Virgin Mary appearances in Bohol

 God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

-Because He lives

That song, Because He Lives by Bill and Gloria Gaither, clearly affirms the hope believers have in Jesus Christ.  Easter Sunday signifies a new beginning. With the risen Lord Jesus Christ, it is in our hope that we rise above life’s challenges, trials and difficulties renewed and strengthened faith, hope and trust in the risen Lord.

***

As a young child in the old Booy neighborhood, this city, Holy Week, one of the holiest times in Christendom, is a time of believing superstitious and folk practices. I’d noticed that some of them remained last week like decorating doors with palms to ward off evil spirits, never take a bath on Good Friday, monsters and other evil creatures are most powerful during Good Friday, wounds heal longer when acquired during Holy Week, amulets or anting-anting and charms are best empowered and renewed during Good Friday and abularyos or traditional faith healers recharged their powers in the forest and in unexplored caves.

Roberto Lumba

Many years ago, people could only go to church. Families prayed the Stations of the Cross, listened to the Siete Palabras and meditated on the Word and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. If they decided to stay at home, they should pray or watch The Ten Commandments, Marcelino Pan Y Vino and Himala.  The elders also shared stories of miracles and Marian apparitions.

And since we are at it, it won’t hurt if I share stories of Marian apparitions in Bohol relevant-to-the-occasion piece. Here it is:

Miniature image of Mary draws believers to Calape

Steady streams of people continue to shuffle into Roberto Lumba’s house in Sitio Cambag, barangay Tinibgan, Calape town. They pray for healing. They ask for help. Some hold flowers, others candles or pictures. Before them, on an altar of roses and prayer candles, is a miniature statue of a woman, what Catholics now believe is an image of the Virgin Mary.

"Nakit-an nako ang gamay nga statwa samtang nanghipus ko sa mga basiyo. Akong gitan-awa murag si Birhen Maria nga nagdala og bata (I saw a small statue while arranging the cases of soft drink bottles. I started looking at it until I realized it was the Virgin holding a child)," said Roberto,  a bottle boy.

He kept the statue inside his home until the Virgin Mary appeared in his dream. The Virgin Mary told him to put her in a modest abode inside the house. Roberto did what the Virgin Mary told him. He looked for a natural stone enclave to hold the Virgin Mary statue and put a pane of glass that shelters the statue.

 The image, which measures two inches, was dull when Roberto found it. Months passed, colors of blue and red became visible. Roberto just realized that the image, undeniably, was that of Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla.

Believers say that the image is miraculous. People from different places in Bohol came to worship the Virgin Mary. They let the statue touched their head and shoulders and kissed the feet of the Virgin praying for healing and a miracle from her.

 “Ang Ginoo mag-uban kanato sa kanunay (God is always with us),” Roberto said.

Image of Virgin Mary appears on shell

Faithful and the curious, many carrying flowers and candles, have flocked to barangay Bentig , Calape town   to see the image of the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios known locally as Birhen sa Kalooy.

Sofia Dumayac, one of the caretakers of the chapel where the image is enshrined, narrated that sometime in 1800, Maximo Dumayac found a fragment of antuwang shell or tridacna on Calape beach. From the shell, rose the image of Virgin Mary. This phenomenon generated public interest.

Dumayac

The following is culled from the website:

One evening, Maximo went out fishing but he didn’t have any catch but every time threw the fishnet he would only catch was an empty shell.  Maximo threw the shell back to the sea but the shell was once again in his fishnet. He brought it home and put it in one corner of his nipa hut. Once in a while, he would use it as container of feeds for the chickens. 

One night, however, Maximo dreamed he was being asked by someone to make a nine-day novena to the Virgin de los Remedios.  Being religious and devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he made the novena together with his wife. Strangely enough, after the novena ended, people from neighboring towns of Jetafe and Inabanga went to see the parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Church of Calape, asking him on the whereabouts of the Lady in a Miraculous Shell. They claimed that they were asked in a dream to go to the barrio of Bentig, where they will find the miraculous shell.  Maximo, unaware that his shell was a miraculous one, showed it to his neighbors and they were the first to discover that there was a strange growth in the once empty Antuwang shell. Maximo then cleaned the shell and kept it inside his baul (old chest). Meantime, people started flocking to his place and donated small amounts of money, which Maximo used in reconstructing his nipa hut.

