VP Sara Duterte a crowd-magnet as she visits Bohol

By Leo Udtohan 

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte was the honored guest during the 168th Bohol Day last Friday, July 22. 

Her visit was first in Bohol since winning by a landslide in the island province with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  Political analysts and observers said their victories were menaingful and impressive considering that both did not visit Bohol during the campaign period. 

Duterte's last visit to Bohol was in 2019 when she campaigned for some senators and former Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. 

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte 

graces the 168th Bohol Day on July 22, 2022. Photos: Ric Obedencio 

Duterte went first to Clarin town to visit the schools ravaged by Typhoon Odette (international name "Rai") last year.

She met with local officials and the Department of Education (DepEd) personnel to talk about the repair, reconstruction, and renovation of classroom buildings destroyed by the typhoon. 

After Clarin, she went to the Bohol Cultural Center for the Bohol Day program where she was treated to the reenactment of  "Sanduguan" (Blood Compact) between  Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna in March 1565. 

"The last time siguro I was taught about Sandugo was in high school in Philippine History pa. And it's good to be reminded of our history as a country," she told at least 200 crowd of local chief executives and heads of different agencies. 

She urged Boholanos to support the new administration to improve Filipinos’ condition.

“Let us keep one another in friendship, prayer, and pride as we take the next steps of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. I ask the Boholanos’ support as the new administration makes decisions in our best interest,” she said.

Duterte said that Boholanos were fiercely protective of their place and territory.  She cited the 2017 clashes with members of Abu Sayaff group.

A band of bandits landed on the island on April 10, 2017 from their stronghold in Basilan province on a kidnapping mission, but they were thwarted as alert residents tipped off the authorities on their presence in Inabanga town.

Duterte hoped that Bohol’s collective harmony and faith would overcome challenges and spread across the country.

“Bohol is always a welcoming place, a new home for others, and home of the finest spots in the global lieu, glistening in its continued motivation, culture and tradition and faith. The entire Bohol will blossom, blossom again, blossom more…,” she said.

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado said, “Boholanos are ruled by a spirit of never dies.”

“Treat a Boholano with respect and kindness, and he will open his humble home for you as a long, long lost brother… And you will enjoy the hospitality of Si Katuna,” said Aumentado

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte signs the "Sara All 2022" hoodie and t-shirt of Hannah Tessa Obedencio and mediaman Cesar Capangangan on July 22, 2022. Photo: Ric Obedencio

After her speech, Duterte went to Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant for an exclusive "meet and greet" with Alyansang Bol-anon Alang sa Kausaban (Abaka) members. 

Duterte was mobbed by excited Abaka members, officials and supporters who wanted to have their autographs signed by the vice president.  She willingly obliged requests for photographs and autographs, but her escorts and security aides whisked her out to the stage for a short program. 

Bohol became a separate politico-military province from Cebu on July 22, 1854.

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Atty. Jamie at your service

By Leo Udtohan

Lawyer Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor with her husband Vince Tan who witnessed the inaugural session where she delivered her inaugural address as provincial board member of Bohol. Photo: Jamie Villamor MAO

 

It seems only yesterday when Ate Razel was seen bringing along in her meetings and social events a tot named Jamie, who looked so shy and was seen in the corner doing her own thing, reading something. 

That tot is now a provincial lawmaker- Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor-Tan.  

In her high school and college days, she was an active participant in student politics, campus journalism and leadership caucuses. 

As a lawmaker,  Atty. Jamie said she seeks to craft major legislative measures to improve the lives of her fellow Boholanos.

"It is my vision to have stronger Bohol through my major legislative agenda which is to accelerate the economic growth of our province," said  Villamor  the inaugural session of the 29th Bohol Legislature.

The neophyte lawmaker said it can be done by strengthening the communities to have a stronger economy through multi sectoral approach and sustainable support to farmers, fisherfolks, local entrepreneurs and indigenous groups.

She urged her colleagues to craft legislative measures that will boost productivity, raise earning power and competitiveness. She believes that it is about time that Bohol identify potential industries and diversify investments for economic development.

