FaceApp reveals what Bohol leaders would look like as members of the opposite sex

Can you recognise these Boholanos? Some well-known faces are almost unrecognisable as they change sex or become younger or older using FaceApp. 

If your social media feeds are suddenly full of gender-swapped photos of friends, families and celebrities, it's because of the 

facial morphing app FaceApp which is making the rounds again.

FaceApp is a photo editing application that allows users to transform their appearance entirely. It allows people to see what they would look like when they are older and change the gender of the person in the photo. 

From our congressmen to mayor, many quickly joined in on the fun. 

Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap II took to Facebook on Thursday to try the gender swap trend. 

In a post that has left many amused, he transformed himself into a beautiful woman. 

"Ga lisod ang faceapp sa baba yap hairstyle. Ga tindog gihapon.." Yap said referring to his signature hairstyle. 

His post has collected over 5,800 'likes' and more than 1,600 shares. 

The photos of Reps. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor also garnered a ton of amused comments from netizens. 

Aumentado shared a picture of himself as he transformed into a woman. It only proved that Aumentado is undeniably beautiful. 

On the other hand, Tutor showed a photo of a handsome man with a sexy facial hair. Netizens were loving the shot. 

Board members Aldner Damalerio and Jade Bautista also charmed netizens who reacted to their transformations of a seductive woman and sexy man. 

"Shout out sa mga Ate's ug mga Tita's," posted Damalerio who showed his female persona. 

"Always mi mupahinumdom ninyo nga mag sul-ob ug face mask, social distancing, frequent handwashing, stay healthy by keeping fit and exercise, eat fruits and vegetables, Ok? From your Tita A :) Maki-uso lang ta pang pa good vibes :)," he added. 

Boholano singer-actress-comedienne Scarlet Geulen-Boiser also shared her photos of a young and old lady of herself. Because of her transformation, she captivated the hearts of her fans. 

Fashion designer Rommel Auza also shared a photo of a seductive woman. 

The photo of US-based socialite Mikey Gatal's younger but thin appearance still charmed many netizens who reacted on his post that showed his being a woman. He also appeared to add a lick of makeup to finish off the virtual makeover.

Ariel Fullido of CenterStage Band also transformed himself into a woman. His caption amused many netizens, too. 

While the world was taken by storm by FaceApp, it also faced criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes and sparked heated debates about gender norms.

A few tech analysts from across the world have accused FaceApp as a blatant breach of data privacy.

Panglao, still beautiful

 

In Panglao, without all the boats and people in the sea, the water is as clear as it's been in a long, long time. Photo by Leo Udtohan

I terribly missed the beach.  Swimming and snorkeling is one of the pleasures of pre-quarantine life.

When veteran journalist Ric Obedencio asked us if we could join him for an excursion in Panglao town, Helen Castano and I didn’t waste time.

We visited Alona first. The place is almost empty where it is used to be packed with tourists. Without all the boats and people in the sea, the water is as clear as it's been in a long, long time.

In an interview with Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero she told us that Panglao tourism will be back to business this week if they will be allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force, Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to re-open.

 

And if allowed to open, Maam Nila said the target would be domestic tourists.

Maam Nila said at least 5,000 tourism-related business establishments in Panglao were affected since February.

The tourism industry in Bohol has been tested by times. The 1990 typhoon Ruping (international name: Mike), the 2000 Y2K bug and the 2013 7.2 magnitude earthquake crippled the tourism industry particularly in Panglao. But slowly, the tourism was able to bounce back.

"The tourism stopped and it took us years to recover. Since this is pandemic it will take time to recover because the world economy is really affected," said Maam Nila.

But even if tourism is back, some resort owners chose to suspend operations for fear of the virus.

 

When I met Anthony Ceniza, supervisor of Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod, he said they will remain close indefinitely.

"So far, we can't open until there is a vaccine. It will be difficult since there's no assurance of what will happen to us. Let's us leave it this way, we will wait and follow the government," he said.

Anthony said one seemingly positive impact of the majority of Bohol remaining inside during the coronavirus outbreak is being seen off of our shores.

