Delicious Recipes from the Congressional Wives

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Runway Icons, a modeling agency owned and managed by eventologist Mizken Tirol Andan, MBA, Ph.D., is looking for 25 artista aspirants for the Teen Idol 2014. Exposure shows and workshops will be held this summer.  Currently, Runway Icons is merging with Viva Entertainment Inc.  and ABS-CBN.  For inquiries, text or call 09199132119.

Piolo Pascual

Scene: The (re)launching of the Sandugo Toastmasters Club was held yesterday, March, 8 sponsored by Toastmasters International (TI), in partnership with the Sinulog Toastmasters Club and the Queen City Toastmasters Club.

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual.  Now on its 4th super mega blockbuster week,  Starting Over Again, starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga, grosses P375 million.

Scene: News about a lawmaker filed a bill today seeking to declare Piolo Pascual as the Philippines’ “National Ultimate Heartthrob” is a hoax.  There is no Bohol Seventh District Rep. Wally Magwa Mabuti.  The satirical news appeared on Twitter and Facebook after Bohol 1st district Rep. Rene Relampagos filed a bill to declare abodo as national food.

Scene: At least 30 journalists from Cebu, Bohol and Tacloban attended the Peer Trauma Seminar conducted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). The Bohol journos who attended the seminar were Edward Guyano, Angeline Valencia, Leo Udtohan, Aida Tangal, Jun Gutierrez, Roger Balamad, Felix Cempron, Ric Obedencio, Mike Ligalig and Rey Anthony Chiu.

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Contrary to popular belief, the wives of our Bohol congressmen love to cook!

Last week, Imee Adiong-Relampagos, wife of 1^st district Rep. Rene Relampagos; Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, wife of 2^nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado; and Carol Gow-Yap, wife of 3^rd district Rep. Art Yap, shared their favorite recipes on the forthcoming cookbook of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI).

The spouses of the Bohol congressional representatives (l-r) Imee Adiong-Relampagos, Carol Gow-Yap and Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado share some of their favorite recipes for the Congressional Club Cook Book which will be released in August.  Courtesy: CSFI

The CSFI is an organization composed of the spouses of lawmakers. They conduct outreach programs and other socio-civic projects, Evangeline Pastor, officer in charge of the CSFI said.

The Congressional Club Cook Book (available in August 2014) will have a new and unique collection of recipes to represent the diverse ethnic backgrounds, regional customs, and family traditions of the members and their spouses. The cookbook will be a symbol of a collection of friendships that the members cherish.

Publishing the Congressional Club Cook Book has been one of the CSFI’s most important projects. It supports the variety of activities that the CSFI has offered over the years. Each year, revenue generated from cookbook sales also helps support monetary contributions made by the CSFI to a variety of local charities.

They brought their ingredients and cooked their own recipes. They even shared their kitchen tips-cooking secrets to the media who covered the pictorial and cooking session.

Here are the yummiest recipes from the wives of our Bohol Congressmen for you to try out.

From Mrs. Relampagos’ takla special to Mrs. Aumentado’s hinalang na manok and to Mrs. Yap’s radish salad....why not give these recipes a whirl in your own kitchen?

Bon appetit…

Bohol’s Tuba-marinated Takla Delight!

Imee Relampagos

The snapping shrimp, locally known as takla, has the world's record as the loudest animal in the world. It produces 4000dB sound level when it snaps its powerful pincher that produces a bubble hot enough to stun its prey.

In Calape, and other parts of Bohol, takla makes a good delicacy. Just like shrimps they also have good meat even better due to its fat content.

Ingredients:

1 cup tuba
½ kilo takla (shrimp)
1 pc. onion
1 tbsp. garlic
1 tbsp. ginger
¼ cup butter

Directions:           

Marinate the takla in tuba for 15 minutes. Set aside. In a separate pan, sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in butter. When the garlic turns golden brown, add the marinated takla. The dish is ready to serve when the takla turns from blackish to red.

