Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Karen Gallman gets warm welcome in Bohol homecoming

Whether catwalking or simply talking, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman has a magical way of charming and endearing herself to people, so down-to-earth, and thus grounded, that you want to hug her.

I experienced it myself Wednesday (April 18) last week in her first trip to the province after winning the national title in March where your VRS, including Allen Doydora (dyRD), Dave Responte (dyTR) and Helen Castaño (who was the instant “sash and crown bearer”), accompanied her during her Bohol homecoming.

When she was approaching the group of well-wishers, it was noticeable that she was much lovelier in person.

Our admiration strengthened when she spoke to us in her thick Bisaya accent.

Karen was elated by the warm welcome. She sported a big a smile and thanked Bohol 2^nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and his wife Vanessa (who arranged her homecoming),  Aumentado’s chief of staff Boy Pernia, and some fans in greeting the Boholano beauty queen.

“I always look forward to visit Bohol. It’s home for me,” said the 25-year-old beauty queen.

Vanessa, a Miss Bohol 2001, revealed that she was a great fan of Karen since she joined the Bb. Pilipinas 2012.

“Thank you for making us proud,” Vanessa told her. “I am a fan of yours,” she added.

Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman 

visited Panglao Island on Wednesday, April 18, to

 see the stretch of powdered white sandy beaches

 of the island which is now facing environmental issues.  

Photo by Helen Castaño

“I am so thankful, salamat kaayo sa inyong warm welcome nga gihatag ninyo nako (I am deeply grateful to all of you for the warm welcome you gave me), she said.

Asked if she could still speak in Binisaya, she snappily answered “Yes” and said “Kamao man gihapun ko mag-Binisaya (I can still speak Bisaya).”

What' is so impressive about her is the fact that she has never forgotten her mother tongue and in fact, speaks Cebuano so confidently and fluently without a foreign accent and even proudly calls herself "Bisdak" - which makes her all the more endearing to many Boholanos.

Police Officer Melinda Mendez-Basalo who escorted her as she stepped down a commercial plane and walked down the terminal ramp at the Tagbilaran airport shared, “I talked to her in Tagalog when I welcomed and congratulated her and she answered me in Bisaya I forgot she is a Bisaya man diay, such an attitude.... love her so much..”

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Arao-arao-Gabin said: “I can't help admiring her beauty. During her first attempt in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant 6 years ago, she looked so naively charming in her photos and on television, but seeing her in the flesh this time, she certainly exudes both charm and inner strength that she has seemed to have polished over the years, prior to her recent BP Intercontinental 2018 victory, an honor that Boholanos here and abroad are so excited about.”

Karen went to KissFM for an interview with the bubbly Inday Rufing.  After the interview, she met Bishop Alberto Uy and Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and some priests at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary before she proceeded to Panglao Island.

Crown jewel

Karen Gallman with Bohol Rep. Erico Aristotle

 Aumentado and wife Miss Bohol Sandugo 

2001 Vanessa Cadorna – Aumentado.  Leo Udtohan

In Panglao, Karen spent time to appreciate the beauty of the place known for its miles of powdery white sandy beaches.  She was bothered of the environmental issues the island resort was facing.

“I went here last year and it was beautiful. And I didn’t see the problem,” said Karen who wants the island resort protected to prevent further environmental degradation.

“Of course, it such as beautiful place. And it will be so sad to see go to ruins. So, we should definitely do our best to preserve it and look after it. We need really to take care of Panglao so that it  doesn’t go to ruins,” she said.

Panglao Island, considered crown jewel of Bohol’s tourism, is composed of the towns of Panglao and Dauis.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) earlier identified the lack of waste water treatment facility and “bottomless” septic tanks as among the problems contributing to the environmental woes of the island.

The latest report of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), an attached agency of DENR, said that the fecal coliform on Panglao Island was above average.

On the other hand, Karen was in favor of closing Boracay Island for rehabilitation.

“I am for the closure of Boracay just to rehabilitate so that at least ma-enjoy natin sa future so i-close natin ngayon. it’s so sad for the jobs , the Filipinos based there and tourists have no income for them.  If it is happening in Panglao, we should do our best to preserve it. This is not acceptable. We should not go it to ruins,” she said.

