Tête-à-tête with Atty. Midas Marquez

• Clement is Region’s Outstanding SK

• Tête-à-tête with Atty. Midas Marquez

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Spotted in Bohol last week were Pinoy Dream Academy runner-up Ronnie Liang, Viva Hotbabe Jaycee Parker and Kapamilya star Aldred Gatchalian during Lila’s town fiesta.

           

Scene: The nation’s first Miss World, Megan Young, is back in the Philippines, her home country. Young was treated to a warm welcome by hundreds of people who had gathered at the airport to get a glimpse of their Miss World. Young was all smiles as she waved and greet to cheering fans during last Friday’s parade.

Scene: CenterStage band is getting ready for another big event on Oct. 15, the Foundation Day of Bohol Island State University.

***

While covering the fire incident in Poblacion 1 last Tuesday, Oct. 8, I chanced upon Tracy Remolador Torres who went there to see his friends. He asked me if I was able to read his Facebook status about the Bohol Cultural Center, which I honestly said with all honesty, “no.”

Tracy and other friends are “complaining” about being uncomfortable at the backstage of the Bohol Cultural Center. The experience, according to them, is like inside a furnace.

By the way, here is Tracy’s message (verbatim) addressed to Gov. Edgar Chatto and other concerned officials:

Tracy Torres

TO GOVERNOR EDGAR CHATTO AND OTHER CONCERNED OFFICIALS:

THE BOHOL CULTURAL CENTER IS ONE OF THE PROVINCE'S MOST USED FACILITY WHICH IN TURN GENERATES A LOT OF INCOME.

HOWEVER, UNTIL NOW, ITS BACKSTAGE LACK CERTAIN EQUIPMENTS SUCH AS AIRCONDITIONING UNIT, ELECTRIC FANS, LIGTHS AND CABINETS ETC.PERFORMERS, PAGEANT CANDIDATES, MAKE UP ARTISTS ETC SUFFER FROM ITS POOR FACILITIES.

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, WE HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY AHEAD KUDOS,KUDOS,KUDOS BOHOLANOS!!!

(Note: Tracy, a formal letter or to set an appointment with Gov. Chatto will greatly help. I am sure he would listen.)

***

Spotted in Tagbilaran City last Friday, Oct. 11, was Supreme Court Administrator Atty. Midas Marquez.

We see him all the time on TV who looks so cool despite the great stress in his job, you know announcing a controversial decision of the Supreme Court of which he’s the spokesperson, except when he accidentally pushed a microphone in a presscon in 2011 which became viral over the Internet and other social media sites.

Marquez came to Bohol not for a vacation but for a seminar (he was a resource person) initiated by the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), an environmental non-government organization committed to helping communities uphold their constitutional right to a healthful and balanced ecology.

Supreme Court Administrator Atty. Midas Marquez with your VRS.  Courtesy: Clarence J. Pesquira

Our tête-à-tête led to the judiciary's version of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

He said he is already investigating, albeit discreetly, alleged corruption in the judiciary perpetrated by a certain “Ma’am Arlene".

He also explained that there are no public funds involved in the alleged transactions. He also said that when he checked the facts of reports of 50 rooms being booked in Manila Peninsula, it turned out to be false.

“Palagay ko small time ito compared kay Napoles. Pangalawa, ang Napoles incident involved sa public funds kaban ng bayan, dito naman walang public funds involved ito. Simple graft corruption ito...dapat maimbestigahan,” explained Marquez.

Marquez said that the investigation is moving and that before people will be named, they have to conduct a more extensive investigation.

He said that there are three different "Arlenes" being looked into in the investigation. Initial findings pointed to a clerk from the Court of Appeals, a former employee at the Manila Regional Trial Court, and a known contact from Manila City Hall.

“Base sa ating unang imbestigasyon, mayroong three ‘Arlenes’...ayaw kong pangalanan muna kasi very raw yung information natin,” said Marquez.

Marquez also said that based on the initial findings, the issue started because of the hotly contested PJA elections. It started as a smear campaign against someone aspiring for the presidency of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA), which was picked up by some columnists in newspapers.

During the convention and election of officers of  PJA (Judge Ralph Lee of RTC Quezon City won as President, while Boholana Marlou Magdoza-Malagar of RTC Manila was elected VP for administration), Marquez reminded the judges of their role in the society.

