VP Robredo takes daughters on a bonding trip to Bohol; Bohol teachers use gadget to 'preserve voice'

•VP Robredo takes daughters on a bonding trip to Bohol

• Bohol teachers use gadget to 'preserve voice'

Cristopher Boncales felt nervous when he was tasked to give tour to the country’s second highest official who visited Bohol last Wednesday.

“I was speechless because I was nervous,” he told VRS.  He admitted that he was at a loss for words when he came face-to-face with Vice President elect Leni Robredo. He was relieved when the soft-spoken Robredo was smiling to him asking him simple inquiries on the places they went on Bohol.

Boncales, 40, a tour guide of 22 years, has been guiding VIPs, ambassadors and other high ranking officials to Bohol. He said it was a privilege guiding the Robredo and her family of their Bohol countryside tour.

Vice President elect Leni Robredo listens

 to tour guide Cristopher Boncalez (blue shirt) 

during their Loboc river cruise last Wednesday. 

Courtesy: Liza Macalandag

“She was very much interested on Bohol. She was interested about the Chocolate Hills, tarsier and Loboc River River,” said Boncales.

With only two weeks before she assumes office as the land's second highest official, Robredo and her three daughters- Aika, Trisha at Jillian- were visiting Bohol last Monday. 

Robredo took a break from work for some quality time with her daughters. She said her vacation was a family bonding because she missed taking care of her daughters during her poll campaign in the last 10 months.

“Ito kasi bakayon sa mga bata. Iniwasan ko talaga magtrabaho kasi halos na-neglect ko sila halos ng 10 months.  Eh, ngayon ito talaga para sa kanila,” Robredo told VRS in an interview in Loboc town.

Although Robredo was visiting Bohol thrice, it was this vacation she was able to explore the province’s tourist attractions.

“Masaya ako..ilang beses na din  akong nakapunta pero ngayon lang yata ako makakaikot.  Lahat na punta ko lahat trabaho. Ngayon lang talaga kasama ang mga anak ko ko na bibisita sa mga must- see na mga sights dito sa Bohol,” she said.

The family went to Oslob, Cebu for whale shark watching last Tuesday morning.  After Oslob, they went to Balicasag Island off Panglao town for snorkelling. Balicasag Island is a known world-class diving site.

Last Wednesday, they visited the Chocolate Hills in Carmen town. They also visited the man-made Loboc  and posed with the tarsier considered the smallest primate in the world. At 11 a.m., they had lunch at Loboc River together with Loboc Mayor Helen Calipusan-Alaba, provincial administrator Alfonso Ae Damalerio, Benjie Oliva and tour operator Lourdes Sultan.

During a stopover at the end of Loboc River for a cruise, the Robredo family joined with a local dance group which entertains the “cruisers.”

Robredo said she was not able to thank some Boholanos who voted for her last May 9 elections. She garnered 272, 649 votes in Bohol.

“Hindi pa lahat. Babalik ako,” she said.

With only two weeks before she assumes office as the land's second highest official, Vice President elect Leni Robredo has taken her daughters - Aika, Trisha at Jillian- on a special trip, spending quality time with the girls in Bohol province. With the Robredo family are Loboc Mayor Helen Calipusan and Travel Village owner Lourdes Sultan. Courtesy: Liza Macalandag

For  Damalerio,  the visit of  Robredo can help boost the tourism of  Bohol.  He said Robredo has recognized Bohol’s huge potentials in making a substantial contribution to national economic growth.

“Well, she assured she will promote Bohol,” said Damalerio who accompanied Robredo in her countryside tour.

“It was her first time to see Bohol, almost all the tourist attractions in Bohol. When she was here it was purely campaign. Now, she saw the wealth and wonder of Bohol,” added Damalerio.

The annual tourist arrival in Bohol is pegged at 500,000, a report from the Bohol Tourism Office. But the figure is expected to increase to 1.7 million per year once construction of the new P7.14-billion Bohol airport on Panglao Island is completed.

