Beryl: Enjoying life the unconventional way

Wake-uppers:

Scene: It’s Island City Mall (ICM) September affairs to remember! Pretty girls out there ages 9-12 years old are invited to join the ICM Glamorous Princess. Audition is on Oct 5 at 3 p.m. at the Activity Center. Call (038) 501-3000 for info. There’s more…You can also pamper your grandparents on September 9 at ICM and experience free make-over treats, relaxing massage and win instant Php 3000 cash prize in the Bingo games. There’s more, more…Enjoy up to 70% discount from participating tenants and 10% discount from Home and Fashion department on Sept. 14, 15 and 16. There’s more, more, more…. watch GMA Kapuso artists on Sept. 15, 4 p.m. at Activity Center.

 

Udtohan

Scene: Our dear Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 9, 2001) is lovingly remembered on her 11th death anniversary. As long as hearts remember, as long as hearts still care, we do not part with those we love, they're with us everywhere…

 

Scene: Is former provincial board member Felix Realista Uy finally ending his political career? The veteran lawmaker will no longer run for any position in next year’s election, saying he is “happy right now.” On the other hand, Brigadier General Joseph Sevilla (who was a provincial board member for many years) has reportedly plans to run in 2013 elections. “I’m still thinking,” he said. Brig. Gen. Sevilla is busy doing charity projects as chairman of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines (ROLP) and a topbrass of the Guardian Forces Brotherhood International (GFBI).  

Scene: This week is diving for a cause. Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Campaign is on Sept. 15. It aims to gather divers for a cleanup dive inside and outside the marine sanctuaries of Balicasag Island and Barangay Tawala in Panglao Island. Registration fee for the activity is Php 4,000 inclusive of two boat divers, full set of diving gears, dive boat, dive master, sacks for the collection of underwater debris, certificate, souvenir shirt and buffet lunch. Non-divers are also invited to join the coastal cleanup initiated by the barangay councils of Danao and Tawala, Panglao. To register, e-mail info@boholdiversclub.com or text/call +63 918-979-5819.

 

***

Fate has a strange way of intervening in Beryl Elizabeth’s life. Years back, she was looking forward to working as a nurse before taking up medicine.

 

“I want to be a surgeon,” the dutiful daughter recalls. So she finished nursing as preparatory course for Medicine and passed the licensure examination in 2007 but because of Beryl’s adventurous attitude, now she finds herself doing a job she never imagined herself doing in Kayakasia Philippines Inc. (Email: kayakbohol@gmail.com, visit www.facebook.com/kayakasiaphilippines or text/call +63932-855-2928).  

“Ive been kayaking since 2003, it’s a hobby ra. I never thought I’d be in this business jud,” she recalls. “I have friends who are kayakers and they wanted to start up a company with an aim of promoting kayaking in Bohol, so they asked me to be part of it.”

 

She turned down the offer several times because she wanted to work as a nurse. Then one day she realized to accept the offer.  “Who am I to say no to a job offer when there are a lot of people who are jobless. So I took the job, they needed a woman in the team man gud especially in the office because paper works is not a man’s cup of tea,” adds Beryl.

Now, Beryl is so hooked on travel business (where she meets a lot of people both local and foreign) she has decided to kiss plans of becoming a nurse good-bye.

 

“Now its almost a year na naa ko sa company, I’ve seen it evolve and grow and I am happy about it. One thing I love about my job is that I get to have a chance to be awed by Bohol’s natural beauty and appreciate it in another perspective, in a way wherein only few people gets the chance to do and to be able to share the experience to everyone who comes to us,” gushes Beryl.

 

“Kayaking is the least destructive way to enjoy and explore the beautiful waterways we have. It keeps you more closely attached to nature and gives you the freedom to skim through the liquid skin of the earth through your own power. And we in Kayakasia Philippines Inc. is more than willing to promote this eco-friendly recreational activity in Bohol,” explains Beryl.

‘I’m sexy after a good run when I'm all sweaty and I’m catching my breath.’

 

Kayasia is the only one in Bohol which offers premium kayaking trip packages as such as Firefly Kayaking which is the best seller, Virgin Island Kayaking and Moonlit Dinner. They also offer Kayaking the two churches (Baclayon and Dauis), Kayak Snorkelling and Multi-day Kayaking Expeditions. They also give basic Kayaking lessons to the guests prior to every trip with the aid of certified kayak instructors as guides and they also do kayak retail.

