Tagna-Tagna 2020

As a tradition, VRS is up with its annual “Tagna-Tagna” for the 2020.

Last night, I asked some experts and die-hard believers of horoscope, and of course, juicy snippets on social media, to know what will happen in the Year of the  Metal Rat.

The Year of the Metal Rat, which will officially start on January 25, will be a year of new beginnings and new opportunities.

Rats are those born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008.

The Metal Rat Year is going to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for almost all Chinese zodiac signs.

Atty. Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine with your VRS and Helen Castaño. The Pinoy Aquaman will conquer the English Channel in 2021, not this year.

Read what the Year of the Metal Rat for our favorite Boholanos who make yours and our lives a bit more exciting this year.

Note: Last year, our “Tagna-Tagna” was 99 percent credible!

• Karen Gallman and her beau Ian Garton will get married. Karen made Bohol and the entire country proud being  the first Filipina to win the Miss Intercontinental 2018.  The Ubay native will set up her own foundation to help young students.

• 2020 is a bountiful harvest for our Boholana beauty queens. Glyssa Perez will have a major victory in an international pageant! Another beauty queen Pauline Amelinckx will receive a crown and sash in a national pageant.
Misses Bohol Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo might be  given an opportunity to represent the  beauty and grace of the Boholano women in a national pageant.

A wedding bell for Karen Gallman and Ian Garton. Image: IG

• "Pinoy Aquaman" Ingemar Macarine will not conquer the English Channel this year. It will be in 2021 that he will conquer the English Channel, the "Mt. Everest" of all swims. 

• Film producer Achinette Joy Villamor will produce an award-winning film in 2020. The re-make will win several awards and accolades here and abroad.

• Hannah Precillas will continue to make a name on the international music scene. Known for her humility and talent,  she will have a new album and another showbiz break.  

• Kapuso actress Rich Asuncion will have another showbiz break.

• Danica Joy Galon will have promising modeling career this year.

• Loboc Children’s Choir will have more performances here and abroad to show to the world what hidden talents we have.

•Attys. Julius Gregory Delgado and Marie Nickie Bolos will say “Hello!” to the stork!

• The stork will pay, Anna Maris Igpit and Tommy Taylor, Benjie and Atty. Joan Oliva, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso, David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros, Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace, and Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal, a surprise visit.

• Also Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April) and Arch. Junibe Froilan, Fred Namoc and Nice Tirol and Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos will welcome the stork’s visit before the end of the year.

• Currently fancy-free, Misses Bohol Queenie Melody Fullante and Catherine Tabaniag will enjoy their single-blessedness before they entertain any suitor.

• The stars of Kapamilya stars YamYam Guc-ong,  and Vivoree Esclito will shine brighter but sadly, Snake Princess will lack luster… unless she has to do something to “regain” her lost popularity.

• It will be a busy year for Boholano cultural czar Lutgardo Labad and Marianito Luspo.

• Joseph Gara and Ralph Maligro will continue to make a name in the music industry.

The blind items:

• A popular radio personality will be advised…nay, “ordered" by his doctor to slow down due to health concerns. Remember, health is wealth.

•A businessman, a politician and a cultural worker are well advised to slow down a bit and avoid overworking  or over-stressing themselves.

•Bohol will produce more topnotchers in the field of education, nursing and engineering. No elaboration.

• Another scandal will shake the political scene!

• Panglao Island, nay whole Bohol, will witness the wedding of the new decade. The politician-businesswoman finally finds her ideal man.

•A prominent politician couple will confirm that they are living apart even as they pretend to project an “ok image.” They want to be free!

• A separated couple will reconcile, let bygones be bygones, with no apologies for the ugly words that trailed their breakup.

•A posh resort will close shop due to financial constraints…unless somebody comes to its rescue.

• Unless they take maximum caution, some businessmen and politicians will be caught in drug busts.

Misses Bohol Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo will be  given an opportunity to represent the  beauty and grace of the Boholano women in national pageants. Photos: Gerald James Cabal/Chris Ramasola

• Some politicians will suffer from depression due to cyber bullying.

