Farrah Faye Mian: Smart and beautiful

Farrah Faye Mian: Smart and beautiful

Tubigon wins Miss Bohol Sandugo crown again

It was one of the best batches ever, with the 19 girls giving the judges a hard time picking the winners. Fresh, young and talented, there were seven candidates who finished salutatorians, two high school valedictorians and three with honors. There were registered nurses and a licensed teacher who graduated magna cum laude.

And the winner is….

Miss Tubigon Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian, 17 (5’6, 114 lbs., 32-24-35), was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011.

At 15, she won the title as Miss Bohol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Personality 2009 representing Holy Family of Nazareth School- Tubigon, Bohol.

At 16, she gained the title of Miss Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet in 2010 and Anyag sa Tubigon 2010.

A part time model in Cebu and a medical technology student, she brought her hometown the Miss Bohol Sandugo crown for the second-time. It was Amir Sol who got the crown for Tubigon for the first time in 2010.

"Thank you Bohol, this is the most wonderful moment of my life," said Farrah with tears in her eyes now that she is proclaimed Bohol’s Finest Daughter and included in the Miss Bohol Sandugo Honor Roll.

Farrah was also declared Miss Talent. Other winners were Miss Loon Ely Rose Apple Angcon who finished first runner-up, while Catigbian’s Aimee Ann Anunciado was second runner-up.

The Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 beauties: (left to right) Ely Rose Apple Angcon (first runner-up), Farrah Maye Mian (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011), Aimee Ann Anunciado (second runner-up)

A few days after she was crowned at glittering ceremonies at the Bohol Cultural Center last July 16, Farrah is available for another round of grueling Q&A. This time with Bared.

Would you rather be smart but not too beautiful, or beautiful but not too smart?

I'd rather be smart but not too beautiful. For me, beauty is nothing without brains; wit and character has always been something that I have always wanted, even until now. A person's physical appearance is all too temporary but when you have the brains, there are no limitations as to the things that you can accomplish.

Why are you taking up medical technology?

“I'm taking up medical technology as a springboard for medicine. I've always wanted to be a doctor and I believe that medical technology offers not only the adequate amount of training but it also gives me the best medical experience which, if I am to survive med school and truly be a doctor someday, I have to undergo and overcome. I chose to study in Cebu mainly because there were no schools offering medical technology in Bohol and partly because Velez College is one of the top performing schools in terms of medical education.”

So, you have to read a lot of medical books.

“I do, more than I thought I ever would in this life! Right now, I have three purely medical books used by doctors and pre-med students alike and it's so thick! That doesn't even include the other compiled notes given by our teachers but still, the dream lives on.”

Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian, the 30^th Miss Bohol Sandugo, is now included in the Miss Bohol Sandugo Honor Roll. Foto by:Glenn Tumanda Gamayot

What do you think is the smartest thing that you’ve done so far?

“I think the smartest thing I've done so far was choosing the Holy Family of Nazareth School as my institution. Without it, I wouldn't be standing on this pedestal. they have not only trained me well academically but they also molded me as a person with Christian values.”

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life?

“The biggest decision I've ever made in my life, I think, was taking up medical technology in Velez. It's 10 times harder than I thought it would be but I'm still here, and I’m starting to think that this is where I truly belong.”

Have you always wanted to be a beauty queen since you were small?

(Smiles) “When I was small, I didn’t actually think nor imagine that I would ever be a beauty queen. I watched Miss Tubigon once and only once when I was about 5-7 years old. I was blinded by the glittering lights and the pretty ladies on stage and in a way I guess I thought that those things would never happen to me. I'm starting to actually believe in the saying ‘be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it’!”

Aside from winning the Miss Bohol Sandugo title, what do you think have you achieved so far?

“I think more than this title, my greatest achievement lies in being a 10% beauty queen and a 90% something else entirely. I'm a simple person and yet I have huge dreams that I think every person should have because why should we aim for the moon and land on the stars when we can always aim on the moon and still land on the moon? One’s perception is the only thing that is stopping him/her from achieving his/her greatest fantasies.”

What advocacy experience do you have? Maybe you have an important message to share ... and Miss Bohol Sandugo would be the venue or forum to start your advocacies.

(Smiles again) “I do. I've always been an environmental advocate and I believe in animal rights as well and that was the main reason why I became a vegetarian in the past year. I think animals should be treated well and should be given equal rights because they too have a life. It is unjust that we disregard them and treat them as beings lower than they deserve. I also think that in this extremely technological age, preserving the gifts that Mother Nature has given to us is the only answer to all our environmental problems. Starting in simple but potent ways, like planting trees, throwing one's garbage in the right place, cleaning our surroundings will actually help determine not only our future but also the future of our children and grandchildren, and I sure still want them to see the world as I see it now.”

When did you realize that you are a Miss Bohol Sandugo? During the coronation night? Or the morning after?