Warm welcome

While travelling to Ubay, Karen was sharing some stories about her Bb. Pilipinas journey. She even told your VRS  the place where she spent her childhood. She was also quick to point Bood Elem. School where she spent her Grades 1 and 2.

In Ubay town, at least 124 km from Tagbilaran City, she was welcomed by the departments heads and local officials headed by Mayor Constantino Reyes and his wife Councilor Violy and members of the Rotary Club of Ubay.

Karen joined a motorcade through the main streets of the town.

Hundreds of fans including local officials warmly 

welcomed  Bb.Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018 

Karen Gallman, a native of Ubay, in her Bohol 

homecoming. Leo Udtohan

Holding welcome banners, some fans went wild with Karen’s acknowledgment of their presence along the street.  Some residents lined up the streets chanting “Karen, Karen,” as she waved and greet them.

Some of them came from far-flung barangays to have a first glimpse of the homecoming queen. One of them even sashayed as Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental.

Karen also visited the Bohol Dairy at the Philippine Carabao Center and Ubay Stock Farm in Barangay Lomangog to taste their newly launched products--- Chocobao Drinks, Caramilk Ice Cream, chocolate and candies, cakes and pastries, Cheese and Yogurt, CaraCalamay, and Caramilk-infused dishes---locally made by locals.

Independent

Karen was born in Barangay Fatima in Ubay town on September 27, 1992 to Gavin William Gallman, a retired Australian soldier, and Ubay native Editha Bayonas.

She spent her childhood days at Barangay Bood before she migrated to Australia at age 8.

 “So, I was basically born and raised in Bohol jud,” said Karen who was crowned Miss Ubay 2007.

Karen shared she had a happy childhood memories in Barangay Bood where she grew up.  Her best memorable experience in Ubay was when she fell from mansanitas tree. She said she likes ginamos (salted and fermented fish) and dried fish.  

She first joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2012 at the age of 19 and made it to the top 12 of the national beauty pageant and was also named Miss Photogenic of the batch.

Before trying her luck again in Bb Pilipinas 2018, she worked as an operations analyst in a company in London for two years.

In the Bb. Pilipinas 2018, Karen received flak for her Q&A response when asked about her thoughts on building a third restroom for transgenders.  She explained, “I love the LGBT community.”

She said  her 60-year old mother Editha trained them to speak Bisaya and embrace the Boholano way even if they were living in Brisbane, Australia.

Editha said her daughter is “independent, buotan nga anak (a good daughter)” whose big dream was to become a beauty queen.

Next month, she will begin her training for the Miss Intercontinental 2018 pageant to be held in December.

 “I haven’t started preparing yet but I think next month I will start. I will be back to the gym. I will have training on catwalk, QnA, public speaking and make-up. I think it will help me towards the international crown,” she said.

“I will do my best. Let’s pray that I will do bring the crown and make Bohol proud again. If ever I will win it will history, the first Filipina to win the crown,” Karen said.

***

Loon’s ‘Coral Garden’

The town of Loon has plenty of other intriguing attractions to offer to its visitors. Very recently, people visit the town to see the “Coral Garden” in Barangay Tangnan which offers new exhilarating experience.

The ‘Coral Garden’ in Loon town is 

the newest natural attraction in the province. 

The red orange color which gives a panoramic view are not because of corals but of the sun-loving purslane (ulasiman or ngalog) wild plants which naturally grow in the area, declared as geological monument, after the 2013 earthquake.

But according to cultural and tourism worker Reigh Monreal, the plant which gives red-tinted shoreline is not a purslane but a blutaparon. Locals called the perennial herbs as bilang” (Blutaparon portulacoides) of the Amaranthaceae family.  It looks like Portulaca (ulasiman or pigweed species).

He said that the name “Coral Garden” was first used by a blogger who missed to visit the “Loon Coral Gardens” in Barangay Song-on where exposed corals are found.

The Municipal Tourism Office called that colorful place in Tangnan as the “Loon Beach Prairie.”

How to go there?  Upon entering Barangay Tangnan, stop at "Kennethman" signage. Inquire how to go down the site.

