Loay Old bridge stirs memories

By Leo Udtohan 

The Olegario B. Clarin Sr. Bridge in Loay town was a landmark in the province. As the bridge collapsed last Wednesday, April 27, 202, associated memories for communities and generations of people could well be lost. Photos: Leo Udtohan

When I was a young boy, I could easily tell I was in Loay town upon seeing the Olegario B. Clarin Sr. Bridge that crossed over the Loboc River.

A lot of my travels (especially going to San Miguel and Ubay towns) is tied to that bridge, so it’s a bit melancholic to think that it’s gone. 

My last stop at the bridge was on Feb. 21, 2016. I was with journalists Jessa Agua-Ylanan and Edward Guyano. We took a souvenir photo before attending the birthday party of Engr. Buboy Labunog. After dinner, we were treated for a quick tour to the Aeta tribe while cruising the river. The bridge was the starting point for the firefly tour.

To the old Clarin bridge, thank you for being part of every Boholano and visitor’s travel. To the new one, looking forward to decades of travel and commute. May you withstand the trials of times, as your predecessor did.

* * * 

Sad day for Bohol 

Newly married Austrian couple Michael and Julia Ouschan were on their way back to their hotel in Panglao town, after driving around the province when tragedy struck on Wednesday afternoon.

Their rented car was among the vehicles that fell into Loboc River when the old Loay Bridge collapsed past 4 p.m.

Michael was among the four people who died in the tragedy that also injured 23 others. The other fatalities were 

Arniel Cilos, 40, of Dauis; Emilia Gimena, 72, of Loay; Epifhany Carmee Oñada, 29, of Tagbilaran City.

Gov. Arthur Yap said the Austrian Embassy in Manila had been informed about the death of Michael.

“It’s a sad day for Loay and Bohol,” said Loay Mayor Hilario Ayuban Jr.

Police said the Ouschans, who were in Bohol for their honeymoon, rented a car and toured the province. They were already on their way back to their hotel in Panglao when the accident happened.

Julia survived after her husband pushed her out of their submerged car. Michael, however, failed to get out of the vehicle.

Julia was inconsolable after rescuers recovered Michael’s body past 7 p.m.

Oñada, was with his friends, Alberto Manuel and Gian Arlo Gagni, on board another vehicle and on their way home after putting up campaign posters of a senatorial candidate. His friends tried to get him out of the vehicle until they ran out of breath.

When Alberto's mother, Glorivic, learned of the news, she immediately went to the area. She hugged her son and Gian when she saw them alive. 

"Epi was like a son to me, a part of the family," said Glorivic, a former barangay captain in Tagbilaran City.

According to Anthony Damalerio, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, the bridge collapsed into the 8-meter deep Loboc River due to overloading and the condition of the structure, which was built in the 1970s. It linked Barangays Villalimpia and Poblacion Ubos in Loay.

Several vehicles were on the bridge when the accident happened.

Damalerio said the bridge collapsed when a dump truck, which carried “anapog” (limestone), reached the middle section of the structure, citing accounts by Jury Namboc, who was working in another bridge which was being constructed to replace the old one.

The new bridge, worth P465 million, was expected to be completed within the year. But apparently due to the accident, the new bridge would be opened on May 3, according to Magiting Cruz, district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) third engineering office here.

According to Ayuban, the DPWH allows vehicles to pass through the old bridge while the replacement bridge is being constructed.

Liberato Lupot Jr., a civil engineer and dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at BIT International College here, said Clarin Bridge was a single-span bridge with no intermediate column in the middle.

Lupot, a professor on bridge engineering, said single-span bridges were safe as long as these met the standards.

“Vehicle overloading damages road surfaces and causes fractures in bridges, greatly shortening the service life of roads. Heavy load causes metal fatigue aside from oxidation or rusting,” he said.

What happened to Clarin Bridge, he said, was a “total rupture.”

Constructed in the 1970s, the bridge had undergone retrofitting after a 7.2-magnitude quake hit Bohol in 2013.

The lifespan of a steel bridge, Lupot said, is 50 to 60 years, shorter than that of a concrete bridge which could last for 100 years.