“Doon sa pagtatapos ng convention at election ng Philippine Judges Association, medyo sinabihan natin ang ating mga judges na sila ay mga huwes at  hindi pulitiko. At dapat hindi mangyayari yun sa judiciary. Nakakalungkot dahil ito sana ang pagkakataon na umangat ang Judiciary. Kaso dahil sa election na ito, dahil sa paratang na yan, pati na ang Judiciary bumabagsak talaga,” lamented Marquez.

Incidentally, after we talked, we heard the bells ringing at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St. Joseph Cathedral and other churches in the Diocese of Tagbilaran as part of the national sounding of church bells against pork barrel called by the church-based group Church People's Alliance against Pork Barrel.

***

Clement Paulinel Ingking was selected as Region VII’s The Outstanding Barangay Official of Year 2013 or TOBOY for SK Chairperson Category on Oct. 10 in Cebu City.

“It was like in the Cloud Nine and feeling nako worth it tanan efforts, initiatives and sacrifices that I made in order to pursue my passion of public service,” Clement told VRS.

Clement Ingking

At 15, Clement was elected SK barangay chairman of Booy in Tagbilaran City in 2010.

Clement initiated worthy projects for the youth in his barangay such as zero out of school youth in Booy,  seminars on youth development, livelihood and entrepreneurship, disaster coordination and health task force, education services, moral recovery activities and anti-drug abuse campaign, sports program and community immersion activities.

Unlike other officials who are tardy coming to the barangay hall, Clement has his presence in the barangay hall every vacant time during class days.

“Yes, he has perfect attendance,” confirmed Booy Barangay Captain Jun Telmo. “We are proud of him that the winner came from our barangay of Booy.”  Telmo is seeking reelection this October.  

Clement has the ability to lead, motivate and influence people. Being a good leader for him means being strong by taking the risks yet, still being optimistic. He also motivated and influenced his SK and KK members and the barangay constituents as a whole.

“I want them to be a part of an active crusade for change in the system of government and let them be participative in everything,” shared Clement.

Is he running for a higher position?

“I’m running for barangay kagawad in order to continue serving not only the youth but for the whole community na,” said Clement. “Even though wala nay SK (Pres. Aquino has signed into law a bill postponing the SK elections scheduled on Oct. 28- LPU), I’ll make sure mapadayon nako ang kalambu-an sa community.”

The recent award is another feather to his well-decorated cap.  He was chosen as The Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman (TOSKA) in 2012, Mr. and Miss Teen Bohol 2012 Top 5, ICM’s Kiddie Idol Champion in 2006, ICM’s Model Quest 2007 (male category champion), Mr. Alturas 2011, Mr. Bohol Island State University (BISU) FreshFace 2011, Lakandula ng BISU 2011, Mr. Sophie Paris 2012 and Mr. BISU-Main Campus 2012 first runner-up.

TOBOY is designed to give recognition to barangay officials who have shown exemplary performance in the discharge of their functions. It is jointly undertaken by the Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (LADPAAP) Region 7 Chapter, the DILG and the Liga ng mga Barangay of Region 7.

***

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

Boholanos happy for Megan Young’s Miss World 2013 victory

Wake-uppers:

Scene: October 15, 2013 has been declared a regular public holiday in the Philippines in observance of Eidul Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), considered as one of the two greatest feasts of Islam.  Eidul Adha remembers prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)'s consent when he agreed to sacrifice his first-born son to submit to commands of God, who later intervened to provide him with a lamb to sacrifice. 

Megan Young Courtesy: MWO

Scene: The Charity Rummage Sale is today, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1 G. Visarra Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. There are three ways to help: Give (donate any good quality unwanted goods), sell (set up your own stall, donate part of your proceeds to charity or to a pre-nominated charity of your choice) and buy (come along and buy some bargains).  Partial proceeds will be donated to VSO Bahaginan to fight against poverty. For inquiries to donate items or stall setup, contact Liza at 09275418455.

***

Finally, after years of trying to bring home that elusive blue crown, Miss Philippines Mega Young has won the Miss World 2013 crown after outpacing 126 other contestants from around the world at the glittering ceremony held at the Bali International Convention Centre in Indonesia on Saturday night, Sept. 28.

The “most beautiful woman in the world” was crowned by last year's winner Wenxia Yu from The Peoples Republic of China.

Boholano beauty pageant watchers are happy for Megan Young for winning the first Miss World crown for the Philippines. File

Young is the first-ever Filipino winner of the title since the Philippines' debut in the pageant in 1966.

