Maximiel & the soundtrack of her life

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
"I am what I am"
--I am What I Am

 

If she were a song, Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel said that she would be Pop Music.

 

“I love for the fact that it fits my vocal range," Maximiel told VRS in an exclusive interview.

 

Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel celebrated her nth birthday in full glitz and glamour. Contributed Photo

Maximiel is a singer and she can carry a tune. She proved this during her nth birthday concert dubbed as "Maxelicious" held last Feb. 9 at the Metro Centre Hotel.

 

And her guests realised there was something special about her with the deep, honeyed voice.

The "who's who" joined together to celebrate the beloved designer's birthday.

 

Guests included from Metro Tagbilaran Society: Meg Raynaldo, proprietor of D'Box, philanthropist Maria Thomas, international chef Sofia Reynaldo, Michael Yu and international florist Boy Dumadag of  Blue Grass Project, restaurateur Madz Borja of Acacia de Bubu, jetsetter Casty Fortich, businessman Roy Tan and Janin Tan, Bunny Caseñas Amores of B'Grazing Co, Geofry Damgo of Louis Vuitton Malletier USA, jeweller Dale Reimer, mining magnate Rachael Ngo,  BCCTV's boss Leizel Lim, socialites Ruby Guinto and Marilou Remoreras,  actress and singer Scarlet, sportsman Achilles Amores, businessman Paul Lucas, Margie Corales Dumadag of  Flower Design Studio in Maryland, USA and JP Maslog.

 

Her high school classmates also attended the event: Councilor Chito Mercado,  Yen Tibog of Gardenville, hotelier  Marilou  Abarado of AMS hostel), entreprenuer Lilet Mulle, businesswowan Zenaida Balatero,  Angelie Escuadro of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, educator Fe Deja, Dubai-based Zenaida Torillo, Jic Sampomones of Napocor, nurse Julieta Narido of Holy Spirit School, businesswoman Annette Skelton and Mary Ann Lantaka.

 

Maximiel proved that she's aging with grace (eternal beauty) as she made a grand entrance during her party and performed a song number for her guests.

 

"I feel like I am an empowered person, full of life, passion and love,” she said.

 

She wore two gowns for her big night, she herself designed.

 

Maximiel confessed she is a Broadway diva and a fan of James Bond. The Bond songs have been recorded by some of the greats of popular music, and hold a special place in the legacy of film soundtracks.

 

The birthday celebrator with her friends and guests. 

"Through the years, I love James Bond songs," she said.

 

And here are seven songs, the “soundtrack of her life” that mean so much to Maximiel:

 

1)I Am What I Am (By Gloria Gaynor)- "No matter what they say I am born this way I am what I am."

 

2)I Will Survive (by Gloria Gaynor)- "In spite of everything I'm a survivor."

 

3)Private Dancer (by Tina Turner)- "I'm a seductress."

 

4)Diamonds Are Forever (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme)-"Intense vocal range and musical sexiness."

 

5)Goldfinger (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme) - "Grandueur of the orchestra of James Bond  music transends me to another dimension."

 

6)Skyfall (by Dame Adele, a James Bond theme)- "I love the music of Adele of 'Broken Hearts'."

 

7)Writing's on the Wall (by Sam Smith, another Bond theme)- "It speaks of risking your life to someone."

 

Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll lustre on.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Forever and ever.
--Diamonds Are Forever

 

 

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42 couples tie knot in
Tagbilaran mass wedding

 

At least 42 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding on Valentine’s Day, February 14, despite concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

They exchanged vows during the “Kasalan sa Tagbilaran sa Valentine’s Day” at the Tagbilaran City Hall atrium.

 

But before the ceremony, the couples had to follow some precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

Personnel from the city health office had to check their body temperatures, including those of their guests, said Chris John Torralba, chief of the City General Services Office.

 

Masks and alcohol were also given to the couples and their guests.

