Pat Ruiz: ‘Where’s the scandal?’

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Humfrey Nicasio, 24, from Tagbilaran City, has successfully passed the blind auditions of “The Voice Philippines Season 2" with his rendition of Pharell William's "Happy," making broadway diva Lea Salonga and Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo press their buttons. "Sa pagkanta mo lang, wala, ngiti lang ako nang ngiti, sobrang happy listening to you. Kung meron lang akong aanuhin sa 'yo, diction lang, pero madali lang 'yun eh, madali lang ayusin 'yun eh. And if you're ready to work hard, and to fix that, I'm you're man for that," said Lea. According to Sarah, "Nagustuhan ko 'yung song choice mo, naramdaman ko din 'yung happiness mo habang kumakanta although may konting kaba, normal lang naman 'yun." Nicasio chose to be part of Salonga's team, adding that he believes the Broadway star can help him improve his diction. Another young singer Mercedita Quiachon was also chosen by Apl de Ap.

Humfrey Nicasio makes it through 

"The Voice PH” blind auditions. Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Scene: A businessman and his wife of fifteen years have called it quits (oh, so sad!). “They’ve been living apart for years now,” said VRS. “I don’t know if there’s any third party but what I know is that they just drifted apart.” The good news? They have remained friends.

Scene: The tribute for Mason widows was held last Nov. 22 at Metro Center Hotel.

Scene: Pag-asa-Bohol officer-in-charge Narci Cantor explained the unexpected movement of tropical depression Queenie during the PDRRMC meeting last Friday. “Such natural phenomenon can't be predicted,” said Cantor. What happened was a “wind wave” caused by the wrath of tropical depression Queenie that destroyed several houses and bancas in Jagna, Guindulman, Duero and other coastal towns leaving four dead, three missing and six hurt. Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto said that there was no lapse on the side of the LGUs since Gov. Edgar Chatto. “Ang atong LGUs sa Bohol have undergone training naabot nami sa Bicol para sa  mga training sa disasters labi na pagkahuman sa earthquake. Giseryoso og handle nato sa probinsya ug sa mga lungsod ang mga disaster management,” said Gov. Chatto. “Karun dugangan nato na kay ang ”new normal” kay nausob kay maskin sila wala sila mutuo muabot ang tubig sa ibabaw.”

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I Love New York. Virginia Is for Lovers. What Happens Here, Stays Here!

These are the three most successful tourism slogans of all time and they are made in America.

To pump up tourism and attraction conventions, many countries in the world regularly roll out new logos, slogans, and marketing campaigns.

Our province has also come up with some doozies: Heart of Asia, Truly Philippines and Behold...Bohol! (which was guided by CNN) which was introduced last months and will be the focus of next year’s Visit Bohol marketing campaign.

Incidentally, the local government units, tourism establishments and stakeholders are collaborating to showcase the best of Bohol on Dec. 8 -10, 2014 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.

For the very first time, Tagbilaran headed by City Mayor John Geesnell "Baba" Yap II will make its presence felt in the major tourism exposition dubbed "Visit Bohol 2015" ("Behold Bohol"), together with the provincial government of Bohol and municipalities of Panglao and  Anda. Opening preliminaries will be at 10 a.m., while the opening ceremonies will be at 4 p.m. of December 8.

“Be there when it happens,” says Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Gabin.

“One more week to go: Visit Bohol 2015 fair in Glorietta Palm Drive Wing. Dec. 8-10. Avail of low fares, 50% off on rooms and super discounts on all your travel essentials,” says Andrea Trinidad-Echavez of the USAid Compete who helps the tourism recovery program of Bohol.

Slogans come and go. Some will resonate and be successful, while the vast majority will be forgettable or worse, loathed.

We are keeping our fingers crossed.  

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The most “controversial” woman last week was Pat Ruiz, an environmental activist and anti-graft and corruption crusader.

