My ‘recycled’ Christmas list

How many kings are born in hovels?

King are meant for thrones, not pastures.

But this king did and we can marvel

He is different, that we can be sure.

While commoners who deserve far less

Demand far more, He models meekness.

There was no room in a crowded town

People gathered to be registered.

All must heed the emperor’s decree.

Even Mary, in her condition.

No one says no to the emperor

Not even Him who would be Savior.

It was hard for Joseph and Mary

There was not even a place to stay

Comfort was not in the mix of things

Not in today’s context and thinking.

Privilege and favor, no one craved. 

All they sought was a room for the Babe. 

So He was born inside the manger.

That no one cared, it did not matter.

The shepherds came, it was a welcome

Fit for this King, so gentle, so calm.

And yet, no doubt many years later

We remember the humble manger.

Jesus says that He is still knocking

At our own doors, where He is welcome.

He will only enter when open.

God seeks mangers that welcome Him in 

Those that rejoice over His coming

For mangers wide open for this King. 

    -The Manger by Chito Fuentes  

“The Manger” written by veteran journalist Chito Fuentes (more poems and articles at http://yellowlightsign.com) tells us that Jesus is not the helpless infant or even a grown-up man, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  As we celebrate Christmas, let us celebrate the miracle of His love. I encourage you to ponder the majesty of God and the goodness and power He brings to your life.

Like you, I wish peace on earth and goodwill in Bohol which this year has been torn apart by unimaginable tragedies and controversies.

I have my own Christmas list for my favorite Boholanos, regardless of whether they’d been naughty (Where are you Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Brigitte Burato?!) or nice (What’s your next Bangon Bohol projects Anna Maris Igpit?! ). Only three days before Christmas Day, so better late than never.

Here they are:

For Rep. Art Yap— May Cong. Art Yap continue to muster support in his claim to rebuild homes for the earthquake victims thru the Rebuild Bohol Foundation he initiated so that those rendered homeless by the calamities  will no longer have to sleep in tents.

For Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs — A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen. How about a marriage contract? Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!

The country’s tallest Santa Claus

For Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A solemn march down the aisle.....  A marriage contract!

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva— A stork’s visit. Same for Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos,  Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap. 

For Nemi Monton — A clean bill of health and an award (long delayed?) recognizing his talent and tireless dedication as sports czar in Bohol! Paging Capitol!

For Idy Cagas — Beauty rest and hot boyfriend!  Same for Bia Ursula Bautista, Fer Mary Baliquig, Ely Rose Apple Angcon, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian, Carlene Yap, Candy Cumayas, Aya Montero, Trisha Chatto and Elvie Bongosia.

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal beauty! She will continue to possess beauty, grace, wisdom and wealth and influence through the years as Bohol's Queen of Tourism and Santacruzan Queen.    

For Atty. Brian Gaviola, Doc Homer Singco, Lemuel Belarmino — A marriage contract (Hurry!!! Hurry!!!)!

For Ardy Batoy —After her numerous hosting stints this year, Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a Mediterranean vacation (or in  Bora Bora in Polynesia). Same for Gloria Leodivica Araneta and Raul Gatal.

For Atty. Greg Delgado — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for Dobap! A quote from The Time Traveler’s Wife: “It's hard being left behind.. . It's hard to be the one who stays.”

For Anna Maris Igpit— A boyfriend to color her world. Note: In the strictest sense of the word…a boy friend. Addendum:  As Bb. Pilipinas, she will help promote to bring back the vigor in Bohol’s tourism industry. Same for Brigitte Burato that her presence can be felt in Bohol.

For Vida Tirol-de Juan and Butch de Juan — Another “joint venture.” Their daughter Bea needs a brother or a sister. Same for Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap and Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap whose daughter Janah needs a sister or a brother. The same wish for Atty. Doi Magdoza and Dra. Aileen Tan.

For Pepe Recitas— Good health and more years to continue the programs of HomeReach Foundation. Same for Ramie Cadag, Manuel Cempron, Francis Dompor and Fancy Baluyot.

For Onie Oclarit, Fr. Fro Lungay and Meo Mascariñas — Good health and beautiful music.

