Remarkable talents in Mr and Miss UB searchs

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Tonight, Sept. 6, is the 16th SidlaKasilak or Festival of Lights in Loon town. Eight contingents from different schools will join the street- dancing parade and dance of lights competition in honor of the town’s patron saint the Virgen de la Luz (Our Lady of Light).  The SidlaKasilak is one of its kind 

Rovilson Fernandez
Photo: Ramil Duran

festival in the Philippines because the street-dancing is done at night with the emphasis on the lights.

Scene: Asia’s Got Talent host and model Rovilson Fernandez on Bohol International Marathon 2015: “One more thing about the Bohol International Marathon. It's all about the details when it comes to throwing a race. Especially looking out for the comfort, safety and overall experience of the runners. Water stations strategically placed every few Km's, ambulances and medical teams aplenty, encouraging marshals, nary a pothole on Bohol's 4-lane wide roads, bananas, crackers, Pocari Sweat, etc. Oh and this: at the 21K turnaround, there's a table filled with food! Like real legitimate pick-me up snacks(hotdogs, tinapay, BBQ on a stick, etc). Who does that!? Haha Well Played Bohol, well played...”

 

Scene: The 86th birthday of Ma'am Hermogena "Nene" Lungay, matriarch of Bol-anon Visual Arts on Sept. 2.

 

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The University of Bohol (UB) will celebrate its annual University Days on September 11-18. Various activities are lined-up for the occasion like athletic games, cheer dance and dance sport competitions, battle of brains, battle of the bands and the search for Mr and Miss UB Personality, the oldest campus pageant in the province.

 

Hermogena "Nene" Lungay with friends
and fellow artists. Photo courtesy: Liza Macalandag

Every year, we are looking forward to watch the search for beauty and brawn; and the remarkable talents of the candidates. Those who impressed the crowd with their talents through the years were Cromwell Besmark Cortes, Julie Mae Bigcal Fatima Hencianos, Jepsy Cajegas, Joan Canuto, Jesel Canuto, Cheryl Lyn Busano, Marjorie Patac, Moises Mari Lacierda, Floressa Cadiz, Joel Magno, Lupe McDonald Manug, John Torralba and Layell Mae Cartegenas.

 

However, there is one piece I can’t forget, the Genesis Reverse for its strong message about man and the environment. The piece was delivered by Beryl Elizabeth Lupot who represented the high school department. Here it is:

 

In the beginning was the earth.

It was beautiful and man lived upon the earth.

And man said:

“Let us build skyscrapers and expressways”.

And man covered the earth with steel and concrete.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the second day.

Man look upon the clear blue waters of the earth.

And man said: “Let us dump sewage and waste into the water”.

And man did.

The waters become dark and murky.

And man said: “It is good”

 

On the third day.

Man gazed at the forest on the earth.

They were tall and green.

And man said:

"Let us cut the trees and build things for ourselves.

And man did. And the forest grew thin.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the fourth day.

Man saw animals leaping in the fields and playing in the sun.

And man said: “

"Let us trap the animals for money and shoot them for sport.

And man did. And animals become scarce.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the fifth day.

Man felt the cool breeze in his nostrils.

And man said: Let us burn our refuse and let the wind blow away the smoke and debris.

And man did. And the air becomes dense with smoke and carbon.

And man said: “It is good”.

 

On the sixth day.

Man saw many kinds of people on the earth.

Different races, color and creed. And man feared and said:

“Let us make bombs and missiles in case misunderstanding arise”.

And man did. And missiles site and bomb dumps checkered the landscape.

And man said: “It is good”

 

On the seventh day.

Man rested. And the earth was quiet and deathly still.

For men and women are no more!

No more. And it is good.

 

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Why do people shout in anger? Let me share with you one of the most beautiful stories I ever came across.

 

A Hindu saint and his disciples were visiting the Ganges river, where they found a group of family members on the banks shouting in anger at each other. Turning to his disciples, the saint smiled and asked, 'Why do people in anger shout at each other?’

