Pit Señor sa Bohol kini!

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Charina Aumentado of Las Vegas this info: The first Boholano NBI Director-from the Mendez Clan. According to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima from "clergy loss to NBI gain" referring to newly appointed NBI Director Virgilio Loquellano Mendez. Born from a humble beginning, "Dodong" as fondly called by his inner family circles entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHMS) in his secondary school years in Taloto, at the outskirt of Tagbilaran originally to enter priesthood. Born from family who depended much of the farm produce and a teacher, Dodong opted to take up law courses after finishing prelaw course at the same school in Tagbilaran City- the Divine Word College (now Holy Name University) and passed the Bar. His father, the late Diomedes Mendez, a full-time farmer and from Ubay, Bohol acquired farms lots in Bayongan, San Miguel, Bohol while her mother, Carolina Loquellano from Dauis teaches kids in the local public school. Dodong rose from the ranks in the NBI as agent, then to provincial and regional top NBI positions in northern Mindanao areas until his appointment as deputy director and lately to the top NBI post.

Gen. Art  Mendez Evangelista (right) with his cousin new NBI director Atty. Virgilio Mendez. Courtesy: Charina Aumentado

Scene: From Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Philipp Gatal: Beauche International is joining the 2014 Sinulog Grand Parade in Cebu City this Sunday, January 19. Already acknowledged as one of the country’s leading names in beauty and skin care perfection nurtured by Former Carmen Mayor  Madame Conchita “Che” Toribio De Los Reyes, Beauche International will have its own float to be graced by the recently- crowned 2013 Miss Beauche International Anne Mabel Ubando of Dagupan City. Her court of honor composed of Miss Manila Patricia Ramos 1st RU, Miss Baguio City Alyssa Ashley Calimlim 2nd RU, Miss Quezon City Lynne de Mesa 3rd RU and Miss Zamboanga City Jovilyn Gavan 4th RU will be joining the beauty queen & Beauche product endorser in the spectacular parade.

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The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation. Nearly all Roman Catholic homes and businesses in the Philippines own and display a statue of Sto. Niño, a representation of the Christ Child.  

The Sto. Niño de Cebu ("Holy Child of Cebu") is a celebrated statue of the Christ Child venerated by Filipino Roman Catholics.  Similar to the Infant of Prague, it is claimed to be the oldest religious image in the Philippines, originally given by Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon and his wife Juana in 1521.

The Sto. Niño de Cebu statue is permanently housed under bulletproof glass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City. It is one of the most recognizable cultural images in the Philippines found in many secular and religious areas.  

Panglao Mayor Nila Montero

Unknown to many, Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero, a devotee of the Sto. Niño, has a collection of religious icons and paintings of the Sto. Niño.

Sto. Niño icons of different materials can be seen at the Montero resort in barangay Tawala, Panglao.

The Montero collections range from centuries-old heirlooms to newly carved Sto. Niño pieces, paintings, and statues bought within and outside the country.

In one of her travels, Maam Nila asked me to accompany her to check some Sto. Niño religious icons and paintings in Manila antique shops.

So far, no one in Bohol can match the collection of Maam Nila. Those who know her say that she can well afford expensive art pieces. Her family owns the Alona Tropical Resort in Panglao.

Well, that is Maam Nila’s expression of her spirituality.

Incidentally, the Panglao contingent will perform in today’s Sinulog grand parade in Cebu City.

At dawn last Thursday, the contingent from Panglao arrived in Cebu City. They are composed of 100 dancers and 50 props men and instrumentalists with Anthony Ceniza as choreographer.

After a six-year absence, Panglao contingent is joining the free interpretation (FI) category. Their presentation is about the earthquake, the damage it caused to Panglao, and their dance of gratitude.

But to their members, it’s not about winning or losing this year’s competition. They just want to perform as a way to give thanks to Señor Sto. Niño for sparing Bohol from heavy damage.

