Ima Leopardas is loveless but happy

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Congratulations to Aster Caberte, Central Visayas Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for having been chosen Best DTI Executive in the Philippines during the recent "SPRInts (System on Performance, Rewards and Incentives) Huwarang DTI 2015" awarding ceremonies.

 

Why do we need a designated holiday to celebrate love? -LPU

Scene: From Reigh Monreal this info: Congratulations to the Bohol Island State University (BISU) for being listed by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) among the Top 5 performing teacher education institutions in the country in Category B (500 to 999 takers from 2009 to 2014) with a running passing average of 85% for both BEEd and BSEd. The other four: De La Salle University (Manila), 99%; University of Saint La Salle (Bacolod), 86%; Ateneo de Naga (Bicol), 85%; and University of Southeastern Philippines (Tagum), 85%. Tops in Category A (1,000 and above examinees): University of the Philippines – Diliman, 97%; University of Santo Tomas, 94%; Philippine Normal University (Manila), 93%; St. Louis University (Baguio), 87%; and Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro), 90%.

 

Scene: The Splash Day the 13th at the University of Bohol. “If you are an alumni/alumna and you wish you experienced this kind of fun during your time! don't worry ... you will have your chance... just join us in our Grand Alumni Homecoming this July 2016,” says Janice Aurora Tirol, Ph.D., dean of Student Personnel  Services.

 

Scene: Valentine gimmicks were held at different schools in Bohol.  To spice up their V-day celebration, the students of  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School had love wall, kasal-kasalan, love knot, et al . One student said, "I am taken by you." On the other hand, people bought flowers at downtown Tagbilaran a day before Valentine's Day. Prices of fresh blooms escalated on Friday morning. According to Boholano florist Eddie Dahunog of Eva's Flowershop, there was a low supply of flowers. Dahunog added that some people were practical that instead of buying fresh flowers they preferred V-items made of plastic. “People are practical now that kahit plastic basta makapgabigay lang sa kanyang minahal. Kasi sabi nila ang plastic forever daw ang presko hindi tumatagal. The most important is your true love,” said Dahunog.

 

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Would you believe that beauty queen Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas has been loveless for  many years now (her last boyfriend was when she was in high school)? How does Ima cope with this barrenness in her lovelife?

 

"I'm fine," said Ima who has signed a non-exclusive contract with OMG (www.mikeygatal.com/ www.omg755.com/www.boholster.com) of US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal (who took his oath as US citizen last yesterday, Feb. 14).  The contract signing was attended by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, Roger Gatal, Nikki Gatal-Quintia, Marjo Gatal-Dumas and Kiss FM dj Robert James.

 

Imaculada Cleofe Edubas Leopardas:
 ‘Love is a choice and when you choose to love,
 you choose to get hurt.’ Courtesy: Miss Bohol

“OMG! I love it! The moment I knew that I was gonna be one of the endorsers, I really thanked Mr. Mikey Gatal for choosing me,” said Ima, a BS in Psychology Major in Industrial Psychology School student at Bohol Island State University- Main Campus. “This has been one of my dreams and OMG turned it into a reality. And I am in love with the charity works that we've been doing because that is so me.”

 

During the contract signing, Mikey expressed his gladness on Ima and other models as OMG models. "Ima is beautiful and talented.”

 

On Valentine’s Day, Imma together with other OMG models Neil Namuag, Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Pham Marzon, Erika Gatal abd Gercy Daraido had a charity event in Baclayon, Ima’s hometown.

 

“It’s one of the most amazing things in my whole life! The first thing I know was I was once a pupil of Baclayon Central Elementary School and the next thing I know, I am leading a charity work, and that just felt really amazing,” shared Ima. “And it made me feel really happy knowing that I served as an inspiration and a good example to those children.”

 

Ima is loveless. She has remained fancy-free, so a VRS Q&A with her focused on her present state of being.

 

What keeps you busy? I'm busy being myself. One day, I found myself dreaming about making my family proud and the next day, I found myself living that dream. There is one thing that I would like to always do in my life and that is to make my mother be really happy and that's what I'm doing now. I am busy learning everything about life so that I can make each day count. I have this habit of inspiring people for as far as I know, dreams do come true. Everyday, I think of the many things that I can be and I never stop discovering and improving myself, for I know that life is a gift and I don't have an intent of wasting it.

