TAN's Khim on her struggles during COVID-19 pandemic; inspirational short stories

It’s feel-good Sunday, November 15, 2020. Time out from nega sizzlers, time in for  inspirational short stories that left me speechless.

1.)The Butterfly (shared by Rotary Club of Tagbilaran President Alex Nale Bongawan, who celebrated his birthday last week, who got it from a friend, source unknown).

Priceless moment: Alex Bongawan (center), president of Rotary Club of Tagbilaran; Anthony Ceniza, Marilou Dejan-Dumaluan of Marilou Resort;Angie Hoffman, president of Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Fely Lorejo at Bohol' s newest attraction, Bung-aw Eco Farm in Clarin town, Bohol. Contributed Photos

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. 

One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole.

Until it suddenly stopped making any progress and looked like it was stuck.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, although it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man didn’t think anything of it and sat there waiting for the wings to enlarge to support the butterfly. But that didn’t happen. The butterfly spent the rest of its life unable to fly, crawling around with tiny wings and a swollen body.

Despite the kind heart of the man, he didn’t understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle needed by the butterfly to get itself through the small opening; were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings. To prepare itself for flying once it was out of the cocoon.

Moral of the story: Our struggles in life develop our strengths. Without struggles, we never grow and never get stronger, so it’s important for us to tackle challenges on our own, and not be relying on help from others.

 2.) Control Your Temper  (contributed by Anthony Ceniza of Marilou Resort in Barangay Bolod in Panglao town who got it from a friend, source unknown).

There once was a little boy who had a very bad temper. His father decided to hand him a bag of nails and said that every time the boy lost his temper, he had to hammer a nail into the fence.

On the first day, the boy hammered 37 nails into that fence.

The boy gradually began to control his temper over the next few weeks, and the number of nails he was hammering into the fence slowly decreased.

He discovered it was easier to control his temper than to hammer those nails into the fence.

Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father the news and the father suggested that the boy should now pull out a nail every day he kept his temper under control.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.

“You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.”  

Moral of the story: Control your anger, and don’t say things to people in the heat of the moment, that you may later regret. Some things in life, you are unable to take back.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for all of us. Many say COVID-19 is a great equalizer. It spares no one--- rich or poor, young or old, an ordinary or a celebrity.

Yes, including Khim Roger Magtagad of The Art Nouveau (TAN). 

"During the whole quarantine period brought by the COVID-19, I was so depressed because I don’t have a stable job since events were canceled but. .." 

Khim finds hope from her family and friends. 

"It's a bit difficult for me to sustain my daily needs. I am just so much thankful because I have my family who always look after me, the Art Nouveau models and parents who extend their helping hands giving me goods and financial support," says Khim who is beyond grateful. 

Khim Roger Magtagad: 'I'm moving forward from the old me to the new Khim.'

Khim confessed in a tell-all exclusive interview with VRS that there have been many major changes in her life during this pandemic. 

"I become a mentally and emotionally tough person. I am watchful on what I should do and whom I should trust. I need to adapt the new normal life especially now I need to go out of my comfort zone and I don't just settle from what I am used to do. I'm moving forward from the old me to the new Khim," she beams with pride. 

It’s hard, Khim concedes, but she tries to remain calm and positive. 

" I will continue my passion as a creative director and manager of The Art Nouveau. Then at the same time find an extra job for me," says Khim. 

" I need to triple my hard work for me to expand and more productive, and of course, I will never forget the people who help me without them I am not here," says Khim who sees better things to come...very soon!’

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Mikey Gatal at 50: Untouched by Science

Mikey Gatal hasn’t changed at all and not a part of his was altered by science (he's a Beauche user for years).

Look, Ma, no wrinkles! 

At 50 (last Nov. 1) , it seems that nothing about US-based socialite Mikey Gatal has changed at all through the years.

In a Zoom chat, he runs his fingers across his flawless face and says with singular pride, “Untouched by Science.”

Not even the rigorous and stressful stories (and work!) can seem to ruffle him.

Has he perhaps uncovered the fountain of youth? 

"Only Beauche touches my skin," says Mikey.

At whatever age, he will always be Mikey Gatal. 

But due to the pandemic that has kept him at home, Mikey is celebrating his 50th with special friends to thank the Lord for all the blessings.

"My wish is to have a good health, finding one true love...and I wish the pandemic will end so that I can go home and spread world peace," says Mikey, who owns the famous www.mikeygatal.com. 

Before we intrude deeper into Mikey’s private life, let’s find out Mikey’s 50 (actually, more!!!) memorable events and good reasons to celebrate life.

