Petche Ann Vale – A beauty queen with infectious smile

When Petche Ann “Che Anne” Vale, Bohol's official entry to Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016, visited Friday’s inaugural session at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, lawmakers and visitors said she stole the show with a saucy strut, an infectious smile and a calm self-confidence that catapulted her to provincial attention.

Che Ann, 20, a Radiologic Technology graduate from Bohol International College, hails from Barangay Agape, Loboc, the music town of the province.

She is the second Lobocanon to join the Mutya ng Pilipinas and the third Boholana to do so. Other Mutya aspirants from Bohol were Noemi Naron (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005 who was a semi-finalist in Mutya ng Pilipinas 1996) and Aileene Ella Dango who represented Loboc in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010.

Petche Ann Vale Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

Che Ann—the eldest of three daughters—loves music. She can play any instrument. But just like other people in the community, she prefers the clarinet and the alto saxophone. She is a member of the Loboc Ambassador Youth Band since elementary.

“Music for me is a song of life,” said Che Ann, who stands 5’9, weighs 110 lbs., measures 32-24-35 and wears small-size shirt.

Che Ann was being encouraged to join beauty pageants even when she was a kid.

“When I was younger I would really love to watch Miss Universe,” she said.

In grade school, she was made fun of because of her height and curly hair.

“They called me silhig (broom) or kawayan (bamboo),” she recalled. “I wanted to be short like my classmates!”

It was only last year, when she started to do modeling that she embraced her statuesque beauty. She was declared Miss Bohol International College 2015 first-runner-up. There's no doubt about what makes the pageant winner stand out. Her 'girl-next-door' charm coupled with her envious figure and stunning face is topped off by a really captivating smile.

“I feel like pageants are a great opportunity to push yourself and really see how great you can be so I join Mutya,” she said.

Che Ann is also using her time as part-time model to confront negative stereotypes about her color- piel morena and the pageant industry.

But beauty pageant experts say it is precisely because she is tall and piel morena she has gotten so much attention. Her skin color has long been celebrated as the most beautiful.

This Loboc stunner is going rigorous and intense training for her two-week preparations for the Mutya.

Tomorrow, Che Ann will be in Manila for her Mutya journey. She hopes that she can bring home the crown and it can be her break into a modeling career that could help her earn enough money for her family and for the board examination.

“Che Ann has a personal story that other Mutya candidates just don’t have,” said Khim Magtagad (aka Nicole Khim Gonzales) of The Art Nouveau Modeling Group, who now helps Che Ann. “She is a beauty queen from Bohol who is confidently beautiful with a heart.”

Petche Ann Vale has charms us with her perfect beauty queen’s smile. Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

To know more about Vale, VRS asked her to complete some questions:

I hate people… who throw negative things about me and who put me down.

I avoid people… who are gossip-mongers (libakera, paki-alamera and hilabtanon).

I pray that God...will guide me towards my journey in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016.  And that He will give me the 100 percent courage, strength and confidence. And hopefully I will get the crown.

The most important person in my life is... my family because they are the one who taught me everything and they are the main reason why I am here.

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be...I really want to become a bird, because I really wanted to fly high, see how far can I go, and what’s beneath up in the sky and  how the world is moving.

Am I afraid of growing old? I am not afraid of growing old. It’s just a number!

I deal with gossip by... smiling because I know myself more than they know. As in walk first into my shoe so that you  will know my story, before you will say anything.

My philosophy in life is... try and try until you succeed. There is nothing wrong when I will try at least I have measure and test myself. And I can correct my mistakes if I get it wrong.

I am happy... when I get to see my family all the time.

 I am saddest... when I left alone and no one to talk to, specially when I have problems in life.

My ultimate goal is.... for now is to be A Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2016. Of course, with your support!

What I love my self..... I am simple person.

What I hate myself...I am so shy.

Face-to-face with God, I’d tell Him....God, please guide me and my loved ones.