• A prominent leader will find himself in a headline-hogging controversy.

• A (not so) high-rating radio program will undergo a major revamp.

• A beauty pageant will draw controversies. It will end in confusion and disarray after the host will  name the wrong woman as the winner. The organizers will become controversial, too.

• The wedding of a couple who announced their engagement last year will either not be pushed through or will be postponed indefinitely. Itigil ang kasal!

• A couple will reconcile and start life anew. After all, love wins!

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

92nd OSCARS® nominations announced

LOS ANGELES, CA – Actor-producer John Cho and producer-actress-writer Issa Rae announced the 92nd Oscars^® nominations today (January 13), live from the David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, opening later this year, via a global live stream on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, the Academy’s digital platforms, an international satellite feed and broadcast media.

Cho and Rae announced the nominees in 8 categories at 5:18 a.m. PT, and the remaining 16 categories at 5:30 a.m. PT. For a complete list of nominees, visit the official Oscars website, www.oscar.com.

Academy members from each of the 17 branches vote to determine the nominees in their respective categories – actors nominate actors, film editors nominate film editors, etc. In the Animated Feature Film and International Feature Film categories, nominees are selected by a vote of multi-branch screening committees. All voting members are eligible to select the Best Picture nominees.

Active members of the Academy are eligible to vote for the winners in all 24 categories beginning Thursday, January 30, through Tuesday, February 4.

To access the complete nominations press kit, visit www.oscars.org/press/press-kits.

The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby^® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center^® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. “Oscars: Live on the Red Carpet” will air at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards

Performance by an actor in a leading role

• Antonio Banderas in “Pain and Glory”
• Leonardo DiCaprio in “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood”
• Adam Driver in “Marriage Story”
• Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker”
• Jonathan Pryce in “The Two Popes”

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

• Tom Hanks in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
• Anthony Hopkins in “The Two Popes”
• Al Pacino in “The Irishman”
• Joe Pesci in “The Irishman”
• Brad Pitt in “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood”

Performance by an actress in a leading role

• Cynthia Erivo in “Harriet”
• Scarlett Johansson in “Marriage Story”
• Saoirse Ronan in “Little Women”
• Charlize Theron in “Bombshell”
• Renée Zellweger in “Judy”

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

• Kathy Bates in “Richard Jewell”
• Laura Dern in “Marriage Story”
• Scarlett Johansson in “Jojo Rabbit”
• Florence Pugh in “Little Women”
• Margot Robbie in “Bombshell”

Best animated feature film of the year

• “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” Dean DeBlois, Bradford Lewis and Bonnie Arnold
• “I Lost My Body” Jérémy Clapin and Marc du Pontavice
• “Klaus” Sergio Pablos, Jinko Gotoh and Marisa Román
• “Missing Link” Chris Butler, Arianne Sutner and Travis Knight
• “Toy Story 4” Josh Cooley, Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera

Achievement in cinematography

• “The Irishman” Rodrigo Prieto
• “Joker” Lawrence Sher
• “The Lighthouse” Jarin Blaschke
• “1917” Roger Deakins
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Robert Richardson

Achievement in costume design

• “The Irishman” Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson
• “Jojo Rabbit” Mayes C. Rubeo
• “Joker” Mark Bridges
• “Little Women” Jacqueline Durran
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Arianne Phillips

Achievement in directing

• “The Irishman” Martin Scorsese
• “Joker” Todd Phillips
• “1917” Sam Mendes
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Quentin Tarantino
• “Parasite” Bong Joon Ho

Best documentary feature

• “American Factory” Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert and Jeff Reichert
• “The Cave” Feras Fayyad, Kirstine Barfod and Sigrid Dyekjær
• “The Edge of Democracy” Petra Costa, Joanna Natasegara, Shane Boris and Tiago Pavan
• “For Sama” Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts
• “Honeyland” Ljubo Stefanov, Tamara Kotevska and Atanas Georgiev