1. I miss my Lolo Intong and Lola Inday because they raised me until l was 6 years old. 

2. I knew it, when I became an expert of chinese garter at the age of seven! LOL! 

3. I became a prince charming in 2nd Grade. 

4.I can't forget someone planted a kiss on my cheek during graduation practice in 6th grade.

5. Then I saw Jorge Besa the moment I reached high school. Ha! Ha! Ha! 

6. When I competed with my sister in getting some papaya leaves to scrub and whiten our legs in high school. 

Whether US-based socialite Mikey Gatal was seven (when starting to perfect the Chinese garter) or fifty (as he turned last Sunday, Nov. 1), he will always be Mikey to all his family and friends.

7. I became a dancer when Ma'am Nila Itac saw my potential. 

8. I was wearing shorts when someone kissed me while walking near Bohol Quality. 

9. I really enjoyed high school life. 

10. My first ever beer after high school graduation. 

11. I flew to Manila to study. 

12. I went back to Bohol for one semester. 

13. I left Bohol because I felt left out of my batchmates.

14. I went to Davao to study.

15. That's My Boy 1992 winner in our campus.

16. A crew at Jollibee Davao was my first ever job.

17. I went to Cebu after college graduation then worked at Jollibee.

18. I met a friend who became a flight attendant.

19. I was interviewed for another job.

20. I was employed at House of Representatives.

21. I became obsessed with tennis.

22. I left Congress and worked at the Meridian Hotel in Bohol for a year.

23. A heart to heart with dad that I have to go back to Manila because he believed in me.

24. Back in Congress for two years.

25. I arrived in America in 2000.

26. My first ever relationship lasted for 10 years.

27. I became an American.

28. I traveled to Thailand.

29. Vacationing in Hongkong with my two sisters and Mom.

30. Mom's trip to the US.

31. I met someone who became my inspiration again.

32. I miss my sister who died of breast cancer.

33. I traveled to Niagara Falls in Canada.

34. I went to New York, New Jersey visiting my friends and relatives.

35. Wine tasting in Napa Valley.

36. Health scare.

37. I appeared and interviewed on TV and newspapers at Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.

38. My red carpet experience during the Oscars in Hollywood.

39. I helped someone became a beauty queen.

40. I witnessed and had a picture with Pia Wurtzbach before she became a Miss Universe winner.

41. My 40th birthday spent in Bohol wearing Halloween Costumes with family and friends. 

42. We call each other BFF until now, 8 years of friendship.

43. I love Switzerland.  It never ceases to amaze me!

44. I love Italy and Spain.  I love to visit again!

45. I became skinny! Hehehe

46.  H Club got me inspired again!

48. I worked at Kaiser.

49. This pandemic I have learned to value and cherish life more.

50. My dream house is almost complete.

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Faith isn’t cancelled--- Ondoy Kalag

Aurelio "Ondoy Kalag"Gahit says a cemetery is a reminder for closure and healing. Photo: Leo Udtohan

All Saints Day and All Souls Day this weekend won’t be the same. 

The pandemic has forced authorities to close cemeteries to prevent the traditional Nov. 1-2 observances when entire families clean and visit tombs, light candles and chat with their deceased relatives, perhaps a luncheon and over a glass of their favorite beverage.

Personal faith celebrations like All Saints Day and All Souls Day, however, are being given their time to shine.

“Faith isn’t cancelled,” said Aurelio "Ondoy Kalag" Gahit. 

Ondoy has long been retired as caretaker of the Victoria Memorial Park (ViMPark). 

"Ondoy Kalag", who is synonymous to ViMPark, clarified that there are still ways to honor sacred holidays like All Saints Day and All Souls Day. 

"Pray for your loved ones. Pray the Holy Rosary. You know what praying the Holy Rosary is a unique way to add meaning to these days of solemn celebration," he said. 

Ondoy has spent most of his life at ViMPark that he, well, perfectly memorize all the names and locations of your loved ones.

He is also famous for his “graveside etiquette” to behave during a graveside service with the same attitude of respect and courtesy.

Ondoy said cemeteries reveal a lot about a place and its people.

He added that people might think a cemetery would make us feel sadder because it is a very stark reminder of the reality of our loss. But for him, although sadness is pronounced, a cemetery is a reminder for closure and healing.

Memories give comfort as people also visited the tombs of their loved ones.

Cemeteries save us from the fading of memory and history. Photo: Leo Udtohan

To all those who’ve gone ahead, our prayers and flowers.