Time went by and people later on noticed that the growth in the shell had become transformed into an image of a very beautiful and radiant lady. The shell looks like ivory and the miraculous lady seems to be made of ivory. She wears a white long robe, her eyes are beautiful and gentle and even her cheeks and lips are somewhat reddish.  Almost every five years, the Virgin would add some trimmings to her robe and mantle, like for instance; she is now wearing a white robe with gold trimmings whereas before, it was not visible to the naked eye. Until today, the image of the Lady, which is about seven inches tall, is still very much attached to the shell.

 Devotees of the Birhen sa Kalooy come from as far as Mindanao and Luzon.The chapel, which used to be of wood, is now a concrete edifice built through donations and offerings to the image. Pilgrims continue to come from far and wide to worship the Blessed Mother of Jesus.  Up to this day the heirs of Maximo Dumayac take turns in keeping watch over the image enthroned in a more decent home.

Virgin Mary seen in tree stump

Have you heard about the Virgin Mary spotted in a mangrove tree trunk in Riverside, Dauis town? Marian devotees said the appearance of Mary in tree stump is a divine “blessing.”

The image, which resembles the mother of Jesus in her traditional prayer pose, has reportedly been causing local residents to shake and cry in wonder.

Until now, people come see the likeness of Virgin Mary. They offer flowers and candles.

There have been hundreds of "sightings" of the Virgin Mary down the centuries, but recent years have seen her appearing in ever more unusual places.

The earliest known claim was from St. James the Greater who saw the Virgin Mary while he was in preaching on the banks of the Ebro River in Saragossa, Spain in 40 A.D.

The most famous apparitions have been those reported in Guadalupe, Mexico (1531), Rue du Bac, France (1830), Lourdes, France (1858), Fatima, Portugal (1917), and Medjugorje, Bosnia-Hercegovina (1984). The most recently Vatican approved apparitions are those from Le Laus, France (1664) which were approved in 2008. The most recently occurring apparitions with full Vatican approval are those from Kibeho, Rwanda which ended in 1989.

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Shamcey Supsup: It’s more fun in Bohol!

As I said, I liked the way Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Gurrea Supsup delivered her message during the 142nd commencement exercises of the University of Bohol. She said it with so much fervor that nobody could say she didn’t say it from the heart.

 

The hills are alive… with Shamcey Supsup at the top of the highest hill in Carmen. Photo Courtesy: Elcid Tirol

Having the Miss Universe beauty and board topnotcher as speaker was a history in the making. It was Shamcey’s first time to speak in a graduation ceremony. Everyone who attended the event was inspired. And a big thanks to UB Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno, the graduation chair, for making it happened.

 

Before that Shamcey did a “whirlwind” countryside tour. Wearing a sundress, Shamcey flashed her winning smile to her Boholano fans, who either shrieked in admiration or were too dumbfounded to say anything. She’s really beautiful. She’s mobbed by fans wherever she went.

 

“It’s my second time here in Bohol. Matagal ko nang gustong pumunta. I didn’t have the time. Yung first time ko dito sa Bohol, hindi ako nakapagtour, so ngayon ko lang nakita ang Bohol. Mas maganda dito,” Shamcey told Bared.

 

Shamcey visited Loboc River, the river of joy. She was welcomed by Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch.  “This is better than river cruising in Bangkok, Thailand,” she quipped.

 

At the world famous Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Shamcey climbed the 214 concrete steps to reach the highest hill. She said that viewing the chocolate hills is a never-ending amazement. The guides (composed of Angeli Uy of Lab Tours and Travels, Melanie Tirol, Desiree Roxas, Liza Macalandag, Elcid Tirol, Charlito Andam and Gyn Mark Cajote) and Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. coordinator Ms. Liliana Soriano joined her watching the grandeur of the thousand hills—so beautifully formed in the central part of Bohol.

 

And a visit to the tarsier sanctuary in Corella town allowed Shamcey to see the natural habitat of the tarsier with ‘tarsierman’ Lito Pizarras as guide.

Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup at the Loboc river, the river of joy.  Photo Courtesy: Elcid Tirol

 

 “Sana mapreserve ang natural beauty ng Bohol. Once na nasira yun mahirap na ibalik. It’s more fun in Bohol,” Shamcey said.  