Before becoming a lawmaker, Villamor was a legislative consultant of the House of the Representatives, head of Policy and Legislative Department of the League of Cities of the Philippines, and Corporate Board Secretary of the National Irrigation Administration.

"As a public servant working behind the scenes in the halls of power in the national government for considerable years, it is my unwavering commitment that I offer no less the excellence and honor which our fellow Boholanos expect of us - my knowledge, skills, training and experience I've had working," she said.

" And as a neophyte provincial legislator, I consider this a privilege to be working with esteemed, and seasoned politicians who I look forward to learn more from, and work with," said the pro-bono lawyer.

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Know your Guardian Angel

By Leo Udtohan

 

 

Do you know who your Guardian Angel is?

I bet you don’t.

The Scriptures contain many references to such supernal beings. 

According to Christian tradition, every one of us has a guardian angel, who accompanies us from the moment we’re born until the moment  of our death, and stays at our side at every moment of our life.

Photo: pillarcatholic.com

Jews certainly believe in angels – spiritual entities who exist to perform the will of G‑d (the Hebrew word for angel, "malach," also means "messenger"). But the popular idea of private and personal guardian angels is not part of Jewish theology.

The Koran states, "He (God) sends forth guardians who watch over you and carry away your souls without fail when death overtakes you." 

There are numerous angel websites that provide guardian angel resources. 

Guardian angels are assigned not only to every living human soul but to all the inhabitants of earth. They know exactly what you need for your development, your divine life purpose and your agenda is their agenda. Guardian angels never leave your side from birth through death no matter what mistakes you make. 

Here are some helpful guide for you to begin to actually contact your guardian angel:

1)Choose a regular time each day to communicate to your guardian angels. Before going to sleep or when you first wake up may be the best time. 

2)If you have depression, negative feelings, fear, nightmares-ask your guardian angels for extra protection. 

3) Remain open to messages from your guardian angel at all times. 

4)Don't be irresponsible and risk your personal safety. Your guardian angel can't override your free will. 

5)Be positive! Your angel will guide, heal and protect you but you must be responsible for your own actions. Don't blame others or dismiss problems in your life as "something/someone is against you" or curses. 

And, if ever you don't feel the connection, don't be discouraged. Remember that angels vibrate at a very high level and it may take a while to attune yourself to this high vibration. 

 

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Danao town marks 61st year with reopening of tourism sites

By Leo Udtohan 

After two years of travel restrictions, municipality of Danao reopened its doors to tourists as it celebrated its 61st founding anniversary on Saturday, July 9. 

Of the highlights of the foundation day celebration was the reopening of the Danao Adventure Park (DAP) located in Barangay Magtangtang. 

Danao, considered as the province's adventure capital, is at least 92 km from Tagbilaran City.

Mayor Jose Cepedoza said the reopening of DAP is to boost the local economy and revive the tourism industry.

Suislide is one of the high adrenaline activities 

offered by Danao Adventure Park in Danao

 town, Bohol province. Photo: Danao Adventure Park

"This is a message that this will provide development and encouragement to the people that there is still hope amidst the pandemic," said Cepedoza. 

Danao boasts of caves, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural resources which have lured thousands of tourists. Historically, Danao is the birthplace of Francisco Sendrijas, popularly known as Dagohoy, who established the first Bohol republic. 

But tourists go for adventure and extreme activities at DAP such as giant swing, glass cliffwalk, sky ride, root climbing and rappelling, suislide, plunge, caving, waterfalls and river trekking, kayaking and cliff diving. 

Another features like hamster well and zipbike will be put up within the next three months. 

The local government, Cepedoza said, used to earn P33 million a year before the pandemic. For a 4th class municipality like Danao, it is already a big income. 

During the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013 it destroyed the DAP. 

It took for a while for the tourism sector to regain some optimism. Then the coronavirus arrived, causing the park to close.  

The LGU-run park experienced devastating losses.  