Robredo was mobbed by supporters during her stopovers. She gamely mingled with supporters and fans and participated in some photo opportunities.

Robredo said she has yet to talk with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte regarding her possible appointment to the incoming Cabinet.

Duterte and Robredo will hold separate inauguration ceremonies on June 30.

Robredo would be in Cebu City on June 28 to administer the oath of Cebu  City Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña, a good friend of her husband, the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo who died of plane crash in Masbate in August 2012.

***

Teachers use gadget to 'preserve voice'

As classes opened on Monday, Rochelle Marie Bolotaolo’s voice rises above the usual classroom noises and distractions, such as the clatter of students hustling through the hallway, and a noise from an on-going construction of classroom buildings. The students can still hear her clearer. But that's not because she's shouting rather, Bolotaolo is addressing her students through a wireless microphone clipped to her uniform. 

Bolotaolo, 33, who has been teaching at the already congested Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) for five years, uses a portable sound system (lavalier or lapel microphone), a wireless, hands-free microphone to be heard by her students.

Grade 7 teacher Rochelle Marie Bolotaolo of Dr. Cecilio Putong 

National High School  in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is using a portable 

sound system to be heard by her oversized class.

Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

“There is buzzing noise outside so I need to use a lapel,” said Bolotaolo.

She said she has been using the portable sound system for four years. She said she found it practical and effective.

"It is very effective. Aside from the microphone there is a USB I can use for my lesson,” she said.

Without the gadget, Bolotaolo said it would be next to impossible for her students to hear her as the noise of ongoing construction of more classrooms in DCPNHS drowns out class lessons.

And with 50 students, Bolotaolo can’t expect to be heard clearly by everyone in her class.

Bolotaolo’s class can be considered oversized as the ideal class size is only 45 students for high school and 35 for elementary school.

She said she had experienced fatigue before because she had to strain her voice.  

It’s the effect of lack of classrooms and more students as a result of the K-12 program that adds more years to basic elementary and high school education to meet international standards.

Another Grade 7 teacher, Jeanette Yenogacio, said she used the sound system to prevent too much strain on her vocal chords.

Virgilia Omictin, principal of Dr. Cecilio Putong 

National High School, says the gadget  

can prevent teacher’s fatigue since it can decrease teachers' 

voice strain, increase students' attention and aid in 

classroom participation as the country is

 implementing the K-12 program. Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

“I should preserve my voice because I still have six sections to handle,” Yenogacio said. The gadget, she said, helps her students,” even those seated at the back,” to hear her.

Boloatolo and Yenogacio bought the gadgets using their own money. They, however, don’t mind dipping into their own pockets because they know it would be for the benefit of their students.

“I believe better sound will translate into better learning. I noticed the students can absorb the lessons well,” said Yenogacio.  

Yenogacio noticed that her students were attentive and focus on the class.

“My students can hear me clearer and better,” she said.

Yenogacio, who was one of the teachers who used the portable sound system, recalled that she lost her voice a couple of times and suffered several sore throats when she was not using the gadget while teaching.

She said before none of the teachers wanted to wear the gadget. At least seven out of 150 teachers at DCPNHS are using lapel mic.

 “At first, none of us really wanted to wear mic lapel but years after we get used to it,” she said.

While education officials had said everything is set for the start of the school year and senior high school, perennial problems remain.

Class sizes had to be expanded and schools use one room for two or more classes, held by shifts, to cope with lack of classrooms.

Virgilia Omictin, DCPNHS principal, said she is encouraging teachers to use portable sound system since it is helpful.

“It can prevent teacher’s fatigue,” she said.

She also said by using the gadget, it can decrease teachers' voice strain, increase students' attention and aid in classroom participation.

"I think it has had an impact in the classroom teaching," Omictin said.

DCPNHS, which has at least 5,000 students this school year, hold classes from 6 a.m. to noon and from noon to 6 p.m. to accommodate two classes per room.

Omictin anticipated the school population to increase by 4 or 5 percent.

Grade 11, or senior high school, classes are to be held in morning and afternoon shifts.