Ang Probinsyano party-list barnstorms Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

Number 50 Ang Probinsyano Party-List Rep. Edward Delos Santos and Mike Chua with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero and officials on Saturday, April 30, 2022.  Photos: Leo Udtohan

* * * 

The Alyansa ng mga Mamamayang Probinsyano, also known as the Ang Probinsyano Party-list barnstormed Bohol on Saturday, April 30. 

Number 50 Ang Probinsyano Party-List Rep. Edward Delos Santos and Mike Chua got a warm welcome in San Isidro and Panglao towns.

At the venues, vlogger Donnalyn Bartolome and actor Zanjoe Marudo entertained the cheering crowds. 

Bartolome's singing prowess mesmerized fans in Barangay Libaong. Women swooned over Marudo's  hotness that they breached security and ran to the stage to embrace the celebrity.

They are endorsing Ang Probinsyano, known for rural advancement advocacy.

De Los Santos vowed to pursue projects for Bohol and other parts of the country. 

"Nais naming ipagptuloy ang serbisyo sa inyong lahat," said Delos Santos. 

This was echoed by Chua who reiterated their commitment to facilitate progress.

* * * 

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

Pacquiao, Moreno, Abella ask Boholanos to choose the right leader

By Leo Udtohan

Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao visits Bohol province on Thursday, April 21, to meet his supporters. Photos: Leo Udtohan

The campaign sorties of our presidentiables have been heavy in Luzon. In the last stretch of the campaign, they are expected to spend some more time in Visayas, Bohol included. 

Last week, three presidentiables have visited the province of Bohol, the 20th rich-vote province in the country. 

Presidential candidate and Senator Manny Pacquiao asked Boholanos to stop comparing him to other presidential candidates.

“Dili ko puwede ikumpara sa mga pulitiko  nga kawatan (Don’t compare me with those corrupt politicians),” said Pacquiao during his visit last Thursday, April 21, in a remote sitio of Pundokan Rowena Heights in Barangay Anonang in Buenavista town.

Although he didn’t names, Pacquiao said those thieves were the reasons the Filipinos remain poor.

“Ngano nagpabilin tang pobre tungod kay sige sila pangawat (We remain poor because they keep stealing),” Pacquiao told at least 3,000 attendees who are members of Simbahan Ni Teodorico and Visayas Federal Movement headed by Bishop Romeo Melecio Jr.

Pacquiao also shared about his housing project that he wished to immediately implement if he wins the presidency.

“Akong pangandoy nga ang tanang pamilya sa tubuok Pilipinas dili puwede nga wala kapuy-an nga balay (My wish is that all families across the Philippines would no longer be homeless),” Pacquiao said.

He echoed the same message when he visited Tubigon town with a crowd of at least 2,000. In Cortes town, he had to speak to 1,000 supporters about his platforms.  On Thursday night, he also met ateadt 200 pastors and ministers at Dumaluan Beach Resort. 

Pacquiao’s townhall visits in Bohol only pulled out small crowd compared to rallies he held in other provinces.

On Friday, Pacquiao visited dyRD and dyTR to present his platforms. He also visited the provincial Capitol and City Hall. 

The latest Bohol Poll Survey 2022 revealed that Pacquiao was second in voters’ preference for president in the province. He got 18 percent next to former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with 52 percent.  Vice President Leni Robredo had 17%.  The survey was conducted last Feb. 28 to March 22, 2022.

Around 40,000 people attend the "IsKoncert Rally: Bilis Kilos Bohol" of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Wednesday night, April 20, 2022. Photos: Leo Udtohan

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso  promised the Boholanos who showed up at the "ISKoncert Rally: Bilis Kilos Bohol" last Wednesday, April 20, that if elected president, he would bring in a government that is direct to the people. 

"Gusto niya murang bilihin, kuryente, mabilis na internet, trabaho, bahay, ospital, yun ang gobyernong alay ko. Diretso sa tao para sa kinabukasan sa kabataan sa ating bansa," Domagoso addressing the jampacked crowd that attended the concert-rally held at the old Tagbilaran airport. 

