sa lababo. Tangina pati ba naman toothpaste sa iba na-fall.

12. Ano ba talaga? Hindi ako Yoyo na pag gusto mong ibitaw gagawin mo tapos pag nahila na bibitawan mo ulit. Pinapaikot mo lang ako.

Did we miss anything? Feel free to share  your valetine’s day #HugotPaMore moments thru email: leoudtohan@yahoo.com,  FB/Twitter: leoudtohan. 

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Bohol Catholics observe Ash Wednesday

Anacorita Fullido, 71, woke up early to attend the 6:15 a.m. mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City in Bohol province last Wednesday.

She was one of the hundreds of Boholano Roman Catholics who flocked to churches to have their foreheads marked with ashes, reminding them that life on earth is ephemeral.

“It is to remind me that I came from dust and from dust I will return,” said Fullido, who said she didn’t miss a single Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is the start of the 40-day season of Lent.

The priest or a lay minister imposed ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead of each churchgoer, saying, “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” or, “Remember, man, that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.”

FR. CRISOLITO GEANGAN marks the foreheads

 of devotees in the observance of Ash Wednesday

 using the blessed ashes from burned palm leaves.

Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

In his homily, Fr. Crisolito Geangan, of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, reminded the people about their origin and destiny.   He also told the faithful to observe the Lenten Season meaningfully.

“It’s a reflection of our spiritual journey; we must check ourselves that perhaps we have spiritual hemorrhage. If we do, it’s time to embrace the Lord,” Geangan said in local dialect. 

He also said that ashes also symbolize the call for repentance and desire to follow Christ.

The ashes used on Wednesday were the ashes of burnt palms blessed during last year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes were sprinkled with holy water or olive oil and smoked with incense.

Fullido said she missed the old times when Holy Week was observed with utmost reverence.

“When I was small, we observed Holy Week with sobriety.  No music, no work on Thursday and Friday. We stayed at home, very quiet. Now, its’ different,” she said.

“Nostalgic, pero go with the tide. Anyway, it’s the same God,” she said.

She also said she will do visita iglesia in Bohol churches which were damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013. 

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

Ima Leopardas is loveless but happy

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Congratulations to Aster Caberte, Central Visayas Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for having been chosen Best DTI Executive in the Philippines during the recent "SPRInts (System on Performance, Rewards and Incentives) Huwarang DTI 2015" awarding ceremonies.

 

Why do we need a designated holiday to celebrate love? -LPU

Scene: From Reigh Monreal this info: Congratulations to the Bohol Island State University (BISU) for being listed by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) among the Top 5 performing teacher education institutions in the country in Category B (500 to 999 takers from 2009 to 2014) with a running passing average of 85% for both BEEd and BSEd. The other four: De La Salle University (Manila), 99%; University of Saint La Salle (Bacolod), 86%; Ateneo de Naga (Bicol), 85%; and University of Southeastern Philippines (Tagum), 85%. Tops in Category A (1,000 and above examinees): University of the Philippines – Diliman, 97%; University of Santo Tomas, 94%; Philippine Normal University (Manila), 93%; St. Louis University (Baguio), 87%; and Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro), 90%.

 

Scene: The Splash Day the 13th at the University of Bohol. “If you are an alumni/alumna and you wish you experienced this kind of fun during your time! don't worry ... you will have your chance... just join us in our Grand Alumni Homecoming this July 2016,” says Janice Aurora Tirol, Ph.D., dean of Student Personnel  Services.

 

Scene: Valentine gimmicks were held at different schools in Bohol.  To spice up their V-day celebration, the students of  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School had love wall, kasal-kasalan, love knot, et al . One student said, "I am taken by you." On the other hand, people bought flowers at downtown Tagbilaran a day before Valentine's Day. Prices of fresh blooms escalated on Friday morning. According to Boholano florist Eddie Dahunog of Eva's Flowershop, there was a low supply of flowers. Dahunog added that some people were practical that instead of buying fresh flowers they preferred V-items made of plastic. “People are practical now that kahit plastic basta makapgabigay lang sa kanyang minahal. Kasi sabi nila ang plastic forever daw ang presko hindi tumatagal. The most important is your true love,” said Dahunog.