It can be noted that Panglao earned the fourth and third place in the FI category in the Sinulog 2006 and 2007.

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

Tagna-Tagna 2014

This year, 2014 is the year of the wooden horse. It is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventures, and surprising romances. It is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better.

According to astrologers, 2014 offers people an opportunity to make their lives better, especially those who hadn’t had much luck in the previous year.

“It is also a year of competitiveness and of jealousy, back stabbing and insecurities,” said my psychic friend who hails from Loon town. “It will also be a year of good relationships but a lot of people will also lose the handle on their relationships.”

“Energy is high and production is rewarded. But you have to act fast in a Horse year. If you are not 100% secure about a decision, then don’t do it,” said another psychic friend from Panglao. “Events move so quickly in a Horse year that you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction.”

In terms of disasters, my other psychic friends (who have the powerful “mutya” to see the future) said there will be more (knock on the wood!)  fire, earthquakes (the aftershocks??) and drought and less storms during the year of the wooden horse.

I must take a bow because last year’s Tagna-Tagna was 98% true without the mutya, tarot cards and crystal balls. Thanks to our very reliable sources, snitches, tipsters, snoops and spywitnesses for the “tagna.”

Without much ado, here is Tagna-Tagna 2014:

• It will be a baby girl for former SK provincial president Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal.

• Newly-wed Benjie Oliva and lawyer Joan Jagonos-Oliva  will be a complete family. Weeks from now, Joan will start having morning sickness. Same for newly-wed Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap.

•The stork might visit Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs and Abdul Wallace. They will tie the knot in July, in church this time.

• David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros will not tie the knot, and neither will Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc nor Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute. But beauty queen Fer Mary Baliquig and her beau just might (subject to further “testing”).

• Beauty pageants in Bohol may face dangerous situations and greater challenges. A group will “revive” the beauty pageants like Miss Tagbilaran and Miss Bohol Sandugo. In the end, people would say,

“What’s new?”

• Architect Junibe Froilan and Doc April Lumuthang-Froilan won’t produce “a little Junibe” or “a little April” this year no matter how hard they try.  Same for Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos, Mark Arbilo and Analyn Pollenza. But if they will pray or visit Sta. Clara’s monastery, heaven might smile at them.

• Anna Maris Igpit will find a new boyfriend. But marriage is farthest from her mind this year.

• Fashion icon EJ Relampagos likes to experience autumn and he will have it this year. He knows how to travel in style.

• Danilo Torcende and Ar-Ar dela Serna will join and win in prestigious contests (keep your fingers crossed!).

• The “missing” Miss Bohol Sandugo Brigette Burato and other beauty queens like Mary Ebone Cimafranca will resurface with a big “surprise.” We miss you!

• “Tableya” princess Dalareich Polot will venture into another business. No, not hot choco..it’s something new.

• Looks like Joy Suares and her beau will put all their past drama behind them. 2014 will be a great year for a start.

• After the long-delayed album (Hello?!? We’re tired of waiting!), Centerstage Band might release an album this year. The same for the Loboc Children’s Choir.  

• Another “Reveal” will be held this year (with Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo, EJ Relampagos and Sony Pamaong) but another one will enter the dragon. Knock, knock! Who’s there? 

And the “blind item” tagna-tagna:

• A lot of girls (daughters of who’s who in Bohol) will be involved in plastic surgery epidemic.  Others will have real noses and others could wink without risking facial paralysis.

• 2014 might be not good for this high-ranking official born under the year of the rat (HROBUTYOR). HROBUTYOR might face greater passive situation in career, the villains might often make interference and obstacles behind. HROBUTYOR would face controversies but HROBUTYOR will wait for the dust to settle on that.

• A beauty queen will make a comeback to Bohol but society watchers will hardly recall her after she went under the knife.

• A Boholana will step out of the limo and walk the red carpet in her finest duds as the cameras snap and flashes blind her.

• A son of a prominent family will make a desperate revelation that he has the deadliest catch. The victims of this deadliest catch are growing this year.