 

Instead of further talking economics, Bared did “sexy talk” with Beryl so readers will not forget that, besides being a businesswoman, she’s first and foremost a sexy kayaker.

 

Those in-the-know Beryl was a campus beauty queen. She won Miss University of Bohol High School 2003 and Miss UB Personality 3rd runner up in 2003. Until now, she maintains the sexy look.

 

‘Kayaking is the least destructive way to enjoy and explore the beautiful waterways we have.’

“When do I feel sexy?” asks Beryl. “After a good run when I'm all sweaty and I’m catching my breath.”

 

What makes a man sexy? “There is something about a man’s arm that attracts me, especially when it is lean and not very muscular, just enough to be sexy. But still, if a man has the brains and can talk to me about anything under the sun then he is the sexiest for me.”

 

What is the sexiest part of her body? “My lips,” she giggles. “Because it can convey my emotions and I can send them across like when I’m happy I smile, I’m sad, I pout and when I’m hyped up, I pucker up and offers a kiss! Ha! ha!”

 

Read: Beryl will let your imagination run wild, but she won’t show everything. She can give you the come-hither look, but she won’t let you go further. Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

***

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

l-r DYRD reporter Jun Gutierrez, Brig. Gen Joseph Sevilla and DYTR reporter Edward Guyano

 

• Hollywood-like sign on Chocolate Hills mulled • Divers to clean island for girl’s rights on Sept. 15

• Hollywood-like sign on Chocolate Hills mulled

• Divers to clean island for girl’s rights on Sept. 15

 

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Rainfall, earthquake and blue moon on Friday! The blue moon appeared at 9 p.m. after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Samar province triggering tsunami warnings across a wide swath of Asia.

 

“A blue moon does not actually refer to the color of the moon rather it means two full moons in one month,” my six-year-old nephew Kotik told me.

 

The morning after, Sept. 1, Filipinos have reason to smile as the cool “ber” months begin, ushering in the joyous countdown to Christmas.

 

Radio programs begin playing holiday tunes as the world’s longest Christmas season unfolds in the Philippines. Now that the “Ber” months is finally upon us, the mornings are expected to get colder in the coming days.

 

(Note: I won again in our “Who Can Greet First Merry Christmas on September 1” with my high school classmate and UB High School principal Elaine Joy Auza. Joy, I won it for the nth time He! He! He!)

 

Scene: The most anticipated search for Mr and Miss Saint John the Baptist Academy (SJBA) Personality 2012 is on Sept. 6, 7:30 pm at Garcia Hernandez gym. “The beauty, prestige and tradition continue…there are six boys and six girls who will compete for the most coveted titles,” SJBA principal Ramon Caresiosa posted on Facebook.

 

Scene: Bohol-Buhol, the group art exhibit of Boholano artists in Manila on Sept. 8. Bohol-Buhol aims to highlight the beauty and wonder of Bohol in the merry tangled colors, forms and imagery in the paintings, mixed media and sculptural pieces.

 

Buhol-Bohol's exhibiting artists include Cesar Montano, Eric Catot, Guy Custodio, Glen Lumantao, Irish Glori Galon, Jhacky Curambao,Joey Labrador, Jef Sisican, Josefino Montano, Lito Masalta, Nene Lungay, Rhants Anunciado, Ric Ramasola, Rico Tompong, Rommel Montano and Sam Penaso.

 

Hollywood in Bohol

Bohol-Buhol is on September 8 (6 p.m.) until September 15 at the Renaissance Gallery, 4th floor of SM Megamall Building A, Mandaluyong City. Call +639283482268for more info.

 

Scene: A picture of Chocolate Hills with a massive “BOHOLLYWOOD ” sign on a hill, just like the one Hollywood is now circulated on Facebook. Local netizens found the idea funny at best, and stupid at worst.  However, the Hollywood-like sign on Choco Hill is not existing. It’s digitally manipulated photo. “The municipality of Carmen or the province of Bohol may not erect a landmark similar to the iconic Los Angeles’ “Hollywood” sign.  Remember how the Hollywood-like sign in Batangas mulled? It maybe sound ‘hard-to-miss landmark and potential tourism draw’ but not yet the right time,” said VRS.

 

***

SK Danao crowned Miss Panglao 2012

 

Miss SK Danao, 19-year-old Meshellane Real Jade Cajels, took the title of Miss Panglao 2012 last Wednesday, Aug. 29, organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation of Panglao.

 

The 5 foot 7 beauty queen beat out 16 other contestants, including Miss SK Doljo Jessamine Flores and Blez Jamessa Oliquino of Balicasag Island, who were first and second runners-up, respectively.

