How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid (Part 2)

Christmas 2020 will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. Contributed Photos

We love the traditions that come with Christmas. The coronavirus pandemic may mean our Christmas won’t look exactly the same as it usually does. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

After all, a global pandemic doesn’t have to ruin the festive season completely. 

Vera Villocido-Gesite-  Christmas during this pandemic means going to church and going back to family. It will be mostly just staying at home with food and singing with just my siblings and their children.

Mikey Gatal-  Due to the current situation, my holiday events are being canceled. For sure Santa Claus will not stop from giving Christmas presents. You know what, he is an elderly, so he might rethink of not working. The good thing is, I heard, he can send some of his hunky Santa grandsons. I am lucky I have my BFF as the Santa hunk Ha! Ha! Ha! Better be safe than sorry after all.

Edison Gumapac- I will celebrate Christmas together with my father, my brother and his family in a simple gathering of thanksgiving. Even this time of pandemic it will not change our culture and traditions of finding joy this holiday that comes from our family. As it is said "family is love. " Maybe this Christmas, it's hard to feel some fun and  happiness compared to last year because the pandemic limited our activities. But it doesn't mean Christmas won't look exactly the same as  it usually does, but we can get creative and find some new ways to celebrate. 

Anthony Ceniza- I believe Christmas is everywhere... I will celebrate Christmas with my boss, colleagues and friends at Dumaluan Beach Resort. I am praying a safe and simple celebration especially to my family in Cebu. I'm so excited for my Christmas gifts from my bossing Dr. Doloriech and Madam Malou Dumaluan!  Christmas means Emmanuel, God is with us! 

Doris Isabel J. Racho- I will celebrate Christmas with my friends thru gift giving as what we did last year. 

  

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado- This may not be the kind of Christmas everyone expected but I will always be grateful and thankful to God for the gift of life, family and friends. Nothing is more important than celebrating this season with  your loved ones. On Christmas Eve, simple dinner will be prepared. Small get together with the family- my husband, kids, in-laws, nephews and nieces is what we are looking forward to. On Christmas day, mass will be celebrated in commemoration of my Father in-law, the late Governor Erico B. Aumentado's 8th death anniversary.  Despite the crisis we are facing today, I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and may our New Year be brighter than ever! Hopeful for a very fruitful and productive year ahead!

Butch Bernas- Celebrating Christmas same as usual with my family and there is a bit twist with glam phoshoot this yuletide season amidst the threat of the COVID19. Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year everyone!

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting- I usually don't celebrate Christmas being alone for q sometimes now. Maybe just stay in my apartment and use the two weeks vacation for my online job.

Arnel Corbita- Going to church will be my priority. I want to thank God for all the blessings. After church, I'll go back home for family bonding.

Bhea Minion-  I know we all want to roam and go for a walk but because of the pandemic we have a hard time doing it. I will celebrate Christmas with a family reunion. The presence and feeling of love for each other is enough.

The Christmas decors inside the Tagbilaran City- General Services Office headed by Chris John Rener Torralba, Ph.D. Photos:  Leo Udtohan

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And here’s today’s inspiring story contributed by Gerwin Yudelmo, a call center agent in Cebu City, who founded the #ProjectHope. He got the story from a friend of his friend and forwarded it untitled to VRS.  Enjoy reading.

The Little Match Girl Story

This is the story of a poor little girl who lived with her father. Her father used to send her to the streets to sell the matchsticks. It was New Year’s Eve and it was terribly cold out there. 

The Match Girl was noticed by no one and so she couldn’t sell the matches that day. She was afraid that if she would go home, her father would beat her. She used to miss her mother and grandmother who were now in Heaven.

It was so cold that she finally, dared to lit a match and made herself warm. Soon, the match turned into a fireplace and she made herself warm. But it didn’t last for long. Without thinking, she lit the second match. This time, the wall turned into a veil and she could see a dining room with lots of delicious foods. But in a couple of seconds, it vanished.  

When she lit the third match, a beautiful Christmas Tree appeared. It had many beautiful candles. She wanted to hold the candles. But as she reached, the candles flew to the sky and turned into stars. Next, when she lit the match, she saw her grandmother whom she loved the most. One by one, she struck the whole bundle of matches as she didn’t want her grandmother to go away.

