Aishite Imasu, Greg

FLASH REPORT:  Ms. Paraguay Vanity Kintanar Salinana-Banks has won the Queen of Cebu Universe 2012, pageant for Alternatives, held on November 9 at the Waterfront Hotel.  According to fashion icon EJ Relampagos who was in Cebu to watch and support Vanity, Ms. Paraguay truly deserves to win the crown. Vanity also bagged the Best in National Costume award, Best in Costume and Best in Long gown. Vanity hails from Baclayon town. Guests during the pageant were Anna Fegi, Maria Dona and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Salinana-Banks( center) with friends

Wake-uppers:

Scene: President Barack Obama was reelected for another four years as president of the United States. Barack Obama tweeted, "Four more years," with a sweet photo of him and wife Michelle Obama hugging. And Michelle also tweeted her support for her commander-in-chief husband: "More than anything, I want to thank you all for everything. I am so grateful to every one of you for your support and your prayers. –mo ."

Seen:  Prof. Marianito Luspo posted on Facebook: My apologies to those concerned: I normally don't accept as friends on FB those who are known to be running in the coming elections. Not that I am unfriendly, just trying to maintain what I believe is FB's essential character - a social network where I can interact with people close to my heart. Please understand.

***

They love Bohol! Courtesy: Tim Yap/Ruffa Gutierrez/Leah De Guzman

Where the stars spent their long weekend? They’re in Bohol! Spotted in Bohol last week were Ruffa Gutierrez, Tim Yap, Alice Dixson and Cristalle Belo-Henares.

Via Instagram posts, they shared with us their impressions of Bohol:

Ruffa Gutierrez- Life is such a beach! ♥♥♥ Having a blast in bohol this weekend. :) Thank you Bohol for this amazing holiday!

Tim Yap- Touched by Boholano hospitality!

Cristalle Belo-Henares- Beautiful above and below, Balicasag Island! The most beautiful dive boat I've ever seen!

Alice Dixson- #Boholidaze2012 lives on! Our lovely Loboc river cruise.

***

As I’ve been saying, Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado aka the Running Lawyer is having the best of both worlds.

As Bared has been reporting in “scoop” last week, Atty. Delgado has been spotted in Japan.

Of course, Atty. Delgado is also enjoying his busy schedule as president of the association of young Boholanos in Manila.

“While in the land of Lapad, he was spotted at the Old City holding hands with a beautiful Japanese girl while giggling and whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears. This Japanese told him a phrase from a famous song ’Anataga Hoshii, Anataga Hoshii,” said the roving aka sosyalan VRS. “Atty. Greg knows that the song means “I like you and I love you.”

“Doy Leo, I swear, I heard Atty. Greg whispered to the Japanese girl the words ’Ashte Masu’,” added VRS. “You should know that they are Japanese words for ‘I love you’.”

However, the “short romance” between Atty. Greg and the beautiful Japanese girl turned out to be as ephemeral as Cherry Blossoms — you know, gone in the wink of an eye.

“He has to leave Japan Ha! Ha! Ha!” revealed VRS. “Who knows if they are communicating through Facebook?”

By the way, the Japan visit was part of the yearly “vacation” of the members of Villaraza Cruz Marcelo Angangco, officially known as CVC Law or simply "The Firm," the country's top litigation law firm. They had a break from their rigorous work for their annual RnR abroad. Two of the members of the Firm hail from Bohol, lawyers  Elmar Galacio of Valencia and Julius Gregory Delgado of Tubigon.

Atty. Delgado shared a glimpse of their trip to the Land of the Rising Sun - Japan. When people think of Japan, the country's capital Tokyo immediately comes to mind. Unbeknownst to many, it is not the ancient capital of Japan. It is Kyoto which used to be the seat of power and culture of Japan.

Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado has experienced Japan’s past perfect as it preserves time-honored traditions and country hospitality.

 Japan is home to the world's largest urban metropolis, rugged wilderness, and a culture steeped in ancient tradition, Japan is a travelers dream.

For the first day of the trip, the CVC Group visited the Golden Pavilion and the Nijo Castle which used to be the seat of Japan's government. The day ended with a hearty dinner which includes the delicious (and expensive) Kobe Beef at a local restaurant. For the second day, the lawyers visited the Todaji Temple at Nara which house the biggest Buddha Bronze Statue and spent the afternoon at Osaka visiting the Castle of Shogun Tokugawa, Umeda Tower and Dotonbori. They also visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine where scenes of the Memoirs of a Geisha were shot. The day ended with a Keiseke, a full course Japanese dinner. The third and last day was a free day and Atty. Delgado spent his day at the Mecca of Motorsports, the Suzuka Circuit near Nagoya.

