Will Tracy Torres’ bet be the 30th Miss Bohol?

Will Tracy Torres’ bet be the 30th Miss Bohol?

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The Boholanos in Luzon (particularly in Metro Manila) are getting excited for the July activities in Bohol. From Atty. Julius Gregory “Greg” Delgado, president of the Association of Young Boholanos in Metro Manila, Inc. (AYBM): his coming July, the Association of Young Boholanos in Metro Manila, Inc. will have two major events in Bohol. First, is Dagan para sa Pamilacan: Trail Run for a Cause to be held on July 24, 5 a.m. at the Baluarte Complex, Baclayon. Second is the most-awaited return of Bohol's most illustrious disciple of the arts, Mr. Sam Penaso from Guindulman in “Sam Penaso: The Homecoming – An Art Exhibition for a Cause” which is Sam’s first exhibit in his beloved province. Sam is one if not the greatest painter Bohol ever had. After his solo and group exhibits in Europe, America and Asia, Sam Penaso and his obra maesta will be finally home. The public can view Sam’s art works from July 23-24, 2011 beside the National Bookstore of the Island City Mall.

Scene: An explosive event will happen on July 16 as the head master and eventologist Mizken Tirol Andan will celebrate the 8^th year of his Runway Icons with a red carpet event at Atmospheres of the Metro Centre Hotel. The event, which will start at 9 p.m., will feature the fun wear designs of Cebu guest designer Peewee Senining and professional models of Runway Icons. And more to the exciting eyes is the appearance of popular model Andrew Wolf! Interesting! Interesting!

Scene: More than 30 staff members of The Penmasters’ of the University of Bohol Day High School Department participated in a seminar-workshop on campus journalism held July 9 at the IMC. Jheinena Cimafranca-Clarin is the school paper adviser.

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Every time the Miss Bohol Sandugo season comes around, they always say that the current batch is the best. But this year, confirmed by beauty watchers “this year is the best, best batch” so the judges will have a hard time choosing Bohol’s finest lady and ambassador of goodwill from the 19 candidates (Miss Sagbayan and Miss Talibon quit the pageant last week and the Miss Bohol Sandugo committee accepted three additional candidates: Miss Albur, Miss BISU and Miss Tagbilaram City square).

Next Saturday, July 16, the 30^th Miss Bohol Sandugo will be chosen at the Bohol Cultural Center and beauty-watchers from all Bohol and around the world (where are there Boholanos) are hoping that their bets will bring home the crown.

So far, the candidates continue to hold the public interest especially on Miss Bohol Sandugo (non-profit organization) fan page on Facebook. “It’s overwhelming to see the greetings and words of encouragement from the fans,” said a beauty-watcher and Facebook user. Jameshayne Salvani Obedencio posted: “Oh my God, I can see an angel. If somebody wants to see an angel, Jade represents the angels on the earth. Wow! Wow! Wow!” Another fan, Jhoey Jo Arana said, “Miss Bohol Sandugo candidates rock the fire... rock the crowdddddd....be the best.”

If Miss Sagbayan and Miss Talibon quit because of “personal problems with their handler” and “lack of financial support from the municipalities”, Stela Florence Rosarah Coronica (who didn’t get financial support from the municipality of Panglao) didn’t lose hope. Thank heavens for Tracy Remolador Torres who came to “rescue” her. Stela is now representing “Tracy Remolador Torres Couturier.”

“She has a good fighting chance,” according to Tracy, one of ”Bohol’s most powerful bading” and a popular make-up artist and hairstylist, who is taking care of Stela. “So far, she’s doing very well.”

Stela, who was born on October 7, 1987, stands 5'6", 99.87 lbs, and with vital statistics of 31-24-32, became Holy Name University- Miss Education 2006 and Miss Alona 2007 2nd runner up.

“That was four years ago and I am excited for this Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant!” gushed Stela in an exclusive interview with Bared.

The beauty queen is also a licensed teacher. In fact, tomorrow, she will be teaching at Panglao Central East Elementary School. “I will be handling grade four pupils,” said Stela.

