How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid

After nearly nine months, pandemic fatigue is real.  And here is Christmas 2020 which is likely to be far different — severely limiting our ability to gather, and negatively affecting the health and finances of many — but let us not forget the Jesus is the reason. Contributed Photos 

Summer, Lenten, graduations, fiestas and Halloween have all gone by and like everything else in 2020, they’ve felt really different.  Now, Christmas is coming and …it will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

Merly Diez-Bantugan- Christmas  is celebrated the same as before amid this pandemic time and that is celebrating the yuletide season purely with the immediate members of the family. It has always been the family's tradition not to miss attending the dawn masses for 9 consecutive days. However,  our Lindaville  parish has strategized to celebrate one Holy Mass at dawn and one at 8 in the evening to avoid too much crowd. Then on the Christmas day itself,  we go out dining either in the city or in Panglao. In the evening is the most awaited gift giving and concluded by watching movie or tv shows at home. Gifts for the inaanaks this time are just sent.

PEMS Melinda Mendez-Basalo-  I will be celebrating the Christmas amidst this pandemic still with my family at home maybe in my hometown if time permits because we will be on full alert this holiday season and my husband cannot come home from Cebu because of the strict health protocols in our province. It would be very simple just us with my Mama, brothers, sisters and their respective families, eat the lechon and other Christmas favorites, our traditional exchange of gifts and sharing of gifts and never forget to attend Holy Mass whether it would be an on-line Mass or in Church which is the most important event of this celebration, Jesus's birth is the reason of the season. Even if this Christmas would be different from the rest of the Christmases in my life because of the pandemic, let us not forget that God let this happen in order for us to celebrate simply and focus on Jesus who  was humble enough to be born in a manger as the best example for humility and obedience. Let us be everyone's blessings for it is the great sign that God's love is indeed alive not only this holiday season but for all the days of our lives. Let us continue sharing to the least of our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs and livelihood. Merry Christmas and may the New Year 2021 will be a great pandemic free Year for the world.

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan- Christmas is celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It's the time when family and friends come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This year, celebrating Christmas will be quite different for me and for the majority as well. Since Covid era is here, social gatherings are highly discouraged. It is still best to stay home, stay healthy and celebrate Christmas with your family. Our usual Christmas day visit to the children in the orphanage will surely be  postponed. Instead of hosting a huge extavagant party, I'd like to make food deliveries to the less fortunate ones on Christmas day. Despite this pandemic, I still can feel the spirit of Christmas by sharing my own blessings. 

Elvie Bongosia- As the world celebrates Christ's birth, we may be going through difficult times with this pandemic, despair not for Jesus is born to save each one of us, no matter what we are going through. We will  have a simple celebration with our family.  After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Jhoel Lim- Amidst the pandemic, let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas and the most meaningful way of celebrating this spirit of joy is by spending more quality time with our family and fill our home with love, kindness and unity.

Vilma Yorong- I will celebrate Christmas at home as we usually do. This year, a new addition to the family make us more thankful and happier. We are blessed with a new baby Zion who always makes our day more lively. 

Fiel Angeli Gabin- Christmas in the past years was crossing the deep blue see to go to Siquijor to spend the holidays with Mommy Lou and the rest of the family there, then coming home to Tagbilaran to welcome the New Year with Mama Wincie.  However, for this 2020, with the strict travel restrictions still imposed due to the surging CoViD-19 cases in Bohol, we will just celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, at home by watching the online mass and sharing the food we prepare, with sincere prayers that those who have less in life, especially during this time of the pandemic and the recent typhoons, may find joy in their hearts to thank God for the gift of life and love of family despite the challenges.

* * *

These "reminders" contributed by Arlene Pesquira of Tagbilaran City who is celebrating her birthday today, Dec. 6, who got it from a friend, source unknown. 

*Live life to the fullest.

*Say "I love you" to people who are dear to you. 

*Laugh hard. 

*Eat good food. 

* Continue to be a blessing to others.

* Enjoy the simple things. 

*Be grateful for the borrowed time given to us. 

*Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t answer, it simply means they have something more important to attend to.

*Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person asks for it. It shows your integrity & character.

*Treat a cleaner with the same respect that you would treat the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how rudely you can treat someone below you, but people will definitely notice if you treat them with respect.

* * *

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

The treasures of Ate Vi

Ate Vi: BEPO is about public service.

People have seen Vilma “Ate Vi” Concon Yorong in many of provincial government’s projects most significantly on being the head of Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO), and almost everyone agree she is among the most down-to-earth of her ilk.

 

Told about it, Ate Vi reacted, “It’s public service. It’s not about me, it’s about the fame or the glory. Rather, it’s about the people and how our office can be of service to them.”

 

Ate Vi added, “Give without expecting anything in return.”

 

(Note: Ate Vi was working on her birthday on May 16 because her office had conducted mobile services and facilitated job recruitments.) 

 

She’s the original “Ate Vi” in Bohol---that everybody, close friends and complete strangers alike, call her Ate Vi with affection.

 

Rising from the ranks, Ate Vi has joined the government in 1997 where she was exposed to public employment service office (PESO) related activities.  She has been consistent with her public persona as a warm and simple personality with a comprehensive, no-nonsense dedication in her job.

 

She has built a steady following among various sectors like the masa, professionals--people from all walks of life.

 

“I’d learned to be flexible, respectful and down to earth,” said Ate Vi. “Dili ka mamili og tawo, establish good relations.”

 

With various tasks on her shoulders, Ate Vi has learned to weigh her commitments according to their significance. She is hands-on manning the office.  She said that she is also prone to strong emotions. However, she tries her best to handle situations with patience and grace.

 

Ate Vi with her long-time friend actress Roxanne Guinoo-Yap. Contributed Photo

“As human, it happens sometimes,” Ate Vi related. “I am making sure that everything is noted and persons responsible will take their assigned jobs, I empower all my staff so that they will learn.”

 

Ate Vi went added that to learn to be more tolerant, if less temperamental.

 

Her easy camaraderie and interest in other people had provided her the opportunity to serve the community. She is an active member of the Lions Club and past president of the JCI Bohol Chocolate Hills and elecom chair of the employees coop of PESO managers association of the Philippines (Pesomap) in Central Visayas.

 

What other people today don’t know is that, once upon a time before she became BEPO head, Ate Vi was a fans club member-yes, the Star Circle Quest (SCQ) of ABS-CBN. Showbiz na showbiz!

 

“I am no longer active in joining fans clubs since my job is demanding, but my friendship with the SCQ original questors is still especially with Roxanne Guinoo-Yap. We still have the kamustahan, exchanging of text messages, FB chat and calls.”

 

Added Ate Vi, “Roxanne is really a good friend until now. Andun pa  yung selosan minsan at yung tampuhan.”

 

Given all these, Ate Vi keeps her feet on the ground, always mindful of her treasures in life.

 

BEPO head Vilma Yorong (2^nd from left, with her staff) is the
original “Ate Vi” in Bohol that everybody, close friends
and complete strangers alike, call her Ate Vi with affection.  Courtesy: Adrian Lim

Treasured person- A lot of people have helped her become better at her job and in a way, shaped her into who she is now. “Many to mention because many people have been there for me and who helped me to become who I am now.”

 

Treasured pets- Our dogs and cats at home.

 

Treasured place- Siquijor. My tatay came from Siquijor and usually our clan reunion is held in Siquijor. I love the place kay mingaw pa and best for recollections.

 

Most treasured moment as BEPO head- Ate Vi shared that she meets different kinds of people. “Implementing office activities nga makatabang jud sa masa  ug sa mga professional.

 

***

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

Jammy Ungab models her own bikini line

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Today is Mother’s Day! Mom. Mama. Mommy. Nanay. Inay. Inang. Nay. Mamita. Mama. Mother. Ermat. Nana. Mamang. Momsy. We might call it by different names and celebrate it in different ways, but all to honor the irreplaceable person in our lives: Mother. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers who were, are and will be.

 

Scene:  The successful concert of youtube sensation “Hey Joe” at the Island City Mall.

