Enjoying The Great Life

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Baby Rose Nalupa: Papa’s girl… and other tales

Baby Rose Nalupa: Papa’s girl… and other tales

Proem:

Food for the soul: Life is traveled only once. Today’s moment becomes tomorrow’s memory. Enjoy every moment good, bad, happy or sad...because the gift of life is life itself. This text message is from award-winning director Maryo de los Reyes (who directed A Love Story starring Aga Muhlach, Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban is still showing at the Bohol’s modern cinema, ICM’s Screenville).
Feliz compleaños to UB nursing student Glyza Dacaldacal, August 23; Floricar Dacaldacal (who is in Denmark), August 28. Baby Alexandria Abish Morales turned 7^th last August 18. Her dad, Ronald, Jollibee Alturas OIC and wife Rhialyn made the celebration memorable. Hetty and Jollibee were there entertained the kids.
Congratulations to Globe Telecom Tagbilaran office for a job well done. Globe Telecom OIC Eden Descallar will be in Manila Tuesday to get the award for sales and distribution recognition program by the SME Globebizworks. The Globe Telecom force is composed of Aldrin Avergonzado, Aldner Damalerio, Edmond Gayoso, Narcisa Navarro and Angele Echavez. Who could forget Felix Dimpas who added “beauty” to the office?
Orchids to R-dot-E Internet Access (with Agew as “boss’ with the support of the Sarabia family) on its opening last August 8. This is the second branch located along J.A. Clarin Street(fronting Bakstiq) near Holy Name University Dampas. You can surf and play online games.
Cheers to Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio “Toto” Veloso who is the new and third-ever Bohol president of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) following his election on Tuesday together with 23 other officers without any contest. Veloso, a first-termer city vice mayor, has succeeded as VMLP provincial head former Balilihan vice mayor and now mayor Victoria Chatto.
More power to the new management of Martin’s Jun Cuadra and Collin Jubac. At the moment, Martin’s is still currently in the process of improving the place and sound systems. The grand opening is on September 21. Luke Mejares is invited to perform a mini concert as the main event of the night. Due to the limited capacity of Martin's, the event will be ticketed for Php150 per head including one drinks. Have to relax and enjoy the place.

The $20 story

Got this email from writer Sonieta Labasan.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded! A well-known speaker started off his seminar by: holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE. You are special --Don't EVER forget it."

If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting hearts it speaks to, or the hope that it can bring.

Count your blessings, not your problems. "And remember: amateurs built the ark .. professionals built the Titanic.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Share this story to your friends and you’ll get a miracle.

Bohol Death Squad

Could it be true that Bohol is a "tourist" attraction or "tulis" attraction? This is a “hot issue here and abroad.

From Varga at www.tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com:

Mga 'Sano/a,

Sa DYRD radio program ni Batchoy ug Brigitte (8/14/07 a.m.), pipila sa mga mingtawag nagsugyot sa pagmugna ug Tagbilaran Death Squad o Bohol

Death Squad ba hinuon.

Kini reaksyon sa katawhang Bol-anon nga morag napuno na sa walay nakitang kasulbaran ning mga panghitabo nga tulis, kawat, mga hold-up/snatching, corruption sa gobyerno, ug uban pa dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bohol

. Pipila nag sugyot nga magmugna ug Tagbilaran Death Squad o Bohol

Death Squad.

Matud pa sa usa nga nagkomentaryo, "Nanulis man ngani na sila (mga politiko ug opisyal sa gobyerno), kami pa (mga petty criminals) ... "

Mao- na ba ni ang situasyon nga ang atong publiko nakahuna-huna na into resorting to the extreme at the cost of sacrificing christian morality?

Different reactions started to uproar.

From Junayag: Lisod baya pod kon dunay Death Squad kay himoon sad ni sila ug scapegoat sa mga criminals and bad elements... ma confused noon ang mga tawo og modaghan ang krimen.

Measuring the prevalence of crime in Bohol is small compared to other localities. The best thing is to ensure that our police authorities are intensifying their efforts to curb this trend... and the politicians who claimed that they are not the type of corrupt men must lead by examples...

a problem cannot be solved by engaging an action that is relevant to the issue of a crime...what i mean, we need to tighten our laws, strictly adhere compliances and penalize the offenders to what they deserved as per set laws....

From Franklin: I don't know about death squads; that makes me a little squeamish.
It reminds me of the early days in the USA(1600's) when they burned old ladies for being a witch.

What I am getting at this? Who controls the vigilantes?

Seems to me in Cagayan de Oro there a lot more baranguay chiefs who are always around even in the night. Keeping their eyes on things. It is something I don't see or hear of here in Tag.