***

A ‘memo’ to Bohol’s who’s who, leaders, et al

A few years ago, VRS casually mentioned a "memo" to Bohol's who's who, et al, you know, for them to "behave" if they don't want publicity and blind item not to their liking.

Last week, a servant of the Lord "blamed" the media in his homily. Then, a newbie lawmaker didn't skip to include the media people in her speech. To quote the lady lawmaker: "To our media friends and foes, please practice good journalism. Let me quote at what President Rodrigo Duterte said of the three types of journalists. First, the crusaders of truth. Second, the paid mouthpieces of journalism… mouthpieces of politicians, rather. Third, the extortionists or the vultures of journalism who destroy family and.... . So, dear media friends and foes, which category do you belong? I leave the answer to you." 

On the other hand, we thank the lawmaker for her “friendly” reminder. Thank you, and oucchh!!

As a tradition, here is a “recycled memo" to Bohol's who's who (businessmen including their sons and daughters, public officials, partygoers, beauty queens, models, fashion icons, feeling who’s who, wannabees, et al—you know, for them to "behave" if they don't want publicity and blind item not to their liking.

Memo 1-Don’t talk when your mouth is full. It’s bad to talk when you have “something” in your mouth.  Be careful what you say or do, and how you say or do it in public. It might get you in trouble.  Likewise, don’t talk about other people’s lives and businesses when you are with someone or in public. The walls have eyes. Remember your teacher in Filipino who shared her favorite salawikain: “May pakpak ang balita, may tainga ang lupa.” Bow!

Memo 2- Don’t go bar hopping or attend a party with your “ex.” Don’t go in public with your friend’s wife or husband or even making tsika tsika of an old friend for old time’s sake to avoid being misinterpreted.

Memo 3- Be discreet. If you can't be careful or can't behave, be discreet . People are listening, and watching, every move you make. For example, if you are going to meet, meet elsewhere. Take separate transportation. When you have a date in a restaurant in Tagbilaran City or in towns, pretend that you don't know each other. Avoid holding hands, meaningful actions or dropping tell-tale in public. The public eyes are cruel.

Memo 4- For a Freudian slip, here's an unsolicited advice from a friend lawyer: Love your wife above all, don't fall in love, it's for companionship and for sex, don't leave evidence like a baby, and family first. If you’re caught, just deny to death!

Memo 5- Please behave. Don’t post “nasty” or inappropriate pictures in your Facebook account. Remember, Facebook is not your friend.

Memo 6-Be careful on what you wear when you are in public. Well-mannered people behave in public. People care less if you’re wild at home; they care about what you do in public.

Memo 7- Don’t react on blind items. Deny that it is not you in the blind item. If you text or tell the writer that you are the subject of a blind item, it’s an admission of guilt.

Memo 8- Ignore the issue. People will make it a fiesta menu for three or seven days and they will be tired talking about it and they will be craving for another menu. If you can’t take the issue, vanish or get lost.

Memo 9- Be modest. Don’t flaunt your wealth in public if you are a public official. Don’t live a lavish lifestyle. Don’t be vain. Extravagant lifestyles are one of the most obvious indicators of corruption and among the easiest to document.

Memo 10- Deadma or disappear.  Just let the issues die a natural death. Remember, the more you react, the more people become intrigue. Plain and simple, if you can't swim, don't.

Memo 11- Relax. Don't go berserk and run after media people who report about your indiscretions. Remember, the poor press guys are just reporting the “crimes” you have committed. Remember, the media isn’t the perpetrator of the “crime,” it doesn’t make things happen but only reports what’s happening. Thank them anyway; it will melt their cruel hearts.

Memo 12 - Know the curse.  There is a curse of being public. Because of the nature of one's job, one can lose his/her right to invoke the right to privacy especially if one is in public service where a public servant derives his/her power from public trust. What he/she presents to his/her public is open to scrutiny and therefore, judgment by the people he/she serves.

