Tradition of ‘bolibong kingking’ lives on in Loboc

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 2nd Pamakwan Festival in Dimiao town on Saturday, May 25. In Dimiao, farmers grow different variety f watermelons- they vary widely in taste, texture and color. The town grows the sweetest watermelon in the province that visitors can buy directly from the farmers during the festival.

Scene: At least 500 stakeholders from civil societies and people’s organizations convened here to strengthen further local anti-poverty initiatives by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) as it introduced a five-year strategic framework development plan or the “Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanan”. Present were NAPC Secretary Noel Felongco and Boholana Usec Pat Ruiz.

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Last Friday was my nth time attending the annual “bolibongkingking” in Loboc town. It was US-based insurance broker and travel specialist Andy Digal Doria who reminded me that the dance would start at 11  a.m.  But sadly, Andy missed it!

At the St Peter the Apostle Parish, I saw a woman who was dancing for almost two hours in front of the caro (carriage) of the Black Madonna.

Prof. Grace Odal-Devora, Ph.D. of the University of the Philippines- Manila joins residents of Loboc in Bohol province in dancing the "bolibong kingking," a time-honored tradition of the town in honor of the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura. Photo by  Leo Udtohan 

It was easy to spot her in the crowd not just she donned in white and flowers adorned her head but people watched her body gestures, expressions leading to a graceful storytelling- that would feel inspired to see her passion.

Later, I learned it’s the famous Prof. Grace Odal-Devora, a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the Philippines-Manila. After the dance, she told me that it was her first time to dance the “bolibong kingking,” a ritual devotion of dance and music that survives for centuries as residents still perform it in honor to the town’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Extremadura (Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura).

“Kasi alay yun (It was an offering),” said Devora, an expert on ceremonies, shamanism, ritual, and dance.

She said her visit to Loboc was to reconnect her roots and continue the vow of her father, a devotee of the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura, who passed away in 2007.

She said that coming to hometown of her father in Dec. 2018 would lead her to discovering her own spiritual dance offering practice that started in 1985.

In Loboc, she found the expansion of her dance not only to the indigenous and pre-colonial dances, the Inter - Faith dance offerings, and now to the folk dances mixing the indigenous and traditional with the mainstream religious traditions in dances leading to the creation of folk traditional dances, including that of people's dances.

As a time-honored tradition, parents bring their children
in front of the statue of La Virgen Guadalupe de Extremadura
while dancing the "bolibong kingking" in Loboc, Bohol.
Photos by Leo Udtohan 

“Bolibong kingking” refers to the practice of  dancing in front of the caro (carriage) of a patron saint with the accompaniment of percussion instruments like gongs and drums. It is authentic, charming, and filled with life in every dance, move and story.

People in coastal areas such as Maribojoc and Tagbilaran call it “basao,”  while interior towns like Loboc, Sevilla  and Bilar call it “bong bolibong kingking” now known as  “bolibong kingking.” In Panglao town, people call it “guronggong.”

The “Basao” or “Bong Bolibong Kingking” is a unique and interesting practice in a fiesta in Bohol usually done after the Pontifical Mass until the next two days.

There is a variety of dance steps in other places but one thing is common, the dancers usually touch a part of their body that has an ailment. They believe that dancing in front of an image of a saint would heal their afflictions.

Men played the drums and gong accompanied by the symbolic dance ritual mirroring the people’s belief to the Lady. 

Devora said since the particular dancing style was not required, she did her own dancing, mixing her own inner-flowing movements with trying to follow what the others were doing.

“I am happy to see that many old women who had the vow of dancing for the Blessed Mother, dancing with great skill. I also saw many women and men of various ages, sizes and form, dancing. We were collectively dancing towards one harmony, despite our similar and diverse movements: a unity in diversity,” she later posted on Facebook.

Some parents carry and offer their infants while in front of the patron saint’s statue. Others wave their handkerchiefs or hold up candles to the statue of the saint.

In the Visayas, Catholic faithful venerates two black Madonnas- the Virgin de la Regla of Lapulapu and the Virgin de Guadalupe de Caceres (Extremadura) in Loboc town.