What are her preparations for the pageant? “I read a lot of books for me to get more ideas about our society at this moment. And aside from that, I make sure that I take enough rest for me to stay healthy of course. I admit that there's a lot of pressure for joining this event, but I'm trying my best to stay cool and just enjoy this one,” said Stela who is beauty and brains combined.

What kind of diet does she have? “Well, just the regular diet I usually have. No changes at all.”

How much sleep do you get per night? “I make sure I have at least 7 hours of sleep per night. I also take siesta!”

What part of your body do you think needs improvement? “I love everything about me. And if there's something to be improved, that would be how I carry myself in a more confident way.”

And what part is your favorite? “My eyes. They are the windows to our soul. I love it because they can readily show my deepest emotions whether I'm happy, sad, afraid and the like.”

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex? “I'm not into PMS. This would not answer the curiosity of young people these days. I always believe that there is a right time for everything and I would not forsake my faith in God just because I'm curious of something inevitable.”

And what is your stand on the Reproductive Health Bill? “This is the most controversial issue nowadays, however, I believe that this is not the solution to our national concern on poverty. There are still a lot more ways to improve our country's economic standing, and one of that is to change the priorities in our government system. Aside from that, if I were to support this bill, it’s like I didn't want to see my younger siblings. We are ten in the family and I am happy that I have them. We'll strive hard just to ensure that all of us can finish college.”

Why do you think education is important? “It is the only treasure that can't be taken away from us and it is as well our only avenue to survive in this world which is full of change and uncertainty.”

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why? “If I were somebody else, I want to be Carrie Underwood. It is because I really idolize her and I love her songs which are really inspirational.”

What are your beauty secrets? “I take enough sleep, and aside from that I make sure that I smile rather than frown. This will keep all the wrinkles away!”

Nightlife? “Not in a regular basis. Sometimes I go out with my friends but I think it happens once a month only.”

What is your greatest inspiration? “My greatest inspiration in life is my family. They are the best that I have and I would like to do everything to make them happy and be proud of me.”

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be? “I would not change something in me because I am satisfied with what I have. If there is something changed, that would not be Stela Coronica at all.”

What is your favorite quote? " A person's best asset is not just the brain full of knowledge, but a heart full of love with an ear open to listen and a hand willing to help. Because if your heart is full of love, all your five senses will follow.”

How's your love life? “I have a colorful lovelife.”

What do you find sexy in a man? “His eyes and smile.”

What qualities do you want in a man? “I really like a man who has sense of humor, but of course, there's nothing more important than being true to himself.”

And what turns you off? “Being superficial and untrue.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep? “I pray.”

First thing that you do when you wake-up? “Check my Phone.”

Stela is a member of a choir who sing during Sundays at St. Augustine Church in Panglao. She knows how to play the guitar, too.

Her mom, Josefina, passed away due to breast cancer. “My mother is my role model. She has been my inspiration ever since I was young and I am proud of what I have become because of her.” She has nine siblings. “Since I am the eldest, I help my father (Celso) to look after her younger siblings.”

She has also a knack for stealing scenes without being a show-off, such as when she joined beauty pageants before.

To end our conversations, I asked Stela to give me a sample of her queenly walk. She stood out with her “cat walk” and fair skinned charm with her hair collected in a bun.

“The smile never left her face. She is a beauty queen,” observed Tracy.

Will Stela join the Miss Bohol Honor Roll?

***

Here is an Honor Roll of Misses Bohol Sandugo:

Although there were beauty pageants held before (Miss Bohol in1955-1988 and Miss Bohol Fiesta Islands in 1989), it was only in 1995 that Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant was held. Paula Raagas Valles of Maribojoc won the first Miss Bohol Sandugo crown.