Hinalang na Bisayang Manok

Vanessa Aumentado

A Bohol specialty is the hinalang na manok. Hinalang means “pinaanghang” or “made hot or spicy.” The chicken is cooked in onion, ginger, peppercorn, chilli and coconut milk.

Courtesy: Panlasang Pinoy

Ingredients:

1 whole native chicken, cut into serving pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium size ginger, sliced

1/2 tsp peppercorn

3 red hot chilis (labuyo)

2 cans coconut milk

1/2 cup water

salt to taste (optional)

1 bundle lemongrass (tanglad)

Directions:

Place native chicken and lemongrass in a saucepan, add water, and bring to a boil. Add the cup coconut milk and combine all ingredients. Put chopped onion, ginger, pepper and  garlic. Boil the native chicken for about 30-60 minutes or until done it depends on how old your native chicken. Add salt to taste and red hot chili then simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with lots of rice.

Radish Salad

Carol Yap

Courtesy: Food Network

Ingredients:

4 cups radishes, washed and sliced

1/2 cup thinly sliced onion

1 cup diced fresh tomato

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 small clove garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions: Combine sliced radishes, onion, and tomato. Whisk together the salt, garlic, pepper, basil or mint, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Toss with salad then garnish with parsley.

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Oscars 2014: Stars’ best quotes

Undoubtedly, the people who took home the Oscars on March 2 had an incredible night. Ellen DeGeneres was the most fun Oscar host we’ve seen a long time. It was an amazing evening between the pizza, the selfie and the subtle digs.

12 Years a Slave won the best picture. Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) won best actress.

Matthew McConaughey, who won best actor for the movie Dallas Buyers Club, was one of the few stars to thank God in Oscar acceptance speech.

"First off, I want to thank God, because that's who I look up to. He's graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand. He has shown me that it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates."

Lupita Nyong’o, who won best supporting actress for 12 Years a Slave gave an absolutely stirring acceptance of her first Oscar: “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”

The toughest Oscar race this year was for best actor. Right until the awards began the race was almost certainly down to Chiwetel Ejiofor for 12 Years a Slave and Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey was the eventual winner. Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t win (possibly any time soon).  Leo, cool guys don’t win Oscars!

By the way, Hollywood journos reported that Ellen used Samsang Galaxy (sponsor of the Oscars) for the “selfie of the year” which broke Twitter, but she was seen using Iphone at the backstage. The pizza’s partner was Coca-Cola and the Oscar’s sponsor was Pepsi. Come on!

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

Oscars 2014: Full winners list

Best picture: 12 Years a Slave
Best director: Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity)
Best lead actor: Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best lead actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best supporting actor: Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club"
Best supporting actress: Lupita N'yongo (12 Years a Slave)
Best animated feature: "Frozen"

My Oscars 2014 predictions

Best feature documentary: "20 Feet From Stardom"
Best foreign-language film: "The Great Beauty"
Best adapted screenplay: "12 Years a Slave"
Best original screenplay: “Her”
Best cinematography: "Gravity"
Best costume design: Catherine Martin (The Great Gatsby)
Best film editing: "Gravity"
Best makeup and hairstyling: Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best original score: “Gravity”
Best original song: “Frozen” for “Let It Go”
Best production design: “The Great Gatsby”
Best sound editing: "Gravity"
Best sound mixing: "Gravity"
Best visual effects: "Gravity"
Best animated short: Mr. Hublot
Best live-action short: "Helium"
Best documentary short: "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life"

#MyOscarPhoto

Oscars 2014: Who will win? Who should win?

• Oscars 2014: Who will win? Who should win?

• PBA legends, Alaxan unveil Bohol ‘Court of Inspiration’

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Bamboo Flowers has received 14 nominations in the PMPC Star Awards.

Scene: Buzzz Cafe (of Bohol Bee Farm) is now open in Alona Beach, Panglao. You’ll love to eat their yummy homemade malunggay/pandan/ginger ice cream and squash/carrot muffins while enjoying the beautiful beach!

