Easter & Passover: Faith never fails

This weekend, people celebrate the Christian holiday of Easter. Others observe the Jewish holiday of Passover. And in America, many are looking to the arrival of spring. Contributed Photos

This weekend, Christians and Jews are observing the holidays of Easter, the resurrection of Christ following his crucifixion, and Passover, the redemption of the Jewish people from their slavery in Egypt.

Both of these holidays are some of the most sacred in both faiths.

The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has changed the way we celebrate Easter and  Passover but not the traditions that bind us. 

Christians celebrate and reflect on the life,  suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For most Christians, Easter this year is on Sunday, April 4. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, May 2 is the Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Jews observe Passover around the same time as Easter. Passover began  this year on the evening of Saturday, March 27 and ends on the evening of Sunday, April 4. Passover celebrates the Jews' escape from slavery in Egypt, called the Exodus. The Jewish holy book, the Torah, tells about how Moses led the Jews to freedom. A special dinner, the seder, begins the celebration of Passover.

Traditionally, the Passover seder begins with the lighting of the candles, during which, two prayers are said, as translated to English by Chabad:

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Yom Tov light.

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

Of course, what better way to experience the power of the resurrection than through worship and praise with an Easter hymn?

He Lives (lyrics by Alfred H. Ackley) 

I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today

I know that He is living, whatever men may say

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer

And just the time I need Him He's always near

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life's narrow way

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart. 

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Inday Ruping is in our hearts

Clockwise from top-left: Your VRS with Rizalino Torralba, aka Inday Ruping in 2007, and with Kien Alphe Garsuta, Stella Ranario-Marquez, Clement Ingking, Dr. Grace Ramada and friends, Arnel Libot and friends and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin. Contributed Photos

Comedian Inday Ruping, whose real names was Rizalino Torralba, drifted into an eternal sleep last Saturday night (March 27). He was 45. 

Simply Titon to his the family, friends and the entertainment industry, the famous DJ loved for his hearty laughter. 

In 2006, when a radio program "Bisaya" was vacated in by Inday Cristala (who's in Taiwan now), Titon tried to apply just for fun. He chose the screen name DJ Ruffa, but the name wasn't a click and was changed into Inday Rufing/Ruping.  As manghuhula would say, he was destined to become a star who carved a name in the airwaves; it was written in the stars.

And the rest was history. Inday Ruping became an household name who tickled our funny bones. 

Titon was fun to be with...witty, well-read and without any air or superiority complex.

In the entertainment industry, he was the real "Mother." With his passion and knowledge, he made sure that the industry was constantly improving. He made sure other talents were given an oportunity to shine and earn. He was admired and respected in the industry. As a person, he was very thoughtful, generous and compassionate.

My most unforgettable interview with Titon was in May 2008 while writing for the defunct Bohol Sunday Post. Among the biggest bombshells: He was raped by a woman, and, he had a son! And that explosive revelations that shocked the world are still the talk of the town 13 years later. 

Titon was an open book, an exciting interviewee who fielded every question you threw at him, even the most personal ones, and did it with wit and humor. Maybe that’s one thing the new breed of entertainers can learn from Titon — not to be over-protective of themselves, not to be onion-skinned and not to flaunt any symptoms of star complex. Until the very end, Titon remained accessible, humble and lovable.

Titon will be greatly missed.

Deo Guden- Rest well our dearest Inday. You are a great loss to Bohol and its people. You'll be missed by so many. Boholanos will never have another Inday Rufing, yet you succumbed to sudden death hence, so heartbreaking.  Working with you for various Panglao events were all good memories and fun-filled stories.  True to your nifty vlog intro spiel "Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow", yes! You were-are-will always be loved and remembered. Rest in peace my dear, rest well with the Lord. 

Arnel Libot-Salamat kaayo Sir/Inday Ruping....Sa imong Suporta sa Bohol Stars....Sa mga shows nga ikaw ang nag host..dili malimtan,..You gave smile and joy kanamong tanan....Rest in Peace....