 

"Thank you," Cajels said while she burst in tears after her win was announced.

 

Cajels

Cajels, a nursing student who says she wants to become a good nurse, also named Best in Gown, Best in Interview, Miss Photogenic and Face of the Night .

 

“The Miss Panglao Pageant is a unique pageant since there is a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and dynamic involvement in community activities,” said Amira Montero, SK Panglao federated chair.

 

Last year’s winner, Miss Panglao 2011 Judith Anne Cruz launched her Math Literacy project to give free basic Math tutorials to academically-challenged students.

 

The Miss Panglao Official Theme Song “Truly Beautiful” composed by Deo Guden, arranged by BJ Baylon and interpreted by Joseph Gara was launched during the Talent Night Showcase.

 

ABS-CBN stars Aldred Gatchalian and Jason Abalos added glitter and excitement to the event. Talented Kimberly Gango sang and danced also together with performing talents from Panglao.

 

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal emceed the pageant with Miss Panglao 2011 2^nd runner-up Mary Rose Butalid as anchorwoman.

 

The judges were Pureza Chatto, Irena Heberer, president of Rotary Club of Panglao Island; Marybeth Chan, president of Marc and Mattheaus Group of Companies; Marietta Gasatan, president of Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Karin Wesemael, owner of Linaw Beach Resort; Dianne Necio, 2011 Bb. Pilipinas- International, 2012 Miss International Top 15 finalist; Joyce Ann Burton, 1985 Bb. Pilipinas- Universe, 1981 Miss Young International Top  Ten Finalist; Franz Eichenauer, CHA, general manager of The Bellevue Resort; and Lady Cely Chiongbian, Cebu- based philanthropist and socialite.

 

***

Divers to clean island for girl’s rights

 

Divers will be under the surface of Balicasag Island on Sept. 15, picking trash and other stuff from the depths of Bohol’s popular divesite, during the Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Campaign.

 

The Dive Cleanup for Girls’ Rights aims to gather all female divers for a cleanup dive inside and outside the marine sanctuaries of Balicasag Island and Barangay Tawala in Panglao Island.

 

“Participation of male divers are also considered since campaign promotes gender equality,” said John Vivica, program coordinator of Plan International. Aside from the environmental cause, all participants will be given orientations on children’s right, Plan’s Because I Am A Girl Campaign, and coastal resource management.

 

“Let’s talk about the rights of children and their protection from harm caused by disaster, environmental degradation and climate change. Then take a glimpse into one of the richest coral reefs in the world in Balicasag Island,” added Vivica.

The Dive Cleanup for Girl’s Rights was conceptualized to coincide with International Coastal Cleanup Month, which is observed every September and to build up towards the celebration of the first ever International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11, 2012 (10-11-12).

 

The Because I am A Girl Campaign of Plan International was linked to this environmental celebration because Plan believes that all girls and boys have the right to be protected from harm caused by disaster,environment degradation and climate change. Girls, in particular, have special needs that must be taken care of during times of emergencies and disasters.

 

The event will be held in partnership with the Bohol Divers Club whose general manager, Darwin Menorias, played an important role in the conservation of Bohol Marine Triangle. This area comprises the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan and constitutes a passageway of whales and dolphins with coral reefs ranging from fair to good condition.

Registration fee for the activity is Php 4,000 that includes two boat divers, full set of diving gears, dive boat, dive master, sacks for the collection of underwater debris, certificate, souvenir shirt and buffet lunch.

 

Non-divers are also invited to join the coastal cleanup initiated by the barangay councils of Danao and Tawala, Panglao.

 

All interested divers can register to info@boholdiversclub.com; text/call +63 918-979-5819.

 

"At the end of the activity, all participants are expected to support the advocacies on gender equality among children and coastal resource management, establishing that boys and girls can benefit from both a world that is gender and disaster resilient," added Vivica.

 

Founded 75 years ago, Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children’s development organizations in the world. Plan’s vision is of a world where all children realize their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity.

 

***

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

‘Big loss’

Wake-uppers:

Baning Penales

Scene: The Tagbilaran City Schools Division welcomes its new superintendent Evangel Medel-Luminarias, Ph.D. Luminarias was a professor of the University of Bohol until she was appointed schools division superintendent of Toledo City.  

