Miss U-New Zealand Top 20 enjoy Bohol trip • Boholano embracing adventure in Vietnam

• Miss U-New Zealand Top 20 enjoy Bohol trip

• Boholano embracing adventure in Vietnam

 

Wake-uppers:

Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF

Scene:  For the first time, a Filipino Catholic priest was elected to the new general government of the Claretians worldwide. Boholano priest Fr. Leo Dalmao, current provincial superior of Philippines, was elected consultor and Prefect of Formation. The election which was held last week in Rome coincided with their 25th General Chapter, bringing together representatives of more than 3,000 Claretians in 65 countries. A native of Tagbilaran City, Fr. Dalmao, 45, was ordained priest in May 1997.

 

Scene:  Primo, a popular music trio, is composed of Floyd Tena, James Uy, Laurence Mossman. For a long time the trio has charmed listeners and bar regulars with their unbeatable take on popular songs, Broadway, jazz and many, many more.  Being world-class, Primo is constantly performing in the United States, Europe and Asia. Catch Primo live in Bohol on Sept. 18 (Friday), 7:30 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center.  Tickets are: P500 (VIP), P300 (Patron) and P150 (general admission). For inquiries, call/text 09395977498.

 

Scene: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, said the roving VRS, who shared that an accounting staff (AS) in one of Bohol’s college where students can see the world free has terrible manners while inside the mall. “Since the counters were occupied, I went to the counter for senior citizen. While waiting for my turn since there were two ladies (not senior citizens) ahead of me, this AS suddenly rushed in with her alalay, a student who was still wearing his uniform of the see the world free, put her cart as if she was ahead of me,” narrated VRS.  AS didn’t smile, raised her eyebrows as if she had a stiff neck, according to VRS. AS’ alalay told VRS that “She is a senior citizen!”  So, VRS gave way…and looked for another counter. “She is rude! She could ask me politely. Saying please is by far one of the biggest issues with people these days,” VRS lamented. VRS also asked some friends about AS. Her colleagues shared terrible stories about her being ill-mannered. Giagwanta nalang namo na siya oi because she has two years more to go na to retire,” said Lady V.   Code? Children, let us sing together…Papaya, Papaya, fruit salad-salad.

 

Scene: For his works in empowering the local communities and helping the rehabilitation and recovery of Bohol after the killer quake, poet and community builder Nestor Maniebo Pestelos, has been selected by  Rappler’s Move Awards as one of 15 finalists. Move Awards was developed “to celebrate outstanding Filipinos who don’t let reality get in the way of their dreams: they look at the status quo and inspire others to change it with them for the better.” Pestelos is the president of Bohol Local Development Foundation (BLDF). To vote, visit www.rappler.com

 

 

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For Rachael Annear, a visit to the Philippines is a learning experience of people and culture.

 

"It's very important since New Zealand is multicultural," said Annear, one of the top 20 finalists in the Miss Universe- New Zealand competition.

 

Rachael Annear (with Analyn Pollenza-Arbilo 

of the Philippine Port Police), 

one of the top 20  finalists in 

Miss Universe-New Zealand, says

 Philippines is a country of 

hospitable and  warm people.  

And the Top 20 finalists of Miss 

Universe-New Zealand. 

 Photos by Leo Udtohan

 

Annear, who is in her final year of completing her bachelor of education studies at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, said joining the Miss Universe-New Zealand is her opportunity to represent her place Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities.

 

So when Annear and other contestants were here in the Philippines for a 10-day finalists retreat, she was overwhelmed.

 

“Oh my goodness! It’s been amazing,” Annear told VRS.

 

She said they have been travelling in the Philippines for many days and it has been a good experience. “I love the culture here. People have been very friendly, very welcoming,” she added.

 

On Tuesday, the candidates were warmly welcomed at the Tagbilaran port where students danced the ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines” theme song upon the arrival of the candidates. The candidates later joined the dancers.

 

 Bohol has been selected as one of the country’s choice destinations for their final leg of the retreat with last year's title holder Rachel Millns.

 

 “The candidates’ visit in Bohol will surely help the tourism of Bohol,” said Jaypee Orcullo of the Bohol Tourism.

 

The candidates had the chance to savor the natural and cultural heritage of Bohol in a guided tour.  They visited Panglao Island, Loboc River, tarsier and the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.

