Sexy talk with 'Oppa' Christian James Memije

Christian James Memije on being sexy: 'Being intelligent is sexy.'

Korean celebrities are known not just for their incredible talent, but also for their seemingly everlasting youthful appearance, too. 

Since 20-year-old Christian James Memije trended in the modelling world, he has been compared to top Korean stars including The Heirs star Lee Min Ho.  

He is now, ehem, everybody's oppa! 

"I still have to get used to it, but I treat it as a compliment so it's pretty nice, I guess. I actually find it a bit funny sometimes, but I'm not gonna lie, I tend to feel "kilig" whenever someone calls me that," he said with a smile. 

Christian James' most recent photoshoot  for an ad campaign for TAN Patroller for Bohol's Next Top Model proves that he does resemble the South Korean superstar.

Undoubtedly, being an in-house model of The Art Nouveau Models and B&B Models Cebu is Christian James’ biggest break as a print and commercial model. 

Unknown to many, he was proclaimed best actor during the Cinestem Festival at University of San Carlos, many got noticed of his talent.  Then, he was proclaimed as Mr. Intramurals 2012 and Mr. SSG 2015.  To him, it was a great experience and a comfort zone.

What keeps him busy? "I am currently helping my parents manage their meatshops and also I play guitar whenever I’m bored." 

Since sexy is written all over him, what does he consider as the sexiest part of his body?

"My nose!" he said. 

Has the scorching hot model ever received an indecent proposal?

Fans have been saying that Christian James Memije has similarities to Korean actor Lee Min Ho. According to fans, they have this palpable resemblance especially when they smile.

“Yes,” he answered.

And how did he take it?

“Yes, I did receive a few of them before. However, I always make sure to be clear with my intentions ensuring that I am not into anything indecent."

Christian James stands 5’7”, weighs 127 lbs, has a 30-inch waistline, and wears medium shirts/briefs and size-9 shoes.

What is sexy to you? "Being intelligent is sexy."

Part of your body that you consider sexiest: "My nose."

Part of a woman's body that you find sexiest:  "Her smile." 

Singer with a sexiest voice: "Taylor Swift." 

Sexiest movie: "Attack on Titan."

Sexiest clothes: "Sweaters." 

Sexiest perfume: "Guess."

Sexiest time of the day: "Night time."

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Here's an interesting info from Janet Alo who hails from Baclayon town who is now  in London who got it from a friend, source unknown. 

"Plato said:

“Choose someone better than you as a partner. You don't need someone who loves you just the way you are. 

"You need someone to help you grow day by day.

"True love is admiration, so the partner you choose should have those qualities that you lack. 

"If the two of you are committed to helping each other grow, you will take the stormy periods of any relationship as opportunities for mutual growth.

"That is why the right person for you is not only the one who accepts you, but the one who makes you develop your maximum potential in this life. "

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

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a pandemic

Love is in the air, but unfortunately, so are COVID-19 and its worrisome variants. The safest way to celebrate Valentine's Day  is to stay at home.

COVID-19 Valentine's Day might not be so bad this year. In fact, it may actually be more memorable and special.

 

The pandemic reminds us that through thick and thin, strong relationships can withstand many hardships— including COVID-19 pandemic! 

 

Single?  Everyone knows it's been hard to be single during the pandemic. Being in a relationship is no good either.

 

LDR? Remember distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it also keeps you safer. 

 

Here are some "novel" ideas to make Valentine's Day 2021 a memorable one - for all the right reasons.

 

* Have a virtual dinner date.  

 

*Give her fresh flowers. Red rose has an impact! But for plantitos and plantitas,  instead of bouquet, cute plants will do! 

 

* Watch a Valentine's Day Movie. Use Netflix Party to watch a movie together synchronously.

 

*Stream a virtual concert. 

 

*Make chocolate cake. 

 

*Whip up breakfast in bed. 

 

* Watch the sunset at K of C! Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset! 