One thing in the state that is similar to the baranguay chief watch is a "neighborhood watch", where the neighborhood
people meet and talk and take turns being the one on guard duty. A nice thing that comes out of this is that it brings people closer together.

Capitan Berong: Can understand your reaction considering your long absence from home...

911-like setup does not work in an undisciplined society as the experience in Metro

Manila

showed.
We had a similar undertaking established sometime back but you know what happened?

The emergency number got clogged up with prank calls so the police got tired of picking up the phone
and have to eventually gave up! So now, no more pranksters call as no one bothers to answer the phone.

What is your reaction? Log on now and become a part of Bohol’s most interactive website on

Bohol-

www.tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com.

My HNU SIM update

All is set for the official launch of the MyHNU sim. The Holy Name University partners with Globe Telecom on the release of Bohol’s first school-based mobile service, offering exclusive call and text rates and relevant school info service.

Last week, the HNU main and Dampas campuses were “enliven” of the My HNU sim forms and flyers. Tarpaulins about the My HNU sim colored the campuses.

Holynamians can join the culmination program set on August 31 with games, surprises and raffles. Cebu’s hottest band, 17^th Crush will perform. Suitcase101, the Central Visayas grand champion will showcase their talent.

Congratulations to the Holy Name University for propelling their students to the forefront of mobile technology.

Sa My HNU sim, lahat posible!

***

It was a pageant in honor of the corn (maize, mayz, one of the most important crops aside from wheat, rice and potatoes), with girls from the Central Visayas, giving the judges a tough time picking the winners.

And she is, drum roll please….

Nathalim Rose Nalupa, Baby Rose to her family and friend, is the Binibining Maribojoc-Ube Queen 2007.

The Miss Central Visayas Corn Festival turned ToledoCity into a sea of red though the pageant is considered “less popular” among beauty fanatics. On the high level of awareness, the pageant was an advocacy among our agriculturists and environmentalist.

It was a time of excitement and high-strong emotions - unforgettable to all those that were in ToledoCity

at the time. But it was a very meaningful event for someone for a very different reason! The Miss Central Visayas Corn Festival Queen – Baby Rose Nalupa. She was also adjudged as best in evening gown.

My neighbor Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, a former Miss Tagbilaran and Baby Rose’s “godmother” says: It’s a big honor for our province of Bohol that Baby Rose, besting other candidates from the Central Visayas region composed of the component cities of Cebu, Oriental Negros, Siquijor and Bohol.

Nathalim is a first year nursing student of Holy Name University. She was one of the runners-up of the Binibining Maribojoc 2007 held on May 3 and also an Island City Mall May Calendar Girl.

At the eve of the pageant night, True got a call from Yking Echavia, service and control officer of the UCPB-Tagbilaran branch and Saint Vincent Institute (SVI) Alumni president and the project chair of Bb. Maribojoc held last May 3.

Babie Tagoctoc, the Ricky Reyes of Bohol was the official make-up artist of Baby Rose.

Bay Rose showed up for this early evening tete a tete at Asiatika (located at the 2^nd level of the Metro Centre Hotel) with Sir Sean Perona of Globe Telecom. She came not alone but her mom!

The widely-smiling, and the Katrina Halili and Iya Belania-look-a-like reveals for the first time that she’s a papa’s girl (her dad Militon “Tony” had passed away). She talks about her closeness with her mom, Eleuteria “Nene” and sisters (Eva Marie-Castrodes, Michelle, Mildred, the Bb. Maribojoc 2002 and Marie Lace.

Your motto is Beauty will fade away but character will last forever.

You are a campus crush, what was boy’s reaction? To meet a beautiful girl like you? Blushing… Dili oy! Who said that? I am not a campus crush because they don’t know me. (Baby Rose is a campus crush, she was a Miss Sportsfest 2007 runner-up, Model’s Unlimited model, Aldea Model 2007 and Miss Artline Photogenic.- LPU)

At 17 (she was born on May 19), what is the most important lesson that life has taught you? Think positive.

Do you believe in that? Yes. I am a negative thinker. I don’ have self-confidence.

Mom: I am here to support her.

When was the last time you cried? Before the pageant. I was nervous because I’m representing our province. Mom: I didn’t see her crying. Turning to her mom: You were asleep at that moment when I cried.

Who first told you that you’re beautiful? My parents. Mom: Iyang papa..papa’s girl na siya. (Baby Rose doesn’t miss to visit the cemetery in Maribojoc. Before the pageant, she went to the cemetery to ask her papa’s blessings and guidance. She also revealed that she missed her dad. She even revealed that her dad is so special in many ways. Baby Rose said that her dad even wrote the dates of our first menstruation. LPU

What is your advice for maintaining your beauty? Drink plenty of water. I don’t apply anything on my face. Never! She has allergen of soaps and moisturizer. LPU

You leave boys or boys leave you? Mmmm… I prefer to leave boys. Dapat mahadlok sila sa karma.

