107-year-old Boholano credits God and malunggay for his longevity

Surrounded by children, grandchildren, great grand children and great great grand children, and the promise of more to come, Pedro Laquinta Samuya (Lolo Indong to his family and friends), a retired Boholano guerrilla warrior, teacher and municipal mayor turned 107 on Wednesday, June 17, and is nowhere near to slowing down.

Samuya might be the province’s oldest man, surviving mayor and world war veteran.

What’s the secret to his longevity?

“Mag-ampo ra. Kini karun santos ang sandiganan nako. Kana  Santisima Trinidad ug San Roque. Mao na gitug-an sa akong inahan nga debusyunan para makatabang nako ug para  walay panulay makasugal. Tinuod jud na (I always pray. My favorite saints have helped me especially my devotion to the Santisima Trinidad and San Roque. My mother told me to continue keep my devotion to help me through my hardships and to ward off devils),” said Samuya.

 

Pedro Samuya celebrates his 107th birthday
.-Photo by Joshua Fullido

Besides keeping busy, Samuya believes his diet has played a big role in getting to 107. He mainly consumes fruit, vegetables and fish. He likes poultry and seafood, but he rarely eats pork, beef and carabeef.

He credits a very special vegetable for his good health and longevity: horseradish tree or malunggay.

““Kamunggay jud ang number 1..perti ka sustansya na (Malunggay is the number one, it’s super nutritious),” said Samuya.

His youngest daughter Cecilia Samuya-Asoy,65, said that his father’s meal includes fish and law-oy (vegetable stew) with lots of malunggay leaves.

“Mao na iyang request kanang law-oy. Hilig na siya law-oy nga naay kamunggay, (He asks for vegetable stew in his meal. He likes law-oy so much with malunggay),” said Samuya-Asoy.

Samuya could still walk but lately he’s using cane for balance. He could still read without eyeglasses. And Samuya remained mentally sharp and still possessed what his children described as “amazing” long-term memory. He ably conversed with his grandkids, except he has to use a hearing aid to hear them better.

It's hard to image a world before television, radio, cars, or cell phones, but Samuya is alive to tell what Bohol was like in the early 1900s.

“Kining lugara kakahuyan pa ni unya daghan sagbut mga bugang nanubo diri. Walay usa nagpuyo pero dinilang ko mingpuyo, (This place (San Isidro town) had many trees and pampas grass trees sprouted naturally. No one lives here but I decided to settle down here,” said Samuya.

Pedro Samuya with the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos when the former was chosen as
 the Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines in 1977. –Courtesy: Samuya Family

Samuya lives at his old house in San Isidro which was destroyed by the earthquake in 2013. He may be at his home, but that's not stopping him from getting some exercise.

He spends his days walking inside the house, seating in a small chair outside the house to look for passers and praying in a small chapel adjacent to his room.

He stays healthy and vibrant until he became a centenarian. Solitude may have its benefits, according to children. Samuya’s wife Tiburcia died on August 2, 2000 when Samuya was in his late nineties. But he didn’t remarry, instead choosing to keep himself busy in public service and other community activities.

“Mananggot pa na siya maskin 80 years old na siya para himuon niyang tuba (At 80 years old, Lolo Indong climbed coconut trees to collect sap from the palm’s flowers for tuba, a coconut sap wine),” said great grandchild Jaime Laquinta, 46. “Bag-o pa na siya dili na makaadto sa iyang baul (It is just lately that he could not visit his little farm).”

Samuya has without any serious illnesses or ailments. But the family was very anxious when Samuya injured in a fall and wounded his head two days after typhoon Yolanda in 2013 while walking in the terrace while raining, said Samuya-Asoy. He was brought to Catigbian District Hospital for treatment and he had to endure pain. He worried he wouldn’t be able to pray.

But as he recovered, Samuya kept praying and walking, Samuya-Asoy said.

Second world war veteran Pedro Samuya wearing 

his guerrilla uniform. Courtesy: Samuya Family

He fills his days with praying, walking and visits from family, including great-great-grandchildren.

“I just am thankful for every day that passes that I’ll be able to pray,” Samuya said. 

Samuya taught his children the life of prayer and humility.