 

*Go for a hike together. Couples who hike together stay together! Visit Landthai Hills and Chosun Mountain Resort in Guindulman to remember your love story. 

Valentine’s Day is probably going to be quite different from past years. Just remember,  love is universal.

 

*Make a virtual photo scrap book together. 

 

*Set a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter day to greet your loved ones. Send them personal messages. Allot some time to video chat with your lover. Hello Zoom! 

 

*Go online shopping. You can have practically any gift imaginable shipped right to your doorstep! Thank you, Shopee! 

 

*Face the world confidently with a beautiful heart! Visit Bohol's cosmetic surgeon Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan of Touch of April General and Cosmetic SurgiCenter ( 4th floor, Lim Hong Khu Medical Arts and Wellness Center) and Dr. Armi Judy Piollo (3rd Floor, Tagbilaran Community Hospital). Use "LeoTheGreat" to get a 20% discount!  

 

* Try a new haircut and color! Visit Bebei Tagoctoc, EP Relampagos, Shandy Mission, Jonathan Ucat, Ramil Dolauta, Donna Vitos, Rolly Ingking and Ryan Sines.

 

* For those looking for a reason to dress up this Valentine's Day,  see Mikee Andrei,  EJ Relampagos, Charlow Arbasto,Omie Auza,  Maximiel, Aileen Pasagad, Kim Villamor, Christian Relator, Christian Bustrillos, Nikki Simporios, Ryan Sadudaquil, La'doie Aquino and Rose and Paul Ranara.

 

*Have a food trip. Visit Cafe Racer, Becca Cafe,  Marilou Resort, Figaro Coffee Company, Lantaw, Yoo's Panga, Bohol Bee Farm, Bring House and Gerarda's.

 

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

 

*The safest way to celebrate Valentine's Day  is to stay at home! 

*Read the Bible and Quran. Pray. 

 

Valentine’s Day is probably going to be quite different from past years. Just remember,  love is universal. We’re at the tail end of this pandemic. 

 

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

Tagna-Tagna 2021

Women empowerment: (From left) Incumbent Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Tutor will seek re-election, Vanessa Aumentado will announce sooner if she will run, and former Carmen Mayor Conchita Toribio- Delos Reyes will run for mayor in Carmen. 

On the 12th day of 2021, Year of the White Metal Rat, your VRS is making a big “reveal” of what’s in store for our favorite Boholanos  in the next 12 months.  

As in the past years, your VRS based the following Tagna-Tagna not on a deck of tarot cards, enneagram or upon a crystal ball but on  juicy items and snippets from different soources and on social media. 

Now, more about the Metal Ox:  The Chinese New Year will start on February 12 2021 and will end on January 31, 2022.

The recent zodiac years of Ox sign are: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033…An Ox year occurs every 12 years.

Astrologers said 2021 will be a better year for almost all Chinese zodiac signs who have had problems with money or career in 2020, a year dominated by disorders and the economic crisis.

2021 will make many people to be more prone to health-related issues, especially lung diseases.  If during 2020, many people have suffered from respiratory infections caused by a virus that has affected the world, this year, many people will more healthy and will enjoy their life to the fullest. 

Those born under the zodiac signs of rabbit, ox, tiger, horse, and rooster could expect a more favorable year. While those born in the years of the rat, boar, sheep, dog, dragon, and snake should brace themselves for more challenges.

Other Chinese zodiac signs will be asked to step up their efforts this year, but for the Ox, it’s time to reap the benefits of the cumulative efforts they’ve made year in, year out. 

This year also calls for the use of mental skills, in the detriment of brute force, in order to reduce aggression by using our common sense and wisdom strategy.

Lucky colors: Regarding clothes, the lucky colors in 2021 will be white, purple, blue and grey. To increase your luck, wear metal accessories.

But as tradition dictates, VRS is dishing out  his predictions for 2021. 

Xanu Angels, Xanu Boys and Ki-ki and Friends will create good music.