Kien Alphe Garsuta- Rest in Eternal Peace Inday Ruping! Nanghina ko nakadungog sa news today. Makahuot sa dughan.  Nag message pako nimo last March 19 for event hosting karong May puhon.  Daghang Salamat Inday sa mga katawa, kalipay, ug kalingawan nga imong gipabati nimo kanamo!  You will always be remembered Inday. 

Pier Giorgio Salamat- Rest in peace, Inday Ruping! Mingawon jud mi nimo. Ikaw ang tigtabang pod og wagtang sa among stress karong pandemic.

JP Maslog- You are in our hearts forever Titon.  Daghang Salamat sa tabang ug suporta. 

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin- March 28, 2021... My final tribute to one of the very talented graduates of Bohol National High School (Class of 1993)... Because I want to remember you this way... Inday Ruffing, as I like to call you, I am truly saddened with the news. Let me thank YOU for the friendship, for the many times you catered to my requests for public service announcements for the promotion of our activities in your Kiss FM radio program, and most of all, for the laughters and cheers you have given to the Boholano people.... Truly, you will be greatly missed... Requiescat in pace (RIP), Rizalino “Inday Ruffing” Torralba.  So unbelievable. So sudden. So tragic for someone who has brought so much laughter to so many people. 

Clement Ingking-There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the lights remains. Farewell, my friend, till we meet again someday, somewhere. 

Stella Ranario-Marquez- Inday Ruping Torralba Rest easy…you will be missed dearly..wla nay moshout out nko sa kissaw sa kiss

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Celebrating Passover, Holy Week, in time of pandemic

Your VRS celebrating Passover, one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. In Seder, the ritual dinner consists of storytelling, prayers, and symbolic food items.

It's hard to believe that after an entire year of uncertainty, Passover (Pesach) has once again arrived.

And this week is holy to both Jews and Christians—the celebration of Passover, for Jews, which started Saturday evening, and of Holy Week (Passion Week) , the commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which started on Sunday, Palm Sunday.

For Christians, the week allows the faithful to commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is a week to prepare for Easter Sunday, which is the most important Christian holiday, because it is through Christ’s sacrifice that humanity became reconciled with G-d. 

Passover tells the story of the persecution of the Jewish people and their exodus from Egypt. It is observed for seven or eight days and marked with two ceremonial diners, known as seders, and it is a time to acknowledge the suffering of others, as well as, celebrate freedom.

Jewish people across the world refrain from eating bread and other leavened food for eight days – instead eating unleavened bread (matzo) and bitter herbs at home called a Seder (which means “order” in Hebrew) is celebrated around a dinner table.

This time though, even as many of us are still deeply affected by the coronavirus disease, we thank G-d that vaccines are rolling out, and we finally see hope that this crisis will soon “pass over” us. 

Let us be thankful to G-d for for His blessings. 

I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Passover!

* * * 

Last week, I'd received notification from Katrina Tuñacao, the assigned contact tracer, that I am tested negative for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

I entered self-isolation on March 15 after I learned that I was exposed to friends (at least three of them) who contracted the virus. 

For peace of mind, I decided to proceed with the COVID-19 test out of care and caution for my family and the community. 

I am very grateful to all of you who have kept me in your prayers or who have sent me well wishes and notes of encouragement. 

Our special thanks to Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan (the host of popular "The Doctor Is In" , the only public health program in Bohol) for checking my health and other mediamen who were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19.  Thanks also to Reichyl Dumaluan-Vallente for the rice ayuda for us. 

I ask for your continued prayers for those who have died from this virus and for those who remain in self-isolation because of it. 

We pray for our health workers and first responders who dedicate their lives every day to fighting for our lives, even while putting their own at risk. 

My heart is filled with joy because G-d has given me another chance to choose life as I am able to celebrate the Passover Seder.. 

The Torah (Pentateuch or Five Books of Moses) repeatedly reminds us that human life is precious and a gift from G-d. In this pandemic, we stand together and are reminded to choose life.  

Rock of Ages and Source of Life, 

Bring an end to disease and suffering,

So that all may know

Your compassion and Your grace.

Praised are You, G-d, healer of flesh, maker of wonders.

G-d is good all the time! Baruch HaShem Adonai!