As it slowly reopened when COVID-19 cases started to decline, typhoon Odette (international name "Rai") damaged the facilities including the accomodation center. 

Estela Bedua, executive assitant of Mayor Cepedoza, said the municipal government slowly revived the town's engine of economy. 

Danao Mayor Jose Cepedoza hopes that the tourism industry in his town would rebound from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy: Helen Castaño

The cottages that were damaged by Odette were also repaired and improved. However, the LGU is looking for additional funds to build the accomodation center. 

The newly-paved road going to Magtangtang was also inaugurated on Friday to provide tourists with better travel experience. 

"We are slowly recovering now...  Danao will welcome more visitors and tourists," the local chief executive said. 

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Most memorable lines from our lawmakers  (and why we are moved, if we are moved) during the inaugural sesssion at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan:

Atty. Tomas Abapo- During the campaign, we delivered a lot of speeches. We uttered a lot of words-praises, but most often words that are hurting to people. Now, the dust of the elections have settled. Now is no longer the time for speeches. Now is no longer the time for words. Now is the time to work for the good of the people."

BM Lucille Lagunay: "We Boholanos take pride in invoking the names of Dagohoy, Tamblot, and Garcia to paint a rose-colored picture of our province and its people. But oftentimes, their names are used in vanity. It's about time we give back meaning to their names, and continue the work they began."

Atty. Jamie Villamor: "As a public servant working behind the scenes in the halls of power in the national government for considerable years, it is my unwavering commitment that I offer no less the excellence and honor which our fellow Boholanos expect of us - my knowledge, skills, training and experience I've had working. And as a neophyte provincial legislator, I consider this a privilege to be working with esteemed, and seasoned politicians who I look forward to learn more from, and work with."

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Barong, Filipiniana gown showcase at The Inaugural

By Leo Udtohan 

Who are you wearing?  Creations of Boholano fashion icon EJ Relampagos during the the Inaugural ceremonies of the provincial government of Bohol last Thursday, June 30. Photo: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado 

Who are you wearing?

Filipiniana was still the attire of choice at the Inaugural ceremonies of the provincial government of Bohol held Thursday (June 30) at the Bohol Cultural Center. 

Most male lawmakers still opted to wear the traditional barong Tagalog, traditionally paired with dark pants and black formal shoes.

The terno, with its distinct butterfly sleeves, was worn as tops paired with matching pants or in the traditional manner, as dresses accented with artful folds, beautiful embroidery or delicate beading.

It is a Filipino heritage to wear Filipiniana and barong Tagalog. It makes politicians look dignified yet native with the essence of servitude. 

Who are you wearing?  Creations of Boholano fashion designer Noel Bompat Estopito during the the Inaugural ceremonies of the provincial government of Bohol last Thursday, June 30. Photo: Reps. Vanessa Aumentado and Alexie Tutor

Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado wore a stylish hand embroided piña silk barong designed by Boholano fashion icon EJ Relampagos. 

Vice Governor Victor Balite was also in a barong, while his wife Ruselle wore a blue  Filipiniana dress.

2nd district Rep. Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, was also wearing a piece designed by EJ, a burgundy terno. 

EJ said Vanessa is a very simple person. She  wanted a simple, no beadwork, no lace gown. 

"So what I did, I draped her gown from a fitting form and added some dyed feathers to complete the look," EJ shared. 

Board Member Mimi Boniel wore a tinalak print midi skirt designed by EJ. It was paired with a piña cocoon barong embellished with Ifugao tribe accessory beads. 

3rd district Board Member Tita Baja wore an emerald green gown carved with cabbage roses on some parts of the dress through fabric manipulation. 

"It was her request as well to make it simple. She only wanted to look slim and emphasize the curves so that brought me the idea in creating her modern Filipiniana,"  EJ said. 

3rd Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and 2nd district Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor were wearing the creations of another Boholano designer Noel Bompat Estopito. 

Tutor was wearing an orange gown. Her daughter, Issa, also wore Estopito's. 