(Warning: As a "gentle" reminder (I may sound a broken record), these are all tagna tagna. Your VRS can’t/won’t tell who are those in the “blind items,” so please refrain from asking. Note: Last year, our “Tagna-Tagna” was 96 percent credible! Blush! Blush! Blush!) 

• Maria Vanessa Aumentado will run in the 2022 polls, if, and that is a big if. She will make a shocking announcement....sooner! 

• Incumbent 3rd district Rep. Alexie Tutor will seek re-election. Same for Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos and 1st district Rep. Edgar Chatto. 

• Senior board member Victor Balite will run for vice governor! 

 

• Former youth leader Benjie Oliva will not run for mayor in Catigbian town. He has more energy to liase between provincial and national leaders. 

• The "missing" billionaire and former Carmen Mayor Conchita "Che-Che" Toribio-Delos Reyes will resurface with a big “surprise.” A VRS said she will run for mayor in Carmen, if, that is a big if, her supporters will agree with her decision. 

• Vanessa Cubrado will run for mayor in Pilar town after her mother, Mayor Necitas, will take her bow after completing her third term with flying colors.  

• It will be a good year for Misses Bohol Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo

 if they will join a national pageant.  

 

• With the bright trail paved by the likes of Achinette Villamor, Ted Ramasola, some of our Boholano indie makers will win awards in filmfests. 

Benjie Oliva will not run for mayor in Catigbian in 2022 polls. In photo shows Benjie conducted a land survey at Sto. Nino Parish Plaza in Barangay Baang, Catigbian  for its development with Councilor Oliver Oliva, Engr. Arnel Cabulao and his team. Arch. Nino Guidaben who designed the beautiful Catigbian Municipal Hall will provide the design and concept for the project subject to the approval of the Parish Pastoral Council.

• Xanu Angels, an all-female band in the province, and Xanu Boys, will release a top-rated song! 

• Ki-ki and Friends will make another hit song! 

• Reggae boyband Brownbuds will have a reunion after this pandemic. CenterStage band will release their debut album. 

• Beauty queen Pauline Amelinckx will make another history. Aim high, girl!

• Media influencer Willy Ramasola will make "shocking" revelations!!! He will make many "frenemies! 

• Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine will not conquer the English Channel this year. He will conquer the English Channel, the "Mt. Everest" of all swims, in 2022, if not, in 2023. 

 AND NOW, THE BLIND ITEMS: 

• The winner for Bohol Governor is….Drum roll please! The complete name has letters A, R and T.  Ooops! The crystal ball becomes blurred! He! He! He!

 

• Tagbilaran City has a new mayor. Clue? The complete name has letters J, A and N! 

Look, I didn’t say if a “he” or a “she”.  Ooops! The crystal ball becomes blurred! He! He! He!

•  A prominent family will be in the “limelight,” as their in-law will seek for a position.   

• Politicians will jump over the bakod! Many of them will feel the pain after they will discover betrayal from their political mates. Ouch, ouch, ooouch!!! 

• Some politicians will suffer from depression due to cyber bullying since campaign will be done online. 

• Scandals will rock the political scene. Some will try to get media mileage out of it. 

•  Many local radio programs will fade out and will be shortened to accomodate political ads. 

•  Some Boholanos will shine and bring honor to the country. No elaboration. 

•  A Boholana will make a name in the national pageant. Another Boholana beauty queen will have a hard time gaining back the confidence of the pageant organizer. 

• The "war" between supporters of Gov. Art Yap and supporters of 2nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado will continue to “sour” into highest level during election time. The feuds will continue as politicians will have mudslinging and character assassination. Trolls are coming!!!! 

• Two high-ranking officials will wage an ugly word war against each other on — Facebook.

• Controversies will rock an LGTBIQ+ association. 

•   A high-ranking official will be “removed,” or “axed” from office not that he’s not performing well his duties but because of “unseen” hands. 