After the official trip of the firm, Atty. Delgado dropped by Hong Kong, his second visit to the city. In 2007, Atty. Delgado was part of the Philippine Team which competed in an International Law Moot Court Competition. While it rained for two days, it did not prevent Atty. Delgado and his two fellows to enjoy their brief visit at the former British colony.

Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado has become a samurai warrior in Japan. Samurai leaders wore fierce masks and horned helmets. All lived by a code that valued death over defeat.

Atty. Greg attended University of the Philippines-Diliman earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree Major in Public Administration in 2000. Aside from being a constant college scholar/dean's lister, he is best remembered as one of the fiercest activists of his time and was elected in the 34th UP University Student Council and headed the Community Rights and Welfare Committee. He also spearheaded the Senate Lobbying Team that demanded higher state subsidy and resisted commercialization of the UP.

He entered the Ateneo de Manila University College of Law earning his Juris Doctor Degree and was awarded Silver Medal for Second Honors being one of the top students of his batch. Before graduation, he was already invited by the top law firms in the country and signed-up for Villaraza Cruz Marcelo Angangco (formerly Carpio Villaraza Cruz), also known in the legal circle as "The Firm". Atty. Greg has been active in civic organization in the past and at present.

Presently, he is the president of the Tubigonians Association in Metro Manila, the youngest to hold the post. He is also the president of the Association of Young Boholanos in Metro Manila.

Back from his trip abroad, Atty. Delgado will visit Bohol to attend the meeting of Bohol Football Association. He will bring a trophy for a local tournament organized in honor of former Bohol Football Director  Allan Dinsay of University of Bohol who just passed away. The Bohol Football Team has a plan to rename the trophy, the Allan Dinsay Cup. He will also attend the meeting of the Bohol Highlands Gun Club in Tubigon Firing Range, a range in a hill overlooking Cebu-Bohol sea….and, ehem, share his pasalubong! He! He! He!  

Atty. Delgado’s cup runneth over.

***

BCCTV launches E! Channel

BCCTV formally launched E! Entertainment Television last Thursday, Nov. 8 with a pre- taped special hosted by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal.

Lucky subscribers who participated during the whole-day affair received premium giveaways from E! Channel & BCCTV.

Entertainment Television better known as E! Channel with its iconic capital letter E with the exclamation mark logo focuses on updates from Hollywood, news on movies, television, music and fashion,” said Ms. Leizl Lim-Gregorio, BCCTV general manager.

The E! Channel which is seen by more than 600 million cable televiewers worldwide also features red carpet specials for the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards & the Emmy Awards and also produces top- rating reality shows like Keeping with the Kardashians.

E! Entertainment Television can now be enjoyed by BCCTV subscribers and televiewers 24 hours a day over Channel 48.

***

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

Remembering our loved ones…and CPG

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Six teams are competing for the first Tarsier Ultimate Frisbee Tournament held at CPG Sports Complex yesterday and today. According to Beryl Lupot, one of the organizers, Ultimate is a team sport played with a flying disc. Wikipedia adds, “The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc to a player in the opposing end zone, similar to an end zone in American football or the in-goal area in rugby.  Players may not run with the disc, and must keep a pivot while holding the disc.”

 

Scene: Nearly 100 children together with their parents celebrated Halloween by trick-or-treating last Oct. 28 at the Island City Mall. The Activity Center was decorated in a spooky yet fun way for the Halloween celebration. The children roamed the mall in their best costumes and were given prizes for being scary-looking, cute and having the most elaborate disguise. A one-month old baby girl was the youngest participant.

 

Seen: The 12 contestants of the Scariest Halloween Costume 2012. The contestants dressed in movie-inspired Halloween outfits, like Freddie, Jason and other evil dead characters. (Lamok:” 'I'll swallow your soul!')

 

***

If I do Visita Iglesia during Holy Week, I do Visita Cementerio - that is my own version of visiting cemeteries during Kalag-Kalag. My visit gives me spiritual realization and the chance to know more of our sam-ang and the people who passed away.

 

Days before Kalag-Kalag, Inday Charity and I visited an ancient graveyard at Basdio, Guindulman.  There were many boat-shaped coffins in Duero, Candijay, Mabini and Anda which were utilized by our ancestors to understand the belief system particularly in relation to beliefs about the soul and the afterlife. I have been there several times and I’d noticed that only few of the boat-shaped coffins or bangka can be found wedged on cliff sides.