***

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Bohol celebrates heroism a year after foiled Abu attack

I was in Panglao when media friends --Ric Obedendio and Dave Charles Responte-- informed me about the clash in Inabanga  town on April 11, 2017. When I told them I was interested to cover it, they fetched me in Panglao and rushed to the battlefield. At 10:30 a.m., we arrived in Barangay Napo. We met residents fleeing their homes from barangays Napo, Calenti and Banahao who were scared of being hit as bombs were being dropped. Other media friends from Bohol (Mike Ligalig and Chito Visarra) and Cebu arrived later in the afternoon. 

Kids at the top of military tanks carried

 placards on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, during

 first commemoration of the Bohol clash, when 

11 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) entered

 Bohol province and never made it out.  Leo Udtohan

The following day, other media friends Allen Doydora, Ern Pahayahay and Helen Castaño joined us in the battlefield.  When we were told that some ASG members were still hiding, we ran looking for shelter.   A resident gave us water to drink to sustain.

Your media friends reported the clash and what followed.  We thanked our “foster families” in Clarin and Pangangan Island in Calape town for converting their houses  into a “media center,” until the last two remaining ASG members were killed.

After one year, the incident was still fresh.  It was a day to remember that the ASG landed in Bohol and never made it out.

***

Officials of the Bohol provincial government chose to commemorate, instead of forget, the attempt of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) last year to establish a base in Inabanga town last Wednesday, April 11.

The clash killed three Army soldiers, a policeman and two civilians, and displaced hundreds of families during the firefight that lasted for a month and spanned three towns.

Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto explained they were celebrating, not the entry of the Abu Sayyaf, but the heroism shown by the government troops who were relentless in hunting down the bandit group until all 11 were killed as well as the community involvement that enabled authorities to learn about their entry.

The switch-on ceremony of the road project 

that links Barangays Datag to Napo, Inabanga town

 and Libertad to Tan-wan in Tubigon town led by 

Acting Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. It was also 

witnessed by Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto, Inabanga 

Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy and other officials.  

Leo Udtohan

“We are celebrating the positive value of heroism that was showcased because of that challenge. It is something worth remembering. It is something worth celebrating,” said Chatto.

Chatto led the ceremony that commemorated the first anniversary of the attempt of the bandit group to establish a base in Inabanga where they planned to launch kidnapping and terrorism activities in nearby provinces.

Members of the Inabanga Theatre Group held a dance drama that reenacted the events of April 11, 2017 when 11 men on board three kumpits (two-engine motorboats) arrived in Barangay Napo, Inabanga.

The children saw the group who were led by Napo native, Joselito Melloria as well as high-powered firearms with “bullets as big as corn ears.” They told their parents who then passed the information to the village officials who then told the police.

Combined forces of the police and Army arrived and a firefight ensued –something that was not seen in Bohol despite the presence of communist insurgents in some towns. Residents of Napo and nearby villages fled as the Philippine Air Force dropped bombs to flush out the bandits who were in hiding.

Four ASG members including bomb expert Abu Rami were killed during the initial assault. But also killed were three soldiers and one policeman and two civilians. The seven others fled to nearby Clarin town where Melloria was later killed.

At the height of Clarin clash, law enforcers arrested Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza and her husband Abu Sayyaf bomber Reenor Lou Dungon, Judith Dungon and a minor who allegedly tried to rescue the remaining Abu Sayyaf members.

Hunger prompted Abu Saad to surrender in Tubigon town but was killed by police after he allegedly tried to escape from prison.

The last two ASG members- Ubayda and Asis were killed in a firefight in Calape town on May 15, 2017, which ended the month-long operation.

The three kumpits used by the bandits as well as the military tanks and weapons used by the government troops were on display in a one-day exhibit outside the municipal gymnasium in Inabanga last Wednesday.

Also launched during the commemoration was SAFE Bohol (Security Always for Everyone: Boholano Bayanihan), a movement inspired by the community involvement that led to the discovery of the Abu Sayyaf 

Reporting from the battlefield- (l-r) Ric Obedencio
 (The Freeman/PhilStar), Dave Charles Responte
(dyTR)   Ern Pahayahay (dyTR), Allen Doydora
 (dyRD) and Helen Castaño in Barangay Napo
 in Inabanga town on April 12, 2017.   Leo Udtohan

presence in Inabanga.

PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno, 2nd Lieutenant Espelito Saldua, Jr, Corporal Meljun Cajaban, Sergeant John Dexter Duero who perished during the clash were also remembered and honored.

 Acting Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, who was the guest of honor, said the vigilance of Boholano community and the military’s tough and focused stance were the reasons why the Abu Sayyaf didn't succeed.

“Dito sa Inabanga is one ideal example on how the government, the NGOS (nongovernment organizations), the local government enforcement agencies, law enforcement agencies and local populace worked together and defeated the Abu Sayyaf threat,” said Año.

Part of the activities on Wednesday was the launching of the road project that links Barangays Datag to Napo, Inabanga town and Libertad to Tan-wan in Tubigon town.

 For so long time, Barangay Napo in Inabanga has been isolated because there is no access road that connects it to any existing road. It can only be reached by boat through the Inabanga river or on foot passing through mountainous trails.

Chatto said that with the assistance of Año, it is hoped that this project can be completed that will give positive impact to the communities in the said barangays.

***

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‘Tatay’ Virgilio graduates from senior high at 69

The crowd erupted in applause as one student walked across the stage during Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS)’s graduation ceremony Friday.

For 69-year-old Virgilio Ganade Penticase, it’s never too late to go back to school and take home a diploma.

Penticase, who was born after World War II that not everyone in his community interested to get an education,    abandoned his studies at a young age.

Virgilio Ganade Penticase, 69, proved 

that age is really just a number after he 

achieved his dream of finishing senior 

high school at Dr. Cecilio Putong National 

High School on Friday, April 6.  Leo Udtohan

The newly minted senior high graduate arrived late to attend Friday’s 1st Senior High School Recognition Rites at Commencement Exercises at the Bohol Cultural Center.  He said he was not able to get a jeepney ride to the city.

Unlike other graduates who came with their parents and loved ones to celebrate the memorable day, Penticase came alone. His brother, Leonardo, 68, wanted to escort him on his special day but he begged off at the last minute since he was still nursing a cough.

He said he has a lot to be thankful for.

“Nalipay gud ko kay gitagaan pa man ko og taas nga kinabuhi sa Ginoo nga kaabot ko run adlawa nga akong graduation sa Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. Nagpasalamat ko sa Ginoo nga gitagaan ko niya og maayong panglawas  sa akong pag-eskwela kutob sa paghuman sa ako ng senior high (I am happy that God has given me long life so that I can attend my graduation at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. I am thankful that the Lord God has given me good health while studying until I was able to finish senior high),” he told your VRS.

The other students at the school see Penticase as an inspiration, according to another graduate Janrel Alagadmo.

Virgilio Penticase  with teachers Mirasol Dela Peña, 

Jun Karaan, Jubel Martinez, Juliet Rellita,

 Joy Rebleza, Rhizza Abarquez and Gemma Pabata. 

Leo Udtohan

"If he can do it, why can’t we?" said Alagadmo who wants to become a seaman.

For Penticase, being an inspiration was almost as rewarding as the diploma he's about to earn.

As he walked across the stage to accept his diploma, everyone cheered.   Others watched through tears as the entire DCPNHS class of 2018 stood to cheer on him.

Teachers came to hug and congratulate him. Some parents and spectators came to have photo ops with him.

Class adviser Haidee Felisilda said Penticase was an example whose perseverance and strength of character greatly motivated him to finish senor high school.

“Even though he is 69 years old he is still determine to learn and to graduate in Grade 12. He still managed to come to school everyday. He inspired a lot of his younger classmates to study well, showing that poverty and age should not be hindrances to achieving our dreams,” said Felisilda who hugged Penticase after the graduation.

And even though he'll be 70 to start his college in June 2018, he has no plans to stop chasing his dreams.

"I want to go on. I want to take up Commerce," he said as long as his health allows him to.

Virigilio Penticase fulfilled his dream 

of graduating from senior high school 

with the help of his class adviser Haidee Felisilda. 

Leo Udtohan

He was born on June 26, 1948, to Antonio and Eusobia (both deceased) in Barangay Catarman, Dauis town.

At that time, people in their community were more interested in making money than investing in education.

So he and his sibling, Leonardo, now 68, never finished high school.