The next day, it was the New Year. The match girl was sitting at the corner with red cheeks and a smiling face. The people there thought she was trying to keep herself warm last night. But no one knew the magic moments she spent last night. 

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How to safely celebrate Christmas 2020 during Covid

After nearly nine months, pandemic fatigue is real.  And here is Christmas 2020 which is likely to be far different — severely limiting our ability to gather, and negatively affecting the health and finances of many — but let us not forget the Jesus is the reason. Contributed Photos 

Summer, Lenten, graduations, fiestas and Halloween have all gone by and like everything else in 2020, they’ve felt really different.  Now, Christmas is coming and …it will likely feel really different as our government advised us to simplify our Christmas celebrations. 

VRS wanted to know how our friends are planning to navigate, connect, celebrate and reflect the holiday season. 

Merly Diez-Bantugan- Christmas  is celebrated the same as before amid this pandemic time and that is celebrating the yuletide season purely with the immediate members of the family. It has always been the family's tradition not to miss attending the dawn masses for 9 consecutive days. However,  our Lindaville  parish has strategized to celebrate one Holy Mass at dawn and one at 8 in the evening to avoid too much crowd. Then on the Christmas day itself,  we go out dining either in the city or in Panglao. In the evening is the most awaited gift giving and concluded by watching movie or tv shows at home. Gifts for the inaanaks this time are just sent.

PEMS Melinda Mendez-Basalo-  I will be celebrating the Christmas amidst this pandemic still with my family at home maybe in my hometown if time permits because we will be on full alert this holiday season and my husband cannot come home from Cebu because of the strict health protocols in our province. It would be very simple just us with my Mama, brothers, sisters and their respective families, eat the lechon and other Christmas favorites, our traditional exchange of gifts and sharing of gifts and never forget to attend Holy Mass whether it would be an on-line Mass or in Church which is the most important event of this celebration, Jesus's birth is the reason of the season. Even if this Christmas would be different from the rest of the Christmases in my life because of the pandemic, let us not forget that God let this happen in order for us to celebrate simply and focus on Jesus who  was humble enough to be born in a manger as the best example for humility and obedience. Let us be everyone's blessings for it is the great sign that God's love is indeed alive not only this holiday season but for all the days of our lives. Let us continue sharing to the least of our brothers and sisters who have lost their jobs and livelihood. Merry Christmas and may the New Year 2021 will be a great pandemic free Year for the world.

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan- Christmas is celebrated by people around the world, whether they are Christians or not. It's the time when family and friends come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This year, celebrating Christmas will be quite different for me and for the majority as well. Since Covid era is here, social gatherings are highly discouraged. It is still best to stay home, stay healthy and celebrate Christmas with your family. Our usual Christmas day visit to the children in the orphanage will surely be  postponed. Instead of hosting a huge extavagant party, I'd like to make food deliveries to the less fortunate ones on Christmas day. Despite this pandemic, I still can feel the spirit of Christmas by sharing my own blessings. 

Elvie Bongosia- As the world celebrates Christ's birth, we may be going through difficult times with this pandemic, despair not for Jesus is born to save each one of us, no matter what we are going through. We will  have a simple celebration with our family.  After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Jhoel Lim- Amidst the pandemic, let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas and the most meaningful way of celebrating this spirit of joy is by spending more quality time with our family and fill our home with love, kindness and unity.

Vilma Yorong- I will celebrate Christmas at home as we usually do. This year, a new addition to the family make us more thankful and happier. We are blessed with a new baby Zion who always makes our day more lively. 

Fiel Angeli Gabin- Christmas in the past years was crossing the deep blue see to go to Siquijor to spend the holidays with Mommy Lou and the rest of the family there, then coming home to Tagbilaran to welcome the New Year with Mama Wincie.  However, for this 2020, with the strict travel restrictions still imposed due to the surging CoViD-19 cases in Bohol, we will just celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior, at home by watching the online mass and sharing the food we prepare, with sincere prayers that those who have less in life, especially during this time of the pandemic and the recent typhoons, may find joy in their hearts to thank God for the gift of life and love of family despite the challenges.

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These "reminders" contributed by Arlene Pesquira of Tagbilaran City who is celebrating her birthday today, Dec. 6, who got it from a friend, source unknown. 

*Live life to the fullest.

*Say "I love you" to people who are dear to you. 