  

Boat coffin

On boat coffins, Prof. Jose Marianito Luspo said, “It’s part of the belief system of the ancient people that death is like a river or passage to other life which can be reached by a body of water. Among the ancient Greek they believe the so called river Styx that can traverse by spirit on his way to the afterlife. It’s not surprising, here in the Philippine also has that tradition. We human beings are born to the womb of our mother which is always liquid-filled. Perhaps this give an idea to the ancient people that when we die we pass thru the passage.”

 On Nov. 1, I visited the Dampas Catholic Cemetery. It houses the remains of the dean of Boholano journalists lawyer Zoilo Dejaresco and wife Rosario, Miguel Parras, Bernardino Inting, Asuncion Mira, composer and military man Alberto Cainglet, Dr. Margarito Lim, et al.

 

Few meters from Dampas Catholic Cemetery is the cemetery for UCCP members. It houses the remains of Dr. James Alexander Graham and his wife Merne. Graham was a native of Scotland, the first medical missionary in Bohol.

 

The Masonic Cemetery of the Dagohoy Lodge No. 84 houses the remains of UB first president Victoriano D. Tirol Sr. and his wife Iluminada, Pio Castro, Catalino Castillo, Angelita Tormis, et al.

 

The Victoria Memorial Park was laid out in 1975 in a park-like, rural setting away from the center of the city. Notables interred here include Doña Basing, Obdulio Caturza Sr. and his wife Juana, businessman Antonio Ong Guat, Carolina Alvarez, church founder Dr. Nelson Rio Sr., et al.  (Note: Boy Kalag is there to guide you.)

 

From Tagbilaran, I went to Calape to visit the tomb of another great Boholano. Outside the Calape Catholic Cemetery was the tomb of Roman “Yoyoy” Tesorio-Villame, the Philippine King of Novelty Songs.

 

I was roasted under the scorching sun when I went to Loon Catholic Cemetery to find the tomb or grave of Justino “Tining” Romea. However, I failed to find his tomb. An old woman told me that Nong Tining was buried in Maribojoc.  I also saw the tomb of Juan “Aning” Relampagos, a World War II veteran and mayor of Loon (1951 to 1959).

 

From Loon, I went back to Tagbilaran to visit the Taloto Catholic Cemetery to offer flowers to my relatives. And I spent the night with my cousins at Victoria Memorial Park to visit the graves of my sister, aunts, uncles and relatives.

 

There were no major hitches as we remember our loved ones during Kalag-Kalag. Floral offerings were made as early as Nov. 1. Many of us stayed overnight at cemeteries. Many took it as an opportunity to make money. Vendors sold flowers, candles, siomai, doughnuts and other food products. Children cleaned the tombs or graves for money. They also collected and sold melted candles.

 

Memories give comfort.

 

***

Today, November 4, Bohol celebrates the 116^th birthday of Most Illustrious Son, the late President Carlos P. Garcia (CPG). As we remember CPG on his 116th birth anniversary, may we be inspired by his example of prioritizing the interests of the Filipino people.

 

Born in November 4, 1896, CPG was a teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public official, political economist and guerilla leader. His administration was anchored on three basic policies: Austerity, Filipino First Policy and Cultural Revival.

 

In addition to being a political leader, CPG was a poet, orator and teacher. He was known as the “Prince of Visayan Poets” and the “Bard from Bohol.”

 

I am putting out the lyrics of one of my favorite Visayan songs that has a humbling effect on me and, I’m sure, on anybody who digests its lyrics. Yes, I’ve put out the song Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon by Onecimo “Onie” Oclarit from his Ubilandia album for CPG‘s birthday today and I think another replaying of it anytime won’t do any harm.

 

Okay, all together now:

 

Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon

 

Ang lalawigang Bol-anon

May anak nga bantugan

Matarung ug maligdong

Sulundon ug buotan.

 

Ang iyang mga mithi

Gugma ug kaangayan

Pag- alagad nga hingpit

Sa yuta tang natawhan.

 

Ug halad ka sa langit

Alang Bol-anon katawhan

Ang mga buhat mong matarung

Kanunay namong gikamingawan

Ang dila mong balaknon

Garbo ning yutang tabunon

Carlos P. Garcia buhi ka sa tanang panahon.

 

Ikaw mao ang kadasig,

Ikaw mao ang kalagsik,

Ikaw mao ang kahayag,

Sa dalan namong mangitngit.

 

Among paninguhaun ang pagsunod sa imong mga lakang

Ug ang imong pagtulun-an

Dili namo hikalimtan.