Scene: Bohol 1^st district Rep. Rene Relampagos has filed a measure seeking official recognition of adobo as the national food. He also wants the following declarations of national symbols: bakya as national slippers, bahay kubo as national house, jeepney as the national vehicle, arnis as national martial arts and sport, cariñosa as national dance, Philippine monkey-eating eagle as national bird, kalabaw as national animal, bangus as national fish, narra as national tree, Philippine pearl as national gem, sampaguita as national flower, anahaw as national leaf and mango as national fruit.

***

Inday Charity’s not feeling well—(s)he had backpain— when we went to Sitio Bato, barangay Cabawan in Maribojoc town just recently. (S)he wasn’t feeling comfortable but when (s)he was given Alaxan FR, the pain was gone.  What an instant relief!

PBA legends Benjie Paras, Jerry Codiñera and Ronnie Magsanoc with the kids of barangay Cabawan in Maribojoc for Alaxan FR’s ‘Court of Inspiration.’  LPU

 

Inday Charity, TG Balamad, Fred Amora and yours truly were enjoying “painless” (literally!) day as we were invited by Alaxan FR to witness the unveiling of their 22^nd “Court of Inspiration” in the country together with PBA legends Benjie Paras, Jerry Codiñera, Ronnie Magsanoc and purok and barangay officials.

The “Court of Inspiration” is a project of a series of construction of basketball courts undertaken by United Laboratories Inc. (UNILAB), the maker of Alaxan FR, in different parts of the country.

Residents of barangay Cabawan devoted long hours of volunteer work (bayanihan) for the completion of the basketball court.

The “Court of Inspiration” is a reflection of Alaxan FR’s motto “Aray natin, galing natin.” Its advocacy is to change the negative perception of body pain. The slogan means that pain is a byproduct of industriousness and hard work in turn results to the attainment of a goal and thus, progress. Pain, therefore, should be treated as a badge of honor and pride rather than something negative. The same can be said of volunteer-residents of barangay Cabawan.

Like most of the volunteers who came to help, the PBA legends started playing in neighborhood courts similar to what the locals have constructed. They attribute their success to decades of hard work, unafraid of the pain that comes with pushing oneself beyond limits.

Sharing in Alaxan FR's advocacy, they believe that pain should be treated as a badge of honor— a testament to the hard work required for success.

30 kids availed the free basketball clinic conducted by the legends. They were taught the basics of basketball.

Inspired by the PBA legends, Christian Acharo said: “Makakatulong ito sa aking pangarap na balang araw maging sikat na basketball player.”

“Nandito kami kahit papaano ay magbigay na kasiyahan..na maremind sila na kami po ay nanggaling dito,” said Benjie Paras. “At walang ibang hangad kundi magbigay ng inspirasyon sa kanila upang kahit papaano ay makabangon muli at ipagpatuloy ang pangarap. Kung anong nangyayari na kalamidad o anong malaking  problema tayo ay ginawa ng Diyos na makayanan ito.”

Part of the program was the filling up of cement of a land marker where the PBA legends left their hand prints.

The highlight of the event was an exhibition game between a mixed team of the PBA legends and the local players.

Now, the people of Cabawan take pride in the body pain that come with hard work, having constructed something that greatly benefits their community.

“No pain, no gain,” enthused Inday Charity.

***

Voting has finished. The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood is now ready. Speeches are being written. Their one one-of-a-kind gowns and tuxedos are ready.

Now who's going to take home the trophies at Sunday's 86th Academy Awards?

Will it be "12 Years a Slave"? “Gravity”? "Let It Go" from "Frozen"?

Think you can predict the Oscars?  Here’s my prediction of the wills, coulds and shoulds for Oscars 2014.

BEST PICTURE

Will win: Gravity

Could win:12 Years a Slave or American Hustle

Should win:12 Years a Slave

BEST DIRECTOR

Will win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity

Could win: Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave)

Should win: Steve McQueen

BEST ACTOR

Will win: Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Could win: Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave)

Should win: Chiwetel Ejiofor

BEST ACTRESS

Will win: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

Could win: Amy Adams  (American Hustle)

Should win: Cate Blanchett

Think you can predict the Oscars? Think of uncertainties and surprises.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will win: Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

Could win: Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)

Should win: Barkhad Abdi

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will win: Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave)

Could win: Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)

Should win: Lupita Nyong’o

The Oscars 2014, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air on Sunday, March 2 (March 3 in the Philippines on Lifestyle Network and ABS-CBN) live on ABC.