“Iyang gibilin ni papa namo kanang ‘have faith in God, forget worries’. Mao jud nay kanunay gihatag sa iyang mga anak, (Father told us to have faith in God and forget worries),” said  Samuya-Asoy.

“Iyang pagkadiyosnon..gihatag niya mga anak niya.mao na iyang gipamatuto namo hangtud karun. Iyang pagkamatinud-anon sa pagservice sa mga tawo nga kinasingkasing nga walay kapin kun kulang, (He taught us to be prayerful. We saw him being sincere in his public service, how he served the people)” said Liliosa Samuya-Bahulay.

Pedro Samuya was born on June 17, 1908 to Dominggo, a farmer, and Matea, a housekeeper, from Antequera town.  He married Tiburcia Verdad Suaybaguio on Feb. 10, 1994 solemnized by Rev. Fr. Arnold Villas. They have four children who are still alive: Quirino, 71, a retired elementary teacher; Requillo, 69, a retired teacher and town mayor of San Isidro in Bohol; Liliosa, 66, a retired budget officer; and Cecilia, 65, a retired master teacher.

Now, Samuya has 18 grandchildren, 13 great grand children and 15 great great grand children.

Samuya taught automotive engineering at the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) in 1934-1940. He joined the Antequera Bolo movement during the second world war in 1942-1945. He taught elementary at San Isidro Central School in 1946-1966.

When barangay Agbun of Antequera (then became barangay of Catigbian town) was created into San Isidro town in 1969, Samuya was the first appointed mayor. He was also the first elected mayor from 1970-1980. 

The human life span has reduced drastically and we hardly 

see people surviving past 100 years. But for Pedro Samuya, 

he credits God and malunggay for longevity. 

-Photo by Joshua Fullido

In 1977, he was awarded as one of The Outstanding Mayors of the Year from the Philippine Life for “his outstanding local executive who has rendered distinguished and exemplary performance in the New Society.” In 1978, he also received the Defender of Good Government, Outstanding Mayor of the Year and Model Citizen of the New Society from the members of the Executive Development and Research of the Philippines for  his “performance in the field of education, health, peace and  order, social welfare and your effort in bringing up the ideals  of good government closer to the people.”

He also created the San Isidro High School for students would no longer study in the neighboring towns of Antequera  and Catigbian.  He also founded the senior citizens association in his hometown.

67-year –old Grade 10 stude wants to finish K-12

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Reigh Monreal, this info he posted on Facebook: Congratulations to Boholano Scientist Caesar Saloma from Baclayon for having been ranked 8th by Google Scholar as among the top Filipino scientists in the country in terms of H-index, a measure of scientific productivity and citation impact based on their bodies of work as scientists. Dr. Saloma is a professor of the National Institute of Physics (NIP) at the University of the Philippines College of Science and a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology. He previously served as Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman. He is included in the Marquis Who's Who in Science and Engineering 2011-2012 and in the Ultimate List of 15 Asian Scientists To Watch that was published by Asian Scientist Magazine in May 2011. Also an achiever, Saloma’s younger sister, Dr. Czarina Aya-ay S. Akpedonu, was also named Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology. She earned her Master of Arts in Population Science from Peking University and doctorate degree from the Universitaet Bielefeld in Germany, magna cum laude. She co-authored “Casa Boholana: Vintage Houses of Bohol” (Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011) with her husband Erik Akpedonu. She is concurrently the Director of the Institute of Philippine Culture of the Ateneo de Manila University and Vice President of the Research Committee on Science and Technology of the International Sociological Association.

 

JR at Mag-aso Falls Courtesy: Jojo Baritua

Scene: Spotted in Bohol last week was soul singer Jay R. He was here for a photoshoot for 2GO travel magazine. Jay R went to Ma-aso Falls in Antequera town and in Santa Monica Church in Albur. Also spotted in Bohol was Drew Arellano who was here for the nth time to shoot a segment at the Cuisina ni Tisay for his Biyahe ni Drew. Cuisina ni Tisay offers authentic Boholano cuisine.