 

Scene: Urbana “Baning” Penales celebrated her 87^th birthday with luau birthday party last August 18 in California, USA. “It turned out to be one of the memorable birthdays she ever had,” reported by an Amboy VRS. “Her daughter Gloria Penales Pabualan from Houston, Texas came to personally assist the decorations and preparations, she brought with her the hunky and cutey guy Nildjan Penales Romero who recently passed the RN licensure in America. Guests arrived in strides and so happy to see them enjoying the whole night line dancing.”

 

Scene: The MikeyGatal.com website owns by US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal will turn 5 this month. On September 1, Mikey Gatal Kids Foundation in cooperation with the Guindulman Association of California, Southern Area or GACSA will have a fundraising event and annual fiesta celebration which will be held in Bellflower, California to benefit the kids of Guindulman town. Hollywood celebrity/model Thomas Sautebin is the expected guest to grace the event. Visit www.mikeygatal.com or www.boholster.com.

 

Scene: A fire that hit seven houses near Pook Pantalan, Tagbilaran City yesterday morning caused at least P100,000 pesos in damage to property. No one was reported injured in the fire. Many of the residents tried to save their belongings as the fire destroyed their homes. Saturday's fire came a day after a blaze destroyed two houses in Dauis town.

 

Seen: Christian John CJ Sajulga and Kelley Maribel Manuta were crowned Mr and Miss University of Bohol High School 2012. They will compete for the Mr and Miss UB Personality this September.

 

Mr and Ms UB HS

Scene: The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between JCAD and BOHECO II took place at Bohol Yacht Club, Puerto San Pedro, Bien Unido, Bohol last August 22 for the Construction of Mini-Hydro and Wind Power Projects.  “Another initiative of Mayor Niño Rey Boniel for the good of Bien Unido and his constituents,” said an LGU employee.

 

Seen: Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno has made history by becoming the first female chief justice in the Philippines.

 

***

"Sana ay maging handa ang mga tapat at may kakayahan nating mga pinuno na magsakripisyo at tumugon sa tawag ng panahon…Hindi ito madali ngunit kung sama-sama tayong lahat, hindi malayong maabot natin ang minimithi natin magandang kinabukasan para sa bawat Pilipino."— Jesse Manalastas Robredo (1958-2012)

 

There has been an outpouring of tributes for the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. He was widely considered to be incorruptible, in a country where graft is endemic and politicians often distrusted.

 

Tributes also came in via social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook where many offered prayers for Robredo, remembering him as a good public servant.

 

Last Wednesday, flags in all government offices and public schools flew at half mast.

 

Relampagos with Robredo

Rep. Rene Relampagos posted on Facebook: “Secretary Jesse Manalastas Robredo is in God’s loving embrace. Let us remember this honorable man’s humility and good deeds, and look upon his life as a source of inspiration. To all his colleagues, friends, and family, we sympathize and offer our most sincere condolences.”

 

Leo Almote shared a poem on Facebook which expressed Robredo’s death, life and contributions. “Waters of Masbate, you have become purer. For three days, an honorable man slept on your sea bed, upon waking, he shall find himself back in the sky. Surrounded by light, wearing wreaths of gold, because of his virtue, your waves are now sacred. While our tears create ripples on your surface, we hold your hand and honor your memory, Jesse your name is Integrity.”

 

Robredo was a former official at an ice cream company before he was elected mayor of Naga City in 1988 at the age of 29, making him the youngest mayor in the country at the time. His success in turning the once-sleepy city into a trading, housing and education center won him many honors, including a 2000 Ramon Magsaysay award, considered Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize.

 

On the other hand, people who have never heard of Captain Jessup Bahinting before may know him only as the pilot of the plane that crashed off Masbate.

 

What they don’t know is that he was a regular presence in relief work after major disasters, a pastor who used his skills and his aircraft to bring help where it was needed, Cebu newspapers reported.

 

Robredo in Bohol with Gov. Chatto and Rep. Aumentado.

In Bohol, there are those who were touched by his goodness.

 

“He’s really kind and a charitable person,” said Jea Dano (of IJea Travel and Tours, 31-A Airport Road, Cogon District, 6300 Tagbilaran City, Tel No: (038) 412-3885, www.ijeatravel.com) who met Bahinting several times when she was working at the Tagbilaran airport.

 

Flag half mast in public schools.

JCI Sen. NB Director John Enerio, who organized a medical mission in Jan. 2010, said Bahinting was a good man.

 

“When we had the Texas Medical Surgical Mission, we had no less than 8,000 patients (beneficiaries), Capt. Bahinting escorted from Cebu to Tagbilaran boxes of medicines with his plane free of charge (gratis). And even park his plan at Tagbilaran Airport in case there is a need for airlift (he had his plane like a waiting taxi and he was at the Bohol Cultural Center, the venue of the medical mission.”

