Guindulman is home of province's tallest Christmas tree

By Leo Udtohan

Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. 

Houses and businesses are adorned with Christmas lights and decors. The streets are filled with music and people are in a jolly and celebratory mood.

There is something extra special about Guindulman town during Christmas time. It is home of the province's tallest Christmas tree. 

The 65-foot Christmas tree which stands on the corner of the town hall becomes an instant attraction.

There’s more: The Christmas tree with multi-colored bulbs is adorned with 1,650 toys donated by Libres Clan and members of the Guindulman Association of California Southern Area (Gacsa).

The tree has a design that advocates for joy, simplicity, durability, and resiliency.

Guindulman Mayor Ben Balo said the importance of the Christmas tree would bring joy to the children and residents.

He emphasized the importance of every resident’s hope in the recovery of the town from the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years and typhoon Odette (Rai) which devastated the province last year.

"The celebration this year is very special because it is a symbol that we have overcome the different challenges," said Balo.

With the Christmas tree as the centerpiece, holiday merrymaking at Guindulman included a giant belen (nativity scene) and inter-barangay belen and daygon (Christmas carol) singing contests on Dec. 17-18.

The 19 villages also decorated the roads with parols (stars) and candy canes.

After the Christmas season, the toys from the tree will be given to children on Jan. 6 on the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day.

Cultural worker Julan Cordova was also suprised to see the giant Christmas tree.

"This is the nicest and the tallest Christmas tree I've ever seen in the province of Bohol this year," he said. 

Promenaders can take pictures of the holiday tree and other decorations from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Guindulman, at least 85 km from Tagbilaran City, is an old town situated in the eastern part of Bohol. It is said that if twilight falls, the area became dark or “dulum” in the local dialect.

Balo said because of the Christmas lights, the lights overcome darkness.

"The town is no longer overtaken by darkness as we are moving forward for progress," said Balo.

He plans to develop unexplored tourist sites where there is a huge potential to promote tourism as part of the town's tourism planning and at the same time provide a sustainable livelihood to the people.

Next year, Guindulman will join the 1st Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023 where it will showcase its stunning and healthy colorful coral garden and many hidden dive sites for local and international divers.

Bohol holds 'pastores' contests to preserve tradition

By Leo Udtohan 

TAGBILARAN CITY- Bright and colorful lights filled the provincial Capitol of Bohol grounds and CPG Park on Wednesday night, Dec. 7 to the delight of the hundreds who were present to mark the official start of the Christmas celebration here.

Gov. Aris Aumentado led the countdown which was crowded by employees, officials and residents to witness the official lighting of the Capitol's giant belen (nativity scene) and other Christmas decorations.

He said this year's Christmas celebration, people can sense a feeling of peace, joy, love and goodwill after the pandemic halted the celebration for two years.

"In our busy lives, we should remember the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the reason to be thankful and to celebrate," he said.

He also encouraged his constituents to spread the spirit of joy in their homes and the community and to see the celebration as an opportunity to rekindle acts of love and kindness to one another.

"The life of Jesus Christ is a source of inspiration to all of us to lead a life of virtue and faith," he said.

Also present during the event were Vice Gov. Victor Balite, Mayors Jane Yap, Tata Palacio, Lahar Ayuban and Jed Piollo.

Deputy chief of staff Kit Oppus, former Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary and now provincial administrator Aster Caberte, Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) head  Filipina Asoy-Piollo and Goldie Herrera also attended the event.

Known as "Kasadya 2022" the event also coincided with the "Pastores" contest which aimed to revive and preserve the tradition.

The pastores (Shepherds) is a musical re-enactment of the age-old story of Nativity where the performers are wearing colorful costumes and props.

The tradition was introduced by Spanish priests in the late-1800s. It spread across the region that it became part of the Yuletide celebration in Bohol province although there are variations in different towns.

Prof. Marianito Luspo, a local historian, said that the tradition faces the threat of discontinuity in the province.

Somehow the tradition lost its luster from a lack of interest from the youth to the influences of modern music and the lack of interest by the locals due to the intricacies in performing it.

Aumentado said the provincial government decided to hold the contest in order to  preserve this intangible cultural heritage.

For this year's tilt, the municipality of Corella won the first place with P150, 000 cash prize for their traditional dramatic representation of the shepherds’ adoration of singing and dancing. It also won the Best in Heritage Content and Best in Production Design awards.

Lila town named second placer with P1000,000 cash prize, while Loay town was third placer with P75,000 cash prize.

Meanwhile, Jagna town won the Best in Instrumentation.

Contingents from Tagbilaran City and municipalities of Bilar, Tubigon, Guindulman and Jagna received P30, 000 each as a consolation prize.

Jun Camacho, trainor and coach of Corella team, said the pastores contest allowed the people, especially the youth to embrace the Filipino culture.

"I'm very thankful to the provincial government of Bohol for having this kind of activity which is helpful to our youth for them to feel the Filipino culture," said Camacho, a cultural worker and choreographer.

The Corella team was composed of 30 performers from Corella National High School.

Camacho said at first it was difficult to introduce pastores to the youth because of "generation gap".

