Where they will spend the holiday break?

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Philippine bet Catriona Gray eyes to bring back the crown to the country at the 2018 edition of Miss Universe to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 17 (Manila time). Representatives from 94 countries from around the world will participate in hopes of becoming the next Miss Universe. Five-time Emmy Award winner, and one of television’s favorite entertainers, Steve Harvey will host with Model, entrepreneur and body activist, Ashley Grahamas backstage host to take viewers behind-the-scenes interacting with the women participating in the competition. Three-time Grammy award-winning NE-YO will perform. TV personality and style guruCarson Kressley and supermodel and pageant expert Lu Sierra team up once again as competition insiders to provide analysis and commentary throughout the live telecast.

 

Meeting the man she was named after.  Bohol’s
Chocolate Princess Dalareich Polot met for the
first time Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan in a meeting arranged
 by Bishop Abet Uy and Pastor Ben Avidnigo Vallente. 

Scene: For the first time, Bohol's Chocolate Princess Dalareich Polot met the man she was named after. During a house to house campaign 31 years ago, Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan gave the name “Dalareich”. Dalareich posted on Facebook that the meet-up/celebration was unplanned and it was arranged by Bishop Abet Uy and Pastor Ben Avidnigo Vallente. “This meet up/ celebration was not written in our calendars. We had different plans” she said.  “Can't wait for your book soonest but I'm glad you are not a politician anymore. HaHaHa,” she added.

 

Scene: The tallest Santa Claus is found in Sierra Bullones town and not in Pilar as reported by VRS last issue. My apologies. Your VRS has been reporting that the tallest Santa Claus is found in Sierra Bullones for the past years on GMA and Inquirer.

 

Scene:  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol province just launched the shared service facility (SSF) for the differently abled members of the Bohol PWD Association, Inc. The project, Blind's Music and Recording Studio, will allow the members to record their songs.  The project is supported by the provincial  government of Bohol,  Tagbilaran City Government and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

 

 

 

***

Christmas is the perfect time for families and friends to spend some quality time together and reconnect. A lot of our friends are spending quality time with their loved ones here and abroad. Taking a break from their hectic schedules, they take the opportunity to create precious moments with their families and friends.

 

See how some of our friends will spend the holidays:

 

Maria Fe Evasco

NFA-Bohol manager

“I will spend my Christmas holidays with my family by enjoying my Mom's homecooked Christmas recipes. It's our family tradition to host the Christmas dinner for our relatives and close friends on December 24 after which we play fun games and exchange gifts. We pray the holy rosary before 12 midnight to welcome the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Ferome Almine

Events host/organizer

“I’ll spend my holidays with my family. I am planning to have a special dinner with my relatives and friends, in a way to celebrate Christmas.  I will also attend a Mass. Actually, I have a little time for holidays because of my work and business.”

 

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting

Educator and cultural worker

“Since 2007, Christmas was no longer the same as it was before. I dread the coming of this season but I am more anxious how to spend it being alone. The merriment of families in their homes just makes me feel so alone. But it doesn’t mean I don’t celebrate the season. I still do.  I am hoping wounds in the past will heal. I usually pack gifts for some special people in my life. I love the thought of a family eating together during noche buena which isn't the practice in our family being raised by our grandparents who are now with our Creator. So basically, my Christmas this year would be an all ‘me’ time.”

 

Willy Ramasola

Tennis enthusiast/social media influencer

“By eating and drinking and playing golf tennis and bonding with family and friends.”

 

Benjie Oliva

Public servant and CDA administrator

“We will spend our holidays in our beautiful island paradise of Bohol. With my wife Joan and two kids- Edelle Ross and Ben Victor, we would like to visit new tourist destinations like the waterfalls and rice terraces in Candijay, San Pedro Calungsod Shrine in Jagna, highland organic vegetables in Sierra Bullones and Jagna, dairy farm in Ubay among others. We will have also gift giving to children in Catigbian and visit family friends. We will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ for the first time as a family in Catigbian.”