 

Captain Bahinting was born in Larena, Siquijor, but his family moved to Negros Oriental when he was a teenager. He went to a flying school in Davao City.

 

According to reports, Captain Bahinting sent his own Cessna, at no cost to the government, to fly in antivenom from Camiguin to Cebu City. This act saved the life of a Cebu City zookeeper who had been bitten by a cobra.

  

Preacher David Oman Mackay of LDS Church said, "No success can compensate for failure in the home." This quote must have guide Robredo and Bahinting.

 

 

***

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

Aris Aumentado: Will he or will he not?

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The funny video of internet sensation Mikey Bustos on Bohol is now available on youtube. The “Bohol and the All-knowing Tarsiers” traces the adventurous journey of Mikey Bustos and Frank McCormick as they find their way through Bohol. Find out why tarsiers are cute and very, very smart! Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CXcrAzS2kU.

Scene: It’s a good weather to match a long weekend. Pres. Benigno Aquino III has signed Proclamation No 455 declaring August 20, tomorrow, a regular holiday throughout the country. This is in observance of the Eid'l Fitr, when Muslims end their fast. The Eid'l Fitr holiday is immediately followed by Ninoy Aquino Day on Tuesday, August 21.

Scene: The 1^st Underwater Pilgrimage at the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef Marine Park is on Sept. 7-8, 2012, Bien Unido town. For inquiries, contact: Leony at +63915-322-9874 or CCEF Office at (032) 416-20040.  Explore the only underwater religious destination in Asia at the only double barrier reef in the Philippines.

***

He will, he will not. . . he will, he will not. . .

Latest reports indicated that Aris Aumentado, despite early denials, may opt to run for congressman or board member in 2013.

More than two weeks after The Bohol Chronicle headlined 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aumentado to run for Bohol governor in May 2013 elections, his son Erico Aristotle, popularly known as Aris, is reported to run for congressman (?) or board member (?) in the second district and those who are surely voting for him are hoping and praying that he will – he should.

"He has been asking for a sign," Very Reliable Source (VRS) told Bared during a brief chat, "There is a high possibility that Cong. Aumentado will run for governor and his son Aris for congressman. And the people of second district welcome it."

This time around, just when Aris is inclined to say "yes" to run, Cong. Aumentado may not allow him to run. “There are many things to consider. It is not yet final,” added VRS.

Now Aris is having second thoughts, inclined not to run.

“Whatever is the outcome, this young Aumentado knows how to respects his father’s decision,” revealed VRS.

Aris is often seen these days meeting with local officials in the second district.

“But if you ask me, Aris should go ahead and run. The best "sign" he should consider is the approval of majority of the voters for his candidacy,” said VRS.

***

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong is still firm in her plan not to enter into politics.

“As of this moment, no to politics,” says Tessie.

Tessie and Libby Sumampong

Tessie thinks she is already helping enough or as much and that’s it. She has already been participating in public service through humanitarian organizations and promoting Bohol through her Loboc Riverwatch.

It was reported that Tessie’s hubby, Libby, is vying for a post or become the next vice mayor of Loboc.

Tessie revealed that there have been times when they would talk about politics but at the moment, Libby does not see any need for it.

“Libby may yet run for councilor of Loboc,” reveals Tessie.

My unsolicited advice to them?

Don’t!!!

***

Just after typing this column, I received a text message from socialite VRS informing me of the campaign material of Councilors Baba Yap and Kit Oppus now circulated on Facebook.

The campaign picture of BaKit’s Team Panaghiusa shows Baba and Kit with their (complete) 10 councilors (--to-be?): Joseph Bompat, Eliezer Borja, Jose Esteban Timoteo Butalid, Charles Cabalit, Bebiano Inting, Adam Relson Jala, Jeremias Pabe,  Allan Real and Salome Vitorillo.

Those in the know indicated that Catigbian Mayor Bertsal Salinas may opt to run for congressman in the first district in 2013. Bared texted Bertsal for his comment, he answered: “Maybe…maybe not.”

Erstwhile Vice Mayor Toto Veloso also told Bared that his team GV Express, which stands for Good Vehicle/Good Vibes/Good Vision or DT for Dodong-Toto Doers for Tagbilaran, with lawyer Dodong Gonzaga as mayoralty bet, has to choose the 10 councilors from 16 probable candidates. However, Coun. Betty Torralba is with the team GV Express/DT. “We plan to release our strong line up next month,” informed Toto.