 

Who/what inspires you?  My family is my inspiration. Even if I haven't seen my father for eight years for he has to work abroad, even if I would say that really, my life story is like the MMK on TV and even if we have been through those many darkest moments in life, still I learned. I learned that life can be unfair, but one should always get up no matter how many times you fall. And it strucks me to the point that I will do anything just to make them happy and proud. I love my family so much. (Ima’s parents are Engr. Eleazar Leopardas, Sr. and  Ma. Gloria (nee Edubas). Her supportive siblings are Vanessa Joy, Roman Ceferino and Eleazar Jr.- LPU)

How long do you think you can survive being single? Honestly, this question made me smile. Well, I have this theory and it is a theory of bread. You like eating a piece of bread only if there is a sandwich spread.

 

Ima Leopardas with her fellow OMG models (l-r): Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Gercy Daraido , Erika Gatal,
Pham Marzon and Neil Namuag. Courtesy: Roger Gatal

Now what happens if there's no more sandwich spread? Well you have to eat and enjoy the bread and hope for the better sandwich spread that you may have next time. The sandwich spread stands for the person you fall in love with, and the bread is you. You see, there will always be that one person who can make your heart beat faster and slower at the same time. But in my case, I am not searching for someone because I am waiting for the right one. I wouldn't mind waiting too long, for the love from my family, best friends and supporters are more than enough to me.

 

With you, once a relationship is over, it’s over na jud, no more second time around? Any kind of relationship deserves a second chance, for this time, you realized how much you really care for that person and by that, you don't want to lose the person again. But if circumstances won't allow you to be together again, I think it's best to let it go. It will hurt, of course it will really hurt for it was true. Everything happens for a reason. The most important thing there is, you have to learn from it, accept it, move on and be better, not bitter.

 

What lessons (or “mistakes”) did you learn from your past relationship that will guide you in your future relationship?  I loved too much, that is the mistake. It was way back in high school and that was my first love. I have no regrets, for the person made me happy and made me see how beautiful people can be, just the way they are. Everything I learned about love and pain, I owe it to my past and I am forever thankful for that. But at the end of the day, the past has turned me into the best version of myself because I chose to look at the positive side of life.

 

Love can wait, says Ima. Courtesy: Miss Bohol

What is love to you? Love is when you give it first to someone who deserves it and that someone should be yourself. Love is a choice and when you choose to love, you choose to get hurt. Love isn't love until someone asks you what is love and you cannot explain it, because you only feel it. Love is when all you ever wanted was to make that person happy, even if you're not the reason behind that happiness.

 

What is your favorite love quote? "Love is not blind. It sees but it doesn't mind." We love people the hard way, we love people the wrong way, but in the end, it will never be about how many lovers you had, for it is about how true you are when you fall in love.

 

How does a single girl spend Valentine’s? A typical single girl spends Valentine's Day by liking the Facebook status of those happily inlove Facebook friends, she would look like she's not jealous of those girls who had a lot to receive on Heart's Day and she secretly hopes that someone would offer her some flowers and chocolates. You might ask me why I know all these things, so here's the answer: Yes, I'm single.

 

What’s your most memorable Valentine? I surprised my mother with a personalised gift which was from my savings, I wrote her a letter and I spent February 14 with her, that was my most memorable Valentine's Day. Every year, I always surprise my mother, not only on a Valentine's Day but also on her special occasions like her birthday. I never get tired on making her happy because seeing her smile makes me happy, too.

 

What qualities do you look for in a guy? Someone who has a good morale, someone taller than me, the one whom I can learn more about life, someone not just with the looks but also with a stable job, someone three or four years older than me, is honest, loyal, respectful to his mother, the one who knows how to make me laugh and can handle me at my worst and most of all, the one who can make me feel in love again...now that's what others may say "the impossible to find" kind of man. But I believe that that someone exists somewhere and at the right time and at the right place, I am going to see that man in God's will.

 

Who is your celebrity dream date? Mario Maurer. I really like him because he is the kind of handsome who is really humble and that makes him even more handsome. I really cannot forget his role in his movie, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and he really looks so cute.

 

Nonetheless, there is no hurry for Ima.