 

The mass wedding was officiated by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, who encouraged couples to remain committed and “in love” with each other.

 

Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Censoria Yap also shared precious lessons about love and marriage.

 

Local Civil Registry Head Virgilia Incog facilitated the event in coordination with the city mayor’s office.

 

The oldest couple who got married were Rey Gultiano, 44, and Mary Rose Balena, 34, both residents of this city.

 

At least 42 couples exchanged “I dos” in the annual civil mass wedding at the Tagbilaran City Hall on Friday, February 14. Photo courtesy:  Fiel Angeli Gabin/CIO

The City Hall’s atrium was turned into a reception area, where the couples and their immediate families enjoyed the buffet.

 

The city government allotted a budget for bouquet, food, cake, wine, and gifts.

 

City hall employees also celebrated love when they were allowed to wear civilian clothes.

 

Torralba, in his memo, assigned colors that would show their love status: red as the color to wear for those in love or in happy relationships; red for in love/in a relationship; green for looking for number 2; pink for umaasa; yellow for single and ready to mingle; violet for its complicated; black for broken hearted; white for no boyfriend/girlfriend since birth; blue for friendzoned; grey for bitter, orange for assuming and for those wearing their office uniform, kill joy.

 

Torralba just wanted to make Valentine’s Day celebration fun for employees.

 

"But employees wearing red dominate here,” he said.
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Novel ideas to enjoy Valentine's Day in the time of coronavirus scare

As if nobody's talking about Valentine' Day. Mmmm..

With the novel coronavirus keeping people off the streets, love is not exactly in the air ahead of Valentine's Day on Friday.

But it does not have to be a drab occasion. There are still ways to celebrate the day, even if nCoV means "no cash on Valentine."

Here are some "novel" (pun intended) ideas to make Valentine's Day 2020 a memorable one - for all the right reasons.

Hit the beach for sun, sea and sand this Valentine's Day. Photo: LPU

1) Watch movies. Play (again and again!) your CDs of old, familiar love songs. As VRS has been saying (at the risk of sounding like, you gussed it, a broken record), there's nothing like old familiar songs (especially love songs) to make Valentine's Day extra-special, songs that have in one way or another something to do with episodes in our lives.

For instance,  Taylor Swift's "Love Story," The Supreme's "Baby Love," Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You," The Righteous Brother's "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," Madonna's "Justify My Love," Celine Dion's "The Power of Love," Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," and Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is."

The Terminal, Touch & Go, Answering Machine, Escape (The Pina-colada Song), Him and Let's Get Crazy Tonight by singer-writer Holmes are arguably some of the greatest hits of the '70s and '80s; while I'd Really Love To See You Tonight, Love Is The Answer, Just Tell Me You Love Me, Sad To Belong, We'll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again, What's Forever For and Where Do I Go From Here, etc., were among the Top 40 hits of the '70s and '80s and remained popular until the '90s, were the products of the musical talents of Coley, the other half of the popular '70s-'80s duo England Dan and John Ford Coley.

The Biggest Part of Me, You're The Only Woman and The Key To You are just four of the top hits of Grammy Award-winner Pack, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ambrosia.

Several big hits performed by lead vocalist Jimi Jamison, such as The Search Is Over, Ever Since The World Began, Moment of Truth and Eye Of The Tiger.

Relive that famous spaghetti kiss from ‘Lady and the Tramp’!

2) Set a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter day to look greet your loved ones. Send them personal messages.

3) Go online shopping. You can have practically any gift imaginable shipped right to your doorstep!

4)  Face the world confidently with a beautiful heart! Visit Bohol's cosmetic surgeon Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter ( 4th floor, Lim Hong Khu Medical Arts and Wellness Center) and Dr. Armi Judy Piollo (3rd Floor, Tagbilaran Community Hospital).  Touch of April General and Cosmetic Surgicenter gives 20% discount in some services in celebrating Valentine's Day.