The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe originated  from the hilly town Guadalupe  in Spanish region of Extremadura, close to the Portuguese border.

Like its Bohol descendant, the Spanish image is dressed like a queen, stands erect, and holds the Child in one arm. Both the mother and child are dark-skinned, and belong to the tradition of the “Black Madonnas” of medieval Western Europe.

Church records said the Augustinian Recollect brought the image of the Lady carved from black wood and stands 7 feet high.

The image was placed on a crate and was intended for veneration in Tagbilaran.  Since the people found it hard to open the enclosure of Our Lady, they chose to let her stay inside the crate while visiting several parishes in Tagbilaran.

The image went to as far as Carmen town overlooking the town of Loboc that was then plagued by a cholera epidemic that killed many people. However, feeling responsible for ignoring Loboc of the visitation of Our Lady  they pursued in bringing the image of the Lady to the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul on May 24, 1843.

And the crate bearing the image of the Lady was unlocked without difficulty. The Lobocanons with grief and with hope turned to Our Lady. There was a miraculous healing of the people during the outbreak which was attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura.

When the St. Peter the Apostle Parish or the Loboc Church was destroyed by the strong earthquake in Oct. 15, 2013, it didn’t stop residents and devotees to dance. Although it was held in a makeshift church  and in the  alternative church up to this year.

The Loboc Church is one of the four churches damaged or ruined by the 2013 earthquake in Bohol.

It is now nearing complete reconstruction with the churches of Cortes, Maribojoc and Loon.

Loboc’s San Pedro Apostol and Cortes’s Santo Niño churches were severely damaged during the 2013 earthquake while Loon’s Nuestra Señora de la Luz church and Maribojoc’s Santa Cruz church were totally ruined.

Spearheading the restoration and reconstruction of these churches and related structures is the National Museum.

The traditional dance, however, is struggling to attract younger followers. The challenge of keeping this tradition alive will depend on the residents.  Loboc has a population of 16,000.

For Marites Jala, 44, a resident of  Sitio Soso in Barangay Villaflor, dancing the “bolibongking” is not just a tradition but an exercise as well.  The catchy music can entice even the most die-hard, wallflower to move.

Residents dance the "bolibong kingking" believed to be a healing ritual wherein the faithful sway their bodies, especially the aching parts, in front of the image of the Blessed Virgin.

Jala brought her daughter, Anne Marae, 7, to dance together with other devotees.

“I want her to grow good, humble and God-fearing,” said Jala who was also taught to dance by her parents when she was a kid.

She said she wants her three children to observe the “bolibong kingking”  while a number of young people interest dwindled in the “age of smartphone.”

Loboc has been enjoying a tourism boom with its floating restaurant at the Loboc river and inclination to music as the home of the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir.  But the “bolibong kingking” is seen only on May 23 and 24.

But Devora has another mission: to help preserve and continue the devotion.

“Gusto ko nga mag-survive kaya ngayon nag-decide ako next year pupunta ulit ako para maging tradisyon. Kasi ang feeling ko  nag-cocontribute yung positive energy mo if you participate. Actually, it creates some effect in people around you, they get encouraged,” she said.

(I want this tradition to survive. And now I decided to come back next year to become a tradition for me.  I have the feeling that your positive energy overflows if you participate. Actually, it creates some effect in people around you, they get encouraged.)

“Ako naman ipagpatuloy ko yung  (I would continue my) offering  because that’s where I was called to do,” she added.

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

Election 2019: Who were the winners and losers?

Ex-youth leader is youngest incoming Bohol board member

It is clear after Monday’s election that the color blue turned out to be the favorite color during the 2019 midterm elections.  

Padayon Bol-anon did gain a clear majority in the towns, added more seats and scored victories in the provincial race. 

Both sides, the Tinuod nga Bol-anon and Padayon Bol-anon,  are claiming the results as a victory. So who really came out on top? 

Add captionvsFormer Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
leader Frans Garcia (second from left) was
proclaimed as one of the three board members
in the second district of Bohol on Tuesday night,
May 14. She is said to be the
youngest provincial lawmaker elected
for the midterm elections. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Here is a look at the winners and losers from Monday: 

There were two winners who were proclaimed on Tuesday, May 14.  They were Bohol Second District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Board Member Alexie Tutor.

