For a change, a food trip on V-Day

Wake-uppers:

NFA-Bohol administrator Maria Fe Evasco (center),
NFA-Bohol Information Officer Jhoel Lim and Aldetrudis Quijada
 inside the warehouse. Evasco asked the public  to be ‘rice-ponsible’.
 Leo Udtohan 

Scene: National Food Authority (NFA)-Bohol manager Maria Fe Evasco said that the 30,000 sacks of rice which arrived from Cebu last week was an allocation to augment the low NFA rice stock in the province.   She stressed that there was no rice shortage in Bohol, considered the rice bowl of Central Visayas, since there was enough supply of commercial rice.

Scene: Feliz compleaños to erstwhile Tagbilaran Mayor Joe Torralba, Walter Toston, Dr. Cyrilda Tallo, Maximiel, Feb. 9; former Tagbilaran City Councilor Ann Mariquit Oppus, Feb. 10; former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim and Lloyd Guttierez, Feb. 11; Raul Gatal, Feb. 12;  Atty. Handel Lagunay and Fr. Val Pinlac, Feb. 14; Melchor Daniel, Feb. 15; Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag and former Tagbilaran City Councilor Lucille Yap-Lagunay, Feb. 17; Fr. Joe Sumampong, Feb. 20; Gov. Edgar Chatto, Feb. 21; and Fiel Angeli Gabin and Dr. Jojo Maniwan, Feb. 24.

***

In case it slipped your mind, Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, and you still have some time to plan your dates.

Fortunately, there are a number of destinations, restaurants and activities to choose from, depending on your preferences.

The universe is vast, but somehow you  found each other. The K of C
promenade in Tagbilaran City is ideal place for contemplating your
place in the cosmos. Leo Udtohan

In Tagbilaran City and nearby towns, there are various dining establishments and coffee shops that dishing up treats and savory meals will surely make every individual believe in the saying that the way to a man’s heart is his stomach.

CRAWL FOR FOOD TRIP

To make the love month even more memorable, have an intimate dinner at Mithi (formerly the Panglao Island Nature Resort), Amorita, Amarella, South Palms and Astoria.

If you’re spending the day with your family, make a stop at Mosia Cafe (V. Inting Avenue,  Tagbilaran City), Tamper Cafe and Brunch (P. Del Rosario Street, Tagbilaran City) and Tuko Cafe (Gallares Street), Cafe Majestea (Luisa Galleria, Gallares Street), Hugot Cafe (Venancio P. Inting Avenue Tagbilaran City), The Library (Panda Tea Garden Suites, J.A. Clarin St, Tagbilaran City) indulge in milk tea, waffle, salads, sweet treats and pastas. This is also a great spot to get some family photos.

Smoque Bohol Bistro and Cafe (CPG East Avenue along ACE Medical Center in Bool District, Tagbilaran City will have a Valentine’s Day set menu. Visit the restaurant to make reservation or call 0918 300 8180.

Visit the Lite Port Center Mall along Gallares Street for a wide-array of restaurants. Craving for some spicy kimchi or intense bibimbap? Visit Bohol Pearl Korean Restaurant to satisfy those cravings!  You can also start the day of hearts right at this chic Moon Cafe and Restaurant.   

The Gerarda’s Family Restaurant is serving delicious Filipino cuisines with a twist.  Gerarda’s takes their cooking to heart and serves dishes that would absolutely satisfy your palate. 

Visit Cresencia (Poblacion, Baclayon), Tableya de Maria Clara (Ma. Clara Street, Tagbilaran City)10:31 By Chef M (Miguel Parras St, Ext, Tagbilaran City, Bohol),  Just Sizzlin’ (P. Del Rosario Street, Tagbilaran City), The Buzzz Cafe (Island City Mall, Luisa Galleria and Alona Beach) and Kinaham Resto Bar (M. Torralba Street, Tagbilaran City), Peacock Garden (Baclayon), Swiss Garden Restaurant (Alona Beach, Panglao), Socorro (P. Del Rosario Street, Tagbilaran City) , Miravilla Resort (Booy, Tagbilaran City), Time Out Resto Bar (BQ Mall), Walk Express (BQ Mall), Gerry's Grill (BQ Mall), Mang Inasal (Gallares, Street, Tagbilaran City), STK (Graham Avenue, Tagbilaran City), Prawn Farm (ICM), Chicken Ati-Atihan (Putong Street, Tagbilaran City), Rai-Rai Ken (ICM), Payag (CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City), Cuisina ni Tisay (Chap Complex in Carmen), Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Italian Restaurant (Alona Beach, Panglao),  JJ's Seafood Village (Tagbilaran City), Garden Café (Tagbilaran City near St. Joseph Cathedral), Persona Mesa  (J.A. Clarin Street, Tagbilaran City), Tarsier Botanika (Tawala, Panglao), BringHouse Garden and Restaurant (0047 Cabalit St, Tagbilaran City,(038) 412 4736), Shiang Ma Nou (J. Borja Street cor C. Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City) and Heritage Crab House Seafood Restaurant (V.P. Inting Street, Mansasa Seaside, Tagbilaran City).