"The Color Orange will always shout out “Kumbati!” I am proud of wearing this color. It symbolizes life, vibrance, good vibes and good will," Tutor said. 

"Today marks the beginning of another chance and opportunity to serve the 3rd District of Bohol, whom I love dearly. Tersero, I will always do the best that I can to take care of you," she added. 

Atty. Jamie was wearing a serpentina terno dress which perfectly matches her taste and style.

"I have always wanted my getup to be simple, low key, yet striking. White is my color. I chose this basket weaving sleeves because it perfectly showcase one of Bohol’s booming industries. I always love anything woven, it is a reminder of hard work, creativity and interconnection," said Jamie the talent, creativity and work ethics of Estopito.

In his Facebook post, Estopito said 

in designing garments, it is in his heart to ensure that every creation celebrates a woman's body; no matter the size, no matter the shape.  

"Taking inspiration to what is local, and to what is inherently Boholano combined with classic minimalist design approaches will always be my guide in bringing out the innate elegance within a woman," he said. 

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Most memorable lines from newly minted leaders (and why we are moved, if we are moved) during their inaugural addresses:

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado-" Today the pride and honor of the Boholanos have been restored. For standing and taking his oath before you is a true Boholano by blood, by heart and by action and who is now tasked to carry the yoke of leading our beloved province of Bohol. With total humility I accept totally the trust you have entrusted me."

 "We are not out witch-hunting; we are on a clean-up drive. There will be no more bypassing of the normal bidding procedures. There will be no more transactions done by or coursed through people who have no official functions in the Capitol. There will be no more 'Ivans. We may be able to unmask the face or faces of that notorious “Ivan” or not but we will make sure that our dealings will be transparent and above-board. We owe this to our fellow Boholanos. And I personally owe this to my late father who had served his people with no stain of corruption. "

Panglao Mayor Boy Arcay-"Today is the end of the abusive and careless administration in our town. Today is the beginning of providing real service and service to the people that will provide opportunity and hope for comprehensive development for all the people of Panglao. This is also the day my calvary begins, but if we help a lot and bear the cross, we will be able to bear it, no matter how hard."

"Let’s make our town business-friendly. Let’s eliminate under-the-table transactions and illegal solicitations by traders."

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap- "Before being elected as your Mayor, I am a wife first and a mother to Janah and Jaby. But today, I am now a mother to over 105,000 Tagbilaranons. I am responsible for your wellbeing and welfare. A mother not only to a few but to all," she said. "I am here to serve you, within the tenets of democracy and equality, without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, or political affiliation. Under a participative and consultative brand of leadership, we will obtain an inclusive progress for all. Malungtaron nga Asenso Para sa Tanan."

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Search for 'Queen of Bohol' 2022 begins

By Leo Udtohan 

Sandugo Queen 2019 Madisson Rain Lucido appears on 

noontime variety show"Eat Bulaga!"

This August, Bohol is opening its doors to members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/allies, nonbinary/genderqueer, pansexual+) community to join the Miss Gay competition: Queen of Bohol 2022. 

Queen of Bohol will surely catch the Boholanos’ attention as a pageant for alternative or gay beauty pageant in Bohol. 

The organizers said the Queen of Bohol will serve as an eye-opener to embrace, promote, protect, empower and advocate the well-being of the diverse LGBTQIA+ communities.

 

"This is not merely just a beauty pageant but it is for a cause. We extend our helping hands in the humblest ways to our chosen charity or programs who are our beneficiaries," founders Richard "Tamara" Pancho, creative director; Kim Villamor, consultant; and Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad, chairperson, said.

Formerly known as Sandugo Queen, the Queen of Bohol is looking for an

LGBTQIA+ who is a paragon of intellect, physical fitness, good character, benevolence, equality and inclusivity. 

Sandugo Queen 2019 Madisson Rain Lucido is enjoying her journey on noontime variety show "Eat Bulaga!"

The screening is on July 4 at 1 p.m .to 3 p.m. at JJ's Seafoods Village. 

Just like any other pageants, finalists will have to prepare for the different rounds like the casual, talent, costume, and swimsuit round.