• Members of this band will emotionally face challenges that the band will fade away. However, new bands (from the towns of T, L and B) will make names this year.

• A popular model, a politician and a department head of a prominent place will make a shocking revelation that they are gays. So what? Although Bohol is not yet ready to accept and embrace “bromance” relationships the population of maya and paminta are growing fast!

• The wholesome images of prominent personalities will be tarnished by issues against them. Clue: Oink! Oink!

Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs is hitched! The former beauty queen and youth leader married her boyfriend Abdul Wallace last Dec. 2013. A church wedding is scheduled in July this year. Courtesy: Chan Chan

• A beauty queen will make a shocking revelation that she is a he?!? No elaboration.

• Some paisanos in the field of beauty pageant, public service, tourism, music and fashion will make us proud.

• A young politician (YP) will get involved in a politically-motivated controversy that YP will be out of the country.

• A Bol-anon will surprise everyone with a challenging role in a hit teleserye (if not a movie) to prove that Boholanos are talented.

• In preparation for 2016, a former politician will send feelers for a return to a prominent politician but the prominent politician will simply turn a deaf ear.

• The popularity of these comediennes will wane (temporarily) as young comediennes will steal the limelight.

• A radio station will initiate major reformatting of some of its shows. No elaboration.

• This high-ranking official who’s big (HROWB) who left his family will make a dabble home-video that the public eyes will be eager to see how the HROWB, erm, measured-up.

• A lot of Boholanos will offer up themselves on their FB and twitter accounts. It’s the year that there's almost no aspect of their lives that we don't know about. But apparently they want still want us to know more. Tweet! Tweet!

• A local chief executive of a curtained town born under the year of the snake (LCECTBUTYTS) will enjoy the lucky star showing unbeatable skill and unstoppable “pogi” points. However, LCECTBUTYTS will sink into panic and passive situation because LCECTBUTYTS’s partner is unlucky this year.

• A new group of young girls and boys will be introduced into the glamour world. Their mentor (codenamed: MTA) will ditch extensions and opts for something a little more sophis.

• After three months after being hit by a magnitude 7.2-quake, Bohol formally welcomed foreign tourists the other day. Take note, there will be celebrity sightings in Bohol this year 2014  that people can take pictures of the celebrities out and about- what they’re wearing, where they’re going in Bohol.

I hear you screech! Pun very much intended.

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

Start your days right in 2014

With the New Year comes the opportunity for a fresh start. The best way to greet 2014 is to start its first day on a healthy and a fabulously positive note. Thus, I am sharing with you some “reminders” to welcome your most awesome year yet.

Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2014 from statisticbrain.com:

1. Lose Weight

2. Getting Organized

3. Spend Less, Save More

4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest

5. Staying Fit and Healthy

6. Learn Something Exciting

7. Quit Smoking

8. Help Others in Their Dreams

9. Fall in Love

10. Spend More Time with Family

Top five (well, six) tips for staying healthy in 2014 from Cambridge News:

1. Eat breakfast – Ensure you have a substantial breakfast which includes some protein and fat, and aim to eat it within an hour of getting up. This will help your body to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and that’s key in order to reduce your cravings. And do yourself a big favour and skip the fruit juice - it plays havoc with your blood sugar levels.

2. Get active – Find an activity that you enjoy and actually look forward to, such as cycling, dancing, running or yoga – and do it twice a week. Current research suggests sitting for long periods can increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain and diabetes, so if you’re office based ensure you get up several times a day and take a walk.

3. Protein – Include some with all meals and snacks: think eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds, approximately the size of your palm. This will slow down the insulin response and help keep your weight stable.

4. Get into green tea - Replace some of your tea and coffee with green tea. It is rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that will not only help to keep you healthy this winter but may also slow down the ageing process as may encourage faster metabolism. Start with two cups a day and experiment by adding fresh mint and a slice of lemon.