Aumentado, who was reelected after winning by a huge margin over his opponent, was accompanied by his wife Vanessa, mother Greenie, and his siblings.

Aumentado thanked his supporters for their unwavering support.

“I promise to continue to help you in whatever way I can,” he told VRS after the proclamation.

Tutor was also proclaimed representative of Bohol’s third district with her husband reelected Candijay Mayor Christopher Tutor and family.

A former youth leader from the Carlos P. Garcia Island, is now an incoming board member of the province. She would occupy one of the three seats in the Provincial Board for the second district of Bohol.

Frans Garcia, a former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leader, also was Barangay Captain in Tugas on Carlos P. Garcia Island before running for the board member.

Images during the canvassing and proclamation
of winners at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, New Capitol. Photos: Leo Udtohan

At 26, Garcia is the youngest elected provincial lawmaker for this midterm election.

Outgoing Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol’s 3rd district is now the new governor of the province after he defeated former Cabinet secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. by 2,161 votes. He got 326,895 votes, while Evasco received 324,734 votes.

Yap, who was with wife Carol and some supporters, was proclaimed at 3 a.m. on Thursday, May 16,  after the canvassing of the returns from Panglao town, the last municipality to submit the election returns due to defective SD cards.

“I thank the Boholanos for giving me the opportunity to serve them. It’s a big pride for me and my family,” Yap who said in the vernacular.

The star power of President Duterte and his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio didn't work magic for their close friend Evasco.

Even before Yap was proclaimed, Evasco announced plans to contest the result and ask the Commission on Election (Comelec) to declare a failure of elections in Bohol due to massive vote buying.

 In a statement on Wednesday, Evasco, 74, said he heard reports of vote-buying employed by the camp of Yap in nearly all towns of the province and in Tagbilaran City.

"The possibility of defeat was therefore no longer a remote possibility. And yet, I did not entertain fear because I was well aware of the enormous task and responsibility that an electoral victory would bring," he said.

Images during the May 13, 2019 midterm elections.
 Everyone, both young and old, of different
 backgrounds and social classes, exercise their
right to vote. Photos: Leo Udtohan

Evasco said he instructed the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)-Bohol and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP)-Bohol to prepare the filing of a petition to declare a failure of elections in the province. He said it didn't matter to him if the Comelec would grant or deny his request.

"I wish I can say the people have spoken, but that would be a monumental lie. This is not my fight. It has never been. But I will fight it to my last breath because it is a fight of the Boholano people and because they deserve nothing less,” he said.

But Yap, in a separate statement, maintained that there was no failure of elections in Bohol and that the Boholanos merely decided to choose him.

"The people have spoken. I have won this election," he added.

The battle between Yap and Evasco had been likened as the fight between the Biblical story of David and Goliath.

But it was Yap, the official candidate of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan for governor for Bohol, who was viewed as the Goliath since he had the machinery and the money to fuel his gubernatorial bid.

Evasco opted to run under the NPC since it had been his party ever since. He also ran on the campaign slogan of the “real Boholano” since Yap was not a native of the province but was based here after he married a Boholana.

While he didn't have enough financial resources to run his candidacy, Evasco was banking on the popularity of President Duterte and Mayor Duterte-Carpio who both endorsed the candidacy of Evasco during their rallies here.

During his miting de avance in Hernando-Garcia town, President Duterte took time to fly to Bohol to make a sales pitch for his old friend who had been with him when he was a prosecutor in Davao. Yap, however, chose to have a series of rallies to cap his campaign on May 9. But his attraction in his rallies in the towns of Dauis, Maribojoc and Balilihan and Tagbilaran City was popular actor, Coco Martin.

During the campaign, Evasco refused to do the sing-and-dance route and instead, chose to speak before his audience. But Yap, on the other hand, didn't focus much on speech but sang his way to the hearts of his audience. His favorite repertoire was the Filipino ballad – Remember Me by Renz Verano. During the election day, reports came out that 2 P100 bills were tucked in the sample ballots of Yap who denied these came from his camp.