Note: Observers have been predicting who would bring home the Oscars (including your VRS, but can’t attend this year’s Oscars for some circumstances. So sad! Also US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal, who accompanied me in last year’s Oscars, warned me of the powerful storm in California on weekend bringing heavy downpours which remains through Saturday and into Oscar Sunday).

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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 first WiFi area: Tubigon offers free wireless internet access to all

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was TV host, model and editor Rovilson Fernandez. He was in Bohol to shoot Bohol’s sights and sounds for “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.  Rovilson was with his co-host Mae Bautista for Ang Pinaka "Yummy Series" and Abettinna Carlos for Ang Pinaka "FUN-tastic" in Bohol episodes. “Travel, food and friends make work feel like work,” said Rovilson. The Bohol episode is on Feb. 23 (that is today!), 5:45 p.m. on GMA News TV-11.

Seen: Out of 6,000 entries, journalist Ric Obedencio’s photo of Loon Church before it was razed down by quake on Oct. 15, 2013 was chosen as “Top 50 finalists Wiki Loves Monuments Philippines Photo Competition in 2013.” Ric has received the certificate just recently. “It's a simple certificate but priceless. I Thank God for this,” he posted on Facebook.

Scene: Spotted in Bohol yesterday were PBA legends Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Jerry Codinera in Purok Bato, barangay Cabawan in Maribojoc town for the unveiling of the Alaxan Court of Inspiration. The legends conducted basketball clinic and exhibition games with the locals.  The Alaxan Court of Inspiration, a project of Unilab for the community, by the community, stems from Alaxan FR’s advocacy of changing the negative perception of body pain.

***

Hooray for free WiFi!!!

Mayor Marlon Amila

Well, the town of Tubigon is making history as Bohol’s first "Wi-Fi Area." Thanks to Mayor Marlon Amila who turned the town into a free Wi-Fi zone.

“No password. Absolutely free. All you have to do is check the available wifi in your gadget then open the webpage of the network provider (dost) and click GO TO INTERNET icon. Enjoy!,” said James Tripoli , Mayor Amila’s consultant on social and political affairs, broke the news last Friday.

We love free WiFi! In fact, many of us are seeking out restaurants and coffee shops with free Internet access. However, some business establishments are tightening rules for the free use of their Wi-Fi to help increase their sales. Since most WiFi have passwords, it is very rare to find a WIFI without a password (remember, “ang mabait na kapitbahay ay walang password ang WiFi!”).

To find it for myself, I went to Tubigon last Saturday to check the free WiFi. At the town plaza, I’d noticed the WiFi sign, so I tried using my tab. There really was WiFi connection and it was faster than I expected!

Isn’t it great?

Tubigon has joined in the race to roll out fast internet to the public which signals a newfound understanding of “digital rights.”

The free WiFi is embracing modern technology as the fastest way to achieve inclusive progress and equitable growth in this age of globalization. Many years ago, access to the internet was far from a luxury for the poor, now it is giving the poor access to advanced information and communications technology infrastructure that can change lives.

“This is an answer to the call of our netizens to provide free internet access in our downtown and it is a new sign of progress after the 7.2 magnitude killer quake,” said Tripoli. “The administration of Mayor Amila wants to come up with a method where we can make WiFi free to all. Soon, we no longer think of it as a luxury but as a commodity like electricity and water.”

Having a free WiFi in Poblacion is the first step in providing free wireless Internet to Tubigon’s 34 barangays as supported by the DOTC.

By the end of 2014, 60% of the town will be that way; the next year, coverage should reach 80%, according to Tripoli.

The response from Tubignons to the free WiFi has been overwhelmingly positive.