Memo 13- Be grateful.  We all know that public office is a public trust. It is always a great privilege to hold an office, more so a public office and to render service honestly and fairly without fear or favor. The greater or higher is the office, the greater is the responsibility. Spideman said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”  But Tarsing said, “Ngano ming-enter!

As a public property be ready to be analyzed, criticized, roasted, but praised if deserving.

As the famous cliché goes: In this lifetime, you cannot avoid gossips and unkind words from other people. I mean, whatever you do, you will never please everybody. It is a universal precept and you cannot dodge it… so quit trying. Enjoying your life and let them be. But remember: Don’t resent the fact people keep on checking on you. Besides, if you weren’t worth anything they wouldn’t bother.

***

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Fashion highlights from Bohol’s inauguration

Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte from Davao City took his oath of office last Thursday as the 16th president of the Philippines at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

 

Gov. Edgar Chatto recites his
third-term official oath as daughter
 Trisha holds a Christian Bible and
first lady Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto
 looks on during swearing-in ceremony
at the Bohol Cultural Center on Thursday morning. Contributed Photo

He told the Filipinos that “I am ready to start my work for the nation.”

 

In his inaugural address, Duterte listed what he considers the ills of society: Corruption, criminality, rampant sale of illegal drugs and the breakdown of law and order.

 

He also said the erosion of trust in government, tainted with corruption, has to be restored.

 

Duterte’s speech was fluent---stringent in words and magnanimous in essence.

Lawyer Dionisio Balite surrounded by his
 family swearing in as Bohol Vice Governor. Contributed Photo

 

“His Excellency President Rody Duterte delivered a very sincere and heartfelt presidential speech,” said youth awardee Clement Lofranco.  

 

“Moreover, he resonated the themes and clarified the mandate and itemized the programs and framing the fundamental problems of governance like the erosion of trust from the people to the government and the message of real change that must start from each one of us,” he added.

 

In Bohol, Edgar Chatto officially began his third and last term as Bohol’s governor  last Thursday, taking the oath of office in a low-key ceremony at the Bohol Cultural Center and preparing to provide the province of his vision for the next three years on Monday.

 

Bien Unido Mayor Gisela
 Bendong-Boniel and board
member Niño  Rey Boniel. Courtesy: Nestor Daarol

It was a crisp and flawless event that Chatto and other public officials--- Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite, Reps. Rene Relampagos, Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Art Yap--- recited the constitutionally mandated avowal, word for word.  With their spouses and families, the public officials quickly repeated the words from their administering officers.

 

After the swearing-in, Relampagos, Aumentado, Yap, Balite and Chatto delivered their inaugural addresses.

 

The biggest sidelight of this year’s inaugural and oathtaking ceremonies was the red carpet where the province’s government officials and then some have come to make a statement.  We’re paying to all the pretty outfits!

 

Dazzling ternos and dashing barongs worn by the officials and their spouses make the ceremonies solemn, dignified and formal.

 

The men decided to stick with the traditional plain barong Tagalog.

 

The traditional Filipina formal wear that is the terno was in the limelight.

 

Provincial board members Jade
Acapulco Bautista and Alexi Tutor
 Courtesy: Nestor Daarol

Board member Kristine Alexis Tutor made a big statement during the event with her simple yet sleek figure-hugging gown that emphasized her curves. She instantly became a hot topic with audience complementing her.   She has a keen eye for style, right?

 

New lawmaker Jade Acapulco Bautista had a dazzling look on her Filipiniana. Her entire look was totally sustainable that she had us all talking.

 

The audience were also quick to notice how confidently beautiful Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto and her daughter Trisha in their purple-colored terno. They wore them with dignity and pride.