Meanwhile, VRS reported that Bag-ong Bol-anon is conducting nightly activities with Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes as provincial chair.

***

Three generations making their way to see Lady Liberty

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin takes first bite of the Big Apple. And what a bite it was! Juicy!!!

“I’ll never forget my first time in New York,” Fiel told Bared. “After all the stops and starts, dreams do come true! For many years, my family’s ultimate dream was for me to join them in New York City, but fate took a different course. It came decades after the long wait. “

Fiel was in The Big Apple months ago to accompany her daughter Cielo who was qualified as Philippine team member and the only participant from Central Visayas to the 2012 International Regions Math League Competition held in Las Vegas last June.

***

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

Mich Capili: A new bet for stardom

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Actor Aga Muhlach was in Bohol last Monday to shoot an episode about Bohol for his travel-adventure show Pinoy Explorer on TV5.

Aga and his crew, including Rowell Santiago, who is the director of Pinoy Explorer, were surprised to learn that the torrential rains caused two million Pinoys to battle the monsoon floods.

 

Aga with fans

“It’s not raining in Bohol. Napakaganda ang panahon sa Bohol parang summer noong nagshooting sila,” said VRS. 

 

Aga visited the beaches, Loon Macaques Habitat, Bohol Bee Farm and other tourist attractions in Bohol.

 

While shooting, Aga showed signs he was really worried for his family in Manila. According to VRS, in between filming, he had to call his wife Charlene to monitor the situation.

 

The Pinoy Explorer fanpage on Facebook posted last Tuesday, “Ingat, mga Kapatid! Maaraw dito sa kinalalagyan namin pero nananalangin kami para sa kaligtasan ng lahat!”

 

Aga will celebrate his 43rd birthday on August 12 in Camarines Sur where he will run for congressman of the province’s 4th district.

 

Seen: Matinee idol/TV host Drew Arellano was spotted in Bohol last Thursday for his weekend adventure on GMANewsTV’s Weekend Getaway. The Bohol visit was the nth time for Drew.

 

Drew Arellano

According to GMA 7, Weekend Getaway is a reality-travel show about real weekend warriors — people with regular jobs who take off their suits or uniforms, strap on their sandals, pack their shades and bathing suits for some travel and adventure on weekends. Host Drew Arellano treats two adventure-seekers to a weekend trip and shows them that traveling can be fun on a budget! Weekend Getaway will showcase affordable, off-the-beaten-track weekend getaway options in the Philippines and around Asia.

 

To join Weekend Getaway, send an audition video to weekend.getaway@yahoo.com. Weekend Getaway will air on GMA News TV channel 11 every Saturday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

 

***

“Mich Capili, 15, Bohol!”

 

That is how she introduced herself on national TV when GMA 7’s Protégé revealed the Top 20 individuals from thousands of aspirants who would advance to the next level of the competition last Sunday, August 5.

 

(Two winners will be proclaimed at the finals night -- one male protégé and one female protégé. At stake are 12 million pesos worth of cash prizes and a management contract with GMA 7.)

 

Just as Mich Capili appeared on screen, my inbox started flooding with messages asking about her.

 

But who is Mich Capili?

 

GMA 7 website says:

 

Mich Capili

Mitch lived a comfortable life when her parents were still in the poultry business.  But in a reversal of fate, the princess has become a pauper.

 

Her mother is now living abroad, and Mitch is hurting: "Galit ako sa kanya dahil in-abandon niya kami.  Pero mahal ko siya dahil kahit ganoon ang ginawa niya, siya pa rin ang nanay namin."

 

For Mitch, stardom means a redemption from poverty.

 

Of this stage in her life: "Ito na ang panahon para mapakita ko sa lahat ang talent ko. Confident na ako at alam kong mag-i-improve pa ako."

 

Her favorite celebrities: Aljur Abrenica, Regine Velasquez.

 

After Protégé, the socialite and showbiz na showbiz Very Reliable Source (VRS) gave me a ring.

 

“Kuya, happy jud ko nasud si Mich Capili! I really like her! Artista na jud siya. Dili jud basta-basta nga makuha ka kay daghan kayo ang ming-audition sa Protégé. I saw her during the audition in Cebu. She was very good in acting. When Jolina told her to act having a cerebral palsy, Mich gave justice to it,” informed VRS.

 

“Really? But I don’t know her. Her family name is unfamiliar.”