The canvassing in the province, however, didn't go smoothly. Eight SD cards were found defective and had to be reconfigured at the Comelec office in Cebu City. These SD cards contained the returns from the towns of Sagbayan, Tubigon and Panglao towns.

 While the canvassing resumed on Wednesday night, about 300 supporters of Evasco held a prayer-vigil in front of the Capitol to protect the uncanvassed ballots at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Dr. Sharleen Lim, who lost mayoral bid to her nephew, Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, said the prayer-vigil was their way to show support to Evasco whom she said was the rightful governor of Bohol.

“We are here to pray. We wished that the truth would come out, the real sentiment of the people would come out. We know for a fact that Evasco is winning. We know for a fact there was massive vote buying. There was even harassment done to our supporters so we were hoping against hope that this last precinct would show the real score,” said Lim.

But the crowd, however, after Yap was proclaimed past 3 a.m

In Loay town, a local dynasty in Bohol has crumbled after three family members lost in last Monday’s polls.

None of the Imboys, who ran for various elective positions, made it last elections.

The patriarch, incumbent Loay Vice Mayor Brigido Imboy, failed to make it in the magic 8 for the municipal council. The Commission on Elections data showed that he was 11th in the ranking.

His wife, Rosemarie Lim-Imboy, lost to a lawyer in the mayoral race in Loay town.  Three hours after the counting, Rosemarie posted a statement on her Facebook account, congratulating Ayuban for his victory.

Imboy’s daughter, incumbent Mayor Rochelle Brigitte Imboy-Abutazil, lost in her reelection bid against , Rodrigo Cubarol Jr.

In Tagbilaran City, voters gave incumbent Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II a landslide victory.

Yap garnered 43,924 votes against his aunt, Dr. Sharleen Lim who had  5,770 votes.

Lim is married to former Tagbilaran mayor Dan Lim, older brother of Yap’s mother.

“I would like to thank the Tagbilaranons for the opportunity to serve them for 3 more years under the ‘asenso (progress) pa more’ theme,” said Yap. “Rest assured that the consultative and participative style of governance will continue.”

Lim also thanked her supporters. “My slate and I may have lost this battle, but it is with heads up high and big smiles that we can say we fought fair and square because to the end, we did not resort to vote-buying,” she said in a post on Facebook.

Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso got a fresh term after he defeated Barangay Poblacion 1 Captain Arlene Karaan.

Other winners: Also proclaimed as vice governor-elect was outgoing Rep. Rene Relampagos of Bohol’s 1st district; outgoing Gov. Edgar Chatto as first district Representative; Aldner Damalerio, Ricky Masamayor and Lucille Lagunay as first district board members; Dionisio Victor Balite, Jade Bautista, Elpidio Bonita and Elpidio Jala as board members for 3rd district; and Vierna Boniel-Maglasang, Restituto Auxtero were also proclaimed as board members for 2nd district of Bohol. 

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

Your vote matters

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  A women advocate asked President Rodrigo Duterte to apologize for publicly flirting with Garcia Hernandez town Mayor Tita Baja-Gallentes. “Mr. President, stop attacking women. After days of just resting in Davao, you’d have more time to think of respectful ways to address the mayor,” said Akbayan Party-list nominee Doris Dinorog-Obena, who hails from Bohol. “The President should apologize to the mayor and to all Filipino women after his attacks. He should say sorry for his vile words for Mayor Baja-Gallentes. Bol-anons don’t deserve to be humiliated,” she added.

Scene:  Mayor Tita Baja-Gallentes of Garcia Hernandez town did not take offense over remarks of President Rodrigo Duterte that he wanted to run away with her and would not let her go even if it meant pulling her panty until it snaps. “First of all it was just, clearly, a joke.  I have spent 15 years in public service, so I’m not easily affected,” she said.  “I don't see any bad interpretation with those remarks. Thank you,” she added. Gallentes was referring to the remarks made by Duterte during a campaign rally in Bohol last Wednesday night wherein he said of Gallentes: “If it were me, why would I ever break up with you? I will really grab and hold on to your panty if you try to leave, even until the garter snaps. You’re just too beautiful.”