In August, Omictin said two buildings with 16 classrooms would be finished and these could ease the shortage of rooms.

“But we are K-12 ready,” quipped Omictin.

***

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What will Glee will sing for you

Barely a week after the finalists in the Sandugo song festival were selected from many participants, the finalists are now getting ready for festival on July 21.

Unlike the previous song festival, the organizers have decided to include something new- original novelty, upbeat and love songs.

Fifteen original Boholano compositions have already been selected as finalists: (Novelty)-Nalingaw ko sa Bohol by Raul Saletrero; Dear Tatay by Rudy Tutor; Kaniadto ug Karun by John Rey Fuertes; Naay Forever by Marvin Russel Elaba and Ang Gusto Ko by Maria Luza Brua; (Love)-Barotong Papel by Dr. Nandie Maniwan; Dili Na by Humprey Mark Nicasio; Balik na Pinangga Ko by Sergie Peter Balaba, Hagit by Engr. Soc Saletrero; and Bahandi O Kadungganan- by Analiza (Glee) Orcullo;  and (Upbeat)- Pahimangno by Nice Tumulak; Bagyo ug Linog by Arnel Mascariñas; Kupido by Charlven Remolador; Tambayan by Clyde Ebojo and Ikaw ug Ako by Ralph Maligro.

The Dagohoy Marker in barangay 

Magtangtang in Danao town, Bohol, 

reminds us that the life of Francisco Dagohoy

 (Sendrijas) is one of the timeless treasures 

of the Philippines, whose gallantry 

and heroism must never be relegated 

to the dustbin of history. Leo Udtohan/Bohol Chronicle

Not only will they be competing for a chance to have their song be the signature song for this year’s song festival, but also for the P50,000 prize (one winner in each category; P5,000 for the best interpreter and P10,000 for consolation prize).

 “I’m really happy that I’m a finalist,” gushed Glee.

Glee recalled that it was a case of self-discovery as to how she got into singing.

“It was more of an informal training. I’d love to sing at home during family gathering,” she said.

She said she was nervous when she performed her entry in last year’s Sandugo song festival.

“Although I didn’t win but still I performed and did my best,” she reminisced.

She said her Bahandi o Kadungganan is based on her personal struggle on life and love.

Glee tried tempering her much-vaunted belting prowess to achieve an easy-listening vibe, and to make the song more “singable.” But, as it turned out, it’s still the blistering high notes that her listeners crave.

“I tried hard not to cry when I’m singing,” said Glee. “I will sing it in all sincerity and honesty.”

A newsreader of dyRD’s 7 o’ clock News, Glee said she will write more songs.

I guess Glee is also busy for an upcoming album in collaboration with another singer Feby Ingking. Better still, they love to sing together. The Curls!

***

Keep your kidneys healthy

Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. — John Donne from Meditation 17 (better known as No Man Is An Island)

Yes, Mary Anne Michelle Porticos and I had “chika” moments when we bumped into each other somewhere in Tagbilaran City.

Our chika covered many things- from beauty pageant (she was the committee chairman of Miss Tagbilaran for many years), to travel (she was an Oceanjet loyalist), food, business and health.

Yes, health. Many times she advised me to take care of my kidneys.

She said high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney failure put one in three Filipinos at an increased risk of developing kidney disease (when the kidneys can’t properly do their job of cleaning toxins and wastes from the  blood).

But even if you don’t fit in any of those risk categories, it’s important to take care of these critically important organs.

“Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect our quality of life,” she reminded me.

She shared the eight golden rules on how to take care of our kidneys: Keep fit and active, keep regular control of your blood sugar level, monitor your blood pressure, eat healthy and keep your weight in check, maintain a healthy fluid intake, do not smoke  and do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis.

As Michelle said, “The most important thing you can do to keep your kidneys safe is to take care of your body to reduce your chances of developing diseases that put a strain on your kidneys. Healthy kidneys like a healthy body.”