 

“Sus Ginoo si Kuya, she is the daughter Ex-councilor Edgardo Kapirig from Tagbilaran City! Screen name rana niya. I am sure happy iyang dad for her achievement. Wala diay ka kita sa TV kadto ming-audition siya? When the camera panned to the audience area, there were familiar faces. Naa iyang father and cousins,” added VRS.

 

So, Mich Capili is Michelle Angelu Kapirig in real life.

 

The following night, I turned on the TV set to GMA 7’s Inside Protégé (a 15-minute daily updates which air weeknights from 10:15-10:30 pm on the Telebabad block, Mondays to Thursdays, after One True Love and every Friday after Lie To Me.) and saw her again. She looked like a young and fresh Angelu de Leon or Kylle Padilla. Okay, make that a virginal mixture of Angelu de Leon and Kylle Padilla which makes her a lethal combination. Mich has eyes that can melt hearts of boys.

 

Mich was a fourth year high school student at Holy Name University before she joined Protégé. Her classmates and schoolmates described her quiet and shy.

 

“She is very shy in school. She became popular after joining a beauty pageant, yet he remains low-key and soft spoken,” SM Aquino told Bared.

 

Mich is also a product of GreAtMinds' fun-filled-summer theater and film workshops. Last May, she joined Miss Bohol International 2012 but people could hardly remember her if she joined the pageant.

 

Of course, we still remember the circumstances of her parents’ business and political adventure.

 

But what do you know? Given Mich’s potentials, she may just end up as the next artista. I have a gut feeling that she can make it and the show is merely a stepping stone for her.

 

We wish her well. A girl, who sticks to her guns, knows who she is and what she wants when it comes to her future career deserves only the best this world could offer.

 

After Rich Asuncion (First Princess of StarStruck: The Next Level in 2007) and Cathy Remperas (Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up Housemate in 2009), we have a new bet for stardom.

 

Her name is Mich Capili.

 

***

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

Primitiva Ontong: Prayer is powerful

Good News!  3^rd district Rep. Arthur Yap was spotted at Ilijah Retreat House of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City. It was learned that Rep. Yap turned-over the check worth 500,000 pesos to Bishop Leonardo Medroso for the rehabilitation of the roof on Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Loboc.  Also spotted were Fr. Andy Ayco and Fr. Felix Silagan.

Rep. Arthur Yap turns-over the check to Bishop Leonardo Medroso for the rehabilitation of Loboc Church. Also in photo are Fr. Felix Silagan and Fr. Andy Ayco.

The seed money is from Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s personal fund to be used solely for the repair of the roofing of the Loboc Church.

Sen. Enrile asked Rep. Yap of any worthy projects he could finance for the 3rd district. Rep Yap thought of beautifying the Loboc Church which is a national historical monument and a tourist attraction. Senator Enrile's son, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, who is eyeing a Senate seat in 2013, also helped follow up the release of the check.

Aside from the P500-thousand for the repair of the Loboc Church roof, Rep. Yap and Senator Enrile are now working on the inclusion of about P200-P250 million in the national budget for the rehabilitation of the whole Loboc church. At 374 years old, the Loboc Church has showing its age.

Bishop Medroso was touched by the generosity of the donation facilitated by Rep. Yap.

On the other hand, the town of Loboc might get bigger firetrucks from Japanese donors tapped by Rep. Yap in an effort to ensure all towns in the 3^rd district are well-equipped in times of emergencies.

Rep. Yap explained that he would facilitate requests for assistance from any mayor for that matter, not only Mayor Leon Calipusan of Loboc. Rep. Yap said he is very willing to be of help to any mayor who needs assistance, whose town has not received any assistance from DILG and PCSO yet, and Rep. Yap is now facilitating acquisition of firetrucks and ambulances from Japanese donors.

***

The Coolest Capitol Figure. For many years, as a cashier, financial adviser on financial matters during the time of then governor now second district Rep. Erico Aumentado and now assistant provincial treasurer of the provincial government of Bohol, Primitiva Jamodiong-Ontong, still perfectly fits that enduring title (if you haven’t noticed, she has amazing hairstyles most of the time).

Primitiva "Priming"Ontong

Unlike most of her colleagues and contemporaries, Priming, the endearing monicker of Primitiva (“it means ‘native’ but I still love my name”), is retaining that sweet and wholesome aura about her, perhaps because she harbors no frustration nor bitterness in heart. 