(l-r) Pat Ruiz, yours truly and Atty. Alma Aparece
 at Chocoreich Cafe.
  Photo by Glendon Villagonzalo

A text message was circulated (in verbatim): Txt from a disturbed school administrator - Will u be able to advise Mons Medroso how d prayer rally n Tagb last Fri Nov 21 was made as an alibi to solicit signatures for d Peoples Initiative agenda. In all letters of Msgr Malanog there was no mention of a signature campaign that will take place at d rally. Pat Ruiz, a former NPA & now working as a legal front, sought d assistance of d church, who responded by inviting schools & organizations. It now appears that d Tagb Diocese n Bohol s deceiving students & civic organizations of d true agenda of d mass action. D signature campaign should have been against drugs & crimes as mentioned in d letter of Msgr Malanog. Had we known that d motive of d march-rally was political, we shouldn't hav allowed students to leave, cancel classes &join d march-rally. But schools & organizations were deceived... & it appeared to be done by d church.

The other night, I chanced to see Maam Pat (who was with my good friend Atty. Alma Aparece) at Chocoreich Cafe.

I asked her, why there’s a scandal?

Here is Pat Ruiz:

A Walk of Life, Pray for Peace was held last Friday at 3:30 p.m., November 21, 2014 that started from three starting points: Our Lady of Lourdes Church of Poblacion 2; City Hall Grounds of Cogon and St. Jude Thaddeus Church of Mansasa converging in the ground of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker.

Tropical depression Queenie aftermath. 

Photos by Leo Udtohan/GMANews

It was an overwhelming success.  The participants came in droves, hundreds and thousands. Students accompanied by their teachers of the various schools in Tagbilaran, government representatives and also representatives of the interfaith groups and socio civic organizations. The conduct of the prayer march, prayer rally and the celebration of the mass; from start to finish participated and witnessed by those who marched and prayed  in the cathedral grounds was one of collective prayer solely to draw out strength and inspire unity towards a peaceful, safe, happy and environmentally livable Tagbilaran amidst the growing threat of drug affectation.

Thanks to Bishop Leonardo Medroso who assigned the leadership of Mons. Jeff Malanog in this undertaking, the Cathedral clergy, parish priests of the satellite parishes, representatives of the interfaith groups, the city government for the following: the permit , traffic management group, stage and the tents and the hard work of the conveners of Tindogi Tagbilaran who initiated this undertaking.

Two signature stations for the people’s initiative against the pork barrel were present in the cathedral grounds approved by the leadership of the Cathedral for those who would want to sign the petition. This is part of the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to provide signature stations to where it is possible nationwide.

Where is the scandal?

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Sexy facial hair styles

November is also known as “Movember.” It is the month when both men and women donate their faces to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues by bringing back the mustache in all its prickly glory.

Tagbilaran ABC president 

Edgar Bompat’s full beard

 makes him versatile and 

outstanding in real life.

Courtesy: http://sp.tagbilaran.gov.ph

_________________________________

Whether it’s Movember or not, men everywhere have taken time to experiment with their facial hair, trying out new styles and using the opportunity to express their personality through their facial hair.

If things maybe getting little hairy nowadays it is because Science has spoken, and it turns out, facial hair scientifically proven sexy, according to the Evolution and Human Behavior.

Tagbilaran City councilor
Joseph “Jojo” Bompat
has the perfect facial hair.  Courtesy:
http://sp.tagbilaran.gov.ph

“Results indicated consistently more positive perceptions of social/physical attractiveness, personality, competency, and composure for men with facial hair,” says the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality on the topic "The Influence of Facial Hair on Impression Formation.”

Women see men with facial hair as more attractive, more charismatic, smarter and more capable and

calmer and more in control.  

When it comes to facial hair styles, there are lots of great choices (moustache, soul patch, balbo, Jesus beard, five o’ clock shadow, scruff, trimmed beard, goatee, scraggly, chin strap, mutton chops popularized by Elvis Presley and neckbeard), and some Boholanos choose one that fits their own personal style well.