 

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

Oscars 2015: Who will win? Who should win?

The 87th Academy Awards take place on February 22 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

The stars will be out in full force for the ceremony, but which actors will end up taking home the famous golden statuette?

Think you can predict the Oscars?  Here’s my prediction of the wills, coulds and shoulds for Oscars 2015.

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Will Win: J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
Could Win: Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)
Should Win: Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Will Win: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)
Could Win: Meryl Streep (Into the Woods) Should Win: LauraDern (Wild)

 BEST ACTOR
 Will Win: Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)
Could Win: Michael Keaton (Birdman)
Should Win: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler).

 BEST ACTRESS 
Will Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)
 Could Win: Reese Witherspoon (Wild)
Should Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)

 BEST DIRECTOR 
 Will Win: RichardLinklater (Boyhood)
Could Win: Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman)
Should win: RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

 BEST PICTURE 
Will Win: Birdman
Could Win: Birdman
Should Win: Boyhood

Message to parents/anti-vaxxers: Measles can kill!

In 2014, my one-year old niece Jessae Mae Udtohan-Jala had measles.

Jessa Mae had runny nose, fever, cough and sore, red and swollen eyes. She had rash over her body. Jessa Mae was tired. She was not in the mood.

The doctor said Jessa Mae had measles.

Measles is a very contagious infection caused by the rubeola virus.

I had measles when I was a kid. We were told that a person can have measles once in his/her lifetime. Maybe true but I had measles twice in my lifetime but not that worse when I was kid. I remember that there were parents who thought measles was just a simple disease by leaving their children to stay at home without taking medication resulting to have death.

Even people who were vaccinated, some might still get it. Why? Health workers explain that the measles vaccine works about 95 percent of the time.

Jessa Mae was one of the beneficiaries of the free measles and polio vaccination in the country as part of the program of the Department of Health every January of the year.

And that’s for free.

“The vaccination is free and available in barangay,” said Paulina Udtohan, 60, Jessa Mae’s grandmother.

So there’s no reason that a parent can’t bring her child to the nearest barangay health center.

Paulina also believes that there are no side effects.

Measles is so highly contagious that before there was vaccination, for every case of measles, nine-out-of-ten people exposed would end up getting measles. It’s that contagious.

To intensify the campaign, village health workers do house to house info drive to urge parents to have their children immunized against measles in any government health center.

The message: Measles is a highly contagious disease and fatal.

“Although it is not a forced vaccine program,” said Paulina. “It’s up to the parents to have their children vaccinated.”

Personally, my nephews and niece had Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) shots and I didn’t see any signs of “plastic immunity” in them. I hope there’s nothing to worry.

Most of the parents fear that vaccination may cause further complications as children will develop “plastic immunity.” But I think there’s a little evidence on it. If the children are healthy or no serious health concerns, they should be vaccinated.

In the Philippines, there is a massive campaign and constant health education programs that are being conducted especially those who reportedly refused to accept immunization because of their belief.  These people may not be compelled to undergo immunization, but they were told to also consider the welfare of others.

 I don’t have kids but if ever I have kids I will make sure they would receive anti-measles and polio vaccinations. I don’t hear serious side effects from being immunized but I heard some deaths because of the complications from measles. We don’t know when an outbreak occur, prevention is better than cure.

I was thinking measles outbreak can only happen in developing countries like Philippines. While Philippines is aiming for a measles-free country, the US has growing unvaccinated people.

Immunization has saved more lives in Philippines in the last 10 years than any other health measure. If we can do it here in the Philippines, other countries can.

Things to do on Valentine’s Day in Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Scene: United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg visited Bohol on Thursday to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the implementation of development projects in Tagbilaran City. He was welcomed by PA Ae Damalerio and Rep. Art Yap at the Tagbilaran Airport. Ambassador Goldberg was also welcomed by Gov. Edgar Chatto and other officials at the Bohol Tropics. The MOU, which picked Tagbilaran under the Cities Development Initiatives, was signed by Mayor John Geesnell Yap II and Gloria Steele of the US Agency for International Development.