"The youth were exposed to hiphop but through practices they've learned to appreciate it. It is a must to continue holding pastores for the revitalization of our rich culture," he said.

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Photo caption:

The pastores (shepherds) contest is one of  the highlights during the lighting ceremony of the provincial Capitol of Bohol on Wednesday night, Dec. 7, 2022. Pastores depicts the shepherds’ jubilation on the birth of Jesus.  Leo Udtohan

Carla Mae Telmo, 1st Badjao registered nurse



By Leo Udtohan 

TAGBILARAN CITY- For Carla Mae Telmo who passed the nurse licensure examination (NLE)  last November 2022, part of her success was due to being a Badjao and she wants to repay the community. 

Telmo, 22, is the first registered nurse in the Badjao Community in Barangay Totolan in Dauis town, to have achieved such milestone — a feat uncommon in her tribe.

"I am very thankful to God who heard my prayers. This success is not only for me but also to my family and my Badjao tribe. I am very proud to be a Badjao," she said. 

The Telmo family was overjoyed over Carla's success.

"I am very happy we have a nurse a now. His father and I are happy that she passed the board. We thank the Lord he heard our prayers," Merlinda Telmo-Agdan, her mother, said.

Mario Coham, the chieftain of the Badjao community, said the whole community was proud of her achievement. 

"She serves as an inspiration to all Badjao kids here," said the 62-year-old chieftain. 

Proud of her roots, Telmo said being a Badjao was the reason and bridge for her to study and qualify in various scholarships from the government and private sectors.

"Because of being a Badjao, I was able to reach my dreams. And now I was able to make them proud," said Telmo who was also a former beauty queen who joined beauty pageants. She became Miss Booy 2018 and Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2019  2nd runner-up. 

She said her childhood dream was to work in an office, but an incident in February 2017 changed it. At least 21 Badjao children were rushed to a hospital in Tagbilaran City due to gastroenteritis that it caused one death. 

"That incident opened my eyes," said Telmo. " I told myself I hope I can do something if it will happen again. Right there and then, I decided to become a nurse. I want to help them in the future."

It was not at all easy, as Telmo described her journey that got her to success. She went through hardships just be where she is right now. 

 

Her father, Carlos, a carpenter, and her mother Merlinda, a housewife, supported her through the way. She found inspiration from her two two siblings: Joana, 17, and Maria Cathlyn, 12. 

Telmo, like most people from her tribe, suffered discrimination and financial problems. 

She finished her elementary at Booy South Elem. School. She finished her high school at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. She painfully recollected the memory of how she almost forced to quit school because of lack of money.

But getting a college degree drummed into Telmo’s head. Fortunately, the Badjao Bridge Philippines, a non-profit organization helping Badjao people, became instrumental to help Telmo finished her nursing degree.  It helped Telmo overcame her financial struggles. She fervently studied and passed the exam. 

She remained in gratitude to every one who helped her throughout her journey. In return, she promised to work to help her fellow tribe. 

"I would like to apply in a public hospital because Badjao people often go there to seek health care. I want to be able to serve them in any way, I can accommodate the Badjao people. Of course they will also see that I did not leave them even after I finished my education," she said.

As granddaughter of the chieftain, Telmo knows too well why education should be integrated in their culture.

"I hope education will be appreciated because it is really the key to our success.  I hope our Badjao people will value education." 

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Photo caption: 

Carla Mae Telmo, 22, a former beauty queen and a member of the Badjao Community in Bohol province, has passed the nursing licensure exams last November 2022.  Photo: Leo Udtohan

2 HNU grads top NLE

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- Two graduates of the Holy Name University (formerly the Divine Word College of Tagbilaran) in Bohol province were named topnotchers in the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) given this Nov. 2022.

Glenn Dela Cruz Dano of Calape town scored a rating of 89.20% to rank at no. 5 in the nursing board exam. He shared the same spot with seven others. 

Keith Lee Caballo Agor of Baclayon town placed eigth with 88.60 %. He shared the same spot with 32 others topnotchers. 

Abigail Garganta Ramirez of Saint Paul University-Dumaguete ranked 1 with a rating of 90%. 

The PRC announced that 18,529 out of 24,903 passed the exam.  

For HNU, 173 out of 178 for first takers only 5 failed, while 8 out 17 of repeaters 47.06%.  181 out 195, 92.82% overall. 

HNU performance is higher than the  National 91.67% first takers, 47.39 repeaters, 74.40 overall. 

Incidentally, HNU celebrates its Diamond Jubilee this year (1947 to 2022) with the theme "Celebrating Gratitude, Counting Blessings". 

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Photo caption: 

Two graduates of the Holy Name University (HNU) made it to the Top 10 of the November 2022 Nursing Licensure Exams (NLE). Glenn Dela Cruz Dano placed 5th, while Keith Lee Caballo Agor placed 8th. Photos: Holy Name University 

Tagbilaran Christmas decors spread joy and love

TAGBILARAN CITY — Residents here were treated to a spectacular and meaningful Christmas display at the city hall on Monday night, Nov. 28.