 

Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs–Wallace

Former beauty queen and entrepreneur

“Christmas is about family. I will spend the holidays with my husband and kids. On the 24th, we will be celebrating our Christmas party with my husband's side, while on the 25th, we will go back to my home town in Garcia Hernandez to celebrate Christmas with my mom and dad. And the kids are really excited to open their gifts.  My uncle just came from the United States, so spending time at the upper barrio with them will be a good idea.”

 

Butch Bernas

Cultural worker/educator

“I will spend quality time with my family on Christmas. I also plan to visit snow world in Cebu with my special someone and to visit the white beaches of the Visayan Islands.”

 

JP Maslog

Traveler

“I will spend the Christmas holiday with my loved ones and family.”

 

Joshua Lillehagen

Sandugo Festival King 2018

“We do celebrate Christmas in our family. But for the last four years we are away most of the time for Christmas in different countries. We were in Bahrain in 2014, London in 2015, New York in 2016, Australia 2017. This year, we will be in Oman for Christmas the country where I was born.”

 

Mikey Gatal,

US-based socialite

“I will attend a wedding in the Big Apple. I look forward to travel some in the middle of December to attend a special and will be attended by intimate people in New York. I am so excited because it would be my first to see the Big Apple during Christmas Season.”

 

***

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

Duterte sings ‘Ikaw’ with Loboc Children’s Choir

By the time you are reading this corner, the holiday season must already be in full swing. Christmas is the most exciting time of the year.

VRS wants to hear and see your best, most spectacular story and images of Christmas where you live.

What is Christmas like for you? What do your decorations or lights look like this year? What holiday traditions do you celebrate? Will you be attending particular Christmas events such as Simbang Gabi? If you do not celebrate Christmas, how will you spend the holidays?

Send your story and favorite images of your Christmas celebrations to leoudtohan@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured in VRS.

***

Over the years, our province of Bohol has had its share of presidential visits.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte was invited as a special guest during the inauguration of the new Bohol Panglao International Airport.

President Rodrigo Duterte listened to the Loboc 

Children’s Choir during the inauguration of the Bohol Panglao

 International Airport. Photo by  Leo Udtohan

When the Mr. Duterte arrived at the airport from Carmen town, the word-class Loboc Children’s Choir headed by  their conductress Alma Taldo sang “Ikaw.”

Mr. Duterte stopped.  He was seen smiling while hearing the music but eventually came closer and joined the children in singing the song.

This was not the first time Duterte was seen singing “Ikaw” in public. Duterte also sang the same song  during the gala dinner for the guests at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit front of regional and world leaders and during his visit abroad particularly during his meeting with the Filipino community in other countries.

***

My friends forwarded these tips traveler should do at the airport:

1) Arrive early at the airport. It is advised that you arrive at least 3-4 hours before your flight unlike before at the small Tagbilaran Airport that you could come 45 minutes before the flight.

2) Make sure you have all your travel documents with you.

3) Always check airport security guidelines to avoid hassle.

And, some friends forwarded these tips and reminders (they culled from Facebook) for passengers while at the new airport (for the meantime):

1.) Before leaving home, please bring your own food and drinks or you may buy those in Tagbilaran City as food stalls are scarce. (Drinking water are provided but bring your own empty bottles to refill)

2.) Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)  and money changer are not yet available so please bring cash before going to the airport.

Former provincial board member and AirAsia Capt. Jaja Jumamoy 

 (with Helen Castano) was the first female pilot to fly

 a jet to the new airport.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

3.) Accessibility is very limited to public utility vehicles. A private bus company is providing a ride to/from the airport terminal via Integrated Bus Terminal in Dao, Tagbilaran City near Island City Mall (ICM) for a cost: Regular pax: Php50.00 / Senior Citizen and Student Privilege discount: Php40.00. 