And last week, Michelle’s friends got what may be one of the saddest text messages ever — Michelle has joined the Lord — followed a day later by another one — Michelle’s remains will be cremated today (June 12).

That fast. How fleeting life is, how ephemeral, how temporary!

Thank you Ma’am Michelle…you are “safely home.”

***

Who’s rich, who’s poor?

Here’s a great story about a rich dad who wants to show his son the difference between rich people and poor people. But in the end, it’s the rich dad who learns the lesson. Read on and see how lucky we all are, rich or poor.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

When they returned home, the father asked the son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me,” the father added. “What did you learn from the trip?”

The son answered:

“I saw that we have one dog and they have four.

“We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

“We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

“Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

“We have servants who serve us but they serve others.

“We buy our food but they grow theirs.

“We have walls around our property to protect us and they have friends to protect them.”

The father was speechless.

Then the son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your family and friends.

***

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Lovely quotes from Neil

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Black Eyed Peas members apl.de.ap and will.i.am spent time off from their careers to spend some time in Bohol province last week.  The two celebrities were tapped by the country's Tourism Promotions Board to attract tourists to the Philippines. Together with apl.de.ap and will.i.am in Bohol were The Voice of the Philippines" Season 1 finalist Jessica Reynoso and international R&B singer Cassie.

 

Seen: From talent handler James Obedencio: Carlo Roy Roslinda is competing for Gentleman of the Philippines. Caloi is a 27 year-old Boholano who works as an Events Host while studying for his Doctorate degree in Nursing where he is majoring in Gerontology. Prior to this, he graduated Summa cum Laude when he completed his Masteral degree in the same field, with focus on Surgical Nursing. He stands 5'10.5".  James said that the Gentleman of the Philippines is a nationwide search for the next representative to Mister Model International 2016 in New Delhi, Mister Tourism International 2017 in Panama City next year, Mister Universal Ambassador 2016 in Bali, Indonesia Mister Worldwide Competition 2016 in Orlando, Florida.

 

* * *

 

The best person in your life is the one who comes first in your mind after reading this sentence.

 

Let go of those who bring you down and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you.

 

Your real strength comes from being your best you.

 

These past days, part-time Neil Namuag is busy posting positive quotes on his Facebook page.

 

Neil Namuag is making heads turn not
 only as a part-time model but also as
 a hunk. Contributed Photo

“I just want to spread good vibes,” he told VRS.

 

Before, he graduated Information Technology at Bohol Island State University (Bisu)-Main Campus last March, Neil was hooked on many things-a student and part-time model.

 

Unknown to many, away from the glaring klieg lights and grinding cameras, Neil thinks about initiating change.

 

But what could a new graduate like him possibly do? A lot. Neil, the face of www.omg.com, is doing charity works. He has visited towns to distribute goodies and school supplies to schoolkids for US-based socialite Mikey Gatal.

 

“I love what I am doing,” he said.

 

Already, he’s making heads turn not only as a part-time model but also as a hunk,   he  was second runner-up in the controversial Rajah Sikatuna and first runner-up of ICM’s Mannequin 2015.

 

However, Neil has no plan to join higher male beauty pageants like the Misters of the Philippines (where fellow model model Ar Dela Serna was a runner-up)  

 

“No need, because my experience from my past pageant was already enough for me,” he said.

 

He plans to build his own business together with his family.

 

A Taurus (April 25), Neil stands 5’11”; weighs 160 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirt, size-32 briefs and size-10.5 shoes.

 

What’s your regular workout? Doing push ups

What is sexy to you? Appealing qualities.

When do you feel sexy? When I have new shoes.

What part of your body is your favorite? My fingers.

What part of a girl’s body do you notice first? Thigh .

And what turns you off? Being plastic .

Do you have a girlfriend? Yes!

What kind of diet do you follow? I don't have any diet.

Food that you always crave for?  The fruit salad of my girlfriend and the “isdang paksiw” of my parents.

Food that you don’t like? I don't like shrimps.

First thing that you do a soon as you wake up. I drink water.