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Every election, you have one vote. But that one vote can define the future of our country.

Vote wisely. Photo: Leo Udtohan

As we vote tomorrow, May 13, we will decide who will run our province for the next three years.  

Your vote is your dignity and respect.

While reading this little corner, read carefully the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)’s 10 commandments for Responsible Voting:

1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience.

2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote.

5. Do not sell your vote.

6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold, and glitter.

7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption.

8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude), popularity, good looks, or “pakikisama” (peer pressure).

9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.

VRS wants to hear from you. Tell me what you thought about the election! You can e-mail me at leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

3, 580 government troops to secure May 13 polls in Bohol

A total of 3, 580 government troops will secure the May 13 elections in the province.

The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) held a send-off ceremony at Camp Francis Dagohoy in this city last Friday, March 10.

The security forces are composed of troops from the  Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard from  Bohol, Mandaue and Lapulapu City in Cebu.

Government troops are all set for the May 13 elections.
Photo by Leo Udtohan 

The ceremonial send-off was attended by ranking officials from the AFP, PNP, and Comelec.

"We are 100 percent ready," said Provincial Election Supervisor Eddie Aba after receiving the 3,560 government troops and resources to secure Bohol for clean and peaceful elections.

Colonel Julius Cesar Gornez, BPPO director, said the security plans of the police force in the province are all set.

"We should know our job, do our job and do it right," said Gornez.

Bohol has 898,682 registered voters with a total of 1,065 voting centers, which will all be secured by police personnel on election day and will also provide a round-the-clock security during the poll process.

A mass was held by Rev. Fr.  Lukas Wona, SVD who blessed the troops and the firearms, equipment, gears, and mobile cars to be used by the police and military forces for the May 13 elections in Bohol.

The troops also secured the machines (vote counting machines and voter registration verification machines) at the polling precints after  the final testing and sealing held on Friday morning.

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

Travels with Andy D.

The last time I saw  fellow Boholano Andy Digal Doria was in 2015 during a whirlwind visit to Los Angeles.  

Andy, an insurance broker in California, is a fashionista famous for his sexy facial hair.

When at home, he loves to cook using Saladmaster, the world premium 316 surgical stainless steel cookware that inspires better cooking, healthier living and a variety of delicious opportunities. He’s really confident when he’s in the kitchen with Saladmaster.

"Santorini erupts with charm,” says Boholano traveller Andy Digal Doria, who visited the island recently which is immortalized by poets and painters. 

What I love Andy is he likes to travel.

So far, Andy has visited 25 countries including Canada, Japan, Prague, Singapore and France. His favorites are Amsterdam in Netherlands and Santorini, Greece.

Just recently, he visited Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Greece for 14 days!

What’s in Andy’s backpack when he travels?

Of course, first and foremost on the list is his passport, cash and sunblock.    

             

“They are a must,” he said. “Otherwise, I would get lost.”

The reasons why people love to travel are varied.  But for Andy, travel is not about how many new cool things you see, but how you experience them.

“Travel definitely makes me happy,” he said.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Europe or you visit multiple times per year, Andy said avoiding some of the most common travel mistakes will make your trip so much more enjoyable.

From the background of these pictures,
 it’s easy to tell where Andy Digal Doria
posed for posterity. Travel,
according to Andy, broadens someone’s
 perspective, making a person more aware
and open to new things.

Here are tips for travelling Europe:

1. Check visa requirements. “A quick search online will find tourist visa requirements and whether you need to acquire a visa upon arrival at the airport or online prior to arrival,” said Andy.

2. Make reservations in advance.  “Booking airfare, hotels, train tickets, and tours in advance also ensures that you are getting the best price,” he said.

3. Visit on Off season. Traveling during the off season is the best way to avoid the crowds and save money on accommodations, airfare, train tickets and tours.

4. Use budget airlines.  

5. Bring comfortable shoes to walk everywhere. As one of the best ways to explore a city, you will do lots of walking during your European vacation, therefore having a pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must

6. Bring suitcase you can carry. Packing light. “Bring a backpack. You’ll need something to carry your phone, camera and souvenirs while you’re out exploring in Europe,” he said.