He said the beaches become clearer with less garbage in the absence of human activity due to the government’s efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

 

Anthony said visitors can see a refreshing Panglao during their next trip in Bohol.

 

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How TAN models are coping

Nick Gumanit, Erika Ahern and Mark Brandon Philipps are busy during these unprecedented times.

As the lockdown forces many sectors to work from home, what are models up to these days? VRS asked some of the models of The Art Noueveau (TAN) how they’re keeping busy during these unprecedented times.

How does their day start and how does it end?

"If I'm not lazy enough I work out and study," said Nick Gumanit, 19, 2nd runner-up in Sandugo Festival King 2019, who is stranded in Cebu City.

" I have a healthy breakfast. I end my day watching a movie or an episode of one of my favorite series," said 17-year-old model and Vlogger Mark Brandon Philipps.

"I walk outside with my dog and I work out," said fellow model and Vlogger Erika Ahern, 16, who hails from Ubay town.

They shared that social media has saved the days by offering sources of inspiration, creativity and a much-needed break from the monotony of lockdown.

Aside from your barber (wink), what do you miss most about the “outside” world?
Nick: Playing basketball and having a good time with friends.
Mark: Hanging out with my friends and going to the beach.
Erika: What I miss is going out with my frnds and going to the beach.

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?
Nick: I follow the law or rules of our government like staying at home.
Mark: I wash my hands and I avoid touching my face.
Erika: I use alcohol to disinfect myself and I wear mask every time I go out.

How do you envision post-COVID life?
Nick: The pandemic creates a big impact to me. I have learned to value everything that I have. I've realized that I'm blessed enough, and I'm grateful for the gift of life. And I'm so thankful for the people who never fail to support me. It's more than a billion peso reward.
Mark: I think most of the people are at home.

Erika: For me, a lot of people are still scared to go out. 

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Karla Tirol Magno does free eyebrow microblading for cancer survivors

Karla Tirol Magno, known as “Bohol's Kilay Doctor”, is doing free eyebrow microblading for cancer survivors in Bohol province as part of her advocacy "Brow Clinic's Brave Women".

When CM learned she had lymphoma, things came crashing down. She was in her 20s with a promising career when the terrible news of her health came. 

 

Then, her doctor told her to undergo chemotherapy. She conducted herself with maturity and displayed an immense amount of strength. 

 

CM beat the cancer, but she was left feeling incomplete. After chemotherapy, her eyebrows became thin. 

 

Wanting to do something for herself, CM heard of Karla Tirol Magno, known as Bohol’s “Kilay Doctor", doing free eyebrow microblading for cancer survivors who have lost their hair because of cancer or never had hair due to Alopecia, or spot baldness. 

 

It is part of Karla's "Brow Clinic's Brave Women" project. 

 

"I am focused on my advocacy to bring back the confidence and joy of beautiful eyebrows that look natural, like real hair. I have been so blessed with this skill, and I want to share it to those who need it the most," said Karla. 

 

"They've lost their hair, they've lost their eyebrows and eyelashes and you can give them a little piece of that to make them feel beautiful," she added.

 

Karla, a registered nurse, is the founder and CEO of Brow Clinic and Beauty Lounge (Contact Numbers: 038-502-1496, 09979406536) located at The Alley along J.A. Clarin Street in Tagbilaran City.

 

Trained abroad, Karla is an international certified permanent makeup artist who specializes in microblading tattoos to bring dignity back to people. 

 

The candidates should be healthy enough for the procedure upon their doctor's approval. 

 

Last week, CM availed the free service, and hopes this option becomes more known for cancer survivors in Bohol. 

 

CM was satisfied with the result. She is happier and more confident now.

Karla said, "I gave her the glam back, it makes me so happy because it’s giving her confidence again."

 

On lockdown like everybody else, Karla is trying her best to cope with COVID-19, a great equalizer. It has put most of the world’s population behind closed doors regardless of social or economic standing, whether young or old.