(You want cheap goods, electricity, fast internet, work, house, hospital, that's what my government offers to you. Direct to the people for the future of the youth in our country.) 

Organizers placed attendance to the rally at 40,000.

Moreno urged his supporters to support him and his team. 

"Samahan niyo kami sa May 9 tatapusin natin ang away ng pula at dilaw. Tayong kabataan ang magtatapos sa away ng mga pulitiko," said Domagoso with a hoarse voice. 

(Join us on May 9, we will end the fight of red and yellow. We young people will end the fight between politicians.) 

In between speech, Moreno showed his dance antics, two joints hand gesture and would say "Chill lang" which the crowd responded with applause ang cheers. 

In his speech, Moreno praised the Boholanos resilience especially during the typhoon typhoon Odette (international name: "Rai"). 

Moreno was one of the first responders when Bohol was ravaged by typhoon Odette. He flew to Bohol on December 20 to personally hand over an initial P1 million in financial assistance, four generator sets and food boxes for typhoon victims in the province.

"Anong hirap na dinanas niyo huwag kayong susuko. Nakikita niyo ako? Itong batang ito na kaharap ninyo dating basurero. Sino mag-akala na puwede maging mayor ng Manila, puwede na maging presidente ng bansa," he said. 

(Whatever hardship you have gone through, don't give up. Do you know me? This boy in front of you used to be a garbage man. Who would have thought that he could be the mayor of Manila, he could be the president of the country?) 

Also present during the rally were vice presidentiable Dr. Willie Ong ang senatoriables  Bro. John Castriciones, Carl Balita, Atty. Jopet Sison and Samira Gutoc who also gave their messages.

Domagoso and his team also attended rallies in Catigbian, Carmen and Calape towns. 

Benjie Oliva, overall coordinator of Damagoso’s campaign in Bohol, said that 

as early as 4 p. m. , some 10,000 people were already assembled inside the old Tagbilaran Airport where the huge stage was located for the concert of several artists and bands. 

Singer-musician RnB singer Luke Mejares, a Boholano, performed.  Range 999, J-Blaque, Makii, RKTeq, Kyle Zagado, Freshe, Mocha Uson and Moreno’s actor son Joaquin Domagoso also performed. 

Oliva said between 6 p. m. to 7 p. m. , the crowd ballooned to 20,000 and peaked at 40,000 when Moreno was already on the stage talking directly to the people. 

It was also in his Bohol visit that Domagoso challenged Vice Presidentiable Leni Robredo to tell the truth that he and other presidentiables were offered to back- out from the presidential race. 

He also accused Robredo and the "yellowpink" of being a bully. He cited incidents where pro-Robredo businessmen allegedly threatened to fire employees who are supporting other presidentiables. 

"Ang tanong ko kayo lang ba ang may karapatan tumakbo?  Kayo lang ba ang may karapatan na tumakbo sa pagka pangulo? Kayo lang ba ang magaling? Kasi puro BBS eh-bilib na bilib sa sarili. I challenge the Vice President pasinungalingan niyo kami kung hindi kayo nag-attempt nang makita ng taong bayan ang katotohanan," said Domagaso during an ambush interview with the media. 

Presidentiable and former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella visits Bohol province on Tuesday afternoon, April 19, 2022.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

Former presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella met with pastors in Bohol province on Tuesday afternoon, April 19. 

At least 200 pastors from different denominations attended the "pambansang usapan" with Abella held at the March of Faith Seminary in Barangay San Isidro in Tagbilaran City. 

"I find it very necessary for participatory governance. We're getting more mature. We can have a conversation. A wise approach to governance. They combined faith with wisdom, with logic," said Abella. 

His visit was considered by pastors "a surprise by an angel."

"I am not here because I have great machinery, I am not here because I have enough time.  It's the story of the kingdom of God, let those who have ears let them hear. It's your choice. But I love you Bohol. I wish you the best," said Abella, a pastor from Davao City. 

The former foreign Affairs undersecretary and presidential spokesperson said he has no vice president "since I can work with anybody."