From the press: Dean of Boholano journalists Zoilo Dejaresco, Palanca winner and Bohol Sunday Post columnist Cloviz Nazareno, radio reporter Fil “Hitman” Layao, Bohol Balita Daily News publisher Tony Silagon, Bohol Sunday Post columnist-lawyer Isabelo Sales, dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka anchor Anzing Poquita, radio reporter Ben Pingkian, Bohol Sunday Post publisher Boy Guingguing,  Bohol Standard publisher and Tagbilaran councilor- lawyer Aleckoy Lim, broadcaster Nestor Daarol,  Reynaldo Daro, Sr. , Engr./Chairman Maurito Lim, Loy Palapos, Joseph Ligan, Alejandro Amoguis, people’s lawyer Tim Cabatos, Jessie Bantugan and Nilo Sapong. 

To end this column, I am again putting out the lyrics of one of my favorite songs "Dust In The Wind" by Kansas (at the risk of sounding like a broken record)  that has a humbling effect on me. 

Listen closely and be humbled by the song’s message:

Dust in the Wind

by Kansas

I close my eyes, only for a moment

And the moment’s gone

All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind

All we are is dust in the wind

Same old song, just a drop of water

In an endless sea

All we do crumbles to the ground

Though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind

All we are is dust in the wind

Now, don’t hang on, nothing lasts forever

But the earth and sky

It slips away, and all your money

Won’t another minute buy

Dust in the wind

All we are is dust in the wind

Dust in the wind

Everything is dust in the wind    

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Lamanok Island in Anda town declared important cultural property

The National Museum of the Philippines officially declares the archaeological sites and petrographs of Lamanok in Anda town, Bohol as an Important Cultural Property. Photo courtesy of  National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol

My last visit to Lamanok Point in Anda town was in 2012. And the place is still in place and remains untouched. 

Just recently, the uninhabited Lamanok Island has been declared an Important Cultural Property (ICP) by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

The NMP-Bohol said the archaeological sites and petrography of Lamanok Island has been valuable to the country.

Lamanok Island, described as Bohol’s “cradle of civilization” is home to rocks with prehistoric graffiti and caves with several boat coffins and fossilized giant shells.

During pre-colonial times, Lamanok served as a holy spot for folk healers.

Lamanok Island is the first locality in Bohol that has been declared an ICP.

An ICP is defined by Article II Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10066 as referring to a cultural property having exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines. 

A marker, along with the official declaration, has yet to be placed on Lamanok Island.

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Will Pauline win the Miss Universe PH?

Miss Bohol 2017 Pauline Amelinckx will represent the province at this year’s Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Photo courtesy of Mikee Andrei

Since the Bohol bet, Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, has been consistently topping online beauty pageant surveys, Boholanos are pinning their hopes on her to bring home the country’s Miss Universe Philippines crown.

"Her personality makes her win the crown! She is obviously brought up well. Everyone she works with would love to work with her again. She is open to criticism but she knows how to filter. Even she is smart, she isn't complacent and very diligent during trainings," according to Manila-based Boholano designer Mikee Andrei.

"Pauline is an epitome of authenticity, beauty and genuinity talaga, " Mikee added. 

During the preliminaries held Friday night, October 23 in Baguio City, Pauline won the heart of the judges and the Miss Universe PH followers with her amazing smile and how she effortlessly connected with the camera. 

Pauline grabbed four awards - - Miss Creamsilk, Miss Downy Sweetheart, Miss Cetaphil Sun and Miss Beautiful Face. 

“She has a good fighting chance,” according to Khim Roger Ryan Magtagad of The Art Nouveau (Tan) Models.

“The smile never left her face,” observed Helen Castano who covered the Miss U 2017 in Manila. 

Will Pauline win the Miss Universe Philippines? Will, rather can Pauline (who is up against other gorgeous girls) take the crown from reigning fellow Boholana beauty queen Gazini Ganados?

Puhon!!! 

Manila-based designer Mikee Andrei on Pauline Amelinckx: 'She is an epitome of authenticity, beauty and genuinity.' 

Speaking of "puhon," during the preliminary interview, Pauline and Caroline Veronilla of Misamis Oriental described the word "puhon"  as a beautiful word from their local language. 

Pauline defined "puhon" as “hopefully” and Caroline said "puhon" means “soon or someday”. 

"I would like to choose the word "puhon." It means hopefully. It's the word that we use whenever we talk something that gonna will happen in the future. Like I gonna join the Miss Universe Philippines "puhon", hopefully with God's blessings," said Pauline. 

