Bohol media icon Fred Araneta, 74

By Leo Udtohan

Veteran Boholano broadcast journalist Fred Araneta, one of the most recognizable voices in Bohol airwaves, passed away last Monday, Sept. 12. 

He had been a broadcaster at station dyRD-Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation for 49 years.

At 16, he started his broadcast career with dyML in the 1960. He then transferred to station dyRD where he practiced his craft from 1973 until his death.

He was the anchor of popular radio programs such as "Eveready Newscast", "7 'O Clock News" and "Inyong Alagad" with dyRD.

The "7  O’Clock News" with Araneta has maintained its popularity among radio listeners to this day that it serves as "alarm clock" to residents before going to offices and schools.

"Inyong Alagad" earned the program as one of the nominees as "Most Outstanding Radio Programs in the Philippines"  by the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP).

Araneta served as a longtime president of the Bohol Tri-Media Association (BTMA). 

Araneta’s colleagues, friends and listeners were among those who expressed condolences to his bereaved family, saying

morning radio will never be the same.

"Bohol and Tagbilaran lost an icon in broadcast media! Some shoes are just so difficult to replace. You are irreplaceable," said Rosalinda Paredes said Araneta, community oganizer and USAID-Surge project coordinator. 

"My life as a media person will never be the same without you, Fred. I will miss you forever in my life. FOREVER! Rest in peace, Dong," said Araneta’s sister, Ardy Araneta-Batoy, who is also a media practitioner, in a Facebook post.

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Sugar shortage affects Coca-Cola plant in Tagbilaran

By Leo Udtohan

Coca-Cola Philippines has stopped its bottling operation on Tagbilaran City Plant in Bohol on Sept.16, 2022 due to shortage of bottler's grade sugar. Photo: Leo Udtohan

The soda giant said the shortage of bottler's grade sugar is hampering production in its Tagbilaran plant.

Coca-Cola Philippines has stopped the operation of its plant in Tagbilaran City in Bohol due to the shortage of refined sugar in the country.

"This Coca Cola plant has suspended bottling operations due to the lack of supply of bottlers grade sugar, as a result of the ongoing sugar crisis," the signage reads.

No further statement has been issued yet by the bottling company as to when will they going to resume their operations.

Several Coca-Cola plants in the country were forced to close operations due to unavailability of refined sugar used in making cola. 

A reliable source said that employees are worried about the ongoing sugar shortage that cause the suspension of operation in Tagbilaran which has some 100 workers. 

Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Incorporated-Tagbilaran Branch, has long been a landmark in Tagbilaran City. It was established in December 1953.

The Coca-Cola building continues to catch attention as a sign of economic progress in the province. Even its regular siren has become an alarm for residents. 

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Aris inducts BMPC board of directors, officers

By Leo Udtohan

Gov. Aris Aumentado inducts BMPC board of directors and officers.

Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado administered the oath of office to the newly-elected members of the board of directors (BOD) and officers of the Bol-anon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (formerly TACECCO) on Thursday night, Sept. 15, at Shang Palace.

The presence of Aumentado manifested a strong sense of support for cooperatives as economic drivers that promote growth and economic viability of local communities. 

He also informed the BMPC cooperators that the provincial government of Bohol is preparing to roll out assistance to interested coops in the province. 

The BMPC chair is Samuel Belderol. 

Others who took their oath before Aumentado were Mardonio Roxas, vice-chair; Jose  Pamaong, Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, Felito Francisco, and Brenda Sarte as BOD members starting their new term, as well as the newly-appointed officers of the different committees.

It may be remembered that the BMPC is one of the 122 civil society organizations that were awarded  certificates of accreditation by the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice-Mayor Adam Relson Jala, as part of the initiatives of the City Government to strengthen the CSOs and empower the Tagbilaran City People’s Council (TCPC).

Belderol was also elected treasurer of the TCPC during the meeting at JJ’s Seafoods on Thursday. 

The BMPC is managed by Edita Lapac.

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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo on no funds for typhoon Odette victims in Bohol:  "Ito ay walang bolahan. Ang pera na lang po ng DSWD  para sa medical, burial, transportation less than P1 billion na lang." 

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor during the organizational meeting of the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation to address injustice and to gradually reduce numbers of contractuals and job order personnel in government: "We need a master plan that addresses this injustice over the next five years. I am hopeful Chairman Karlo Nograles will be up to this challenge."

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Bohol expected to be declared Unesco Global Geopark by 2022

By Leo Udtohan 

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE... Your media friends (l-r) Joshua Fullido (dyTR), Elvie Bongosia (PIA), Helen Castaño (Bohol Island News), Rey Tutas (dyRD) and Dave Responte (dyTR) at the Chocolate Hills Complex.  Photo: Leo Udtohan 

For the first time in two years, since the onslaught of the pandemic, I was able to enter the complex last Thursday during the Social Welfare and Development Sec. Erwin Tulfo. 