BUS TERMINAL- AIRPORT TERMINAL
First trip: 4:00AM 6:00AM
Last trip: 5:00PM 6:00PM
Interval: EVERY 30 MINS.
Travel time: 30-45 minutes

4.) No evening flights were added and flights schedules were retained from old TAG Airport.

5.) Public Wi-Fi is good for 30 mins only. (#SmartWifi@PIIA)

6.) Please be in the airport at least 3 hours before the SCHEDULED TIME OF DEPARTURE (STD) to avoid missing your flight.

*Online check-in (at least 4 hours before STD) is highly suggested.*

7.) Triple check the items inside your baggage if its allowed for check-in and hand carry inside the cabin. Please refer to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and your airline for
baggage policies.
- http://www.ots.gov.ph/images/memos/mc-2015-02.pdf
- https://www.cebupacificair.com/pages/plan-trip/conditions-of-carriage/cebupacific-general-terms-
and-conditions-of-carriage
-https://www.philippineairlines.com/TravelInformation/BeforeYouFly/BaggageInformation/RestrictedItems
- https://support.airasia.com/s/article/What-items-are-prohibited-en?language=en_GB

Mr. Duterte joined the Loboc Children’s Choir 

in singing the song “Ikaw.” Photo by  Leo Udtohan

8.) TERMINAL FEE :DOMESTIC FLIGHTS - included in tickets
INT'L FLIGHTS - Php500.00

TRAVEL TAX - pax with international flights only. Please refer to Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) counter or website.
- http://tieza.gov.ph/

PASSENGER RIGHTS COMPLAINTS - please refer to Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) desk or website.
- https://www.cab.gov.ph/

Enjoy your new experience in the first eco-airport in the Philippines. Bon voyage!

***

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

The Bohol Panglao International Airport is now a reality

Many people think that the airport as a community's front door as it helps an individual’s overall perception of a destination.

Over the past few years, Bohol’s economic landscape has greatly improved. A new era for Bohol’s tourism is emerging, with the opening of high-end luxury hotels and resorts in Panglao Island, enticing more visitors to bask in indulgence and relaxation.

Tourism makes up 90 percent of Bohol’s industry and tourists are expected to swell with the new airport.

After three decades, the once “airport in the sand” is now a reality.

The P7.8-billion Panglao Island International Airport, renamed Bohol Panglao International Airport, is set to open on Nov. 27, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It will replace the small Tagbilaran Airport, the current Bohol gateway and the 11th busiest airport in the Philippines.

DOTr said the airport would be the country’s first eco-airport to be dubbed “Green Gateway to the World.”

Your VRS with provincial Ae Damalerio at the
 new airport during a media tour last August.  

Bohol officials consider the new airport an economic landmark and a game changer for the province’s progress.

“An airport acts as a driver of economic growth and development across all sectors. This will expand the production possibility frontiers of Bohol, the region and the country,” Gov. Edgar Chatto said.

The benefits of an international airport far outweigh its perceived challenges, Chatto said.

It serves as a backup facility to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, especially if flights need to be diverted during emergency.

As another entry point to the country, it helps ease airport operations in Manila and other cities while boosting Bohol’s connectivity to other destinations in the country and abroad.

Chatto said the new airport would attract more investments, particularly those related to tourism, and generate local jobs and livelihood.

“If a farming family is able to sell their produce to a hotel or restaurant, is that not a benefit to ordinary Boholanos? If the members of Tubigon Loomweavers Cooperative are able to sell their products to foreign buyers, is that not good for the local economy? If our drivers, boatmen, tour guides, room service staff, masseurs and reflexologists are able to secure sustained employment, is that not a benefit to ordinary Boholanos?” he asked.

Chatto described tourism as “one of the world’s largest and most resilient industries with 10 percent of global workforce.”

 “Its multiplier effect on various industries stimulates the local economy, which results in reduction of poverty,” he added.

Having an international airport has been the dream of five Bohol governors—Contancio Torralba, David Tirol, Rene Relampagos, Erico Aumentado and Chatto—and six presidents—Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III and Rodrigo Duterte.