Emmanuel Nunez posted on Facebook: “Then information will readily become available to students and common people which is good. Smart people will become smarter. Information technology will boost up the overall economy.”

While there are those who are not yet ready for the free WiFi, Tripoli said, “We cannot please everyone. Expected nga naay dili ganahan sa atong bag-ong proyekto nga naangkon, in short haters or critics people. Like the old visayan saying says, 'Sa usa ka bulig, naay usa nga dunot'. Don't worry people. Our municipal officials headed by our Mayor Marlon R. Amila are doing their best for the reconstruction, repair of our public buildings and rehabilitation of our town. We cannot do these things in a short period of time. We need more time and while doing the rehabilitation effort, more projects are coming and we cannot just say NO to these projects as we want progress. We hope for your understanding, cooperation and continuous support to the present administration.”

***

Here’s from Arlene Pisquera who shares her predictions of the Oscars 2014 fashion:

Oscars 2014 dress predictions: Will J Law wear Dior again?

From the Golden Globes last January until the Oscars in March, Hollywood becomes a blur of red carpets, gorgeous gowns, and golden statues.

The American Hustle, Gravity and 12 Years a Slave looking like they’ll fight it out for the big prizes. But, as the film buffs argue over who will take home the spoils, the fashion pack is, as always, far more interested in what might happen outside the ceremony.

Oscars is always exciting because the 2014 Oscar nominees have very impressive fashion resumes.

Remember Amy Adams who wore a jaw-dropping Oscar de la Renta gown last year? She always manages to make our best-dressed list. We are excited to see what she will wear this Oscars!

We have a feeling that the lovely Jennifer Lawrence, who is nominated for best supporting actress in American Hustle, will wear another Dior, which she is doing for the past years.

We’re sure Lupita Nyong’o, nominated in the best-supporting actress category for 12 Years a Slave, will constantly impress us with her fashion statement.

Finally, we're pretty confident that veterans Cate Blanchett, Meryl Street, Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts won't let us down.

Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.(From EOnline and Oscars)

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

An abundance of love: Valentine happenings around Bohol

There’s a lot of lessons to be learned (yes, by everybody) from Bamboo Flowers, a film by Direk Maryo delos Reyes.

Think positive.

Faith is a tool. When the world is darkest, and you struggle to survive, faith can get you over the worst.

Simply survive each day and you will succeed. Learn from each step, better yourself on the next step, and you will succeed.

Make good things that you can say your own legacy.

Make your own bamboo flowers.

Last Tuesday morning, the Bamboo Flowers stars Xyrus Cruz, Asley Strom, Orlando Sol and Ruru Madrid were in Bohol for (another) Bohol premier. They also answered the questions from the media and crowd during the presscon.

It was also a sort of “reunion” when I met some people in the film industry like Direk Maryo delos Reyes, Lailette Geulen-Boiser, TinTin Ng, Gerry Lugod, Jerome Sarabia, Gardy Labad and Yuri.

Veteran broadcaster Peddie Bolanio (who claimed he’s Robert De Niro’s lost twin) with Direk Maryo delos Reyes during the Bamboo Flowers premier last Tuesday. Photo by Arlene Pisquera

“Para sa akin kaya pinili ko Bamboo Flowers na title dahil universal ang ibig sabihin ng bamboo flowers. It has ancient flavor na maintindihan natin lahat ito,” Direk Maryo told the media while having our lunch at The Buzz. “It has a universal appeal and universal sounding film.”

A lovely day with friends (l-r) LPU, Gerry Lugod, Tintin Ng, Inday Charity and Lailette Boiser.-Jade Boiser

In addition, according to Inday Charity (who loved the trailer and, of course, Ruru Madrid), Bamboo Flowers is a movie about achieving one’s dreams in life. “We should learn how to fight for our true love,” shared Inday Charity.

 “Kapag nag-fade na ang bamboo tree, the flower starts to bloom. Ganun din ang heritage kapag wala na ang magulang ang mga anak naman nila mag-take over. Ganun din ang buhay natin kapag umalis na tayo ang maiiwan ay ang magagandang alaala natin,” said Direk Maryo.