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Inspiring quotes from 3 extraordinary women during Women's Day Celebration

This year’s Women's Month celebration in Bohol was unlike any other. 

I curated a list of of the quotes from empowered women-- Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas Tutor, former beauty queen Maria Vanessa Aumentado and former Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes--  during their speeches delivered in this year's Women's Month Celebration. 

They are considered today’s most admired women. They have overcome challenges and made their mark in their respective communities. They also lead by example.

Their words are powerful and encourage us to seize life and sprint towards success.

All women. 

Conchita "Che" Toribio-Delos Reyes 

Former Carmen Mayor/Businesswoman

"I am blessed not because I have almost everything but I am super blessed because God gave me a heart." 

"Kayang kaya nato. Don't give up. God is with us. Don't forget to pray." 

"A woman is your own definition of your self being the person to be. Be the best version of who you are."

"A woman's faith, courage and determination can move more mountains."

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado

Former beauty queen and entrepreneur 

"Woman, you are beautiful! You are strong and powerful! Your voice matters." 

"As a woman, we should make a stand. Kinahanglan kanunay kitang mubarog sa saktong baruganan, mo-decision para sa atong kaugalingon nga indepediente kita. Pero naay panahon nga paminawon sab nato atong bana o partner sa kinabuhi para walay lalis o away." 

"Know your worth. Kahibaw ta kanus-a mutingog ug kanus-a muhilum." 

“Empowering yourself is empowering other people."

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor

“Women can do wonders. We take pride on the excruciating pain we felt during childbirth as we bring life into this world. We complete and make the house a home. We fill in the gaps and ready to make sacrifices, whatever it takes for our families and most of all on our children. Kumbati Juana, bisan unsa pana, kaya na kumbatihon ni Juana!”

" We, women have the guts." 

“Women in uniform are part of a challenging profession. Some may be intimidated by you; fear you because of your position /profession. Yet at the end of the day, stripping out that uniform, remember that you are still that lady in need of warmth and love. After all, you are a woman. A wife, daughter and child. Let us not forget that as we celebrate this month, to look for ways in solving domestic violence, rape, incest & online sexual exploitation that are on rise this covid times."

“I would like to encourage you all to rise to the ranks. Someday a woman will lead. We have  guts to make it to the top.” 

“Hanggang saan ang kaya mo Juana? 

 A question which entails an inevitable  answer. But as Juana, I would say, hanggang sa dulo ng walang hanggan.”

       

“We Juanas will never give up. Kaya natin to

 Juana. Kumbati!"

“We have this unique brand of leadership

 encompassing inclusivity and innovation. Inherent in us this motherly instinct & to

deal people always with a heart.”

       

“May we all be reminded that every Juana is 

 strong, flexible and resilient. Walang hindi

  kaya ni Juana.” 

“We women are marvelous creatures of which  a man cannot live without. We are a beautiful  puzzle that men continues to solve.”

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7-Eleven opens 3rd store in Panglao & inspiring, soul-enriching stories

Moadto Strip Mall, nestled in between fine, powdery white sand, and crystalline blue waters in Barangay Doljo in Panglao town, is now the home of the third 7-Eleven store in Panglao. Photo: Leo Udtohan

It’s feel-good Sunday, March 14, 2021. Again, take time out from political sizzlers for more inspiring, spirit-lifting stories.

These inspirational short stories left me speechless.

1.)The Butterfly (shared by Dr. Butch Bernas, who got it from a friend, source unknown). 

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 Edison Gumapac of Manga National High School 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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7-Eleven opens 3rd store in Panglao 

From Anthony Ceniza, cultural worker and choreographer extraordinaire:

The long wait is finally over…7-Eleven opened its third store in Modala Strip Mall in Panglao yesterday, March 13. 

7-Eleven finally expanded to Bohol province  and penetrated the Bohol market as the global convenience store chain officially opened its 3rd store in Modala Strip Mall

in Panglao town. Photos: Anthony Ceniza 

Philippine Seven Corporation, the country’s licensee of 7-Eleven stores in the Philippines,. said that 7-Eleven is growing its network of stores all over the Philippines in their aim to provide unique experience that only 7-Eleven can give.

During the opening,  Fr. Leonel Hermogenes Grado, parish priest of St. Augustine Parish Church, blessed the new store. It was attended by franchisees Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan and his wife Marilou, children  Reichyl and Reicher, Fe Deguiño, Anecita Nerves-Arcay of Arcom Center Panglao, Alma Esterado of Panglao Island Furniture and Ching Balucan. 

Some members of the Bohol media-- Ric Obedencio, Bob Galero, Rey Tutas, Dave Charles Responte, Helen Castaño, Kit Bagaipo and Angel Guimalan--also witnessed the opening. Edison Gumapac and Adam Gulle also attended Saturday's event. 

The 7-Eleven in Modala Strip Mall is the second franchise of the Dumaluans, also the owner of the first 7-Eleven store established in Bohol located in Arcom Center in Barangay Poblacion in Panglao. 

Bohol residents and tourists can now enjoy their unique offerings such as the iconic Slurpee and other convenient alternatives like Gulp, the newest honest- to- goodness coffee City Blends, Fundae soft-serve ice cream, Big Bite Hotdog, siopao and a lot more.

7-Eleven customers can also experience CliQQ a load and bills payment kiosk.

The popular 24-hour convenience store chain has earlier announced its rapid expansion in Bohol this year.

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Bohol's Jay Mar Buday wins 'Man Of the Globe 2021- Continental'

Jay Mar Suarez Buday on being sexy: 'A man with a right attitude.' Mac Gaso Photography

"Live for today and learn for tomorrow." 

"That's my mantra," said Jay Mar Suarez Buday who is the first Boholano to win the  "Man of the Globe" title. 

Jay, 21, was crowned "Man of the Globe 2021- Continental" held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Hotel Snow in Angeles City, Pampanga.  He was also proclaimed as best in formal wear. 

VRS got word that The Art Nouveau Models (TAN) has big plans for Jay who could be the next big thing if he plays his cards well.

A Gemini (born on June 10, 1999), Jay  stands 5’11”; weighs 150 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirt and briefs, and size-10 shoes.

Jay Mar Suarez Buday is the first Boholano to win the "Man of the Globe Continental 2021".  Mac Gaso Photography

Nothing can stop Jay, the man with the right mental attitude, from achieving his goal. 

What is your ambition in life? To be a successful seafarer soon. 

What do you want to achieve? I want  to be the next Mister Continental International 2021. 

What diet do you follow? Only boiled egg every morning and 1 cup of rice every lunch and dinner. 

How do you keep fit?  Eating healthfully and cutting calories. Add exercise. 

What is sexy to you? A man with a right attitude. 

Jay Mar Suarez Buday (extreme left) with the other winners  during the "Man of the Globe 2021" held on Friday, March 5, 2021. Photo:  Man of the Globe 2021

 

 

 

 

What part of your body do you consider sexiest? My core part. 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19? Just to follow the health protocols of the government. 

What were your preparations before the pageant? Proper sleep, workout and reading newspapers and magazines and watching English movies.

What do you think does the world needs most right now? The cooperation and unity of every people. 

As Man of the Globe Philippines 2021-  Continental, what Filipino qualities of the  youth would you highlight? The generosity and hospitality of the people. 

Who is your role model and why? My parents because they are my source of strength, comfort and  inspiration. 

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex and contraceptives? Think before you click! 

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why? Our President Rodrigo Duterte because he is willing to fight and sacrifice for the seek our people.

Describe yourself in three words? Open-minded, Resilient, Respectful. 

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be? There is nothing that I would change myself because there are many people who appreciate who I am.  I will maintain my good attitude towards those people who is respectful also. 

What will be your advocacies at "Man of the Globe Philippines 2021-Continental" ? Empowering the youth through education. As what we have observed and encountered on this pandemic, many things are affected that's why education should be prioritized. 