The project idea started in the late 1980s, during Torralba’s term, but public interest somehow waned. It was revived during the time of Aumentado that drew the support of Arroyo though it had only a P1-billion budget.

On May 8, 2008, Arroyo laid the time capsule for the P4.2-billion airport in Panglao. The project went in limbo after the event.

It was only during the term of Aquino that it finally moved.

On Sept. 4, 2012, the National Economic and Development Authority gave the green light for the airport’s construction in a resolution.

Funding would come from the Official Development Assistance instead of the public-private partnership, a government program for infrastructure-building that allows the private sector to participate in any of the schemes authorized under the build-operate-transfer law.

On March 27, 2013, the Japan International Cooperation Agency signed an agreement with the Philippines to build Panglao Island International Airport at 10.78 billion yen under the project name New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Project.

Construction began in June 2015.

When then President Aquino visited the project site on March 4, 2016, he said he was looking forward to coming back to Bohol no longer as the Chief Executive but as a tourist. He might just be able to do that soon.

***

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

Kurt Gerona: ‘Guwapo’ inside and out

The Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)-Otso episodes were packed with a lot of events. Last week, it showcased the first nomination night, first eviction and the first Star Dreamer who was voted in by the public to become a new housemate.

When Criza left Camp Star Hunt, a new teenager was introduced: Kurt Gerona, an 18-year-old half-Spanish, half-Filipino lad from Bohol.

Kurt Gerona, an 18-year-old half-Spanish, half-Filipino
 lad from Bohol, enters PBB-Otso.
Photo courtesy: The Art Nouveau

Kurt, who earns the moniker, “Pilyo Gwapito ng Bohol,” is now in Camp Star Hunt and will compete with seven other Star Dreamers to become an official teen housemate.

“It was really unexpected. I auditioned for Starhunt then I got a VTR two days after. I had surpassed the 5th levels of auditions,” he told VRS before he went to Bahay ni Kuya.

He was told by the show producers for another level of procedures and interviews again.

“It wasn’t in my mind because who have thought I would have this chance,” he said.

He said he was unprepared when the show producers called him during his birthday. (He turned 18 last Nov. 19. He described himself as "Sweet 18!”)

“I was a bit nervous but still eager to face everything there. I underwent lots of examinations, panel interviews and photo shoots,” Kurt said.

Kurt , who hails from Dauis town, is a Grade 12 student at Holy Name University.  He was Mr. HNU Intramurals 2017 and  4th runner-up in Alturas Campus Icon 2017. He loves taekwando and online games. 

It was Khim (Roger Ryan Laway Magtagad in real life) who discovered him. His classmates- The Art Nouveau (TAN) models Danica Mahumot, Dianne Ingles and Kyla Recio- persuaded him to join the talent agency. His mother Maria Fe Bolotaulo approved his decision.

“I was approached if I was interested to be part of TAN. I gladly accepted it because I want to explore myself,” said Kurt who considered Khim as his guardian.

Khim also persuaded him to audition for ABSCBN’s Starhaunt.

Kurt said he was surprised for the “Pilyo Guwapito” tag.

“I was surprised sa tag name "Pilyo Gwapito Ng Bohol" because in real life sa tinuod ka pagkatawo tahimik ko at mapagmahal. Pero sabi nila they based it daw sa physical appearance ko kaya okey na rin,” he said.

   Kurt Gerona (2nd row, left) with manager Khim
 (center)  and fellow TAN models.
Photo courtesy: The Art Nouveau

 caption

He added, “Guwapo for me is not only the physical features of the man. It will also best to say that guwapo ka if you have a good heart.  And you know how to deal with others.”

He confessed that he is a “mama’s boy.”

Khim said Kurt like other TAN “is good, kind and generous.”

“He is a silent type person,” said Khim. “I love his style and fashion taste.”

What is his ultimate dream?

“If given the chance I want to be an actor.  Maging member ng HASHTAGs.  It’s my dream that’s why I joined Starhunt,” he said.