It is all about the three 'M's: Maturity, masculinity and mysteriousness for lawyer Lord Marapao I and former Tagbilaran City councilor and ABC President Edgar Bompat.

One of the most high profile lawyers in the province, Atty. Lord Marapao has a scraggly beard that some people think he is the living Saint Padre Pio. In real life, Atty. Marapao is a devotee of Saint Padre Pio, the Capuchin priest with his stigmata. His beard gives him age, power, and credibility. According to studies, it is an easy ticket to garnering more respect from his peers, and having women be softer and more deferential around him.

Rapper Ram Alturas has a goatee.  Courtesy: Side Room Studios

Can one face hairstyle be all things to all people? Edgar Bompat proves it can. He’s a family provider but also a savvy businessman. A lawmaker and a barangay leader. And yet his trimmed or full beard suits each of these roles, one after the other, while still looking outstanding. There’s no more versatile beard in Bohol than Edgar’s.

Edgar’s son, Tagbilaran City councilor Joseph “Jojo” Bompat, has also the perfect facial hair. Manly, but not too imposing; friendly, but not Santa Claus-like. Not too long, not too short. That makes him confident.

Is there any doubt that Tagbilaran City Science High School teacher Meljun Daniel would be the best at facial hair? It is very masculine, established and mature. Meljun has a special hair affair in his quest to look his best.  Known as the “living Dracula,” Meljun can have scruff (the new look of Hollywood), trimmed beard, chin strap and mutton chops.

   

“It feels sexy but it has its setbacks,” says Meljun. “People call you names like terrorist, rapist, maniac, et. But the most difficult part is having to shave often which takes time. Having facial hair is not ideal in this humid country. But I’m still glad that I’m one of the few bearded people in this country.”

Meljun Daniel on his hairy journey:
 ‘Heavy stubble is sexier.’
Courtesy: Meljun Daniel

Meljun’s beard and mustache plays a big role in the indie film, “Caretaker,” a psychological drama directed by Sherwin Tutor and Ryan Macalandag.

“It enhances the role. It helps highlight the enigmatic qualities of the character,” shares Meljun.

Businessman Van Delima has a small
patch of hair just below his lower lip. 
Courtesy: Van Delima

Former Tagbilaran City SK chair and rapper Ram Alturas has a goatee. It is mesmerizing, so full of sinister charisma.  The Imperial Barber Products says, “the goatee is a man who understands limits. He is happy to take part in something, but know that all things must come in moderation. By keeping the sides of his face clean, the man’s hair says he is capable of playing by the rules and staying within boundaries.”

Businessman Van Delima is clean shaven but sometimes he has facial stubble just below his lower lip. Van doesn’t need to shave off his soul patch, and that’s because he makes them look good. According to Imperial Barber Products, “the soul patch represents the mature sophistication that separates the juvenile from grown-up. It represents all the class found in a man completely clean-shaven, but with just a touch of experience rolled in.”

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

Prof. Dedicacion B. Saguran: ‘Never give up!’

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Aubreys BBQ Hauz (along Mansasa Junction) is now open to serve authentic BBQ made from the freshest and most delectable ingredients flavored by Aling Mary Garcia, Bohol’s BBQ queen. Smokin' starts at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Remember, where there is smoke, there is flavor!

Bet Ng Bohol Hannah Precillas of Tubigon
on GMA’s Bet ng Bayan. Courtesy: GMA

Scene: Hannah Precillas of Tubigon town, is ‪‎Bet Ng Bayan sa Kantahan for Central and Western Visayas. Bet ng Bayan is GMA Network’s reality talent search that will showcase the exceptional local Filipino talents from different regions to find the nation's best. Another pride of Tubigon, Vanessa Laura Valerie Monot has successfully passed the blind auditions of The Voice of the Philippines Season 2, ABS-CBN’s popular televised singing competition.

Scene: Rising Broadway artist Kirby Asunto will have a benefit concert on December 13 at Bohol Wisdom gymnasium in Tagbilaran City for the earthquake victims in Loon, the hometown of her mother. Guests include JM De Guzman and Arnel Pineda of Journey. For inquiries, call 09157572551/09275649047.