How’s your love life? So Good!

How’s your sex life? Good!

What is your philosophy in life? A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory.

Do you pray? Yes!

 

Before, lunchtime, again, Neil shares these “secrets” to a happy life”:

 

1.Don’t stress yourself with  useless people who don’t even deserve to be an issue of your life.

2.Never invest too much emotion at one thing because if you do, you will end hurting yourself.

3.Learn to live life without worries because God will take care of everything, tryst and just have faith.

 

*   *   *

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

 

Maris Igpit, Tommy Taylor exchange I do’s

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir in Bangladesh.

Scene: The CenterStage band will have a new vocalist. This was announced by Ariel Fullido, the band’s manager. He posted on Facebook: “Quite pretty, sexy and a singer in her own right, Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2016 3rd Runner-Up, Natalie Belle Mcgaw, is a new prospect vocalist for CenterStage band. She will perform tonight with the band, together with Yeyet and Jussica in a wedding reception at the beachfront of Henann Resort.”

***

The former beauty queen and the Aussie football player are now officially husband and wife.

Anna Maris Igpit and Thomas Luke Taylor finally tied the knot in a church wedding last Friday at the St. Augustine Church in Panglao town.

The newly-wed Anna Maris Igpit and Tommy Taylor with Fr. Val Pinlac.

Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Facebook account

The church wedding was private and intimate, said VRS.

“Only immediate families and close friends witnessed the exchanged of "I Do's",” said VRS.

VRS added that it was a very meaningful and solemn mass celebration.

“No decors, no videos, no photographers, just with the people who matters to the couple,” added VRS.

The wedding was officiated by Fr. Val Pinlac who also gave a beautiful homily.

Among the celebrities who attended the wedding include Miss Hong Kong China 2006  Janet Ka Wai Chow and Miss World Singapore 2006 and Mrs. World 2008 Colleen Francisca Pereira (who were Maris’ friends during the Miss World 2006 in Warsaw, Poland), Jonathan Chiongbian Aldeguer of Island Souvenirs, Miss Grand International 2015 2^nd runner-up Parul Shah, et al.

According to VRS, Maris and Tommy will spend their honeymoon in Thailand.

A beach wedding followed at South Palms Beach Resort last Saturday attended by many politicians, friends and well-wishers.

Anna Maris Igpit with her Miss World 2006 friends -  Mrs. World 2008 Colleen Francisca Pereira (l) and Miss Hong Kong China 2006  Janet Ka Wai Chow during the Despedida de Soltera in Panglao town. Photo taken from Anna Maris Igpit’s Facebook account

Maris and Tommy have been a couple for over two years before tying the knot.  They were engaged in August 2014.

“2016 will be a new chapter for me as I build myself to become a wife and start my own family. I have finally found my bestfriend and soulmate who I will share this dream with and I am looking forward to what our future will bring us,”  Maris told VRS last January.

Taylor was the midfielder of the Kaya Futbol Club, a Filipino association football club based in Makati City. They were currently playing in the first division of the United Football League.

Maris was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005 and Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006. She was behind the Oplan Bangon Bohol campaign to help the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013.  

***

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Olalala...Bohol's 'coco bra' for summer keepsake

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The docu-drama of the Regional   Huwarang   Pantawid   Pamilya   Search   2016 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII  was aired last Friday and Saturday on Cebu Catholic Media Network (CCTN) channel 47. It featured the Torrentira  Family  of  Barangay  Dagnawan, Sagbayan town, in Bohol.  The Torrentira family won last year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Regional Search and also placed 2nd  runner up at the national level.

Seen: Spotted in Bohol last week was actress Valerie Concepcion for a vacation. The tour was arranged by Wow Bohol Travel and Tours (09081724641/09176838051)

                                           

Scene: At least 2,800 incoming kindergarten and elementary pupils from San Isidro, Carmen, Inabanga and Sagbayan towns have received school supplies from GMA Kapuso Foundation for its annual Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan project.