Denrick’s offers a dinner buffet for P499 per person on Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m,   There will be an acoustic live band to set the evening mood at Denrick’s Restaurant. Don’t forget to try their  grilled squid and crispy sisig. For inquiries and reservations, call 412-3640/09178259759/09209476369.

On Feb. 14, some restaurants and cafes in Tagbilaran City
 and nearby towns give dining pairs a private time to enjoy
 the delicious food and each other’s company.
Courtesy: Smoque Bohol Facebook

Gather all your girl friends and head out for some drinks. Publicity (Lite Port) has a new cocktail menu that you might enjoy. Visit Atmosphere (Metro Center Hotel)  for a fruity mix of passion fruit, raspberry puree, hibiscus, and soda water and Martin’s Bar Corner M. H. del Pilar & C. Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City) to chill out.

If you want to have a post-Valentine, celebrate at The Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort on February 15 to watch 'Your face Sounds Familiar' first runner up Michael Pangilinan in a Valentine dinner concert. Tickets are still available. P2,500 comes with dinner buffet or P 800 with two round of non-alcoholic drinks. Call 038 416 0702 for more info.

If you have a tight budget, make sparks fly at Acacia de Bubu (Burgos cor Butalid Streets, Tagbilaran) for a yummy barbecue!

LOVE YOURSELF & OTHERS

Treat the number one love in your life, yourself to a spa day. Take this time to take a break from all the stress in your life. Book at Body and Sole  and Masaje de Bohol depending on your body’s needs. You can also have other treatments done like a facial and manicure.

Have a make-over! Change your hair and make-up. Call Ryan Sines, Tracy Torres Remolador, Jojo and Bebei Tagoctoc, Charlow Arbasto, Jonathan Ucat, Ramil Dolauta, Tamara, EP Relampagos, Donna Vitos and Rolly Ingking. For the latest collections, see EJ Relampagos, Henry Baron, Omie Auza and Maximiel.

See Bohol's first cosmetic surgeon Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter (4th Floor, Lim Hong Khu Medical Arts and Wellness Center, Tagbilaran City; 09283687041) and face the world confidently with a beautiful heart!

Appreciate the opportunity to experience the love being shared with us by our family and friends.

Fill up some of your community service hours. Do some charity works. Spend time with the less fortunate, give love on Valentine’s Day. Share your blessings by visiting Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Sunshine Home  and Holy Trinity Orphanage Home in Albur town. Visit the Philippine National Red Cross-Bohol chapter if you want to give the safest blood possible to save life.

ROMANTIC PLACES

On Valentine’s Day you can hit the beach for sun, sea and sand and other romantic places.  The Morning Hills in Loay town, in itself, is a destination that speaks of romance in so many ways. Here, you can enjoy a much sought peace and quiet, an authentic serenity that can be rarely had in the city.

You can visit K of C Tagbilaran for a romantic date, and the scenic view as the sun sets over the city is also sure to take your breath away.

If you have time, Jardin Necitas in Pilar town offers an experience that is easy to fall in love with. The entire ambiance filled with glowing flowers offers romance, relaxation, and intimacy.

You have many reasons to celebrate V-Day even though Feb 14 divides the world into “the haves,” or those with a significant other, and the “have-nots,” the ones with zero love life.

Celebrate V-Day with your own style.

*   *   *

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

Super blue blood moon, a time for cleansing & renewal of powers

Forty-seven year old Edward Guyano was waiting for the rare celestial event that graced the skies on Wednesday night (Jan. 31)called the “super blue blood moon.”

The “super blue blood moon” was the first time that a blue moon (two moons within the same month), a super moon (a full moon that comes as close to the earth as it can in its orbit), and a lunar eclipse (also known as a blood moon) happened simultaneously after 150 years.