Coronation will be on August 26.

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This inspiration short story "The Teacher’s hand" shared to us by Edison Gumapac of Manga National High School. He said the story speaks of more than thankfulness. Read on.

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment — to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student’s art. And they were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher’s true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went — until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas’ desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.

The little boy looked away and muttered, It’s yours, teacher.

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, Take my hand, Douglas, we’ll go outside. Or, Let me show you how to hold your pencil. Or, Let’s do this together. Douglas was most thankful for his teacher’s hand.

Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

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Tagbilaran City welcomes new police chief

By Leo Udtohan 

Lt. Col. Regie Real receives the new responsibility as the chief of police at Tagbilaran City Police Station from outgoing chief Lt. Col. Mary Grace Peralta in a turn-over ceremony on Friday afternoon, June 17, 2022. Photos: Leo Udtohan

The police force here will be led by a woman for the second time after Lt. Col. Regie Real took the helm of leadership as the newly installed chief of police during a  turnover ceremony held Friday.

Presided over by Police Col. Osmundo Salibo, provincial director of the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO), the office symbol, property, equipment inventory book, unit saber and unit color were turned over by Lt. Col. Mary Crystal Peralta to the incoming chief.

The ceremony was also attended by former Usec. Art Evangelista of the Office of the Transport Security who represented governor-elect Erico Aristotle Aumentado.

Reelected Tagbilaran City Councilor Eleazar "Ondo" Borja represented Tagbilaran City Mayor Baba Yap. 

In her message, Real, 47, who hails from Cagayan Valley, acknowledged the achievements of her predecessors and promised to do equally or do better.

 "We will provide the highest level of service possibly we can to the citizens," said Real. 

Prior to her designation as the new chief of police, Real became part of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces from  

2011-2012, deputy police chief of LapuLapu Police Station from 2017-2018, and acting chief of Police Community Relations'  affairs and development office at the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7).

She said her being a female top law enforcement officer in Bohol’s capital is her first assignment as chief of police. 

Peralta would be assigned at PRO-7.

She made history as the first female chief of police in Tagbilaran City. 

In 2021, she was recognized as Region-7 Best Junior Police Commission Officer (PCO) for the Quad Concept of Operations (Community Relations, Police Operations, Investigation, Intelligence and Preemption).

Her hardwork and dedication of the Tagbilaran City Police paid off as the Police Regional Office awarded the unit as the Best Component City Police Station in Region-7 during its120th Police Service Anniversary in 2021. 

In her valedictory address, Peralta said she had experienced the biggest challenges in the city and province. Among her most unforgettable moments were the pandemic, the onslaught of typhoon Odette (International name: Rae), the 2022 elections and the repa investment scam. 

During the pandemic, several quarantine protocols were then implemented based on evaluation of Inter-Agency Task Force.  The strict implementation of COVID-19 protocols in the province, earned her "frenemies". She was even tagged as "maldita".  But for those who know her, she is described as "maldita with a heart." 

Outgoing chief Lt. Col. Mary Grace Peralta with some members of the Bohol media- Ric Obedencio, Helen Castaño and Dave Responte. (Not in photo Rey Tutas and Allen Doydora). Contributed photo

"I showed to you the leadership of a woman, a public officer, and most of all, a mother," Peralta said. 

Tagbilaran City, a third class component city, has a population of 104,976. 

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This inspirational story about an eagle shared to us by Anthony Ceniza,  choreographer extraordinaire: 

The Eagle does not fight the snake on the ground. It picks it up into the sky and changes the battleground, and then it releases the snake into the sky.

The snake has no stamina, no power, and no balance in the air. It is useless, weak, and vulnerable unlike on the ground where it is powerful wise and deadly.

Take your fight into the spiritual realm by praying and when you are in the spiritual realm God takes over your battles.

Don't fight the enemy in his comfort zone, change the battlegrounds like the Eagle and let God take charge through your earnest prayer. You'll be assured of clean victory.

Pray without ceasing.

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