 

Anyway, to give everyone a chance to reminisce Shamcey’s graduation message (not only for UB graduates but for all the graduates there), here’s a copy of her message. Read on.

 

Good afternoon to all of you. First of all, thank you for inviting me to grace this most meaningful occasion.

 

Many people have asked me if I have change since April 10 when I won the Binibining Pilipinas that eventually brought me to the road to Sau Paulo  Brazil for the Miss Universe Pageant. Yes and no. I have changed in ways that amaze even myself. From someone who didn’t know the first thing about wearing high heels, putting on makeup or fixing my hair, I transformed into someone who could enhance whatever  God-given countenance I was given. From a person who was very shy, I learned how to speak to large audiences and flash my brightest  smile. And from  someone who was always within the comfort  zone of family  and friends, I learned how to interact with people from all walks of life.

 

Yes, I have change. But then again, I haven’t.

 

Last year, I was veritable probinsiyana. I grew up in my parents’ farm in GenSan. I rode “carabaos” and ran around the farm. There is simplicity and tranquility in my GenSan life that I miss. It is simplicity that makes up my core. In truth, even if a lot of me have changed, I am still very much a probinsyana at heart.     

 

Today, there are 725 of you who are probinsyanos and probinsyanas at heart who will graduate. Your parents have toiled hard to get you where you are. Some of you will venture to go out to the city, even out to the world. Some of you will opt to stay in Bohol. But all of you will pursue your dreams.

 

In pursuing your dreams, I urge to continue being a probinsyano. Dream big, but live simply. Learn to recognize the real and important from the mere trappings of glory. In my reign as Ms. Universe Philippines, I got caught in the whirlwind of several social and high profile activities. While I recognize the significance of each activity, somehow, it was in the low profile and simple activities where I found real joy.

 

Don’t get me wrong. Being simple does not mean being second best. It simply means discerning and being focused on the things that matter most. In your own simple ways, aim to be first, the best .The founders of your esteemed university did just that. Your school was the first university in the province. It is the home of several alumni whose names are synonymous with excellence. When I decided to give in to my mother’s wish for me to become a beauty queen, I took everything to heart. I took everything

seriously. I studied the moves, perfected my walk, and honed myself so I could bring honor to my country. At first, it was just an obedient daughter following her mom’s wishes .But as the competition progressed, I knew that I should push myself to be the best I could. Eventually, it boiled down to how I could be the best for my country.

 

From simple goals and the pursuit of excellence, I implore you young graduates to conquer the whole new worlds that lay on your feet not only with youthful fervor, but also with integrity. It is not enough that you reach your dreams. It is not enough that you be the best. It is most important if you do everything with dignity and respect. Never compromise your values and ideals. Never give up the beliefs that make you who you are in exchange for favors and rewards that are just material and transitory. This is exactly what was in my mind, when in a heartbeat ,I answered the question posed to  me during  the Miss  Universe pageant .Some say that I should  have stretched my answer to make it sound  more diplomatic. Some say that I should have asked for an interpreter. For me, however, the answer was so clear that I did not need a translator to say what was in my heart. There simply was no gray area in need of “stretching”. These are the values that were ingrained in me by my parents that are not negotiable at all.

 

Finally, I enjoin you to pay it forward. A lot of you will reach great heights in their endeavors. But always look back and pay it forward. There is a reason why you have been showered this blessing of education. Find a way for these blessings to multiply a hundred fold by giving back –to your family, to school, to province, to your country, and most of all to God. Paying it forward is the best way to show your gratitude. It is gratitude that manifests and multiplies itself in generosity.

 

Be simple. Be excellent. Be honest. Be generous in your gratitude. Be all these and you will be the best graduates of University of Bohol.

 

Thank you very much and congratulations to all.

 

***

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Music is life ask Malou

FLASH REPORT: Shamcey Supsup chosen as graduation speaker

Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Gurrea Supsup will share her thoughts on life and success with this year’s graduating class at the 142nd commencement ceremony on March 27, 4 p.m. at the UB quadrangle, the Office of the University Registrar announced last week.

Shamcey Supsup graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines and topnotcher in the June 2010 Architect Licensure Exam.