It was not only stargazers who witnessed the rare triple moon phenomenon but including occultists and Wicca followers in many parts of the country. Most of them performed rituals in private though.

Occultists and believers of the ancient knowledge
have considered Jan. 31’s astrological phenomenon rare
 and powerful. Some gathered their crystal stones for
cleansing and recharging its power, while others performed
 rituals for abundance and celebration of life. Leo Udtohan

Guyano, a Christian Wiccan, gathered his crystals and other gems for cleansing, blessing and renewal of power since many occultists considered the phenomenon a night of compounded lunar activity.

 “The super blue blood moon is both extremely rare and extremely potent,” he said.

At 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Guyano, a radio personality in Bohol, went outside his house in Barangay Poblacion in Lila town, to thank and appreciate Mother Nature.

While he was performing a ritual in solitude, his friend who identified as Master Owl was also performing a ritual with other five believers in Tagbilaran City.

Master Owl said his group had gathered for some serious introspection. They also performed a ritual during the super blue blood moon rituals in private.

In Siquijor, some occultists also gathered for a secret ritual. Madamme Luz was reciting oracion to make it powerful. She said this year’s phenomenon was powerful to make their herbs and gayumas (love potions) potent.

After offering a prayer, Guyano left their crystals and other gemstones outside to allow the moonlight to shine on the stones.

 He said the light of the moon of would cleanse the stones of the negative energy it absorbed from people and environment.

 “The stones were recharged,” Guyano said after he collected the stones at past 10 p.m.

He  said it was also an opportunity to pray for healing after he suffered a stroke last year. He also said that since eclipse was an extra special event, there was a special energy.

 “It has a special energy especially when it's a rare Blood Moon eclipse. This rare event is used for honoring and celebrating life,” said Master Owl.

Guyano although didn’t elaborate said that there would be many “break-ups” are expected after the super blue blood moon.

The moon is ruled by the goddess Artemis who never married, he added.

In Tagbilaran City, some residents gathered to watch the skies. Others used telescope to see the moon closer.

Some students took time to gaze the skies since the phenomenon was discussed in their Science subject.

Classmates Keith Batutay and Jerwin Jala, both grade six pupils at Booy South Elem. School, said they learned about the moon and eclipse from the school but watching it was totally different from the textbook.

“It was amazing,” said Batutay.

“The full moon appeared larger and brighter than usual and there was a total lunar eclipse,” said Jala.

Direk Maryo J: Magnifico!

Acclaimed director Maryo Jarolan delos Reyes—Direk Maryo J to many—had thoughts of retiring in his mother's home province of Bohol where he owned several pieces of property.

He owned a villa on a farmland in Barangay Progreso, Alicia town, about 88 km northeast of Tagbilaran.

The property was an inheritance from his mother, Lourdes, which he converted into a farm which was planted with rice, coconuts and bananas.

The death of famed director Maryo J. Delos Reyes set off an instant
emotional outpouring from a stunned industry including one
of his many talents Scarlet Geulen-Boiser. Contributed Photo

He once said that farming was viable industry that would benefit the townfolk and that he saw himself retiring as a farmer.

Direk Maryo also acquired a property in Barangay Dao, Tagbilaran City, which he named “Celebrityville.” Inside the property were his house and four-unit apartment which he named after his movies --“Pari 'Koy,” “Niño,” “Annie Batungbakal” and “Magnifico.”

Last week, Direk Maryo instructed his caretaker Tata Castillo, 40, to clean his house since he would be there on Jan. 29 with some of his celebrity friends. He also wanted to supervise the finishing touches on his house and the plans to build a pool inside the property.

But Direk Maryo didn’t make it home. He died on Jan. 27 after suffering a heart attack.

His sudden death brought shock to his fellow Boholanos.

“Nakurat ko kay kalit lang jud (I was so shocked because [his death] was so sudden),” said Castillo.

The industry began an outpouring of grief and remembrance immediately after news of his death.  The director’s reputation and generosity evidently touched those across his life.

Among those grieved the loss of such a major and influential talent was singer-actress-comedianne Scarlet Geulen-Boiser, one of Direk Maryo’s talents whom he treated like his children.

“He’s like my second parent, mentor, critic, talent manager and friend. He was a very generous friend. It seemed that I lost an angel who was always helping me,” said Scarlet.