Best documentary short subject

• “In the Absence” Yi Seung-Jun and Gary Byung-Seok Kam
• “Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl)” Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva
• “Life Overtakes Me” John Haptas and Kristine Samuelson
• “St. Louis Superman” Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan
• “Walk Run Cha-Cha” Laura Nix and Colette Sandstedt

Achievement in film editing

• “Ford v Ferrari” Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland
• “The Irishman” Thelma Schoonmaker
• “Jojo Rabbit” Tom Eagles
• “Joker” Jeff Groth
• “Parasite” Yang Jinmo

Best international feature film of the year

• “Corpus Christi” Poland
• “Honeyland” North Macedonia
• “Les Misérables” France
• “Pain and Glory” Spain
• “Parasite” South Korea

Achievement in makeup and hairstyling

• “Bombshell” Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker
• “Joker” Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou
• “Judy” Jeremy Woodhead
• “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” Paul Gooch, Arjen Tuiten and David White
• “1917” Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis and Rebecca Cole

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

• “Joker” Hildur Guðnadóttir
• “Little Women” Alexandre Desplat
• “Marriage Story” Randy Newman
• “1917” Thomas Newman
• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” John Williams

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

• “I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away” from “Toy Story 4”
  Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
• “(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman”
  Music by Elton John; Lyric by Bernie Taupin
• “I'm Standing With You” from “Breakthrough”
  Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
• “Into The Unknown” from “Frozen II”
  Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
• “Stand Up” from “Harriet”
  Music and Lyric by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo

Best motion picture of the year

• “Ford v Ferrari” Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and James Mangold, Producers
• “The Irishman” Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Producers
• “Jojo Rabbit” Carthew Neal and Taika Waititi, Producers
• “Joker” Todd Phillips, Bradley Cooper and Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Producers
• “Little Women” Amy Pascal, Producer
• “Marriage Story” Noah Baumbach and David Heyman, Producers
• “1917” Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Jayne-Ann Tenggren and Callum McDougall, Producers
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” David Heyman, Shannon McIntosh and Quentin Tarantino, Producers
• “Parasite” Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho, Producers

Achievement in production design

• “The Irishman” Production Design: Bob Shaw; Set Decoration: Regina Graves
• “Jojo Rabbit” Production Design: Ra Vincent; Set Decoration: Nora Sopková
• “1917” Production Design: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Production Design: Barbara Ling; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
• “Parasite” Production Design: Lee Ha Jun; Set Decoration: Cho Won Woo

Best animated short film

• “Dcera (Daughter)” Daria Kashcheeva
• “Hair Love” Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver
• “Kitbull” Rosana Sullivan and Kathryn Hendrickson
• “Memorable” Bruno Collet and Jean-François Le Corre
• “Sister” Siqi Song

Best live action short film

• “Brotherhood” Meryam Joobeur and Maria Gracia Turgeon
• “Nefta Football Club” Yves Piat and Damien Megherbi
• “The Neighbors' Window” Marshall Curry
• “Saria” Bryan Buckley and Matt Lefebvre
• “A Sister” Delphine Girard

Achievement in sound editing

• “Ford v Ferrari” Donald Sylvester
• “Joker” Alan Robert Murray
• “1917” Oliver Tarney and Rachael Tate
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Wylie Stateman
• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” Matthew Wood and David Acord

Achievement in sound mixing

• “Ad Astra” Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson and Mark Ulano
• “Ford v Ferrari” Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Steven A. Morrow
• “Joker” Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic and Tod Maitland
• “1917” Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Michael Minkler, Christian P. Minkler and Mark Ulano

Achievement in visual effects

• “Avengers: Endgame” Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Matt Aitken and Dan Sudick
• “The Irishman” Pablo Helman, Leandro Estebecorena, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser and Stephane Grabli
• “The Lion King” Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Elliot Newman
• “1917” Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy
• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” Roger Guyett, Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach and Dominic Tuohy

Adapted screenplay

• “The Irishman” Screenplay by Steven Zaillian
• “Jojo Rabbit” Screenplay by Taika Waititi
• “Joker” Written by Todd Phillips & Scott Silver
• “Little Women” Written for the screen by Greta Gerwig
• “The Two Popes” Written by Anthony McCarten