“When we choose a speaker, we think of who is right for the time,” UB Registrar Leah Tirol-Magno said. “We choose Miss Shamcey Supsup because aside from her outstanding academic achievements and Miss Universe beauty, she is proud to be a Christian.”

***

You and me against the world
Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world
And for all the times we've cried I always felt that
God was on our side.

And when one of us is gone
And one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you
Of you and me against the world

Those lines from the song You and Me against the World by Helen Reddy take on a deeper meaning vis-a-vis Maria Lourdes “Malou” Brunidor Cempron's life.  “This song is dedicated to my unica hija. It tells about strength. My daughter and I both held on together at the time her father left us for somebody.”

Paano kita mapasasalamatan
Sa puso mong sa 'kin ibinigay
Ngayon lamang ako nagmahal nang tunay
Sa tanang aking buhay
Sapat na ba na ako ay mangako
Mananatili ka dito sa 'king puso
Paano kita mapasasalamatan
Sapat na bang mahalin lang kita
Magpakailanpaman…

Malou’s winning piece, “Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan” by Kuh Ledesma, won her first place in Ang Bagong Kampeon (The New Champion) in 1984. It was a national amateur singing contest aired on RPN (now Solar TV) hosted by the late Bert “Tawa” Marcelo and Pilita Corrales.

Her inclusion in the national singing tilt was a blessing in disguise. Malou went to Manila to sing in the wedding of Balilihan Vice Mayor Efren and Nikki Chatto. Just when Malou was ready to go back to Bohol, the late assemblyman Eladio "Kiking" Chatto, convinced her to try out for Bagong Kampeon. Bohol’s First Lady Pureza Veloso-Chatto accompanied her to Broadcast City Channel 9.  Aspiring singers from the country filled the place, all hoping for a guaranteed audition in the televised Bagong Kampeon tryout.  Out of 75 auditioneers only 5 passed and she was one of the lucky 5.

Music lovers said that Malou’s entry to the contest was unfavorable. It was a nice performance but the timing’s wrong because the defending champion had only one week to qualify for the grand finals. Ryan Cayabyab, one of the judges, called her after the contest and gave her an open date to join again without audition anymore. She claimed the first place Bagong Kampeon in 1984.

“Big deal di ba? Not anybody could be given that chance. I was lucky then to be offered. I won first place that week I joined the contest,” Malou recalled.

Malou

Malou really hasn't slowed down since taking home the Bagong Kampeon. On May 16, 1983, Malou’s rendition of “Dito Ba” won her 3^rd place in the 1st Bohol Minus One Singing tilt. She was the only female contestant to make it to the magic three among the 48 contestants around Bohol.  It was sponsored by the Silliman University Kadugong Bol-anon (headed by Niza Reselosa Bagares) and dyRD. It was hosted by Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Kiss FM dj Nelson Jabonite. The jurors were topnotch musician Atty. Elpidio Biliran and Victoria Modequillo Chatto.

In 1984, Malou was declared champion in Bohol PRISAA Literary Musical Contest singing “Ako Ang Nagwagi, Ako Ang Nasawi” by Dulce.

In 1987 to 1989, she was hired to sing backup vocals for noted musician Tex Cimafranca in the many songs he composed for Manila artists.

Malou is also a sough-after judge in singing contests. Before Luke Mejares conquered Manila, Malou used to be one of the judges in the many contests he joined. It was also Malou who advised Star in a Million grand champion Jerome Sala to sing One in a Million when he was joining amateur contests in Bohol.

Music is life. Ask Malou.

“Music is like second skin to me,” said Malou. “My life would be empty without it.”

Malou with Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes

As a child, Malou aspired to be a singer. She possesses a soprano vocal range and has been referred to as "the little girl with a sparkling voice" and a blue eyed soul singer. After winning in a national contest, Malou received offers but she didn’t let herself be affected by the klieg lights and cameras rolling and she remained as humble as ever.

Malou is busy working as election assistant II at the Provincial COMELEC for 20 years, and yet she still finds time to sing. 

Find out more about Malou as she completes the following sentences:

I hate people who are… insincere and discourteous.

I avoid people who are not…respectful especially to elders or 
persons in authority.