Scarlet started her showbiz career in 1998, but she made a big splash when Delos Reyes pushed her career to star in films and some teleseryes on ABS-CBN and GMA.

She said she learned valuable lessons from Direk Maryo.

“Positive nga tawo si Direk Maryo. He said we should learn to forgive and forget the bad things that happened.

He only wanted positive vibes, really happy,” she recalled.

He constantly told her that there was no point getting depressed by problems no matter how big these were because these would be dealt with by a bigger God.

Another actress TinTin Ng described Direk Maryo as "a big hearted and compassionate man.”

Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad, bosom buddy and musical scorer of his landmark films, described Delos Reyes as a “preciously Boholano and Filipino, a good, true, beautiful human being.”

Last Wednesday, Scarlet (who was with Ms. Rose Sabijon Rara, Architect Niño Guidaben and fellow actor Mark Sepe) broke down as soon as he saw Direk Maryo inside a coffin.

Scarlet was overjoyed by the number of people who love Direk Maryo...people from showbiz, politics, business, all sectors of society.

“Many people love Direk Maryo J,” said Scarlet.

And they keep coming to bid Direk Maryo a fond farewell last Saturday, perhaps less with tears but more with recollection of beautiful memories and anecdotes about Direk Maryo.

Direk Maryo was all that — and more.

Every time we met, he would ask, “Kailan ka ba bibisita sa farm ko?”  Before I could answer, he added,

“Anong masasabi mo sa teleserye?”

In 2013, when he saw me and my nephew Jhelmar Jala during the first Saulog celebration, he convinced me to allow my nephew to enter showbiz. But Jhelmar didn’t enter showbiz because he’s still studying.

The last time we met was in 2016 during the launching of the Blue Way, a dance workshop organized by Gardy.

He asked, “Kumusta ka na Leo? Bakit hindi ka nagpapakita sa akin? Kailan ka ba pupunta sa farm ko?”

He was also very accommodating if I want to interview him or his talents.

Direk Maryo wanted to become a priest. But it didn’t happen when he enrolled at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications in 1974.

At that time, he was very active with the Philippine Educational Theater (PETA), the country’s premiere theater group.

From 1965 to 1975, he participated in various art and theater seminars and workshops here and abroad as organizer, moderator and instructor.

He also became a professor and lecturer at the UP College of Mass Communications and began writing for television drama anthologies. He had directed many films and television series since his directorial debut in 1978.

His critically acclaimed drama films were "Magnifico" (2003) which received the Crystal Bear in the 2004 Berlin International Film Festival, "Naglalayag" (2004) which garnered major awards in the 2004 Manila Film Festival, the box-office hit "A Love Story" (2007) and his last film "The Unmarried Wife" (2016).

Despite the fame and recognition, Direk Maryo remained grounded and level- headed.

Close friend Gerry Lugod said that while the director was born and based in Manila, he knew how to remember his roots.

“He felt he was really Boholano even though he was born in Manila,” he said.

In Bohol, he supported students and some schools without any the fanfare and publicity. His family donated a lot for Progreso Elem. School in Alicia.

He accepted speaking engagements and conducted acting and film making workshops.

In fact, Direk Maryo had planned to establish a film school in Bohol and conduct a local film festival.

Direk Maryo made an effort to showcase local talents and promote Bohol when he directed movies such as “Nandito Ako,” “Nagmamahal Sa’yo” and “Bamboo Flowers” which were entirely shot in Bohol.

I once asked him why did he choose to film the movies on location in Bohol?

His replied: “I'm from Bohol and I want to showcase the beauty of my home province.”

Direk Maryo supported Oplan Bangon Bohol (OBB), the brainchild of the Association of Young Boholano Professionals in Metro Manila, to help fellow Boholanos when the province was hit by earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013 which brought Bohol to its knees.

Down-trodden by the tragedy, Direk Maryo offered “Bamboo Flowers” to OBB as part of his contribution to the fundraising.

So long Direk! You’re truly magnifico!

***

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

Art Yap not (yet?) keen on running for Bohol guv

Wake-uppers:

Some of the models under The Art Nouveau
Models management. Contributed Photos

Scene:  Talent manager and performer Nicole Kim Gonzales (Roger Ryan Magtagad in real life) berated and declared an event coordinator a “big liar” whose modus operandi was slashing the budget for her models. Kim, the founder of The Art Nouveau Models, posted on her Facebook that their relationships go sour due to issues of finances. According to VRS, because of its unpleasant encounter with the event coordinator, Kim has decided to blacklist her. Clue: Hello, Billy? Buking na siya!

