LGBTQ+ Inabanga members show support for Gretchen Diez

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community in Inabanga town are showing some love for the Filipino LGBTQ+ community after transgender woman Gretchen Diez was discriminated against in a mall in Quezon City.

Gerwin Melicor Yudelmo

Gerwin Melicor Yudelmo, LGBTQ+ Inabanga vice president, shared a photo of a rainbow flag on his Facebook account to enlighten netizens about the concept of sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual characteristics.


"May #GretchenDiez story will trigger the Philippine Government that we are still not safe, and that the SOGIE bill is so important to the Filipino LGBTQ+," he said.

For Yudelmo, one way to avoid this problem is for companies to hold gender sensitivity seminars to educate employees.

"It is also important that employers include SOGIE education to their employees as part of corrective action plan to help prevent future incident," he said.

Transgender Gretchen Custodio Diez (Queen of the Philippines 2019 candidate) was cursed, pushed, slapped and handcuffed by Araneta Center Farmers' Market security after being blocked by using the female toilet, then brought to the Camp Karingal police station.

Following the incident of Diez, Yudelmo encouraged LGBTQ+ not to lose hope and continue to fight for their rights.

"We are with you #GretchenDiez," said Yudelmo who used the hashtag #SOGIEEqualityNow,
#PassSOGIEEqualityBillNow and #GenderNeutralWashroom.

He also believed the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill is an answer to solve the problem of discrimination.

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Pareng Yap and Mareng Jade no-show at Asoy's son's baptism

Wake-uppers:

A dance pair from BIT International
 College in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
 is now an internet sensation after their
video becomes viral.  Screenshot 

Scene: Celebrity Chef Boy Logro at Ubay municipal gymnasium for Pilmico food, agri and livelihood expo on Saturday, Aug. 10. As the food subsidiary of the Aboitiz Group, part of Pilmico’s advocacy is to promote sustainable livelihood through backyard farming.  The event was to create a venue that celebrates local businesses and opportunities for aspiring agri-entrepreneurs.

Seen: Maricor "Hearty" Benitez-De Leon, mother of Jane De Leon, the new  Darna, spotted in Barangay Ubujan, Tagbilaran City.

Scene: A video of a dance pair becomes viral on the social media.  Cristorey Vincent Cavalida, 16, and Angelyn Prieto, 17, from BIT International College in Tagbilaran City, Bohol joined the basic education day “DanceSport” competition. In the video, the pair is seen starting their performance with the usual Latin dance steps. A little later, Cavalida starts to go freestyling with some hip-hop moves.  The crowd goes craze on the part when Cavalida’s shoe incidentally goes into the air.  Prieto told VRS that they didn’t have enough time to practice for the competition.   Nevertheless, they enjoyed the event.  The video has 800,000 views.

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The Asoy family celebrates the baptism
of Ceff Khydox. Fr. Anecito "Joy-Joy" Polinar
officiated the baptism of Ceff Khydox
at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church
in Sevilla town. Photo by Helen Darato Del Rosario

These "Things You Should Know" from Googled Facts shared to me by some friends.

1.) When you wake at 3am, without any reasons, there is someone looking or watching you (spirits I think).
2.) In every 200 people we met everyday, two of them are ghost.
3.) When you walk at night, your weight is heavier than in the morning. It's because some spirits are hanging at your shoulder for a free ride.
4.) Ghost has sense of humor and love to hear human's laugh. The more you laugh, the more you attracts ghost.
5.) People who bite straw when drinking are a good kisser.
6.) When someone gives you a nickname, it means you're special to that person.
7.) In the circle of your friend, there is at least one who secretly admiring you.
8.) It takes 15 months and 27 days to forget someone you love with all your heart.
9.) People who are good in Math are the people who always complicated in their relationship.
10.) When you found out that someone like you, a little part of you starting to like them back even when you have no feelings before.
11.) When a woman's ring finger has the same size with the man's little finger, they are meant to be.
12.) Man only fell inlove once and the rest are product of attraction.
13.) Girl who lacks in height will be the prettiest one.
14.) At the age of 16, 80% of people have already met the person they are going to marry.
15.) Everytime you see your crush, your life extended for 4hours.
16.) Tall guys and short girls makes the cutest couple.
17.) In argument, the one who says 'sorry', loves you more.
18.) Having communication with your ex without the consent of your bf/gf is already considered as a 'cheating'.
19.) Heart grows weaker everytime we do something opposite of what we feel.
20.) Kissing is more hygienic and healthier than shaking hands.