•  Many Boholano vloggers and social media influencers will make names in socmed...and will earn millions!! Wow!!! 

• A Boholano will penetrate the movie industry. Then, another Boholana will be active in showbiz (again).

• Two politicians who were "best friends" but became "best enemies" will reconcile, let bygones be bygones, with no apologies for the ugly words that trailed their breakup.

•  A wedding of the son of a prominent family in Tagbilaran City will not  push through. Reasons?  Only the family of the groom knows.

• More businesses will slowly recover and some will declare bankruptcy as the pandemic continues. 

• A wife of a businessman will have problems with her philandering hubby. 

• A trusted aide de camp of a politician will be removed due to grave misconduct and illegal activities.

• New tourist destinations will emerge in Bohol.

• Bohol will be in the limelight for its beauty and wonder. Wow na Wow Bohol! 

• 2021 will have lots of surprises!!! Surprise?! 

Will the Year of the Metal Ox be lucky for you?

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

The treasures of Vera

Vera Villocido as she turns 54: ' When you bargain to at least make it to 50! plus 4 is a bonus!'

"I don't feel 54!" says Vera Villocido, Wikipedia editor now the Marketing and Advertising Officer of  Holy Name University.

 

"A decade ago, I didn't think it was possible to make it to 50, " she laughed. 

Vera, or fondly called Chick by close friends and family, is an educator in Bohol and the United States. In 2010, she came home from her teaching post in the US. 

Her most treasured people?" My children- Josh Justin and Lux Julienne, Congressman Edgar Chatto, Rosalinda Paredes and Rev. Fr. Florante Camacho."

Her childhood treasures?  "The Sing Concert of Toti Fuentes in 1974 at DWCT Gym, Salingsing Alburanon (SANGA) Choir and piano recitals at Holy Spirit School."

On the occasion of her 54th birthday last Friday  (Jan. 29, 2021), Vera has 54 (actually, more!!!) good reasons to celebrate life.

1.Eldest daughter of PARO Nanong Villocido (+Justiniano Bolusa Villocido). 

2.Given the name Vera which means “truth” by her father.

3. Her baptism name is Valeria.

4. She loves Science! She finished BS Biology at University of the Philippines-Cebu. 

5. She also finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing at  Divine Word College-Tagbilaran  now Holy Name University. 

6. She holds an MA in Science Education. 

7. She has been a college instructor, high school science teacher and graduate school professor. 

7. She was Research Assistant at DWCT now HNU. 

8. She was one of the pioneers of the Bohol Poll trained by SWS. 

9. She was TWG on Environment of the USAID GOLD Project as alternate of Fr. Florante Camacho, SVD. 

10. She was one of the pioneer trainers in  Technology of Participation (ToP)

11. She has special training in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

12. She did a case study on the Tagbilaran City Dumpsite. 

13. She was an exchange teacher at the East Side Union High School District in San Jose, California in the United States of America. 

14. Her work at the East Side Cadet Academy allowed her to work with at-risk kids and give them a chance to get  a high school diploma. 

15. She petitioned for her to  family to join her in the US. 

16.  She took up continuing education courses at UC San Diego in United States of  America. 

17. She is the most prolific of the Filipino wikipedia editors (Pinay06). 

18. She is a trained paralegal in VAWC or Violence Against Women and Children. 

19. She is the past president of the Chocolate Hills Lady Jaycees. 

20. She has over twenty (20) years of experience in education, local governance and social development. 

21.  Her specialized  skills are in project management,  participatory processes and events, research, documentation, participatory local governance, social work and community community development. 

22. Her  consultancy assignments include The Asia Foundation as Project Coordinator of Turo Turismo. 

23. She managed the Tourism Senior High School Industry Linkage Program with the Bohol Association of Hotels Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR)

24. She was the  coordinator of  the provincial and national launch of the Abot Alam program for Out of School Youth with DepEd.