Paula Raagas Valles, 1955 (Maribojoc); Olivia Solis Cabrera, 1956 (Calape); Delia Canda dela Serna, 1962 (Maribojoc); Theoprolia Clarin Parras, 1968 (Sevilla); Geraldine Galang, 1976 (Carmen); Reza Cabagnot, 1977 (Tagbilaran City); Rachelle Oculam, 1982 (Lila); Marcel Gatal, 1983 (Tagbilaran City); Gemma Manding, 1986 (Tagbilaran City); Elizabeth Mumar Añana, 1988 (Guindulman); Winnie Moreno Lim, 1989 (Tagbilaran City); Tiffany Yap, 1990 (Jagna); Recelle Adlaon, 1991 (Jagna); Celevel Ranoco, 1992 (Jagna); Mary Ann Eronico, 1993 (Talibon); Vanessa Joyce Evardone, 1994 (Tagbilaran City); Irah Noemi Naron, 1995 (Baclayon); Lianne Reyes Canoy, 1996 (Maribojoc); Socorro D’ Marie Tallo Inting, 1997 (Tagbilaran City); Josely Yap Ferniz, 1998 (Bilar); Maria Niña Cubillo, 1999 (A.B.E.N.A.) replaced by Jennifer Ejoc (Catigbian); Mellanie Angelina Wallace, 2000 (Calape); Jeany Justiniane, 2001 (Valencia); Cherry Mae Bacarro, 2002 (Dimiao); Fatima Liora Lloren Rana, 2003 (Jagna); Rhiz Novah Arenas, 2004 (Inabanga); Anna Maris Igpit, 2005 (Panglao); Joy Marie Maglajos, 2005 (Catigbian); Daisy Jean Quilicot, 2009 (Tagbilaran City); and Amir Paraguya Sol, 2010 (Tubigon).

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

Miss Sagbayan backs out of Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant

Miss Sagbayan backs out of Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant (Bets down from 19 to 18)

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Somebody forwarded to me the following “Important Health Tips” of drinking water to maximize its effectiveness on the body: 2 glasses of water after waking up helps activate internal organs, 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal helps digestion, 1 glass of water before taking a bath helps lower blood pressure and 1 glass of water before going to bed avoids stroke or heart attack.

Scene: The Philippine Public Transparency Reporting Project (PPTRP) held its 6th training on advanced transparency and anti-corruption reporting called “Numeracy for Journalists, Civil Society Organizations and Citizens” on June 30, 2011 at JJ’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City. The training is the second leg of the PPTRP training series in Bohol. The first was held last August 10, 2010, where members of the media and civil society organizations were trained on basic laws on transparency and accountability and anti-corruption in the public sector and ways in monitoring and reporting corruption in their respective local governments. The recent training revisited basic concepts on corruption, followed by inputs in understanding local government finance processes, including the powers and limitations of local government officials on budget management matters. The training also tackled the procurement process and areas where media and CSO could take part to increase accountability in government procurement. Rowena Paraan, secretary-general of NUJP, facilitated the seminar. Aepril Maita “Mytee” Palo was the resource person to discuss extensively on local budget process.

Seen: A popular singer-actress spent secret “holiday” in Bohol with (unknown) hunk. The singer-actress who’s separated from her husband-singer paid all the expenses including their stay in a high-end resort in Panglao. “For four days, they were just inside their bungalow. They just called the intercom to order when they’re hungry,” said a roving VRS.

Scene: A crying mother (CM) sought this famous personality on air (FPOA) when she learned that her hunky son (HS) was living on board and in bed with this FPOA. HS told his parents that he would look for a job in Manila but instead lived with FPOA who gave HS a decent job. During their “Harapan 101”, CM only scolded HS but not FPOA. To solve the issue, FPOA asked HS to transfer; he gave “pabaon” like rice cooker and other needs for HS to survive. As a doting former gay –in-law, FPOA politely informed CM that HS moved to another house. CM replied “salamat maikog man gud ko magsamuksamuk nimo.” It has been two weeks since their “separation” HS told FPOA “mingaw ko nimo langga. Miss you baby! Muwah!” The clue? “Ang haba ng hair ni FPOA from Tagbi to Loboc! Char!