 

***

Would you believe that beauty queen Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas has been loveless for  many years now (her last boyfriend was when she was in high school)? How does Ima cope with this barrenness in her lovelife?

 

"I'm fine," said Ima who has signed a non-exclusive contract with OMG (www.mikeygatal.com/ www.omg755.com/www.boholster.com) of US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal (who took his oath as US citizen last yesterday, Feb. 14).  The contract signing was attended by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, Roger Gatal, Nikki Gatal-Quintia, Marjo Gatal-Dumas and Kiss FM dj Robert James.

 

Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas:
 ‘Love is a choice and when you choose to love,
 you choose to get hurt.’ Courtesy: Miss Bohol

“OMG! I love it! The moment I knew that I was gonna be one of the endorsers, I really thanked Mr. Mikey Gatal for choosing me,” said Ima, a BS in Psychology Major in Industrial Psychology School student at Bohol Island State University- Main Campus. “This has been one of my dreams and OMG turned it into a reality. And I am in love with the charity works that we've been doing because that is so me.”

 

During the contract signing, Mikey expressed his gladness on Ima and other models as OMG models. "Ima is beautiful and talented.”

 

On Valentine’s Day, Imma together with other OMG models Neil Namuag, Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Pham Marzon, Erika Gatal abd Gercy Daraido had a charity event in Baclayon, Ima’s hometown.

 

“It’s one of the most amazing things in my whole life! The first thing I know was I was once a pupil of Baclayon Central Elementary School and the next thing I know, I am leading a charity work, and that just felt really amazing,” shared Ima. “And it made me feel really happy knowing that I served as an inspiration and a good example to those children.”

 

Ima is loveless. She has remained fancy-free, so a VRS Q&A with her focused on her present state of being.

 

What keeps you busy? I'm busy being myself. One day, I found myself dreaming about making my family proud and the next day, I found myself living that dream. There is one thing that I would like to always do in my life and that is to make my mother be really happy and that's what I'm doing now. I am busy learning everything about life so that I can make each day count. I have this habit of inspiring people for as far as I know, dreams do come true. Everyday, I think of the many things that I can be and I never stop discovering and improving myself, for I know that life is a gift and I don't have an intent of wasting it.

 

Who/what inspires you?  My family is my inspiration. Even if I haven't seen my father for eight years for he has to work abroad, even if I would say that really, my life story is like the MMK on TV and even if we have been through those many darkest moments in life, still I learned. I learned that life can be unfair, but one should always get up no matter how many times you fall. And it strucks me to the point that I will do anything just to make them happy and proud. I love my family so much. (Ima’s parents are Engr. Eleazar Leopardas, Sr. and  Ma. Gloria (nee Edubas). Her supportive siblings are Vanessa Joy, Roman Ceferino and Eleazar Jr.- LPU)

How long do you think you can survive being single? Honestly, this question made me smile. Well, I have this theory and it is a theory of bread. You like eating a piece of bread only if there is a sandwich spread.

 

Ima Leopardas with her fellow OMG models (l-r): Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Gercy Daraido , Erika Gatal,
Pham Marzon and Neil Namuag. Courtesy: Roger Gatal

Now what happens if there's no more sandwich spread? Well you have to eat and enjoy the bread and hope for the better sandwich spread that you may have next time. The sandwich spread stands for the person you fall in love with, and the bread is you. You see, there will always be that one person who can make your heart beat faster and slower at the same time. But in my case, I am not searching for someone because I am waiting for the right one. I wouldn't mind waiting too long, for the love from my family, best friends and supporters are more than enough to me.

 

With you, once a relationship is over, it’s over na jud, no more second time around? Any kind of relationship deserves a second chance, for this time, you realized how much you really care for that person and by that, you don't want to lose the person again. But if circumstances won't allow you to be together again, I think it's best to let it go. It will hurt, of course it will really hurt for it was true. Everything happens for a reason. The most important thing there is, you have to learn from it, accept it, move on and be better, not bitter.