25. She has also been the area coordinator of Synergeia Foundation in Bohol. 

26. She implemented the USAID-funded Hugpong sa Pagbangon Project. 

27. She was the documentation consultant of Provincial Road Management Facility of AusAid. 

Vera Villocido: 'This is my 54th birthday celebration - sand, sea and mangroves.'

28.She was also the documentation consultant/training officer of Metrocentre Hotel, South Palms Resort and BAHRR in the Industry SkillsGrant Scheme of the DOT-ADB-Canada Technical Assistance Project on Improving Competitiveness in Tourism in the Philippines. 

29. She was a high school science teacher at the East Side Union High School District in San Jose California from 2001. 

30. She was a college instructor at the Divine Word College of Tagbilaran now Holy Name University from 1992 - 2001. 

31. She was high school teacher at Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran (1987-1988). 

32. Vera completed her degree in B.S. Biology from the University of the Philippines. 

33.She was one of the little children in "The Sing Concert" of Toti Fuentes in 1974 at the DWCT Gym. 

34. She did a cameo role as Bibiana in the stage play  "Teatro Porvenir"- the Life and Times of Andres Bonifacio as a playwriter. 

35. She has over twenty (20) years of experience in education, local governance and social development. 

36. Her specialized  skills are in project management,  participatory processes and events, research, documentation, participatory local governance, social work and community community development. 

37. Her  consultancy assignments include The Asia Foundation as Project Coordinator of Turo Turismo. 

38. She managed the Tourism Senior High School Industry Linkage Program with the Bohol Association of Hotels Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR). 

39.She was the coordinator of  the provincial and national launch of the Abot Alam program for Out of School Youth with Department of Education. 

40. She reads all of Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy and John Grisham. 

41.She implemented the USAID-funded Hugpong sa Pagbangon Project. 

42. She plays the piano and organ. 

43. She loves to sing minus one and karaoke. 

44. She listens to Bukas Palad Ministry, UP MADZ and Chorus Paulinus choirs. 

45. She loves the religous songs of Don Moen and Fr. Arnold Zamora. 

46. She designs using Canva. 

47. She makes vidoes using Quik and Filmora Go. 

48. She has mastered facilitating zoom events. 

49. She manages at least four Facebook pages. 

50. She is admin of at least 5 Facebook Groups. 

51. She is the Wikipedia writer/ major editor of all SVD schools in the Philippines. 

52. She started almost all stubs of Wikipedia articles of Bohol. 

53. She owns Beautiful Hearts Consultancy Services. 

54. She is a survivor of CHF and cardiomyopathy. 

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

Sexy Talk with Veegee, Amanda & Andrew

Veegee Doria on being sexy: 'Sexy is simply being confident on how you project your body.' Photo:  Mac Gaso/ Mac Gaso Photography and Kanike Padilla/Kanike Photography 

Veegee Doria, Amanda Noriega and Andrew Baker have many things in common: students, print and commercial models managed by The Art Nouveau (TAN) Models, and campus pageant winners. 

 

They have dominated headlines in the past years winning in modeling searches and campus pageants —  young personalities in the province ready to rise to the next level. 

Veegee, 19, was crowned Miss Sevilla Bentig 2017 and Miss Holy Name University (HNU) Intramurals 2018. 

"I want to become  a successful person and to inspire other people," Veegee said. 

Amanda, 15, made waves in 2018 as Miss Pearl Bahrain fourth placer.  Despite being relatively new to modeling, she is a sought-after TAN model. 

If you're an avid fan of Mister and Miss University of Bohol, you may recognize Andrew, 19, as Mister UB 2019.  But it was his being a TAN model that catapulted Andrew to "stardom."

"I wanna be a pilot or a professional host," Andrew said. 

Asked why Veegee, Amanda and Andrew will still be rising "stars" in accordance with their already-thriving careers or talent potential, TAN manager Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad told VRS, “Aside of being handsome, beautiful and smart, they are hardworking and dedicated. They are now making their names and soon will conquer the stage."