Do you have a boyfriend (at present)? Yes. Mom: She has a boyfriend. Nanghilak ming duha when she told me she had a boyfriend. She is the youngest in the family and all girls.

On what occasion you lie? When I had a boyfriend. I didn’t tell my mom. Mom: I didn’t know at first. I learned it through a dream from his dad that Bay Rose had a boyfriend.

Where would you like to go for romantic evening? I love the idea at the top of a mountain. I am a nature lover.

What filmed influenced your life? Anak starring Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto. We can learn lessons from it.

What is your greatest fear? Naay mamatay sa family.

Are you vain? I’m not. But I like to be tidy. Masuko si Mama.

What do you think is your best asset? My smile…my friends told me my smile. Mom: Her eyes, too.

I’m curious, can you sing? I can’t sing. But I love music.

Type of music? RnB

Favorite scent? Mild scent

Fave book? Bible. before the pageant I read the Bible. I hate books.

Fave hang-out? I’m a homebody.

Sports? Swimming

Five things you can’t live without? Handkerchief, cellphone, rosary, bag and hair gel.

What do you look for a man? Siyempre moreno, chinito, taas og ilong. He should be honest and sweet. I don’t go for popular guys.

Mom: She has lots of suitors. I told her not to entertain suitors outside the house.

How do you start your day? With a smile…

How true? Mom: She is in the mirror early in the morning.

What words/phrases do you overused? Char, pagsure oy.

People you wish to thank for your success? The Boholano people, my family, Yking and Yeye Echavia, Ms. Fiel Gabin, Ms. Perlita Palen, Engr. Eugene Cahiles, officers and staff off the department of Agriculture, Xtreme J.E.M.C of Maribojoc, Aldea PphotoCenter, Artline Studio and God.

***

Saturday, August 18, 2007

1st filipino to own a property in the moon is a boholano; and other 'juicy' items

1^st Filipino who owns a property in the moon is a Boholano; and other “juicy” items

Proem:

· Food for the soul: Live your life the way you drink your coffee. Sipping it slowly, enjoying the flavor and aroma, drinking it to the last drop. In short, take it easy, be happy. This text message is from Josie Montes, municipal local government operations officer of Catigbian town.

· This is interesting. Palindromes- word or sentence that reads the same backwards and forwards. 1) Murder for a jar of red rum, 2) Never odd or even, 3) No lemon no melon, 4) Nurse, I spy gypsies. Run!, 5) Party booby trap, 6) Was it a car or a cat I saw?, 7) Yo, banana boy!, 8) Ten animals I slam in a net. Cool noh? Interesting! More, more, more!

· Good luck and bring home the bacon to Nathalim Rose “Baby Rose” Nalupa, Bb. Maribojoc Ube Queen 2007, who will be Bohol’s representative to the Ms. Central Visayas Corn Festival. This piece of news is channeled to True by Yking Echavia, the project manager of the Bb. Maribojoc 2007 (which was held on April 29 and sponsored by the SVI Alumni Association Maribojoc ). The Miss Central Visayas Corn Fest will be held in Toledo City on August 23. Nathalim Rose is a first year nursing student at the Holy Name University. The Ms. Central Visayas Corn Festival is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. Sec. Ace Durano is expected to grace the pageant.

· Could it be true that the people of Candijay were rejoicing (others have thrown a party, note: a drinking spree) over Boom Boom’s defeat in the World Cup Boxing last Sunday? The boxing icon’s defeat became a talk of the town here and abroad. Just for one round, de Leon knocked down Boom Boom. At www.tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com, you can read different reactions. Worst, they are accusing Gov. Erico Aumentado (after an article was published at the Philippine Daily Inquirer) on a project the governor had promised to Boom Boom (read: Boom Boom’s village loses road project after boxer’s loss). On the hand, it was a “hot” topic on our local radio stations that Boom Boom’s family have changed a lot, from meek to not so meek. If they changed a lot, there’s nothing wrong about it. They have something to be proud of. But a text message which was sent to me (of course, an anti-Boom Boom) said that “Boom Boom and his family have forgotten where they cam from. It’s so sad that they allow money to control their lives.” I’ve had heard Atoy Cosap praising the Boholano boxer and the veteran broadcaster didn’t miss to mention the issue involving Boom Boom’s family. There are many circumstances and many tales. As Mike commented, “It’s not about Boom-boom. This is about character, the attitude of the heart.”