Seen: Frustrated to acquire a name in the modeling industry, this former aspirant in modeling (FAM) who has a body to die for has turned into a rent boy in the gay community for a high price. FAM’s modus is like a game show: the price is right but the highest bidder wins. A disgruntled high-profile baklush complained that hunky FA isn’t worth the Php 5,000 price tag because the high–profile baklush insists that FAM has a funky smell emanates from his southern regions.

Seen: Is the high-ranking government official (who knows how to use the calculator) fighting the big C? Reports have it that the government official apparently has been battling cancer. “Many of her friends have been worried of her frequent hospitalization. She has been kind and nice to all of us,” said one of the employees.

Scene: Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin gave birth last Thursday, June 30, to her and husband Engr. Jerome John Gabin’s second child at Maternity Hospital. There is no other information about the baby yet, since the couple is still at the recovery room. A nurse said Engr. Gabin is very excited about the new baby boy. Fiel texted Bared that she is thanking everyone for their support and prayers for her safe delivery.

***

Last week, a little drama happened during the practice of 19 aspirants for the 2011 Miss Bohol Sandugo, a candidate could not be found. Her absences during practices met with speculation that the candidate had been forced by her handler to stop joining the pageant. Then, the committee announced that Billie Jean Lopez decided to quit as the representative of Sagbayan to the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011.

Close friends of Miss Sagbayan said "The misunderstanding between Billie Jean and her handler, among other personal reasons, has caused her undue stress, thus hindering her from joining for the contest."

Two other candidates are being feared to back out because they’ve failed to give their registration.

“It is a sad fact that most the candidates have no support from the municipalities they have represented,” one beauty-watcher said. “The candidates and their handlers have to look for resources to pay for the registration, make-up and gowns. How can we celebrate independence, beauty and womanhood when only a few appreciate and support them?” added another beauty fanatic.

As of press time, only 18 hopefuls are competing in the 2011 Miss Bohol Sandugo contest scheduled on July 16 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

There are two candidates representing Dauis and Loon. “The committee has yet to solve this,” according to VRS.

Fans worldwide are now busy supporting their candidates on Miss Bohol Sandugo (Non-Profit Organization) fanpage on Facebook.

The 2011 Miss Bohol Sandugo official candidates are Ma. Genelle Parma (Dauis), Ma. Lorivie Bonao (Dauis), Ely Rose Apple Angcon (Loon), Marylle Paloso (Loon), Yannette Aleria (San Miguel), Charserlyn Clamosa (Bilar), Rajevie Ravindidrakumar (Clarin), Ezra May Corona (Mabini), Charmaine Agas (Jagna), Jade Nica Obedencio (Balilihan), Karen Balbuena (Valencia), Farrah Faye Mian (Tubigon), Juliet Auxtero (Talibon), Kristine Pearl Ladaga (Garcia Hernandez), Renzee June Batoy (Baclayon), Aimee Ann Anunciado (Catigbian), Maria Genelle Parma (Sikatuna) and Stela Florence Rosarah Coronica (Panglao).

The preliminary swimsuit competition takes place July 9 at Miravilla Resort. The talent night is on July 14 at Tagbilaran Pier.

The winner will become Bohol’s Ambassador of Goodwill. She will promote Bohol, work with charitable organizations (if there is any), and become an overnight celebrity. This will be a dream come true for that one lucky girl, and her life could be changed forever.

The Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant is regarded as the most prestigious in the province of Bohol. So far, it has produced one Binibining Pilipinas (Anna Maris Igpit in 2006).

(Addendum: Stay tuned because an additional (new) info will be announced.)

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

Miss Jagna Charmaine Agas prepares for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

Miss Jagna Charmaine Agas prepares for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

After winning the prestigious titles of Binibining Jagna 2010 and Miss UB Personality 2009 1^st runner-up, Charmaine S. Agas prepares herself for the upcoming Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011, the province’s most prestigious pageant on July 16 at the Bohol Cultural Center (the talent competition is on July 14 at the Tagbilaran Port Area).

A Pisces (March 15), Charmaine stands 5’5”; weighs 105 lbs., and has a vital statistics of 32-26-35, is an imposing presence both on and off stage. This 17 year old Accountancy student of Holy Name University has put a face to the name and what a very beautiful face it is, matched by a beautiful mind and a beautiful body with which the cameras love to flirt.