Original screenplay

• “Knives Out” Written by Rian Johnson
• “Marriage Story” Written by Noah Baumbach
• “1917” Written by Sam Mendes & Krysty Wilson-Cairns
• “Once upon a Time...in Hollywood” Written by Quentin Tarantino
• “Parasite” Screenplay by Bong Joon Ho, Han Jin Won; Story by Bong Joon Ho

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Unspeakable peace at Bohol Calvary

For hundreds of devotees who trekked to the Bohol Calvary in Garcia Hernandez town, about 53 km from Tagbilaran City, they found a sanctuary as a source of infinite holiness and unspeakable peace.

At the feast of Black Nazarene on Thursday (Jan. 9), devotees in Bohol walked 3 kilometers to the Bohol Calvary to visit a small chapel that housed an image of the revered icon.

For residents, it was a mysterious place revered by many.

Mae Janice Galon, a devotee for eight years, said the mountain was itself a symbol of faith.

“As a single mom, I offer all to Him,” said Galon, 35, a mother of two sons.

The chapel drew devotees starting in 2011 when healer Marina Tadlip Reblinca transformed the place into a mountain retreat for prayer and healing.

Visionary and healer Marina Reblinca performs the "patunob" to devotees who seek healing and divine intervention to overcome life’s challenges at Bohol Calvary in Garcia Hernandez, Bohol. Photo courtesy: Mae Janice Galon

“This place is blessed by the Black Nazarene so it is sacred for those in search of inner peace and spiritual strength,” said Reblinca.

Reblinca brought the image of the Black Nazarene from Palawan to Bohol Calvary after building a small chapel at the crest of the mountain with funds from devotees.

Since then, the place has become a destination for pilgrims.

Another devotee, Edward Guyano, a radio personality, said he hasn’t failed in his pilgrimage to the mountain but this year, he came alone.

Guyano, 49, said he didn’t feel lonely in his journey, however.

He took a shortcut since he has difficulty walking.

“I felt the Black Nazarene is with me so I don’t feel lonely,” he said as he walked to the chapel.

Guyano said he promised to visit the image following his healing from a stroke three years ago, which he attributed to a miracle by the Black Nazarene.

Marina Tadlip Reblinca (with some devotees of the Black Nazarene) transforms Mount Kalagan to Bohol Calvary which is now become a prayer mountain. Photos courtesy: Mae Janice Galon

"Thank God, the harder it is the more blessings it brings," he said. "The place gives me a spiritual experience and inner peace."

Reblinca said the Black Nazarene gives spiritual nourishment, hope, healing and inner comfort.

“He is our refuge and our strength for He is our God,” she said.

Hundred of devotees heard Mass at 10 a.m. and shared lunch.

Devotees fell in line to kiss the image of Black Nazarene after lunch and Reblinca performed “patunob”, a ritual of touching the heads and shoulders of devotees with the image of the Nazarene. 

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

#2020Goals

2019 feels like a different era already, right?

 

We are now officially in 2020 – a new year, a new decade, and new goals to achieve.

 

I asked some of our Boholano friends of their 2020 goals, some of them asked simply ignored the question. Here are those who did:

 

Maria Fe Evasco-To stay fit and healthy, to spend more quality time with my family and travel to more places here and abroad.

 

Anthony Damalerio-As the provincial DRRM officer, for 2020, I wish for good health not just for my family but all Boholanos, particularly the young minds that will later on comprise the new breed of government leaders. May they, as future leaders, prioritize climate change and consider this a major concern for all stakeholders. Furthermore, a focus on urgent programs dealing with the environment such as water conservation, tree-growing initiatives down to purok and household levels, renewable energy, more disaster risk reduction trainings for the vulnerable sector. Now is the best time to act together and do our part in achieving a disaster-resilient Bohol province.

 

Cristopher Boncales-My goal for this year is to work a push myself a bit harder to become more productive in my craft, and to make more travels  and memories being known by friends as #dAsianSweeper.