5) Have a make-over! Change your hair and make-up. Find the perfect dress! Call Bebei Tagoctoc, EP Relampagos, Jonathan Ucat, Ramil Dolauta, Donna Vitos, Rolly Ingking and Ryan Sines. For the latest collections, see Mikee Andrei,  EJ Relampagos, Charlow Arbasto,Omie Auza,  Maximiel, Aileen Pasagad, Kim Villamor, Christian Relator, Christian Bustrillos, Nikki Simporios, Ryan Sadudaquil, La'doie Aquino and Rose and Paul Ranara.

Your VRS with veteran journalist Ric V. Obedencio at Garcia Hernandez town, where the public beach is a favorite place for locals  to escape the weekend heat. Rather than fine sand, the shoreline is riddled with smooth, white pebbles and remains of bleached corals. Photo: Helen Castaño

6) Have a food trip, coffee break.  Visit
Figaro Coffee Company- Bohol (located across the University of Bohol), Lantaw, Bohol Bee Farm, Tarsier Botanika, Bring House and Gerarda's.

7) Go for a hike together. Couples who hike together stay together—or something like that. With Valentine’s falling on a Friday this year, that gives you a whole weekend’s worth of opportunities to get your hearts pumping—for real.

8) Hit the beach for sun, sea and sand! Bohol just abounds with gorgeous beaches from north to south, east to west.

9.  Give her fresh flowers. Red rose has an impact!

10.  Watch the sunset at K of C to remember your  love story.Remember,  the first stab of love is like a sunset, a blaze of color -- oranges, pearly pinks, vibrant purples.

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This is not fake news: Residents of Garcia Hernandez are apprehensive of the presence of an international cargo vessel from China which has been docked here since Friday to load limestone.

According to the village chief Joeritz Baybay, although the 22 Chinese crew members were not allowed to disembark from the vessel, several residents of Barangay West Canayaon were opposed to its presence in the village due to the threat of 2019 novel coronavirus (nCov).

MV Fortune Tiger came  from China and arrived at the waters off Barangay West Canayaon on Feb. 4 to load limestone at the town's Philippine Mining Service Corporation (PMSC).

Baybay said the personnel of BOQ and municipal health office boarded the ship to check on the health of the crew.

Since none of the crew members showed  symptoms of the nCov, the vessel was allowed to drop anchor on Friday morning. 

Barangay officials carefully monitor the activities of the Chinese crew.

Still, the presence of Chinese crew members, who were wearing masks, didn't sit well with many of the residents in the village.

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STARS CONTINUE TO LINE UP FOR THE 92ND OSCARS

UTKARSH AMBUDKAR, SALMA HAYEK, BRIE LARSON, 

SPIKE LEE, RAY ROMANO AND REBEL WILSON

LOS ANGELES, CA – Show producers Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain today announced the next wave of star presenters headed to the stage on the 92nd Oscars® telecast.  The Oscars will air live Sunday, February 9, on ABC.

The lineup includes Utkarsh Ambudkar, Salma Hayek, Brie Larson, Spike Lee, Ray Romano, and Rebel Wilson.

Previously announced Oscars presenters include Mahershala Ali, Zazie Beetz, Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman, James Corden, Penélope Cruz, Beanie Feldstein, Will Ferrell, Gal Gadot, Zack Gottsagen, Mindy Kaling, Diane Keaton, Regina King, Shia LaBeouf, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, George MacKay, Rami Malek, Steve Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos, Keanu Reeves, Maya Rudolph, Mark Ruffalo, Kelly Marie Tran, Sigourney Weaver and Kristen Wiig.

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.  “The Oscars Red Carpet Show” 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.

The NBA world mourns the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant

People around the world are paying their respects to NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

He died on Sunday, January 26 (Monday in the Philippines), in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also killed.

Filipino-American Andy Digal Doria went to church when he first learned of Kobe Bryant’s  death from a news alert on his phone.