 

And maybe while humming that song, you and I can further reflect on the greatness of CPG with the help of another song, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, a finalist of the 1996 Bohol Song Festival performed by Marjorie Rebuya and written by Rudy Tutor.

 

Ikaw Carlos P. Garcia

Ang kanunay ginahandum sa mga Pilipinhon

Tungod sa imong kinaiya

nga kanamong mga Bol-anon mapasigarbuhon.

Ang pagpangalagad mo sa katawhan

Gipanaminan, gilarawan ug dili hikalimtan

Gibuhos mo ang  kaugalingon

Aron pagtagbaw sa kinabag-an mong mga igsoon…

 

Nagsuod siya sa pakarepresetante

Hangtud nga nahimong nasudnong presidente

Batid na ka pangagamhanan

First Filipino First Policy ikaw ang amahan

 

Talagsaun kang alagad nga wa magpaadunahan

Ni wala magpabuhong sa kaugalingon sa pangatundanan

Matiunud-anon ka ug ang dughan mo puno sa gugma

Pagkadalaygon mo President Carlos P. Garcia…

 

Just recently, Inday Charity and I visited the CPG Heritage House (formerly the Bohol Museum). The last time I have been there was in 2002, but it is good to see that the CPG Heritage House is still there to make the dream of leaving a legacy for CPG – the man and his works – but also to create an opportunity for this legacy to continue, which the heritage house now stands for.

 

Spending a day at the CPG Heritage House is like getting reacquainted with the life and works of CPG. It is a two storey strong concrete, white house. On display here are some of the late president's memorabilia - you may take time to see old photographs and read some notes about CPG.

 

***

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

Songs of praise and worship with Don Moen on Nov. 10

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Lion and fellow journalist Priscilla Richards, this invitation:  The U.S. Embassy will host “U.S. Election Watch 2012,” in partnership with SM City Cebu on November 7, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 pm.  Guests at the event can vote in a “mock election,” watch live elections returns from the actual polls in the U.S., and take part in intermission activities such as trivia games, a free photo booth, and avail of elections-related information. Representatives of the U.S. Embassy will be on hand to answer questions pertaining to the U.S. elections, and the U.S. electoral system.

Atty. Delgado

Scene: As Halloween approaches, excited costume enthusiasts queue at BQ Mall to buy some Halloween costumes and props such as skull face glowing or bleeding costume, witches, vampires, hanging screaming zombie, inflatable body form and other ghoulish trick-or-treating costumes. Skulls and other scary objects are to greet people at the entrance of the Island City Mall. Bohol's first hotel, the Hotel La Roca, has creepy and creative Halloween decorations. At the Tagbilaran City Square, Hoocha has also Halloween decors to treat customers.  There will be an Ultimate Halloween Dance Party on Oct. 31 at JAD Memorial Center in Loboc town. Dubbed the Hottest Halloween Disco in Loboc, entrance fee is P30 with one bottle SMB, while partygoers can pay P400 pesos per table which is good for four persons. Tickets are available at the Loboc Tourism Office or call 510-1428. 

Seen: Lawyer Julius Gregory Delgado is spotted in Japan. He is enjoying Kyoto, Japan’s ancient city and Osaka and Nara. He posted on Facebook: “Kampai para sa mahabang buhay! In joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, Sake is part of Japenese life!”

***

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way…
               - Don Moen

Don Moen

What an inspiring (powerful) song, isn’t it? I’ve been listening to Don Moen ever since I was a kid at the old Caingget neighborhood. I love his songs. It’s really true that God will make a way for each one of us whatever troubles or big problems we have. God will never leave nor forsake us. 

Many people from all over the world can testify that God Will Make A Way has helped them (including yours truly) renew their faith so many times especially during tough times when we feel like God is nowhere to be found. 

Here is a trivia: Don Moen’s song God Will Make A Way sprang from a tragedy in his family. According to praisecharts.com, “after learning that his young nephew was killed in a car accident, Don Moen searched for some way to help bring comfort to his grieving family even as he struggled with his own sorrow. While reading Isaiah 43, he asked God to give him something that would bring hope to the family in the middle of a hopeless situation. As he prayed, the words for “God Will Make A Way,” came to mind. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. For a while, that song remained a private message for his family. But slowly, he began sharing it with others and soon found that it was a message for the whole church. A message to cling to when “there seems to be no way.”

Don Moen will perform at the Bohol Wisdom gym on Nov. 10 in a concert produced by Ovation Productions. The concert is part of his three-day tour “God Will Make A Way! Philippine Tour 2012.” (Don Moen will have performances on Nov. 8 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City and at the JCCU Auditorium in Butuan City on Nov.11.)