· Speaking of Boom Boom, True US-based Very Reliable Source (VRS) who attended the fight shared this “uncanny” info that perhaps the Mexican people had “cast a spell” or “curse” Boom Boom. Before the fight, Boom Boom was in good condition. When he was in the ring, suddenly he became weak. A “force” had sipped all his energy and it was easy for de Leon to finish him for good. Spells are common in the third world countries. They believe on the power of the amulets and prayers. In games, players have beliefs on “sumpa” to win against the enemies. Or, was it the prayers of the people of Candijay were heard by the “unseen” people and granted their hearts’ desire? Believe it or not!

· While Boom Boom is defeated, Gov. Erico Aumentado is no excuse of “malicious” report. Gov. Aumentado a big Disgrace to the Boholanos, says Boom-boom fans. In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aumentado said: “If Boom-Boom becomes a champion, I will fulfill my commitment that I will have the road passing through his barangay (village) in Can-uling cemented. Right now, it’s a no go.” While many said that the governor is a disgrace, Arlaine Cecile Berdin, a concerned citizen cum Boholana commented at tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com: Boom-boom’s village did not lose a project. Governor Aumentado clarified that it will still push through when the time comes.wa man na mag-agad sa kadaugan ni Boom-boom oi. Getting a belt in boxing by a constituent is not a prerequisite of a road project. and I don’t think the governor does not know that gilain lang og sabot sa uban kay they are loaded. Just because they don’t like the governor, whatever he does, automatic sayop na dayon and this leads us to fallacies.

· Could it be true that an “unknown and less recognized agent” (read: manpower provider in Tagbilaran City, to the tune of one of Nora Aunor’s movies) is all “anger” when he heard that he was not “hired” by a Manila-based agent to handle an event here in Bohol? According to VRS, a Manila-based agent was calling this “unknown and less recognized agent” as he was recommended by another agent to handle an event, lately, the Manila- based agent found someone. When this “unknown and less recognized agent” learned this, his friend (connected to the company that the event is being handled) questioned the kawawang nilalang’s (coordinator of the Manila-based company) credibility. The “unknown and less recognized agent” has been telling that this kawawang nilalang has no “value” and “less experienced.” If they know who’s this kawawang nilalang theyy are “underestimating.” Look, who’s kawawa. See what money and greed can do that they “harm” a person just because they’re thinking they are better. Better? The lesson? You don’t have to underestimate people. Kawawang nilalang says, Sila ang mga taong naghahangad ng kasaganaan sa buhay pero puso’y namamatay! Dot it again and True will unmask you next time.

· As Holy Name University (HNU) turns 60 this year, the administration thru Fr. Ernesto Lagura, SVD is giving better services to the students. With the MyHNU SIm powered by Globe, the personalized SIM exclusively for the students can “change” their lives. Sa MyHNU SIM, ang lakas mo!

· Watch your favorite movies at the Island City Mall’s Screenville Cinema. Screenville is the first modern cinema outside Metro Manila. Ready to fall in love with A Love Story starring Aga Muhlach, Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban, which according to publicist Ariel Fullido and Screenville manager John Bosco Lupot, “a must see!”

***

Last week, news at SPACE.com caught my attention. It’s about a passenger can travel to the moon on the flight manifest of a space tourist company.

The news says, the price per seat will slap your wallet or purse for a swift $100 million - but you’ll have to get in line as the first voyage is already booked.

Space Adventures, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, is in negotiations with the customers who will fly the first private expedition to circumnavigate the Moon.

Call it lunar leap: free return promo. A Space Adventures team has blueprinted a circumlunar mission using a unique blend of existing and flight-tested Russian technology. At the heart of the lunar leap is Russia’s venerable Soyuz spacecraft. A pilot and two passengers would depart Earth in their Soyuz, linking up in orbit with an unpiloted kick stage for a boost outward to the Moon.

Sales are up for future public hops to the orbiting outpost. Customers are lined up for Soyuz seats to the ISS in 2008, in 2009, and potentially beyond, Anderson said.

”We’re trying to talk to the Russian Space Agency about how to increase the numbers of Soyuz flights to the space station. It is scheduled to go from two to four in late 2009...but there may be ways to increase the number of Soyuz flights even beyond that in the future,” Anderson noted. “My confidence level is high,” he said, that those seats can be filled with customers.

To date, Space Adventures has sold almost $200 million worth of spaceflights. They’ve booked flights into the future, even selling a couple more than the company has announced. Their clients have spent some 60 days cumulatively in Earth orbit.

And there remains another exploit for the public space traveler to master - a space walk.