(Smiling even widely) “It was after a few days, when my classmates and even my teachers here in Cebu actually started talking about it and kept mentioning that astonishing fact. Until now I think I still haven’t fully grasped the fact that I am the Miss Bohol Sandugo, it’s a huge responsibility and I think I still don’t understand the implications of carrying such a great title.”

Do you have secrets sustaining your poise, your grace under pressure, especially during the crucial points in any contest?

“Prayer. That's my only secret. We are the captain of our own ship but in the end, it is always the Lord who decides what will become of us in the future.”

Do you have a plan to join higher beauty pageants like Bb. Pilipinas and Miss World-Philippines?

(Thinks)“Maybe after med school. I'm an academician now and I have to finish what I've started before I start another journey.”

What is your best asset and why?

“I don’t actually have a greatest asset.” (Laughs)

Who’s your beauty queen role model?
“My beauty queen role model is Anna Theresa Licaros who was a magna cum laude in the university of the Philippines in mass communications and who, shortly after she arrived here in the Philippines after joining the Miss Universe Pageant, chose to enroll for law rather than to have a press conference. like her, I actually believe that education comes first for it is the only thing that even your greatest fiend cannot take away from you.”

Any other woman whom you admire?

“That would be my aunt. She was the one who was always there for me and I pretty much grew up under her supervision. I love the way she handles stress and how she's so strong despite the challenges that she has to face every single day of her life.”

How’s your boyfriend now that you are Miss Bohol Sandugo?

(Laughs) “Oh, he's stressed alright. We’re in a long distance relationship but I think that winning this pageant won’t actually affect the way I feel about him.”

As Miss Bohol Sandugo, what qualities of the Boholano youth would you highlight?

“His/her open-mindedness. The Boholano youth adapts to changes faster than a neuron sensing a stimulus in the receptors of the body but even so, they still honor their past and continue to practice their traditions, one I myself would always do and in the future, something I will teach my children as well.”

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

“I think sex is a sacred gift given only to married people. It’s okay to be adventurous but we must know our limitations.”

How about RH Bill?

“But in terms of the RH Bill, I can’t really decide because as a Christian, I must honor the Lord's commandments but as a person living in a third world country, I also think that is practical and that it would greatly affect the future of this country.”

What is your stand on divorce in the Philippines?

“I do not believe in nor agree with divorce. I believe that what God has joined, only God can separate and that rings true as the groom and the bride profess their vows when they say "till death do us part." Marriage is the largest step in any relationship and I think before making that decision, you must know in yourself if you are ready and if you really love the person you're marrying.”

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

“If I had the chance to change something, I would change the way I had spent my free time. I would have had the chance to learn how to play the piano and the violin, but I guess with school going on now I would never have the time.”

What’s your type of a man?

“I’m not really very specific but I'd like him to be tall and smart. I think a guy who is actually good with words is very hard to find nowadays and there is nothing more boring than a guy who barely talks. I'd also like him to be a doctor (fingers crossed till then!) since it would be easier for me if my boyfriend would have the same job as I did since we would already have an understanding when it comes to medicine and our passion for it.”

What is the essence of Miss Bohol Sandugo?

“The essence of the Miss Bohol Sandugo is being a great, if not legendary example of and to the women of Bohol. I say this generally and without bias as I think that it is one of the greatest achievements a woman can have in her lifetime for winning this title means that she is not only a woman of beauty but also of wit and character who will be the ambassadress of goodwill not only to her fellow Boholanos but also to the diverse people of the Philippines. She will in herself carry the true grace and mystery that surrounds every Boholana and she will not only be an example, but also be a sign that the practice of Boholano cultures and traditions remain steadfast even in this new millennium of technological advancement.”

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

Things you might not know about Rebecca del Rio

Things you might not know about Rebecca del Rio

Wake-uppers:

• From US-based socialite Mikey Gatal: Hi Leo, How's everything? I really wanted to visit Bohol this year because it's been a while that I haven't participated in the famous Sandugo activities but I decided not to because I have a very hectic schedule here in California. Incidentally, it's the 4th year anniversary of www.mikeygatal.com this month and we are doing some important activities here and the Bohol chapter as well on July 15-16, 2011 at the Kalipayan Beach Resort, everyone's invited by the way. Thanks and more power to you.

• From Helen Jala (no address given):

Hello Leo! How are you? I migrated to New York in 1960. I enjoy reading your column about the new breed of Boholana beauty queens but I’m sorry to say that I don’t know much about them. I’m more interested in the older beauty queens.

Can you tell me where the following beauty queens are now: Paula Raagas, Delia Canda, Olivia Solis, etc.

Do you know how much I miss Bohol? I wish to come home next year. More power!