His disciples thought for a while. One of them finally said, ‘Because when we lose our calm, we shout.’

'But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you?' countered the saint. 'You can just as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner.' His disciples thought about it some more, but could not come up with a satisfactory answer.

 

Finally the saint explained: 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other, in order to cover that great distance. 

But what happens when two people fall in love? They don’t shout at each other but instead talk very softly because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small. And when they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only need to look at each other and that’s all. That is how close two people are when they love each other. 

So when you argue, do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.’

 

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

 

Clyde Ebojo: ‘Music is my life’

Clyde Bongalos Ebojo isn’t touted as a Gospel Song Writer and Composer for nothing. These past years, he has been doing mostly inspirational songs, the latest of them is the Salamat, O Amahan, which won first prize in the recently Diamond Jubilee Songwriting Contest of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

 

“Abot sa langit akong kalipay.  Among all successes, big and small, that I’ve had, winning this one gave me the best feeling. I believe God worked within me as I started to write and give melody to the song,” said Clyde. “Now, God gave me an overflowing happiness which I also share with my family, relatives and friends, and all Dauisanons.”

 

Gospel song writer and composer Clyde Bongalos Ebojo:
‘Gospel music is really close to my heart.’
 Contributed Photo

Salamat, O Amahan will be the official theme song for the Diocese of Tagbilaran’s Diamond Jubilee in 2016.

 

Clyde’s greatest objective in writing gospel songs is to get the message out through lyrics that are grounded in the Word of God. It is his strong conviction that gospel songs should bring the lost to the Church and Lord Jesus Christ, comfort to God's people, and glory to God in the highest.

 

 “Yes, I do hope that parishioners, Boholanos or even Non-Boholanos, would share with me the same message to God as written in the song,” Clyde said. “And may it linger in their hearts.”

 

Clyde, 27, started writing and composing songs when he was nine. His involvement in the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) in his hometown has helped him to write gospel songs.

 

“Gospel music is really close to my heart,” he said. “A couple of them were used as theme songs of Church Youth Events such as Summer Youth Camps.”

 

He was inspired to write and compose Salamat, O Amahan to express his love to the Lord through music.

 

“I was inspired to write and compose this song because when Rev. Fr. Jingboy Saco, Jr. made mentioned about the competition, I felt that this is an event where I can express myself to God through music. At the same time, this is an avenue where I can share my God-given talent that has long been asleep,” shared Clyde.

 

According to Clyde, he has already written plenty of songs now, including love songs.  Some songs he composed were “Karaang Balay,” an advocacy song used by Baclayon Homeowners; “Gugma Ko, Pauli na,”  a song for OFWs;  Bool Jingle used for Balik Bool event early this year; even commercial jingles like DES Srong Motors, DES Appliance Plaza and Honda DES Incorporated.

 

“I would say that music is my life. It gives me joy, a sense of hope, and an amazing beauty of life,” he said.  

 

Clyde said he loves Don Moen Songs, Gary Valenciano, Aiza Seguerra, Southborder, Side A Band and Michael Jackson.

 

As a member of the Lay Liturgical Ministers of the Assumption of our Lady Shrine Parish, he also sings in Dauis male choir.

 

“Yes, I sing a lot. I used to sing in various bands before,” he said. “And until now, I sing in tandem with my Papa Mer and my Uncle Michael (Mike), Uncle Vicente (Jun), and their colleagues in Quartet singing like Tito Gerry Saclao, among others.”

 

In between his roles as a husband to Marjorie (nee Robles) and a dad to their son Czed Miguel, Clyde plans to create more music.  Presently, he works as an operations officer at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DIG) in Dimiao town.

 

“My priority now is to pour my love to my family. I will give endless love to my wife and raise my son the best way I can,” he shared.

 

For Clyde, his career keeps getting mentioned in the same breath as his spirituality. He said being prayerful has always been an integral part of his life.

 

“Everywhere I go, I talk to God. And I listen to Him,” he stressed.