In the final round, the top six were asked to explain why they deserved to win the Miss World crown, to which Young said: "I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides her into understanding people, why they act the way they do, how they're living their lives. And I will use these core values and understanding not only in helping others but to show other people how they can understand others, to help others. ... So that as one, together, we shall help society. Thank you!"

Philippines has made history only country to have won all major and minor beauty pageants. This proves that the Philippines is indeed the powerhouse of beauty in the world!

Filipina beauty queens who placed runners-up in Miss World are Evangeline Pascual who was Miss World 1973 1st runner-up, Ruffa Gutierrez was declared second runner-up in Miss World 1993, Gwendoline Ruais placed second to Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela in 2011 and Queneerich Rehman made it to the Top 15 in 2012.

Boholano beauty pageant watchers and lovers rejoiced over the major piece of pageant history, and squeals of euphoric ecstasy can still be heard all throughout amid political scandals that had rocked the nation.

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 1st runner-up Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs, who met Megan Young, said she had been confident of Young’s chances. She was glued to the TV set to watch the pageant and she burst into cheers when Young’s name was called. “She prepared herself very well that she deserved the crown... and that makes us all proud.”

“Megan's winning is a dream come true for me and to the rest of the past Miss Philippines who competed in Miss World. We were once there, represented our country and tried to bring home that elusive crown,” Anna Maris Igpit, who was the Philippines’ bet to the Miss World 2006, told VRS. “I was very emotional the moment she was declared a winner because finally a Filipina won that title for us. I'm just so proud of her, she didn't only prove that a Filipina is the most beautiful woman in the world, but she also made all Filipinos feel good and happy despite all the challenges we are going through as a country. Mabuhay ka Megan!”

Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol told VRS that, “Megan's victory is a breather from all negative issues Philippines is now facing.”

It’s #ThrowbackSunday! Yours truly, Panglao Mayor Nila Montero and Maricor Igpit attended the Miss World 2006 in Warsaw, Poland.- LPU

1983 Miss Young Bohol 4^th runner-up Tessie Labunog-Sumampong of Loboc Riverwatch (The Floating Restaurant to the Stars) said that, “She deserves the crown....she's so gorgeous like me hehehe!”

Miss Bohol Sandugo 2012 Idy Caseñas Cagas said, “A Filipina has proven once more that our country is a home to most beautiful women in the world - beautiful women with grace, confidence, character and substance. It's a triumph not only for Megan but for the entire country. Her victory is like a ray of sun that shines in and gives us hope with what our country is going through right now. She is a woman with a clear purpose, an inspiration to everyone especially to every woman who dreams of becoming a beauty queen.”

“I've always been one of those people who pray that Megan would one day represent our country in an international pageant like Miss Universe or Miss World,” said fashion icon EJ Relampagos. “Megan winning our first Miss World crown is not only a proof that He answers our prayers in perfect time, it’s also a proof that if we believe in our dreams and we claim it, nothing is impossible!”

US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal believed that “for bringing home the bacon, she might solve the pork barrel.”

Beauty pageant watcher Raul Phillip Gatal also shared that “Megan’s victory is not only a breath of fresh air from all the negative vibes and bad news that have swirled in the Philippines but also an affirmation that our country does have the most beautiful women.”

***

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

Miss Philippines is Miss World 2013

I’m one of the millions of people who have just witnessed the oldest pageant in the world, Miss World 2013.

It’s another night that the Filipinos from all over the world become united for one cause, and that is to support and cheer on Miss Philippines Megan Young.

The Philippines is rejoicing over the winning of Megan Young who won the Miss World 2013 crown after outpacing 126 other contestants from around the world at the glittering ceremony held at the Bali International Convention Centre in Indonesia on Saturday night, Sept. 28.

The “most beautiful woman in the world” was crowned by last year's winner Wenxia Yu from The Peoples Republic of China.

Young is the first-ever Filipino winner of the title since the Philippines' debut in the pageant in 1966.
Miss France was named runner-up, while Miss Ghana came third in the contest.

The top 5 finalists at this year's 63rd edition of Miss World beauty pageant were Miss Philippines, Miss Brazil, Miss France, Miss Ghana and Miss Spain.

Miss Gibraltar Maroua Kharbouch won Miss World 2013 Peoples Champion and entered directly into the top 6.

The 23-year-old Young is currently studying digital film making. She has worked in films, television shows and as a presenter and wants to become a director in the future.

A big Harry Potter fan, Young enjoys playing video games during free time, according to Miss World Official website.