Tulfo was in Bohol to attend the turnover of classroom buildings and isolation center in Pilar town and livelihood assistance payout in Carmen town.

Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes invited Tulfo, DSWD staff and volunteers for a "merienda" at the complex. 

"The hills are alive, still beautiful," I gushed when I saw the mounds closer and clearer. 

The beautiful natural scenery at the chocolate hills would weep away sorrows and difficulties in the journey to discover new things, hard but extremely meaningful.

Mayor Che bared she has plans for the chocolate hills to make it a world-class destination. 

Some members of the Bohol media with Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyed and board member Nathaniel Binlod at the Chocolate Hills Complex.

Speaking of chocolate hills, a geological wonder, the  island- province of Bohol is expected to be declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Global Geopark site by 2022.

The Unesco website said that Bohol is one of the seven considered geoparks being nominated by the Global Geoparks Council of the Unesco.

The other six are: Ijen, Indonesia;  Maros Pangkep, Indonesia; Aras, Iran; Waitaki Whitestone, New Zealand; Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Khorat, Thailand.

Should the Unesco Executive Board approve the outcome of the Council during its spring 2023 session, Bohol would become the first Unesco Global Geopark in the Philippines.

The Council will meet again in December 2022, to examine the applications that are currently undergoing evaluation and revalidation missions.  

Gov. Aris Aumentado said that the nomination being the only in the country encourages new motivation with geological heritage values.

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World reacts to passing of Queen Elizabeth II

By Leo Udtohan

People in Britain and around the world are mourning Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch and one of the most enduring royal personalities the world has known. 

She died Thursday at the age of 96. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the queen had passed away at Balmoral Castle, her official summer residence in Scotland.

With the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, Prince Charles has finally become king of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms, ending a wait of more than 70 years - the longest by an heir in British history.

When I visited the United Kingdom in 2017, I didn't meet Her Majesty at her official residences at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Even our Boholano friends-- Panglao’s First Lady Annie Arcay in August 2015, and Andy Digal Doria in March  2018-- who visited Buckingham Palace didn’t meet Queen Elizabeth.

I wished to have seen her in person even from afar.  I love watching and reading stories of her life and other royals. It was still amazing to have seen her (my closest encounter with The Queen) in post boxes and stamps, and of course, their pound sterling. 

The Queen was also known for her words of comforting wisdom, her stalwart approach to tough times, and ability to laugh through joyful ones. Her  speeches and quotes throughout the seven decades of her reign have provided guidance, support and happiness to an entire nation and beyond. 

Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of disagreements. - The Queen's speech to heads of state aboard the royal yacht Britannia, October 1989

 

While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us. - Televised address on April 5, 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19

 

We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again. - Televised address on April 5, 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19

 

While we’re remembering Her Majesty, provincial board member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor also shares an anecdote about The Queen: 

 

Layo ang United Kingdom, pero I feel the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on a personal level. Imagine having to rule a kingdom and lead Commonwealth of Nations at a young age of 25. Through stagnation and prosperity, I admire her ability to maintain a dignified monarchy. 

 

I have studied and learned about the Queen and her long reign. I read and watched the United Kingdom’s history, HERstory. Always been a follower since my teenage years. Always fascinated by her sense of duty, of service, steadfast leadership, well-thought of strategic decisions since at a young age of 25 as Queen, her diplomatic achievements. Worth mentioning, the Queen’s strong and enduring relationship with Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the World War II. And of course, her enduring and lasting marriage with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. And yes, mag kilig-kilig pa gani ko nila. 

 

She was also an adorable grandmom. I’ve been telling Lola Grenie, “mura jud ka si Queen Elizabeth. Kay cute kaayo.”

 

Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

 

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Remembering Ruth, 21 years since 

On Sept. 9, 2001, my sister Ruth or "Neneng" to her friends, left us at a very young age - sweet seventeen. It was the saddest moment that we were overwhelmed with grief at that time.

Words couldn't entirely describe the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss from her passing. 

Sometimes, we asked ourselves if she was alive, how many children would she have? She would probably be a fashion designer or with our other cousins abroad. 

Her nephews and nieces have not seen her as their "Tita" nor heard her voice.

Twenty-one years may have passed, but still, we have not forgotten her. 

Indeed, there is no time limit on coping with grief and loss. 

The family's belief in Jesus Christ and the afterlife for those who believe in Him has helped the process easily. 

 

Being a Torah observant, Jewish tradition encompasses all of life, day and night, light and dark. Even in the most difficult of situations--the imminent and then actual loss of a loved one--the Torah is there to strengthen, guide, and help us grow and see beyond our loss.

Slowly, we've overcome the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss. 