Will it be easy for Kurt to get along with his fellow Star Dreamers? Let’s find out by not missing an episode of PBB Otso, weeknights after Halik on Primetime Bida and weekends at 7:30 pm.

To support Kurt in his PBB-Otso journey, you can like and share his official Facebook page: Andrew Cook; KurtAccOfficial@Twitter; KURTsTROOPOFCL ( for FANsCLUB ) and Kurt Andrew Gerona  on
Instagram. 

Their real names will surprise you

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  The Shark Conservation Week and the 3rd Shark Summit was held in Bohol. Highlights of the three-day event were the Baby Shark Dance Challenge, mural painting and fora.   

Scene: Erik Karcher of (Ramp Model Association of Bohol (RMAB) was crowned Mister Continental International Tourism 2018.

Mural artist and eco-lifestyle advocate Anina Rubio 

(wearing white shirt) with Liza Macalandag of Baji Arts Collective

 of Bohol during the community painting mural in Tagbilaran City

 for the 3^rd Shark Summit 2018.  Photo by Leo Udtohan 

 

Scene: Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) opened the Central Visayas Regional Science and Technology Week 2018 held at the Island City Mall. Various science and technology booths and exhibits also highlighted the event.   The main exhibit area was divided into different sections, which showcased present and upcoming science and technology innovations at home, at school, in the workplace, and in agriculture, as well as opportunities for scholarships and financial assistance from DOST and its partner agencies. Some of the highlights of the exhibit were 1:1 scale models of the Diwata-2 microsatellite and the Maya-1 cube satellite, a flight simulator with Filipino-developed components, and the OneSTore hub, which featured products from local small and medium enterprises.

Scene: A socialite VRS shared that a (young) lawmaker was in a hurry to return to Tagbilaran. However, the fastcraft already left, 15 minutes before he arrived at Cebu port.  “Do you who I am? I am a (name of place) Councilor,” the demanding lawmaker told staff. Other passengers were amused because he demanded the boat to return to the pier.  VRS said the staff who were snarky didn’t pay attention to address his concern since the lawmaker was “wael” (not known) in Cebu. “Don’t be late,” advised VRS.  “Now I know that being in the position is an entitlement,” laughed VRS.

***

A VRS reader suggested that a little story should be told about (screen-) naming people for a (refreshing) change.  Good idea, isn’t it?

When Hollywood system started, people commonly took simplified version of their names to make them easier for people to say or remember.

Giving pet names to our significant others, we take it to a whole new level. The (pet name/screen name) name has to be unique, short and cinematic, easy to recall and possibly with a rhythmic ring to it.

Their real names: Not many people know that
AR dela Serna is Alberto Rodulfo dela Serna,
Scarlet’s real name is Leah Scarnet and Rich
Asuncion is Richelle Angalot. Contributed Photos

Here are names of famous Boholanos whose real names might surprise you.

• Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap was born John Geesnell Yap II.  He was known as “Baba” for short, and just kept it.

• Manila-based fashion designer Mikee Andrei (as she is affectionately called) was born as Michael Tejano.

• Actress and performer Scarlet/Laiilette was born Leah Scarnet but goes by her screen name Scarlet.  This clearly seems to have worked in her favor, considering her teleserye and film career.

 • Actress-beauty queen Rich Asuncion became a household name through GMA’s Starstruck, was not born Rich. Her real name is Richelle Angalot. Two months after they got married, actress Rich Asuncion and her husband Benjamin Mudie are expecting their first child.

• Nobody knew why former CabSec  Leoncio Evasco, Jr.  was nicknamed “Toloy.”

• The gorgeous Dauis Mayor Miriam Sumaylo should be Marietta Tocmo-Sumaylo. But people called her “Miriam” with endearment.

• It was his father that gave him the name (Bohol 2^nd district Rep.) Erico Aristotle Aumentado to distinguish one Erico (Erico Jr and Erico Angelo) from the other. But people called him “Aris” for short, just a cool name.