Bohol's Queen of All Media Ardy
 Araneta-Batoy Contributed Photo

 

Bien Unido Mayor Gisela Bendong-Boniel left the audience open-mouthed after showing her stunning figure in a sleek deep-blue gown.  The lady aviator did not need an interview nor a red carpet to turn heads at the event. She was there to support her husband board member Niño Rey Boniel. 

 

The Balite ladies (and girls) were wearing shade of pink-colored cocktail dresses making a big statement during the event. Color pink is unconditional love and nurture.

 

Another real highlight was Ardy Araneta-Batoy (who was the event’s emcee. Take a bow, Ma’am Ardy!) who wore  a dazzling lemongrass gown.  Bohol’s Queen of All Media understood special occasion dressing.

 

Aside from gushing about their looks, the usherettes (mostly from the Capitol) were wearing ternos.

           

***

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Mikey Gatal creates buzz in Bohol; Mizken Andan is new Belo endorser

• Mikey Gatal creates buzz in Bohol

• Mizken Andan is new Belo endorser

WHIRLWIND VISIT. US-based socialite 

Mikey Gatal (center) meets the OMG models (l) 

Rodulfo Malto, Jr., Adelyn Joy Esclamado and

 Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas during 

the outreach program in Tagbilaran City. 

Contributed Photo

Here for a three-day visit was US-based socialite and beauty pageant watcher Mikey Gatal. Mikey, who owns the popular website www.mikeygatal.com and www.boholster.com, got the “royal treatment” from his family and friends.

Mikey met his siblings and friends. He also spearheaded an outreach program at Karaw-an Day Care Center in Tagbilaran City last Tuesday, June 21. At least 29 pupils received apples and school supplies.

“Yes, part of my visit was to give back and as much as I can, prioritize this endeavor of mine which is very close to my heart,” he said.

Of course, OMG models--- Adelyn Joy Esclamado, Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas and new image Rodulfo Malto, Jr.-- were there. Neil Namuag, Gayle Suzette Yu and Pham Marzon didn’t make it to the event since they are working outside the province.

“My OMG models are very supportive and they possess the kind of people I envision to be giving, loving and always give their support to good causes,” Mikey said.

“Seeing the OMG models in action gave me chills, they did not disappoint me and I am happy that they also loved to support my causes,” he added.

Speaking of Malto, popularly known as Junior, Mikey has chosen him because he perfectly embodies OMG---confident, secure and knowing exactly what he wants.

NEW FACE.  Part-time model 

and college student

 Rodulfo Malto, Jr. 

is the new face of OMG. 

Contributed Photo

 Malto, who is taking up Criminology at University of Bohol (UB), was Mr UB Personality 2015 third runner-up. A part-time model, Malto was part of the Hanford model last week at the Island City Mall attended by Mikael Daez.

He is also included in the top 8 official candidates of the Alturas Festival King 2016.

Before flying back to the US with his mother Fely (who is now an immigrant), Mikey also met his high school classmates of HNU  Batch 1987.

Mikey said he will attend the 30 years reunion on July 14-17, 2017.

“See you, all!” he said.

***

Mizken’s new Belo endorser

“Wow, bongga!!!”

So who’s the new model on the Belo billboard at the top of Tagbilaran City Square on B. Inting Street, that gets everyone excited every time we pass by that area?

I guess you, too, must be wondering who that baby is, with a smile so endearing that you want to pinch her. Yes, the new endorser of Zo Skin Health (by world-renowned board certified dermatologist for 30 years Dr. Zein Obagi, M.D.) of the Belo Medical Group is eventologist Mizken Tirol Andan.

The worth of most celebrities now is measured through billboards. The more your face pollutes the highways, the more popular you are.

NEW ENDORSER. The billboard of Mizken Tirol Andan 

as the new Belo endorser.  Contributed Photo

Then, it has to be on the much-coveted prime spot just like Mizken’s.

It will be exciting to see how Mizken will bloom and transform in the coming days under the care of Belo.

*   *   *

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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.

***

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

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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