 

Scene: Remember this popular line, “And mundo ay isang malaking Quiapo. Maraming snatcher. Maagawan ka.”? Our socialite VRS (I miss you!-LPU) who works at the Bohol’s center of power and might shares this latest explosive news that the “other woman” finally broke-up with this man (who loves to click the camera) she loves so much. “She cries a river, guwapo baya ang bayu,” says VRS.  The “other woman” wanted to make their relationship open. Quoted, “You can call me whatever you want, snake, bitch or other woman, but I promise you, I will never be a pathetic and boring housewife.” Well, the “real woman” was happy to learn about the separation. She was quoted, "Kung ahas siya mas ahas ako! Tahimik pero kapag kinanti – nanunuklaw!" No, not the quote from Amor Powers: “Lahat ng hirap at sakit, ibabalik ko sa inyo Matitikman nyo ang batas ng isang api!”

 

***

By the time Virgilio Ganade Penticase finishes school, he'll be in his 70s.

 

As a grade 10 student at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS)  in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Penticase listens to lectures from younger teachers and sits with classmates who are old enough to be his kids.

 

"Walay problema nako na kay gusto ko makakat-on, " says the 67-year-old tuba gatherer (manananggot) and farmer.

 

While classes opened on Monday, Penticase wearing the school’s prescribed uniform diligently attended his classes. He is officially enrolled as Grade 10 section Young. He attends classes in the afternoon since the school has two shifts (grades 7 and 8 in the morning and grades 9 and 10 in the afternoon).

 

Tessie L. Sumampong with Drew Arellano at Cuisina ni Tisay.

He says he was excited to see new classmates and teachers.

 

Farmer

Born on June 26, 1948 to Antonio and Eusobia (both deceased) in barangay Catarman, in Dauis town, Penticase has one sibling, Leonardo, who is 65 years old.  

 

Penticase, who finished elementary in Catarman Elem School, didn’t pursue high school.  He says he was born after World War II that not everyone was interested in his community to get an education.  At eight, he joined his neighbors sailing to the sea to catch fish. He also helped his parents planting veggies and plants.

 

Penticase explains why he wanted to return to school.

 

“Daghan na panahuna nga sige ko ilarun kay dili man ko kamao mokwenta, lisud jud kung wala kay grado kay ilarun man ka,” he says.

 

It was his brother Leonardo, who lives with him, persuaded him to go to school.

 

“Siya ingon nako nga moeskwela ko dapat pero siya dili moeskwela kay mauwaw,” says Penticase.

 

Penticase is still single like his brother. He shared he had a girlfriend when he was young but he remained untied.”

 

“Mao tingali ni akong kinabuhi, walay swerte kay wala maminyo,” he says.

 

Lolo/Tatay

On June 4, 2012, with only P20 pesos, he went to DCPNHS to enrol. He brought with him his old birth certificate and a certification of good moral character from his barangay captain.

 

At first the school principal III then Mrs. Concepcion Bagotchay turned him away but soon understood how committed he was to learning.

 

“I was hesitant to accept him because I didn’t know his purpose. He’s already a senior citizen then mga bata iyang mga kauban tingali tudluan niya og binuang,” Bagotchay says.

 

Virgilio Penticase, 67, a Grade 10 student of
 Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, believes  that
completing his education is his only way
 to learn. 

Penticase was accepted after his pleading that he just wanted to finish school.

 

“I told him to enrol in other school in his hometown but he was persistent to study in Putong,” adds Bagotchay.

 

Penticase’s teachers confirm his diligence in attending schools since the town of Dauis is a 20-30 minute ride by a jeep going to Tagbilaran.

 

Penticase shares he has not experienced being bullied in school.

 

‘Wala ko kasuway i-bully sa mga bata. Tahud na sila tanan nako, mag-Tatay, mag-lolo. Gitun-an- tingali na sila sa ilang mga ginikanan ug sa mga maestra,” he says.

 

According to Penticase, Filipino and Araling Panlipunan are his favorite subjects. English, Math and Science are his least favorites.

 

But he has proved his worth as a good student. He finished Grades 7, 8 and 9  with passing grades.

 

 

Carpentry

As a student, Penticase gets “student’s discount” from tricycles and PUJs.

 

“8 pesos ra akong bayad instead nga P10 kay naay discount basta student,” says Penticase.

 

He shares he has no senior citizen ID since he didn’t apply for a membership in his locality.  He has no SSS as well.

 

On Saturdays, Penticase stays at home. He gathers native coconut wine.