 

MGen Jet Velarmino, AFP and PSSupt Dennis Agustin
honor the fallen 44 at Camp Dagohoy.  -LPU

Scene: MGen Jet Velarmino and PSSupt Dennis Agustin led the offering of flowers and lighting of candles for the fallen 44 at Camp Francisco Dagohoy on Thursday. “For all of us who remain, may their legacy of bravery and courage in sacrificing their lives serve as a beacon of hope in our country’s pursuit of peace and justice. May their dedication to service serve as an example to all Filipinos,” read the statement of the BPPO. Meanwhile, PPSupt Agustin has designed his own kayak for the fallen 44. The kayak has colors red and black and has markings “Fallen 44.” “It’s one way of my expression in support and sympathy to the fallen 44. Sa akin lang yun. Personal lang yun. Mahilig rin tayo sa sports. When doing sports, nasa puso pa rin  natin mga kaibigan mga comrades natin. Mahilig tayo sa kayak ..  naka-pag soul search tayo nakapag-isip nakapagcontemplate, at the same time expression ko lang yun,” PPSupt Agustin said.   

 

Scene: Feliz compleaños to erstwhile Tagbilaran Mayor Joe Torralba, Walter Toston, Dr. Cyrilda Tallo, Maximiel, Feb. 9; former Tagbilaran City Councilor Ann Mariquit Oppus, Feb. 10; Atty. Zoilo Dejaresco, Jr., Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim, Lloyd Guttierez and Dr. Antonio Porticos, Feb. 11; Raul Gatal, Feb. 12; Valentino Gamutin, Atty. Handel Lagunay, Joselino Baritua, Gary Silagan and Fr. Val Pinlac, Feb. 14; Melchor Daniel, Feb. 15; Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag, Louella Husain and Tagbilaran City Councilor Lucille Yap-Lagunay, Feb. 17; Fr. Joe Sumampong, Feb. 20; Gov. Edgar Chatto, Feb. 21; and Fiel Angeli Gabin and Dr. Jojo Maniwan, Feb. 24.

 

***

Love is in the air.

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, VRS has tracked down the Valentine's Day destinations in Bohol for traditional and new holiday ideas for lovers.

 

 

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg visits Bohol.-LPU

CHAP, for adrenaline junkies

 If the thought of a candlelit meal or spa treatment has you tapping your Nike with boredom, bond over a shared challenge this Valentine’s Day. The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) has The Rush, Islands in the Sky, Burma Loops and Planks, Earthquake and Vine Walk.  The adventure course trails that will test your strength, endurance, strategy and patience and it will test your relationships, too! Don’t forget to experience the authentic Boholano cuisines at Cuisina ni Tisay!

 

Sagbayan Peak, for fairytale lovers

Different animals and Disney characters can be found at the Sagbayan Peak. There’s a mini-castle to free your imagination as you and your beloved roam its medieval turrets. You can play Rapunzel or you can ask the seven dwarves or Snow White for some tips on how live happily ever after.  

 

Morning Hills, for nature lovers/stargazers

The universe is vast, but somehow you found each other. The Morning Hills in Loay town is ideal place for contemplating your place in the cosmos. It’s ideal also to visit the place at daytime to love nature.

 

Provincial Library, for bookworms

If your love bloomed over torrid prose and pub philosophy, then you need a break with intellectual clout. Visit the Provincial Library to feed your mind. Since February 14 falls on a Saturday this year, the library is open half-day.

 

Choco shop, for Choco lovers

Chocolate's a classic for Valentine's Day. Buy it for your spouse, your significant other, your kids, your parents. Visit the Chocoreich Cafe which offers you the chance to sit down and indulge in hot chocolate, baked chocolate treats, and chocolate candy, while on the premise. Always busy and always delicious, Tambahayan Cafe (along Maria Clara Street) is the perfect tambahayan for Valentine's couples.

 

There are plenty of things to do on Feb. 14! –LPU

Dinner menus, for food lovers

What better way to celebrate with your significant other than sharing a romantic meal? Yes, visit the Bohol Bee Farm and The Buzz for all-organic food.  Have an intimate dinner at Panglao Island Nature Resort, Amorita, Amarella, South Palms and Astoria. Bring your someone special to Gerarda’s, Garden Cafe, Payag Restaurant, Dong Juan (at Luisa Galleria), The Prawn Farm (at Island City Mall) and RaiRai Ken (at Island City Mall). For best ambiance, bring your date at Cafe Lawis in Dauis (beside the Dauis church) for a complete dinner set for two. Make sparks fly no matter your budget at the city at  Aubrey's BBQ Hauz (flavored by Nanay Mary Garcia) at Mansasa Junction (“Chicken Paa for only 60 pesos. We also accept packaged orders on Valentine’s Day,” says Leslie Ramirez) and Acacia de Bubu (Burgos cor Butalid St.) for yummy barbecue!

