Gardening during a pandemic

Elvie Bongosia's caladium.

Going to the grocery stores and markets to find pots and planters feels like an act of desperation already during this time. Aside from braving the masked lines, flower pots and planters are becoming rare to find.

 

Why? People are turning to gardening as a soothing and family-friendly hobby.  Fruit and vegetable seed sales are skyrocketing.

 

People are also looking for activities to spend their free time. Parents, too, are turning to gardening as an outdoor activity to do together with children stuck at home after schools shut.

 

Helen Castano passed along some vegetable seeds and my initial burst of excitement has turned into dread.

 

Since it was ages ago that I last did gardening in my elementary school, I asked Helen for tips on how to make my garden grow.

 

 "Simple," she said. “Water them every day, put them out in the sun, and talk to them.”

 

 Helen has snake plants and cactus to complement her garden. She said gardeners without yards of soil can plant vegetables and flowers in trash bags, she said.

 

She said "now is a wonderful time to be a home gardener, because you’re home and have time."

 

Elvie C. Bongosia of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Bohol, a green thumb and advocate of plants, has a pretty all-pink caladium collection.

 

 "You are beautiful no matter what shape you are," she said of her succulent plants.

 

 Maria Fe H. Evasco turns her place into "plantastic."

 

For Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, there’s a reason why so many people own indoor plants these days.

 

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin's coral cactus plant and the water lily painting from visual artist Joey Labrador are a perfect match in the dining room.

Not only do they bring color and beauty to an area, but studies have proven that these ornamental plants instantly improve a person’s physical and mental well-being.

 

 "They are effectively purifying the air and reducing stress through their calming presence," she said.

 

Her indoor plant collection, mostly snake plant varities, are gifts from her friends.

 

"I always believe that there is beauty in simplicity," she said. Her coral cactus plant and the water lily painting from visual artist Joey Labrador are a perfect match in the dining room.

 

Fiel emphasized that simple plants will do, since "gardening is not about expensive plants and pricey pots".

 

On the other hand, Fiel's hubby, Jerome John from Siquijor, is so much into edible urban landscaping everyday, before and after office work.

 

He has "law-oy" corner with Kamunggay (Moringa), Tanglad (Lemongrass), Kangkong, Camote Tops, Alugbati (Spinach) and Sibuyas (Spring Onions).

 

Moreover "Balay Kabilin" is not just a place to enrich our minds, but also to scout for some plants. When we visited Prof. Marianito Jose M. Luspo last week, he was planting some onions on the vacant lot. The "Balay Kabilin" has kamunggay and ornamental plants, too.

 

When his friends visit him at "Balay Kabilin", Sir Luspo expects for the "Great Botanical Raid” to begin.

 

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Fossil of 15-million-year-old Megalodon tooth found by friends in Maribojoc

Christian Gio Bangalao,  Fel Vincent Vargas and Jestoni Alagon (not in photo: Geo Rodell Nacorda) accidentally found an unusual fossil while hiking in a mountainous barangay in Bohol province. Photo courtesy: Jestoni Alagon

Christian Gio Bangalao, Jestoni Alagon, Fel Vincent Vargas and Geo Rodell Nacorda went on a hiking trip when they accidentally found an unusual fossil in a mountainous barangay in Maribojoc town. 

It was part of their spiritual activity as members of the Singles for Christ. 

Bangalao, 25, said that while they took respite in an uphill road in Barangay Jandig in Maribojoc, he tripped over something protruding from the earth.

"Pagduko nako naa koy nakit- an unusual. Murag shell pero lahi ra sa shell. Mao na-curious ko," said Bangalao. 

Using a stick, he dug the soil and he got half of the object since it broke. Later he got the half which was still intact. 

Vargas, 23, said they had no idea what was it but they suspected it was a tooth of an animal. He took photos and posted it on Facebook. A friend, he said, told him to inquire with the reseacher at the National Museum of the Philippines- Bohol Area Museum and Satellite Office (NMPB). 

Personnel from the NMPB headed by Charlemeine Tantingco, museum researcher, came to check the specimen and the area where they found it. 