(Note: The Bamboo Flowers regular screening is until Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the ICM Screenville Cinema. Proceeds will go to PROCESS-Bohol Inc. for the development of the Abatan River.)

Three days after, I saw myself at Cion-Virge Restaurant (inside the Tagbilaran Airport) for a tête-à-tête with Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy.

Bohol’s Queen of Tourism Rose Soy (2nd from left, with her staff at Cion-Virge Restaurant) amazes many people by looking forever young. Her secret? “I don’t think of problems!” -LPU

 

The widely-smiling Rose Soy (who offered me her product “Up,” an instant coffee mix with tongkat ali and ginseng which is available only at her restaurant), shared about loving her work and helping other people through the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran. 

Unfazed by her back-breaking job running the restaurant and charity works, Rose Soy amazes many people by looking forever young, never mind if she insists that she’s “loveless.”

So what keeps lovely in lovelessness?

“I don’t think of problems. I just love my work,” said Rose Soy.

From where we were seated, I had a good view of a vintage photograph of Rose Soy at the top of the Chocolate Hills in Carmen.  It was Rose, the only Rose, who promoted Bohol to the world when Bohol was not yet known at that time.

At 3p.m., at Eva’s Flowershop, I’d witnessed how people were busy buying flowers and Valentine items for their loved ones.

At 4p.m., I went to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School to see their Valentine gimiks.

They had a “love bulletin” where students could display their love messages for five pesos. Other offerings were face painting for five pesos, card reading for three pesos and palm reading for two pesos.

Proceeds from these gimiks will go to their charity projects.

 “We aim to go to Sunshine Home and help the kids. We also want to help the girls who are involved in drugs,” said student Mary Rose Castro.

But the best of all was the “funny” wedding ceremony for 10 pesos. Student volunteer Vanessa Siao explained that someone could pay for the couple’s wedding. The team would look for the pair and had them married.

 “It’s for fun and enjoyment as celebration of Valentine’s Day,” said Vanessa.  

Proceeds will go to rehabilitate their classroom.

At 5 p.m., Inday Charity and I went to Camp Dagohoy to witness how Philippine National Police (PNP) -Bohol marked Valentine’s Day with a mass wedding.  

Ten couples, whose spouses are members of the PNP have exchanged their vows at St. Michael Archangel Chapel inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Dagohoy.

Solemnized by Msgr. Jeff Malanog, the mass wedding ceremony was organized by the PNP under Senior Supt. Dennis Agustin.

“This is to allow police personnel the opportunity to legitimize relationship with their partners,” explained PSupt Joie Pacito Yape Jr, PNP-Bohol Information Officer.

One of participants, PO3 Darwin Andales of PNP-Loon, has been civilly married to his wife PO2 Rosalinda Andales for four years.

"We’re very happy because after four years sa among civil marriage our church wedding came true,” said Andales while gazing into the soulful eyes of his inamorata. “I am very thankful for this opportunity”.

The police officials advised newlyweds to remain faithful to their chosen lifetime partners.

The ceremony, including the reception, was provided by the principal sponsors, Supt. Agustin. Gov, Edgar Chatto, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Aris Aumentado and Art Yap.

In Ubay town, 84 couples finally tied the knot at San Pascual Church on Valentine’s Day. It was sponsored by Bohol 2^nd Rep. Aris Aumentado.

After the mass wedding, I went to the city and I saw Valentine’s Day was a busy night for Cupid, but it was just as busy for restaurants and their staffs. The restaurants all across the city up the ante with prix-fixe meals and amour-themed specials that the lovebirds and family sure to love.

What a busy Valentine! Ako? Busy-busyhan lang pag may time! Ha!Ha!Ha!

***

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

Regine's dad passed away; Tracy Torres discovers Malaysia

•Tessie condoles with Regine over pa’s death

•Tracy Torres discovers Malaysia as ‘truly Asia’

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last Thursday (Feb 6) was actor John Lloyd Cruz. John Lloyd together with Unilab people visited the devastated Maribojoc Central Elem. School for the school rehabilitation program, a campaign being undertaken by the product brand he endorses. John Lloyd has been an endorser of Biogesic for many years. 