 

Single on Valentine’s Day?  There’s no need for a firing squad! In Bohol, there are plenty of things to do solo on Feb. 14. Watch movies, eat pizza, read books and swim in the beach.

 

Other places to explore on a date: K of C Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran Plaza.

 

Whether you're in love with love or anti–V-Day, celebrate V-Day with your own style.

 

Remember, saying ‘I love you’ doesn’t have to cost anything.

 

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Benjie and Joan Oliva have baby Edelle Ross baptized

 

New parents former NYC Commissioner Benjie Oliva and lawyer Joan Jagonos christened their daughter Baby Edelle Ross, on Jan. 25, at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Church in Pasay City.

 

The family shared special family photos via Facebook Saturday.

 

“We are beyond grateful dear God for our princess is a gift from above. We pray for strength and wisdom to train her in the way she should go. Give us patience and joyful hearts. Let us, parents and godparents, be an example of Your love and forgiveness. We thank you Father for the honor of being her parents,” Benjie captioned the photo album.

 

Baby Edelle Ross with her parents Benjie and Joan Oliva
with godfather Dingdong Dantes who promised
 to guide his friends’ daughter in her spiritual life.
 –Courtesy: Oliva Family

The three-month-old was well-behaved and half-asleep as the priest baptised her. “We welcome you into the Christian world,” said the priest, as Joan cradled Edelle Ross in her arms.

 

As previously reported, Benjie and Joan chose their nearest and dearest to act as Edelle Ross’ godparents.   Actor and NYC Commissioner DingDong Dantes was one of the godparents who stepped forward during the service and promised to support his goddaughter throughout her life.

 

Benjie and Dingdong are now officially mag-kumpare.

 

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

EJ’s take on Miss U

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Two international cruise ships makes a port call in the island of Bohol in the Philippines, the MS Europa and MS Minerva. MS Europa, the best cruise ship in the world according to Ward-Ranking and Berlitz, visited Bohol last Wednesday. The 339 passengers visited the Chocolate Hills and Panglao. Others joined the "Community Life Tour" in Maribojoc town where they interacted with the locals. Another luxury ship MS Minerva arrived in Bohol on Friday. The 293 passengers had enjoyed the countryside tour. "It is a very good sign and I see 2015 will be a rosy year for the province of Bohol," said Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus of the Bohol Tourism Office. 

 

The visits of luxury ships MS Europa
and MS Minerva are good signs for Bohol,
 according to Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus. –LPU

Seen: President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new RTC judges in the province of Bohol: Lindecita Cabaron Arcamo of Branch 1, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and former Tagbilaran vice mayor Jorge D. Cabalit of Branch 48, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

 

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Pinoys fans were shocked and saddened when Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, the Philippines’ bet to the 63rd Miss Universe pageant, failed to make it to the pageant’s Top 5.

 

Many Filipinos were expecting Lastimosa would surpass the successes of her last four predecessors in Miss Universe – Venus Raj, fourth  runner-up to Ximena Navarrete of Mexico;  Shamcey Supsup, third runner-up to Leila Lopes of Angola; Janine Tugonon, first runner-up to Olivia Culpo of USA; and Ariella Arida, third runner-up to Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.

 

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega won the crown, followed by USA, Ukraine, Netherlands and Jamaica.

 

Filipino fans remained supportive of Lastimosa in her quest to bring home the Miss Universe crown, some Pinoy fans traveled to the US just to support her including our very own fashion icon EJ Relampagos who was at the International University Arena in Doral, Miami, Florida, USA.

 

“I'm on a cloud 9,” shared EJ who witnessed the pageant for the first time. “I intended not to bring my tab because I want to feel this experience to the bones. I got more than what I expected, I did not just feel it, I learned a lot.”