God-fearing, simple, optimistic, driven and bestowed with keen sense of volunteerism, Charmaine finds fulfillment in being involved in community-based projects. She is encouraging the young people to actively participate in community activities and help in nation-building.

“The activeness of youth,” said Charmaine. “There are activities in the community that the youths are the people working behind it. Like religious, sports, recreational activities and alike. This quality should be given importance to develop leadership, camaraderie and skills.”

Jagna is not only famous of their calamay (a sticky sweet delicacy) but also of their beautiful women. It is the only town in Bohol that has the most number of Miss Bohol Sandugo winners. It accomplished the first-ever three feats in the Miss Bohol Sandugo when the town's entries successively triumphed from 1990 to 1992: Tiffany Yap (1990), Ma. Recelle Adlaon (1991) and Celevel Ranoco (1992). Also in 2003, Fatima Liora Lloren Rana was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo.

Is she nervous or pressured for the competition?

“Kinda pressured...but I trust myself. Whatever happens, I am still a winner and all of us (candidates) of Miss Bohol Sandugo are winners. It’ just that there is a winner in competitions. There will be a lesson that molds me to a better person. I believe that experience matters most,” she said with a beguiling smile.

Who are her inspirations to join Miss Bohol Sandugo?

“I’m inspired by the persons who trust me and those who don’t trust me. To those who trust me because they remind me that I am capable and to those who don’t trust me because they challenge me and taught me to be strong and be the best that I could,” she stressed.

The municipality of Jagna under the leadership of Mayor Fortunato 'Bicbic' Abrenilla is supporting Charmaine in her quest to win the crown. Mayor Abrenilla is designating her niece, Manol Ocio, the chairman of the successful Little Miss Jagna 2010, to take care of Charmaine.

Despite the pressures, hectic schedules and seemingly daunting task ahead of her, Charmaine is determined to purge head on in her pursuit of Miss Bohol Sandugo title. Constantly thankful for the privilege of being a beauty queen who represents Jagna, she is more than ready to undergo any challenge to bring the title where it truly belongs....home to the Calamay country.

What are your preparations for the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011?

“I minimize the amount of food I eat everyday. It’s very hard for me to do that since I am a food lover. I appreciate food so much! I exercise daily like sit ups and reading and surfing for info that are useful and important.”

What kind of diet do you have?

“Eating fruits, vegetables and drinking lots of water.”

Drinking a lot of water is good for the skin, they say.

“I am drinking more than six to eight glasses per day.”

What part of your body do you think needs improvement?

“My tummy or “bilbil (belly fat)” because I have a big one. I really want have those sexy and shaped body! And it takes a lot of workout to have that body I want have.”

And what part is your favorite?

“My face. The shape of my face is my asset. And I can say it since many of my friends told me that it is the asset that they find the best in me. There was a time that I looked in the mirror and then thought that it really is my asset!”

Who is your role model and why?

“Fatima Soriano. I love all her songs, the lyrics and its meanings. I admire her simplicity, humility and faith in God. I remember the line of her song, “my sufferings are my offerings and I’m offering all of my sufferings. And if ever I will face more trials and more pains, I will offer them gladly again.” Inspiring, right?”

Yeah, very inspiring. Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?

“It’s very true; youths want to experience things because of curiosity. Premarital sex is rampant in our society but I say there is a right time for that and to avoid that matter, keep yourself busy with your studies. Temptations come for sure, to overcome it, just think of your family and the consequences of doing it.”

And what is your stand on the Reproductive Health Bill?

““I am anti-RH Bill. For me, it destroys the gift to multiply that God had given us. Overpopulation? This bill is not the solution to it. Self-discipline and respect instead are the things that we should have and practice.”

Why do you think education is important?

“Education is important because it cannot be given to others nor taken from you unlike power, position, wants, and alike. If you have this, you will be knowledgeable enough to handle yourself and your life.”

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why?