 

“Mananggot ko ana kay himuon nako og suka kay mao akong ibaligya. Kung tig-uwan mag-uma nasab ko ana mananum og mais ug unsa nga lagutmon,” shares Penticase.

 

He says he goes to church on Sundays.

 

Penticase has to stay in school for another two more years because of the Department of Education’s 12- K Program. But he says he is willing to wait to complete his studies.

 

“Paningkamutan nako mahuman ang k-12 basta tagaan sa Ginoo og maayong lawas.Pero nay diperensya sa lawas dii jud na madayun dili maabot mounding nalang ko. Ako kayanun nga mahuman nako ang k-12,” says Penticase.

 

He shares he wants to major in carpentry in Grade 11.

 

“Ganahan lang ko magpanday, mao nga kana akong gusto i-major puhon,” he says.

 

Virgilia Omictin, Ll.B. is the new principal
of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School
with 4,000 students.

Because of his age, Penticase has experienced numbness in his right leg. He has also poor eyesight. Last year, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of DCPNHS president Dr.  Angelo Plaza gave him a pair of eyeglasses so that he could see and read clearly.

 

“Nakit-an nako siya naglisud og basa. Giduol nako siya kung unsay problema. Naglisud diay basa mao gitagaan nako siya og eyeglasses para magamit niya sa iyang pag-eskwela,” says Dr. Plaza.

 

Jun Gutierrez says the PTA shoulders Penticase’s school supplies.

 

“He will inspire children to get an education, nga ang kawad-un ug edad dili mahimong babag sa atong pangandoy,”  says Gutierrez.

 

Asked if he has dreams to achieve, Penticase answers, “Dili nako mangandoy nga mahuman  ko og college tungod sa akong edad. Ang Ginoo ray masayud.”

 

For Penticase, it’s never too late to learn.

READ HERE FOR THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER NEWS ON VIRGILIO PENTICASE.

 

***

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

Gian Ale chases his dreams

Wake-uppers:

Scene: El Gamma Penumbra will be performing in Tagbilaran City on July 27, 8:30 p.m. at Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium. This is their first public performance after winning Asia's Got Talent in Singapore.

 

Scene: Bol-anon Cyclist, the umbrella group for all bike groups in Bohol, organized the Freedom Ride bringing Philippine flags "to defend Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity" during the Independence Day celebration in Tagbilaran City. 

 

***

The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2 has just been started last Saturday, but the nine-year-old Gian Luigi Ale of Cogon District, this city, already spiced up the stage with his undeniably amazing blind auditions performance.

 

Gian Luigi Ale on the Voice Kids Philippines 2 Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Gian made all the three coaches turned for him when he sang the hit song “Thinking Out Loud” while playing guitar. Just when I thought I'd seen every cover of "Thinking Out Loud" in the known universe, Gian’s might be the best (and the cutest) version.

 

"Masarap lang 'yung tapon mo eh, parang steady lang, very cool, hindi trying hard. Alam mo kung sino ka bilang artist," Lea Salonga told Gian.

 

Sarah Geronimo said, "Pwede kang mag-ballad, pwede ka rin 'yung chill lang na parang nagkukwento lang. Pwede ka ring bumirit nang palaban."

 

"Masarap lang 'yung tapon mo eh, parang steady lang, very cool, hindi trying hard. Alam mo kung sino ka bilang artist," Lea Salonga told  Gian.

 

"Pwede kang mag-ballad, pwede ka rin 'yung chill lang na parang nagkukwento lang. Pwede ka ring bumirit nang palaban," Sarah Geronimo added.

 

Bamboo Mañalac then joked that Geronimo was describing him, pointing out that  Gian also plays the guitar.

 

"Parang ako 'yun, parang ganun, parang ako ang dinescribe mo eh. Oo, ganun, eksakto, tapos may gitara pa."

 

He then told Ale: "Gian, ang gusto ko sa boses mo, 'yung puso, very soulful, kung English. Soulful 'yung pagkanta mo. Natutunaw na kami."

 

Gian Luigi Ale after his performance during 

the birthday celebration of Engr. Jerome 

John Gabin (2^nd from right)... with (l-r)

 his father Arthur, Wincesa Espejo- Araoarao,

 Fiel Angeli Gabin, Cielo and Renji.

Gian chose to be part of Team Sarah.