Andrew Baker on being sexy: 'Sexy is how a being flare with his/her worked out body with daring poses and techniques.' Photo: Mac Gaso/Mac Gaso Photography and Kanike Padilla/ Kanike Photography 

Khim added," “Because of their personalities and passion, I have seen and observed that they are all dedicated and willing to learn and grow."

Since Veegee, Amanda and Andrew are on sexy mode, VRS let them answer a few “sexy” questions.

What is sexy to you?

Veegee: "Sexy is simply being confident on how you project your body." 

Amanda: "Sexy is about how you show up in the world with full of confidence." 

Andrew: "Sexy is how a being flare with his/her worked out body with daring poses and techniques." 

What makes you feel sexy?

Veegee: "I chose not to feel insecure about my body." 

Amanda: "Everytime I workout, I feel sexier." 

Andrew: "Through my outfits and worked out body." 

Sexiest part of your body.

Veegee: "My eyes."

Amanda: "My hips." 

Andrew: "Probably, thighs or chest." 

Amanda Noriega on being sexy: 'Sexy is about how you show up in the world with full of confidence.' Photo: Mac Gaso/ Mac Gaso Photography and Kanike Padilla/Kanike Photography

Part of a man's body that you find sexiest - Veegee: "A man's smile." 

Amanda: "His fierce look."

Part of a woman's body that you find sexiest:

Andrew: "Details on a woman's neck, shoulders and chest."

Singer with a sexiest voice. 

Veegee: "Dua Lipa." 

Amanda:"Michael Buble." 

Andrew: "Billie Eilish." 

Sexiest movie. 

Veegee: "50 Shades of Grey." 

Amanda: "The Pursuit of Happynes." 

Andrew: "50 Shades of Grey." 

Sexiest clothes. 

Veegee: "Long Gowns." 

Amanda: "Long dress." 

Andrew: "For boys, Oversized open chest polos. For girls, body fit dresses." 

Sexiest perfume. 

Veegee: "Vanilla scented perfumes." 

Amanda: "Oil perfume." 

Andrew:"Lacoste."

Sexiest time of the day. 

Veegee: "Dawn." 

Amanda: "Night."

Andrew: "I prefer the night." 

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

It's Ubi season again

It’s feel-good Sunday, January 17, 2021. Time out from nega sizzlers, time in for another inspiring story.

But first, some food for thought:

Hipolita Galgo Persigas

• From Steve Jobs: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking." 

• From Saint Mother Teresa: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

• From Benjamin Franklin:  "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." 

• From Helen Keller: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."

And.... 

• Hipolita Galgo Persigas, 84, of Ubay town was laid to rest on Saturday, Jan. 16. "Go, for Adonai sends you. Go and Adonai will be with you. Adonai will guard your coming and going, now and forever. Amen."

• The "Managkot sa Candelaria" Hike for a Cause in Garcia Hernandez town on February 2, 2021. The charity event is organized by Helping Hand Movement of Garcia Hernandez. for youth leader Iris Cuadra who was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. For inquiries, call or text 09565028869. 

• The January 23, 2021 opening of The Buzzz Cafe- Jagna. 

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One beauty (and brains) contest sorely missed by beauty-watchers is the Miss Ubi Festival Queen, launched in 2000, and scrapped for good, much to the sadness of fans. 

Larry Pamugas, Ph. D. : The 30-day Ubi festival 2021 will be filled with activities and contests.

Miss Ubi usually picked candidates from the towns which are “ubi” country--Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon,  Corella, Dagohoy,  Dauis, Dimiao , Garcia-Hernandez, Jagna,  Loay, Loboc, Mabini, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna, Tagbilaran, Ubay and Valencia-- from whom the winner is chosen in a pageant, promoting, yes of course, ubi (yam). 

Here’s a fond lookback at the Miss Ubi Honor Roll:

• Pinky Gica Beldia was the first Miss Ubi Festival Queen in 2000. It was held in Dauis town.