“Layla of the movie Skyhigh. I love nature so much that’s why I also want to have powers like her. She can control the plants, trees and everything in nature. And if I’m given the chance to have this, I’ll probably use this power wisely.”

What are your beauty secrets?

“My beauty secret is… wearing charming smile all the time. I believe that being beautiful is being friendly and smiling to everyone. When you do this, you’ll look younger and your day will be fun!”

Nightlife?

“Well, sometimes I go out with friends at night to watch programs, activities and to relax. And speaking of permission, my parents (Ernesto and Lodelia Agas) are okay with nightlife because it is one way of practicing responsible freedom.”

What is your greatest inspiration?

“God is my greatest inspiration. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I am not here if I’m not chosen...having Him in my heart and life makes me alive, kicking and optimistic in life.”

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be?

“That is being so contended. Yes, contentment is a good thing. But too much of contentment is not good. So I want to change it and I want to have goals and aims in life and will work hard to achieve it.”

What is your favorite quote?

“Do your best, do what is right and let God do the rest.”

How’s your love life?

“Good. I’m single and happy. No commitment at all and ready to mingle also. But as of now, I want to focus on my studies first because I just graduated from high school and I am still in my adjustment period in college. But hopefully soon!

What do you find sexy in a man?

“A man who knows how to handle and carry his self. It boosts one’s confidence and if he’s confident he will be able to show his true self.”

What qualities do you want in a man?

“Honestly, looks for me doesn’t matter that much. But attitude matters the most. Being gentleman, thoughtful and responsible are the qualities that I’m looking in a man.”

And what turns you off?

“I don’t know but maybe a man who is “bastos.” Well, so far, it doesn’t happen to me yet. But if it will happen, it will totally be turned off!

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

Farrah Mian represents Tubigon in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

Farrah Mian represents Tubigon in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Father’s Day is easily forgotten. We usually find out that it is Father’s Day when we see ads online. Fathers, in most families, are our special unsung heroes. They rarely ever get their fair share of adulation. Let Father's Day be your way to spread the message of love. Happy Father’s Day to our Daddy, Papa, Papsie, Itay, Itang, Tatay, Papang, Padre!

Scene: We pay tribute to our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, on his 150th birth anniversary (June 19). Rizal said, "Our duty is to love our country and our conscience dictates that we do everything that our duty calls for." There are many reasons why Rizal is the most revered Filipino hero. There is a TV campaign that asks, Why is Jose Rizal your hero?

Scene: The Bohol Concerned Citizen’s Action for Progress, Inc. (BCCAP) Land and Housing Project in Songculan, Dauis, is calling for volunteers to help build houses. Offering your time and services to help build a home can make a huge difference in a family’s life. For info, please call Juliet Quijada at (038) 235-3490 or 412-0854.

Scene: The Balilihan Got Talent, the newest craze in town, will conduct pre-audition on June 25 at Balilihan gymnasium. According to James Obedencio, the audition will start at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Five years old and above can join the contest. The final night is on July 10,” says James.

Seen: It’s easy for this gentleman-school boss (who was a heartthrob in his high school days) to change girlfriend every month. “‘We don’t know why he keeps on changing partners every now and then,” reports a VRS who is a serious student. “Lemme tell yah most of the gurls are half his age. He is a spitzer!" adds VRS.

Seen: A former staff from the capitol is presently hurting over his love lost to an “aging worker of the lord (AWOL).” The love troika came about when his hunky BFF came to know that AWOL on a naughty webcam session which lasted for minutes. The former capitol staff was able to uncover the dangerous liaison between the two through kinky messages posted by his BFF. AWOL was getting gaga over his BFF because he is, ehem, gifted,” adds VRS.

Scene: The ICM RUNniversary, a 7k fun run will be on June 25. It will start at 5:30am at the ICM carpark. Registration fee is P200 (with singlet, snacks and other freebies), students-P150 and A1 card holders-P180. For more details, look for Guy Bernaldez, Joan Ortega at ICM Marketing, or Ariel Fullido, Raul Sabijon and Junnel Palomares of AGC Runners Club. Proceeds of this event will go to the Philippine Red Cross-Bohol and AGC charity projects.