*Laugh hard. 

*Eat good food. 

* Continue to be a blessing to others.

* Enjoy the simple things. 

*Be grateful for the borrowed time given to us. 

*Don’t call someone more than twice continuously. If they don’t answer, it simply means they have something more important to attend to.

*Return money that you have borrowed even before the other person asks for it. It shows your integrity & character.

*Treat a cleaner with the same respect that you would treat the CEO. Nobody is impressed at how rudely you can treat someone below you, but people will definitely notice if you treat them with respect.

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Quarantine gives Jobert & Petche time to discover each other

Petche Ann Asilo: 'Emergency savings account is always necesary and health is wealth.' Contributed Photos

Since the quarantine was declared in March, Petche Ann and husband Jobert Russel Asilo have been shuttling between their houses in two towns, discovering more and more about each other in the process. 

Jobert, 22, hails from Calape, while Petche, 24, hails from Loboc town. 

The past eight months, they have discovered a lot about each other and continue doing so.

What keep them busy is staying fit when everybody is grappling with cabin fever.

"To stay fit during this pandemic I did what will work for me like eating properly because for me health is wealth and, of course, I do jog for cardio," Jobert said. 

Petche does yoga.  "I just want to stay fit by having a healthy lifestyle. Honestly, I eat so much sumptuous foods especially when I'm at home. But I've managed to control myself like having a balance diet," she said. 

For Jobert, he learned that there are many important things in life, but the most important thing is family. 

"My family has always been the most important thing in my life, our connections and relationship with each other. And the importance of grace, we're blessed enough to have a productive work in these days," he said. 

Petche said "emergency savings account is always necesary and health is wealth."  She said supporting local products helps the local economy this pandemic.

"This pandemic gives us the opportunity to look at our lives with different eyes," she said. 

Perhaps not many people know that  Jobert was 1st Runner Up in Sandugo Festival King 2017,  2016 Male Grand Winner Mannequin Model Search and crowned Mister PMI Personality. Meanwhile, Petche was Bohol's representative to Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2016 and Philippines Next Top Model 2017 Top 7. 

Jobert Russel Asilo: 'There are many important things in life, but the most important thing is family.' Contributed Photos

 

“I get in touch with my family regularly,” said Joebert, "more so now. I love them!"

(During this interview, he mentioned that Calape has the newest attraction--  "Pulangyuta" or the  Red Tierra de Agaton in Barangay Sohoton).  

Since Bohol has re-opened its door to tourists, the lovely couple would like to promote their hometowns. 

For sure, they are willing to be your tour guides. 

"I want to invite them to visit our very own St. Vincent Ferrer Church, the newly discovered what they called "Pulang Yuta" and lastly the white sand beach at the Island of Panggangan," said Jobert. 

"Definitely, I would bring them to Loboc Floating Resto. It's a must-try experience, I know some people may get annoyed going back on the same place over and over again but there's something enjoyable about riding that floating resto. It's the ambiance, the people, the food and the view, " said Petche. "The floating Resto will always be that place for me I just never get tired tired of the scenery," she quipped. 

The "Pulangyuta" or the "Red Tierra de Agaton" in Barangay Sohoton in Calape town is the newest attraction in Bohol province. Here, Engr. Jerome Gabin of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Bohol marvels at the place' s scenery. Photos: Engr. Jerome Gabin

 

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A plant for P300k?! Plant Gallery showcases most expensive plant

Certified plantitos and plantitas who visit  The Plant Gallery exhibit from Nov. 18-22, 2020 in Tagbilaran City include Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap II and his wife Jane, Dr. Mimi Dumaluan, fashion designer EJ Relampagos, Rotarians Alex Bongawan and Louella Gulle-Bantol, educators Edison Gumapac and Butch Bernas, Elvie Bongosia, Joy Bonita Sevilla, Fiel Angeli Araorao-Gabin and Merlyn Diez-Bantugan. Some of the exhibitors are Dr. Amce Marie Pinos of The Green Box, Reichyl Dumaluan-Vallente of The Mayana Garden and Fr. Felix Hora. Photos: Anthony Ceniza and Helen Castano

Wake-uppers:

Scene: From Jeycelle Espejo-Inting of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School: Pride can seep into a relationship when disagreements occur. The longer you sit and stew over your disagreement, the harder it is to reconcile. Pretty soon, days, weeks, and years pass by and you become accustomed to the way things have become in the relationship. Every passing moment without reconciliation makes it that much harder to turn around and say you are sorry. Don't let your pride get the better side of you. Make it a practice to hurry and settle your differences quickly.