• Rhiz Nova Tagsip Arenas of Inabanga  was declared Miss Ubi Festival Queen 2004 and subsequently became Miss Bohol Sandugo 2004.  She was famous for her “Basta ubi Bohol, basta Bohol ubi."

• Jade Nica Obedencio of Balilihan was declared Miss Ubi Festival Queen 2012 in a low-budgeted and less fanfare search. 

Unfortunately, there has been no search because of lack of funds. 

There was a collective heave of a call for a yearly Miss Ubi Festival Queen but the interest waned in the succeeding years.

Where are they now? Throwback Sunday: 17 years ago the Ubi Festival Queen 2004 crown was won by Rhiz Nova Aranas of Inabanga town. The committee members were Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, Rany Gespert, Rico Guigue, Regil Gucor, Ivan, Maymay Legaspi, Dr. Amce Marie Pinos and Roxanne Monton. 

Well, the Ubi Festival 2021 is on January 25 to February 24.  Ubi (Dioscorea alata) growers and supporters will gather once more to honor the crop as a major agricultural product in the ubilandia. 

If the coronavirus was not around, shortly after the new year, the festive vibe would have been evident.

But Larry Pamugas, assistant provincial agriculturist, said the 30-day festival will be filled with activities and contests such as highest value of Ubi display, Ubi eating contest, best new Ubi processed products, Pinaka, literary and musical contests; and nightly entertainment and food fair.

 

The late environmental activist Zenaida Darunday said ubi is a healthy energy source with important nutritional benefits. The kinampay, the queen of all ubi varieties, is a good source of anthocyanin, a strong anti-oxidant. 

We are looking foward to buy different varieties of ubi --- kabus-ok, kinlot, balagon-on, binanag, tam-isan, apale, iniling, lima-lima, kot, bot and kinampay (the most aromatic ubi in the world) --- at low prices for our ubi desserts!!! 

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

New year, new goals... Time to invest! (Part 2)

Many are eager to leave 2020 behind with all its ups and downs and we carry the learnings of an unprecedented year to New Year 2021. 

We're looking ahead to a hopeful new 12 months, refreshed and ready for goal setting. 

Here’s how to set goals while we continue to face uncertainty due to the pandemic by some of our Boholano friends. Please listen! 

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: 'Choose silence over a pointless/nonsense fight and always choose to be happy.'

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado- My 2021 goals are more on

reflecting deeply and giving importance to all the lessons I've learned the past year especially because of the pandemic. Applying the following lessons to the present time: Be more appreciative to all the blessings in life (big and small things);  value the love of family and true friends; be more productive; stay fit and healthy;  spread love, kindness and positivity ; choose silence over a pointless/nonsense fight; and always choose to be happy. 

Ima Curiba- As financial advisor, this year I aim to educate more Boholanos in securing their family's future in many aspects including finances thru the following needs: health, savings, income protection, life insurance and investments.  Encouraging them with the variety of benefits an insurance can help our lives. And convince them to never fear to start ahead.

Elvie Bongosia- To start and maintain a healthier diet and spend less time online. 

Feby Ingking-  This 2021, I've got to focus more on inner peace, spreading happiness and staying healthy.

Pier Giorgio Salamat- My goals: To develop more of our family business, to keep myself and family members fit and healthy and to continue doing our church and social responsibilities. 

Vera Villocido- Embrace the new normal!  Adapt them in my work and personal life thus being productive, relevant, and useful. Continue to form more linkages! Synergize!  Inspire!  Motivate! Engage! Innovate!

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan- My 2021 goals: Maintain positive attitude despite the hustle and bustle brought by the pandemic, Improve physical health since I'm not getting any younger. So, I have to exercise when I have time and choose healthy diet at the same time; passionately enjoy my chosen career as cosmetic surgeon to adorn the people of Bohol;  and strive to attain financial stability by eliminating nonsense expenses in order to increase our savings for bigger plans and responsibilities. 2020 has been a very stressful year. So this year, I need to find time to relax and just enjoy life since stress can really be a killer. I'm going to strengthen my faith in Him and become the woman God created me to be. 