The fossilized tooth of megalodon shark that lived around 15.9 to 2.6 million years ago was discovered by four friends in Barangay Jandig in Maribojoc town, Bohol. 

Photo courtesy: Jestoni Alagon

Days after their discovery, they were informed that the fossilized tooth belongs to the Megalodon (Otodus megalodon) previously known as Carcharocles megalodon, a huge shark that lived during the Miocene to Pliocene period, which lasted from around 15.9 to 2.6 million years ago. 

Jestoni Alagon, 23, said that the discovery would give better understanding of the sharks of Maribojoc past and present, as they remain as an important part of the town's unique natural heritage. 

The quadrumvirate donated the fossil tooth to the National Museum-Bohol branch last May 28, 2020. 

This isn't the first time a megalodon has been found in Marobojoc town. In 2018, 

Venjo Busalla found a fossil at Maribojoc’s town plaza. 

It is currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila. 

Coming across a megalodon fossil is considered a rare find, according to Professor Jose Marianito Luspo. 

He said the discovery of the fossil would give better understanding of how the island of Bohol was formed--- from part of the sea floor and became land.

Prof. Marianito Luspo said the discovery of the fossil would give better understanding of how the island of Bohol was formed.

"There was a time that sea creatures used to swim in the area. Because the rise of coral which later became limestone then became foundation of the island, the remains of these sharks and megalodons became part of the landscape, " Luspo said. 

The four didn't expect that their spiritual activity on May 24, 2020 would led to a bigger discovery that will provide key insights into the influence of geological changes on the evolution of mammals. 

They hope the fossil will eventually be available for exhibit.

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I'm wearing a mask for you

Wearing a mask, for most of us, is novel. But we need to wear masks in these days of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and the community.

At lunchtime Saturday in the neighborhood, people were out and most were not wearing masks.

I can’t say I was surprised. Even though Bohol has only 29 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease, a lot of people have begun acting as if the pandemic is over. 

Wearing a mask, for most of us, is novel. So others are in "rebellion." 

But, yes, I'm wearing a mask in these days of COVID-19, to protect myself and the community. Wearing a mask is a true sign of respect for others; it's not an impingement on one’s freedom.

"I wear a face mask for protection from the spread of the dreaded Covid-19 virus, " says Maria Fe Evasco, manager of the National Food Authority (NFA)- Bohol. 

For multi-awarded youth leader Clement Paulinel Ingking, coronavirus is real. 

"Wearing a mask isn’t only about protecting you or your family, but also it’s about protect others that may die if they get the virus," says Clement who is also a village councilman in Booy. 

"This isn’t a flu, it is real. Until you have actually taken care of those patients in the ICU, you don’t even come close to imagining what they are going through! The two main reasons I wear masks. There's some evidence of protection for the wearer, but the stronger evidence is that masks protect others from catching an infection from the person wearing the mask. And infected people can spread the virus just by talking. So I highly encourage everyone to wear a mask and please wear it properly, " adds Clement. 

Bohol's Baking Mama Leah Tirol-Magno says masks help stop the spread of coronavirus. 

"I wear mask because it is the right thing to do. I care for myself and I care for others," says Leah, an educator- agri-entrepreneur. 

Experts say a key transmission route of COVID-19 is via droplets that fly out of our mouths—that includes when we speak, not just when we cough or sneeze. A portion of these droplets quickly evaporate, becoming tiny particles whose inhalation by those nearby is hard to prevent. 

I also know that homemade masks aren't as effective as surgical-grade PPE, but let's leave the PPE for medical people.

If you have extra money, you can buy a face shiled to protect you more when in public places. 

I am using face shield to protect myself when I'm in public places. I think face shield provides better facial protection than masks, as well as being reusable, breathable and more comfortable. It prevents me from touching my face and makes it easier for me to communicate with others. 

Meanwhile, here' s a very short essay I've read on Facebook why wearing mask is important. I don't know the original author is, but I think it's worth to ponder. 

I wear a mask 😷 in public,stand two meters apart from you and I wash my hands.

I want you to know that I respect you and that I could be asymptomatic and give you the virus.