 

Did Clyde, a registered nurse whose clan, the “Bongalos”, is one of the powerful clans in Dauis and whose mother Betty (a Kabataan sa Barangay official) served as Gov. Edgar Chatto’s longest employee, ever entertain any thought of going into politics?

 

“Politics? Not for now,” he noted.

 

Is Clyde ready for stardom (soon)?  “Well, it rests in the power of God. For now, what matters is I am able to move the hearts of people listening to my songs.”

The Hudyaka celebration in Bohol’s tourist capital is an occasion in the Panglao community where faith, culture and tradition converge and oceans of people come together as one. Photos by Leo Udtohan

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Panglao’s Hudyaka: Revelry with reverence

 

Last weekend, the Hudyaka sa Panglao was held in the tourist capital of Bohol. It is the oldest, one of the grandest, most distinguished and most colorful festivals in Bohol province.

In the Cebuano dialect, the word hudyaka, means merry-making. This merry-making is mirrored in the Hudyaka dance which characterizes the festival.

 

The central theme of the Hudyaka is Saint Augustine, a doctor of the Church.

 

Tourists, both local and foreign, flock to the town plaza every 28th of August to witness this one of a kind event. Streets are packed with viewers and vendors all wanting to witness the street-dancing.  The performers clothe in bright-colored costumes and amazing props, dance to the rhythm of drums and native gongs.  One of the event highlights was the search for the festival queens.

 

Take a bow, Mayor Nila Montero and Vice-Mayor Ped Fuertes!

(Personal note: Thank you to my high school classmate Alex Bongawan, a barangay kagawad of Tawala. Thank you to the Boy Arbilo and family, Mark and Analyn Pollenza-Arbilo for the food and nagka!)

 

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Happy and gay

It was a sultry Saturday when I saw Andrew and Angelo “El El” sporting new haircuts. They are my neighbors and my distant relatives who are clearly referred to Lady Gaga’s hit song “Born This Way.” 

 

Although there are no accurate predictions to be made based on a child’s behavior, we’re for sure then they were destined to become gays. Why? Andrew, who is four years older than El El, was effeminate, while El El when he cried to ask for milk--- it was different--there was something in his cry that made him different from other boys. When El El learned to talk, there we knew he’s different! When he learned to walk, he walked as if he’s on a catwalk. Confirmed!  They mingled with other kids mostly with girls where they played “Barbie dolls.”

 

El El and Andrew when they were kids (left) and reunited after ten years. Like straight people, gay people come in all shapes, sizes and colors, with all kinds of behaviors and mannerisms.  So you can't truly know your kid's sexuality until he/she tells you.

Aida, El El’s mom, sometimes bought some girlie things for her son like girl’s dress, headbands and make-up. Some neighbors scolded Aida for treating his son like a girl, but Aida defended she liked to see her son like a girl. 

When Andrew was seven, he left for Manila to stay with his only sister after his mom passed away. El El was left in the neighborhood. He had joined dancing and singing contests in the city. We didn’t hear what happened to Andrew until after ten years he came back to the province and reunited with El El. 

 

They become best buds! They’re inseparable. Andrew is now known as Princess Nicole Montenegro and El El is Princess Fherisse Aiko Fortigal. They are not only gays but openly and honestly gays. 

Andrew and El El are few of the homosexuals in our clan on my father’s side. We have had Nong Tildo (deceased), Fabio, Allan, Esoy, Dodong, Arnel and Bagoctoc. 

Why there are so many gays in our clan? The answer is I don’t know.  But like a flower blooms in the field, in every generation, there could be a different flower. 

So, we accepted the fact that we have gay cousins.  In many of our clan’s gatherings, they always brighten our days. It becomes livelier when they meet with other members of the federation.... as the saying goes, birds with the same feather are a good feather duster, ehem, flock together! It’s really more fun being gay in the Philippines. 

 

However, behind their happy faces, Andrew and El El have personally experienced discrimination. They’re often ridiculed. Since they are wearing women’s dress and heavy make-up when they go out, some people are badmouthing against them. But they don’t give it a second thought. They have accepted their fate as it is part of the society when you’re gay. 