“It’s devastating,” said Doria, a Glendale resident who works as insurance broker in California.

“We’ve lost a legend,” he told VRS in an interview on Facebook Messenger.

Boholano Andy Digal Doria visited near the crash site in Calabasas in California, USA where Kobe Bryant and his daughter were killed in a helicopter crash. He also paid tribute to the legend at the Staples Center. Photos courtesy: Andy Digal Doria

Doria, a Los Angeles Lakers fan, immediately went to the crash site in Calabasas, about 30-minute drive from his home.

He said it was foggy and cold on Monday morning but it didn’t hamper fans to visit the crash site.

He said he had seen fans and media and emergency vehicles on Willlow Glen Street and Las Virgenes Road.

Calabasas officials encouraged people to go to the DeAnza Park as Las Virgenes and Lost Hills were off to the public.

Some fans brought LA Lakers jersey and streamers to show their love for Bryant.

He saw smoke from the crash site.

In downtown Los Angeles,  thousands of fans gathered outside the Staples Center  to remember Bryant.

Doria said the Los Angeles Police Department put restrictions around Staples Center. Fans could not be able to access the area, and some areas around the venue were closed.

Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash along with his daughter and 7 others who were on board.

Staples Center was the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, where Bryant spent all 20 years of his career.

Bryant, 41, an NBA great who retired in 2016, spent his 20-year career with the Lakers, earning five National Basketball Association championships and numerous other honors.

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Protect Bohol from 2019-nCoV

Some Boholanos slammed the slow decision to ban Chinese tourists to prevent the spread of the virus.

Most of them used the hashtags #protectthePhilippines #protectBohol" in their posts on Facebook.

"Remember, temporary lang ni. If okay na then balik sila.Why take the risk when it comes to the health and lives of everyone," said Tagbilaran residenr Joy Bonita Sevilla.

Bohol 2nd district Representative Erico Aristotle Aumentado had already filed a resolution to impose an immediate travel moratorium on flights from China to Bohol.

In House Resolution No. 669, he said as a health measure and to curb the risk of spreading the infection in the country, an immediate travel moratorium must be imposed halting the direct flight from China to Panglao International Airport.

On Friday, January 31, there was no arrival from  Chengdu City, China at the Bohol Panglao International Airport.

At least 172 Chinese tourists arrived in Bohol last January 24, while a couple arrived last January 27.

The effect of the ncoV was already felt by a number of travel operators and resort owners who already received booking and tour cancellations from China.

Miraflor Lawangon, 45, proprietor of Wow Bohol Travel and Tours, said she anticipated the cancellations already and the cancellations  would somehow affect the tourism industry.

"As of now, we are already expecting more cancellations from our travel agency partners from China. Since the outbreak came, we are expecting more cancellations of their Bohol tours of this month," she said.

" So, somehow we are expecting this will affect our business and it will hurt the tourism industry in Bohol," she added.

She stressed the tour is non-refundable but she is offering re-booking or re-scheduling.

"Tingali makabawi siguro mi sa local tourists  since summer is coming," said Lawangon.

According to the Bohol Tourism Office, China is the top source market of foreign tourists in Bohol followed by Koreans.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Now that we have a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV), the Department of Health has these reminders:

1. Don’t panic.
2. Wash your hands frequently.
3. Facemasks will help.
4. Get enough rest to boost your immune system.
5. Drink a lot of water, make sure your throat is moist so the virus can't attach to it and be absorbed by your body.
6. For zinc supply, put malunggay in your food.
7. Eat food rich in vitamins A, C, E and mineral zinc.
8. Avoid crowded places as much as possible.
9. Stay up to date through credible sources.

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Audio-Bohol, Tagbilaran FPTA collaborate to address family, youth concerns

In these contemporary times, it is impossible for most people to go even a day without using electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and cell phones. People rely on these technological tools for work, communicating with family and friends, and personal enjoyment.