What is death? This is best answered with another question: What is life?

May her memory be a blessing. 

 

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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

 

Gov. Aris Aumentado on the construction of SM Supermall in Bohol:  The deal is done in our meeting. Within four to five years, we will experience the services of the new mall. More big businesses will come. The economy will boom.

 

Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls senior vice president for mall operations, on the construction of an SM Supermall branch in Bohol:  We are welcome here in Bohol. We felt Bohol is business- friendly. That is important to us.

 

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap on "PinasLakas" booster vaccination drive in Bohol: This is to continue our economic recovery. Now, there are many investors who are interested in Tagbilaran City and Bohol. Please, get boosted.

 

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, director of the Department of Health-Central Visayas during  "PinasLakas" booster vaccination drive in Bohol: Ayaw nato hulata nga ang bakuna mapildi na unya sa COVID, kinahanglan ang atong bakuna maoy makapildi sa COVID ug kana makab-ot kung atong paspasan nga macover kitang tanan para walay kabalhinan ug  kapuy-an ang kagaw.

 

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor of Bohol’s third district on the new face mask policy against COVID-19: Again, DOH and IATF seem to be slow. The United States is already rolling out the boosters against the old and new variants of COVID. Will the Philippines be late again? The burden of proof is on DOH and IATF. They must show that the failures of 2020 and 2021 will not repeat now or ever again.

 

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

Remembering Neneng, 21 years since

Ruth P. Udtohan

Exactly this day in 2001, you left us at a very young age - sweet seventeen. It was the saddest moment that we were overwhelmed with grief at that time.

Words couldn't entirely describe the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss from your passing. 

Sometimes, we asked ourselves if you were alive, how many children would you have? You would probably be a fashion designer or with your other cousins abroad. 

Your nephews and nieces have not seen you as their "Tita" nor heard your voice.

Twenty-one years may have passed, but still, we have not forgotten you. 

Indeed, there is no time limit on coping with grief and loss. 

The family's belief in Jesus Christ and the afterlife for those who believe in Him has helped the process easily. 

Being a Torah observant, Jewish tradition encompasses all of life, day and night, light and dark. Even in the most difficult of situations--the imminent and then actual loss of a loved one--the Torah is there to strengthen, guide, and help us grow and see beyond our loss.

Slowly, we've overcome the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss. 

What is death? This is best answered with another question: What is life?

May your memory be a blessing.

+Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan

SM to build mall in Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

DONE DEAL. SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Mall Operations Engr. Bien Mateo (4th from left) pays a courtesy visit to Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado (center) on Wednesday, Sept. 7, for the new construction of a new mall in the province to bring employment opportunities to Boholanos. Photo: Gov. Aris Aumentado Facebook

TAGBILARAN CITY- After longing for years, Boholanos will experience malling to higher level as the Henry Sy-led SM Supermalls will build a branch in the province.

Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President for Mall Operations, said on Wednesday, Sept. 7,  that the new construction will bring employment opportunities to Boholanos.

"We are welcome here in Bohol. We felt Bohol is business- friendly. That is important to us," said Mateo after their meeting with Gov. Aris Aumentado on Wednesday at the provincial Capitol.

The new mall will be located at the site near Camp Bernido in Barangay Dao in Tagbilaran City.

The construction of a new mall in the next four to five years in Bohol province has a potential to generate 3,000 jobs.

"Nasa pipeline development of SM Supermalls yung pagtatayo ng branch dito sa Bohol. We will coordinate closely with the Governor's Office for necessary things we need to comply with para maintindihan namin," said Mateo. "We are very happy to hear from the governor that we are welcome here in Bohol, investor -friendly ang provincial government.. A big factor for us to really expedite for development in Bohol."

DONE DEAL. SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Mall Operations Engr. Bien Mateo (4th from left) pays a courtesy visit to Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado (center) on Wednesday, Sept. 7, for the new construction of a new mall in the province to bring employment opportunities to Boholanos. Photo: Gov. Aris Aumentado Facebook

Aumentado said Boholanos have been longing for SM Supermalls in the province. After his election, he has repeatedly encouraged businessmen to invest in the province including SM Supermalls.

"The deal is done in our meeting. Within four to five years, we will experience the services of the new mall," said Aumentado. "More big businesses will come. The economy will boom."

The SM Supermalls’ holding company, the SM Prime Holdings, Inc., had purchased at least 7 hectares in Tagbilaran. For a mall, it's a minimum of 4 hectares.  The estimated that each mall normally costs around P2 billion.

SM Supermalls has 79 malls nationwide,

and 25 more scheduled to be opened for an eventual total of 106 malls.

With a history spanning 60 years in the retail industry and over two decades in the shopping center business, SM Supermalls is a multi-faceted institution consisting of stores, malls, banks, residences, resorts, hotels, and business establishments.