Years from now, the moon is the next tourist attraction. But do you know that the person Filipino who bought a property in the moon (the celestial object orbiting our planet Earth) is a Boholano? He is Natalio Dahab Tabacco from Taloto District, Tagbilaran City. The cost was minimal. It’s the thought that he jumped at the opportunity when the idea was no farfetched. He has a title to show for it.

Natalio is still alive. He is enjoying at his prime.

“Yes, it’s true. He’s still alive and living in New York,” environmentalist and entrepreneur Zenaida Darunday (who runs the Darunday Manor located along J.A. Clarin Street, Tagbilaran City, Tel no: 411- 2512). In fact, Zenaida said Natalio was included in a souvenir handbook by the Tagbilaran Association of Northern California (Tanocal) on its silver jubilee.

Natalio accomplished an exceptional feat of being the 1st Filipino International Civil Service Career person by joining the United Nations during its founding years in 1946 and serving until his retirement in 1978.

In the history of Filipino migration to the US, he too is the first, long before the “second wave” (migration of professionals) started in the early 1960s. (The first Boholano teachers sent to the US in 1903 to be trained under the Pensionado program were Eduardo Ramirez and Zacarias Rocha. Gaudioso Ferniz and his brother Joe were the first Boholanos who went to the US in 1920s.)

Natalio is featured in the book “The Filipino Americans from 1763 to the present: Their history, culture and traditions,” by Veltisezar Bautista, which carries the following citation:

“A World War II veteran, Natalio Tabacco holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to be recruited by the United Nations Secretariat in 1946. Born on July 23, 1918 in barrio (now Barangay) Taloto, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Tabacco received the UN Peace Medal for Outstanding Service to the UN in 1976. This is the highest medal of honor given to an individual working for the cause of international peace through the UN.”

***

A crime wave has hit the city as thieves, muggers, hold-uppers and other lawless elements take advantage of the society. They know that the authorities are too “distracted” getting organized or being tired from work, so these criminals are having a heyday.

A text message which is now circulated in town warns us to to “rally against crime in this city. Enough is enough! How many more people have to die for us to realize that Bohol is becoming a breeding ground for criminals.”

One shocking news is about Jack Lloren Arat. Jack was a known dance instructor in Bohol. As a student at the University of Bohol, Jack had particppated in numerous ballroom dancing competitions until he moved to the Bohol Tropics as part of the team. While at the Bohol Tropics, Jack was handling special projects of Lazer Party Club.

When Bohol was in drought of models for the past years, it was Jack who “rejuvenated” the “industry.” He gave life to the dead “industry” in Bohol. There was Runwayicons, a modeling agency but the “modeling house” closed after months of its operation. Jack was “braved” to venture in modeling business until he founded the Unlimited Models. Jack and his models made Tagbilaran lively again.

Last August 13, Jack joined his Creator. He was murdered by unknown suspects. While, he was rushed to the hospital, Jack was still conscious, in fact, the doctor asked him who did it to him. Jack didn’t give answer. For sure, Jack knew the suspects.

Rest assured Jack is watching them to ask for justice.

Baba Yap, Lazer Party Club big boss sent this message to True, the day Jack passed away. I am shocked and deeply grieved to hear the sudden demise of our beloved Jack Arat. His death is a great loss to his family and friends. Though he has departed from our visibility, he is still with us in our hearts. May he rest in eternal peace.

***

If Philippines is the pearl of the orient seas and Malaysia is truly Asia, then Singapore is new Asia. Mention Singapore and people will tell you about Sentosa. More than Sentosa, it’s uniquely Singapore. Fresh from a Singapore tour is Eden Descallar, the young workaholic (and beautiful) Globe Telecom Bohol-OIC (soon to be manager) who went there for a short vacation (read: naglaag laag ang sosyal!) with friends.

The Lonely Planet has listed Singapore as a tourism hub. Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for cool efficiency and spotless streets, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel.

At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship create part of the everyday landscape - colorful contrasts that bring the city to life.

A short vacation in Singapore is definitely not enough if you want to eat and breathe Singapore. There is much to see and do. From the famed Chili Crab and Hainanese Chicken Rice to Sentosa Island and the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

You will not believe how clean and green the city is until you set foot here. The spotless highways and the surrounding flora are proof of what you have heard from other friends and relatives. Experience for yourself the towering skyscrapers in the business district, the hustle and bustle of the Orchard Road shopping belt or the friendly chatter of Singaporeans going about their daily tasks in the heartlands.

The Merlion was designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964. The designer was Mr Fraser Brunner, a member of the souvenir committee and a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium.

The Merlion has a lion head and a fish body resting on a crest of waves. The lion head symbolizes the legend of the rediscovery of Singapura, as recorded in the “Malay Annals.”

