Aumentado suspends classes in Bohol due to inclement weather

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol has suspended classes on Thursday, Jan. 12, in all levels in public and private schools, due to incessant rains. 

In an advisory, Governor Aris Aumentado said that flooding is threatening in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.

He said the provincial government through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will continue to monitor and keep the public posted on weather updates.

The inclement weather on Wednesday flooded some areas in Bohol.

In Pilar town, water flooded Purok 3 in Barangay Del Pilar. 

The National Irrigation Administartion - Central Visayas advised preemptive evacuation for communities close to Wahig River as the Malinao Dam overflowed. 

Three persons were rescued in Getafe town after their pump boat sank due to inclement weather. 

According to Pagasa, scattered rain showers will continue to prevail over several parts of the country due to the shear line and a low-pressure area (LPA). 

The LPA was last seen 475 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, the state weathe bureau added. 

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Photo caption: 

The Malinao Dam in Pilar town, Bohol on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2023 after it reached full capacity that families nearby where advised to leave the area. Photo: NIA-7

Heavy rains fail to dampen devotees to join Traslacion in Bohol

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- A heavy downpour didn’t stop hundreds of devotees from joining Sunday's traslacion or Walking of Faith to honor the image of the Black Nazarene.

The procession, which started at around 3:30 a.m., was a 13-kilometer walk which brought back the image of the Nazarene back from Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran to the Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish in Dauis town where the image is housed.

The Nazarene’s carriage and glass-encased urn was covered with few flowers.

Many in the procession didn’t bring umbrellas. They were drenched barely two hours into the procession, but stayed on, chanting prayers and singing hymns to the Nazarene.

The procession passed through J. A. Clarin Street, then proceeded to Plaza Rizal rotonda, St. Joseph the Worker Shrine-Parish, Burgos Street, and Borja Bridge, and to the Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish (Dauis church)  at around 5 a.m.

Police estimated the crowd of devotees  at about 2,000.

Policemen were deployed on road intersections and along the procession route together with several security volunteers and barangay tanods.

However, the rain stopped when it reached Dauis town to the delight of the devotees.

For government employee Edward Guyano, it was sign of a miracle. Though he and others got wet, he said it was only a little sacrifice compared to the sacrifices of the Nazarene to the humanity.

It was followed by a Pontifical Mass officiated by Bishop Abet Uy.

"Daghan ang naulanan apan wala mahadlok. Atong i-ampo nga kitang tanan, ilabina na ang mga kabatan-onan, madasig sa pagsunod sa panag-ingnan sa Poong Nazareno. Dili na kita mahadlok sa mga hagit ug kalisdanan sa kinabuhi," said Uy during his homily.

(Many got wet because of the rain but did not fear. Let's pray that all of us, especially the youth, will be encouraged to follow the example of Poong Nazareno. That we are no longer afraid of life's challenges and difficulties.)

"Kung aduna may mga suliran ug pagsuway dili ubta ta mawad-an og paglaum. Let us be strong like the Poong Nazareno for we know that difficult roads will bring us to heaven and to eternal life," he added.

(If there are problems and trials, we should never lose hope. Let us be strong like the Poong Nazareno for we know that difficult roads will bring us to heaven and to eternal life.)

On the feast day, Jan. 9, Eucharastic celebrations will be held at 6:30 a.m. and 5 p. m. It will be followed by a mobile procession at 6 p.m.

The replica of the image of the Black Nazarene was given as a gift by the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila for the 80th canonical anniversary of the Diocese of Tagbilaran last November 2021. It is temporarily housed at Dauis Church until constructon of his shrine will finish.

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Photo caption:

Heavy spells of rains could not dissuade the faithful from joing the traslacion or Walk of Faith for the Black Nazarene in Bohol province on Sunday early morning, Jan. 8, 2023.

Diocese of Tagbilaran holds Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

By Leo Udtohan 

TAGBILARAN CITY — A Requiem Mass was held at Diocese of Tagbilaran on Wednesday, Jan. 4, to honor the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

The pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 95.

Bishop Abet Uy led the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine at 12 noon. 

In his homily, Uy said that Pope Benedict was given the nickname "God's Rottweiler" for his uncompromising conservative views.

He stressed that the pope was completely the opposite of the caricatures that his enemies made of him.

"Caricatures are simply not true or exactly the opposite. He was meek, humble, warmth and very compassionate who listens and makes one important," Uy said. 

The prelate also shared on how Pope Benedict tried to teach the joy of discipleship.

He said Tagbilaran Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso, and Boholano bishops 

Antonieto Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao and Crispin Varquez of Borongan in Eastern Samar could vouch for the pope. 

"They said he's gentle, simple, holy, loving kaayo, same sa Ginoo," said Uy. 

The prelate ended his homily borrowing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "The happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity!" 

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope at age 78 and took the name Benedict XVI. 

He served as pope from 2005 to 2013 and was the first pope to resign from the papacy in almost 600 years.

Photo caption:

Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran officiates the requiem mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Bishop Abet Uy 

500 kids in Panglao receive early Christmas gifts from DBCA

By Leo Udtohan

PANGLAO, Bohol- After two years, members of the Danao Beach Community Association (DBCA) have finally conducted a gift-giving program for the children of Barangay Danao here on Saturday, Dec. 10, reflecting the association's continuing commitment to supporting the community.

Angie Hoffman-Vidas, president of DBCA, said that about 500 children attended the half-day event held at the covered court of the village.

"The annual gift-giving is our way of  giving back to the community.  It is also a great opportunity for DBCA to partake in spreading love during the Yuletide season,” said Hoffman.

The gift-giving which started in 2009 was halted for two years because of the pandemic and typhoon Odette (Rai).

"We are glad we're able to give back even in the pandemic we were able to share a little," Hoffman said.

From 250 children in 2019, it grew to 500.

James Zhang, proprietor of GuitarWoodHouse, said it was his first time to join the activity and find the event meaningful.

"I'm happy to join this activity. Seeing them truly happy is priceless," he said.

The program started with nutrition-themed, prized-based games, followed by an informative presentation on taking the environment.

The program then proceeded to the main event—the distribution of gifts to four to 10 years old. 

Founded in 2009, DBCA has 25 members. They are GO2Dive, Nora's Place, GuitarWoodHouse, Mist, JJ@Daorong Bungalows, Coco Mango, Linaw Beach Resort/Casa Gardenia, LostBoys Dive Adventure, Alona42, Selectum Mangrove, Solea Coast, Panglao Tropical Villas, Deep Blue Dive Resort, Be Grand Resort, Azul de Panglao, Kalachuchi Inn, Azahar Resort, Bohol South Beach Hotel, PHILM Laundry Services and Intoy's Place/Let's Go Natural.

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Photo caption:

Members of the Danao Beach Community Association (DBCA) conduct a gift-giving event for more than 500 children at Barangay Danao in Panglao town, Bohol on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. Leo Udtohan

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