 

What lessons (or “mistakes”) did you learn from your past relationship that will guide you in your future relationship?  I loved too much, that is the mistake. It was way back in high school and that was my first love. I have no regrets, for the person made me happy and made me see how beautiful people can be, just the way they are. Everything I learned about love and pain, I owe it to my past and I am forever thankful for that. But at the end of the day, the past has turned me into the best version of myself because I chose to look at the positive side of life.

 

Love can wait, says Ima. Courtesy: Miss Bohol

What is love to you? Love is when you give it first to someone who deserves it and that someone should be yourself. Love is a choice and when you choose to love, you choose to get hurt. Love isn't love until someone asks you what is love and you cannot explain it, because you only feel it. Love is when all you ever wanted was to make that person happy, even if you're not the reason behind that happiness.

 

What is your favorite love quote? "Love is not blind. It sees but it doesn't mind." We love people the hard way, we love people the wrong way, but in the end, it will never be about how many lovers you had, for it is about how true you are when you fall in love.

 

How does a single girl spend Valentine’s? A typical single girl spends Valentine's Day by liking the Facebook status of those happily inlove Facebook friends, she would look like she's not jealous of those girls who had a lot to receive on Heart's Day and she secretly hopes that someone would offer her some flowers and chocolates. You might ask me why I know all these things, so here's the answer: Yes, I'm single.

 

What’s your most memorable Valentine? I surprised my mother with a personalised gift which was from my savings, I wrote her a letter and I spent February 14 with her, that was my most memorable Valentine's Day. Every year, I always surprise my mother, not only on a Valentine's Day but also on her special occasions like her birthday. I never get tired on making her happy because seeing her smile makes me happy, too.

 

What qualities do you look for in a guy? Someone who has a good morale, someone taller than me, the one whom I can learn more about life, someone not just with the looks but also with a stable job, someone three or four years older than me, is honest, loyal, respectful to his mother, the one who knows how to make me laugh and can handle me at my worst and most of all, the one who can make me feel in love again...now that's what others may say "the impossible to find" kind of man. But I believe that that someone exists somewhere and at the right time and at the right place, I am going to see that man in God's will.

 

Who is your celebrity dream date? Mario Maurer. I really like him because he is the kind of handsome who is really humble and that makes him even more handsome. I really cannot forget his role in his movie, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and he really looks so cute.

 

Nonetheless, there is no hurry for Ima.

 

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

An abundance of love: Valentine happenings around Bohol

There’s a lot of lessons to be learned (yes, by everybody) from Bamboo Flowers, a film by Direk Maryo delos Reyes.

Think positive.

Faith is a tool. When the world is darkest, and you struggle to survive, faith can get you over the worst.

Simply survive each day and you will succeed. Learn from each step, better yourself on the next step, and you will succeed.

Make good things that you can say your own legacy.

Make your own bamboo flowers.

Last Tuesday morning, the Bamboo Flowers stars Xyrus Cruz, Asley Strom, Orlando Sol and Ruru Madrid were in Bohol for (another) Bohol premier. They also answered the questions from the media and crowd during the presscon.

It was also a sort of “reunion” when I met some people in the film industry like Direk Maryo delos Reyes, Lailette Geulen-Boiser, TinTin Ng, Gerry Lugod, Jerome Sarabia, Gardy Labad and Yuri.

Veteran broadcaster Peddie Bolanio (who claimed he’s Robert De Niro’s lost twin) with Direk Maryo delos Reyes during the Bamboo Flowers premier last Tuesday. Photo by Arlene Pisquera

“Para sa akin kaya pinili ko Bamboo Flowers na title dahil universal ang ibig sabihin ng bamboo flowers. It has ancient flavor na maintindihan natin lahat ito,” Direk Maryo told the media while having our lunch at The Buzz. “It has a universal appeal and universal sounding film.”

A lovely day with friends (l-r) LPU, Gerry Lugod, Tintin Ng, Inday Charity and Lailette Boiser.-Jade Boiser

In addition, according to Inday Charity (who loved the trailer and, of course, Ruru Madrid), Bamboo Flowers is a movie about achieving one’s dreams in life. “We should learn how to fight for our true love,” shared Inday Charity.