John Llyod Cruz Photo: Malou Sombrio

Scene: Mikey Gatal Charity Inc. and OMG Friends in America had a successful outreach program in Canmano Elementary School in Sagbayan town last Jan.26. Schoolkids received apples and slippers.

Scene: Who plays flappy bird? More Boholanos turned into Facebook to express their feelings on the delightful yet crushingly difficult mobile game flappy bird. Flappy bird's premise is simple: you tap the screen anywhere to make a pixelated bird move upwards. Hitting any of the green pipes on your path means game over. The game's only goal is to get the highest score possible. This game almost made me throw my phone into the wall today...Ha! Ha! Ha!

***

Gerry Velasquez, the father of singer-actress Regine Velasquez, passed away last Monday. He was 76.

Regine confirmed the news on Instagram: “The leader of the band, Mang Gerry, joined his creator at 1:39 p.m. Thank you for praying for him during all this time that he has been fighting for his life. God bless you all.”

Fellow celebrities, fans and friends turned to social media site Twitter to give their sympathy and express their grief to the Asia’s Song Bird over the death of his father who is also well known in the music industry for supporting her daughter since she started her career in music.

It was Mang Gerry who trained Regine by making her sing while submerged neck-deep in the sea. Unlike other stage parents, he avoided the limelight and stayed in the background throughout Regine’s career.

Mang Gerry’s connection to Bohol was his visit to the province in 2010 together with Regine and Ogie Alcasid for a holiday.

“Ganda pala dito sa Bohol,” Mang Gerry told Tessie Labunog of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Restaurant (+638537-9460/+639173060010) while cruising the Loboc River, the river of life.

Tessie was saddened by the news that Mang Gerry passed away.

“He’s soft spoken,” said Tessie. “I really admired Mang Gerry’s love and dedication for Regine.”

***

St. Augustine said, “The world is a book, those who do not travel read only one page.” Seeing the world provides a source of education that you can’t get in school. Traveling is so important for the soul because it opens the eyes to new environments, the mind to new cultures and the heart to new experiences.

And that is what Bohol’s popular make-up artist and hairstylist Tracy Remolador-Torres wants to do this summer- to explore other countries.

Tracy Remolador-Torres (at the 88-storey Petronas Towers) feels the “truly Asian experience” in Malaysia.....Courtesy: Tracy Torres

“Life is beautiful and I don’t want to be stuck in the rut so I need to travel,” shares Tracy.

Tracy has visited Malaysia, a fascinating holiday destination in Asia offering something for everyone to enjoy. 

and with Boholano nurse in Malaysia Ferlida Galve Aceron during their food trip in KL.  Courtesy: Tracy Torres

“Selamat datang...welcome to Malaysia!” nurse Ferlida Galve Aceron, Tracy’s friend, warmly welcomed him in Kuala Lumpur (KL).

No, Tracy didn’t say “Malay ko, malay mo, malay nating lahat, Malaysia!” a popular Miss Universe funny introduction in gay beauty pageants, but he was amazed to discover how developed the country is, yet rich and varied in cultural tradition.

In KL, the country’s capital, Tracy visited the earliest grand buildings around Merdeka Square overshadowed by soaring modern landmarks notably the Petronas Towers that wouldn’t be out of place in Hong Kong or New York.

KL is excitingly diverse Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures: the conversations heard on the street, the huge range of food, and the profusion of mosques, Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines.

 “The other essential component of Kuala Lumpur is the soul of its people who give the city its distinctive and truly Asian character, it’s truly Asia,” says Tracy.

For Tracy, Malaysia is bursting with color, pulsating with life.

“I like Malaysia jud, it’s amazing!” admires Tracy.

Tracy wants to revisit Malaysia to explore the interior, the west and east coast, Sabah and Sarawak region. But before that happens, Tracy plans to visit Hongkong and Macau this year for a holiday.

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