My greatest pleasure is…when I won first place in the Bagong Kampeon singing competition in Manila which was hosted 
by no less than Ms. Pilita Corrales and with Mr. Ryan Cayabyab as chairman of the board of judges.

My worst moment…was the time I got real sick in 2009.

My biggest fear… my biggest fear is to lose my singing voice.

The most important person in my life is… my daughter is the most impt person in my whole life.

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be… a bird because birds fly freely.

My most traumatic experience was… when my daughter was diagnosed of idiopathic seizure disorder while in high school.

I deal with gossip by… dedma na lng. Gossips don’t bother me at all.

The one thing I can’t live without is… my mobile phone. It’s my only way to get in touch with anybody anytime of the day.

Am I afraid of growing old?... I am definitely not afraid of growing old in fact I’m excited to grow old with my loved ones.

The type of guys that turns me on… I go for the musically inclined, smart and God-fearing dudes.

The type of guys that turn me off… .. intimidating ones are a no-no to me absolutely.

My philosophy in life is… no guts no glory!

I lose my temper when… I lose my temper in people who can’t follow instructions very well.

If I were somebody else I’d be… Mother Teresa, a very gentle woman who has a big heart that bleeds for the poor.

I am happiest when… I when all of my loved ones are in the pink of health especially my unica hija.

I’m saddest when… I’ve hurt anybody .

My ultimate goal in life is… to witness the graduation of my daughter.

Last thing that I do before I go to sleep?. . To say my prayers is always the last thing I do before I sleep.

First thing I do after  I wake up? I pray to thank the Lord for giving me another day in my life.

How do you cope with stress? stress? I lift it up to HIM up above who gives me strength .

My favorite hideaway is… my bedroom at home is my paradise it’s where I listen to music .

My love life is… Secret hmmm.

Do I prefer a younger man, somebody my age or somebody older? Well, my answer is a big BOTH.

***

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

No Miss Tagbilaran this year?

Wake-uppers:

Zeneline Bulalaque

Seen: Zeneline Ancog Bulalaque is one of the official candidates of the Miss Philippines Earth 2012. She is representing the municipality of Batuan, Bohol. The 12th edition of the advocacy-driven Miss Philippines Earth beauty pageant will be held on May 27.

 

Seen: Entertainment columnist/“chroniquer” of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Dolly Anne Carvajal was spotted with her friends in Bohol. On her Facebook, Dolly described Bohol Beach Club her favorite refuge and paradise. Dolly also met Carmen Mayor Conchita “CheChe” Toribio-de los Reyes and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto. “You know naman no Bohol trip of mine is complete if I don't eat at your Riverwatch Floating Resto. The best talaga! Love you!” 

Dolly Anne Carvajal with (l-r) Carmen Mayor CheChe Toribio-delos Reyes and Tessie Labunog-Sumampong

 

Scene: The Diwanag Dance Troupe of the Holy Name University won 3^rd place  in the contemporary dance category of the Sayaw Pinoy 2012 Visayas Competition held in Cebu City last March 11. The Lungsuranon Performing Arts Ensemble (LUPAE) also won 2^nd place in the folk dance category.  The Sayaw Pinoy is the longest running national and regional dance tour organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to recognize the traditional roots of Philippine dances, make quality performances accessible to the audience especially in far-flung places, and provide new and upcoming dance groups ample exposure.

 Scene: The 2nd screening for the Anyag sa Tubigon 2012 will be on March 26, 2012, 1 p.m. at the Tubigon Tourism Culture Arts and Heritage Office (at the back of Tubigon Municipal Building or in front of Tudtud's Petron Gasoline Station). The Tubigon Anyag Committee has scrapped the old format of the pageant. Matteo Guidicelli is the confirmed celebrity-guest to serenade the candidates.

 

Scene: Panglao Island has been named as one of the Best Secret Beaches on Earth by Travel+Leisure Magazine in its March 2012 issue. It also named Ananyana Beach Resort and Spa as one of the Best Affordable Beach Resorts occupying a prime spot on the beachfront serving Filipino-Mediterranean dishes like the penne with pork adobo. The magazine also mentioned other places to visit in Bohol, such as the Bohol Bee Farm, which offers dishes using organic ingredients harvested on site and serves ube ice cream. It also cited the famous Chocolate Hills, Balicasag Island, and Puntod Island, and dolphin watching as other Bohol attractions.