 “Kapag nag-fade na ang bamboo tree, the flower starts to bloom. Ganun din ang heritage kapag wala na ang magulang ang mga anak naman nila mag-take over. Ganun din ang buhay natin kapag umalis na tayo ang maiiwan ay ang magagandang alaala natin,” said Direk Maryo.

(Note: The Bamboo Flowers regular screening is until Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the ICM Screenville Cinema. Proceeds will go to PROCESS-Bohol Inc. for the development of the Abatan River.)

Three days after, I saw myself at Cion-Virge Restaurant (inside the Tagbilaran Airport) for a tête-à-tête with Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy.

Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy (2nd from left, with her staff at Cion-Virge Restaurant) amazes many people by looking forever young. Her secret? “I don’t think of problems!” -LPU

 

The widely-smiling Rose Soy (who offered me her product “Up,” an instant coffee mix with tongkat ali and ginseng which is available only at her restaurant), shared about loving her work and helping other people through the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran. 

Unfazed by her back-breaking job running the restaurant and charity works, Rose Soy amazes many people by looking forever young, never mind if she insists that she’s “loveless.”

So what keeps lovely in lovelessness?

“I don’t think of problems. I just love my work,” said Rose Soy.

From where we were seated, I had a good view of a vintage photograph of Rose Soy at the top of the Chocolate Hills in Carmen.  It was Rose, the only Rose, who promoted Bohol to the world when Bohol was not yet known at that time.

At 3p.m., at Eva’s Flowershop, I’d witnessed how people were busy buying flowers and Valentine items for their loved ones.

At 4p.m., I went to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School to see their Valentine gimiks.

They had a “love bulletin” where students could display their love messages for five pesos. Other offerings were face painting for five pesos, card reading for three pesos and palm reading for two pesos.

Proceeds from these gimiks will go to their charity projects.

 “We aim to go to Sunshine Home and help the kids. We also want to help the girls who are involved in drugs,” said student Mary Rose Castro.

But the best of all was the “funny” wedding ceremony for 10 pesos. Student volunteer Vanessa Siao explained that someone could pay for the couple’s wedding. The team would look for the pair and had them married.

 “It’s for fun and enjoyment as celebration of Valentine’s Day,” said Vanessa.  

Proceeds will go to rehabilitate their classroom.

At 5 p.m., Inday Charity and I went to Camp Dagohoy to witness how Philippine National Police (PNP) -Bohol marked Valentine’s Day with a mass wedding.  

Ten couples, whose spouses are members of the PNP have exchanged their vows at St. Michael Archangel Chapel inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Dagohoy.

Solemnized by Msgr. Jeff Malanog, the mass wedding ceremony was organized by the PNP under Senior Supt. Dennis Agustin.

“This is to allow police personnel the opportunity to legitimize relationship with their partners,” explained PSupt Joie Pacito Yape Jr, PNP-Bohol Information Officer.

One of participants, PO3 Darwin Andales of PNP-Loon, has been civilly married to his wife PO2 Rosalinda Andales for four years.

"We’re very happy because after four years sa among civil marriage our church wedding came true,” said Andales while gazing into the soulful eyes of his inamorata. “I am very thankful for this opportunity”.

The police officials advised newlyweds to remain faithful to their chosen lifetime partners.

The ceremony, including the reception, was provided by the principal sponsors, Supt. Agustin. Gov, Edgar Chatto, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Aris Aumentado and Art Yap.

In Ubay town, 84 couples finally tied the knot at San Pascual Church on Valentine’s Day. It was sponsored by Bohol 2^nd Rep. Aris Aumentado.

After the mass wedding, I went to the city and I saw Valentine’s Day was a busy night for Cupid, but it was just as busy for restaurants and their staffs. The restaurants all across the city up the ante with prix-fixe meals and amour-themed specials that the lovebirds and family sure to love.

What a busy Valentine! Ako? Busy-busyhan lang pag may time! Ha!Ha!Ha!

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