Some religious people told them they could not enter heaven because they are homosexuals. But they answered those religious people in jest, “if we can’t enter heaven, we will stay in the rainbow!” 

Nothing is causing the level of gays. They don’t make babies but they are increasing. Aren’t they? 

You are born that way, according to some experts. The fact is being gay has been an accepted part of life in the Philippines though how many times the members of the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT) community have been fighting for their rights against discrimination. 

Here, homosexuals are called bakla or bading. The former has developed slightly derogatory connotations for some, while the latter is somewhat milder. In Visayas, bayot is the term forbakla. 

Effeminate men and homosexuals in general are called binabae ("of a womanly sort"), from the Tagalog word babae, which means "woman." 

If you act effem or sissy, people would tell you are a “member of the federation.” 

Stereotyped homosexuals openly work in beauty parlors and in the creative industries of fashion and entertainment, such as talk show hosts, female impersonators, writers, directors and comedians. They have long been part of the Filipino cultural landscape. 

There are also those "maya (a sparrow),” a term for bisexual men, who act like a real men but like men. They are doing bro-mance! 

There are also “paminta (pepper),” another term for bisexual who go to gym and outwardly straight-looking men who also like men. 
Like love, gays come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds.   

Note: Two weeks ago, Andrew has left Bohol to find a greener pasture in Manila. Another gay relative Arnel aka Iwa Moto went to Manila to look for a job and he’s staying with Andrew.

 

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After visiting France and Rome, Anecita Neves-Arcay of Tierra Azul in Panglao went to Austria to see the glorious alpine scenery, monumental Habsburg architecture and the world’s favorite musical.
She visited Salzburg, the home to Mozart and all things baroque, and The Sound of Music.   “A fulfilled childhood dream,” said Annie. 

Tips on how to pass the US tourist visa interview

From Hollywood sign,  Statue of Liberty, Empire State, Golden Gate, Las Vegas neon, and the White House to Apple computers and Levi’s to Coca-Cola and hot dogs—these are the images of the United States of America that are familiar everywhere.

 

For EJ  Relampagos no trip 

to New York City is complete 

without a visit to the Statue

 of Liberty—or a ride on the

 Staten Island Ferry or Circle

 Line to ogle the "lady in the

 harbor" from a distance.

 

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin
steps into style and
sophistication at the
birthplace of New York City.

But before you can see the spacious skies, the shining seas and the gorgeous cities in the beautiful America, you need a visa.

 

For many Filipinos, going to the US even just to pay a visit is the realization of a lifelong dream. Sadly, many Filipino applicants have experienced frustrations and disappointments when trying to obtain a US tourist visa.  

 

If you really want to go to US, then here are some tips on how to pass the US visa.

 

“I have only three tips,” says fashion icon EJ Relampagos, “you must have complete requirements, relax during the interview and smile.”

 

Beauty queen Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin says, “When your turn comes, stay focused, walk towards the assigned window quietly with all documents in hand, greet the consul, listen intently to what he is saying and give personal information and answer questions only when asked.”

 

Leah Tirol-Magno
at San Francisco’s
Lombard Street:
 "The crookedest street in
the world."

Vera Villocido with Eireen
 Ruth Tungol-Navarro at
the Hollywood Walk of Fame
in California.

The Consul will ask basic questions like: ‘What will you do in the US’? ‘How many days you will intend to stay?’ and ‘Where you will be staying  in the US?’

 

Be confident. Nervousness will bring you nowhere so you must act cool and poised.  

 

UB Registrar and accountant Leah Tirol-Magno shares: 1) Fill-out visa application firm properly, clearly, neatly and honestly. Be sure to provide an itinerary of your visit to the US, including the contact person's info, 2) Do not volunteer any information or documents if not asked for, 3) Answer questions honestly and confidently; 4) Be sure all the documents needed are in original or authenticated forms.