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Godparents welcome Ceff Khydox to the
 Christian world on Friday, Aug. 9. Photo by Helen Darato Del Rosario 

My Kumpareng Art and Kumareng Jade didn’t make it to the baptism of Ceff Khydox, son of former youth leaders Doxson Asoy and Marie Karen Joy (nee Digal) Friday afternoon, Aug. 9, at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church in Sevilla town.

That’s how I call Bohol Gov. Art Yap and provincial board member Jade Acapulco Bautista that we were godparents in the occasion —kumpare and kumare. But I failed to attend the important occasion for health reasons.

Asked if she was disappointed, a smiling Karen said no. “I know Gov. Art Yap has busy schedules for the province and for the people.”

Board Member Jade, she said, had an earlier appointment.

Instead, Gov. Yap and BM Jade congratulated Doxson and Karen earlier.

Some classmates and friends of the young couple stood as ninangs and ninongs.

Fr. Anecito "Joy-Joy" Polinar officiated the baptism.

Doxson, an aviation engineer based in Singapore, went home for his only son's baptism. He was the provincial federated president of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and a former town councilor of San Isidro town.

Karen, a former municipal federated president of SK Sevilla, is the daughter of former Sevilla mayors (the late) Ceferino and Ernesita "Nene" Digal.

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300 moms simultaneously breastfeed babies in Bohol

Wake-uppers:
Scene: Police Colonel Jonathan Cabal formally took over as Bohol Provincial Police Office director on Aug. 1, replacing Col. Julius Cesar Gornez, who was BPPO chief for six months. Cabal vowed to be more liberal and a result-oriented police director. “I will lead by example and I will always be fair,” he said.

Scene: The 10th birthday of Bohol Balita Daily News.

Scene: The alarming increase of suicide cases in Bohol has prompted the public discussion of the level of awareness on mental health issues in the province.  

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The second Global Big Latch On in Bohol. Photos:  Leo Udtohan

"Breastmilk is still best for babies," a statement we usually see and hear at the end of formula milk commercials, still holds true until today. 

Invited guests. 

More than 300 mothers from Bohol gathered at the BQ Mall on Saturday, Aug. 3, to breast-feed their babies simultaneously for one minute to join the Global Big Latch On.

The event, a second time in the province, was spearheaded by the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital for
the World Breast Feeding Month.

After the simultaneous latch-on, lactation experts, peer counselors, and breastfeeding advocacy supporters shared the benefits and importance of breastfeeding to the mothers.

There were invited guests like former beauty queen Ebone Cimafranca-Ong and Tagbilaran City Mayor Baba Yap and wife Jane.

“Kilay Doctor” Karla Tirol Magno, proprietor of The Brow Clinic and Beauty Lounge also shared her breastfeeding journey.

Participant Hannah Balite shared that each latch is an intimate moment “which keeps my heart falling in love with motherhood and the wonders a mother’s body can do.” She said she feels so blessed to exclusively direct breastfeed her little one since day one with a relatively smooth experience.

Police Colonel Jonathan Cabal. Photo:  Leo Udtohan

For Angelica Omus-Trigo, breastfeeding isn’t easy.  “Sometimes, I doubt about having enough mil for lil one because my breasts aren’t that engorged,” said Trigo, a mother of one-month-old Clian Gideon. “Nevertheless, I continue to exclusively breastfeed my son.”

Photo and glam mom/baby fashion show contests were also held to enliven the event.

According to a UNICEF global database, 34% of Filipino children were fed only breast milk, with no additional foods or liquids, before the age of 6 months. The organization cited data from 2008, the most recent available.

Many of the mothers are having difficulty with breastfeeding, and they don't really appreciate the benefits of breastfeeding because the media promotes formula milk.

"We need to really advocate breastfeeding," said Karla.

The World Health Assembly calls for an increase in the rate of global exclusive breast-feeding to at least 50% by 2025.

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Queenie Melody Fullante says ‘God made all things beautiful’

Miss Bohol Queenie Melody Fullante (right) with Miss Bohol 2017 

Pauline Amelinckx and OJ Cimfranca hosting the Miss Bohol 2019. 

Contributed Photo

“To be Miss Bohol is such a life changing experience but to host the pageant is a whole new level of kilig!  I am sincerely thankful to the Miss Bohol organizers for their trust and confidence in me,” said Queenie Melody Fullante on Facebook.

Melody, who was crowned Miss Bohol 2014, posted photos of her along with her co-hosts-  OJ Cimafranca and Miss Bohol 2017 Pauline Amelinckx-during the Miss Bohol 2019 held last July 20.