 

Some of our Boholano friends welcome 2020 with fresh memories and success stories and new opportunities. Contributed Photos

Benjie Oliva-As my wife Atty. Joan is the President Elect (PE) of the Rotary Club of Pasay Cyber City for Rotary International Year 2020-2021,one of our goals is to create sustainable community projects in Bohol. And second, a new business adventure in Manila and Bohol.

 

Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado-My Goals for 2020: Practice a healthier lifestyle like having a proper diet and exercise, learn and do more interesting new things, manage my time well and pursue a Master's degree.

 

Narcisa Navarro- We are focused on our children's future careers. Guiding them of the most appropriate courses they choose to take. Everything for them to have a productive life when it is their time. That's for the new decade goal.

 

Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor-Every new year deserves a better version of oneself. More resilient as a public servant; more interactive with the people’s needs. I’d rather be a silent worker, walking my talk than a humming bee. Above all, this decade is for the Lord’s guidance. I pray for strength to whatever call HE sets for me whether to continue serving the people as a politician or a civilian. I trust HIM as the driver of my life. Whatever i shall be in this decade, the important thing is that I love what I shall become. To embrace every calling and to give out the best version of myself that I may be able to influence positivity in the lives of others.

 

Karla Tirol Magno- To continue growing with self love and in business.

 

EJ Relampagos-My goal this year is to start my long time dream which will be a surprise. For this decade, an international fashion show for Boholano designers for sure!

 

Vanessa Cubrado- My new year's resolution for the new decade would be, to become more spiritual and meditative especially now, nga murag controlled kaau atoang life sa social media, adto nalang ta pirmi mag base. We need to listen to ourselves more than what the internet is telling us.

 

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin- Seriously, to choreograph a dance routine interpreting the love song "More Than Just the Two of Us" with Honey Jerome for my 50th birthday... Long-term goals? To do something meaningful for my family and to carry out my duties in the City Government, CCCA, CLEC, AUDIO-Bohol, TCCSC FPTA, Tagbilaran Schools FPTA, GSP-Bohol Council, and BNHS alumni association by God's grace.

 

Mikey Gatal-The goal that I am wishing to accomplish is to travel to different countries as many as I can before I turn 50 this year. I felt like 2019 was so stressful and no time to relax. It would be nice to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Bohol. It was year 1999 when I left my family because I went abroad and never got a chance to spend Christmas with them again. Lastly, always reach out to God for guidance and family for support. To stay healthy and full of love.

 

Butch Bernas-To make my work more efficient and productive. Good health, good body physique, and more travels local and abroad.

 

Scarlet Guelen-Boiser-I hope my dessert business would prosper. More travels, perhaps.  And I hope to return to showbiz with the right material. Above all, good health and happiness for my family.

 

Leah Tirol-Magno- I look forward to a healthier and a more progressive year for everyone, embracing God's love and submitting to His plans for our lives. I also look forward to upgrading my academic and baking endeavors.

 

Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor- My goals for the New Year would be to add another member into our family (God willing!), upgrade my skills to have a better career, and learn ,experience and grow into a better parent and partner to my husband. For the new decade, I just wish to raise my kid/s well, fill them with great memories through travels and help them grow into better individuals.

 

Police Col. Jonathan Cabal- My goals for this year and for the next 9 years would be improving myself to hurdle challenges in my work, health ,and the community. For this year, as PD of Bohol, I share the same goal as the Governor in terms of Tourism enhancement and peace and order, thus, I will operationalize my Green Cops "Eco Warriors" who will work hand in hand with capitol in enforcing environmental laws vis- a-vis sustainable tourism. We can't afford to lose the beauty of Bohol, hence, it's a must that the people take good care of our natural resources. Lastly, I would love to see the President succeed in his war against drugs because, ultimately, it is for the next generation's benefit.

 

This year 2020, our Boholano friends have new goals or a chance to finish the old ones and revel in new joys. Contributed Photos

Vera Villocido-Gisete -Education reforms, decrease drop out rates, increase senior high school as well as higher education enrollment, more scholarships, more linkages and partnerships.