* * *

For many travelers to this Bohol’s anomalous town, which is at least 99 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran, the town fulfils the province's promise of easy breezes, slow days and perfect beaches.

What may come as a surprise are the twists recently added to the town.

New resorts are constructed along the famed beaches of Anda, while some resorts undergo major refurbishments.

The exquisite coconut bra or “coco bra” is an added 

twist to Anda town, in Bohol province, where members 

of Talisay Fishermen Association (Tafias) are crafting the

 unique brassiere for souvenir item.  Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

New cafes. New spas. New pools. 

And the latest?

The coconut bra!

It may sounds Hawaiian, but coconut bra, a woman’s brassiere, is now crafted here by the members of the Talisay Fishermen Association (Tafias).

The coconut bra, “coco bra” for short, is made of real coconut shells with braided raffia or hemp strings to tie around the neck and the back.

It is one size coconut bra which fits most adults who dare to wear it.

“The coco bra is probably better described a coconut bikini top,” said Robin Gurney, founder of AndaKidz, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization which focuses on the hungry kids of Anda town, which is supporting and helping Tafias projects.

“Coco bra just sounds snappier and cooler,” he added.

When coco bra was introduced to the market last March, it caused a stir among foreign men and expats.

“Philippines is a tropical destination for tourists (domestic and international). Many when they are in holiday mode make instinctive, impulsive purchases of tourist souvenir items,” Gurney said.

Coco Bra

Coconut bra sells well in Hawaii, he said.

The coco bra and hula skirt are iconic images of hula dancing and party wear at Hawaiian luaus. The 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley, featured Hawaiian women wearing coconut bras.

“We had seen that in Hawaii the coconut bra sells well so we tried to do a Filipino version because they are many coconuts in the area which could in theory be up-cycled to higher value products,” he said.

At least 50 Tafias members, mostly fishermen and out of school youth, were trained to produce wide range of coconut and bamboo jewelry, said Gurney.  The materials and tools were donated and provided by AndaKidz as part of project co-funded by Estoninan Development Cooperation.

Through Tafias, its members get paid to make the coco bra and other native jewelry, added Gurney.

They can make at least 50 coconut bras for a day.

“I estimate 100 per day is possible, more if we have supplies and labor. It’s very scalable,” he said.

Gurney hopes Tafias can find resellers and stockist in all tourist beach destinations.

"The coco bra is new but we have had orders from Estonia and Boracay so far,” Gurney said.

In Bohol, coco bra is available at Coco Loco Cafe in Poblacion, Anda town, for P300.

The Coco Loco Cafe also sells other Tafias products ranging from fashion items -earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and even a bow tie made of coconut shell, to homemade organic ice-creams and the tilapia chips.

However, the most selling item is the coco bra.

“Isa sa mabenta dito ay ang coco bra. Maraming mga dayuhan na pumupunta dito para bumili sa amin ng mga souvenirs,” said Rizza Amoguis, staff of Coco Loco Cafe.

In Barangay Talisay in Anda town where the Tafias center can be found, AndaKidz also helped Tafias put up an eco-friendly community center which uses plastic soda bottles and liquor bottles as walls.

The community center also boasts of a children’s library, children’s play dens, musical instruments and study tables and spacious halls where community volunteers also put up trainings and discussions.

***

Bohol farmers plant melons

The drought affects rice farmers very significantly. It is expected to last until last week of May or early weeks of June this year, said Hermes Hinlayagan, weather forecaster of the local Pagasa.

The current dry spell has pushed water tables deeper underground and is drying up some creeks and springs.   Although rainshowers have experienced in some towns, there is a need for water.

With drought jeopardizing Bohol agriculture, some farmers in some towns are fighting to survive. They have  shifted to  other crops that are drought-resilient, such as watermelons, bitter gourd (ampalaya) and string beans..

Some farmers in Lila and Dimiao towns are planting watermelons and string beans to beat the dry season. Donald Quim grows watermelons for  extra income for the family while the drought is drying up the land in the province.  Watermelons and beans thrive well during dry season.   Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

In Lila town, at least 100 farmers are in the fields in the morning and afternoon in coastal barangays of Taug, Tiguis and Lomanoy.