Some pastors told Abella that they have to choose between him and Senator Manny Pacquiao - who are both ministers of God.  Pacquiao had a dialogue with them during his visit to Bohol last year. 

"Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na practise discernment. There is no competition between Manny and me. Mukhang ang problema nila they made a commitment at nahihirapan sila. At the end of the day, people should make the best choice for the nation," Abella said.

Abella also visited Dao Public Market and bus terminal.

"Philippines is a destiny. It will become a light to the (other) nations," he said. 

Despite these highly charged mammoth rallies, however, the political observers said that machinery will still spell the difference on May 9.

* * * 

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

Favorite hymns & songs to celebrate Easter Sunday

By Leo Udtohan 

For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the assurance that God can overcome every fear we have, including death itself. The risen Christ at God the Father of All Mankind in Inabanga town, Bohol. 

“Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.” - Psalm 96:1-2

For Christians, the first witnesses to the reality of the empty tomb were women. 

Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James started early because they wanted time to cherish the memory of Jesus, who had died two days earlier.

Their journey to the tomb was motivated by love and faith they had in Jesus. 

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here..." 

Eyewitness testimony of the resurrection is the basis of faith in Jesus as Christ. 

Among Jesus' disciples, there were 500 other witnesses. And the Jewish Law of Moses required at least two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6).

God made his risen Son known first to women, and only later to the Apostles.

Women were given the honor of passing on the best news ever transmitted—Jesus is alive!!! 

* * *

What better way to honor the sacrifice Jesus made, and celebrate the hope He offered to mankind through His sacrifice, than with songs of praise and love!

Because He Lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth a living just because He lives

Oh Happy Day

Oh happy day (Oh happy day)

When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)

Oh when he washed (When Jesus washed)

When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)

He washed my sins away (Oh happy day)

Oh happy day (Oh happy day)

Washed by the Blood of the Lamb

We are washed by the blood of the Son on the cross

We are washed by the blood of the Lamb

All our guilt, all our shame

Were his wounds and his pain

We are washed by the blood of the Lamb

How Great Thou Art

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood. 

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Christ Is Risen! Hallelujah!

Christ is risen! Hallelujah!

Risen our victorious Head!

Sing His praises! Hallelujah!

Christ is risen from the dead.

* * *

Passover seder 

Jews observe Passover (Pesach) around the same time as Holy Week and Easter. 

Passover begins this year on the evening of Friday, April 15, and ends on the evening of Saturday, April 23.

It retells and celebrates the story of the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt. It is a favorite holiday. At its heart is the seder, a special dinner with intricate ritual and meal filled with songs. 

I thank my sister Arlene who baked unleavened bread for our seder. My other sister, Rowena, also made kosher lumpia and spaghetti. 

This year's first seder night was joined by my nephews, nieces and cousins. 

And we said these prayers: 

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.

Blessed are You, G-d, our G-d, King of the universe, who, in His goodness, feeds the whole world with grace, with kindness and with mercy. Because His loving-kindness is infinite. 

* * * 

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

 

Holy Week, Passover reflections

By Leo Udtohan 

The San Antonio de Padua Chapel in Barangay Tinibgan in Calape, Bohol where it houses the miraculous image of San Anthony  of Padua, patron saint of lost and stolen articles. Photos: Leo Udtohan

The current week is holy to both Jews and Christians—the celebration of Pesach (Passover) for Jews and of Holy Week, the commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which started today, Palm Sunday.

The Holy Week and Passover would traditionally bring a time of gathering with families, friends, and faith communities.

For Christians, the week allows the faithful to commemorate the events of Jesus’ Passion, to mourn his death on Good Friday, and to celebrate his rising from the dead on Easter Sunday. 

Passover brings Jewish families together to share in the Seder, the ritual dinner that consists of storytelling of their exodus from slavery in Egypt, prayers, and symbolic food items. And appreciate their identity and heritage.

* * * 

This week, dust off your Bible and discover the words of the Lord.  There are Bible verses detailing promises and examples of God’s love and protection.