Caroline said,  "I have always love the word "puhon."  "Puhon" is translated into "someday", "soon". And it is something that inspires me, it gives me hope, it makes me to look to the future. Puhon. Sometimes we use it, 'Kita ra ta puhon.' 'Sabay rata puhon.' So, someday. And that is something I look forward to. "

Their definitions sparked a debate online  on which candidate defined it properly. 

Well,  in Engr. Jes Berlamino Tirol's  Kapulungan (Binisaya-Iningles), "puhon" is an expression that signifies, "God willing; May it be in the future." 

It is synonymous with the word "haraw" and "hinaot" which means "May it happen." 

"Haraw" can be used for bad or good wish but "hinaot" is used only for a good wish. 

The five semi-finalists were chosen last Friday night but they won’t be known until the precious envelope is opened on coronation today, Oct. 25.

(Watch the GMA-7 telecast LIVE from Baguio Country Club on Sunday, October 25, at 9 a. m., with replay at 10 p. m.) 

Let us pray that Pauline will be the next Miss Universe, puhon!!! 

Hinaot unta! Puhon!!! 

Stand by.

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10/15: It feels like it was yesterday

People are slowly coming to the white sandy beaches in Panglao over the weekend. Photo: Leo Udtohan

10/15/2020.  

For me, it feels like it was yesterday in some ways, and in other ways it feels like it's been forever. 

Across the province Thursday, Boholanos remembered the 10/15, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, that brought Bohol to its knees seven years ago.

 

This year, during a pandemic that has infected 400 and killed 8 people in Bohol alone, the somber, solemn rituals continued. 

The 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Bohol on Oct. 15, 2013 killed 200 Boholanos, injured 800 others, and displaced more than 300,000 people.

 

Local government units also joined in the  simultaneous ringing of bells and sirens at 8:12 a.m. for 33 seconds– the duration of the 2013 earthquake – to remember the tragedy.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap led officials in a  Holy Mass celebrated at the new provincial Capitol where attendees were asked to wear masks and stay socially distant. 

After the Mass, the provincial government launched "Laum" (Hope) project which is advocating mental health and well-being. 

Yap said it is the provincial government's multi-sectoral response to use advocacy, information, education, counseling, sports, training, livelihood financing and culture and the arts to reach out, to aid and to capacitate those who need help. 

"What better way to mark this occasion of the seventh Great Bohol Earthquake than by launching a program dedicated to building up the resiliency of the Boholano by extending hand for the weak, the faceless, the voiceless and most especially the youth of Bohol, " Yap said in his message. 

He said the pandemic caused suffering, depression, violence, fear and uncertainty for the youth of Bohol. 

"There is no better way to dedicate this effort to build a more resilient and strong Boholano because in the coming days there will continue to be tragedies that we will be confronting," said Yap. 

A unity ride was also held by Team Sikad Kapitolyo to commemorate Bohol's resilience. 

 For survivors whose family members died, it was a day to remember them. 

In Antequera town, Rodel Barace and his family visited the tombs of his four loved ones who were among the 200 Boholanos who were killed. 

In Sagbayan town, the Somoros and Empinados families visited the Bayong Falls in Barangay Katipunan where they mourn. 

They failed not to visit every year to place flowers, light candles and offer prayers on the spot where their children were buried during the earthquake.

Time is passing. Yet, for Boholanos, there will be no forgetting October 15.

* * *

And here’s an article about types of intelligence shared to us by former beauty queen Maria Vanessa Aumentado, who is, again, clueless who the author is. She got the article from a friend of her friend and posted on Facebook. 

There are three types of INTELLIGENCE:

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Emotional Quotient (EQ)

Social Quotient (SQ)

1. Intelligence Quotient (IQ):

this is the measure of your comprehension,

ability to solve math problems,

retain information and recall subject matters.

2. Emotional Quotient (EQ):

this is the measure of your ability to maintain or be at peace with others;

be responsible; be honest; respect boundaries; be humble, genuine and considerate.

3. Social Quotient (SQ):

this is the measure of your ability to build a network of friends and maintain it over a long period of time.

People who have higher EQ and SQ tend to do better in life than those with high IQ but low EQ and SQ.

Most schools capitalize in improving IQ level while EQ and SQ are played down.

A man of high IQ can end up being employed by a man of high EQ and SQ even though the latter has an average IQ.

Your EQ represents your CHARACTER;

your SQ represents your CHARISMA.

EQ and SQ make one COPE and manage

better than the other.

Now there is a 4th one:

A new paradigm

4. The Adversity Quotient (AQ):

the measure of your ability to go through a rough patch in life and come out without losing your mind.

AQ determines who will give up in face of troubles, who will abandon their family or

who will decide quitting life's journey.