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan- 'Passionately enjoy my chosen career to adorn the people of Bohol.'

Eden Descallar-Ceballos- To take care of our health, grow Globe's business and finish our dream home.

Jholly Lim- Learning new skills to improve knowledge for personal development and career advancement.

Tiara Lourdes Torero- My goal for 2021 is to ensure that my family and I remain healthy and will survive whatever the year may bring, with God's guidance and protection.

Clyde Ebojo- The Year 2020 got me into some significant personal battles that I considered life changing. This 2021, I've decided to save more and make it a habit so when plans throw off, I am more ready. Fulfill my life long dream  of becoming a composer/singer/artist. I will definitely regret to not even try at all. I shall record more songs, sing some of them and develop quality music videos. Be more forgiving because 2020 taught me that when we forgive, we will also be forgiven.

Holding grudges is no good at all. By that, I moved on from a lot of pain and start being happy with even simple things.

Karla Tirol Magno- My goal is to continue on my vision to keep growing and learning as I go. I pray for more business opportunities and to expand my ventures. Hopefully in business, life and love.

Grace Ramada, Ph. D.- These are my goals for 2021: Spend more time with family and other special persons, enrol in another post-degree program, learn at least two skills (swimming for physical fitness and singing  (psalmist), get a health insurance and build up an emergency fund. 

Mikey Gatal- To finish the dream house I am building in Totolan, Dauis sometime this year and hopefully I can return home for a well-deserved vacation. 

Police Officer Melinda Mendez-Balo- My goals for 2021: To become more healthy and fit to avoid being infected by viruses and bacteria and so I need to work hard to achieve it. Aside from that, I would like to spend more time with my kids during my days off. Be more productive in my work at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and do more intensified advocacies on our campaign against women and children abuses within our Airport Community by conducting more information drives. Most of all, I want to become more prayerful and be more spiritual as we really need to be closer to our Almighty God to guide us, protect us from all works and snares of the devil now working to ruin souls around the world. 

Hanae Katirin Gacera Galido: 'Invest more in properties and life insurance. In this time of uncertainty, saving is the key.'

Gerwin Yudelmo- To develop self and become a more better friend, son and citizen of the world.

Perlita Palen, Ph.D.- To always pray to God that we will live a healthy and a happy life. I also pray for a miracle that everything will be back to  normal. I hope I can go home to the Philippines with no hassle, no more quarantine and no Coronavirus protocol anymore.  

Hanae Katirin Gacera Galido- The year 2020 was still fruitful and kind to me and my family despite the worldwide threat of the pandemic. I had some plans unmet and unfavorable, but I have no regrets. Setting my goals for this year gives me excitement to no end.  I will strive to have an ultimate relationship with God, for strength both physical and emotional to withstand all the trials that will come along my way. 

My goal #1: To start a business. Putting up a business is not easy but I rather try and work hard for it because I believe it's a good fall back. 

My goal #2: To get promoted to a higher rank which means better compensation and benefits. 

My goal #3: Travel and leisure. My job as a manager eats up almost all of my time. Sad to say, I only have a little quality time spent with my family (three lovely kids), parents and siblings. I have to plan a leisure time with them this year. 

My goal #4: Build my dream house. Who doesn't dream of having a house of our own? With my purchased lot in 2020 hopefully I can start building the structure this year. 

My goal #5: Invest more in properties and life insurance. In this time of uncertainty, saving is the key. I have to cutdown unnecessary spending instead invest my money in acquiring properties. Then, secure my family's health and life by having life insurance. 

#My goal #6: Read more informative books to keep my senses active especially in updating my knowledge that concerns my job. 

These are my vital goals for this year 2021. Hopefully with the help of God and my loving family plans will be materialized. However, I should not rush things, I'll take this one step at a time.

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