What are your favourite verses? 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.- Jeremiah 29:11

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:19

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.- Deuteronomy 31:6

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.- First Peter 5:7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.- Isaiah 41:10

The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting … -Psalm 100:5

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. -Nahum 1:7

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. - Psalms 61:3

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.- Lamentations 3:22-23

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.- Proverbs 3:5-6

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.- Jeremiah 17:14

Inside the Saint Vincent Ferrer Church in Calape town, Bohol where it is a popular pilgrimage site. Photo: Leo Udtohan

***

The Church said Holy Week was supposed to be a time “to be with God” in silent prayer and reflection.

VRS has picked some places to make your activities meaningful.

There are many old churches for Visita Iglesia. They provide space for meditation and prayer during Holy Week for your spiritual journey.   

You can visit the Saint Vincent Ferrer Church in Calape town. With its Gothic-style façade with sharp arches, spires, crockets, and a pediment with floral window, indeed it is a faith destination. 

In March 2020, the National Museum declared the Church Complex, and the adjoining municipal plaza as a National Cultural Treasurer. 

From the town proper, you can visit San Antonio de Padua Chapel in Barangay Tinibga. It houses the miraculous image of St. Anthony of Padua, one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost and stolen articles.  If you want to ask the saint, Claudata Astronomo and Billy Urbuda would assist you. 

Virgen sa Kaluoy in Calape is also a popular destination. The image of the Virgin is believed to be growing from an empty giant shell. From a mere obscure figure, the image now is very visible, showing the beautiful virgin with the giant shell in the background.

The shrine of the Madonna of the Miraculous Blessed Virgin Mary in barangay Buenavista in Carmen town was built sometime in the early 1940s. There is a concrete chapel, a spring and a souvenir shop. Spiritual recollection becomes more enhancing on top of this hill where one can look at the wide plains of Carmen and Sierra-Bullones. Don’t forget that it is holy and quiet. Burn a candle and pray.

The Village of the Compassionate God the Father in Barangay Fatima in Inabanga town provides a unique place for quiet, restful, meditative prayer during the remembrance of the final days before Jesus’ death and resurrection. There are life-size structures of the 14 Stations of the Cross with a big figure of the God the Father of All Mankind at the top of the hill. 

Krus Daku and the Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Loboc  is one of the favorite destinations of the pilgrims during the Holy Week. A huge white cross 80 feet in height is on top of the highest hill. In the next hill, one can visit the giant image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe. Here, one can view the towns of Loay and Loboc.

The Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod in Barangay Malbog, Jagna town, is a popular pilgrimage site. It has a five-foot tall statue of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the only statue dedicated to Pedro Calungsod in Bohol. Tourists and pilgrims pray before the statue and leave written prayers at the foot of the statue.

***

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

#BoholIsPink: Over 80k supporters show up for Leni-Kiko in Bohol rally

By Leo Udtohan 

Presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo speaks before a crowd of about 80,000 pink-clad supporters during a campaign rally dubbed “Dilaab: Bohol People’s Rally” in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Friday, April 1, 2022. Photo: VP Leni Robredo FB

 

 

 

 

It was not fiesta month but Boholanos on Friday, April 1, welcomed Vice President Leni Robredo and running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan during the "Dilaab: Bohol People's Rally". 

Speaking before 80,000 people at old Tagbilaran Airport, Robredo vowed to help the province's tourism recovery and stable power supply. 

"Ngayong pandemya isa po ang turismo sa mga sektor na pinaka-apektado. At ramdam na ramdam ito ng mga Boholano. Ang nawala na kita sa probinsya dahil sa pandemya bilyun-bilyon na," said Robredo who wants a  sustainable tourism development to draw more visitors and hasten tourism recovery. 

The pandemic brought the global tourism industry to its knees last year. The sector in Bohol was not spared.

On Panglao Island, the tourism jewel of Bohol, resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants were closed with only a handful few were operating during the pandemic.

Tourism makes up 15% of Bohol economic output. Bo­hol hosted 1.5 mil­lion for­eign and do­mes­tic tourists in 2019, with Chi­nese visi­tors lead­ing the ar­rivals, fol­lowed by Kore­ans, records from the Bo­hol Tourism Of­fice showed.