Famous landmarks are Underwater World Sans Kevin Costner. Sentosa’s saving grace, Gracie the dugong, is Underwater World’s star performer. Leafy sea-dragons and wobbling Medusa jellyfish are mesmeric; stingrays and ten-foot sharks cruise above Ocean Colony’s submerged glass tubes at 9am to 9pm

Orchard Rd. Sheer Indulgence. Famous by name, Orchard Rd was once was lined with nutmeg and pepper plantations. Today it’s the domain of Singapore’s elite and well-heeled tourists, lured here by the shopping centers, nightspots, restaurants, bars and lounges. A showcase for the material delights of capitalism, Orchard Rd also possesses some sights of cultural interest where a credit card is not required.

You’ll be astounded by the number of activities that can be packed into this pulsating island, day and night. And the best part is that you can visit Singapore at all times of the year as its tropical climate means sunshine all year round.

As the slogan goes: Out of the millions of ways to enjoy Singapore, we’ve picked 101 ways. Try them all! Ways to enjoy Singapore? Singapore is simply amazing!

***

You can email me at leoudtohan@yahoo.com. Send SMS at 09212446791. Or read online at www.bohol.ph.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista? and other "hot"items

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista?

Guess who’s this businessman who soon to be a dad

Proem:

· Food for the soul: The thread asked the candle: Why you dissolve yourself when I burn?” candles said: “You’re in my heart, if you suffer I’m here to shed tears for you.” That’s friendship.

· Could it be true that two good-looking sons of prominent families here in Tagbilaran City, obviously tipsy, were caught kissing inside a car along CPG Avenue (near Krislyn)? Could they have been, uh, having a game, with one of them standing in, as, ehem, the queen?

· There are two interactive websites which are now enjoying highest memberships among Boholanos local and abroad. Mike Ligalig’s www.tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com and Mikey Gatal’s www.mikeygatal.com/connect. You can post your views, opinions, and, if you wish to say something a little “bolder,” these websites are for you.

· Guess who this young and pretty newscaster, who doesn’t seem to know how to establish her own identity and style. We noticed she has been doing a not-so-good job delivering the news with her voice decibels down. She might have been copying the style of a more senior newscaster but she’s not successful. We suggest she sticks to her own style, to let it flow nicely, not at all that intense. After all, she has the talent and got a pretty face (?). Loosen up, girl!

· Could it be true that a group or delegation from Bohol was not denied or not granted a visa by the US Embassy? Rumors said that there are many Filipino who are going to the US as immigrant would remain either to work or do TNT. The group is supposed to perform in the US. Another group from Panglao was denied last month.

· True’s breaking news about unpaid telephone bills in the offices of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) drew reactions from readers at the tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com. True is standing by his story. An SP employee who claims as the “subject” (read: the heartless and greedy employee) is heard “threatening” that True doesn’t know who’s the person he is “fighting.” Of course, True knows that when he bumped with this dambuhala he would seriously injure. Another thing, most of the SP offices don’t have internet access. What if they have important email to read? True wants to make it clear: he is not and has never been a Capitol employee. He volunteers for “worthy” projects commissioned by the Sangguniang Kabataan and a firm believer of Abraham Lincoln’s “a government by the people and for the people.”

***

If you’re been following goings-on here in Tagbilaran City, one should know that there’s a persistent rumor that a businessman (clue: Where’s my pasalubong?) got a girl pregnant and soon to be a dad. That is if he will marry the girl. Is it goodbye to the girls he loved before?

According to VRS, the girl is about two or three months pregnant. This businessman has been dating this girl for months. They know each other, VRS added. This businessman a good boyfriend is visiting the girl’s family to establish rapport –as a future son-in-law?

The girl is a nurse by profession, VRS divulged. The girl came from a humble family, yet beautiful and sophisticated.

The couple to be are planning to the tie the knot this October. Is it the main reason that this guy is seldom seen in the operation? Blame it to love, man!

This businessman, who came to Bohol for business, is single and pretty boy. He has what it takes to make it far in the business industry.

Tax evasion for Boom Boom

Excuse me; I don’t have intention to spoil your appetite watching the bout of Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico. While, fighting for glory and honor, Boom Boom is no excuse of a controversy (the same news we heard on a local radio) he’s facing now.

Could it be true that boxing idol Rey “Boom Bom” Bautista will face a million tax evasion charges to be filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue with the Court of Tax Appeals?

According to True Very Reliable Source (VRS) the “hot” item came into public when BIR men are “discussing” tax payers.

The same VRS said that the BIR has collected evidences to be presented and is sufficient to prove that the Boom Boom has violated several provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code.

A source from the BIR said that Bautista is required to file a declaration of his estimated income for each taxable year. As an individual earning income within the Philippines, and irrespective of his citizenship, Bautista must file a tax return, a BIR official said.