 

How are you doing during this extended lockdown; how does your day start and how does it end? It's still the same, I have coffee in the morning and “manghaplas” before I sleep.

 

What are your usual daily activities and how do you spend your spare time (if you have any)?

I used to be so busy everyday at the clinic and now that I have spare time, I have been trying to learn more about farming and aquaculture. I have been visiting towns in Bohol looking for other ventures to do. I also help moderate #BBCo - Bohol Barter Community. I visit and call loved ones to check on them. I try to stay busy to stay sane. 

 

Aside from your brush, what do you miss most about the “outside” world?

The simple joys of hanging out with friends, having coffee, eating out, chilling at the beach, the gym, and even traveling for work or vacation. Being normal. 

 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?

I have been following all protocols with masks and always washing my hands & keeping alcohol in my bag and car. I try to boost my immune system with supplements and vitamins too!

 

Has this crisis changed in any way the way you look at life and the future?

In so many ways. This pandemic brings out the good and bad in people. I try to focus on the good, and it has magnified with all this time we all have to reflect on life and what we all have been doing because whatever I thought was really important, is humbled down to basics. I see the world differently now knowing it can all change so fast.

 

How would the Karla “new normal” be like? 

When this pandemic ends, and I hope soon, I hope to instill what I learned to focus more on the positive and being more resilient to problems that you never saw coming and I may have developed a new germophobe habit. 

 

 

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'Lockdowned' at home

Being on lockdown doesn't have to be boring, not if you keep yourself occupied. If you've pretty much completed all of Netflix, you can change up your routine and look for other things to do. You can let those creative juices flowing.

 

You can learn how these aspiring models are coping with being cooped-up at home.

 

"The first thing that starts my day is through a prayer. I do jogging and walking 3 times a week. I do household chores then if I have time I used to play guitar and make some dance covers daily. And my day ends with a workout because I don't have time to do it in the morning or afternoon," said Arnel Corbita, 19, who was the grand finalist of Mr. Teen ICM Cycle 3 2017. He was also Mister BISU Calape 2019 and Mister  BISU SCUAA 2019.

 

Jack Green, 17, from Loon town, said that the extended lockdown he cannot help it not to be concerned about our surroundings.

 

"I’m doing well that’s why I always start my day by praying to God and then doing the household chores like fixing the bed, cooking, cleaning the house and still ending the day with a prayer," said Jack who was 4th runner-up in Mr and Miss UB Personality 2019, 1st runner-up in Mr. Loon Campus Personality and Top 6 in Mr Teen ICM Cycle 3 2017.

 

Sean Rey Tupas admitted he gets bored for the same routine at home.

 

"I admit that sometimes it gets boring because I fell for the same routine every single day. But it's okay as long as I'm breathing, then it's fine with me. The fact is, I know everyone of us gets bored due to this pandemic but what I mean is we just have to stay positive, stay safe and follow what the government tells us to do," said the 20-year-old Mr. UB Personality 2018.

 

John Anthony Migallon, 18, said the lockdown gives him more time with his family.

 

"Since lockdown, I did learn a lot of things by simply taking my time more useful specially in surfing the internet and exploring social media. I just spend a lot of time with my family," said John who became 2nd runner-up in Mr Teen ICM Cycle 4 2019.

 

Aside from your barber, what do you miss most about the “outside” world?
Arnel: The most thing that I miss in the outside world is playing basketball because  I like to play basketball the most and it gives enjoyment and happiness to me. And if I can't play basketball my day is not complete.
Jack: I miss hanging out with my friends and co- models and enjoying life like how it used to be.
Sean: Everything! I miss how normal it was before.
John:  A lot of things!  But for me, what I've missed the most is traveling. I am this kind of person that I wanted to travel anywhere and anytime even I don't have intentions on where to go. I just want to meet a lot of people and seeing a lot of beautiful places.

 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?
Arnel: I protect myself by always washing my hands and put disinfectant regularly. Every time I go outside I used to wear face mask and If I'm back home I wash my hands before I touch every part of my face and body.