 

Fashion icon EJ Relampagos on MJ  Lastimosa
 during the 63^rd Miss
Universe: “MJ did her best!’ Courtesy: EJ Relampagos/MissUniverse

EJ said that Paulina Vega of Colombia was a clear winner the moment the candidates stepped on stage. “She was head to foot a beauty queen,” admired EJ.

 

The costume, a floral piece reportedly inspired by the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, (with many netizens comparing it to a birthday cake with its floral design) designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza, was poorly received by Filipino fans. Some couldn't help express their disappointment with her national costume.

 

EJ said MJ was able to carry the dress well.

 

“MJ did her best. Her gown is not ugly, however, it just did not compliment her height and figure,” shared EJ.

 

What if EJ were to do the national costume for Miss Philippines for the Miss Universe?

 

“I would want a halter serpentina gown in nude gold embellished with crystals on vertical patterns from neck all the way to the hem to make her look slim and tall, with a keyhole cleavage showing chest and a slit on the mid front to let her walk with ease,” said EJ. “This will surely compliment her skin tone, will make her look tall and slim... stunning!”

 

But EJ said he wanted to see Miss Philippines wearing a gown and a costume done by a Filipino designer.

 

EJ Relampagos and other Pinoy fans
watch the 63^rd Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA,
 to support Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa in her quest
to bring home the Miss Universe crown. Courtesy: EJ Relampagos

“This experience taught me a lot of things I want to share with my fellow Filipinos, especially the Boholanos. It’s time to step up our game... we can do it,” stressed EJ.

 

Added EJ: “I have learned that if you will go to a competition like Miss Universe, it’s not enough to be only prepared in all aspects. The preparation should be done right in every element! Be effectively and efficiently prepared.”

 

Traveling is broadening one’s knowledge and EJ knows that too well.

 

***

Bohol policemen wear black ribbons

in honor of fallen PNP-SAF members

 

The country is mourning for the 44 elite commandos who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. The SAF units fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country. 

 

Flags flew at half-mast across the Philippines on Friday as the entire country observed a national day of mourning.

 

In Bohol, the Philippine, Bohol and Tagbilaran City flags flown at half-mast at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. The Philippine flag inside Camp Francisco Dagohoy was at half-mast since Monday.

 

Members of the PNP-Bohol were wearing a black ribbon around their badge to honor and remember the fallen 44.

 

Bohol observes the National Day of Mourning
 to honor and remember the 44 members of PNP-SAF
who died last week in Maguindanao. –LPU/GMANews

“We honor and remember the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25,” said SPO4 Geronimo Conarco of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of the Bohol Provincial Police Office.

 

SPO4 Conarco said it is their simple way of honoring their brothers in the PNP and their way of expressing sympathy and condolences to their bereaved family.

 

Another citizen JP Maslog offered candles and flowers at the Camp Franciso Dagohoy on Friday night in honor of the Fallen 44.

 

“We will never forget,” said JP on Facebook.

 

Former Tagbilaran City councilor Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus also shared on Facebook her insights: “Call it coincidence, but yesterday, via mail, I got hold of the December 2014 issue of the Cavalier, the official publication of the PMA Alumni Association. We get it every month and is rather routinary. But yesterday was quite different- sent jitters! It came when we, former dependents of SAF members, couldn't help but silently "feel the pain" and say a prayer. And what was written all over the cover page : "Hurdling the obstacles to Peace". What a hurdle, that was! Inside, I read the President's corner, and I quote: " But peace is elusive nowadays. While most of our people sleep soundly on Christmas Eve, the men and women in the uniformed service stay awake as duty calls for most to be away from their families, to serve and protect the people. We do not want peace that is based on a yearly tradition of truce when fighting is just suspended for a while, but after the holidays return to the usual not-so- peaceful routine," Cav Robert Arevalo '85. Then the Article of Cav Fredelino Bautista '66 said: " Let it not be said that it is the armed services that are the obstacles. It is the men in uniform who die, who get maimed, who leave widows and orphans, many of whom are cavaliers. How many more of our young cavaliers who are in the forefront of preserving the peace shall make the ultimate sacrifice before lasting peace is attained? Therefore, let those who profess that they want peace, prove it, in deeds, not in words." Indeed!”

 

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