5. Cut back on carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, biscuits - and ensure you load your plate up with healthy seasonal vegetables instead. Make them interesting by stir-frying, sautéing, baking in the oven, adding garlic and chilli - whatever works for you.

6. One final tip... Include mushrooms in your diet. They contain powerful compounds called beta glucans which have long been studied for their immune enhancing properties.

And some inspiring words from Elvie Bongosia of PIA-Bohol on New Year's resolutions - The Pope Francis list:

1. Don't gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose the "more humble" purchase.
5. Meet the poor "in the flesh."
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Make commitments, such as marriage.
9. Make it a habit to "ask the Lord."
10.Be happy. This joy should translate to love of neighbor.

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VRS asked you to share your greatest moment of 2013. These are your stories...

Volunteerism-“It's being able to rediscover myself by realizing my capacity to help. The 7.2 earthquake and typhoon Haiyan were my greatest moments because it helped me realize not only that I can actually help but it let me witness the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen – the Filipinos and other countries helping each other to give aid to the victims. As they say, it is in times of disaster that brings out the best in the community.” -Anna Maris Igpit

Daughter’s Birthday-“When Cielo celebrated her 16th birthday with our family, her Grandma Wincie and Mommy Lou in attendance; when Jerome and I put on her medal for her victory in the Regional Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge in Cebu City, and when I escorted Cielo to the University of the Philippines-Diliman upon her college entrance.”- Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin

Heaven’s Bliss- “When I met Padre Pio in Boracay that made me back sincerely and religiously with God in the Catholic Church. I swear! Isn't that amazing?”- Joy Suarez

Partner-“My greatest moment of 2013 is that I met and married the woman that I'll love for the rest of my life, Atty. Joan Jagonos.” – Benjie Oliva

For Art’s Sake- “When I was chosen by the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) fellowship grantee for visual arts here in New York for six months to observe contemporary arts.”- Sam Penaso

Beauty with a Purpose-“As usual, the success of Anyag sa Tubigon 2013 with Daniel Padilla as special guest and when I was able to defend my master’s thesis en route to my Master in Business Management Degree at the Graduate School of Business and Administration of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.”-Raymund Delgado

A Helping Hand- “Co-convening the Oplan Bangon Bohol and doing relief and rebuilding missions in Bohol but still getting a year-end Performance Award from our Law Firm.” – Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado

Youth Service- “Winning the "Outstanding Barangay Official of the Year 2013 (Toboy Awards)" SK Category among 3,003 SK chairmen of the whole Region 7 and elected as Barangay Kawagad in our beloved Barangay Booy.” - Clement Ingking

Happy Feet- “The best moment for me this 2013 is when I went to the Grand Canyon...I felt God's presence there!!!”- EJ Relampagos

2013 was a good year for VRS as he was interviewed and featured on CNN.

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

Bohol’s Best Moments of 2013

2013 has been a year of devastation, courage and triumph. From the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, to Bohol’s beauty pageants, to celebrity sightings, see what had us talking this year:

Firs time, baby! = Collin Chio Joshua Jubac and Candy Cumayas were crowned as 1^st Mr and Ms HNU Personality 2013. The 1^st Saulog Festival, a cultural event in honor of Saint Joseph the Worker, the City’s patron saint, was held in April. The authentic Boholano cuisine was introduced for the first time at the Loboc Riverwatch. It is the only floating restaurant which offers a wide array of mouth-watering traditional Boholano cuisine at the famous Loboc River, the river of life.  

Goodbye, Prony= Bohol’s biggest python in captivity died on August 14. It was on October 21, 1996 when Prony was found by Sofronio Salibay which measured 5 feet and 5 kilograms. In 2012, Prony weighed 280 kilos and measured 27 feet long. Her waist line was 34 inches. The Salibay family, which runs the sanctuary and owned the python, maintained she was the largest snake in captivity in the Philippines, though there were no official records. Don’t worry, MariMar is still inside the Prony and Wildlife Sanctuary in Baclayon showcasing her deadly antics.

