How many kings are
born in hovels?
King are meant for
thrones, not pastures.
But this king did and
we can marvel
He is different, that
we can be sure.
While commoners who
deserve far less
Demand far more, He
models meekness.
There was no room in a
crowded town
People gathered to be
registered.
All must heed the
emperor’s decree.
Even Mary, in her
condition.
No one says no to the
emperor
Not even Him who would
be Savior.
It was hard for Joseph
and Mary
There was not even a
place to stay
Comfort was not in the
mix of things
Not in today’s context
and thinking.
Privilege and favor,
no one craved.
All they sought was a
room for the Babe.
So He was born inside
the manger.
That no one cared, it
did not matter.
The shepherds came, it
was a welcome
Fit for this King, so
gentle, so calm.
And yet, no doubt many
years later
We remember the humble
manger.
Jesus says that He is
still knocking
At our own doors,
where He is welcome.
He will only enter
when open.
God seeks mangers that
welcome Him in
Those that rejoice
over His coming
For mangers wide open
for this King.
-The Manger by Chito Fuentes
“The
Manger” written by veteran journalist Chito Fuentes (more poems and articles at http://yellowlightsign.com) tells us that Jesus
is not the helpless infant or even a grown-up man, but the King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. As we celebrate
Christmas, let us celebrate the miracle of His love. I encourage you to ponder
the majesty of God and the goodness and power He brings to your life.
Like
you, I wish peace on earth and goodwill in Bohol which this year has been torn
apart by unimaginable tragedies and controversies.
I
have my own Christmas list for my favorite Boholanos, regardless of whether
they’d been naughty (Where are you Miss Bohol Sandugo 2013 Brigitte Burato?!) or nice (What’s your next Bangon Bohol projects Anna Maris Igpit?!
). Only three days before
Christmas Day, so better late than never.
Here
they are:
For Rep. Art Yap— May Cong. Art Yap continue to
muster support in his claim to rebuild homes for the earthquake victims thru
the Rebuild Bohol Foundation he initiated so that those rendered homeless by
the calamities will no longer have to
sleep in tents.
For
Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs — A
chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen. How about a
marriage contract? Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!
 |
| The country’s tallest Santa Claus |
For
Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A solemn march down the aisle..... A marriage contract!
For
Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva— A stork’s visit. Same for Eden Descallar–Ceballos
and Mikel Ceballos, Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Diane Uy-Yap and Atty.
Wrenly Yap.
For
Nemi Monton — A clean bill of health and an award (long delayed?) recognizing
his talent and tireless dedication as sports czar in Bohol! Paging Capitol!
For Idy Cagas — Beauty rest and hot boyfriend! Same for Bia Ursula Bautista, Fer Mary
Baliquig, Ely Rose Apple Angcon, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian,
Carlene Yap, Candy Cumayas, Aya Montero, Trisha Chatto and Elvie Bongosia.
For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal beauty! She will
continue to possess beauty, grace, wisdom and wealth and influence through the
years as Bohol's Queen of Tourism and Santacruzan Queen.
For Atty. Brian Gaviola, Doc Homer Singco, Lemuel
Belarmino — A marriage contract (Hurry!!! Hurry!!!)!
For Ardy Batoy —After her numerous hosting stints
this year, Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a Mediterranean vacation (or
in Bora Bora in Polynesia). Same for
Gloria Leodivica Araneta and Raul Gatal.
For Atty. Greg Delgado — A hot “partner” to love
him dearly. Same for Dobap! A quote from The Time Traveler’s Wife: “It's hard being left
behind.. . It's hard to be the one who stays.”
For Anna Maris Igpit— A boyfriend to color
her world. Note: In the strictest sense of the word…a boy friend.
Addendum: As Bb. Pilipinas, she will help promote to bring back the vigor in
Bohol’s tourism industry. Same for Brigitte Burato that her presence can be
felt in Bohol.
For Vida Tirol-de Juan and Butch de Juan — Another “joint venture.”
Their daughter Bea needs a brother or a sister. Same for Tagbilaran Mayor Baba
Yap and Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap whose daughter Janah needs a sister or a
brother. The same wish for Atty. Doi Magdoza and Dra. Aileen Tan.
For Pepe Recitas— Good health and more years to
continue the programs of HomeReach Foundation. Same for Ramie Cadag, Manuel
Cempron, Francis Dompor and Fancy Baluyot.
For
Onie Oclarit, Fr. Fro Lungay and Meo Mascariñas — Good health and
beautiful music.
For Vanity Kintanar Salinana—Ageless beauty to continue
her advocacy helping the transpinay
and the LGBT community. Same for Baby
Tagoctoc, Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading.
For Mikey Gatal — A round trip ticket to Thailand
with his someone special. Stephanie Laurens’ The Edge of Desire says, “My heart only ever had one thought, one
want. One need. Despite all, in spite of all...All my heart has ever wanted is
you.”
For Mizken Tirol Andan and Ryan Sines — A hot
“partner” to love them dearly. Same for
John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Tracy Remolador
Torres, Charlow Arbasto, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas. Heide Klum says, “I've been heartbroken.
I've broken hearts. That's part of life, and its part of figuring out who you
are so you can find the right partner.”