 

Scene: A young socialite cried a river (nay, an ocean!) when her high-profile parents vehemently opposed her budding romance with a hunky classmate. Reason: the parents confirmed that the hunky classmate comes from a poor family background.  Langit ka,  lupa ako,  hanggang tanaw lang ba tayo....

 

Scene:  President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Bohol OIC governor Victor dela Serna as one of the 18 members of the consultative committee that will conduct consultations and review the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

 

***

Bohol 3rd district Representative Arthur Yap’s daily schedule might be full due to his public service commitments, but he’s never too busy to meet the members of the Bohol media.

 

It looks like it but Bohol 3rd district Rep. Art Yap
 has yet to decide if he will run for Bohol governor in 2019.
 Leo Udtohan

In fact, last Friday’s meet and greet, Yap answered questions and issues intelligently and satisfactorily from the case filed against him on the P15.8-M car plan, to 2019 Election political plans, Charter Change, Train Law and his PDP-Laban affiliation.

 

He lamented that the graft case against him by the Sandiganbayan over a car plan for employees of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) was unfair and unjust.

 

“We found it very unfair. And we will really fight the case very aggressively,” Yap said.

 

He stressed that he was not present when the rules on the car plan was drafted and approved by the PhilRice Board of Trustees.

 

He also said it was hard to believe if the case was politically motivated.

 

“On politics behind the PhilRice case, I hope not. I hope not. But sometimes I should be honest to you in my moments in despair and loneliness, sometimes my thoughts really there. I pray not,” he said.

 

Is he running for Bohol governor?

 

Because he’s often seen these days in the barangays, Yap may have unwittingly set off speculations that he is running for Bohol governor with outgoing Bohol 1^st district Rep. Rene Relampagos as his running-mate in the 2019 elections against the tandem of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr and Vice Governor Dionisio Balite.

 

Rep. Art Yap with the Bohol reporters. 
Courtesy: Angie Valencia

To set the record straight, Yap told reporters that he is not yet running.

 

 “I have not decided to run,” he said.

 

But he maintained it is one of his options.

 

“Whatever it is, I know it is a raging issue. I think it is one of my options. Thankful ko sa mga tawo that they are talking about it. That means they are seriously considering that I am material for governor. Daghang salamat for considering me. Until I made up the final decision, I stick to my answer before that I have not decided,” he said. 

 

As he has been saying in interviews, Yap’s mindset is very much in the third district of Bohol, known for its richness in cultural and natural tourism landmarks especially the Loboc River, the Chocolate Hills and the pristine beaches and diving spots in Jagna and Anda.

 

Asked by reporters to name at least one leader who fit to replace him, Yap played it safe.

 

“It’s very difficult to say if who is the best person who will succeed me. He or she has to be somebody who is willing to sacrifice for the district,” he said.

 

Nonetheless, he stressed that only the people can change the course of the district’s direction by installing the right and deserving leader.

 

“With all humility, I will end my third term and I have visited all the barangays in my district more than once. I was able to give projects to fulfil my promise during the campaign and I was able to fulfil it,” he said.

 

***

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

VRS’ Tagna-Tagna 2018

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The #RockAgainstDrugs2018 on Jan. 26, 6 p.m. at the Ubay Port Area. Admission is free. Featured bands are Cueshe, Brownbuds and Bo Young Music.  Businessman Van Delima said the event is presented by Bohol 2nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado who is consistent in his anti-drug advocacy to impact the community to be self-policing and self -reliant continuing to protect themselves against illegal drug activities. “Because ARIS CARES," he said.

 

Scene: The Guimbawan Festival on Jan. 28 at Batuan town plaza in honor of Sto. Nino de Praga.  The first festival was held in 1986 founded by Rev. Fr. Danilo Maniwan.  Guimbao is a Boholano traditional drum.

 

Seen:  Karen Gallman will try her luck for the second time in the Bb. Pilipinas 2018. Make-up artist Tamara said, “She will represent the sweetness of Chocolate Hills, Bohol.”  Gallman, 25, was crowned Miss Ubay 2007 and she joined the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 where she reached the Top 12 and was also named Miss Photogenic.

