Inspiring quotes from 3 extraordinary women during Women's Day Celebration

This year’s Women's Month celebration in Bohol was unlike any other. 

I curated a list of of the quotes from empowered women-- Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas Tutor, former beauty queen Maria Vanessa Aumentado and former Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes--  during their speeches delivered in this year's Women's Month Celebration. 

They are considered today’s most admired women. They have overcome challenges and made their mark in their respective communities. They also lead by example.

Their words are powerful and encourage us to seize life and sprint towards success.

All women. 

Conchita "Che" Toribio-Delos Reyes 

Former Carmen Mayor/Businesswoman

"I am blessed not because I have almost everything but I am super blessed because God gave me a heart." 

"Kayang kaya nato. Don't give up. God is with us. Don't forget to pray." 

"A woman is your own definition of your self being the person to be. Be the best version of who you are."

"A woman's faith, courage and determination can move more mountains."

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado

Former beauty queen and entrepreneur 

"Woman, you are beautiful! You are strong and powerful! Your voice matters." 

"As a woman, we should make a stand. Kinahanglan kanunay kitang mubarog sa saktong baruganan, mo-decision para sa atong kaugalingon nga indepediente kita. Pero naay panahon nga paminawon sab nato atong bana o partner sa kinabuhi para walay lalis o away." 

"Know your worth. Kahibaw ta kanus-a mutingog ug kanus-a muhilum." 

“Empowering yourself is empowering other people."

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor

“Women can do wonders. We take pride on the excruciating pain we felt during childbirth as we bring life into this world. We complete and make the house a home. We fill in the gaps and ready to make sacrifices, whatever it takes for our families and most of all on our children. Kumbati Juana, bisan unsa pana, kaya na kumbatihon ni Juana!”

" We, women have the guts." 

“Women in uniform are part of a challenging profession. Some may be intimidated by you; fear you because of your position /profession. Yet at the end of the day, stripping out that uniform, remember that you are still that lady in need of warmth and love. After all, you are a woman. A wife, daughter and child. Let us not forget that as we celebrate this month, to look for ways in solving domestic violence, rape, incest & online sexual exploitation that are on rise this covid times."

“I would like to encourage you all to rise to the ranks. Someday a woman will lead. We have  guts to make it to the top.” 

“Hanggang saan ang kaya mo Juana? 

 A question which entails an inevitable  answer. But as Juana, I would say, hanggang sa dulo ng walang hanggan.”

       

“We Juanas will never give up. Kaya natin to

 Juana. Kumbati!"

“We have this unique brand of leadership

 encompassing inclusivity and innovation. Inherent in us this motherly instinct & to

deal people always with a heart.”

       

“May we all be reminded that every Juana is 

 strong, flexible and resilient. Walang hindi

  kaya ni Juana.” 

“We women are marvelous creatures of which  a man cannot live without. We are a beautiful  puzzle that men continues to solve.”

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

Prony finds a new home!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Tickets to the A Night with Christian Bautista on April 28, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center are priced at P600, P400 and P200. Call/text Cleford at 09177012288/09228803373.

Karen Gallman

 

Scene: See the works that celebrate women’s strength and courage and honor the female body in Baji 2012: Through The Fire, an all-Boholana visual-literary arts exhibit at the lower ground of the Island City Mall (ICM) from March 4 to 30. The exhibit features the artwork of 46 women in recognition of the International Women’s Month of March. The exhibit includes the work of Hermogena “Nene” Lungay, Rowena Cuadra Seloterio, Alma Aparece, Amor Maria Vistal, Anna Hormiguera, Anni Vi Tirol, Bethlehem Bullen, Bona Dea Padron, Cecilia Agnes Ortiz, Chrisylli Mitzi Abaya, Darlene Sanguenza Cano, Dawn Likha Borja, Dedinne Docoy-Boucher, Dimpna Cutin, Fides Maria Vistal, Gee Biliran, Irish Glori Galon, Izabelle Petines, Jacquelou Curambao, Jessica Jayectin, Joanna Flores, Josielou Liray Chan, Joy Jakosalem-Balane, Liza Macalandag, Lovely Rose Acedo, Lumin Tirol-Pamaran, Ma. Bernes Acedo, Ma. Daisylou Daquipa Manluza, Maria Binhi Blanco Borja, Maida Jabinez, Maria Paz Oppus Villanueva, Mary Grace Ido Bernaldez, Matet Galarido, May Blanco, Melanie Oncog, Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes, Pie Padron, Rain Calimbayan, Regina Estorba Macalandag, Rosa Shiela Café, Sandra de la Serna, Silveri Marsamolo, Sonieta Labasan, Victorina Jumawid, Vida May Tirol-de Juan and Virna Avergonzado.  