Expect Don Moen to include in his repertoire his hits praise-and-music songs that interpret closely the words of the Bible, such as God Will Make A Way, Thank You, Lord, God Is Good All The Time and Give Thanks.

Other Christian songs that he has popularized include Lord, I Offer My Life To You, I Want To Be Where You Are, Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord, Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and many more.

Now at 62, Don Moen is as captivating as ever, treating audiences all over the world with his worship songs. His voice quality has remained the same through the years. He produced a total of 11 volumes in the series, including the first album, Hosanna! Music: Give Thanks, which sold hundreds of thousands of copies and became the label’s bestseller and his list of accomplishments (a Dove Award) is a testament to an incredible professional career as singer, composer, pastor and producer of Christian music. 

Don Moen has enjoyed a long music career that refuses to fade away because God and the fans won’t allow it.  It will be a history that Don Moen makes his Bohol debut on Nov.10. You can’t afford to miss watching one of the greatest performers in Christian music history — it’s a chance of a lifetime.

Tickets are priced at P1, 200 (Gold/Court Area), P700 (Silver/ Lower Side Bleacher) and P400 (Bronze/General Admission).  Ticket outlets are PCBS (call 501 0823), Island City Mall, Bohol Tropics Resort and All Dunkin Donut Outlets.  For details, call

0923-160-5876 (Claire), 0927-211-2448 and 0921-284-7653 (Rachael).

***

Mayor Nene gets warm birthday cheers from people

Sevilla Mayor Digal

Sevilla’s well-loved public servant Mayor Ernesita “Nene” Digal celebrated her birthday last Saturday, October 20, at Digal’s residence in Poblacion, Sevilla town. 

Rain or shine, the celebration went smoothly as the people of Sevilla were treated a birthday celebration ala fiesta. Heavy rain didn’t stop those invited from showing up. 

Mayor Nene, as she is fondly called in Sevilla, played host to her people and friends from academe and politics, such as Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, reelectionist Rep. Art Yap and former provincial board member Josil Trabajo.

"What is Mayor Nene’s wish?"  Inday Charity chided the birthday girl. Mayor Nene’s daughter, Karen, who’s former SK municipal federation president, answered for her mom, “Good health and mudaog siya!” 

Mayor Nene is seeking reelection in May 2013 elections. 

Also present were her Vice Mayor (to be) Councilor  Victoriano Fernandez and councilors (to be)  Geny Calamba, Marcelita Adolfo, Glenn Rubenial, Beverly Beniga, Dinah Barrete and reelectionists Councilors Marcelo Item, Antonio Patac and Anastacia Lagrosa. 

Of course, Mayor Nene’s husband, former Mayor Ceferino Digal, was also there entertaining guests and visitors. He has significantly improved Sevilla during his three consecutive terms.

***

Tracy is elected gay assn prexy

Tracy Torres

Bohol's most popular make-up artist and hairstylist Tracy Remolador Torres is the newly-elected president of the newly-formed gay association of Tagbilaran City. 

According to Kim (who posted on Facebook that s(he) is hoping for peace, unity and progress to the group),  other elected officials are Jun Quimpan as vice president,  Charlow Arbasto as secretary, EJ Relampagos (treasurer), Rany Gespert ( auditor), Rizalino Torralba aka Inday Rufing and Alexis Calediña are press relation officers, sergeant at arms are Reynald Culgue, Stanley Hamilton Sevilla and Jonathan Ocat and Donna Betos (muse). 

The oathtaking of the new officials and members is in December.

 The United Society of Artists (USA) is the newest Tagbilaran-based gay/bisexual and transgender rights organization and the new progressive voice for full gay equality. Tracy has distinguished himself as a strong supporter and advocate for human rights. 

“It is both exciting and a privilege to be part of this association," he says. “I am deeply inspired by the people of all ages and circumstances and from all backgrounds who create positive change in their communities.”

According to Tracy, the Boholano Gay Community has undeniably been the backbone of many events in the province. 

“I am confident that this organization will reach its goals of providing peace, unity, and progress to the Gay Community of Tagbilaran City,” says Tracy. “I am encouraging everyone to actively participate in all our advocacies. I, as the President of this organization, I will do my best for the betterment of the gay community of this city and for the progress of our home province Bohol  and with that, I encourage everyone to join me in this cause because we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided! Thank you!”