• Board Member Benjie Arcamo (Venzencio Arcamo), provincial legal  officer  Boloy Boiser (Mitchell John Boiser) , provincial administrator Ae Damalerio (Alfonso Damalerio II),  Inabanga Mayor Roygie Jumamoy (Josephine Socorro Jumamoy),  Batuan Mayor Dodo Jumawid (Antonino Jumawid) and Panglao councilor Aya Montero (Amira Alia).

• BQ Mall’s magnate RG Ong is Reginald Ong in real life.

• Eventologist Mizken was born Kenneth Tirol Andan. However, she took the name “Mizken” to match her personality after using “Kenneth” during her ABS-CBN years.

• Model and the first Mister Supranational-Philippines 2016 AR dela Serna was born Alberto Rodulfo dela Serna.  

• Famous designer and the pillar of the Fashion Institute of the Philippines Shanon Pamaong was baptized Luciano Pamaong, Jr.

• Event planner and organizer LJ Lumayag was born Gibyrlou Ma. Lumayag. His friends and wife called him “LJ.”

• Media personalities in Bohol: Willie Maestrado (Manolito Maestrado), Jun Gutierrez  (Alfredo Gutierrez), Fred Araneta (Teofredo Araneta), BJ Alba (Pacita Torralba), Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Batoy (Gerarda Batoy) and Loay Councilor Tibbs Bullecer (Tiburcio Bullecer, Jr).  

Other famous names in Bohol are EJ Relampagos and Tracy Remolador Torres whose real names remained a mystery.

***

New doctors named

Four years of pre-medical course, four years of medical education, and one year of post-graduate internship condensed into two gruelling months of review. The fruitful years of medical practice commence as we welcome yet again the new batch of young Boholano doctors into the medical community.

Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, the sole training institution in the entire province of Bohol, is home to these 16 new doctors where they served their 1 year of PGIship.

The new doctors are:

The new 16 doctors who served their internship
 at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital
in Tagbilaran City. Contributed Photo 

Dr. Rovi Valerie Baguhin from Tagbilaran City, a graduate of Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine

Dr. Janelyn Daguro-Cero from Sikatuna, Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine

Dr. Hannah Maryse Cespon from Lila, Southwestern University

Dr. Lemuel Garsuta from Tagbilaran City,  Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Katrina Logarta from Tagbilaran City, Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Kristin Monte de Ramos - Managaytay, from Tagbilaran City, Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine

Dr. Ralph Edmund Recamadas of Municipality of Loon, Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Luvimae M. Tambis of Baclayon, a graduate of Gullas College of Medicine

Dr. Roy Benzon from Naga, Cebu, a graduate of Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine

Dr. Leo Val Adalla from Dumaguete City, Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Christian Keane Aguilar from Zamboanga , Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Kim Arvin Chan from Siquijor, Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Janus June Madrid from Bukidnon, Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Ruzz Jeremy Montejo from Dumaguete City, Silliman University Medical School

Dr. Carlene Nerez from Cebu City, Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine

Dr. Raiza Reina Ulangkaya from Aklan, Iloilo Doctors Universty

16 out of the 16 examinees from GCGMH passed.

***

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

Crispy and tasty lechon belly? Try Tijan’s

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Boholano Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) administrator Benjie Oliva received the Pillars of Youth Leadership Award 2018 from the National Youth Parliament at Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City.

Scene: GUGMA charity concert and album launching at Coclea Lounge Bar on Nov. 12. Ticket price: P200.

Scene: "Stick to the truth even it hurts you," said retired Judge Helen Cabatos during the necrological Mass for her husband human rights lawyer Artemio Cabatos on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 4.  in Valencia town, Bohol. Atty. Tim was tagged as a "rebel" for fighting against extrajudicial killings and the rights of farmers in Visayas. Cause-oriented and progressive groups such as Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (Humabol), Karapatan, Gabriel-Bohol gave their “labing taas nga pagsaludo” (highest salute).