For Mila Lim — Good health and more years tocontinue decorating her Christmas village at home with happiness and joy.

For Vanity Kintanar Salinana—Ageless beauty to continue her advocacy helping the transpinay and the LGBT community.  Same for Baby Tagoctoc, Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading.

For Mikey Gatal — A round trip ticket to Thailand with his someone special. Stephanie Laurens’ The Edge of Desire says, “My heart only ever had one thought, one want. One need. Despite all, in spite of all...All my heart has ever wanted is you.”

For Mizken Tirol Andan and Ryan Sines — A hot “partner” to love them dearly. Same for  John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Tracy Remolador Torres, Charlow Arbasto, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas. Heide Klum says, “I've been heartbroken. I've broken hearts. That's part of life, and its part of figuring out who you are so you can find the right partner.”

For Tagbilaran City councilor Adam Jala — A seductive and sexy girlfriend! Same for Gabriel Buates.

For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking (with his popular stripes and shades)!

For Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona and company —Good health and more years to protect the fragile environment of Bohol. Same for Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Vera Gesite and Shem Quezon.

For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros—  A marriage contract (indefinite)!  Wedding bells! Wedding bells!  Same for Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc.

For Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal-Asoy— A healthy baby due in February next year.                                     

For Jeroen Hellingman— Good health and long years to continue promoting Bohol to the world. Same for  Jerome Auza, Mike Ligalig, Roy Bayonas, Alfonso Potane, Rene Econg and company.

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta, BG Guingguing and Jerry Pabe —Exclusive and explosive segments with their “controversial” and “talkative” guests and “violent” callers. Same for  Atty. Salva Diputado, Lito Responte and Ted Ayeng.

For City administrator Edi Borja, former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim, Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng and Richard Bompat—A silencer (for this season) that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. They can come back after the Holidays!  He! He! He! Peace!

For Marc Joseph Batoy, Ar-Ar dela Serna, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila and Clement Ingking — More exposures next year!  They deserve the kliegs and flickers!

For Beryl Elizabeth Lupot— A car and a true love!

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo —Hot and explosive showbiz news for their Showbiz Rampa. Hope to hear great (shocking) revelations from guests in 2014!

For Governor Edgar Chatto and Rep. Erico “Aristotle” Aumentado — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and real goodwill. To come up with more concrete initiatives  that address crisis and disaster management in the province, bearing in mind the painful lessons from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake and supertyphoon Yolanda. Same for Rep. Rene Relampagos.

For former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Neri Lim — Again, a peace pipe he should smoke with Gov. Edgar Chatto.

For Madame Paz Trotin, Che Toribio-delos Reyes, Leah Tirol-Magno, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie Geonzon,  Gerry Egos and Musette Hontanosas — Good things in life. Same for Doc Joy Yap, Dr. Mary Grace Uy, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Kit Oppus, Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Angie Valencia, Rey Chiu, Chito Fuentes, June Blanco, Ric Obedencio, Jun Gutierrez, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Freda Tirol, Boy Dumadag, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias, Vicky Wallace, Hans and Lani Schoof, Jas Montes, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Amalia Tirol, Dr. Nenita Po, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Pureza Chatto and Greenie Aumentado,

For Dalareich Polot — Bohol’s tableya princess may continue to inspire the youth to become business minded like her!

For Mayor Nila Montero— She may have the determination to bring out the best in Panglao and the political will to change wrong practices of the past for the good of the LGU.

For Cesar Montano, Rich Asuncion, Tintin Ng, Lailette Boiser, Gerber Mercado and Cathy Remperas — More challenging roles in a hit teleserye (if not a movie) to prove what they made of and to show their effective "natural" acting. Where are you Mich Capili?

For Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo, EJ Relampagos and Sony Pamaong— Another gathering of talented fashion experts and couturiers as engrossing as “Reveal.” Paging Rotary Club of Tagbilaran!

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Beauty rest and inner strength to fight against odds and obstacles in life. Like the Loboc River, she will continue flowing!

For Inday Rufing and Inday Charity — Hot partners to warm their cold nights. The night is cold and the comforter may not be enough to warm you up.