No, I don't "live in fear" of the virus, I just want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

I don't feel like the "government controls me", I feel like I'm a responsible adult contributing to society.

The world doesn't revolve around me.

 

This virus does not know my race, color, age or any status.

Wearing a mask and standing two meters apart doesn't make me paranoid, weak, scared, stupid or even "controlled", it makes me caring and respectful. 

I wear my mask to protect you.

You wear your mask to protect me.

We should all wear masks.

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Taking risks to deliver the news

Just like the rest of frontliners, Rey Tutas of dyRD and Dave Charles Responte of dyTR are some members of Bohol media who risk life and limb to deliver the news for you. 

At times like this, media is crucial in bringing life-saving information.

Like the other frontliners (medical workers, policemen, security guards, barangay officials, et al), members of the Bohol media also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

They are being challenged like never before to cover an all-encompassing, relentlessly complex and fast-moving story.

Their task is to deliver the stories, especially updates on the raging virus, right into your home. 

In telling the stories of frontline workers and keeping government officials’ feet held to the fire, they’ve become frontline workers themselves.

Among them are Rey Tutas of dyRD and Dave Charles Responte of dyTR. They do it the normal way, still very visible in the field gathering facts for news. 

They wake up early to come to the stations. Rey comes from Lila town, at least 28 km from the capital city, while Dave lives in nearby Dauis town. 

While inside their respective studios, they have to wear face masks while on air. They also practise physical distancing and use alcohol and hand sanitizers nearby. 

Lately, Rey and Dave have purchased face shields to protect them while in the field. 

We have also seen how journalists use their own social media accounts for real-time news updates.  Rey has a “Facebook show” called "Kumbati Sa Serbisyo" to keep his viewers and followers updated. 

Othern frontliners are dyRD's Jun Gutierrez, Allen Doydora and Willie Maestrado and dyTR's Joshua Fullido, Ern Pahayahay and Lordina Vergara. 

Bob Galero is regularly anchoring his programs at both stations. 

Veteran journalist Ric Obedencio is busy doing the round in Bohol for big news breaks. So does Helen Castano. 

The senior anchors have been enjoined to stay home most of the time. They opted to do remote broadcasting on selected dates (including dyRD's veteran broadcasters Chito Visarra and Fred Araneta and dyTR's veteran broadcasters Pedi Bolanio and Ardy Araneta). 

Rey is pinch-hitting for Fred Araneta, the senior host of the "Inyong Alagad" with Tibbs Bullecer every Monday and Tuesday. 

Dave is also pinch-hitting for Lito Responte, anchor of dyTR's "Tomorrow's News Tonight". 

As frontliners, they carry on and do the work they think Boholano people deserve.

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TinTin Ng is giving back during the Coronavirus pandemic

Boholana actressTintin Ng is doing her part to help other people as the coronavirus spreads in the province.

Amid the pandemic, celebrities and artists have been using their platforms to spread awareness, whether it's by sharing videos of themselves washing their hands or advising fans to stay home and practice social distancing. 

As the coronavirus spreads in the country, actress and performer Christine “Tintin” Ng 

is doing her part to help.

Tintin is feeding children at Sunshine Home and at the Tagbilaran old dumpsite area. 

She also joined her friends distributing food packs, face masks and vitamins courtesy of actress and entrepreneur Kate Brios to frontliners in Getafe and other parts of Bohol. 

"In times like this, it is very important to be united and support however we can to help our fellow kababayans," Tintin said. 

The Boholana actress was able to go home before the lockdown on March 16 to be with her family. 

She will stay here until it will be safe to travel back to Manila for her pending projects and appearances on TV. 

But helping other people in her own small ways is keeping her busy. 

"We need to stand together and care for one another," she added.

Tintin was discovered by the late Boholano renowned director Maryo delos Reyes. 

She appears in Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo (2008), I’ll Be There (2010) and in some indie films like Biktima (2010), Pendong (2010) and Mainit (2011).

Her breakthrough role, however, was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera which showcased Tintin’s natural acting. 

On and off the camera, Tintin makes you laugh with her wits. 

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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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