 

Photo By Brian Ong/DOT

***

 

Here’s sad news for beauty-watchers: There is no Miss Tagbilaran 2012.

 

“The Miss Tagbilaran will not be staged in the city this year. It’s not yet known why the City has to scrap the Miss Tagbilaran this year,” according to Bared’s Very Reliable Source (VRS). “However, there’s a beauty pageant which will replace the Miss Tagbilaran, it’s the Miss Teen Tagbilaran.”

 

Launched in 1986 originally as Miss Tagbilaran, the search for Tagbilaran’s fairest has evolved as the years passed, starting with Miss Tagbilaran from 1986 to 1987, then, metamorphosing into Tagbilaran’s Five Prettiest, Miss Teen Tagbilaran in 1988, Mutya sa Tagbilaran from 1989 to 2004 and Miss Young Tagbilaran in 2005.

 

Zosita Caliao Clarin was the first Miss Tagbilaran in April 1986. Twenty years after, her daughter Margo Adelaiz Clarin Manigque became Miss Tagbilaran 2006.

 

Miss Tagbilaran beauties who won the Miss Bohol Sandugo title were Vanessa Joyce Matuod Evardone in 1994, Socorro d'Marie Tallo Inting in 1997 and Daisy Jean Quilicot in 2009.

 

The City failed to stage the pageant in 1987, 1995 and 2011, one of the major activities leading to the fiesta celebration. In 2011, there was no Miss Tagbilaran when the search committee decided to cancel it because most of the applicants were repeaters or recycled beauties.

 

“The pageant’s last search was held in 2010 won by Fer Mary Baliquig who is now competing in Bb. Pilipinas 2012,” said VRS. “Good news, Fer Mary Baliquig will carry the crown for another year!”

 

***

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

Prony finds a new home!

Wake-uppers:

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

Karen Gallman

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

***

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Burp!!!

***

 

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

 

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

 

 

7th anniversary of Mabini Food Poisoning

Today, March 9, 2012, is the 7th anniversary of the Mabini Food Poisoning in San Jose, Mabini, Bohol, Philippines. Bohol's most tragic and unforgettable history, 30 schoolkids died and more than 100 were hospitalized. Moving on, is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard...

Fer Mary Baliquig vows to make Boholanos proud in Bb. Pilipinas 2012

Fer Mary Baliquig: ‘I felt happy and blessed!’

 

 

 

Despite her rigid physical trainings and mental calisthenics, Tagbilaran’s bet to this year’s Bb. Pilipinas Fer Mary Baliquig admitted that the love of her family and friends make her to stay strong until the competition is over.

“Kuya Leo, you would feel so strong and determined when the people are behind you,” Fer told Bared when she visited Tagbilaran City last week.

Fer is the other Boholana who is competing in the Bb. Pilipinas titles (Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Tourism). The other Boholana beauty who made it to the Bb. Pilipinas Final Cut is Karen Gallman of Ubay who is expected to visit Bohol before the Bb. Pilipinas finale.

“Fer was in Bohol to ask support from the city and provincial governments and to get the outfits, shoes, accessories that we provided her for Bb. Pilipinas,” said fashion icon EJ Relampagos who accompanied Fer in her appointments.

Despite her busy schedule, Fer arrived early for her radio interview on Kiss FM. She also visited the City Hall and Capitol for courtesy calls. She personally gave the lei to Vice President Jejomar Binay during the latter’s visit to Bohol. Looking at Fer, she radiated with an enthusiasm that made it impossible not to warm up to her. Her defiantly cheerful attitude is what made her see opportunity in things and beauty in her unorthodox looks.

Born on Dec. 16, 1992 in Oroquieta City to Boholano parents, Fer studied nursing at Holy Name University. In 2010, Fer captured the hearts of her fellowmen when she became Miss Tagbilaran and first runner-up in the Miss Bohol Sandugo. She worked as a call center agent, tried acting as she appeared in Bulong, an indie film directed by Chito Roño as Bohol Calendar Girl; and trained under the camp of beauty queen maker John De La Vega until she found herself getting pinned with #24 in Bb. Pilipinas 2012.