He was only 8 years old when he joined his neighbors in setting out to sea to catch fish. He also helped his parents plant vegetables on their small farm.

Penticase was already 64 years old when he decided to return to school in 2012 as a Grade 7 student.

 “There were several instances where people would dupe me because I didn’t know how to compute. It is difficult if you are not educated. You are easily duped,” he said, explaining why he wanted to return to school.

Leonardo also encouraged him to finish at least high school but would not join him because he would be too ashamed to go back to classes. Both brothers remain unmarried.

With only P20 in his pocket, Penticase went to DCPNHS on June 4, 2012, to enroll in Grade 7. He brought with him his birth certificate and certificate of good moral character issued by a village chief in Dauis.

Concepcion Bagotchay, who was then the school principal, initially turned him down.

“I was hesitant to accept him because I didn’t know his purpose. He’s already a senior citizen and he might teach naughty things to his young classmates,” said Bagotchay.

“I told him to enroll in another school in his hometown but he was persistent to study at DCPNHS,” she added.

Caregiving graduates of Dr. Cecilio Putong National 

High School- Jay Gardo Galos, Sheryl Cadorniga 

(graduated with High Honors), adviser Teacher Jun K, 

Lourdes Maputol (graduated with Honors), Miriam 

Asuncion (graduated with Honors), Daniel Quibol 

(graduated with Honors), Judith Binggan, Kate Dianne 

Gican (graduated with Honors) and Coleen Termulo 

(graduated with Honors).  Leo Udtohan

But Penticase would not take no for an answer. He insisted in enrolling at DCPNHS because he wanted to graduate from a known school, not an obscure public school in his barrio. Bagotchay eventually relented.

And Penticase didn’t disappoint his teachers. He didn’t miss a single class even if it meant taking a 30-minute jeepney ride from his house in Dauis to Tagbilaran.

He didn’t mind that his teachers were young enough to be his children and his classmates, grandchildren.

Going to school also means less time in his farm which is planted with banana, corn and root crops like yam, cassava and sweet potatoes.

But he managed to pass all his subjects and later advanced to Grades 7, 8 and 9.

His classmates respect him and call him “Lolo” or “Tatay.”

Filipino and Araling Panlipunan were his favorite subjects because he could easily understand the lessons.

His least favorites: English, Math and Science.

Being a student had its perks. Penticase was given “student’s discount” whenever he rides the tricycle and public utility jeepneys because he didn’t have a senior citizen’s ID.

“I only pay P8 instead of P10 because I am given a student discount,” he said.

He barred challenges in life while studying.  His health problems---arthritis and poor eyesight---and the additional two years in high school discouraged him to continue, but he didn’t quit and surrender.

“I'm 69 years old. If I could do it, they could do it. All they have to do is keep going and don't give up," he said.  

***

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

Easter Sunday’s songs and hymns

The Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection is the greatest and most important Christian feast. It is the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as it reveals to all believers the deepest meaning and purpose of the Christian’s faith in the One who came to destroy death and give life to the world.

What better way to honor the sacrifice Jesus made, and celebrate the hope He offered to us through His sacrifice, than with songs of praise and love!

Of course, there are so many hymns and songs to sing during the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.

Your VRS has 5 favorite Easter songs and hymns. You can read alongside the Psalms and the Gospels "to feel" the spirit of the Easter.

Jesus took the sting for us so that we wouldn’t have too, so join with me in singing, “Hallelujah!”

1. Because He Lives.  It is not just popular around Easter or on Resurrection Sunday but all year long because the lyrics are timeless truth that comforts the believers.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

2. Amazing Grace. A beautiful hymn written by John Newton in 1779.

Amazing grace!

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

3.  Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The hymn perfectly fits the Easter Gospel of the Lord's resurrection.

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

4. My Redeemer Lives. This brings us to the cross and to the grave, and the one is found empty because the Redeemer lives.

I know He rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe, I believe

My shame He's taken away
My pain is healed in His name
I believe, I believe

I'll raise a banner
My Lord Has conquered the grave

My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives

5.  Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.  This well-known choral piece is usually sung at Christmastime. But when the German composer Handel wrote his oratorio “Messiah” in the 1700s, the Hallelujah Chorus was placed at the end of the second part of the piece after Jesus returns from the grave.  It has an excellent arrangement that sounds so amazing.