These tourists dis­ap­peared when prov­inces started clos­ing their bor­ders as strict quar­an­tine guide­lines had to be fol­lowed in March 2020 in a bid to con­trol the spread of COVID-19.

There were 85,000 tourists from January to February 2020 before the lockdown in 2020.

The provincial government created programs to lure tourists. In November 2020, Bohol reopened to local visitors who arrived by plane, ending the travel ban in hopes of reviving a lockdown-devastated tourism industry that has fed many Boholano workers in the different tourism services.

“Ang pangako ko po sa mga Boholano na palakasin at paunlarin ang buong industriya at lahat na bahagi nito-mga empleyado, mga negosyo pati komunidad mismo. Sisiguraduhin natin na turismo ay hindi lang safe kundi sustainable,” said Robredo.

Power supply remains a big problem in Bohol as brownouts are frequent in the province.

“Naalala ko ang tagal ninyo nawalan ng kuryente. Ang pangako ko po sa inyo ang Bohol personal kong tututukan ito para masiguro ang suplay ninyo bukod na sapat ito dapat lagi ninyong maaasahan,” said Robredo.

Even as a prime tourist destination, Bohol still does not have a sufficient in-island power supply and has been largely dependent on energy sources in Leyte to meet its daily power requirement.

The daily power requirement for Bohol is 90 megawatts (MW).

When a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Leyte Province on July 6, 2017, it damaged the geothermal plants.

After Typhoon Odette hit the province on December 16, 2021, it affected the province’s power supply.

Robredo’s rally in Tagbilaran was one of the three rallies her team held in Bohol.

Earlier in the afternoon, Robredo and Pangilinan visited Jagna town where 3,000 people showed up in the rally inside the Jagna gymnasium past 1:30 p. m. 

She urged supporters to choose leaders who are “visible” not only during elections.

Robredo said she had visited Bohol for several projects through her Angat Buhay program. When Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) devastated the province last Dec. 16, 2021, she visited the province the following day and came back twice.

After Jagna, they proceeded to Talibon town for another rally. 

But it was in Tagbilaran where the crowd was at its biggest.

At least 80,000 people filled the more than half of the 1.7-kilometer long runway of the old Tagbilaran City Airport.

Robredo likened the rally to a fiesta celebration, which Boholanos would celebrate in the whole month of May.

Even before Robredo took the stage at around 8 p.m, pink-clad supporters already trooped to the venue where they watched the performances of artists such Yeng Constantino, Gab Valenciano, Sponge Cola and Ben & Ben. 

In between chants of “Leni!” and “Madam President,” Robredo thanked Boholanos for voting for her in 2016 elections. 

She won by just 283, 589 votes against her rival, former Senator Ferdinand "BongBong" Marcos Jr who had 79,729 votes. 

Bohol has 949,791 registered voters, making it 20th vote rich-vote province. 

A supporter waves the rainbow flag to celebrate LGBTQIA+ rights during the “Dilaab: Bohol People’s Rally” in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Friday, April 1, 2022. Photo: VP Leni Robredo FB

She asked for the same support. 

"Makasalig ba ako sa maong suporta? Nga maangkon nato ang mas labaw pang kadaugan?" asked Robredo. 

Amid cheers, Robredo said she and Kiko offer a governance where people are inspired to help and contribute.

"Ang inyong yangungo atuang paminawon, kung aduna moy problema atuang sulbarun. Paningkamutan nato. Ito po ang totoong unity, hindi pagkakaisa ng mga pulitiko, kundi pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino. Pagkakaisa ng pagmamahal, pagkakaisa ng pangarap, pagkakaisa ng pag-asa," Robredo said. 

* * * 

 

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

Oscars 2022: Full List of Winners

And the Oscar goes to...

During Sunday's 94th Oscars, The Academy, hosts Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes and a who's who of celebrity presenters announced this year's winner. Heading into the evening, The Power of the Dog led the Oscars pack with 12 total nominations, followed by Dune with 10.