For Joy Suarez — A perfect holiday (not in Boracay, Palawan or Bohol) with someone special. She’s been working so hard that hapit makalimti ang lovelife! He!He!He!

For Fiel Angeli Espejo Araoarao-Gabin — More than anything in the whole world, love of family, good health and safety for everyone.

For Glenn Mark Blasquez— Roundtrip ticket to Bohol so that he can feel home sweet home. Same for Marcing Tsurumi, Jiji Apalisok, Rebecca Lusterio, Jocelyn Oppus, Babat Malicay, Auring Balili, Rey Reformina, Lorenzo and Richel Galaura.

For Centerstage Band — More gigs and release of their (long delayed) album!

For Nonito Donaire — We are the champion belt! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot, Boom-Boom Bautista and Jesus Pacaldo. 

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, et al— Blessed years ahead to continue sharing Christ and loving people. Same for pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

For Aldrin Palaca— A concert to showcase his talent as the Beatbox King of Bohol together with Kimpoy and the Loboc Children’s Choir (we want to hear your angelic voices), Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador and HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe.

For Nene Lungay, Glenn Lumantao, Ric Ramasola, Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents. Same for Ryan Macalandag, Liza Macalandag, Tadiyandi, Baji, Bohol visual artists and Arte Malaya.

For Bohol Chronicle- Our kinaham forever and vanguard of freedom. More 100 years and beyond!

For VRS readers— May your Christmas and the coming New Year be blessed beyond measure!

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

My own ‘recycled’ Christmas list

What are the hottest entertainment stories of 2011? 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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As the year comes to a close (6 days to go!), we're thinking hard about what we'd like to happen in the gossip world come 2012. On our wish list are the celeb weddings we're dying to see (Anna Maris Igpit are you listening?) and interesting and lovely news we can't wait to read about.

I am asking Dear Santa to deliver my wish list for my favorite Bohol’s who’s who:

For Governor Edgar Chatto, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Erico Aumentado and Art Yap — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Mayors Jono Jumamoy, Tom Gonzaga and Roberto Salinas.

For Mayor Dan Neri Lim — A peace pipe he should smoke with Gov. Edgar Chatto. Another peace pipe with Mayor Lim on one end and Taloto Barangay Captain Faro Cabalit on the other.

For Anna Maris Igpit and Glenn Soco — A marriage contract (hurry!!!).

For Lailette Boiser, Rich Asuncion and Tintin Ng — A hit teleserye (if not a movie) to show their effective "natural" acting.

For Inday Rufing and Inday Charity — More shows and colorful lovelife.

For Prony (largest python) — A new home with unconditional love. Same for Paloma/Marimar, we miss “her” acrobatic/kagwang performance!

For Farrah Faye Mian — Stay fit and beautiful!  Same for Bia Ursula Bautista, Fer Mary Baliquig, Ely Rose Apple Angcon, Felisse Marie Carvajal and Donna Cardino.

For Mayor Niño Rey Boniel — A marriage contract (indefinite)!    

For Baba Yap and Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap — A healthy baby due in February next year. Same for Adonis and Reina Thea Damalerio.

For Fr. Fro Lungay and Meo Mascariñas — Good health and good music.

For Mikey Gatal — A partner who will love him forever and ever, amen! Same for Edik Dolotina.

For Betty Veloso-Garcia — Good health and inner strength for the TBTK 2012!

For Ardy Batoy, Gloria Leodivica Araneta and Raul Gatal — Good health and more mega projects (in hosting)!

For Rose Soy —- Good health, more years and eternal beauty to continue her works as Bohol's Queen of Tourism and Santacruzan Queen.    

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Nila Montero, Paz Trotin, Uly Dolojol, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Dianne Uy, Gerry Egos and Musette Hontanosas. — Success in business and good health. Same for Pureza Chatto, Doc Joy Yap, Dr. Mary Grace Uy, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Fancy Baluyot, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Coun. Kit Oppus, Vicky Wallace, Hans and Lani Schoof, Vice Mayor Jas Montes, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Fiel Araoarao-Gabin, Greenie Aumentado, Greenie Aumentado and provincial board members Freda Tirol and Roygie Jumamoy.