Scene: Aniana "Anyang" Agunod celebrated her 83rd birthday last Nov. 18. Ma'am Anyang,  a retired teacher at Booy South Elem. School, involves herself in church activities. Family and close friends came out to wish her a Happy Birthday. Her grandkids also brought balloons and presents for her.

Scene: Rufino Palma Persigas, a former village councilor of Barangay Buenavista in Ubay town, turned 88 last Nov. 16. Family and friends said Rufino’s 88th birthday was definitely one to remember, and bigger plans have started for his 89th.

Aniana Agunod and Rufino Palma Persigas celebrate their birthdays this month with the love of their families. Contributed photos

 

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Even before the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, my Mama Inday was already a certified plantita. Back in 1990s, she was already showing how big and small plants can transform a home into a relaxing space. 

Gardening also appealed to nostalgia for the passing of a more relaxed life. Thus, only a few of her plants survived.  Of course, she can’t help but have favorites. One of her most precious plants is an Alocasia zebrina, which has been with her for four decades. 

The coronavirus pandemic has set off a global gardening boom.  

Since the lockdown began, I’ve watched my Mama and my sister transform our neglected backyard into a blooming sanctuary. My Mama turned to the soil in moments of upheaval to manage anxieties and imagine alternatives. Now, she has more than a 20 plant species in her collection. 

To look carefully at the mayana ornamental plant, one must look closely at the patterns and colors to appreciate the plant. 

Coleus blumei is the botanical name of the mayana, also known as the lampuyana, dafronaya, tampunaya, daponaya, painted nettle, among other nicknames.

While you might have childhood memories of the mayana plant traditionally used for folkloric medicine for pain, sore, swelling and cuts, the "The Plant Gallery" exhibit is meant to give you a new appreciation for that particular 100 varieties of its kind as well as other plants. 

“The Plant Gallery,”  is on view Wednesday through today, Nov. 22 at the 2nd floor of Alta Citta Mall in Tagbilaran City. It showcases local gardening enthusiasts’ passion for sprucing up the home with greens.

Jose Owen Quimson, one of the orgnanizers, says there are 23 exhibitors from different towns of Bohol who display and sell indoor and outdoor house plants. 

Jessa Mae Suarez sells mayana for P50-P70/pot at her "Mayana Garden" with 100 varities of mayana. Her assistant, Anthony Ceniza, has turned their booth into a magical mayana garden accentuated with giant alocasia plants. 

Fr. Felix Hora, a known horticulturist from Panglao town, showcases his collections of cacti and other plants such as philodendron and succulents at his "Foliage Garden." 

Other exhibitors showcase their alocasia,  anthurium hookeri, rubber plants, monstera, black cardinal, Chinese evergreen and orchids. 

The most expensive plant at The Plant Gallery is a variegated green congo worth P300,000. Yes, you read that right: three hundred thousand pesos!!! 

The most in demand types of plants now are anything that’s variegated—meaning they exhibit different colors, especially in the form of irregular patches or streaks.

Your VRS with the most expensive plant at The Plant Gallery, a variegated green congo worth Php300,000.

Another expensive plant is the Monstera borsigiana albo which is worth P180,000. 

Some of my friends who are  avid plant collectors even during the pre-pandemic period say they've noticed the huge price difference of the plants between now and before the March lockdown.

Elvie Bongosia has thrice visited the exhibit  to buy some succulents to add to her collections. As a means to destress, she started caring for succulents and cacti, until she eventually tended to variations ornamental plants.

In five months, Bongosia has amassed more than 200 potted plants in her home and has transformed her abode into a fresh green spot. 

Elvie has been dubbed a certified "plantita" - a portmanteau of plant and the Filipino word for aunt (tita) -- because of her love for plants.

Other plant enthusiasts, Merlyn Diez-Bantugan and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, have said plants give them joy that money can't buy. 

And so if COVID-19 underscores an age of distancing, gardening arises as an antidote, extending the promise of contact with something real. 

Note: Being a plantito/plantita is not exactly a cheap hobby. 

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

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

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