Quoting from the Bible, Queenie said, “God has made everything beautiful in its time. -Ecclesiastes 3:11.”

She said the pageant brought a lot of sweet memories.

“Being able to stand on the same stage with the candidates made me appreciate our ladies more, they have aced each round with confidence, class and eloquence - very quintessentials indeed,” said Queenie.

On her Facebook account, Pauline Amelinckx said the pageant brought back a lot of fond memories, being on such a familiar stage.

Pauline, who was crowned Miss Bohol 2017, said the pageant helped her to grow and bloom.

“The journey toward the pageant back in 2017 and all that has happened after because of it has really helped me grow and bloom. The people I was able to meet and the people I got closer to are now irreplaceable and I am thankful for having them in my life now,”   said who was crowned Miss Global Beauty Queen Philippines 2018. 

 She said pageantry is not superficial.

“It’s not. With the right attitude, you can allow any experience to mold you into a better you, if only you are open to self-improvement and personal development,” she said.

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Bohol crowns its 1st Sandugo Queen

Wake-uppers:

Vanessa Aumentado

Scene: The 4th Koja Festival at Caingget Beach in Barangay Booy  in Tagbilaran City on July 24. “Koja,” a seashell has made the coastal barangay a popular destination.

Seen:  Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, the wife of Bohol 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, made it to the Top 50 of GMA News Online SONA 2019’s most fashionable women. She ranked 19 out of 45. Her bronze Filipiniana designed by Boholano couturier EJ Relampagos. Her fabulous bag was customized by Boholana accessory designer Christine Virtucio.

Scene: A mass casualty involving a bomb explosion simulation exercise was held at the CPG Sports Complex, three days before  the Sandugo street-dancing competition. “The simulation exercise was to measure the readiness and capacity of local responders together with the responding agencies,” said Anthony Damalerio, head of PDRRMC.

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Mahdison Lucido of Clarin
 town was crowned Sandugo Queen 2019.
  Contributed Photo

The unicorn is out of the bag. Pride has covered Bohol in a sea of rainbows as a 24-year-old LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) was crowned first Sandugo Queen at a star-studded pageant that lasted more than three hours at the Bohol Cultural Center Friday night.

Mahdison Lucido from Clarin town beat 14 other hopefuls to win the most coveted crown of the Sandugo Queen.

Angel Lumalaban from Getafe town was crowned Sandugo Queen Tourism,  Jamia Aranuez from Alburquerque town was declared Sandugo Queen Youth Ambassadress 2019, Shay Farra Kawa II from Ubay town was adjudged 1st Princess and Redd Madrigal from Tagbilaran was crowned  2nd Princess.

Sandugo Queen is the first province-wide pageant for gay and transsexual members of the LGBTQAI+ community, a society of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, aromantic, agender, and intersex individuals, with a “+” for those who are in the process of self discovery, or have more complex identities.

Khim Ryan Laway Magtagad, Sandugo Queen 2019 pageant chairman, said the pageant aims to empower LGBTQAI+  by giving them a platform to express their thoughts and views on inclusion, diversity and equality. It is also a celebration of their unique beauty, wit and talent.

Mahdison said the pageant is a stepping stone towards equality. 

She promised that she will use her title to spread her message of love to those who discriminate LGBTQ’s as their new chief of LGBTQAI+ rights and welfare.

The winners of the first Sandugo Queen.  Contributed Photo

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Proud cousin says ‘Darna’ is a Boholana

Wake-uppers:

Build Build Build media tour
 at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Photos by Ric Obedencio

Scene:  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas is aiming to hit P40 million in sales in the upcoming three-day Sandugo Trade Expo next week in Tagbilaran City.   "This year's activity is dubbed 'Beyond Expectations @ 32' because our target last year was PHP32 million," said regional director Aster Caberte.

Scene: High-quality food that you can afford for a few bucks? Try Fusion Nights on July 21-29 at the CPG Park, New Capitol Building. Residents and visitors have reasons to feast on reasonably priced culinary treats from different restaurants and hotels in Bohol on a fraction of its original menu price during The Fusion Nights.

Scene:  The Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT) is celebrating 40 years.  Founded in 1979 by Wincesa Espejo-Araoarao and with the help of the late cultural worker Oscar Real, BLDT is a folkloric performing

Tubigon Port

group that preserved and promoted Philippine arts and culture and became the training ground for prospective members of other performing groups in Bohol.