 

“Be prepared with proofs,” says Vera Villocido, a documentation specialist.  “Though there are some consuls who would not even take a look at the supporting documents of an applicant, but it is still recommend that you bring documents that will prove you have strong ties in the Philippines to be back.”

 

Your VRS at the Hollywood Sign (formerly the Hollywoodland Sign)
on Mount Lee, a world famous sign and American cultural icon in
Los Angeles, California. 

Here are the US visa application tips from Dustin Bradshaw, Foreign Service officer of the US Embassy in Manila courtesy of GMA News:

 

1.Be honest.

2.Have a good purpose for visiting the US.

3.Have a strong reason to return home to the Philippines.

4.Do not join visa seminars.

5.Visit the US Embassy’s official website.

6.You don’t have to bring your bank documents and land titles.

7.The embassy does not discriminate in choosing applicants.

8.There is no quota per day for number of applicants.

9.It’s easier to be approved for a US visa if you have been to other countries.

10.There is no dress code but applicants should wear decent attire.

11.Be at the embassy 15 minutes before your interview.

 

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

AR dela Serna joins Misters of Pilipinas 2015

“I want to represent Philippines in the International runways if given the chance. And I know that I'm supported by great people who are with me towards my goals in life.”

Boholano model AR dela Serna is vying
for a title in Misters of Pilipinas 2015. Contributed Photo/Dennis Natividad Photography

Thus said AR dela Serna (real name: Alberto Rodolfu), the son of Alberto and former Poblacion 2 barangay captain Glorivic, on his decision to join Misters of Pilipinas 2015, the local pageant that’s responsible for selecting the country’s representative for four international male beauty contests--Mister International, Mr. Tourism International, Mister Model International and Mister Globe.

The 22-year-old model said he felt elated when his name was called during the final callback on July 25 at the Activity Center of Fisher Mall in Quezon City.

“It actually felt relieved and amazed when my number was called during the final screening,” AR told VRS.

According to AR, the screening process was tough.

“It was tough but thank God that I am one of the official candidates for Misters of Pilipinas 2015,” he said.

A month-long activity awaits the candidates in preparation for the big night. 

What are his preparations? “I have received a lot of critics about my physical features. I exert extra efforts in working out. I am also preparing mentally, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually,” he shared.

And how about his diet? “My gym friends are helping me a lot in my dietary plan. I have chicken and a lot of water lately,” said AR.

AR dela Serna (with Mister International 2014 Neil Perez)
on joining the Misters of Pilipinas 2015:
 ‘I want to represent Philippines in the International runways
 if given the chance.’ Contributed Photo

He said his modeling and acting workshops helped him become more conscious, confident and disciplined-traits he believes can help him in the competition.

AR said he will do his best to represent Bohol in the pageant.

“Lately, I'm inspired by the support of the people around me. I'm just astonished by how people could really help you when you need the utmost help,” he said. “I know that in this journey, as I represent the people of Bohol I have really the support of Bohol.”

He already joined other male beauty pageant in previous years. He won the title Mr Generation East 2013  of  Sta. Lucia Generation East Model Search. He was also declared first runner-up in Mr Philippine Youth in 2002 but he replaced the dethroned Mr. Philippine Youth 2012 Leo Angeles Flores of Parañaque in Nov. 2012.

AR will be competing with other 30 hunks and gorgeous men in the 2015 edition of the Misters of Pilipinas slated on Sept. 13 at Resorts World Manila.

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Gian Ale wins in The Voice Kids battle rounds

Gian Ale wins in The Voice Kids battle rounds.  Contributed Photo 

Popstar Sarah Geronimo chose Gian Ale of Tagbilaran to move on to the next round of The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2 last week after the intense battle rounds of her team in which Gian Ale defeated Rock Opong and Krystle Campos.

The trio performed the OPM classing song Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka.

Lea Salonga chose Gian, while Bamboo Mañalac voted for Rock Opong.

Sarah was left with the difficult choice of keeping one and sending the other home. However, she picked Gian Ale as the winner in the three-way battle.

Gian will move on to the sing-off rounds.

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