Baustita will be charged by BIR for failure to pay the proper taxes. Boom Boom must have misdeclared his income for the past years and the BIR intends to collect what the boxer failed to pay.

The BIR has been going after high-profile tax evaders the past years, including movie celebrities like Judy Ann Santos, Regine Velasquez and Richard Gomez.

Addendum: The Fil-Am Banares brothers EJ, 18, and Brandon, 15, sung the sing the Philippine National Anthem before an estimated 40 million viewers at the World Cup of Boxing today, August 12, at the Arco Stadium in Sacramento, California. The invitation was initiated by Tony Aldeguer of Alaboxing Gym in Cebu City. Proteges of the Aldeguer Sisters (Laly and Terry) who run the Aldeguer Sisters Performing Arts in L.A., the Banares brothers have performed in several musicals including The King and I, Oliver, West Side Story and The Best of Broadway. There is a news from US based VRS that the son of Peter and Sarah Dejaresco, Deane Jeffrey, will proudly carry the Philippine flag during the singing of the Philippine anthem. It's an honor, indeed.

A final press conference for the World Cup was held August 10 at 1 p.m. at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, with no less than the legendary Oscar De la Hoya doing the hosting chores for the event. Here's what Oscar and the fighters have to say at today's press conference. Boom Boom said: Good afternoon to all the press in Arco Arena. I would like to give thanks to Golden Boy Promotions for giving me a chance to fight in this championship fight. This is my dream, this is what I want. I will try my best because I know this fight is very tough. This is a war. The Filipino is one of the best in the world!

All true for tagna tagna

Let us look back to True’s tagna tagna for 2007 which was published last year. It was based upon Cresia Sarahina’s predictions and my own observation and info from VRS and other sources. These are the tagna who came true for this quarter. True, indeed!

• A radio news program will fade out. There are, you know! - LPU

• A new lifestyle show will be aired on a local cable channel with new promising local teen stars. There was but it was like meteorites.- LPU

• A writer and host program will jump over the bakod. You know moving to a new “station.” They are my friends in the media Batchoy Alba, Brigette Viernes and Chito Vissara. -LPU

• A young daughter of a prominent family here will get pregnant out of wedlock. She'll come out crying on but the “culprit” will be unmoved and refuse to marry her. Yes, the girl went to Cebu to “hide.”-LPU

• A happily-married businessman will be romantically linked to a young student. But he'll survive the minor issue with himself and his family intact. They are happy together. -LPU

• A popular government employee will quit her job and announce her intention to run in next year's elections – if, and that's the Big If, there would be elections. She’s Maam Kit Oppus. She won as City Councilor last May 14 elections. - LPU

• A wife of a prominent politician will have problems with her philandering husband. Yes, and until now they are still arguing!- LPU

• BJ Alba is moving to another station (in other place, possibly abroad). BJ Alba who’s the news director of dyTR AM/FM moved to dyRD last May. -LPU

• More success on Raymund Roldan's chain of business. However, he should be careful… and to take care (more) of his family. The recent new Save ‘n Earn building in J.S. Torralba. - LPU

• Loy Palapos will get more travel next year (with lots of job offers), but he'll never turn his back on dear Philippines. He is reportedly to travel abroad! - LPU

• Gerry Lugod will find his “real” love after getting “out” of shell. Gerry is free as a bird after “confessing” his own identity. We love you, Gerry!-LPU

• Dennis Du (of Dunkin Donuts) is lucky for business in 2007. But sad to say, there is a possibility to transfer to another place. Dennis is now lucky to find his dreamgirl. –LPU

MyHNU Globe SIM soon to be released

It’s one school, one sim.

I wish to congratulate Holy Name University (HNU) of going further in the field of quality education (and of better service to the studentry). HNU has entered into a partnership with Globe Telecommunications to produce a personalized prepaid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that would provide new services to HNU students, such as access to an emergency/crisis hotline, paying tuition and making inquiries about grades, all through the cell phone.

The service which is first-of-its-kind in the province will be launched this month.

The SIM, called MyHNU Prepaid SIM Card, has all the features of a regular 64K prepaid SIM card. The SIM is exclusive for Holy Name University powered by Globe.

Another feature of MyHNU SIM is the electronic way of sending and receiving money, buying prepaid cell phone load, paying bills and other money-related transactions via text message.

Students can pay their tuition through GCash instead of lining up at the treasurer’s office; they just send a text message. This is faster, more affordable and secure. It’s hassle-free.

Student can also inquire about their grade through the SIM card via a special menu for this purpose.

To avail of the MyHNU SIM card, students will have to buy the SIM, fill out a pre-registration form and present an identification card (ID) number.