 

Incidentally, last Friday, Gian performed at the birthday party celebration of  Engr. Jerome John Gabin of DTI-Bohol who turned 45 (His wife Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin shared this message on Facebook: ‘Happy 45th Philippine Independence Day Birthday to a man who is loving, caring, endearing, understanding, responsible, generous, supportive and thoughtful in the superlative degree! Your loved ones are here because you are well-loved... You are a blessing to all of us, Hon. You have done so much for so many people . Thank you so much for everything! With much love from all of us!’).

 

 “At first, I felt nervous when the judges had not yet turning their chairs around,” Gian told Butch Bernas of Tagbilaran City Science High School cum cultural worker who conducted the interview. “When Bamboo and Sarah turned their chairs I was very happy and finally coach Leah. I’ve got a standing ovation from the three of them that made me proud of myself.”

 

Butch Bernas with Gian Ale

Gian started singing when he was seven years old, mostly at home. When his teachers and classmates he could sing well, he was asked to sing in school’s activities when he was a grade two pupil at Cogon Elem. School.

 

Gian said he plays the guitar, drums and the ukelele. He shared he likes Ben of Michael Jackson.

 

“I used to play drums, play karatedo at Holy Infant School,” shared Gian who is now a Grade 5 pupil at Holy Infant.

 

His father Arthur and lola Criselda give him sound advices.

 

“They told me to keep feet on the ground... and always be thankful to God,” said Gian.

 

Hundreds of fans say they are hoping Gian will be the next Voice Kids.

 

“I hope they will support me in the competition so I can reach up to semi-finals and the grand final. Please pray for me,” said Gian.

 

The Voice Kids has helped Gian to showcase his talents.

 

“After the contest, I found myself like an artist already,” said Gian who dreams to become a pop artist.

 

"The Voice Kids," which is hosted by Robi Domingo and Yeng Constatino, airs Saturdays at 6:45 p.m. and on Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

 

***

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

11-minute last summer getaways

Caluwasan Spring (Clarin)

Ughuban Spring (Garcia-Hernandez)

Tinubdan Spring (Lila)

Lonoy Spring (Jagna)

Loktub Spring (Loboc)

Logarita Spring (Bilar)

Kuremo Spring in Dimiao

Duwangon Spring (Bilar)

The final days of summer are ticking away. However, just when we thought that summer is about to kiss us goodbye, the sun seems to be on full blast!  No wonder many are trying to beat the heat away in many ways.
 Tired of beaches and waterfalls? Here are 11 natural springs in Bohol to enjoy for your huling hirit sa tag-init! Note:  The pictures on this page that you're marveling at are the natural springs in Bohol I have had visited this summer. Canawa Spring in Candijay is not on most travelers’ itineraries, but if you have time it rewards exploration. It has a P10 per person entrance fee. However, it features cool aquamarine waters and plants bending so low so as to be nearly touching the pool's surface. Because of the spring's depth, even experienced divers have difficulty diving to the bottom. 

Anahaw Spring (Candijay)

In Cogtong, Candijay, Anahaw Spring offers a total health experience for the physical well-being of the old, not-so-old and the very young. The people of Cogtong fetch water from this spring for drink.  It was last year that it was discovered the spring has remarkable healing properties.  Retired teacher Fidela Bayron said she feels 10 years younger since drinking water from Anahaw Spring. She reported that she is now fit. Some local villagers who bathed in the water reported that the “medicinal” qualities of the well cured their skin diseases. Word quickly spread, and now a constant stream of people visits the village daily to gain the benefits of the water.  "I'd take a bath in it if I could," Vilma Magputol said. "It can heal. The water can heal." People bring anything they can use to carry water — gallons, soda bottles and containers. Some people take a bath. The San Carlos University Water Laboratory has confirmed Anahaw Spring’s high alkalinity and polarity.