7. Pay with cash mostly, use your credit card sparingly.

8. Travel by train and stay longer in one place.

9. Do as the locals do.

10. Learn the language.

Andy’s dream trips are to Moscow in Russia next year.

“I would also like to visit Scandinavia,” he said.

Scandinavia covers the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

In the meantime, Andy is busy preparing for his homecoming this week. He plans to explore Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete and Leyte.

In Bohol, Andy would like to visit his relatives in Loboc, Sevilla and Alburquerque. And of course, he would want to attend every fiesta.

***

Speaking of fiesta, in every sitio, barangay (village), town, somewhere, we are celebrating the merry month of fiestas here in Bohol province.

The island sinks about an inch during May because thousands of Bol-anons who come home to attend the many town and barrio fiestas celebrated during the month.  

The fiesta celebration is not complete without the famous lechon (roasted pig), humba (stewed pork) and plenty of beer and tuba to match.

If you are adventurous enough, you can practically go round the whole province without any money and eat for free and experience the famous Boholano hospitality.

Everyone is welcome, no invitations required!

May 1 - Tagbilaran City (Saint Joseph the Worker)
May 4 – Alburquerque (Santa Monica)
May 4 – Mabini (Santa Monica)
May 4 – Sagbayan (San Agustin)
May 8 - San Miguel (Saint Michael)
May 10 - Calape (Saint Vincent Ferrer)
May 15 - Bilar  (Saint Isidore the Farmer)
May 15 - Trinidad (Saint Isidore)
May 15 - Tubigon (San Isidro Labrador)
May 19 - Candijay (Saint Joseph)
May 29 – Talibon (Blessed Trinity)

Last Saturday of May (Holy Trinity)- Talibon

P.S. Pakapin lang ning June He! He! He!

June 13- Sikatuna- (Saint Anthony de Padua)
June 15- Loay  (Holy Trinity)
June 24- Garcia-Hernandez (Saint John the Baptist)
June 29- Loboc (Saint Peter the Apostle)
June 30 –Inabanga (Saint Paul the Apostle)

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

How Pipay rediscovers her ‘power’

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Celina Villoceno was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2019.  Villoceno, who represented Barangay Dao, was crowned Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS)-Miss Intrams 2011.

Scene:  If plans push through, at least 100 contestants of Mister World 2019  will visit Bohol this August as part of the three-week  once-in-a-lifetime  experience, as they battle it out to discover  who should be declared the “world’s most desirable man.” The contestants will arrive in Manila on August 6 with the final taking place on August 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

***

For the nth time, my visit to Siquijor Island last Holy Week (the best time to explore the island) was truly enchanted where magical delights beckon around every corner.

I was with Regil “Pipay” Torralba Gucor, Edward Guyano  aka Inday Charity, Helen Castano, Jerwin Jala and Michael Lawrence Castillon — the latest batch to be invited by Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and her hubby Engr. Jerome John Gabin who, we soon found out, was an Apostoles at14 and he’s serving as Saint Peter for almost 20 years.  

Tourist Regil “Pipay” Torralba Gucor explores the island province of Siquijor which is feared by many people because of the tales of kulam, paktol and gayuma and other mystical elements.  Photos by Leo Udtohan

Although Siquijor Island has been known for witchcraft, for us there’s far more to the idyllic island than meets the eyes.

Pipay’s second visit to Siquijor surprised her a lot since it is no longer the dreaded province it once was.

“It totally changed a lot—from a sleeping island to an enliven island where there are many hordes of tourists,” said Pipay.

She said, however, the island never lost its original charm.

“It is still a wonderful and magical island and the people are friendly,” she said. “If you’re looking for an island adventure with the charm of the countryside, Siquijor Island might just be the paradise you’re looking for.”

Stories about voodoo, bizarre rituals, and other supernatural things in Siquijor Island were the reasons why many Filipinos have dropped the island many times from their bucketlist.

St. Francis de Assisi Church.

But tourists who are coming to Siquijor have seen few overt signs of it.

Siquijor does, however, offer several white-sand beaches and other activities.