Known as the "City of Friendship," the Christmas lighting aims to bringing more cheers and fun to the residents in a more meaningful celebration especially coming and recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Christmas 2022 takes on a more significant meaning for all of us, that is why the City Government of Tagbilaran is offering this to the one and only “Balaang Batang Hesus” as our way of paying homage to the birth of Jesus, our Savior, from whom love, hope and peace emanate," said Mayor Jane Yap during the lighting ceremony. 

"With Him, we have successfully overcome the past challenges.  All these beautiful decorations are part of our thanksgiving to Him for all the blessings we have received this year 2022," she added. 

 

Former mayor Baba Yap, Vice-Mayor Adam Jala, members of the city council, and the different department heads were also present at the event. It was also attended by former Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant secretary and now Bohol provincial administrator Aster Caberte and Tagbilaran Bishop Abet Uy. 

The  Holy Name University Chorale, Tagbilaran City Choir and Koro Seraphim Chorale provided Christmas songs. 

Yap said Christmas will always be for children.  For this reason, the City Hall park and building are adorned with Christmas lights that brightly illuminate the entire grounds. It would be open to everyone every night so Tagbilaranons especially the children will be able to enjoy the merry and colorful season.  

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the different government departments and offices that are bedecked with wonderful Christmas decorations.  

There are also lanterns and other decorations placed along the city’s main roads that were lit up on the same night.

Also, contributing to the happiness of the season, the musical fountain is back every evening beginning Monday night.

The “Pasko Para sa mga Bata” is held every Fridays and Saturdays until December 17, as well as children’s activities from 7 to 8 p. m. at the City Hall Atrium. 

"Let us remember that Christmas is a celebration of the Christ Child that will always give us that eternal hope for a better, peaceful, and kinder world for all of us," said Yap.  

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Photo caption: 

The Tagbilaran City government in Bohol province holds its  Christmas lighting ceremony at the  City Hall on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022 to bring cheees and fun to the residents in a more meaningful celebration especially coming and recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.  Photo courtesy of Mayor Jane Yap 

Big waterspout spotted in Panglao

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- A waterspout

locally known as "ipo-ipo" was spotted swirling off waters near Panglao Island in Bohol on Sunday, Nov. 27. 

Residents and tourists spotted the waterspout at around 11:45 a.m. — leaving spectators to the natural phenomenon in a state of awe. 

One of those who saw the ipo-ipo was 

Shamae Bumaat, 20, who was with her family in a resort in Barangay Danao for a picnic. 

"It was my first time to witness such phenomenon," said Bumaat who  saw the large waterspout forming above the municipality’s seawaters. 

At first, she worried since there were boats on the sea, but she was relieved when she found out the  boats were far from the waterspout. 

The stunning scene was also captured by Jay Ryan Bautista while he was still on board the plane. He posted the scene on his Facebook.  

Meanwhile, Dhodz Baratas who was swimming near Barangay Tawala, saw the waterpout and how the airplane passed by near the waterspout. 

He recorded the phenomenon, which disappeared after two minutes.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), waterspouts are similar to tornadoes over water. It is a whirling column of air and water mist.

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Photo caption: 

A waterspout was seen forming above the  seawaters off on Panglao Island in Bohol province on Sunday morning, Nov. 27, 2022. Photo: Shamae Bumaat 

DepEd handsover classroom building to Tagbilaran

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- The Department of Education (DepEd) turned over a four-story 24–classroom building to Tagbilaran City Central Elem. School (TCCES) in Bohol province on Thursday, Nov. 24.

The project, which is a modified calamity resilience building funded by the DepEd's

Basic Education Facilities Fund through the Department of Public Works and Highways, funded at P57.2 million.

Lawyer Revsee Escobedo, DepEd's Undersecretary for Governance and Field Operations, in his video message, emphasized that DepEd is putting up structures that are ideal to the students’ learning environment ensuring that these spaces will allow young people to flourish and learn.

TCCES has a student population of 1,700.

Grades 4, 5 and 6 would occupy the new building.

One classroom has at least 35 students unlike before that most class advisers go beyond the ideal ratio of 45 students in one classroom to accommodate the growing number of students.

Mayor Jane Yap expressed her gratitude to the national government for its continuous support especially in its various projects and activities.

"We know that education has the power to transform lives. We have seen with our own eyes how the lives of many people have been transformed because of the knowledge, skills, and abilities they have acquired in school and this is what we want for the thousands of students of Tagbilaran City,"said Yap.  "We want them to have the opportunity to improve themselves, for them to have a fighting chance to reach for their dreams... and for our students to envision themselves as successful members of society.  Thus, we shall continue to provide our students with adequate classrooms and facilities, learning materials, and quality education," Yap said. 

Also present during the event were Rep. Edgar Chatto, provincial Deputy Chief of Staff Anne Mariquit Oppus, City Division Supt. Dr. Erwin Lagura, Assistant Provincial Schools Division Supt. Casiana Caberte and barangay Poblacion 3 officials. 

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Photo caption:

The Department of Education (DepEd) handed over a 24-classroom, four-story building to Tagbilaran City Central Elem. School on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. Leo Udtohan