***

In almost any occasion in the country, lechon is a must. It is the star during fiestas, Christmas and other major celebrations. Famous chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain had rated our lechon the best in the world.

Luckily we no longer have to go to Cebu, home to tastiest and excellent lechon, boneless or otherwise—for delicious boneless pork roast. We can have a taste of Cebu’s lechon since businesses in the city are now serving flavorful slabs of lechon belly.

   Pork lechon belly like of Tijan’s Boneless Lechon Inato
is slowly becoming part of Bohol’s special occasions.
Photos Courtesy: GMA News

Food experts, foodies and certified lechon lovers can recommend where to find the best “lechon” in the province.

One is “Tijan’s Boneless Lechon Inato,” run by couple Tina and Jan Dumas in Tagbilaran.  Jan, whose passion is cooking, created the boneless lechon belly recipe stuffed with herbs and spices.

“I was inspired to start Tijan’s because lechon here is a bit expensive,” says Jan.

Tijan’s lechon belly is similar to the traditional Cebu lechon, which is roasted slowly over a pit of smoldering charcoal. The only difference is that the whole boneless belly, not the entire pig, is roasted the old fashion way to yummy perfection.

“I wanted to make lechon which is affordable enough that the whole family and barkadas can enjoy the traditional lechon we love to eat,” he says.

Jan coined the name “Tijan’s” from his wife’s name Tina, and his name, “Tijan’s” as a reference to the Cebuano term for belly—“tiyan” or “tijan” if you are really a Boholano.

In Nov. 2016, Jan started Tijan’s Boneless Lechon Inato with just a little investment, one brick oven and a few printed delivery boxes.

Instead of delivering a whole lechon, Tijan’s delivers boxes of lechon with all the aromas and flavors of lechon, utilizing his favorite part—the belly.

The business started with an offering of just three sizes: family, which could feed 3-5 persons; barkada, good for 8-10; and party, good for 15-20.

Couple Tina and Jan Dumas of Tijan’s Boneless Lechon Inato.
Photo by Leo Udtohan

Jan would sometimes personally deliver the lechon to pork lovers in the city.  Soon, from offering primarily in the city, they started also delivering to Panglao, Jagna, Ubay, up to Cebu and Manila.

Jan had to stop his work at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to concentrate on their business. Tina, who is a guidance counselor at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School in Tagbilaran, is helping him during free time.  

The lechon is cooked fresh every day, flavored with salt and pepper, spring onions, garlic and lemongrass, among others. Roasted until the skin is bright-gold and very crisp, it has an aroma that fills the air and makes one gulp in hunger and anticipation.

It took Jan almost a year to perfect the taste. He points out: “No sauce needed because the flavor is sealed in the meat.”

You can choose between original and spicy. One slab of the lechon belly, usually two kilos, is good for eight to 10 people. A kilo is P500.

“You’re getting your money’s worth because you can eat it up to the last piece,” says Tina.

Orders must be made one day in advance.  Customers may call for delivery, or they may pick up.

“Best of all, Tijan’s lechon is very affordable,” adds Tina. It is only P1,000 (small or for the family size), P1,500 (medium or for the barkada size) and P2,000 (large or for the party size).

What keeps the Dumas’ couple inspired to continue the business is the positive feedback they get from their satisfied customers.

“Since Boholanos are food lovers, Tijan’s boneless lechon is easy to market,” Tina says.

Tina and Jan shared the different ways to enjoy the boneless lechon: Eat with rice (the lechon is rich, crunchy and tasty that you don’t need a sauce), with a cold beer (make sure your beer is extra cold) and with bread (pan Bohol, pan de sal and slice bread). The bread goes great with the tender and juicy meat and the crunchy laced with sinful fat—the explosion of textures and flavors will leave you wanting more.

Kagumkum (Crunchy)!!

Tijan’s Boneless Lechon Inato, Palma Street, Tagbilaran City. Text/call 0907-799-2983/0909-891-3770.

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