To parents, expose children to other areas of LIFE MORE THAN ACADEMICS.

Develop their EQ, SQ and AQ. They should become MULTIFACETED human beings

who are able to do things independently.

Finally, DO NOT PREPARE THE ROAD FOR YOUR CHILDREN rather, PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE ROAD.

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Laiilette: 50 Carats (The Actual Birthday Celebration)

Laiilette a.k.a. "Scarlet": "Just turned 50, looks like 40, and feels like 30."

Showbiz luminary Leah Scarnet “Laiilette” Jo Geulen - Boiser, also known by her screen name “Scarlet”, just turned 50 years young(er) last Sunday, an event she’s celebrating with family, relatives and friends. 

According to the “golden girl”, she feels so blessed and she is thankful to God for having received greetings and gifts from family and friends. 

Something unique about that night were the cosplayer-usherettes dressed as angels, Julianne Nina Almiranez Lao and Hannah Samonte, who welcomed and gave alcohol to the guests and facilitated the remembrance signatures.

The gracious sister of the birthday girl, Jesyn Lovette Geulen - Laolao, led the prayers and grace before meals. During dinner, video greetings from well-wishers arranged by Cielo Gabin were flashed which included Christine Manigque - Menguito, New Jersey, USA (friend and neighbor at Soledad); Leo Madanguit, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Holy Spirit School elementary classmate); Michelle Rama, Riverside, California, USA ((HSS elementary and high school  classmate); Ma. Nerissa Virtusio - Clarete, Chula Vista, California, USA (HSS elementary and high school classmate); Veronica Quijada - Manintan, Canada (HSS high school classmate); Gia Galicia, Los Angeles, California, USA (Cebu Doctors’ College classmate); Ricky Inting, Daly City, California, USA (Divine Word College of Tagbilaran – College of Arts and Sciences schoolmate and 1988 Sandugo Re-enactment Group); Margot Recio, Japan (Friend); and Miriam Badayos – Wynn, California, USA (DWCT CAS classmate and friend).

After God, her main source of strength: husband Jade, Mommy Lucila, sister Lovette and family.

A montage of Laiilette’s milestones in photos was presented to the tune of her favorite singer Angela Bofill’s jazzy “Love is in Your Eyes”. 

Adding to the excitement were the messages from Laillette’s showbiz friends - singer Frenchie Dy, actresses Richelle “Rich Asuncion” Angalot - Mudie and Snooky Serna, and Sen. Bong Revilla (Laiilette’s Ultimate Showbiz Crush)

Erstwhile Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT) star dancers - twins Maria Florida “Pol” Acuna and Maria Loreta “Loy” Acuna, still superbly graceful even in their 50’s, opened the after-dinner program with Spandau Ballet’s “Gold” dance interpretation (later was “Despacito”) that ushered the entrance of the birthday girl. 

Unexpectedly, Laiilette was teary-eyed when her sister Lovette’s family and her husband, Jade Boiser, presented her with bouquets of flowers. 

The lady of the house and Laiilette’s mother, Ms. Lucila Jo-Geulen, a certified “fashionista”, turned out to be a woman of few words, thanking the guests and well-wishers and then sat to excitedly watch the whole proceeding. 

Thankful to VRS' Leo Udtohan's birthday gift: the first of the 2-part feature with birthday party coordinator and host, Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao - Gabin.

A uniquely cute knee dance number with ‘80s hits background music was performed by “pamangkins” Lovelle, Luzzio, and Luizzi. Kicking off the singing part was Jeanette Ladaga-Uy’s bombastic song and dance number, followed by Gerry Lugod, Allan Caberte, Gay Andoy – Indick, Charisse Mascarinas. 

Suave seasoned host Raul Phillip Gatal was a hit with his Rick Astley song number who also livened up the party with humor. 

The cosplayer-usherettes Julianne Nina Almiranez-Lao and Hannah Samonte in angel costumes with her sister Lovette.

An impromptu rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For” was done by Laiilette, Maria Florida Acuna, Maria Loreta Acuna-Cacho, and Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao – Gabin, her Holy Spirit School Class of 1983 and Divine Word College of Tagbilaran College of Arts and Science classmate, and 1988 Raje Palanca Sandugo Reenactment Theater Guild fellow performer, who prepared and designed the video presentations and coordinated and emceed the program as her birthday gift for Laiilette. 

The technical direction was done by Lovette Geulen – Laolao. 

Other visitors who gave messages were Boy Castillo and Susan Lim. It was, after all, a pandemic 50th birthday to remember.

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