What they don’t seem to realize is that all of these electronic devices are known to emit waves of electromagnetic field radiation.

Last year, Boholanos had been alarmed by the increasing number of suicide cases that health professionals and those from different sectors of the society grouped together to establish a center that will give intervention to those with mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.

The participants, speakers, and guests of the Audio-Bohol and Tagbilaran FPTA collaboration forum.

 In all of these issues and problems, it is the family – the basic unit of society - that needs to be strengthened and protected from the forces that threaten its solidarity. Hence, the Association of United Development Information Officers (Audio) – Bohol and the Tagbilaran City Schools Division Federated Parents-Teachers Association (TCSD FPTA), in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Bohol, embarked on a collaboration – a forum held at the Bohol Island State University – Tagbilaran Campus that intends to give valuable information to Bohol information officers from the local government units and national government agencies, FPTA presidents of both Tagbilaran City and Bohol School Divisions, city Sanggguniang Kabataan chairpersons, student editors-in-chief, and supreme student government presidents of Tagbilaran City, with their teacher-advisers.

 Diocemee A. Documento, a licensed teacher and health advocate on modern-day solution and energy medicine, expounded on and shared personal experiences on the ill effects of radiation and digital addiction.

 On the other hand, BISU-Calape Campus guidance counselor and PAGPAKABUHI trainor and advocate Maria Dina E. Golosino passionately explained the importance of mental hygiene. Engr. Dionisio Neil A. Balite, Couples for Christ Bohol ANCOP head and Palau Mission area coordinator, discussed on the family as God’s masterpiece.

 

According to Lope S. Hubac, Education Program Supervisor in Values Education of the Department of Education - Bohol Schools Division “The activity was a perfect example of a collaborative response to the call of the times, addressing concerns of the young people.”

He said it was, at the same time, a step closer to the realization of the DepEd mission where stakeholders are actively engaged and share responsibility for developing lifelong learners. 

“Not just informative, but also empowering for all learners and human helpers. A very relevant activity. Kudos to the people who worked without counting the cost just to make the forum a success,” he added.

Moreover, within the program, Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba Yap” Yap II inducted the 2020-2021 Audio-Bohol officers.

City Government of Tagbilaran’s Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao–Gabin was re-elected as president.

Other officers are Ubay’s John Larry Evangelista, VP for LGUs; Bohol District Jail’s Bruce Zabala, VP for national agencies; Buenavista’s Mirasol Intong, secretary; PIA-Bohol’s Elvira Bongosia, assistant secretary; Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Rosario Chatto, treasurer; Bureau of Treasury’s Chloe Redeja, assistant treasurer: Philippine Coconut Authority’s Jose Allan Cajilog, auditor. Press Relations Officers are Antequera’s Russel Eustacio Villas, Jr. (1st District); Bien Unido’s Manuelito Item (2nd District); and Candijay’s Micaa Dinoy (3rd District).

Tagbilaran City Schools Division FPTA officers are Dr. Cecilio Putong NHS’ Jonas Cacho, president; Cogon NHS’ Efren Ortiz, vice-president; TCCES SPED Center’s Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, secretary; Manga NHS’ Antonio Miro, treasurer; and City East ES’ Renato Jimenez, auditor.

 Tagbilaran City Central ES’ Kenny June Requeron and Mansasa NHS Andronico Liesis, Mansasa are the PROs. Members of the Board are Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, Tagb. City Science HS; Eduardo Macalandag, Dampas ES; Cecilia Lagare, Eastern Cogon ES; Amalia Tanong, San Isidro ES; Rebecca Yecyec, Cogon ES; Maria Lyn Corot, Booy South ES; Gypsy Faith Salisid, Booy ES; Ninfa Baja, Cabawan ES; Eduardo Ayento, San Isidro NHS; Andy Valluta, Mansasa ES; Ranilo Buquil, Bool ES; Jayson Jamoner, Ubujan ES, and Gerardo Sale, Tiptip ES.