***

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

St. Pedro Calungsod: A model of purity, faithfulness for the youth

This just in: A five-foot tall statue of Blessed Pedro Calungsod (who will be elevated to the altar of the Universal Church today, Oct. 21, the second Filipino to be canonized in the history of the Catholic Church after Pope John Paul II canonized Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila in 1987) found in barangay Malbog, Jagna town, is now a popular pilgrimage site. The only statue dedicated to Pedro Calungsod in Bohol, tourists and pilgrims pray before the statue and leave written prayers at the foot of the statue.

in Malbog, Jagna, Bohol

For centuries, Pedro Calungsod has been a symbol of hope for many Filipinos, despite the grim details of his short and painful life.

Boholanos hold some affinity to the Filipino saint having reportedly stayed in Loboc. In fact, some Boholanos (Bishop Leonardo Medroso and some 45 Boholano priests and pilgrims including Rev. Fr. Alfredo Amora, Rev. Fr. Presciano Boncales, Rev. Fr. Eutemio Espina, Rev. Fr. Felix Tabigue, Rev. Fr. Abet Uy,  former Gov. and Mrs. Constancio Torralba and daughter Fluer de liz Tubio, former provincial board member Corazon Galbreath, Atty. and Mrs. Jun Amora,  Jun  and Anabel Caturza with children Joannah Lou and Jun Constantine, Dr. Grace Araneta, Dr. Maria Jasmin Relampagos, Dr. Leta Cutamora, Mr. and Mrs. Perkin Ong, Mr. and Mrs. Efren Tanjay, Engr. and Mrs. Gregorio Sayson, Mr. and Mrs. Peregrino Real, Aquilina Malanog, Estela Malanog, Imelda Moser, Betty Balatero, Zosima Acuram, Joaquina Uy,  Erlinda Sarmiento,   Adelia de la Serna, Minda Nemenzo, Maria Elena Amodia,  Charlie Balani, Bernadette Rances,  Zenaida Tapang,  Cristita Toleron, Carmelita Azarcon, Marielle Cheza Acedo, Alberlita Morales  and Zarah Dejaresco of Angels' Wings Tours and Travel  who escorted and organized the pilgrimage) are on hand at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome to witness Calungsod’s canonization.

Very little is known about Pedro Calungsod.  According to the Calungsod website, he was a teenage boy from the Visayas who went with some Spanish Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines to the Ladrones Islands in 1668 to evangelize the Chamorros.

 "Very little is known about him. We do not even know where exactly in the Visayas he came from or who his parents were," the site said.

Historians take great pleasure in locating the birthplaces of great figures from the past. This is particularly true when the birthplace has been the subject of heated debate, as is the case for Pedro Calungsod. There have been claims and counterclaims. The Calungsods in Ginatilan, Cebu claimed that Pedro was their great-great-great-grandfather.  Other said Calungsod was born in Molo, Iloilo City circa 1655. Boholanos said Pedro was from Loboc. For various reasons, however, none of these provides a satisfactory solution.

According to historian and cultural icon Prof. Jose Marianito Luspo, there was no record of Calungsod’s education in Loboc.  However, he pointed out that there is a possibility that Calungsod stayed in Loboc.

“Actually, I have not found any direct evidence to prove that Beato Pedro Calungsod ever studied in Loboc,” continued Luspo, “In fact, the only claim that the people of Loboc have about his origin there are people carrying the family name “Cal” living in the town. Other than that there has not any documentary evidence that he was a student.”

The Caturzas- Jun Caturza and his wife Anabel with children Joannah Lou and Jun Constantine- and other Filipino pilgrims are in Rome today to witness the canonization rites of the young catechist and martyr who remained true to his Catholic faith until his death. Contributed Photo

One thing is for sure- there was a school in Loboc, the Seminario Colegio de Loboc.

“They have undergone the same system followed since the beginning of the school. Training school dili na seminario para mga pari,” clarified Luspo, “The school was the training ground for westernization not only the religion class but also how to believe like a westerner including teaching them the western music.”

He elaborated, “We have to put everything in context.  The Jesuits in the places that were assigned to them, they opened schools for the natives. These are not ordinary natives but children of the local nobility. They started in Iloilo. They believed that to educate the nobility, when they would become rulers of the place or their own kingdom, they would make also everybody Catholic."

After 1604, Loboc has no record of the students of the school.

“We don't have records right now who were the students of the school,” said Luspo. “The school was a strong training in terms of academic and at the same time they are helpers of the missionaries. They kept moving around Bohol, these students assist the Jesuit missionaries.”

Asked if Calungsod belonged to a wealthy family, Luspo said that maybe Calungsod came from a prominent family.  “Either he comes from the royalty or local nobility; we never had a record of him.”