Jack:  I protect myself from COVID-19 by staying at home as much as I can, washing my hands often, and following the directions of our local health authority. It’s really necessary for us to keep our hands clean all the time, keeping a safe distance and wearing mask every time we go outside.

Sean: Aside from wearing a face mask, washing my hands, observe social distancing, follow everything what the government says etc, I also make sure that I'm physically fit that's why I do my home workout everyday and balance my diet. And I also haven't go outside our house yet starting the very first day of quarantine. I don't even know how the outside world looks like.

John: We always make this as a habit to disinfect ourselves and as well the things that we brought from the outside. Since three of my siblings are nurses,  they always taught us on how to be responsible of everything, from ourselves and also when entering our house. I always take my vitamins...and I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

 

How do you envision post-COVID life?
Arnel: I see bad because it stops us on what we usually do but in the good side is it teaches to be more responsible and always observe cleanliness in our body. And I believe is the most important--to stay at home and spend some time with our family.

Jack: For a typical Filipino, it would be challenging since it's the time to make up for all the losses brought by the crisis. But eventually, we are strong, God-centered individuals who live by faith that God would always provide. Eventually, we can get through it.

Sean: Like they say, this is now the "New Normal". I'll be expecting that some people might be struggling because we're not used to this situation. Some people have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 so it means they don't have money and if they don't have money, then they don’t have something to eat or to sustain their needs. But there many ways to solve that problem. Like for instance, if we don't have something to eat because we don't have money, we can also do alternatives like planting and harvesting and more. I'll be expecting that it's not that fun and enjoyable as it was before. As many of us shelter in place with no end in sight, all we can do is to imagine how life will resume, even if the unfamiliar and unpredictable behavior of the virus has made it difficult to know with any certainty. What matter the most is to make sure that we're safe, we survive, have faith in God and keep moving forward.

John: For me, we really don't know what life is. Like I mean, we don't know the future world or future generation. But for me it will serve as a memory that the next generation will be more fighter and more knowledgeable if only if this pandemic would happen again.

 

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At home with Vanessa

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: ‘Health is wealth. It is truer now than ever. LIFE itself is great wealth.’

For two months and eight days, former beauty queen Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado is getting the hang of being quarantined at home with her family.

Although it took the virus to put an abrupt to Vanessa's breakneck schedule, she said there can be joy in being lockdowned.

 

Known as Bohol's Mommy Vlogger, Vanessa released her second video sharing powerful tips to declutter our homes. Dealing with the clutter elevated levels of moms' stress hormones. “So the less we have, the better for our health,’ she stressed.

 

As a Tiktoker, she shares her funny side. She can act and dance,too.

 

Yes, Vanessa is doing all that..and more!

 

How have you (Cong. Aris and kids)  been since the lockdown was imposed (March 16)? We are fine... I mean trying to be fine. Our world now is full of uncertainties, we could only hope & pray for the best.

 

How do you beat boredom? Keeping myself busy with some stuff like cooking, exercising, k-drama watching  and preparing relief goods for our frontliners. Aside from Tiktok, creating my YouTube channel as Mommy Vlogger of Bohol Van-van made me busier as i get excited of what's going to upload next.  By the way, please subscribe. 

 

How is (Bohol 2nd district) Cong. Aris doing? He is fine as well. But became more occupied nowadays since he is very hands on with the distribution of relief goods, medical kits and PPEs to the frontliners. He also attends session every Monday-Wednesday afternoon via teleconference thru zoom and constantly monitors all the towns in Second District of Bohol especially the coastal areas.

 

How does your day start and how does it end? I’m the nocturnal kind, so my day starts a bit late. So when I wake up, I make sure to monitor what's going on around us like checking the latest news about COVID. My day ends at around 1-2am after watching movies on Netflix and make sure to give thanks before sleeping to our LORD GOD who is our ultimate refuge.

 

How did you celebrate your birthday last May 21, 2020? I went home to Duero- my hometown. Had lunch by the beach with my family (Vlog #3 is all about that, kindly watch soon...)