The ceremony took place on March 27, at the Oscars' traditional home at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and airing live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Below, find all the winners from the 2022 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

"Belfast" (Focus Features)

A TKBC Production

Laura Berwick, Kenneth Branagh, Becca Kovacik and Tamar Thomas, Producers

"CODA" (Apple Original Films)

A Vendôme Pictures/Pathé in association with Apple Original Films Production

Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi and Patrick Wachsberger, Producers

"Don't Look Up" (Netflix)

A Netflix/Hyperobject Industries Production

Adam McKay and Kevin Messick, Producers

"Drive My Car" (Sideshow and Janus Films)

A C&I Entertainment/Culture Entertainment/Bitters End Production

Teruhisa Yamamoto, Producer

"Dune" (Warner Bros.)

A Legendary Pictures Production

Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve and Cale Boyter, Producers

"King Richard" (Warner Bros.)

A Star Thrower Entertainment/Westbrook Production

Tim White, Trevor White and Will Smith, Producers

"Licorice Pizza" (Metro Goldwyn Mayer/United Artists Releasing)

A Ghoulardi Film Company Production

Sara Murphy, Adam Somner and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers

"Nightmare Alley" (Searchlight)

A Double Dare You Production

Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Bradley Cooper, Producers

"The Power of the Dog" (Netflix)

A See-Saw Films/Bad Girl Creek/Max Films in association with Brightstar/The New Zealand Film Commission/Cross City Films/BBC Film Production

Jane Campion, Tanya Seghatchian, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Roger Frappier, Producers

"West Side Story" (Walt Disney)

A 20th Century Studios Production

Steven Spielberg and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers

Actor in a Leading Role

Javier Bardem in "Being the Ricardos"

Benedict Cumberbatch in "The Power of the Dog"

Andrew Garfield in "tick, tick...BOOM!"

Will Smith in "King Richard"

Denzel Washington in "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

Actor in a Supporting Role

Ciarán Hinds in "Belfast"

Troy Kotsur in "CODA"

Jesse Plemons in "The Power of the Dog"

J.K. Simmons in "Being the Ricardos"

Kodi Smit-McPhee in "The Power of the Dog"

Actress in a Leading Role

Jessica Chastain in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Olivia Colman in "The Lost Daughter"

Penélope Cruz in "Parallel Mothers"

Nicole Kidman in "Being the Ricardos"

Kristen Stewart in "Spencer"

Actress in a Supporting Role

Jessie Buckley in "The Lost Daughter"

Ariana DeBose in "West Side Story"

Judi Dench in "Belfast"

Kirsten Dunst in "The Power of the Dog"

Aunjanue Ellis in "King Richard"

Animated Feature Film

"Encanto"

Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino and Clark Spencer

"Flee"

Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie

"Luca"

Enrico Casarosa and Andrea Warren

"The Mitchells vs. the Machines"

Mike Rianda, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Kurt Albrecht

"Raya and the Last Dragon"

Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho

Cinematography

"Dune" — Greig Fraser

"Nightmare Alley" — Dan Laustsen

"The Power of the Dog" — Ari Wegner

"The Tragedy of Macbeth" — Bruno Delbonnel

"West Side Story" — Janusz Kaminski

Costume Design

"Cruella" — Jenny Beavan

"Cyrano" — Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran

"Dune" — Jacqueline West and Robert Morgan

"Nightmare Alley" — Luis Sequeira

"West Side Story" — Paul Tazewell

Directing

"Belfast" — Kenneth Branagh

"Drive My Car" — Ryusuke Hamaguchi

"Licorice Pizza" — Paul Thomas Anderson

"The Power of the Dog" — Jane Campion

"West Side Story" — Steven Spielberg

Documentary (Feature)

"Ascension"

Jessica Kingdon, Kira Simon-Kennedy and Nathan Truesdell

"Attica"

Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry

"Flee"

Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie

"Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein

"Writing with Fire"

Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh

Documentary (Short Subject)

"Audible"

Matt Ogens and Geoff McLean

"Lead Me Home"

Pedro Kos and Jon Shenk

"The Queen of Basketball"

Ben Proudfoot

"Three Songs for Benazir"

Elizabeth Mirzaei and Gulistan Mirzaei

"When We Were Bullies"