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

 Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

King of kings forever and ever  hallelujah hallelujah

And lord of lords forever and ever  hallelujah hallelujah

 King of kings forever and ever  hallelujah hallelujah

And lord of lords forever and ever  hallelujah hallelujah

King of kings forever and ever  hallelujah hallelujah

 And lord of lords King of kings and lord of lords

 And he shall reign

And he shall reign

And he shall reign

He shall reign

And he shall reign forever and ever.

***

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

Don’t marry early, Sara Duterte tells UB graduates

● Holy Week destinations for relaxation, reflection

● Don’t marry early, Sara Duterte tells UB graduates

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach had a brief visit to Bohol last week to shoot an advertisement for a real estate property.  Wurtzbach is a proud Century Properties homeowner after years of living in the good graces of friends and renting apartments while she worked hard to build a career in modeling and show business, and tried her luck in beauty pageants.  “I'm still star-struck,” said actress-performer Scarlet Guelen-Boiser who was part of the commercial.

Pia Wurtzbach 

Scene: Senator JV Ejercito hit the graduation circuit this year, giving four commencement addresses in March in Bohol.  He will be the commencement speaker for Bohol Island State University (BISU)’s communication school graduation ceremonies in four campuses. He will give an inspirational message to the graduates of Bohol Island State University (BISU)-Candijay Campus and BISU-Bilar Campus on March 26; and BISU- Balilihan and BISU-Tagbilaran on March 27.  Ejercito will also inspect the additional building of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. He filed Senate Bill 1768 as senate counterpart of Rep . Rene Relampagos’ bill to increase the bed capacity from 225 to 525 and upgrading the medical facilities and equipment of the said hospital.

Scene: Karen Gallman was crowned as Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2018 in the 55th edition of Binibining Pilipinas. Gallman, who was croned Miss Ubay 2007, was asked if she agrees with the idea of having a third restroom built for transgenders. She responded, “I definitely agree that there should be a third restroom for transgenders because as women, we would also want our privacy, and also with men.”

***

Time has a way of changing things. Before, people could only go to church. Today, more and more people choose to spend it at the beach or the mall.   For many Filipinos, the long weekend is a time to not only reflect on the sacrifices of Christ, but also a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Even though the folk beliefs and customs for the Holy Week are things in the past, we can still hear some of them:

-Evil spirits are believed to roam during the Holy Week.

-Travel on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday is taboo.

-Spending is taboo on Good Friday, as is sweeping the floor.

-Bathing, making noise, and laughing or smiling on Good Friday, especially at 3 p.m., are taboo.

-Roasting food during the Holy Week makes your face black.

- Using sharp objects is taboo during Lent.

In the past, the whole week was marked in red on the church calendars.  The elders bought rice and viands good for one week since business establishments were closed for a week. The neighborhood was so quiet.

The Village of the Compassionate God the Father 

in Inabanga town offers perpetual breeze to reflect 

on the life, death and message of Jesus.   

Photo by Leo Udtohan

It was also an ideal time to start a diet. Since meat is avoided during Lent, fish dishes were prepared in most households. Our favorite soul food binignit is still popular.  Although a common merienda fare, binignit takes center stage during the Holy Week and especially on Good Friday.

As we journey through Holy Week, let us draw closer to Christ in many meaningful ways.

If you decide to look for destinations for the Holy Week, VRS has picked some places to allow this significant season to touch your life more deeply:

The Village of the Compassionate God the Father- Located in Barangay Fatima in Inabanga town, the place is peaceful, tranquil and something different.  The place has a perpetual breeze that will remind you instantly about life and the Lord. There are life-size structures of the 14 Stations of the Cross with a big figure of the God the Father of All Mankind at the top of the hill.

Fatima Hill- The Fatima Rosary Hill in Barangay Buenavista in Carmen town will put you on a state of pure bliss with its scenic sights. It is the home of the Madonna of the Miraculous Blessed Virgin Mary. The shrine was built sometime in the early 1940s. There is a concrete chapel, a spring and a souvenir shop. Spiritual recollection becomes more enhancing on top of this hill where one can look at the wide plains of Carmen and Sierra-Bullones. Don’t forget that it is holy and quiet. Burn a candle and pray.