In the final round, the top six were asked to explain why they deserved to win the Miss World crown, to which Young said: "I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides her into understanding people, why they act the way they do, how they're living their lives. And I will use these core values and understanding not only in helping others but to show other people how they can understand others, to help others. ... So that as one, together, we shall help society. Thank you."

Philippines has made history only country to have won all major and minor beauty pageants. This proves that the Philippines is indeed the powerhouse of beauty in the world!

Filipina beauty queens who placed runners-up in Miss World:

Evangeline Pascual, a Filipina actress, artist and radio host won the Miss World 1973 1st runner-up.

In 1993, Ruffa Gutierrez was declared second runner-up in Miss World 1993.

In 2011, the Philippines almost won the title when Gwendoline Ruais placed second to Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela. Last year’s bet, Queneerich Rehman made it to the Top 15.

Fans react
Philippines’ bet to the Miss World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit shared on Facebook, “FINALLY!!!!! After years of trying to bring home that elusive blue crown (I tried to bring it home in 2006 but failed hihi it won't fit in my pocket ), a Filipina, in the name of Megan Young, won the country's first ever Miss World title! You made us all proud and thank you for making that dream a reality for all of us. You just gave hope and pride to the Filipinos! Mabuhay ka Megan! Mabuhay Pilipinas!”

Mayang Sopa also posted on Facebook, “Finally,after 63 year the Philippines got the very first Ms.World crown!!! Congrats Megan Young...you made us all Filipino proud.”

Elvie Bongosia posted on Facebook that Young’s winning is a breather from the national issues the Philippines is now facing.

“Congratulations Ms. Philippines Megan Young for winning Miss World 2013! This victory is a breather from all national issues the country is now facing. — feeling proud.”

Here is a list of the winners of other contests:

 

Miss World 2013 Beauty with a Purpose - Ishani Shrestha, Nepal

Miss World 2013 Talent - Vania Larissa, Indonesia

Miss World 2013 Sportswoman - Jacqueline Steenbeek, Netherlands

Miss World 2013 Multimedia - Navneet Kaur Dhillon, India

Miss World 2013 Beach Fashion - Sancler Frantz, Brazil

Miss World 2013 Top Model - Megan Young, Philippines

Miss World 2013 People Champion - Maroua Kharbouch, Gibraltar

CLICK HERE FOR CNN IREPORT

Dalareich Polot means do$$ar

• Dalareich Polot means do$$ar

• JCI-Boholana Kisses reacts

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Centerstage band, which served as frontact for the concert of Cueshe last Wednesday, September 25, at PMI-Taloto ground, as part of the 40th Foundation Day celebration of PMI Colleges-Bohol, declined the offer to work in London.

CenterStage Courtesy: Ariel Fullido

 “CenterStage thanks everyone for the unsolicited advice regarding the offer from Holiday Inn Hotel in London,” said Ariel Fullido, one of the members of the band, posted on Facebook. “We might as well reconsider our decision, or regret it with a heavy heart, but for now we really intend to stay here for the meantime, as two members are studying, and we stick to our obligations and commitments in the contracts we signed in our local bookings here.”

Years ago, a German promoter Rodulf Bruenner invited the band to perform in Europe. Sadly, they declined the offer.

Seen: A young socialite who married into a wealthy family has started taking wines and spirits? No, she hasn’t turned alcoholic, not yet anyway. Could it be her way of breaking the boredom of a leisurely life as a virtual princess?

Scene: According to the Manila-based International Rice Research Institute, about one of every two people in the world relies on rice as a staple food. So if the price of rice jumps, nearly half of the global population could be impacted. We are sensitive to more expensive rice because it makes up about 9% of our country’s basket – the highest percentage in all of Asia. The price of rice is expected to keep rising although NFA-Bohol Information Officer Jhoel Lim says “there is a stable rice supply in the province.” What's the top price you've seen for rice? Snap a photo and tell me your breaking point.

***

Boholano young entrepreneur Dalareich Polot was the grand winner in the First Young Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp 2013 which was held on Sept. 23 -25 in Manila organized by Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (Spark! Philippines, Inc.) and teamed up with the US Embassy in Manila.

Dalareich Polot Courtesy: Dalareich Polot

Spark is a non-government organization composed of women entrepreneurs seeking to empower small- and medium-scale enterprises ventured in by Filipino women all over the country.

“Lord! You’re sooooo goooodddd!! I won the grand prize,” said the Dalareich Tableya owner on Facebook. “Reallly soooooooo happpy!! I cried when they called me the First Young Women Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2013 grand winner!”