She is known as the “dark horse” in the Bb. Pilipinas competition. Beauty watchers have said that Fer could snatch one of the crowns. Her café au lait complexion, delicate and well- chiseled features plus her statuesque height makes her the heavy favorite among the candidates vying for the crown.

According to Bb. Pilipinas World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit, “Fer has the dusky morena look that the international pageantry will appreciate. I think with her exposure in local pageants in Bohol, it helped her a lot with her stage presence. I met her during the screening and she is a smart woman. More improvement in her communication skills and I’m sure she’s going to nail it!”

Fer's café au lait complexion, delicate and well- chiseled features plus her statuesque height makes her the heavy favorite among the candidates vying for the crown. Photo courtesy: Side Room Studios

EJ said that Fer winning traits are “her being optimistic, her willingness to learn and grow as a person and her trust and confidence in God.”

Will she follow the footsteps , if not surpass, the record of Anna Maris Igpit (2006), first princess Rich Asuncion (2009) and first runner-up Perla Salig-Teves (1979)?

Again, we keep our collective fingers crossed.

(Note:  The grand coronation night of the 49th Bb. Pilipinas pageant will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 15, 2012 and will be covered live by ABS-CBN and The Filipino Channel.)

Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Fer:

How does it feel being included in the Top 30 in the Bb. Pilipinas Final Cut? I felt happy and blessed! Among hundreds of women from around the Philippines I was included on the top 30. Thank God!

What or who motivated or inspired you to join Bb. Pilipinas this year? It has been my childhood dream to become a beauty queen. Kaya I joined our local pageants para matrain ako and Boholanos will be proud of me by the time na nag-national na ako.

How’s the rigid training? Yes its really rigid but I don’t feel tired because I love what I’m doing .

What title you want to win? Bb. Pilipinas-Universe? Bb. Pilipinas International? Miss Tourism? Honestly, I will be very contented whichever God will give me in return of all my sacrifices and hard work.

What are your preparations for the Bb. Pilipinas 2012?  Diet. I also go to the gym and work out lalo na sa tummy ko.  I also update myself to the current events. And I attend workshops specally on q&a and pazarella.

What kind of diet do you have?  Less salt , less sugar. Usually, I just eat saging na saba and camote everyday.. and being on diet is really haaaard that’s why if straight days akong nag-follow sa diet ko I do my cheat meals every Sunday! Ha! Ha! Ha! Sshhhh... Parang reward na rin.

Drinking a lot of water is good for the skin, they say.  Exactly!  I drink a million times of water everyday since I’m on diet and I’m also working out twice a day to avoid dehydration.

What part of your body is your favorite?  Hhmmmmmmm...I give special attention on my body. Since this is a national competition, body proportion is very important.

Who is your role model and why?  My mother.  She’s always been the source of my strength and her love and care inspires me to be the best that I can be.

Yeah, very inspiring. Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?  I always believe in the value of marriage. For me sex should always be under the context of marriage. Yes, it is natural that young people are adventurous but they should see to it that it will do no harm to them.

Do you still have time to watch the impeachment trial? Honestly, because of our hectic schedule in Binibini there are times na di na ako nakakapanood ng tv but I read the newspaper to update myself about impeachment.

What is your greatest inspiration? My inspiration is my family.  People may come and go but my family will always be there for me to support me. My dreams are not just for me but also for my family.

How's your love life?  So far my lovelife's doing fine naman. I feel that we are getting stronger because despite that I’m very far from him now we are still able to communicate just like before. He's very supportive. And I hope that we continue loving and trusting each other. PS: Kuya Leo, check mo rin if ano nang pinaggagawa niya jan sa Bohol! Ha! Ha Ha!

Fer finds time to visit her family and friends:  (clockwise) Fer with EJ Relampagos, Ryan Sines and Joan Torrefranca during the pictorials; a radio interview with DJ Sean ByTheWay of Kiss FM; and a courtesy call to Gov. Edgar Chatto. Contributed Photos

What do you find sexy in a man?  I find the arms of a man sexy because I like men who have strong arms because I feel secured and safe.

What qualities do you want in a man?  There is only one quality that I’m looking for in a man. The one who respects his mother because I always remember that the way a man treats his mother is also the same way he treats his wife  his wife.

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