 

Miss Universe New Zealand is not the first pageant to visit Bohol as part of its official pre- pageant activity. The top 10 finalists of Miss Czech Republic visited Bohol in 2013 for photo sessions.

 

Miss Universe New Zealand is a national pageant with the winner going on to the international competition.

 

The Miss Universe-New Zealand organization had taken its finalists to Thailand the last two years, but this year CEO Nigel Godfrey has decided to bring them to the Philippines upon the invitation of Bench owner Ben Chan, according to the pageant’s official page on Facebook.

 

The candidates visited the historic sites in Metro Manila such as Intramuros and Fort Santiago; shopping areas such as the Glorietta Mall in Makati City; and Tahan-tahanan in Quezon City to meet children with cancer. The top 20 presented gifts to the children, parents, medical staff and volunteers, while Miss Universe New Zealand presented a cheque for 30,000 pesos, the pageant’s official Facebook page said.

 

The candidates had visited Cebu last Monday for a sight-seeing. They also visited the Island Girl Philippines  and Alegre Guitars in Lapu-Lapu City.

 

The coronation night of Miss Universe New Zealand will be on October 24.

 

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Jhoel Lim in Halong Bay 

 

There’s so much beauty in the world. One of my favorite Asian countries to visit is Vietnam.  Imagine Halong Bay where 2000 or more islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Then, there is Son Doong cave, the world's largest cave…  Sad to say my plan didn’t happen.   

 

Anyway, Jhoel Lim of the National Food Authority (NFA)-Bohol has just ticked Vietnam off his bucket list. He was in Cambodia and Vietnam last week together with his sister lawyer Jhella Lim of SSS-Bacolod to explore our Asian neighbors.

 

Vietnam is shedding its old look to become a tourism gem in Asia. Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam’s crown, remains an essential stop on any Vietnam tour.

 

Jhoel Lim shares that Vietnam is a dynamic and a beautiful place.  Contributed Photo

 

“People have compared that Halong Bay is like a giant natural museum,” said Jhoel Lim. “Once you are there, you feel lost in its attractive beauty.”

 

Jhoel has visited El Nido or Coron, but the mists that slowly drifting over Halong Bay and the majestic sunset made his experience far different. He also said he was enjoying moments of solitude in this world famous site.

 

“The sight of hundreds of limestones karsts rising up from the emerald water is unforgettable,” said Jhoel.

 

In Cambodia, its attractions are many and varied.  He said that Angkor Wat is a must-see jumping off point, but the best of Cambodia lies further afield.

 

“The ruins of Angkor Wat draw crowds of visitors—the temples are breathtaking,” added Jhoel.

 

Here is Jhoel on Halong Bay:

 

After a couple of days exploring the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, we headed to Hanoi, Vietnam to explore another popular tourist destination.  Vinh Ha Long which literally means “descending dragon bay” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at Quang Ninh province which administratively belongs to Hạ Long City, Cẩm Phả town, and the part of Vân Đồn District.

 

From our hotel at Hanoi, we were picked-up by our driver and English speaking tour guide to begin our four hour journey East of Hanoi. En route, we passed by fields of busy workers farming their rice fields using traditional methods of cultivation. We also came to stop by various artisan shops showcasing Vietnam’s finest handicrafts to include embroidery, lacquer wares, jewelries, sculptures and some delicious “pasalubong” goodies. We also came to drop by at Ha Long Pearl Farm and Workshop where we had a guided tour on how they cultured various species of oysters for pearl production.

 

Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay’s Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, we boarded a private traditional junk as we set to sail around the magnificent bay and among thousands of karst limestone formations that jut out of the sea in various shapes and sizes. On board our private cruise, we were served with sumptuous local cuisine for lunch while enjoying the scenic view of the bay. The six-hour cruise travelled us further to

Hang Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) which was discovered in 1901 and welcomed its first visitor in 1993. The entrance is high above the bay on Bo Hòn Island, one of the 1,969 limestone monolithic islands that are topped with thick jungle vegetation. We then continued our cruise to the southern part of the bay where we admired the view of many strange-shaped islands, visit floating village of local fishermen and go kayaking to a remote area of Ha Long Bay before we bid farewell and head back for another four hour travel back to Hanoi City.

 

What’s next on Jhoel’s bucketlist?

 

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

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

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

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.