Sentimental Journey= Winning "The Voice Philippines" was the goal, but for Bohol’s pride Kim Mainit, “The Boses na May Gustong Patunayan,” going home was always the sweetest trip.  After the stressful battle rounds, Kim got the chance to be with his family and friends in Bohol. According to VRS, who tagged along with Kim, tears flowed as he finally got to meet his immediate family in Anda town whom he hadn’t seen for a long time. He also paid an emotional visit to the cemetery to visit the graves of his grandparents “to pay homage and ask for guidance.” Here’s another story we can’t forget: Baby Jane finds her family after 51 years through Facebook.  Philippine Child Wonder in the 1960s Baby Jane or Jane Zenaida Galinato-Smith in real life was reconnected with her estranged family after she was “kidnapped” more than fifty years ago. Baby Jane embraced her siblings and relatives for the very first time during the Galinato Global Grand Gathering or GGGG held last July in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. 

Take It! Take It! = Without a doubt, the most-watched man of the year was Rajah sa Bohol Danilo Torrifiel Torcende who accused the organizer, JCI-Boholana Kisses, of not giving him the prizes months after the first Sikatuna: Rajah sa Bohol, a male beauty pageant. He had not received his Php10,000 prize and he had not heard anything from the organizers and all efforts to get the prizes had proved futile. When Torcende posted his anger on Facebook about the “Rajah scam,” it had struck chord around the province, racking up people and it quickly found its way to the beauty pageant industry in Bohol. Also Bohol’s celebrated make-up artist and hairstylist also complained the long-delayed prizes of the Mr and Miss Teen Bohol organized by the SK headed by Jethro Lim Imboy.  Blogger Edik Dolotina had the best reaction, “Why a lot of them happened in Bohol?”

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder=  Barely two weeks after her reign as Miss Bohol Sandugo (MBS) 2013, Brigitte Tanoja Burato faced an issue that could almost finish her reign as Miss Bohol Sandugo. Burato was supposed to join the Miss Silka Bohol 2013, a violation of the Miss Bohol Sandugo rules and regulations since she is not allowed to join any beauty pageant in the province until she has completed her reign.

“The problem of Miss Alicia Brigitte Burato is she has an attitude problem,” said the socialite VRS. “She should inform first the MBS committee if she has to join another beauty pageant.”

Burato had a closed-door heart-to-heart talk with the MBS organizers.

The rules said: The Miss Bohol Sandugo should have never been married, never been pregnant and in good health and of good moral character during her reign. She pledges to abide by the rules and regulations set by the organizers and to support and participate in the activities initiated by the committee.

Celebrity and VIP Sightings= Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda was spotted in Bohol and he was mobbed by fans at the Loboc River. Other celebrities who enjoyed Bohol were Isabel Oli, Tim Yap, Crystal Henares, Julia Barretto, Richard Poon, Mark Bautista, Christian Bautista, Noli de Castro, Kara David, Korina Sanchez, Jovit Baldivino, Sam Milby, Kian Cepriano, Empress, John Prats, John Lapus, Direk Loren Dyogi, Ruru Madrid, Ted Failon, Erwin Tulfo, Jessica Soho, Mel Tiangco, Kapuso hot couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Bianca King, Rafael Rosell, Dion Ignacio, JC Tiuseco, Mikael Daez, Ryan Bang, Irma Adlawan , Mylene Dizon, Max Collins, Orlando Sol (of Masculado fame), Ruru Madrid, Diva Monteliba, child actors Miggs Cuarderno, Barbara Miguel, Nafa Hilario-Cruz, Ashely Strom, Xyrus Cruz, Yogo Singh, Pinoy Dream Academy runner-up Ronnie Liang, Viva Hotbabe Jaycee Parker, Kapamilya star Aldred Gatchalian, former US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr , Atty. Midas Marquez, Miss Netherlands 2006 and Mrs. Globe 2013 Sheryl Lyn Baas, PDI’s entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal, Hollywood reporter Ruben Nepales and wife Janet. Daniel Padilla was the special guest of the 6th edition of Anyag sa Tubigon 2013.  2010 Miss Universe runner up Venus Raj graced the 2013 Miss Panglao pageant. Charice Pempengco and her girlfriend Alyssa Quijano visited Bohol one week before the earthquake for their first anniversary. USAid Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Gregory Beck, Gloria Steele and U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg visited the areas affected by the earthquake. (Note: This list is not complete.)