Msgr. Ildebrando Jesus Alino Leyson in his book Pedro Calungsod Bisaya, Prospects of a Teenage Filipino said that “"Calungsod" is a very native and descriptive Visayan family name. His family name is variously spelled in the different documents as "Calonsor,"  "Calongsor,"  "Calangsor,"  or "Calansor".  His real family name must have been Calungsod. The variations of the spelling of Pedro's family name in the documents may have been due to the Spanish authors' inability to accurately hear a Filipino name.”

His baptismal record cannot be found.  Most, if not all the baptismal records of the 17th century in the Visayas have been destroyed by fires, typhoons or termites.

The only source of information about him are found in the documents on the martyrdom of P. Diego Luis San Vitores, SJ.  

According to Vatican, Pedro Calungsod may only have been in his early teens (between 12 and 15 years old) when he went with Padre Diego to Guam in 1668. He was one of the young catechists who went with some Spanish Jesuit missionaries to the Ladrones Islands to evangelize the Chamorros. At that time, the Ladrones Islands were part of the Diocese of Cebu.  

Pedro died at 17 in Guam while trying to defend his fellow mission worker, Jesuit priest and now Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, when natives attacked them on April 2, 1672.

Calungsod was struck by a spear and his skull was split by a machete blow. Their bodies were then tied together and thrown into the sea.

“The record is not very clear. He was no longer affiliated with the Jesuits in Loboc. The Jesuits mentioned him by name which was very rare at that time. During the Spanish period, seldom you can find natives being mentioned.  There was no mentioned of Pedro Calungsod before, but he was martyred, his name was reported among those who died in the faith,” said Luspo.

Cardinal Vidal had called Calungsod a Cebuano, as he was part of the Cebu diocese at the time of his death. In the 1600s, the diocese included the whole of Visayas, Mindanao and the Marianas Islands. He was also the one who revealed that the young catechist would be known as “San Pedro de Cebu.”

Luspo clarified: “Everybody now, from Cebu, Iloilo, Bohol, is claiming he comes from his own province. But we should not quarrel over that. There was only one Visayan Jesuit mission at the time, the Cebu mission. Even if his name is Saint Pedro Calungsod de Cebu, the Cebuanos should be historically opened enough to admit that the Cebu there doesn't mean the only town or city of Cebu but it means the entire region.  Bohol and other islands are always reported under Cebu.”

“If you are considered a saint,” added Luspo, “you are saint with universal appeal. Saints are not supposed to be nationalistic figures that tend to be divisive in the long run. Saints are people who have gone above the call of nationality in order to answer the higher cause of the Universal church. Therefore, I am not convinced that the promotion of saint is based on regionalist or ethnic ground. It should be all for the glory of the universal church.”

In his homily during the beatification, Pope John Paul II called on the youth to emulate Calungsod. “From his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to His call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist,” John Paul said.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Pedro Calungsod is a model of purity and faithfulness for the youth.

If walls of Loboc Church could talk, I am sure it has many stories to tell about the young martyr.

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Boholana beauty queen achiever and other tidbits

Wake-uppers:

Dr. Tayag

Seen: Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag was spotted in Bohol last Wednesday, Oct. 10. Tayag was the speaker of University of Bohol’s Diamond 2013 staff development program. According to John Edgar Tiu, the organizer of the event, there was a “dance for health program” number with Doc Tayag.

 

Scene: President Aquino's younger cousin and former Youth Commissioner (NYC) and founder of Happinoy, a cooperative for small-medium investors and businesses Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV visited Bohol last Oct. 10. Bam attended the Getafe Foundation Day celebration with reelectionist Gov. Edgar Chatto. Accompanied by former NYC commissioner and now DAR consultant Benjie Oliva and provincial administrator Ae Damalerio, Bam met the press people at Metro Center Hotel. He twitted: “You have everything in Bohol - beach, mountains, adventure, nature, seafood and most of all, kind, accommodating and hospitable Pinoys!”

 

Scene: A daughter of a local chief executive was bloodied and bruised after allegedly being beaten up by ex-boyfriend. According to VRS, there are angry welts on the daughter’s forehead over both brows, grazing to one cheek, cuts to her chin, swellings around her eyes and marks on her nose and lips. The incident happened last Thursday when the daughter accidentally met the ex-bf. The daughter didn't report the incident to the police but asked her friends instead. Her whole family didn't know about the incident.