The island-province of Siquijor in the Central Visayas is the third smallest province in the country with only six municipalities-Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Lazi, Maria, San Juan and the capital Siquijor. It has a land area of 343.5 square km with 90,000 residents.

The island’s native name was Katugasan, after “tugas” (molave) tree that covered the place. The Spanish first called it “Isla del Fuego” (Island of Fire) due to the swarm of fireflies they found here, and later renamed it to Siquijor. 

Since it is relatively small, visitors can tour the island for 6-8 hours. You can rent a motorbike at P350 for 24 hours to enjoy the island for 48 hours.

Here are the “must-see’s” and the “must-do’s” in Siquijor:

Visita Iglesia

 Siquijor is also the home of centuries-old churches. The starting point for the tour is the St. Francis de Assisi Church in Siquijor town. It is only a walking distance from the Siquijor port. Few meters from the church, in the middle of a plaza, stands the bell tower that has served as a watch tower for the sea raiders during the Spanish colonial period.

In the town of Lazi, you can visit the San Isidro Labrador Church, one of the most outstanding cultural heritage churches in the Philippines, and the San Isidro Labrador Convent which is said to the one of the biggest and oldest convents in the Philippines.

 The Our Lady of Divine Providence in Maria town houses the statue of Santa Rita de Cascia, an Italian saint touted as the miraculous Black Maria.

Fish spa.

Water cascades, beaches

The province offers wonderful cascades. Visitors can swing like Tarzan at Cambugahay Falls in Lazi  town.  There is no entrance free and it is open until 5 p.m.  It has a multi-tiered waterfalls with clear turquoise waters. Look for the swing rope hanging on the tree and do a Tarzan jump for P20.

 Swimming lagoons are formed downstream where tourists can get a refreshing dip in the cool water.

For P50 entrance, one can enjoy and witness the hidden beauty of Lagaan Falls still in Lazi town. The beauty of its clear water awaits vacationers. Aside from trekking, swimming and jumping into the water from the edge of the falls, one could also swing from the vines.

“It’s a very nice place just like you are in paradise. It’s very hot and if you want to refresh just go to Lagaan falls. The water is so cold and very refreshing,” said Pipay.

The Lugnason Falls in Barangay Napo in San Juan town offers visitors time to swing like Tarzan and enjoy the cold water for free.

The Capilay Spring Park offers  a natural spring-fed swimming pool located in the town of San Juan. For swimming the pool, you need to pay P20.  Visitors can have a picnic, dine and swim here. Don’t forget Tating’s creamier ice cream. It can bring delight during hot and humid days!

Going up a mountain can be exhausting but not in Siquijor’s highest peak. The Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park has natural springs, hiking trails, caves, and even a butterfly sanctuary. The more spiritual might be moved to reflecting by the Stations of the Cross. Visitors can climb a tower to get a panoramic view of the island and Bohol.

Siquijor has a postcard-perfect scoop of pristine white-sand beaches that frozen your time.

Salagdoong Beach in  Barangay Olang in Maria town is famous for its cliff diving/jumping.  For P30 entrance, visitors can enjoy swimming in its pristine waters.  There are two jump-off points at Salagdoong at the height of roughly three to four storys.

“It is basically about conquering one’s fear. Fear is inevitable at first, but after you do it, you become more courageous,” said Fiel after her Salagdoong experience.

The town of San Juan has the best resorts in Siquijor. The undeveloped Paliton Public Beach in San Juan has sugar-fine, white sand that could very well match Boracay’s white-sand. Few meters from Paliton Beach is a still an unnamed “secret cove” where it offers white-sand beach with clear waters. Here, visitors can enjoy the beach without the noise of overdevelopment and the nightlife. It's a place where you can relax and enjoy the beach...and to catch beautiful sunsets.

Fish spa

The 400 year-old Balete tree in Barangay Campalanas in Lazi town is believed to be enchanted because of its eerily hanging roots and vines. Folks believe that it is home to mythical and scary creatures like agta and engkanto. But the balete has real dwellers- the doctor fish or garra rufa! 

For P10, visitors can try a new and fun alternative health and beauty treatment in Siquijor to safely and gently exfoliate the feet. The fish clean pores, remove dead skin cells and also serve as a micro massage of the feet and legs, improving blood circulation. The experience is slightly ticklish at first, but skin instantly becomes softer and smoother.