The Voice Kids – Philippines 2015 talent Gian Luigi Ale performed intermission numbers.

 Khem Pendejito, Garcia-Hernandez Mayor’s Executive Secretary and information officer-designate, emceed the activity supported by Tagbilaran Schools Division’s Dr. Joseph Irwin Lagura, Bohol School Division’s Dr. Bianito Dagatan, BISU’s Dr. Regucivilla Pobar and Prof. Ernesto Rullida, Tagbilaran Liga ng mga Barangay president Fausto Budlong, First Congressman Edgar Chatto, Second District Cong. Erico Aristotle and Ms. Vanessa Cadorna – Aumentado, Aurora Bucio of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada; City Councilor Tim Butalid, 1st District Board Member Aldner Damalerio, City Councilor Jonas Cacho, and PIA-Bohol’s Rey Anthony Chiu, Elvira Bongosia, and Jose Reno Tista.

 

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How to protect yourself, others from coronavirus

 

 There are growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus as hundreds of millions of people travel for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

 

In Bohol, at least 172 Chinese tourists arrived last Friday from China.

 

The Bohol- Panglao International Airport (BPIA) has tightened its medical quarantine protocols to prevent the virus' entry into the province. Personnel closely monitored the 172 Chinese tourists who arrived at BPIA from Chengdu City, China last Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. Thanks to Police Captain Marvin Bolic of BPIAPS and Dr. Ritche Dela Fuente of Bureau of Quarantine and nurse Matthew James Sepe for the media access.

Matthew James Sepe, quarantine nurse at the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA), said these tourists came from Chengdu City, the capital of southwestern China’s Sichuan province.

 

The passengers were allowed to enter the country since none of them had a fever.

 

The thermal scanner is available only at the international arrivals section. An individual with a body temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius would set off the scanner’s alarm.

 

Police Captain Marvin Bolic, head of the Aviation Security Group, said personnel from the aviation security group also helped in monitoring passenger security.

 

The BPIA services two flights from China Mondays and Fridays.

 

Boholanos were alarmed after two Chinese nationals aged 2 and 36 were placed under observation in Bohol after showing symptoms of coronavirus.  But they were eventually released from the hospital after swab samples were taken from them.

 

Acting Bohol Gov. Rene Relampagos said there was no cause for alarm since proper protocols and precautionary measures had been done.

 

The Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) said that Central Visayas still has no confirmed case of the 2019 nCoV.

 

 The US Centers for Disease and Control Prevention said there are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection.

 

 You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

 

If you have cold-like symptoms, you can help protect others by doing the following:  stay home while you are sick, avoid close contact with others cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

 

There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses.  Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

 

However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children) use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough.  

 

If you are mildly sick, you should drink plenty of liquids stay home and rest.  If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.

 

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HOLLYWOOD STREET CLOSURES FOR 2020 OSCAR WEEK

LOS ANGELES, CA – To ensure public safety, support security strategies and facilitate the production of this year’s Oscars®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the City of Los Angeles have finalized street closure plans around the Dolby® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood.

To accommodate the construction of press risers, fan viewing areas and pre-show stages along the Oscars red carpet, Hollywood Boulevard will be closed between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive beginning at 3 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, and remain closed until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12.

MTA subway trains will bypass the Hollywood & Highland station after the last regularly scheduled train on Saturday, February 8, until the first scheduled train after 6 a.m. on Monday, February 10.  Service at the station will resume with the first scheduled train after 6 a.m.

Between Sunday, January 26, and Oscar Sunday, February 9, additional streets and sidewalks will be closed for varying periods.

Details of the closures and maps of affected areas are available from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Sixth and the Thirteenth District City Council field offices and on the Academy's website at http://www.oscars.org/closures. 

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.

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.