Scene: Some members of the Bohol media visited the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the first eco-airport in the country  and the Tubigon Port last Friday, July 19, for the Build Build Build tour.  They were informed on the updates and latest developments of the airport and port in the province by airport manager Atty. Rafael Tatlonghari and PPA –Bohol manager James Gantalao

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“We are the closest cousins she has so far. Another thing that I also love about my cousin is that, she loves children and specially babies. She loves playing and teasing them. I can see that whenever she plays with my son Riley,” Samjones Arisola said proudly of her cousin- Jane De Leon, the new face to take on the task of reintroducing Darna to a new generation.

Businessman and dog lover Samjones Arisola
 with her cousin Jane De Leon, the new  Darna.
Contributed Photo

The announcement of the new “Darna” was creating a buzz online. It further creating a big buzz when netizens shared Jane traced her roots to Bohol.

Her being a ‘Boholana’ was confirmed, well, by businessman Samjones, Jane’s first degree cousin.

His mother, Negminda “Guinguing” Benitez-Arisola, and her mother, Maricor "Hearty" Benitez-De Leon, are siblings who were born and grew up in Barangay Ubujan, Tagbilaran City.

Hearty moved to Manila when she got married to Jane’s father. Jane, fondly called Chynise by her cousins, was born in Quezon City, but she grew up in San Pedro, Laguna City.

Samjones said he and Jane seldom meet since she’s staying in Manila but they bond every time they have the chance to.

He also said Jane is proud lola’s girl.

“She definitely is. They were really close,” he said.

When their late lola Porfiria Saberon- Benitez (of Cawayan, Inabanga town) celebrated her 80th birthday seven years ago, despite her own busy work schedule, she flew to Bohol to be with her.  

Nor does Jane’s Manileña upbringing prevent her from taking her Boholana grandmother’s hand, touching it lightly with her forehead and saying, ‘Mano po lola!”

ABS-CBN star Jane De Leon is the new Darna.
Photo from Jane De Leon’s Official Facebook Fanpage 

Mention Chocolate Hills, Panglao and she reacts, “My hometown! My province!”

Last June, she visited her lola again a week before she passed away.  Devastated, Jane came home for the interment last July.

Before she went back to Manila, she also visited her relatives and toured Bohol’s popular places.

Jane De Leon with Ariel
 Llanos and fans at 717
Cesar Place Hotel in
Tagbilaran last July 2019.
Contributed Photo

“I am very proud of my cuz,” said Samjones who knew she was destined for great things.

Prior to landing the high-profile role, Jane was best known for her supporting part in the hit primetime series "Halik."  She was also part of “La Luna Sangre” and Girltrends of “It’s Showtime.”

ABS-CBN Films’ managing director Olivia Lamasan confirmed that they have unanimously selected the actress who will portray the sought after character of “Darna”.

“We have found a new Darna and she is none other than Jane de Leon!” said Lamasan.

In a report from ABS-CBN, Lamasan shared that 300 celebrities auditioned for the role.

Darna director Jerrold Tarog and even Lamasan described Jane as an instinctive actress.

Jane, 20, is an exclusive talent of Star Magic.

Jane was shocked and excited upon hearing the news but she is surely prepared as the next Darna!

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Businessman killed in early morning ambush in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol- A businessman was killed in an ambush by still unidentified assailants shortly after midnight on Monday, July 15, along Benigno Aquino Street in Barangay Booy, this city.

Businessman Ryan Erca Sigue was killed
in Tagbilaran City on Monday, July 15.
Photo by Leo Udtohan

Tagbilaran  City Police identified the victim as Ryan Erca Sigue, 40, a resident of Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City, who operated a cockpit arena in Dauis town.

Police Lieutenant Rodante Cinchez, acting chief investigator of Tagbilaran Police Station, said police responded about 12:40 a.m. after a passerby called the station about the shooting incident.

He victim sustained gunshot wounds in the head and body.

The road was littered with shell casings and the vehicle had been shot a multitude of times.

According to Police Master Sergeant Joemer Miculob of the Scene of The Crime Operatives (Soco)   from the PNP Crime Laboratory Office at least 116 empty shells of M16 were discovered at the crime scene.

Businessman Ryan Erca Sigue was killed
in Tagbilaran City on Monday, July 15. 
Photo by Leo Udtohan 

Residents said they woke up to the sound of gunshots thinking it was a fireworks display.

Bill (family name withheld) said he initially thought someone was shooting fireworks outside until they heard neighbors running to the crime scene.

Witnesses saw a white van chasing the victim’s car then fired the car several times then  rammed into a concrete fence before coming to a halt after the shooting.

Police are still investigating the incident.