 

Marianito Luspo-Reassess. Resolve. Recommit.

 

Rep. Edgar Chatto- Year 2020 will be a year of hope, peace and prosperity for all. Amidst challenges that we may encounter in the coming year, the Family shall stand firm at the center. Desirable values and positive attitude prepare us to face what lies ahead as we continue to embrace more of God's blessings. We pray that 2020 will be a blissful year for our families and be another banner year of growth and development for the province of Bohol and the country. Pushing towards greater heights Bohol's socio-economic development by lowering even more the province's poverty incidence, increase employment levels through job creation and investments. 2020 national budget includes funds for Bohol's support infrastructure devt in roads leading to tourism sites, ports and seaports development, farm to market roads and roads leading to investment areas.  Gallares Medical Center facility in Cortes for specialized health services, New Hall of Justice , 3rd Tagbilaran-Dauis/Panglao Island Connector bridge and other vital projects are among the priority.

 

Conchita Toribio-Delos Reyes- Looking back at 2019 and the years before it,  Is clear that our success doesn't depend solely on our hands, It is by the grace of our Father Almighty and the Love from the People that continuously supports and trust us that gives us that extra mile.  Being a CEO is not a garden walk, It was never easy, I am left with a big task, that is to be more stronger, more focus on our vision and to be more optimistic on all important things that matter for every Beaucheans out there.  And most of all to continuously give back and be His genuine channel of blessings to other.  I pray to God that He will continuously give me the wisdom to do all this for the next more years.

 

Atty. Ted Lagang-Maintain simple lifestyle while spending quality time with family and real friends.

 

Melinda Mendez-Basalo-My goals for Year 2020: To become fit, healthier by doing more physical activities and exercises gradually to sweat out excess "bilbils" and eat lesser. Maybe I could visit the gym if I have extra time. To have more quality time with family, do some improvements in my house like painting it to make the surroundings brighter and Mlmerrier. As to my work, I will continue being a good  Nanay to my colleagues and stay away from toxic people around. I will just pray for them to become good and promoting a more friendly and gender-sensitive environment at Bohol-Panglao International Airport by Service with a Smile and with a Heart, by this we can create a stress-free working environment.

 

Aileen Sendrijas-Pasagad- In 2020 and the following years, I will focus my energy on becoming a better designer and a businesswoman. I aim to have my name cemented as a leading designer in Bohol and hopefully open a 3rd branch somewhere in the region. And I wish to achieve such wishes by the grace of our Lord and the support of my family.

 

Mayette Gasatan- We will practice the true values of Christianity towards our family members, friends, peers, colleagues and business partners. Our province is developing economically and I wish that investors should adopt the triple bottom line (TBL) framework or theory in doing business in the province. These investors or companies should commit to focus on social and environmental concerns just as they do on profits.  They will manage a company in a way that not only earns financial profits but which also improves people's lives and the planet.

 

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

 

92ND OSCARS® SHORTLISTS IN NINE AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED

LOS ANGELES, CA –  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced shortlists in consideration for the 92nd Academy Awards® in nine categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Visual Effects. To download shortlists by category, visit https://oscars.org/oscars/92nd-oscars-shortlists.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 92nd Academy Awards®.  One hundred fifty-nine films were submitted in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“Advocate”
“American Factory”
“The Apollo”
“Apollo 11”
“Aquarela”
“The Biggest Little Farm”
“The Cave”
“The Edge of Democracy”
“For Sama”
“The Great Hack”
“Honeyland”
“Knock Down the House”
“Maiden”
“Midnight Family”
“One Child Nation”

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

Ten films will advance in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Ninety-six films qualified in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“After Maria”
“Fire in Paradise”
“Ghosts of Sugar Land”
“In the Absence”
“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)”
“Life Overtakes Me”
“The Nightcrawlers”
“St. Louis Superman”
“Stay Close”
“Walk Run Cha-Cha”

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

Ten Ten films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category (formerly known as Foreign Language Film) for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Ninety-one films were eligible in the category.

Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round.  They must have viewed the submitted films theatrically and met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.  Their seven choices, augmented by three additional selections voted by the Academy’s International Feature Film Award Executive Committee, constitute the shortlist.

In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt-in to participate and must view all 10 shortlisted films in order to cast a ballot.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:

Czech Republic, “The Painted Bird”
Estonia, “Truth and Justice”
France, “Les Misérables”
Hungary, “Those Who Remained”
North Macedonia, “Honeyland”
Poland, “Corpus Christi”
Russia, “Beanpole”
Senegal, “Atlantics”
South Korea, “Parasite”
Spain, “Pain and Glory”

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Ten films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view seven-minute excerpts from each of the 10 shortlisted films on Saturday, January 4, 2020.  Members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar® consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“Bombshell”
“Dolemite Is My Name”
“Downton Abbey”
“Joker”
“Judy”
“Little Women”
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
“1917”
“Once upon a Time…in Hollywood”
“Rocketman”

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Fifteen scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  One hundred seventy scores were eligible in the category.  Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The scores, listed in alphabetical order by film title, are:

“Avengers: Endgame”
“Bombshell”
“The Farewell”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“Frozen II”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“The King”
“Little Women”
“Marriage Story”
“Motherless Brooklyn”
“1917”
“Pain and Glory”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
“Us”

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

Fifteen songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Seventy-five songs were eligible in the category.  Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The original songs, along with the motion picture in which each song is featured, are listed below in alphabetical order by film title and song title:

“Speechless” from “Aladdin”
“Letter To My Godfather” from “The Black Godfather”
“I’m Standing With You” from “Breakthrough”
“Da Bronx” from “The Bronx USA”
“Into The Unknown” from “Frozen II”
“Stand Up” from “Harriet”
“Catchy Song” from “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”
“Never Too Late” from “The Lion King”
“Spirit” from “The Lion King”
“Daily Battles” from “Motherless Brooklyn”
“A Glass of Soju” from “Parasite”
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman”
“High Above The Water” from “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am”
“I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” from “Toy Story 4”
“Glasgow” from “Wild Rose”

ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Ten films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Ninety-two films qualified in the category.  Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“Dcera (Daughter)”
“Hair Love”
“He Can’t Live without Cosmos”
“Hors Piste”
“Kitbull”
“Memorable”
“Mind My Mind”
“The Physics of Sorrow”
“Sister”
“Uncle Thomas: Accounting for the Days”

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Ten films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  One hundred ninety-one films qualified in the category.  Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“Brotherhood”
“The Christmas Gift”
“Little Hands”
“Miller & Son”
“Nefta Football Club”
“The Neighbors’ Window”
“Refugee”
“Saria”
“A Sister”
“Sometimes, I Think about Dying”

VISUAL EFFECTS

Ten films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist.  All members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the shortlisted films online or attend satellite bake-off screenings in January 2020.  Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“Alita: Battle Angel”
“Avengers: Endgame”
“Captain Marvel”
“Cats”
“Gemini Man”
“The Irishman”
“The Lion King”
“1917”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
“Terminator: Dark Fate”

Nominations voting begins on Thursday, January 2, 2020 and concludes on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020.

The 92nd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Miss South Africa is Miss Universe 2019

Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi is the new Miss Universe.

Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi. Picture: Instagram

Tunzi  was crowned by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at the 68th edition of the pageant held in Atlanta on December 9, Monday.

Miss Puerto Rico Madison Anderson is first runner-up followed by Miss Mexico Sofia Aragon as second runner-up.

During their Final Word, all three women were asked the same question which was, “What is the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today?”

Her winning answer was:

The most important thing we should be teaching young girls today is leadership. It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time, not because we don’t want to but because of what society has labeled women to be. I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity and that’s what we should be teaching these young girls to take up space. There is nothing more important than to take up space in the society.

Before the announcement of winners, all three of them were given a chance to grace the stage and say their final speech.

Zozibini said, “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair is never considered to be beautiful and I think that it is time that stops. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.”