Famous Feud= LGU Loboc thru Mayor Helen Alaba banned Loboc Riverwatch  owned by Tessie Labunog-Sumampong from taking off  and barred guests from riding the floating resto of Tessie. The widening rift worsened after a Temporary Restraining Order issued by a local court was defied by the mayor.

You bring pride, you're the inspiration= Boholano young entrepreneur Dalareich Polot was the grand winner in the First Young Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp 2013. The judges were impressed of Dalareich and they were inspired of her life story.  True to her name, the tableya princess 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. 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.

Winner takes it all= Finishing off the year with a flourish,  Alberto Rodulfo "Ar" dela Serna was declared Mr Generation East 2013 grand winner, Sta. Lucia Generation East Model Search. Dela Serna was adjudged first runner-up in Mr Philippine Youth in 2002. In Nov. 2012, he replaced the dethroned Mr. Philippine Youth 2012 Leo Angeles Flores of Parañaque. Also, Island City Mall's "Voices of Champions" grand winner was Alma Mida Golosino.

No longer Mama’s boy= 2013 was a year that changed everything for Mr. Teen Bohol 2012 Adryan Mila who managed to be in the top 12 of the Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth 2013. In his personal life, Mila was raised by his mother alone.  He confessed he was a “mother’s boy” but we think he’ll look back at 2013 as the year he became his own man.  Another brave man who tried his luck in the Mister International Philippines 2013 was Rex Pilayre Bangalao.

People we lost in 2013= Shock waves rippled through the business industry last June 12 (also his youngest son's birthday) as news surfaced that businessman and public servant Ben Udtohan had died. “Unbelievably sad news. A fine man,” tweeted some friends. Nong Ben loved movies. In fact, he supported movies Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa 'Yo (2009) and Amigo (2010) which were done in Bohol.  Others who have “crossed the bar” included Dr. Prisco Tallo who died on August 28. Dr. Tallo served as resident physician of the Bohol Provincial Hospital and chief of the Loon District Hospital and Carmen Cong. Natalio Castillo Memorial Hospital.  Former congressman Isidro “Totoy” Clarin Zarraga of the third congressional district of Bohol died last December 10. He was 88.

Chop the Pork Barrel= Angry but peaceful Million March anti-pork protest was held in Bohol banding people from different walks of life and many sectors of society. Several anti-pork barrel rallies were held in Tagbilaran City.