Yes, Priming’s being cool is natural and, no, her “sweetness” is not a put-on. Everybody, close friends and complete strangers alike, call her Maam Priming with affection. 

As an assistant provincial treasurer, Priming said that her position is a very challenging job. “I take good care of our money. It’s supervisory but our office has the final say to control the cash.”

Asked how she copes with stress, “I just relax and sleep.”

Living a healthy lifestyle, her diet includes fish, vegetables and fruits. “I have carrot, cucumber and radish juice I drink 30 minutes before breakfast. It’s good for the health! I also drink more than 8 glasses of water every day.”

This much is known to many, Priming is a Marian devotee. She has at least 8 favorite saints and angels. “They are St. Anthony de Padua, St. Jude Thaddeus, St. Benedict, St. Augustine, Sta. Monica, St. Gabriel, St. Michael and St. Rafael.”

Prayer is powerful. Ask Priming. 

“I always pray with joy.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to 'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.' I recite 7 Glory Be in honor of the Holy Spirit, 15 Our Father prayer given to St. Bridget of Sweden.  I assist the mass daily as my devotion,” shared Priming. “Before I go to sleep, I pray to thank the Lord. I pray for my family and friends. Before, I go to work, I have to pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment and I give five minutes to read Our Daily Bread.”

with members of the God the Father of All Mankind...

There have been many clichés about like-minded people banding together. With the same interests, they reach similar goals faster and enjoy the process, too, because they have each other to share the journey with. So, Priming is joining the God the Father of All Mankind group, started by the Italian nun, mystic, and visionary, Mother Eugenia Elisabetta Ravasio (1907–1990).

“Doy Leo, God the Father told Mother Eugenia that ‘All those who call Me by the name of the Father, even if only once, will not perish, but will be sure of their eternal life among the chosen ones.’”

Incidentally, Catholics mark the first Sunday of August every year as the feast and day of consecration to God, the Father of All Mankind. Sunday is the last day of the traditional octave or eight days of prayer and daily consecration to the Father of All Mankind, that began last July 31.

A concelebrated Mass will be held at the Cogon Shrine during the consecration and feast of God the Father of All Mankind on Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Activities leading to the feast will include octave prayer at 7 a.m., followed by a Holy Mass. All devotees are invited to attend. 

To know more about Priming, Bared asked her to complete some questions: 

I hate people…who are matapobre, one who looks down on poor people.

I avoid people….  who are gossip mongers. Kana jud Doy Leo mga tsimosa, intrigera, they spread fire!

My greatest pleasure is…entertaining clients with a genuine smile. I am happy to help other people especially the poor.

My worst moment is…when I was rushed to the hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties.

My biggest fear is…I commit mistakes and I am not able to ask Jesus to forgive me for all my sins and I will go to hell! Knock on the wood, palayo lang jud! 

I pray for…good health and happiness for myself and for the people that I love. I also pray for the salvation of all souls in purgatory so that they can go to Heaven. 

The most important person in my life is....my husband! I love him. 

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be… a sheep. It symbolizes innocence and loyalty. It is also a symbol of  simple goodness we bring to life when we have the desire and affection to do good for others and to be good ourselves.

My most traumatic experience was... I had a car accident. The car just skid off the side of a cliff. That time, I had my five year-old daughter with me. I thanked the Lord because we were safe!

I deal with gossip by…first, I avoid gossip, then by praying to God for strength. Doy Leo, gossip can create an unpleasant atmosphere at work. So, I don’t like tsismis while working. 

Am I afraid of growing old?...I don’t afraid to grow old. I thank the Lord for the gift of life. Pero naa gud beauty secrets pud.(Laughs) 

My favorite memory verse is....John 15:7. It says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for.”

My most memorable miracle was…about my daughter who is a CPA. She was hired to work in Singapore but was denied entry at the Singapore Immigration. My daughter texted me to pray for her while she was also asking the Lord to change the mind of the immigration officer. At that very moment, after praying, the Immigration officer granted her entry. My daughter is still working at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Singapore. 

I lose my temper when...Doy Leo, masuko ko pag-ayo pero mawala ra dayon kung makapray ko. 

I am happiest when...I can help other people. 

I am saddest when....I see trouble in the office. 

My ultimate goal is...to be with God in heaven. 

What I like about myself… My heart beats for the poor people.

What I don’t like about myself….I am a worrier. Dali ra ko maguol, usahay emotional. When I started to worry, I pray to the Lord. It creates internal balance and stability. 

Face-to-face with God, I’d tell Him…Thank You, God and I love You.

***

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