The SIM will cost Php 99, while text and calls within the network will be at a cheaper rate at 75 centavos per text and 10 centavos per second for calls. However, the same rates apply for text and calls to other networks.

Globe will have a two-week-long launching of the product from August 20 -31. Stalls, where the product will be sold, will be put up in the different colleges in the university.

Globe Telecom is still looking into the possibility of adding more features and downloadables to the SIM.

MYHNU SIM is very timely as the University will be celebrating her 60^th year of providing quality education to the Boholano people.

A great force is coming to the Holynamian community!

Feedback

From Rigo C. Mijos, Sr., a Data Integrity Specialist of Mizuno USA, Inc.:

Perfect! Yes, I'm an avid fan of yours, you know that. I am following your column on the local newspaper. I've even wrote a comment on your latest writings on bohol.ph " Bol-anon flavor and other tales" have you seen that? Lastly, I would appreciate if you feature Hinagdanan Cave in Bingag, Dauis which was taken out on the list of destination in Bohol.

It's so sad, but you can't blame them. If you have visited the place lately, you will notice that the beauty is no longer there. The place is so commercialized that even souvenir stores is almost eating the mouth of the cave. I don't know why the town of Dauis allowed this to happen even in the first place, the surroundings of the cave are owed by private individuals. They should have put a park on top of the cave and set certain distance from the cave those people that who wanted to do businesses around the place. It's not too late yet if the local government is serious about Tourism.

I've been in Florida and I saw how they managed their beaches and other tourism spots. I just hope one day some of our leaders will be serious in doing their jobs where they are elected for. Thanks, Leo and hopefully, you will meet some of my brothers in Panglao town fiesta, Aug 28.

Thanks and best regards.

Marimar, awwh!

The 1994 telenovela, Marimar, starring Thalia (the Queen of Soap Operas) stormed the whole world (televised first in 1996 on RPN 9). The premiere showing of this Philippine version of Marimar will be tomorrow, August 13. Will this version be as big as the original one made by Thalia? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, let us sing the theme song of Marimar sung by Ms. Regine Velasquez:

Marimar

Marimar, ako po si Marimar
Lumaki sa tabingdagat
Sa lolo’t lola namulat
Hindi natinag sa pangaral
Busog sa pagmamahal

Marimar, ako po si Marimar
Simple man at mahirap
Meron ding mga pangarap
Hangad sa pagdarasal
Tunay na pagmamahal

Marimar, Marimar
‘Pag tumibok ang puso
Pag-ibig ay asahan mo
Marimar, Marimar
‘Pag tumibok ang puso
Dakilang pagsuyo

Marimar!

***

You can email me at leoudtohan@yahoo.com. Or you can send SMS at 09212446791. Or read online at www.bohol.ph

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista? and other "hot"items

BIR to file tax evasion raps against Rey “Bom Boom” Bautista?

Guess who’s this businessman who soon to be a dad

Proem:

· Could it be true that two good-looking sons of prominent families here in Tagbilaran City, obviously tipsy, were caught kissing inside a car along CPG Avenue (near Krislyn)? Could they have been, uh, having a game, with one of them standing in, as, ehem, the queen?

· There are two interactive websites which are now enjoying highest memberships among Boholanos local and abroad. Mike Ligalig’s www.tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com and Mikey Gatal’s www.mikeygatal.com/connect. You can post your views, opinions, and, if you wish to say something a little “bolder,” these websites are for you.

· Guess who this young and pretty newscaster, who doesn’t seem to know how to establish her own identity and style. We noticed she has been doing a not-so-good job delivering the news with her voice decibels down. She might have been copying the style of a more senior newscaster but she’s not successful. We suggest she sticks to her own style, to let it flow nicely, not at all that intense. After all, she has the talent and got a pretty face (?). Loosen up, girl!

· Could it be true that a group or delegation from Bohol was not denied or not granted a visa by the US Embassy? Rumors said that there are many Filipino who are going to the US as immigrant would remain either to work or do TNT. The group is supposed to perform in the US. Another group from Panglao was denied last month.

· True’s breaking news about unpaid telephone bills in the offices of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) drew reactions from readers at the tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com. True is standing by his story. An SP employee who claims as the “subject” (read: the heartless and greedy employee) is heard “threatening” that True doesn’t know who’s the person he is “fighting.” Of course, True knows that when he bumped with this dambuhala he would seriously injure. Another thing, most of the SP offices don’t have internet access. What if they have important email to read? True wants to make it clear: he is not and has never been a Capitol employee. He volunteers for “worthy” projects commissioned by the Sangguniang Kabataan and a firm believer of Abraham Lincoln’s “a government by the people and for the people.”