The judges were impressed of Dalareich and they were inspired of her life story.

Dalareich also said that she is very excited to go back to Bohol and share her experiences  she got in the young entrepreneurs Bootcamp.

True to her name, Dalareich has received a cash prize (a whooping US5,000 dollars!) and a plaque.

           

“Now I can justify why God gave me my name Dalareich (Dollar-rich),” she said.

***

Kim Mainit, “The Boses na May Gustong Patunayan,” posted on Facebook his experiences in the Voice of the Philippines (VOTP):

It has been 3 days that passed since i got eliminated in the show that opened millions of opportunities for me :)) I do believe in the saying that goes "if a door is closed, thousands more will open"... In those 3 days of trying to sink it in.. I realized of what a great journey and what a long road have I taken for someone who is such a newbie in competitions and performing in a big stage...

And through the journey.. It never would have started without the guidance, choice , and plans of GOD for me.. And I’m so thankful to the most wonderful instrument that he used to accomplish all these.. Which is my coach Lea Salonga... Coach.. If you didn’t turn that chair around.. My .. I wouldn’t have gone through the journey... And that's why coach... I thank you from the bottom and core of my heart.. For the advices, complements, comments, chikas, and everything coach.. Thank you so so much...

Kim with Leah Salonga Courtesy: Kim Mainit

The journey would have been boring without all the challenges and bonding moments i had with the VOICE ARTISTS .. Guys.. I can’t name you all one-by-one.. But to all of you guys.... Thank you so so so so so so so much!!! For the joy and sharing that we had and for all the advices to me and all the love that we will forever have :))

To my parents.. MOMMY, DADDY, thank you so much for the all-out support that you've shown and made me feel :)) i hope to repay both of you to that support as soon as i have taken more opportunities..

To my FANS (charness!!!) ... Thank you so so much sa support ha? Hope to meet you all soon!!

And to all that is part of the voice especially our directors, ep's, sp's,pa's,ap's, cc's,music researchers, and all... Thank you so so much sa pag aalaga po ninyo sa amin :)) sa lahat po Ng pagod at pagpupuyat na inyong ginawa para sa amin.. Sobra sobrang salamat po

I performed my last performance with all the knowledge, experience, and learning that I went through throughout the course of the competition... And i hope that people see my growth as an individual and as an ARTIST..ate Radha, tatay Michael Yonting, sir Darryl Shy... Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng inyong ishinare sa akin para akoy gumaling :)))

My journey in "THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES" ended last Sunday... But my journey as an Artist, Singer, and as a Person just started.. With all the experience that I got in that competition.. I know .. Soon.. I’ll reach my dreams of success :))

Have a great day and GOD BLESS YOU ALL always!!

PS: Hope you buy my song in I-Tunes guys.

***

Here’s the official public statement (addressed to yours truly) dated Sept. 27, 2013 from the past presidents of JCI-Boholana Kisses Cecile Theres Atup (2010), Cheryl Yap-Tirol (2011) and Arizza Nancy Jule Yap Tirol (2012) on the “controversial” Sikatuna: Rajah sa Bohol:

Dear Mr. Leo P. Udtohan,

The core members of JCI Boholana Kisses would like register a response regarding your Very Reliable Source (VRS) article that appeared in the Bohol Chronicle on September 22, 2013 in order to set the record straight.

Since JCI Boholana Kisses, is a collegial body, all proposed activities must be approved by a majority of the members before it may be carried out in behalf of the group, the activity dubbed as Rajah sa Bohol held last July 19, 2013 has never been put to a vote nor calendared for approval in a general membership meeting called for that purpose; and neither has the Rajah sa Bohol  been included as one of the listed activities of the organization in our annual strategic planning.

It is unfortunate that Pres. Adam Tagaktak, pushed on with the project on his own initiative and without the backing of the rest of core members of JCI Boholana Kisses. For this reason, the rest of the members had no knowledge of the financial and organizing details of the event. In fact, the said activity was never reported to the mother organization,  JCI PHILIPPINES National Secretariat, for accreditation and recording purposes and it does not fall under any of the categories of activities aligned with objectives of the organization. Apparently, he felt strongly that Rajah sa Bohol would be a success and that projected sponsorships would cover the cost of its implementation.

 We all intend to resolve this issue in the most amicable manner by exerting all efforts to reach out to Pres. Adam Tagaktak to enlighten us on the matter. Just like the rest of the public, we are also in the dark regarding the issue at hand. Thank for you and more power.

***

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