                                                         

For Nonito and Rachel Donaire Jr. —A healthy baby. The couple should buckle back down to work - pronto! - during this very conducive season.

For Glenn Mark Blasquez— Home sweet home. (Where are you now?) Same for Marcing Tsurumi, Jiji Apalisok and Rebecca Lusterio.

For Loboc Children’s Choir — More performances and exposures next year. Same for the Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Loboc Youth Ambassador and HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe.

For Sam Penaso, Nene Lungay, Glenn Lumantao, Ric Ramasola, Marianito Jose Luspo, Napoleon Abueva, Aldrin Palaca and Jesat Cathy Duce — More years to showcase their talents. Same for Ryan Macalandag, Tadiyandi, Baji, Bohol visual artists and Arte Malaya. To quote Liza Macalandag, “That more of their activity be unleashed. No restraints, no hesitations, just limitless, purposive works of art.”

For Nemi Monton— An award (Hall of Fame) for his tireless dedication and spirited enthusiasm in discovering Boholano talents in sports. Nag-iisa ka lang Nemi!

For Pepe Recitas, Ramie Cadag, Manuel Cempron and Francis Dompor — Good health and more years to continue the programs of  HomeReach Foundation.

For Zenaida Darunday, Raul Barbarona, Salvio Makinano and company —Good health and more years to continue their advocacies to protect the fragile environment of Bohol. Same for Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Atty. Kins Aparece and Shem Quezon.

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta and Jerry Pabe —More “controversial” and "talkative" guests to spice up their programs. Same for BG Guingguing, Salva Diputado, Lito Responte and Ted Ayeng.

For Mayor Dan Lim, Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng, Atoy Cosap and  Richard Bompat-—A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw feisty words this Christmas time. They can make "war" after the Holidays He He He

For EJ Relampagos— Success in business and colorful lovelife! Same for Maximiel, Charlo Arbasto, Baby Tagoctoc, Omie Auza and Tracy Remolador Torres.

For Rey Boom-Boom Bautista, AJ Banal, Caesar Amonsot and Jedara Docena — More wins!

For Eden Descallar — Wedding bells! Wedding bells! Same for Adam Jala, Eric Ngo and Mark Vincent Ramasola.

For Karla Tirol Magno and Tsino Lim — Also a marriage contract.

For Centerstage Band — More gigs and an album! Same for Brownbuds.

For Amir Sol— A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from the maddening crowd. (The poor girl needs second chance to start a new life.)

For Sam Pingkian — A man (as much as possible sexy and seductive) who will love her forever and ever, amen! 

For Trisha Chatto — A colorful lovelife! Same for Janice Aurora Tirol, Carleen Yap and Loida Lagonoy.

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso — Good health and more years to continue teaching and witnessing the Word of God. Same for Pastors George Lungay, Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Franco Trigo and Rey Rodriguez.

For Doc Homer Singco — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for Atty. Brian Gaviola, Dave Maulas, Atty. Greg Delgado, Benjie Oliva and Dr. Renz Acedo.

For Gerry Lugod —- Inner peace and true love. Same for Mizken Tirol Andan, Reuben Gulle, Gabriel Medel, Raymund Delgado and Arvin Rubillos.

For Arizza Nancy Jule “Tukay” Tirol —-Inner strength and courage as she leads the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Boholana Kisses.  Same for Ate Vi Yorong.

For Ar-Ar dela Serna — A smiling doll that will teach him to smile. Like Kristoff Ferniz, this model is handsome but he seems to be so full of himself, hardly smiling.

For Dobap — A marriage contract (indefinite)!

For Mila Lim — Good health and more years to light her Christmas village to make people happy during the Holidays.

For Jeroen Hellingman, Leah Tirol-Magno, Jerome Auza, Mike Ligalig, Roy Bayonas and Rene Econg— Good health and energy to the highest level to bring Boholanos around the world closer to beautiful Bohol.

For BZ, AL, RT and JT — A chastity belt! You know who you are! He He He

For NPC and RC and HM and JS — One more chance  (tan, tan, tan, tan!!!), one more chance (tan, tan, tan, tan!!!). Again, you know who you are He He He He

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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.