Virgen sa Kaluoy in Calape- The image of the Virgin is believed to be growing from an empty giant shell. From a mere obscure figure, the image now is very visible, showing the beautiful virgin with the giant shell in the background.

San Antonio de Padua Shrine- Located in Barangay Tinibgan in Calape town, it houses the miraculous image of St. Anthony of Padua, one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost and stolen articles.

Kruz Daku in Loboc – It is one of the favorite destinations of the pilgrims during the Holy Week. A huge white cross 80 feet in height is on top of the highest hill, where one can view the towns of Loay and Loboc.  A few meters from the Krus Daku is the giant statue of the Our Lady of Guadalupe.

San Vincent Ferrer – It’s time to touch and kiss the 400-year-old image of Saint Vincent Ferrer at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Maribojoc town. The place is a pilgrimage site, with many miracles reported.  One can appreciate the wood and stone carvings of the Escuela Taller.

Lenten Procession in Baclayon- During Holy Wednesday and Good Friday, the streets of this town are filled with life-size religious statues depicting key events of the Passion and Death of Christ on decorated carrozas which are solemnly paraded along the streets followed either by devotees reciting the rosary.

Hugos in Loboc- The ritual that dramatizes the first meeting of Christ and Mary after His resurrection, and takes place at dawn on Easter Sunday.  It begins with two processions, where statues of Christ and Mary are carried from opposite ends of the community. The statue of Mary is covered in a black veil of mourning. Eventually, they will meet at midpoint, during which an angel (typically played by a young girl from the community) will lift the veil, ending Mary’s mourning and Holy Week celebrations.  Well, what makes it special is the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir sings during the mass and the ritual.

There’s no place better than Bohol to make your Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, a good try for spiritual journey.  There are many churches to attend services during the Holy Week.

With Holy Week destinations like these, there's enough time for both relaxation and reflection.

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Sara Duterte tells graduates not to marry early

 Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio advised University of Bohol (UB) graduates to be focused on living a fulfilling life, giving back through service and not marrying early during the school’s commencement.

Duterte-Carpio addressed 570 graduates at Friday’s ceremony in Tagbilaran City.

She said that when she saw the graduates she then realized how meaningful to attend one’s graduation. She failed to attend her own graduation ceremonies.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio 

offered an impactful message to the 

graduating students during the 154th 

Commencement Exercises of the University 

of Bohol on Friday afternoon.  

Photo courtesy: Leah Tirol-Magno 

“Nagtana-aw ko sa inyuha teary- eyed ko. You know wala ko muattend sa akong college graduation wala pud ko muattend sa akong law school graduation. Giingnan ra nako akong ginikana nga graduate nako, okay rana,” she said.

 In her speech, she said that graduation was meant for the parents and loved ones.

“Today is the culmination of many years of hardwork and also the beginning of many adventures. This time, the tests will come first and the lessons afterwards. Some tests will be easy, while others might pull you down. But is in your determination to get back up that will reveal the strength of your character,” she said.

She encouraged graduating students to be honest with themselves.

“As much as possible stay true of who you are and never let a hardship will break your character. Do not be afraid to commit mistakes rather be fearful of learning from them,” she said.

She encouraged them to help their families, community and the nation. “I encourage for you to take some time to discern of what will be your contribution to your family, your community and your nation. Know your purpose, make some goals, no matter how small. Basin pa man inyong barangay inyong gitabangan that will contribute to nation building.”

Duterte-Carpio also advised the graduates not to marry early.

 “And third personal note nga gusto nako i-impart this afternoon is ayaw mo pagminyo og sayu. Kay kung minyo namo karun okay lang na pero kadtong dili pa minyo ayaw samo pagminyo palihog og sayo. But you know, wala man ta kahibaw unsay mahitabo ogma ang importante lang you are happy with the decisions that you make,” she said while it elicited cheers, laughter and banter from the crowd.

 Duterte-Carpio briefly stayed for an hour at the graduation ceremony.

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Strange stories on Holy Week

Urban legends that surround Holy Week refuse to die.  In fact, social media seems to have given them a new lease of life.

-Sigbin, a mythical creature that usually appears during the Holy Week. It looks like a kangaroo or a hornless goat with big ears that flap when excited or mad. Sigbins usually like to feast on charcoal. In the absence of charcoal, Sigbins target young children with fresh and clean blood. Sigbins do not physically attack their victims, they just sip their victim’s blood.

-A female vampire who was an OFW is terrorizing the Visayas area. After returning home, she started to crave for human flesh. Known as Maria Labo, she has the ability to change her appearance.

-Some children are abducted or bred for sacrifices days before the Holy Week.  A white van and men in bonnets kidnap children, take out their organs and sell them to people needing organ transplants.

However, last week’s occurrence in Jagna town was so strange that experts have struggled to explain the situation.

Some stories blur the lines between science, spirituality and the supernatural.

At least 10 high school students of Jagna High School in Barangay Bunga Mar were allegedly possessed by evil spirits on Monday morning.

Justino Cesar Arban, a grade 11 teacher, said that some Grade 10 students screamed and fainted inside their classrooms. He said they spoke strange language and displayed freakish strength while being "possessed."

A palpable chill settled over the school that the teachers and students were praying to ward off evil spirits.

Arban, who led the class praying the Holy Rosary to ward off evil spirits, said one of his students chilled and began shouting when they were reciting the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

The students were so scared that the school decided to send the students home.   However, the hysteria spread to four more students on Tuesday. Some of the students got angry when rosaries were hung around their necks.

The school decided to suspend classes on Wednesday and a Holy Mass was held at 9 a.m. at the school ground officiated by Msgr. Orencio Jubac, resident priest of St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church and Fr.  Tereso Lumacang, assistant priest.  It was attended by the teachers, parents, alleged victims and lay people.  

During the Holy Mass, five students were reportedly fainting and having strong muscular convulsions.  They were also speaking in tongues.

Speaking in tongues or glossolalia is a phenomenon in which people appear to speak in languages unknown to them. 

Lumacang said he could not conclude yet if what occurred in the school was a genuine demonic possession. He urged the parents and the community to pray for the children.

At 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the students were brought to St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church for “casting and deliverance.”

According to Jagna Councilor Anthony Aniscal, a village faith healer identified only as Lando told the teachers that the students drew the ire of spirits inhabiting an old kalachuchi tree near the school’s entrance.

The area around the tree has been used as a dump site for the school’s trash. Lando told teachers that the spirits would try to possess all of the school’s students unless the area is cleaned.

A student went to the comfort room near the kalachuchi tree and saw a child before the alleged possession occurred.  The child asked her to buy a candy, but the student chilled and was shouting when the child’s face turned bloody.

Prior to the incident, senior high school students attended a two-day Youth Camp organized by Couples for Christ (CFC)-Bohol last March 10 and 11 at Jagna Central Elem. School.

School principal Christopher Aclan, who refused to talk to reporters, asked his teacher to tell Bohol reporters not to report the incident.

In 2016, 41 female students at the Japer Memorial School in Barangay Catalina in Sagbayan town went into convulsions, screamed and fainted inside their classrooms. Residents believed the hysteria started after a gmelina tree inside the school was cut down. A week after, 22 female students of the San Pascual Academy (SPA) in Barangay San Pascual, Ubay town, exhibited similar behavior believed to be possession.

When I was young, I had witnessed two demonic possessions.  Two of our female neighbors were possessed by evil spirits on different occasions.  As the priests began to pray, the woman slipped into a trance. She spoke in multiple voices-deep, guttural and masculine. When someone secretly sprinkled ordinary water on her, she didn't react. But when holy water was used, she screamed in pain. It took weeks for these women to be completely delivered from evil spirits.

Doctors used to be widely skeptical and they argued that there's no empirical evidence that proves possession is real.

Belief in possession exists in many religious traditions. Some people believe that possession is rare, but real. However, only a trained exorcist could tell if someone is possessed.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks to the importance of knowing the difference between mental illness and demonic actions. It said, “The exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the Evil One, and not an illness.”

According to Jerome Magallen, a Bohol-based psychologist, many cultures still believe that seemingly unprovoked acts of hysteria are caused by spirit possession. He said apart from spiritual modes of therapy, those exhibiting odd behavior should seek medical help.  

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