Bam Aquino

 

Scene: The campaign trail is on! Ask politicians what is it that they cannot live without? And they might tell you that, yes, it’s a bottle of alcohol. The handwash habit is popular with this rising politician which his factotum (read: alalay) has alcohol every time he’s on the campaign trail shaking hands with people. “Lami kaayo siya mo-smile namo,” complained a voter (not anymore!), “pero mutalikod na dayun pangayo sa alcohol kay manghugas sa iyang kamot.” Clue? There are two “l’s,” two “e’s” and this politician has “mysophobia” ever since. Then, another politician is taking no chances as she washes her mitts with sanitizer after shaking hands with people. This politician is now busy campaigning and attending purok-purok tapok. But once she got back to her car her alalay squeezed a dollop of gel on to her hands to kill off any unwanted germs and bugs. A voter heard her saying, "Baho kaayo ang mga tawo,ew...hugaw jud." Now, the voter won't vote for her in 2013 elections. "What an insult! Ew pud siya noh!" Germs, germs, germs!    

                      

Scene: Correction please! Brigadier General Joseph Sevilla is not running for governor as reported by Bared last week. He is running for Bohol vice governor. No, Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy is not running for re-election in next year’s elections. According to VRS, he has plans to stay in Australia. Missed out in Bared’s list of political luminaries running were provincial board member Roygie Jumamoy for mayor of Inabanga against Ipafanio Muñises, Tagbilaran City Poblacion 1 Barangay Chairman Arlene Karaan for board member of the first district of Bohol,  Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol for reelection against Alfonso “Boy” del Rosario, Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla for reelection against Vice Mayor Exuperio Lloren, Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco for reelection against former provincial board member Jose Veloso (for the second time) and Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala for reelection against Vice Mayor Evangeline Lazaro and former councilor Leonila Montero.

 

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Being Miss Bohol Sandugo truly meant being more than just a beauty queen. It declared having both brains and beauty— that is to say good looks mixed with a sophisticated mind—so one could carry oneself with exemplary grace and meaningful impact in the province.

 

At the eve of their crowning itself, the winners already had gone very far in their youth proving that youth like beauty knows no age. They have gone to become the best they could be in their chosen fields.

Celevel Ranoco

 

Case in point: Miss Bohol Sandugo 1992 Celevel Ranoco.

 

Anyway, Bohol’s seasoned host (and now a blogger) Raul Gatal has to share about Celevel.

 

Jagna set an unprecedented feat in 1992 when its bet Celevel Ranoco won for the town its third consecutive Miss Bohol Sandugo title. The first two were Tiffany Yap 1990 and Recelle Adlaon 1991. Until now, the record has been unbeaten. Tubigon  which won the crown twice with back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011 almost tied with Jagna this year with its 1st runner up placement to the winner who by a twist of fate also comes from Jagna

 

Back in the 1992 edition of Miss Bohol Sandugo, Celevel with her sultry looks and morena complexion was not the pre- pageant favorite but on that fateful night, the moment she strutted her stuff, sashayed onstage and spoke her mind and heart out, everyone including the members of the Panel of Judges were simply mesmerized with her. 

 

She was the picture of the modern and contemporary Boholana; confident and witty yet grounded and well- mannered

 

She is making waves in the world of advertising, conquering new horizons and daring to go where only a few of her paisanos and is now reaping the just rewards for her ground- breaking and innovative marketing savvy with her present position as the General Manager at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising - Singapore

 

She is described as a top advertising executive who comes with years of international brand management and account handling experience and is equally armed with senior marketing experience from the client land. 

 

Furthermore, she embraces the opportunity to bring account leadership and client business to a whole new level.

 

From her UP Sigma Delta Phi sorority, I came across this news item written by Madi Belen 08:

 

“CELEVEL RANOCO- BUTLER IS SAATCHI SINGAPORE’S GENERAL MANAGER

 

Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore promoted senior brand director, Celevel Ranoco-Butler ’93, to the post of Singapore general manager in 2010, filling a role that had been vacant for nine months after Robbie Bempasciuto’s departure in 2009. Celevel oversees the office’s daily operations and reports to Dean Taylor, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore and Malaysia.
Prior to her appointment as general manager,

Celevel was the Regional Brand Director at Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore. Her work involved managing the high-profile and first global Sony Ericsson campaign and launching impressive 7 x 360 degrees campaigns for brands like premium home beer brand, Tiger.

 

Her previous work experience has also included positions with O2 Asia & ME, Y&R Singapore, M&C Saatchi, and 141 Worldwide and Bates Advertising.
Of her work in Saatchi, Celevel says that she “enjoys the high energy agency life and thrives when things get mad busy.

 

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