 “Oh my G-d, I was so amazed to see an old balite tree. And the fish spa, it’s so  giluk. I love it,” said Pipay.

Love potion

In spite of the long presence of Christianity, witchcraft exists in various forms on the island with Barangay  San Antonio as the center of shamanism.  It’s in a hilly part of the island with a mystical yet primitive vibe.

Siquijor is known for white-sand beaches. Photos by Leo Udtohan

For the past years, the provincial government of Siquijor tried to rebrand itself from “mystical island”  to Asia’s “healing island.” It gathered some mananambals (folk healers) who practice several styles of healing for tourism through the provincial government approved Healing Festival during Holy Week. 

But it is during Holy Week both the “white” and “black” witches make concoctions and recharge their “powers”.  Mananambals from Visayas and Mindanao visit the mountain villages of Cantabon, Punong and San Antonio to participate in a ritual called “tang-alap” (searching).

For seven Fridays, the herbalists and sorcerers roam the forests, seas, caves and cemeteries to gather medicinal herbs and roots to make amulets, charms, love potions and other concoctions. They cook their concoctions on Black Saturday to make “sumpa” (counterspell or anti-dote).  

Pipay was lucky she was allowed to “join” during the ritual-- the mixing of the “ingredients” of the “sumpa” and chopping of the herbs --at the house of one of the folk healers.  She was also taught the secrets of making the most effective “lumay” (love potion).

Pipay is trying to make some herbal potions.

“The feeling is different.  It gives you a glimpse of how these potions are made with so much reverence,” said  Pipay.

If you’re still craving a taste of Siquijor’s mystical side, ask a local to point you to a faith healer.

Local flavors

 Seafood is abundant in the area and they have lots of local seafood dishes. Fresh sea urchins (salawaki) is sold at cheaper price. Some Siquijodnons even eat this raw right by the beaches. Sea-liciously sweet! 

Some restaurants offer “sangkutsang balakasi,” a famous delicacy. This dish is made of eel stewed in vinegar and spices and coconut milk. Locals said it gives men renewed virility.

Peanut brittles and banana chips are good pasalubong items.

The  Lilibeth Pan Bisaya, the famous bakery in the province, along the national highway in Enrique Villanueva town sells baked  breads in charcoal oven. They have tortang Visaya (a spongy, sweet and oily mamon that uses tuba as leavening agent) and pan Bisaya (bread with a filling of “bucayo”).

There are woodcarving shops selling wooden statues such as “bulul” all over the island.

While Siquijor is still known for alleged witchcraft in various forms, Pipay said her "fear" vanished when she saw the island’s untouched places and felt the island’s hospitality.

The locals helped her to love the island more, she said.

One of the island’s residents is Mrs. Laura “Mommy Lou” Jumawan-Gabin, a retired school district supervisor and a former member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)-Siquijor, who has many good stories to tell about her province.  

“Siquijor has changed a lot.  The development will surprise you,” she said.

Even when retired, Gabin, 78, along with her family, continues to support activities and programs that preserve and promote culture, the arts and religion as integral components of tourism.

Gabin said that though it would still be the same mystical island maligned with the things associated with witchcraft, the beauty and goodness of the place and the people itself is already therapeutic. 

"Don’t be afraid. It is a home of peace loving and God-fearing people,” she said.

 “We have white beaches but no evil witches,” she added.

That’s real magick.

How to get there:

You can take a ferry from nearby Cebu City, Dumaguete in Negros Oriental or Tagbilaran City in Bohol, which are all accessible by domestic flights from Manila.

***

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

At Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ victory

Our Savior has risen!

The Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection, as the greatest and most important Christian feast, is a Day of Obligation for all Christians.

The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God makes all things new. It also 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.

Here are some of the best known (powerful, Scripture-centered) Easter hymns that celebrate the resurrection of our Christ.

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

---Because He Lives

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

---Amazing Grace

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

---Blessed Assurance

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! 
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! 
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! 
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! 

 ---Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Great is Thy faithfulness! "Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

--- Great Is Thy Faithfulness