 

Scene: The deadline of the submission of entries for the Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2012 is on March 16. The Miss Teen Tagbilaran is a project of Tagbilaran City SK Federation headed by Councilor Mary Liene Shaene Karaan of Poblacion 1.  

 

Scene: The Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council general assembly and elections, March 31, 9 a.m., at Meridian Hotel, this city. Vida Tirol de Juan and Fiel Angeli Gabin posted on Facebook: Calling all artists, arts enthusiasts, arts advocates, arts teachers, arts students, municipal cultural/tourism officers, cultural heritage workers, history/language advocates, performing arts groups, arts collectives, eco-cultural advocates. Individuals. groups, NGOs, civic organizations, government agencies. And all who loves Bohol with all its richness of culture and arts! Please come!

 

Scene: Bb. Pilipinas- World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit on Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman, the other Boholana candidate in the Bb. Pilipinas 2012: You’ll never fail to ignore Karen Gallman who’s a deadringer of Ms. Universe Ximena Navarrette. She has a standout beauty, bubbly personality and she’s very articulate and the walk is something you have to watch out for. I love it that she speaks English with an Australian accent yet is not ashamed of speaking Bisaya in a full Boholano swag. I see her in the top 5.

 

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As you can see, there’s an exclamation point in today’s headline as a way to herald a new chapter in Prony’s life — and “her” caretakers, too!

 

 

Paloma aka Marimar, Prony’s “twin” is now ready to do deadly acrobatic performance in Prony’s new home in barangay Laya, Baclayon town. LPU

 

And so, after all the twists and turns, the action, drama, romance, suspense, etc, as you and I have expected all along, ends up happily ever after in the waiting. Prony, the longest and biggest python in captivity used to have “her” home in Sta. Fe, Allbur town. “She” is now calling Barangay Laya, Baclayon home last March 7. That is official.

 

A visit to Bohol is not complete without Prony which is considered as one of the most important tourist attractions in Bohol. Prony has a special niche in the hearts of the people from all walks of life, including celebrities such as Richard Gutierrez, Dra. Vicky Belo, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cesar Montano, Kim Atienza, coach Freddie Roach, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Kris Aquino, et al, and Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields. 

 

Notice any, uhm, changes on Bohol’s superstar? Prony is now longer. JingJing Salibay said, “Prony measures 27 feet long from 26 feet last year. We love her very much!”

 

And notice any, uhm, changes on Paloma aka Marimar? Paloma was stagnant for almost four months when the Sta. Fe mini zoo was closed for public viewing. “She” needs to lose more weight.

 

Paloma said,“Gimingaw ko magperform og animal show!” The Greek goddess of love, desire and beauty Aphrodite was born from sea foam but Paloma aka Marimar was born uniquely. “Ako ang babaeng ahas. Gikaon ni Prony unya giluwa!”

 

Does this mean she’s returning to do kagwang performance (and some deadly antics) again? “More, more better show! Promise!”

 

In a jiffy, Eugene and JingJing Salibay are now busy improving the place and the negative feelings towards a certain public official are consigned to the dustbin with a hug. And the feelings became lighter when the people of Baclayon have received Prony with open arms, without any hesitation, mental reservation or doubts.

 

Among the guests I spotted were Laya Barangay Captain Carlito To-ong, Baclayon Councilor Romulo Balangkig, Madame Cony Geonzon, Atty. Epifanio Bolando, former Albur Mayor Mayor Ugdoracion, Albur councilor Jubac, Lourdes Pinlac and Rev. Fr. Glen Alipoyo.

 

Also in attendance were the media friends: Gerry Pabe, Willy Maestrado, Richelyn Maestrado, Jun Guttirrez, Andy Nalzaro, Dodong Libatona, Egdar Tumanda, Rey Tutas and Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity emceed the affair.

 

We enjoyed the mouth-watering, tummy-filling items during the merienda sienna: inasal, sinugbang tulingan, kare-kare, etc. and some native delicacies such as puto coshenta, biko, ubi with latik, kamote with latik, etc., then redwine and Tanduay.

 

I left early so I’m not sure if Prony was able to sleep or Paloma was still entertaining the more than 500 guests from Albur and Baclayon towns. Everyone was celebrating new home full of love.

 

Burp!!!

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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.

 

In this month that celebrates women’s history, some of the works of Boholana women are featured in ‘Baji 2012: Through The Fire’ exhibit at the lower ground of the Island City Mall. LPU