Philippine bet Gazini Ganados was one of the Top 20. 

Zozibini is the third beauty queen from South Africa to win Miss Universe after Margaret Gardiner (1978) and Demi-Leigh Nel Peters (2017).

The white-eyed carabao at Ubay Stock Farm

When people look at this carabao at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at Ubay Stockfarm, they often do a double take. There’s a good chance you will, too.

It has to do with the carabao's big white eyes! Yes, white eyes!

There are more than 400 carabaos at the PCC. However, the white-eyed carabao from Bulgaria is so peculiar.

People like to say that its eyes make it seem very wise or soulful. It is timid when people come to check its eyes.

A carabao with white eyes is an attraction
 at Ubay Stock Farm. People like to say
 that the carabao's white eyes make
it seem very wise or soulful.

Karen Ciroy, PCC staff, never imagined how much attention the white-eyed carabao would get for it looks.
  
According to Science, blue-eyed people are more attractive, but this white-eyed carabao is  attractive, too.

Incidentally,  the province of Bohol celebrated the 5th Bohol Milk Congress last Thursday, Nov. 28.  It was graced by Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food,  who pushed for more affordable milk for children.

The 5th Bohol Milk Festival, as part of the effort to push the province’s stature as the Dairy Capital of the Philippines, highlighted the launch  of the school-based milk feeding program of the Department of Education and the Bohol Integrated Community-Based Dairy Farming.

"I have been proposing and pursuing the use of locally-produced milk in the National School Feeding Program to help solve malnutrition among school children and to provide livelihood to dairy farmers," Villar told at least 500 farmers, teachers and school children. 

Under RA No. 11037, the school-based milk feeding program, fresh milk and fresh milk-based food products should be included in the fortified meals and cycle menu in schools.

Villar said that she has been pursuing the use of locally-produced milk in the National School Feeding Program to help solve malnutrition among school children and to provide livelihood to dairy farmers.

"We want to further grow and develop our country's milk sector,  and to improve the nutrition of Filipinos, especially the children who need it most," she said.

The province of Bohol celebrates the
5th Milk Festival which was graced
by Senator Cynthia Villar. Photo by Helen Castaño

Long considered a complete food, milk contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Milk is also a significant source of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) which helps promote healthy skin and eyes, as well as vitamins A and D.

Only two percent of the total national dairy requirement is produced in the country, while 98.2 percent are imports.

In Bohol, at least 2,000 hybrid carabaos are found at the PCC at the 3,000-hectare Ubay Stock Farm in Ubay town.

Farmers who produce carabao’s milk must be able to free themselves from poverty, Villar said, citing the testimony of a housewife, who now earns some PHP18,000 a month from buffalo’s milk.

The housewife, Villar said, having augmented her husband's income, has been delisted from the government's Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, otherwise known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

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New Loboc public market eyes February completion

After Ubay, my media colleagues (veteran broadcaster Lito Responte, Rey Chiu, Allen Doydora, Rey Tutas, Edward Guyano, Nilo Sapong and Helen Castaño) and I visited the town of Loboc.

The Loboc Tourism Complex has been undergoing renovations.

The heritage house was transformed into an entrance, while the former ticketing office area would serve as the exit and souvenir area. The second floor serves as a function room.

With at least 3,000 guests a day, Mayor Leon Calipusan said that tourists deserve a spacious terminal building while waiting for their Loboc River cruise.

Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan shows the
 new Loboc Market.   Photo by Helen Castaño

Mayor Calipusan also toured us to the renovated two-story rural health unit and the almost complete Loboc Market.

He is targeting to complete the P20-million new public market at Barangay Camayaan  in February next year.

“They can expect that it will be a comfortable public market,” Calipusan said.

The ground floor of the public market will have  stalls for fruits, grains vegetable, dairy products, bilao (circular basket), delicatessen, and dry goods sections, while at the back is a terminal building and a separate building for  fish, shell, and meat sections.

It’s building footprint is 600 square meters. The land intended for the public market is five  hectares.

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