 

How do you protect yourselves from possible COVID-19 infection? I take vitamins accompanied with proper diet and exercise. I made sure to boost my immune system as well as my family's. Wearing of mask when going out, using of alcohol when necessary and proper handwashing have been part of my daily routine. Well, this is the new normal as they say.

How does it feel people are calling you Bohol's Mommy VBlogger and Tiktoker? Wow! That's quite overwhelming! Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for watching  and subscribing. I'm just here doing what I love to do and hoping others will be inspired too. That's my little way of spreading positivity.

 

Tell us more about your VBlog? It's more on showing my personal side. It's all about health, beauty, food, travel and life in general. I have more possible topics to share with you so hope you get to check it soon.

 

Tell us more about your Tiktok? The funny side of me! Ha!Ha!Ha! I get to act which is by the way one of my favorite things to do when I was young. Casting modesty aside, best in declamation was one of my High School awards. Through Tiktok, I get to dance and yes it's an exercise too.

 

Has this crisis changed in any way you look at life and the future? Yes, a lot of realizations were made. One of the significant ones is the importance of Life. Health is wealth. It is truer now than ever. LIFE itself is great wealth.

 

How do you envision post-COVID life? Hopeful for a brighter day.  May all of us go back to our normal living. People can work, students get to school again, business opens normally and economy recovers.

 

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The power of a simple 'thank you'

Thank you.

These are two words that some of us take for granted especially in this age where we do multi-tasking and are preoccupied with so many activities in the world.

When I wrote a piece about Mother's Day last Sunday, a simple "thank you" from featured friends it melt the writer's heart. And if the subjects had received a positive write-up responds that was another bonus.

Of course, there is no law requiring people to do that. But saying "thank you"  is more than an act of courtesy, it’s a way of crossing frontiers on an emotional, personal and emotional level.

During the pandemic, some bashed our barangay, municipal and provincial  officials for being so slow... but mind you they are doing their best to protect and help us.  Why not recognize others for who they are, and for the qualities that cause us to love them?

We should also thank our frontliners (health-care workers, fish and vegetable vendors, cashiers, security guards, barangay officials, police, army, mediamen, et al) and countless other people, they also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

All of us are deeply grateful to all of them  who are working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

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So how can you keep your sanity in the time of COVID-19? 

Most of us are in fear of anxiety and having sleepless nights and not eating properly being quarantined for two months. 

Psychology Today shared some tips in managing anxiety during this extraordinary time:

*Stay informed and updated on the news—but (important but) limit your exposure to TV images of pain and suffering so as not to become overwhelmed by grief. Consider reading the news online or in a “real” newspaper instead.

*Focus on the positive actions you can take to prevent exposure to the virus, including social distancing, hand-washing, and wearing a face mask while you’re around others in places like grocery and liquor stores.

*Don’t catastrophize or minimize the health crisis by exaggerating statistics or allowing loudly opinionated, under-informed public figures to influence you.

*Remind yourself “this too shall pass,” and when it does we will have changed, hopefully for the better if we learn from our experiences to be more resilient as we face future challenges.

*Reflect with gratitude on everything good and positive in your life and in the world.

*Think about your loved ones, your shared histories, things you’ve been through and survived together in the past.

*Make sure that voice in your head we refer to as “self-talk” directs your thoughts and actions from a place of information and positive action, not fear.

*Get outside (socially distanced as needed, of course) into the sunlight and nature. There is a beautiful springtime unfolding out there, and a walk or hike can do wonders for you.

*Have flowers and green plants in your home. Their beauty and "aliveness" are inspiring.
Listen to upbeat music. Dance! It’s incredibly therapeutic.

*Celebrate joyfully each positive step toward resolving the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front lines caring for the ill.

*Laugh. Regularly. Watch funny shows, movies, and stand-up comedy.

*And one final tip: Give yourself permission to cry as needed. It's healthy and a normal human compassionate response to suffering, and we are all suffering. Even the most resilient people need to vent the buildup of sadness at all we are living and witnessing. It's a hard time we are all going through together. But we can get through it together, while holding it together too.

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