For Tagbilaran City councilor Adam Jala — A
seductive and sexy girlfriend! Same for Gabriel Buates.
For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking
(with his popular stripes and shades)!
For Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece,
Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona and company —Good health and more years
to protect the fragile environment of Bohol. Same for Rosalinda Paredes,
Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen
Gallares, Vera Gesite and Shem Quezon.
For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros— A marriage
contract (indefinite)! Wedding bells! Wedding
bells! Same for Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc.
For Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal-Asoy— A healthy baby due in February next year.
For
Jeroen Hellingman— Good health and long years to continue promoting
Bohol to the world. Same for Jerome Auza, Mike Ligalig, Roy
Bayonas, Alfonso Potane, Rene Econg and company.
For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta, BG Guingguing and
Jerry Pabe —Exclusive and explosive segments with their “controversial” and
“talkative” guests and “violent” callers. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado, Lito Responte and Ted
Ayeng.
For City administrator Edi Borja, former Tagbilaran
Mayor Dan Lim, Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng
and Richard Bompat—A silencer (for this season) that will prevent them from flaunting
on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. They can come back after
the Holidays! He! He! He! Peace!
For
Marc Joseph Batoy, Ar-Ar dela Serna, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila and Clement
Ingking — More exposures next year! They deserve the kliegs and flickers!
For
Beryl
Elizabeth Lupot— A car and a true love!
For Peddy
Bolanio and Glee Orcullo —Hot and explosive showbiz news for their Showbiz Rampa. Hope to hear great
(shocking) revelations from guests in 2014!
For Governor Edgar Chatto and Rep. Erico
“Aristotle” Aumentado — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and real
goodwill. To come up with more concrete initiatives that address crisis and disaster management
in the province, bearing in mind the painful lessons from the magnitude 7.2
earthquake and supertyphoon Yolanda. Same for Rep. Rene Relampagos.
For former Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Neri Lim — Again, a
peace pipe he should smoke with Gov. Edgar Chatto.
For Madame Paz Trotin, Che Toribio-delos Reyes, Leah Tirol-Magno, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen
Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie
Geonzon, Gerry Egos and Musette
Hontanosas — Good things in life. Same for Doc Joy Yap, Dr. Mary Grace Uy, Dr.
Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Kit Oppus,
Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith
Uy-Sumatra, Angie Valencia, Rey Chiu, Chito Fuentes, June Blanco, Ric
Obedencio, Jun Gutierrez, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Freda Tirol,
Boy Dumadag, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias, Vicky
Wallace, Hans and Lani Schoof, Jas Montes, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya
Tirol-Sotelo, Amalia Tirol, Dr. Nenita Po, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Pureza Chatto
and Greenie Aumentado,
For Dalareich Polot — Bohol’s tableya princess may continue to inspire the youth to become
business minded like her!
For Mayor Nila Montero— She may have the
determination to bring out the best in Panglao and the political will to change
wrong practices of the past for the good of the LGU.
For Cesar Montano, Rich Asuncion, Tintin Ng,
Lailette Boiser, Gerber Mercado and Cathy Remperas — More
challenging roles in a hit teleserye
(if not a movie) to prove what they made of and to show their effective
"natural" acting. Where are you Mich Capili?
For Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza,
Rhigel Dulfo, EJ Relampagos and Sony Pamaong— Another gathering of talented
fashion experts and couturiers as engrossing as “Reveal.” Paging Rotary Club of Tagbilaran!
For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Beauty rest and
inner strength to fight against odds and obstacles in life. Like the Loboc
River, she will continue flowing!
For Inday Rufing and Inday Charity — Hot partners to warm their cold
nights. The night is cold and the comforter may not be
enough to warm you up.
For
Joy Suarez — A perfect holiday (not in Boracay, Palawan or Bohol) with someone
special. She’s been working so hard that hapit
makalimti ang lovelife! He!He!He!
For Fiel Angeli Espejo Araoarao-Gabin — More than
anything in the whole world, love of family, good health and safety for
everyone.
For Glenn Mark Blasquez— Roundtrip ticket to Bohol
so that he can feel home sweet home. Same for Marcing Tsurumi, Jiji Apalisok,
Rebecca Lusterio, Jocelyn Oppus, Babat Malicay, Auring Balili, Rey Reformina,
Lorenzo and Richel Galaura.
For Centerstage Band — More gigs and release of
their (long delayed) album!
For Nonito Donaire — We are the champion belt! Same
for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot, Boom-Boom Bautista
and Jesus Pacaldo.
For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, et al— Blessed years
ahead to continue sharing Christ and loving people. Same for pastors Nelson Rio
III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and
Bro. Libby Aba. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in
doing
good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
For Aldrin Palaca— A concert to showcase his talent as the Beatbox King of
Bohol together with Kimpoy and the Loboc Children’s
Choir (we want to hear your angelic voices), Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao
Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador and HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe.
For Nene Lungay, Glenn Lumantao, Ric Ramasola,
Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents.
Same for Ryan Macalandag, Liza Macalandag, Tadiyandi, Baji, Bohol visual
artists and Arte Malaya.
For Bohol
Chronicle- Our kinaham forever
and vanguard of freedom. More 100 years and beyond!
For VRS
readers— May your Christmas and the coming New Year be blessed beyond measure!
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered.
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