Jay Rosenblatt

Film Editing

"Don't Look Up" — Hank Corwin

"Dune" — Joe Walker

"King Richard" — Pamela Martin

"The Power of the Dog" — Peter Sciberras

"tick, tick...BOOM!" — Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum

International Feature Film

"Drive My Car"

Japan

"Flee"

Denmark

"The Hand of God"

Italy

"Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom"

Bhutan

"The Worst Person in the World"

Norway

Makeup and Hairstyling

"Coming 2 America" — Mike Marino, Stacey Morris and Carla Farmer

"Cruella" — Nadia Stacey, Naomi Donne and Julia Vernon

"Dune" — Donald Mowat, Love Larson and Eva von Bahr

"The Eyes of Tammy Faye" — Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh

"House of Gucci" — Göran Lundström, Anna Carin Lock and Frederic Aspiras

Music (Original Score)

"Don't Look Up" — Nicholas Britell

"Dune" — Hans Zimmer

"Encanto" — Germaine Franco

"Parallel Mothers" — Alberto Iglesias

"The Power of the Dog" — Jonny Greenwood

Music (Original Song)

"Be Alive" from "King Richard"

Music and Lyric by DIXSON and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

"Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto"

Music and Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda

"Down To Joy" from "Belfast"

Music and Lyric by Van Morrison

"No Time To Die" from "No Time to Die"

Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell

"Somehow You Do" from "Four Good Days"

Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

Production Design

"Dune"

Production Design: Patrice Vermette, Set Decoration: Zsuzsanna Sipos

"Nightmare Alley"

Production Design: Tamara Deverell, Set Decoration: Shane Vieau

"The Power of the Dog"

Production Design: Grant Major, Set Decoration: Amber Richards

"The Tragedy of Macbeth"

Production Design: Stefan Dechant , Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

"West Side Story"

Production Design: Adam Stockhausen , Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo

Short Film (Animated)

"Affairs of the Art"

Joanna Quinn and Les Mills

"Bestia"

Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Díaz

"Boxballet"

Anton Dyakov

"Robin Robin"

Dan Ojari and Mikey Please

"The Windshield Wiper"

Alberto Mielgo and Leo Sanchez

Short Film (Live Action)

"Ala Kachuu - Take and Run"

Maria Brendle and Nadine Lüchinger

"The Dress"

Tadeusz Łysiak and Maciej Ślesicki

"The Long Goodbye"

Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed

"On My Mind"

Martin Strange-Hansen and Kim Magnusson

"Please Hold"

K.D. Dávila and Levin Menekse

Sound

"Belfast" — Denise Yarde, Simon Chase, James Mather and Niv Adiri

"Dune" — Mac Ruth, Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett

"No Time to Die" — Simon Hayes, Oliver Tarney, James Harrison, Paul Massey and Mark Taylor

"The Power of the Dog" — Richard Flynn, Robert Mackenzie and Tara Webb

"West Side Story" — Tod A. Maitland, Gary Rydstrom, Brian Chumney, Andy Nelson and Shawn Murphy

Visual Effects

"Dune" — Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer

"Free Guy" — Swen Gillberg, Bryan Grill, Nikos Kalaitzidis and Dan Sudick

"No Time to Die" — Charlie Noble, Joel Green, Jonathan Fawkner and Chris Corbould

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" — Christopher Townsend, Joe Farrell, Sean Noel Walker and Dan Oliver

"Spider-Man: No Way Home" — Kelly Port, Chris Waegner, Scott Edelstein and Dan Sudick

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

"CODA" — Screenplay by Siân Heder

"Drive My Car" — Screenplay by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe

"Dune" — Screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth

"The Lost Daughter" — Written by Maggie Gyllenhaal

"The Power of the Dog" — Written by Jane Campion

Writing (Original Screenplay)

"Belfast" — Written by Kenneth Branagh

"Don't Look Up" — Screenplay by Adam McKay , Story by Adam McKay & David Sirota

"King Richard" — Written by Zach Baylin

"Licorice Pizza" — Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

"The Worst Person in the World" — Written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier