So long Sir Ricky, my idol and mentor

Vanessa Aumentado, Marisa Cartoneros, Rep. Edgar Chatto, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto and Chatto and Veloso families have fond memories of veteran journalist Ricky Lo.

"Kumusta na ang society chronicler ng Bohol?" 

That was how veteran entertainment editor and TV host Ricky Lo greeted me everytime we saw each other in Bohol and some instances at The Philippine Star Office in the Port Area in Manila. 

Sir Ricky was one of the few journalists whom I looked up to as my idol, mentor, and friend.  

Ricky Lo is Ricky Lo.  He was revered and feared in the industry that his "Funfare" was the column to be in. To be mentioned in his column (which I was mentioned countless times) meant pride or humiliation, depending on how he chose to write about the celebrity.

I am his fan forever. In fact, his "Funfare" column was the first section in the paper I read first. For generations, many Filipinos got their fix of the day’s entertainment news from him. 

As a Funfare contributor until 2014,  I missed Sir Ricky’s call and text asking for showbiz scoop since there were many celebrities who visited Bohol. 

"Leo, totoo ba nandiyan ba si ___?  Kasama si ___?" he asked. 

He encouraged me to write articles and even gave me tips. 

Even when I started my column "True"  in the now defunct “The Bohol Sunday Post” for years (and transfered to The Bohol Chronicle with my "Bared" and later to "VRS"), I usually compare my style of writing as similar to that of Ricky Lo that it earned me the monicker the "Ricky Lo of Bohol."

When my articles were published in The Philippine Star, he kept my cheques in his wallet until he could give it to me personally. 

The year 2009 was my most memorable year with  Sir Ricky. He was in Bohol for a vacation  with his friend and fellow journalist Raoul Tidalgo. (He was a family friend of the Veloso, Chatto and Castillon families). We spent the day talking about the ins and outs of showbiz, blind items and sundry and we laughed out hard. 

Sir Ricky was very instrumental in promoting Bohol to the world in his widely read column in the Star. 

We exchanged text messages as I gave my feedback on "Star Talk" ,  where he was one of the mainstay hosts. Then, "Showbiz Stripped" which metamorphosed into "The Ricky Lo Exclusives" that lasted for almost four years. 

One time, I decided to visit him at the Philippine Star at the Port Area Manila. He and other staff members (former associate entertainment editor Maridol Bismark, Jerry Donato and Bum Tenorio) were busy for the deadline. But Sir Ricky had time for a chit chat. The good part was I didn't left the office empty handed! Sir Ricky gave me some pasalubong items including his book "Conversations with Ricky Lo" which became my guide on how to handle interviews and write feature stories. 

Sir Ricky was all that — and more.

Your VRS with veteran journalist Ricky Lo.

Several years ago, I pitched about the plight of child star Rebecca "Bikay" Lusterio (who starred in Muro Ami and Panaghoy Sa Suba where she won several accolades including Best Child Actress and Best Supporting Actress) who wanted to study in college.

Bikay told me she might not be able to go to college due to financial constraints. At that time, she had a brother who was still studying in college and she felt she maybe an additional burden to the family if she wished to pursue her dreams.

Bikay helped her poor family and financed her way through high school by selling seashells on Alona Beach. 

I told Sir Ricky about it and he wrote it in his column. Several scholarships were offered to Rebecca who preferred to study at Colegio de San Juan de Letran as a full-time academic scholar until she graduated in college. 

"Magsulat ka Leo about Bikay. Daming nakagusto sa story niya," he told me. He admired Bikay's natural acting, humility and unassuming ways. 

And everytime I wrote about Bikay and her activities, Sir Ricky was always kind to give  space in the paper. 

When Bikay graduated in college, she went to Philippine Star to personally thank Sir Ricky for all his kindness. Sir Ricky told me he was touched by Bikay's gesture. 

That was Sir Ricky. With him, it was always kindness and friendship. He was that generous, very giving in every way, whether with his time, materials things and friendship.

Thank you Sir Ricky. 

You will always remain in our hearts and you will be constantly thought of with fondness and deep love.

Rest in peace Sir Ricky, Gan Eden welcomes you. 

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Fiesta fanfare greatly missed

No fanfare, no banderitas. May 1 is the start of merry month,  fiestas are much more than just a good time. Their absence is deeply felt amid the stress of the pandemic. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Saturday's fiesta was indeed a sad day for candle vendor Mara Valmoria. 

Valmoria, 25, found no reason to celebrate since she is one of the millions who were crippled financially due to the pandemic. 

"Only a few are coming to church to attend masses," she said. 

Selling candles at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City is the only way to support their hand to mouth. 

Before the pandemic, she went to different towns where fiestas were held for a living. It was the life of the fiesta.

She said she received fiesta invitations from acquaintances where she could eat for free in different houses. 

Fiesta in Bohol is characterized with abundance of food, drink and music.

"And I can bring" bringhouse" too given by the house owners, " she recalled. 

But when pandemic started last year, Valmoria felt the impact- drastic loss of livelihood and invitations. 

For the second time, Tagbilaran closed its borders to all visitors on May 1, in time of the city fiesta celebration. Police were assigned at the borders to check those who traveled to the city. Only those residents, frontliners, workers, businessmen and with emergency cases were allowed to enter. 

Present! (From left to right) Radio personality Edward Guyano, your VRS, actress and performer Scarlet, Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, fashion icon Maximiel and media assistant Helen Castano have observed social distancing during the feast at Espejo-Araoarao residence in Cogon village, Tagbilaran City. Contributed Photos 

In this province of Bohol where majority is Catholic,  May 1 is city's fiesta in honor of St. Joseph the Worker.  It also starts the merry month of May wherein fiesta is held every day in Bohol.

The travel restriction is to curb the spread of the coronavirus. People from other towns usually come to Tagbilaran to attend fiesta and stroll in malls.

A week before the fiesta, the province lacked the fiesta ambience.

The fanfare was to a certain level silent and somber as it is mostly virtual,  following physical distancing protocols.

The streets and highways were almost empty with less vehicles. Malls - Alturas Mall, Plaza Marcela, Island City Mall and BQ Mall- were closed to prevent people from gathering to keep people immobile at home.

Tagbilaran resident Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, 51, cancelled the feast  because of the surging COVID-19 cases. 

“I missed those times that friends come to the house for the vesperas dinner. Everything is sad and controlled now," said Gabin, a government employee.

Before, Gabin said that the weekend before May 1, she and her family were supposedly busy for the general cleaning of the house in preparation for the fiesta.

She said they would hire additional people to do the house cleaning, marketing, cooking, serving food and dishwashing, a week before the fiesta or else it's hard to find someone to do the work.

If her house is open to her friends, relatives and even strangers during fiestas, this time it was closed.

She just prepared a small feast for the family as a thanksgiving to St. Joseph the Worker even the ambiance is totally different.

Tagbilaran City has a total 257 active COVID-19 cases, the locality that has the most number of cases in the province. Bohol has 873 active cases and  41 deaths.

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So long, Capt. Olano

Thank you for your bravery. Capt. Aurelios Olano and wife Lowella with Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and Candijay Mayor Christopher Tutor. Photos: Rep. Alexie Tutor Facebook

Capt. Aurelios Olaso Olano of the Philippine Air Force was killed while three others were hurt when their helicopter crashed last Tuesday morning in the waters off Jandayan Island in Getafe town. 

Olano, 32, was still strapped in his seat when fishermen found him shortly after the MD 520 helicopter of the PAF crashed in the seawaters off Jandayan  around 9:45 a. m. during a routine aerial demonstration training flight. 

Fishermen also rescued Olano's three companions who managed to jump out of the helicopter before it hit the water. 

Based on the accounts of the  fishermen who saw the incident, the helicopter nosedived into the sea and then submerged. The three soldiers survived the incident.

Olano's family and friends paid tribute to the pilot shortly after news of his death came out.

"Anon's humble attitude and ideals have inspired a stronger approach to my work. He is the kindest yet principled person I have ever known," according to  his cousin, Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes, Candijay disaster and risk reduction management officer.

Olano, the eldest in a brood of three,  hailed from Barangay Tugas in Candijay town where his parents - Sancho and Marina Olano, a village chair- lived.

He just recently got married to Lowella, a nurse. 

Bohol 3rd district Representative Alexie Besas-Tutor said "Olano's bravery and 

 service to his countrymen is boundless."

"Candijay’’s Angel Above the Skies... Gone too soon but forever remembered in all the hearts of all Candijaynon. We grieved as one as another fallen hero takes his place in the comforting arms of our Almighty," Tutor said in her Facebook. 

Olano was the PAF helicopter pilot during the Marawi seige in May 2017. 

He decided to transfer to Cebu to be close to his family in Bohol. 

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Community pantries in Bohol: Caring for others

At least 2,000 people queued at a community pantry at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol for Thursday's opening. The beneficiaries are hoping to get some foods and goods for their families.  Photos:  Leo Udtohan

Mercy Tapia had to endure the long que during Thursday's opening of the Bohol Community Pantry at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in this city.

At least 2,000 beneficiaries hoped to get some foods and goods for their families.

Tapia, 42, a wife of a fisherman, said the inclement weather in the past days due to typhoon Bising left her and her family struggling for food. 

"Lisud jud kaayo rung panahuna kusog ang hangin mao wala nakapanagat," said Tapia, a mother of one.

When she heard that the church had a community pantry, she came early two hours before the scheduled opening at 1:30 p. m. 

However, it started late when some residents failed to follow protocols. Some volunteers had a hard time asking residents to observe social distancing. 

The crowd behaved when Bishop Abet Uy politely asked them to follow safety protocols. 

Bishop Abet Uy with Tagbilaran City's First Lady Jane Yap during the opening of Bohol Community Pantry at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 "Pero we are happy nakahimo ta sa atong adjustments with the help of our volunteers  nahan-ay ra ang mga tawo ming-behave rapud sila nga dili na magduol kaayo bitaw. Kay mao man atong worry nga pagpig-it tungod kay naa tay virus gilikayan," Bishop Uy said. 

The prelate said they hopefully can come up with a better plan or system that safety protocols would be observed. 

The Church’s pantry is providing free rice, eggs, instant noodles, vegetables, fruits and other basic necessities. There is also free porridge and pancakes from "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. 

The public could also donate goods or cash for the people who were in need.

Tapia was able to get rice, eggs, vegetables and fruits.  She also received free porridge and pancakes. 

"Dako jud kaayo ni natabang namo, salamat kaayo," said Tapia. 

Bishop Uy said community pantries not only provide the needs of our less-fortunate countrymen but it also unite people to share the love of G-d. 

He said pantries also build empathy by engaging meaningfully with others, being aware of other people's needs, and being kind to others and ourselves. 

"There will be a big impact not only  to the poor but also to the rich people who are given the opportunity to help and share the blessings they have. This is also an eye- opener that we need to help each other in order to survive the pandemic," he said. 

The "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 

Giving has surged during the coronavirus crisis.  In Bohol, several community pantries have sprouted in Tagbilaran, Alona Beach in Panglao, Jagna and Talibon towns. 

Businesswoman Meg Raynaldo, owner of the D'Box in Tagbilaran City, also set up her own Paw Pantry to give free food to cats and dogs. 

Charity is not limited to gifts of money. Sharing time, expertise, or even a kind smile are all forms of charity. Nothing in your pocket? Show some empathy. 

No matter how much you were blessed with, you can always share with others.

It makes sense: you take care of others, and G‑d takes care of you.

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The treasures of Butch Bernas

Butch Bernas: 'Be yourself.'

Last thing VRS asked Butch Matildo Jala Bernas, Ph. D. during a Zoom interview was what three words best described him.

Simple. Jolly. Traveller. 

He proved it by answering the rest of the questions with honesty, with no holds barred and without mincing words. 

As an educator and cultural worker, Butch is also a "fitspiration". With his determination to stay fit and healthy, he goes to J-One Gym Xtreme (3F Ingki's Building in Janssen Heights in Barangay Dampas, Tagbilaran City) where he works out regularly.  Zoom out a bit and you notice his almost to-die-for body. 

Asked if he’d agree to do some “sexy talk,” Butch begged off. 

So VRS veered away from such topic and turned serious including what his biggest fear is during this COVID-19 pandemic.

"My biggest fear during this pandemic, of course, is if get infected without available vaccine yet, " Butch admitted, "My family’s health is my main priority right now." 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19? 

"Following health protocols (wearing face mask, washing hands with soap and water, use alcohol and observe social distancing) set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the City Health and keeping fit," said the erstwhile member of the famous Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT) and subsequently named Mr BLDT 2010. 

 

Career-wise, shared Butch, he’s happy he decided to transfer to a new school assignment. 

Thank goodness he is fancy-free.

Butch weighs 158 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirts and size-10 shoes.

What is your motto in life? "Be yourself." 

What do you want to achieve? "Having a cross-fit body, enjoying some photo shoots for personal keeps and memorabilia."

Butch Bernas says keeping fit is the best defense against the virus, aside from following the protocols. 

What diet do you follow? "I’m following an intermittent diet for now." 

How do you keep fit? "Caloric count and going to the gym for fitness." 

What regimen do you do to achieve that fit body? "Sleep early, taking vitamins, eating foods rich in proteins, avoid eating too much carbohydrates and oily foods, drink plenty of water. If possible, no to soda drinks."

What is sexy to you? "It depends on how you perceive a person’s eyes."

What part of your body do you consider sexiest? "Having a tan skin complexion and a tantalizing eyes."

Most treasured people: "My family and intimate close friends."

Most treasured childhood treasures: "Childhood is the most unforgettable period of my life. Everyone has childhood memories. My childhood memories took place in Pilar, Bohol. We had a small convenience store where kids loved to buy our favorite snacks. I also involved myself in many church and community activities." 

Most treasured travel destination: "My Japan trip.  I love Japan because of its  incredible mountain scenery, architecture, history, culture and tradition, and of course, the incredible cuisine." 

Most treasured moment as an educator: "I graduated my PhD in Educational Management. By God's grace, I was promoted in my workplace despite several odds." 

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Omar Alhemly: Sweet 16

Omar Alhemly, 16, says he loves to explore more on Bohol. Photo: Mac Gaso Photography

For most of us, our first post-COVID-19 trips will be to visit out of town family and friends or perhaps to enjoy vacations and wander to new destinations that had to be postponed due to the pandemic. 

"You know," said The Art Nouveau Models (TAN) model Omar Alhemly, "I'd love to visit again the Ingkumhan Falls in Dimiao when we're ready to travel again." 

Ingkumhan Falls, which is found in Barangay Bauhugan in Dimiao town, is a gorgeous gem whose otherworldly beauty makes it one of Bohol’s most beloved attractions. 

Omar, 16, said that he has been to other provinces and countries and he realized that he haven’t seen the whole Bohol yet.

"Actually, there are more to see in Bohol  than just beaches and Chocolate Hills, and I love to explore more," said the boy-next-door who won Dimiao's Mister Saint Nicholas Academy 2019. 

A Leo (born on August 19, 2004), Omar stands 5’8”; weighs 143 lbs.; and wears medium-sized shirt and briefs and size-10 1/2 shoes.

 

To know more about Omar, VRS asked him  some" sexy" questions:

What is your motto in life?  "Do your best until you know better. And when you know better, do better."

What do you want to achieve? "To be successful in life, in my hobbies, and bring joy to the people I love." 

What diet do you follow? "Eating lots of vegetables and fruits, choosing whole grain foods and making water your drink of choice." 

How do you keep fit? "I do full body workouts at home and make sure I get enough rest to help my muscles grow." 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19? "By following the health protocols, exercising and eating healthy." 

Who is your role model and why? "Will Smith because he does not know how to give up, and that is what makes him such a role model. 'Give me a problem, I will give you a solution.' That is a feeling you can't fake."

What is sexy to you? "Sexy to me includes, but are not limited to, openness, intelligence, courage, confidence, sexual openness, willingness to explore new things, self-awareness, kinkiness, rationality, education, self-reliance, and integrity. For sexy is not only in the body but also in the personality."

Omar Alhemly on part of his body that he considers sexiest: 'For me it would be the chest as it gives me that sense of masculinity.' Photo: Mac Gaso Photography

Part of your body that you consider sexiest: 

"For me it would be the chest as it gives me that sense of masculinity."

Singer with a sexiest voice: "For me it's Bruno Mars with the charisma and vibe he brings in his songs."

Sexiest movie: "Fifty Shades of Grey." 

Sexiest clothes: "An outfit with a monochromatic black look." 

Sexiest perfume: "Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette. Despite it being a perfume released a couple years back Bleu de Chanel has this classic and masculine smell that makes it sexy." 

Sexiest time of the day: "It would have to be midnight when the skies are naked and filled with beautiful stars that light up the night." 

What are your plans for this summer? "To work out more, to study more, and to travel with my friends and family (whilst following health protocols)." 

You're still 16. How would you describe 

Omar Alhemly at 16? "Sweet 16! I am sweet!"

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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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