Boholano nursing topnotchers share secrets of success

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned that the coastal areas of Dauis in Panglao Island in Bohol province was found positive for red tide, making shellfish in the said area unsafe for consumption. Leo Bongalos, officer-in-charge of BFAR-Bohol said that there is no timetable yet on when the BFAR will lift this ban. 

Scene:  The Island City Mall has turned 11 years celebrating the ultimate shopping, dining, fun and entertainment center in Bohol!  The three-day sale is from June 26-28, the pick-a-promo is until today, and Mrs and Ms Teen ICM 2015 is today, June 28, at the Activity Center, 3 p.m.

Scene: The 23 candidates for this year’s Miss Bohol.

Scene: Gay marriage is legal in all 50 states in the US after the US Supreme Court ruled on Friday that gay marriage is a right nationwide.

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Prayers and hardwork paved the way for three Boholano nursing graduates to land in the 10 topnotchers of the May 2015 nursing licensure examination. Thus, a good year for Bohol's nursing schools. 

Euben Hope Olaso Gamutan, Krissa Mae Duco Lapiz and Christine Joy Camilotes Roferos went to different schools, prayed in different churches and reviewed in different styles but there’s one common denominator---topnotchers! Gamutan finished fifth place with a rating of 85 percent, Lapiz was ranked sixth place with a rating of 84.8 percent and Roferos landed on the eighth spot with a rating of 84.4 percent.

Euben Hope Olaso Gamutan who placed fifth in the May 2015 

licensure exam for nurses :'All I can say is God is good! 

In everything we do, we should trust  God and 

acknowledge that without Him, we are nothing.'

They shared there is only one secret in preparing for the board exam.  

“Prayer. That is my best secret. I prayed for wisdom and for strength that I can endure all the sleepless nights,” Gamutan told VRS. “Of course, I also had to do my part in studying. I usually isolate myself when studying because that is where I can concentrate the most.”

“Prayer. I prayed a lot. When I had time I went to the Sto. Niño and I prayed not just to top but to pass including my classmates as well,” Roferos said.

Gamutan, Lapiz and Roferos were among the 9,707 aspirants who passed the May examination out of a total of 17,896 examinees, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). 

Gamutan obtained his nursing degree at University of Bohol (UB), Lapiz graduated from Holy Name University  (HNU) and Roferos got hers at Cebu Normal University (CNU). Roferos who hails from Loon town was the high school valedictorian of the University of Bohol - Loon Institute.

Studying strategically and prayers

Gamutan shared that he already prepared himself to pass the examination while still studying. “The best preparations I did were during my years as a nursing student. I strived to do my best in every single quiz and to make the most of my exposures in the hospital duties. Also, as early as one year before the exam, I already started reading books/reviewers, reviewing notes, and answering sample board questions.”

Roferos, who was inspired by her aunt who is also a nurse, said she just read textbooks. “I read my textbooks one at a time but with certain comprehension. I had enough rest and sleep. I usually sleep a lot. Just listening to random audiobooks, dili pada sa pressure. Just learn at your own pace.”

 Euben Hope Gamutan with fellow topnotcher  

Krissa Mae Duco Lapiz who placed sixth in the nursing exam.

 Courtesy: Euben Hope Gamutan

Gamutan found his trust in the Lord, which he said is his source of comfort.  He said he didn’t ask to become a topnotcher.

“Honestly, I never asked God that I would be a topnotcher. The only thing I repeatedly pray was that God will help me to do my best and that whatever the results will be, His name will be glorified,” he said.

He learned he had topped the exam from his friends and when he opened his Facebook account on Tuesday morning and saw messages of congratulations from friends. Since the information came from friends, he had reservations at first and waited for the news from the PRC.

“It feels unreal! Maybe because I really wasn’t expecting this. It’s amazing how God has blessed me this much. All I asked for was for me to do my best, and He gave me even more,” Gamutan said.

On Wednesday night, Gamutan wrote on Facebook: “The Lord has always been my source of everything! None of this would have been possible without HIM!! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!!!!!!!Thank you everyone for all your prayers!”

Eight placer Christine Joy Camilotes Roferos: ‘God answers prayers.’

He thanked his family- father Alexander, mother Reinalda Josephine, siblings Xela Reina and James Michael, and other relatives: “Primarily, it was my family. Everytime I felt pressured, they reminded me that all I had to do was to trust God to help me do my best. Our Dean, clinical instructors, and reviewers also inspired me to push myself to my full potentials. They encouraged me to aim high and believed in what I could achieve with God’s help.”

Roferos said she still couldn’t believe the results of the exam. She was at home when she received a text message from her best friend informing her that she topped the exam. “It was surreal, I wasn't expecting na ma-top jud. But I hoped though...”

She has reservations at first and waited for the official results from the PRC. “I mean, really? Topnotcher ko? Overwhelming kaayo.”

She thanked her aunt, her mother Zulueta, father Jaime (deceased), younger sister Charysse Jane and younger brother Christian James, relatives and friends for the support.

Lapiz’s Facebook status read: “Not because of who I am but because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done but because of who you are. It was all HIM. To God be the glory.”

Asked by VRS if they wanted to work abroad, Gamutan said: “I’d love to spend my first working experiences here in the Philippines. But if given the opportunity, I would also love to extend my service to other countries. Anywhere will do actually.”

“I haven't decided yet as to where I would want to work pa,” Roferos said.

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

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!”

 

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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.

 

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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. 

 

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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.

 

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