(Note: Since it started in 1950s (with different names like Miss Bohol, Miss Young Bohol and Miss Bohol Sandugo in 1989), the Miss Bohol has registered hundreds of contestants. The Miss Bohol winners in ‘50s were Paula Raagas Valles (who became a mayor in Maribojoc), Delia Canda (who became Miss Visayas and she is now faithfully serving God as lay minister at St. Joseph Cathedral), Theoprolia Clarin (from Sevilla) and Geraldine Galang (from Carmen) and Reza Cabagnot (from Tagbilaran City). Olivia Solis of Panggangan, Calape became Miss Bohol of 1957. She became a very popular lead actress in Visayan films. One of her movies was "Olivia," which the theme song has the lyrics "Dawata na, Olivia" that baby boomers generation can still remember the song. She later became a US resident but she returned to Philippines when her husband became a Cebu City councilor in the late ‘90s.)

***

I bumped into fashion mogul Maximiel last week at the Island City Mall. I was there to look for new arrivals at the National Bookstore and to check for new movies at the Screenville Cinema and Maximiel to buy some groceries. He told me he just came from Pilar.

I asked Maximiel if it’s true he is leaving for the US and Maximiel gave a sweet "no" as an answer and a wide, wide smile that seemed to say, "US can wait. I still have projects here." These days, Maximiel is busy in their “hacienda” in Pilar, you know, he is the “la heredera” of almost 22 hectares.

Asked about his aunt, retired actress Rebecca del Rio, Maximiel told Bared (in a sad tone) that Rebecca del Rio passed away last year. I was a bit surprise because it took me a year and so to know the sad news. I enjoyed watching her old movies and her distinguished performances. She’s pure talent.

“I am so proud of my Tita,” said Maximiel. Rebecca was the younger sister of the late Dra. Socorro Buslon-Tallo, Maximiel’s mother.

In 2008, Rebecca attended the wedding of her niece Demia Tallo-Salarda held in Baclayon Church. It was also a reunion of the Buslon family. Then in January 2010, she came home to distribute her vast landholdings. Rebecca owned almost 20 hectares of land in Pilar that she gave it to her relatives and tenants. “She told us that her visit would be the last one,” shared Maximiel.

The who si Rebecca del Rio?

Before Cheri Gil, the famous glamorous kontrabida today, there was Rebecca del Rio. Because she hit her peak in the ’50s, Rebecca del Rio may be a darling to baby boomers but perhaps a bit of a "stranger" to the new generation of movie lovers.

For sure, Rebecca del Rio will have her star in the Bohol Walk of Fame, soon.

Here are some trivia that should serve as introduction to Rebecca whose movies are, I’m sure, became very popular during her time:

•Rebecca del Rio was born Rebecca Buslon on January 31, 1929.

•She was the daughter of Judge Teofilo Buslon, former congressman (of the third district of Bohol 2^nd national assembly, 1938-1941) and Demeteria Buslon, a nurse, who was the first elected woman mayor in the Philippines. She was the sister of the late provincial lawmaker Socorro Buslon-Tallo.

• Friends and family relatives called Rebecca as Nang Nena.

• Rebecca graduated at Holy Spirit School and she went to the Philippine Women’s University in Manila to study. She was discovered by Sampaguita Pictures.

• Rebecca del Rio was the first Boholano to become a star.

• She was typecasted as a glamorous kontrabida (villain) in movies and perhaps the most loved villain.

• Rebecca was the first Filipina to win the 1958 Asian Film Festival best supporting actress in the film Malvarosa. She also won the best supporting actress in FAMAS in 1958.

•She made numerous movies under Sampaguita (touted as the home of glamorous and debonair stars, Sampaguita Pictures, Inc. (SPI) was established in 1937 by then Rep. Pedro Vera and Judge Jose Vera with a circle of friends) and in 1955 she signed a contract to LVN Pictures and made her first movie Dinayang Pagmamahal aka Foolish Love, a Jaime de la Rosa and Charito Solis movie.

• Rebecca starred in some memorable movies such as Tres Muskiteros (1951), Mayamang Balo (1952), Hiram na Mukha (1952), Ang Ating Pag-ibig (1953), Cofradia (1953), Anak ng Espada (1953), Mister Kasintahan (1953), Vod-A-Vil (1953), Musikong Bumbong (1954), Tres Muskiteras (1954), Pilya (1954), Milyonarya at Hampaslupa (1954), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Sabungera (1954), Bondying (1954), Kurdapya (1954), Lola Sinderella (1955), Bulaklak sa Parang (1955), Mariposa (1955), Dinayang Pagmamahal (1955), Talusaling (1955), Luksang Tagumpay (1956),Laging Ikaw (1956), Cuatro Vidas (1957),Turista (1957), Rebelde (1958),Malvarosa (1958), Mr. Kuripot (1958); and Lollipops and Roses (1971).

•Rebecca married an American Sony executive Mr. Tushinsky and migrated to USA.

• She loved dogs. In the US, she had a dog named Hercules.

• Rebecca Buslon-Tushinsky passed away on March 11, 2010 in Canoga Park, California.

.***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

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.

***

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.