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Bohol TNT: Advocating transparency on good governance

As soon as media colleague Edward Guyano informed me that the launching of the Bohol Transparency Network for Transformation (TNT) was finally announced Wednesday morning on dyTR and dyRD, I rushed to finish a project to catch the launch in the afternoon.

You see, last year various groups frequently met in the course of organizing and attending various conferences on anti-corruption. During these meetings, the idea of forming a loose network to coordinate anti-corruption initiatives gradually evolved.

Bohol TNT (Your Friendly Governance Watchdog) is a newly formed network advocating for transparency in the extractive, particularly the good governance. It is composed of local media, civil society, church groups, peoples’ organizations and business leaders from across the province and local members of the Philippine National Police and officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

According to the members, the media-citizen networks can play an important part in building transparency, accountability and in the fight against corruption.

Bohol TNT is the fourth local transparency reporting group which Philippine Public Transparency Reporting Project (PPTRP) helped establish since last year. PPTRP is being implemented by four media development organizations – the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), MindaNews, and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Provincial administrator Ae Damalerio (who represented Gov. Edgar Chatto), businessman Ku Beng Sun (who represented the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry), PPTRP Director Alan Davis, Atty. Raul Barbarona, president of Bohol Alliance of NGOs and CCJD executive director Red Batario attended the launch, encouraged the members, and committed to help in the fight against graft and corruption.

Linda Paredes coordinator of the Provincial Road Monitoring Facility (PRMF) and one of the convenors of Bohol TNT, said “We're not here to condemn...we're here to work with government in ensuring that basic services go directly to the people - that every single centavo is accounted for."

Sad news: Edward didn’t attend the launch because he had a previous commitment. Yesterday, he asked me to update him of PTPRP’s activities this month.

Happy news: As I typed this, Rowena Paraan, the executive director of NUJP informed me of the upcoming seminar on June 30 (I was also informed earlier by CCJD’s Red Batario).

Those who are interested to join can call Bohol TNT Secretariat at (038) 501-7933, email: boholtnt@yahoo.com. You may visit Bohol TNT on Facebook.

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The Anyag Sa Tubigon Executive Committee has made their final announcement last Wednesday that Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian of Brgy. Centro will represent Tubigon in the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011, the province’s biggest beauty pageant.

The announcement which was posted on Facebook has received several reactions from beauty watchers, including yours truly, who believe that Tubigon beauties are now in superstar status.

Why Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian and not Lori Geisha Cabrera, the reigning Anyag sa Tubigon?

“Actually, we are sending Farrah Mian because she is in the right age already to join the pageant. Our reigning Anyag 2010 Lori Geisha Cabrera didn't meet the minimum age requirement. She is still 16 years old. We just want to avoid any possible issues which may arise,” said Raymond Delgado, the municipal public information officer of Tubigon. “Farrah is already ripe for the pageant and she is at her best na. Lori still needs a lot of work and polishing before we could send her to provincial pageants.”

Last week, 19 ladies, including Farrah, passed the screening held at the Miravilla Resort in Tagbilaran City.

Farrah, who stands 5’6”, is taking up medical technology at Velez College. She is also working as a part time model in Cebu under the LINES modeling agency.

Will Farrah be the second Tubignon to win Miss Bohol Sandugo (after Amir Sol in 2010)?

For the second time, there is no Miss Tagbilaran in this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo. The first time was in 1995.

The 19 candidates will compete in swimsuits, evening gowns, interviews and talent competitions. The top eight will advance to the semi finals where only three finalists will be chosen.

The talent competition is on July 14 at the Tagbilaran Port Area and the coronation night is on July 16 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Phillip Gatal will host the pageant while 2010 Miss Tagbilaran Fer Mary Baliquig and Miss PRISAA Region 7 Feliz Carvajal (also the first runner-up of Miss Toledo City 2011 held June 10) are the pageant anchors.

Bohol's most popular choreographer par excellence Alexis Cadeliña is this year’s choreographer.

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.