 

Baliaut Spring (Baclayon)

“I have not seen a natural spring that has this kind of quality. Kasi it’s not only the ph, the polarity as well the ionized put together this makes water,” said Abel Echon who discovered the spring’s healing properties. “Anahaw is a very like lucky spring just like sa Laguna grabeh ito..it’s a new finding... grabeh ang polarity, ionizity plus pH blend pus minerals unmatched. Ang kanyang anti-oxidant property umabot ng -500.” The Ughuban Spring in Garcia-Hernandez is totally amazing place because of its natural view. It has a cauldron (kawa)-shaped body of cold water. The mahogany trees surrounding Ughuban gives it a more relaxing feel. Since there is no entrance fee, you will enjoy swimming to sawa.
Take a dip in the small pool of Kuremo Spring in Dimiao town which is actually a catch basin for the very cold water that comes from the mountains. There is no entrance fee. Enjoyment guaranteed! Bilar is worthy of more attention with its cold Logarita Spring and Duwangon Spring in barangay Zamora. 

Canawa Spring (Candijay)



xxxx

Other important springs in Bohol are the undeveloped Caluwasan Falls (Clarin), Baliaut Spring (Baclayon), Tinubdan Spring(Lila), Lonoy Spring (Jagna) and Loktub Spring (Loboc). ***Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

The treasures of Ate Vi

Ate Vi: BEPO is about public service.

People have seen Vilma “Ate Vi” Concon Yorong in many of provincial government’s projects most significantly on being the head of Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO), and almost everyone agree she is among the most down-to-earth of her ilk.

 

Told about it, Ate Vi reacted, “It’s public service. It’s not about me, it’s about the fame or the glory. Rather, it’s about the people and how our office can be of service to them.”

 

Ate Vi added, “Give without expecting anything in return.”

 

(Note: Ate Vi was working on her birthday on May 16 because her office had conducted mobile services and facilitated job recruitments.) 

 

She’s the original “Ate Vi” in Bohol---that everybody, close friends and complete strangers alike, call her Ate Vi with affection.

 

Rising from the ranks, Ate Vi has joined the government in 1997 where she was exposed to public employment service office (PESO) related activities.  She has been consistent with her public persona as a warm and simple personality with a comprehensive, no-nonsense dedication in her job.

 

She has built a steady following among various sectors like the masa, professionals--people from all walks of life.

 

“I’d learned to be flexible, respectful and down to earth,” said Ate Vi. “Dili ka mamili og tawo, establish good relations.”

 

With various tasks on her shoulders, Ate Vi has learned to weigh her commitments according to their significance. She is hands-on manning the office.  She said that she is also prone to strong emotions. However, she tries her best to handle situations with patience and grace.

 

Ate Vi with her long-time friend actress Roxanne Guinoo-Yap. Contributed Photo

“As human, it happens sometimes,” Ate Vi related. “I am making sure that everything is noted and persons responsible will take their assigned jobs, I empower all my staff so that they will learn.”

 

Ate Vi went added that to learn to be more tolerant, if less temperamental.

 

Her easy camaraderie and interest in other people had provided her the opportunity to serve the community. She is an active member of the Lions Club and past president of the JCI Bohol Chocolate Hills and elecom chair of the employees coop of PESO managers association of the Philippines (Pesomap) in Central Visayas.

 

What other people today don’t know is that, once upon a time before she became BEPO head, Ate Vi was a fans club member-yes, the Star Circle Quest (SCQ) of ABS-CBN. Showbiz na showbiz!

 

“I am no longer active in joining fans clubs since my job is demanding, but my friendship with the SCQ original questors is still especially with Roxanne Guinoo-Yap. We still have the kamustahan, exchanging of text messages, FB chat and calls.”

 

Added Ate Vi, “Roxanne is really a good friend until now. Andun pa  yung selosan minsan at yung tampuhan.”

 

Given all these, Ate Vi keeps her feet on the ground, always mindful of her treasures in life.

 

BEPO head Vilma Yorong (2^nd from left, with her staff) is the
original “Ate Vi” in Bohol that everybody, close friends
and complete strangers alike, call her Ate Vi with affection.  Courtesy: Adrian Lim

Treasured person- A lot of people have helped her become better at her job and in a way, shaped her into who she is now. “Many to mention because many people have been there for me and who helped me to become who I am now.”

 

Treasured pets- Our dogs and cats at home.

 

Treasured place- Siquijor. My tatay came from Siquijor and usually our clan reunion is held in Siquijor. I love the place kay mingaw pa and best for recollections.

 

Most treasured moment as BEPO head- Ate Vi shared that she meets different kinds of people. “Implementing office activities nga makatabang jud sa masa  ug sa mga professional.

 

***

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