Election Madness= Led by Beauche International and former Carmen Mayor  Conchita Toribio- delos Reyes who was running for governor against incumbent governor Edgar Chatto, several other politicians (those  "showbiz"-connected and lovers of the arts and culture) were throwing their hats into the 2013 political ring: Rene Relampagos (first district), Aris Aumentado (second district) and Art Yap (uncontested, third district) for representatives, Yul Lopez, Benjie Arcamo, Abel Damaerio (first disrict), Jaja Jumamoy, Gerry Garcia and Tommy Abapo (second district), Dioning Balite, Elpidio Jala, Godofreda Tirol, Boy Imboy (third district) for board members, Dr. Abe Lim (Tagbilaran), Dodong Gonzaga (Tagbilaran), Marlon Amila (Tubigon), Nila Montero (Panglao), Sample Tirol (Buenavista), Baba Yap (Tagbilaran City), NiÑo Rey Boniel (Bien Unido), Marnilou Ayuban (uncontested, Alicia), Sulpicio Yu, Jr (Calape), Moloy Apat (Dagohoy), Tita Gallentes (Garcia Hernandez), Roygie Jumamoy (Inabanga), Fortunato Abrenilla (Jagna), Casoy Camacho (Jetafe), Rina Salazar (uncontested, Lila), May Imboy (Loay), Lloyd Peter Lopez (Loon), Leoncio Evasco, Jr. (Maribojoc), Tessie Boyboy (Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Island) and Judith Cajes (Trinidad) for mayors; Pureza Chatto (Balilihan), Pedro Budiongan, Jr (Carmen), Iven Lim (Cortes), Lulu Bongalos (Dauis), Wilson Pajo (Pilar) and Pedro Fuertes (Panglao) for vice mayors; and Ondo Montero (Panglao), Ariel Lungay (Catigbian), Jono Jumamoy (Inabanga), Rochelle Brigitte Imboy (Loay), Crispina Vergara (Mabini), Allan Tinaja (San Isidro) and Adam Jala, Oscar Glovasa, Jojo Bompat and Aleckoy Lim (Tagbilaran City) for councilors.  The 2013 elections also validated Aumentado's power and might in the second district of Bohol. (Note: This list is not complete.)

Fashion icons, catwalk makers= Who would have thought that our own Boholano socialites could be so convincingly classy? This year, the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran gathered the talented fashion experts and couturiers Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo and EJ Relampagos for Reveal, the most popular fashion show of 2013. The local models, who were members of the Rotary Club, submitted themselves to fashion and etiquette lessons and expensive makeovers from the Bohol Fashion Designers’ Circle. The result was a high-fashion event that no doubt made the fashion scene in Bohol a jaws drop.

Amazing Santa= You don't need superpowers to be a hero. After the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, the deadliest and strongest in recent years (releasing an energy equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs), damaged our infrastructures, pulverized historical monuments, polarized commerce, destroyed livelihoods and killed people. There were many amazing people and organizations that are making things better. I’ve realized that there are many young people who care about other people and the province keeping the bayanihan spirit alive. They have volunteered to pack and deliver relief goods to far-flung barangays.  Special recognition to Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit and her Oplan Bangon Bohol. Step aside, Santa Claus.

Invasion of the Cybernauts= PIA-Bohol is the celebrity king of social media. Or at least “it” was, until Edik Dolotina dethroned him! Edik who had never been a super-active tweeter but a Facebooker who continued to mesmerize netizens with his post on Facebook. Of course, Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin , Anna Maris Igpit and Liza Macalandag had managed to conquer both Twitter and Facebook. But more about that in a moment!  

Our Pledge of Love Can’t Be Broken= It took former Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and Department of Agriculture administrative officer Benjie Oliva and his wife Joan Jagonos over a year to prepare for their dream wedding which was supposed to be held on Oct. 19 at Dauis Church. What the Oliva couple was not prepared for was a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that would shatter their wedding unforgettable. “We decided t postpone the wedding considering the damage cost by the earthquake that hit Bohol. The Dauis Church was totally damaged,” said Benjie in an interview while he and Joan were volunteering at the St. Joseph Cathedral for the relief goods. The wedding was finally realized on Dec 7.

Believe It or Not= Martin Slisans, a Latvian national swims from Bohol to Cebu to promote RP tourism. Slisans started swimming at around 1 a.m. from Catagbacan, Loon and reached Argao, Cebu at around 2 p.m. on May 18. The long distance swimming was almost 30 kilometers.

Deal or No Deal?= Former Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan withdrew his candidacy for congressman for personal, health and family reasons. VRS denied the report that there was 'under the table' agreement between Rep. Art Yap and Mayor Calipusan. Awww

Nature’s Wonder= The surface rupture (faultline) which appeared after the killer quake in barangay Anonang, Inabanga town invites tourists to explore nature. People also visited barangay Obujan, Antequera to see the landcracks which killed four family members.

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