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Ube jam & inspiring, soul-enriching stories

Anthony Ceniza, cultural worker and choreographer extraordinaire, enjoys the pristine waters of Anda Pearl Premier Resort in Anda town. Photo: Leo Udtohan

It’s Feb. 28, 2021.  Feel-good Sunday, last day of the month of February. Again, take time out from political sizzlers and negative things out there for more inspiring, spirit-lifting stories.

1.The starfish story (author a unknown, contributed by Anthony Ceniza, cultural worker and choreographer extraordinaire and now supervisor of Marilou Resort in Panglao).  

An old man walked across the beach until he came across a young boy throwing something into the breaking waves. Upon closer inspection, the old man could see that the boy was tossing stranded starfish from the sandy beach, back into the ocean.

“What are you doing, young man?” He asked. 

“If the starfish are still on the beach when the sun rises, they will die,” the boy answered.

“That is ridiculous. There are thousands of miles of beach and millions of starfish. It doesn’t matter how many you throw in; you can’t make a difference.”

“It matters to this one,” the boy said as he threw another starfish into the waves. “And it matters to this one.”

2.The seasons of life (author also not known, contributed by teacher Edison Gumapac of Manga National High School). 

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn to not judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said no – it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfilment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but one season in the tree’s life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are – and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life – can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it’s winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfilment of your fall.

Don’t judge a life by one difficult season. Don’t let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.

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The Pearl of Anda

Countless beaches are available throughout the Bohol province, so when the "The Doctor Is In" decided to hold its first out of town public health service last Saturday, they chose Anda. 

 "The Doctor Is In," the only phenomenal public health program hosted by Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan, was held in Anda Pearl Premier Resort.  

It’s a U-shaped cove with white sand and warm turquoise water. 

Situated in Virgen village, the Anda Pearl Primier Resort has 22 villas with a large swimming pool. 

The beach is rarely crowded, and popular activities here include kayaking and snorkeling. 

Thanks to Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and Mayor Christopher Tutor for the warm hospitality!

Note: More of Anda Pearl Premier Resort and Anda town in the next issue. 

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The yummiest Ubi jam 

Ube halaya, also known as ube jam (ubi in Bohol!), is a Filipino dessert made from boiled and mashed ubi (purple yam) , milk, and butter. 

Thanks to the 21st Ubi Festival which  commenced last Saturday, February 27. 

The Ubi Festival is celebrated annually in recognition of the ubi growers across the province since 2000. 

Aside from ubi products and other agri-commodities, ornamental and flowering plants were also sold at the venue.

Wannabe chef Jessa Mae Jala shows her favorite ube jam. Her parents bought purple yams during the 21st Ubi Festival. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Dr. Larry Pamugas, acting provincial agriculturist, said Boholano farmers have produced  7.2 million kilos of yam this season from 1,200 hectares. 

The Ubi Festival is also a venue for educational fora to increase farm production.

Pamugas also emphasized the importance and impact of growing and yielding Ubi as a livelihood of the Boholanos, especially in alleviating hunger amid the pandemic.

He said his office encouraged farmers to plant yam while ubi tubers were given to at least 400 farmers who are members of Bohol Ubi Growers Association for a "plant now, pay later." 

Farmer Guillermo Lupas brought 400 kilograms of ubi (yam) to the exhibition site to sell it. 

Lupas, 58, started planting yam for 30 years. 

He said it was not difficult to sell his yam since farmers like him have to bring it at the site where buyers could buy for P70-P90 per kilo. 

"Dakog ikatabang (It's a big help)," Lupas said. 

There are various ways to prepare ube jam dessert but this recipe is the simplest and easiest to follow.

Ube Jam (Purple Yam Jam)

*Ingredients: 

1 kilo uncooked purple yam

1 can condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

200 grams butter

1 can evaporated milk

1 cup white sugar

*Procedures: 

Boil the purple yam until tender then mash or grate.

In a pot, melt butter then add the evaporated milk, condensed milk, sugar and vanilla extra. Stir constantly until well-combined.

Add the purple yam then stir until the texture of the mixture becomes really thick (about 15 to 20 minutes over low fire). You may also add a drop of food coloring (optional).

Transfer the mixture to a mold or any container and let the temperature cool down.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with a dollop of butter when serving (optional).

* * * 

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