 

***

Since the Chinese New Year is fast approaching (Feb. 16, 2018 if you want to mark it down in your calendar right now) – a lot of VRS diehard believers in the horoscope, feng shui and other “supernatural forces” (that will apparently dictate how the next twelve months will play out for each of us) are asking yours truly what’s in store for them in the Year of the Earth Dog.

 

As we know, dogs are widely pointed out to be man's best friend.

 

Astrologers said 2018 is an eventful year, marked by security concerns and the rise of social conservative movements within society. It is also a good time for lifestyle changes and for new business ventures.

 

And as tradition is hard to break, VRS is up with its annual “Tagna-Tagna,” which is so notorious that last year’s “Tagna-Tagna” had a good batting average, with 98 percent credibility! Clap! Clap! Clap! (Thank you! Thank you!-LPU)

 

What will the Dog bow-wow this year? 

Read what the Year of the Dog bow-wows for our favorite Boholanos who make yours and our lives a bit more exciting this year.

 

• It will be a healthy baby boy for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2005 and Bb. Pilipinas-Word 2006 Anna Maris Igpit and Thomas Taylor in May! Maris’ #2018Goal: “To be the best mother that I can be for our tiny little one coming this year.”

 

• Miss Bohol 2016 and Miss World Philippines 2017- First Princess Glyssa Perez will embrace show business as she will sign a contract under Regal Films.

 

•Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo will continue to inspire every Filipino who is struggling with life's challenges to achieve a bright future.

 

•Lawyer Ingemar Macarine aka Pinoy Aquaman will make a world-breaking record.

 

• Actresses TinTin Ng and  Lailette Boiser will bounce back and spring a big surprise on all of us, proving to all and sundry that they are not done yet, career wise.  They will have more challenging roles in teleseryes and movies.

 

•Mister Supranational Philippines-2016 AR de la Serna will have a big break in the industry.

 

•A successful Tigum Bol-non sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) in July 2018 under the leadership of Dr. Rhine T. Pamaong.

 

• Miss Bohol 2014 Melody Queenie Fullante will find her ideal man! Her #2018Goal: “My #2018goal is to be Better. A better Queenie at home and at work. A better Queenie to her friends and to her self. And to be a totally better person for the community and to the Lord.”

 

•Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr. will make a final decision (to run or not to run for governor in 2019) middle of this year. 

 

•Beauche owner and former Carmen Mayor Conchita “CheChe” Toribio- delos Reyes will make a political comeback.  She will run for congresswoman in the third district where her hometown Carmen belongs. The post is to be vacated by Rep. Art Yap who is reportedly eyeing to run for governor with last-termer Rep. Rene Relampagos probably his running-mate.

 

• Many people will support the “The Mermaid” Jammy Ungab on her “Plastic Free Bohol” Movement.

 

The blind items...

 

• A controversy will rock (again) a beauty pageant in the province. So what else is new?

 

• With love, patience and no small degree of soul-searching about their relationship, a young couple will have a tearful reconciliation.  So sweet!

 

• No reconciliation for the young couple who will end in a bitter court battle. The hubby (who is a young politician) had walked out on his wife and kids and into the arms of a younger woman. The breakup surprised us all. But unlike other troubled couples, their separation did not lead down the long, sad road to annulment.  However, the family of the politician’s wife decided to sue him after he went wild disturbing the whole village! However, the wife still loves him! The love is still there.

 

•After all her noble initiatives for the improvement of public health, the head will be dismissed due to “unseen hands.” Her “frenemies” don’t like her new brand of leadership and hate her for being so kind.  Ooops... they are not so kind!

 

•A certain politician will make a painful decision of finally “outing” himself.  Well, those close to him have long known his sexual preference. Just show your true colors!

 

• Another big scandal will shake the political scene. No elaboration.

 

• A title holder’s wholesome image will be tarnished by issues against him.

 

• A favorite radio program will fade out.

 

• A surprise announcement about a major revamp of a top-rating radio program. New heads will roll (in).

 

• A talent from Bohol will shine on international TV talent shows.

 

• The province of Bohol will make a world headline. No elaboration.

 

• Before the year ends, politicians will announce their intention to join the 2019 elections, if, that is a big if, there will be elections. And some will begin mudslinging in the last quarter of the year.

 

• Towards the end of the year, more (young and inexperienced) politicians will declare their intention of running in the 2019 elections.  However, only few (old and veteran) politicians will dare run in 2019 because of no money for “vote buying.”

 

***

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