Donald Quim, 46, of Barangay Taug, started planting watermelons in the 300-quare-meter farm last year after he was convinced  by his wife Luzviminda, 53, that these melons are profitable. Last year, he earned P7,500 from 375 watermelons, which he sold for P16 to P20 a kilo.

This year, Quim said he spent at least P 1, 750 in farm inputs, including watermelon seeds for P750 and fertilizers for P1,000.

He said watermelons could survive  hot weather akthough the still needed to be watered twice a day.

“Maka-survive ang watermelon basta lamang naay source nga makuhaan og tubig. Basta mabubuan sila maka-survive yamu ang melon. Buntag ug hapun  ang bubo. Mao na nakalami namo diri dapita sa Lila kay naa mi tubig. Magamit namo ang basak after harvest sa panahon sa tag-init,” he said.

Quim said his pocket should not dry up this dry season.

“Kakugi rana. Twice a day . kada semana mag-abuno. Check-up the farm tingali naay magbinuang,” he said.

Generally, the fruits are ready for harvest after 65 to 90 days. One vine can produce four to five fruits. Smaller fruits usually weigh 3-4 kilos, but bigger melons weigh 5-7 kilos.  He sells it for P15-20 per kilo which is lower compared to malls and markets in Tagbilaran.

If Quim has to compare planting rice and melon, he would prefer the former since it is profitable.

His last rice harvest was in the middle of March this year in his 1,000 sq meter. He was able to  to harvest 20 sacks of rice. 

“Dili pa na net. Gamay ra og abot ang basakan,” he said.

In the neighboring town of Dimiao, at least 50 farmers in Barangay Balbalan, known as the “watermelon country” in Bohol, were a bit late than Lila farmers. They just started planting watermelons last March.

Ricado Cagas, 50, planted watermelons last first week of April in his 300 square meter farm. He said he is expecting to harvest them this June. His wife Rosita, 34; and three children-RR, 24; Lemuel, 22; and Gladys, 21 are helping him managing the farm.

He said he spent at least P4,000 for farm inputs for seeds, fertilizer and chemical spray.  Last year, he was able to sell melons for P20,000.

Farmers grow a Sweet 16 variety of watermelon, cantaloupe and honey dew.

Cagas said he liked panting watermelons because the waiting time to make a profit was shorter.

“Lami ang watermelon kay makakuwarta dali. Ang humay kay dugay anihun kay 120 days. Ang watermelon mga 1 month and tunga,” he said.

Another farmer, Eduardo Lagrada, took advantage of planting water melons this dry season.

 “Sayang ang panahon kung dili mutanum og melon nga maoy tiempo nga tigtanum. Usik bah. Mentras iyang panahon tamnan para dili masayang. Makatabang sab,” Lagrada said.

He grows watermelons to prepare for the coming classes in June.

“Gipangandaman sab ni ika-pangabri sa klase bah. Dako sab ikabatang sa panahon og tigklase. Makapamalit og kinahanglanun,” he said.

GMA Kapuso Foundation In Bohol. 

Both farmers in Lila and Dimiao have claimed they have the sweetest and delicious watermelons. Farmers are selling watermelons in makeshift sheds along the national highway.

However, not all farmers grow water melons this dry season.  Some grow ampalaya (bitter gourd) and string beans like Eleuterio Patana, 57, of  Barangay Datag, in the same town, who started planting ampalaya last month.  Another farmer Sergio Bakilid, 56, also planted string beans. He said string beans could thrive in the heat.

“Batong ang permanente itanum ingaron basta tag-init kay mulahutay og way tubig,” said Bakilid.

Farmers in Barangay Quinoguitan in Loboc town have also planted watermelons. Those in Carmen and Sierra-Bullones also grow pineapples, aside from watermelons.

Boholano farmers are still watching the skies and staring at their parched lands they have no option to fight drought than wait for rain.

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