 

Scene:  The Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) will conduct mobile services on May 15 at the Bohol Cultural Center. BEPO has collaborated with Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), National Statistics Office (NSO) and Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).  BEPO head Vilma “Ate Vi” Yorong said that the mobile services drastically cut the expenses of Boholanos who no longer need to go to Cebu City or Manila especially to renew professional licenses and franchises, get authenticated civil registry documents and others. For inquiries, visit BEPO or call (038) 501-9847/411-3544.

 

***

The dry season is really the perfect time to schedule beach getaways. But this requires one itsy-bitsy- weenie thing: swimwear.

 

As temperatures soar, surfer babe and model Jammy Ungab
stays cool as she oozes confidence and sex appeal
as she wears one of her own design bikinis.

Surfer babe, model and entrepreneur Jammy Ungab finds time to kiss the sun as she exclusively shares her pictures of her latest swimwear collection on Facebook.

 

Jammy designs and sews each swimwear creation but she isn’t just designing her own line of bikinis, she’s modeling them.

“I've been into designing and making clothes back in High School,” says Jammy. “I didn't really think of swimwear because I never wear one before.”

She says it’s hard to find a bikini of her size with good quality and affordable in the Philippines. “In 2012, I thought of starting a bikiniline especially made for petite girls. It just didn't happen right away. It took me a couple of years to finally make one of my dreams come true.”

 

So, Marikit’s born.

 

"It is actually my bestfriend, Alyssa, who thought of the name Marikit. I was thinking of calling my brand PINA, short for Filipina and Pineapple which is a tropical fruit,” shares Jammy. “When she suggested of the name Marikit, I agreed right away. It sounds so cute and it's a Filipino word hey.” (Marikit in Tagalog means beautiful, pretty, splendid and magnificent.-LPU)

 

Handmade crochet swimwear is for ladies' sea to shore and to even summit adventures. “Marikit is different from other swimwear brand because it's crochet, and handmade with love and passion, and compassion,” says Jammy.

 

 “I am fully aware that there are other brands that make crochet swimwear. But mine has another purpose. Not just to make girls look stunning while on the beach, but it's also made for a cause.” (For every purchase of Marikit, you can help for ocean conservation and end starvation of children in the Philippines.-LPU)

 

According to Jammy, there are still women who are afraid or uncomfortable to wear swimwear because of our “conservative” culture.

 

Jammy Ungab who is getting some sun in Bohol’s beaches
 has released new photos to promote the latest edition
 of her own label, Marikit. In the new photos, the Boholana
model strips down to display her eco-friendly bikinis.
  COURTESY: Ryan Macalandag

“With our conservative culture, it's not too easy to convince women to wear one. We all know that. I know some of the Filipina girls never want to wear swimsuits because they're shy, and because they're worried about what the people will think of them. It's mostly the probinsyanas who never or rarely wear bikinis,” admits Jammy. “City Filipina girls, I'm sure they own tons of swimsuits already. Again, as long as they're comfortable with what they wear, it's all good. But yeah girls, the lighter and less the clothing, the better it is to swim...and less ugly tan lines.”

 

Jammy reveals that women don't need to have a "perfect bikini body" to look good on the beach. They just need to find the perfect swimwear for their body type that will accentuate the curves.  For her, the monobikini can make a woman looks curvier.

 

“One piece swimsuits with cut outs on the sides will make you look like you have an hour glass figure. But actually, you can wear anything that you are most comfortable with. It's the most important. There's nothing sexier than a woman in a swimwear that makes her confident with her body,” clarifies Jammy.

 

She tells her buyers she 'couldn't wait' to show them the new styles she's adding to the swimwear range.

 

“I have already, but I don't want to announce the designs yet. They'll come out in the next three months,” says Jammy.

 

Good news: Marikit will be in a pop up shop in California, USA in a few months. 

 

Start with Marikit and you will be beach-ready in no time.

 

Note: You can purchase Marikit Swimwear thru email: marikitswimwear@gmail.com or facebook.com/marikitswimwear.

***

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