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Vanessa Laura Valerie Monot makes it to
The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 blind audition.
 Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Last Nov. 9 was the 65th birthday celebration of Prof. Dedicacion “Inday” Buma-at-Saguran, one of Bohol’s best educators. And it turned out to be a "crying" evening because those present (mostly teachers and parents) couldn’t help but be moved by the outpouring of emotion for Prof. Inday, you know her last day as principal of Sta. Cruz Elem. School in Maribojoc town.

The celebration made everyone cry, I guess, because they knew her as an epitome of her name “Dedicacion” (dedication), a mother of five, who got a career despite all odds, reached the peak of her career till a full fledge Ph.D., got Principal II position, reached 15 years and about 9 months of public service experience and 13 years teaching in a university and a graduate school professor doing part time teaching when she joined the public school, then happily took her graceful exit with a legacy left to the community.

If I were to write the biography of Prof. Inday, I would open it when she was around 16, a period when a girl (a born dancer and a class declaimer) is deemed too young to become the breadwinner of the family. After high school, she worked as a salesclerk in a pharmacy in Tagbilaran and in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur to help her ailing mother and two brothers.

As Prof. Dedicacion Buma-at-Saguran turned 65 last Nov. 9,
she reflects on her life and what she learned,
among them ‘to never give up on your dreams. Ever.’

The bio will discuss how she struggles hardships, fear and with motherhood and with being a wife and supporting her family.

Of course, several chapters will be devoted to Prof. Inday’s marriage to Guillermo at age 20, gave birth to five kids (Martin, Marlon, Marietta, Michael and Mark Anthony) and finished college at age 35.

She was teaching elementary, high school, college and graduate school at University of Bohol, teaching real life situations that left an indelible mark in the heart of her students. Her personality has touched every aspect of school life.

She taught Foundation of Education 1 and it was one of the most enjoyable, engaging and educational subjects she was in handling in college where aspiring education students (including yours truly) were exposed to real life situations of being a teacher. (Education is life. Education is a long process. Experience is the best teacher. But for Prof. Inday she shared, “It's therefore important to be guided by not only principles of education but one has to strongly anchor his ever action on sound life principles learned from our folks, from great men and the books and the Bible.”)

 At 50, at the peak of her career as University professor, she opted to work as a public school teacher with a salary of P8,605 per month at Santo Nino Elem. School in Getafe as a multi-grade teacher (grades 1 and 2). She would then take a habal-habal (modified motorcycle) just to reach the place to make a connection with each child - tuning in with their needs and encouraging them to aspire.

In 2004, she passed the principal promotional exam and she was assigned at Doljo Elem. School in Panglao. In 2005, she was designated as principal at Santa Cruz Elem. School in Maribojoc where she was praised for her leadership when the school was badly damaged by the earthquake. To better enhance her school management skills, she continued her doctoral degree and graduated summa cum laude in 2006.

Friends and teachers come to celebrate the
 birthday and despidida party of
 Prof. Dedicacion Buma-at-Saguran (center) who took on
 the challenges, devoting herself to a life of learning and achievement,
 overcoming adversity on her path,
 to become everyone’s teacher-educator.

Prof. Inday doesn’t look 65 and she shows no sign of slowing down. She goes to University of Bohol’s School of Graduate Studies every Saturday to meet her students. Her students, now spread worldwide, noted her as exemplary, inspiring, a passionate instructor and a wonderful character with scintillating wit.

And how will the bio end?

It will be a cliff-hanger because the life of Prof. Inday is like an extended teleserye with subplots but it will have a happily-ever-after ending like a fairy tale that Prof. Inday’s life is likened to.

Was there a point in your life that you wanted to give up?

All the questions with anticipations of doubt, worry, failures and threat of unhappiness and sorrow about my future have been answered little by little because of God’s grace for my steadfast belief that He will never forsake me so I drew and cling to Him for courage, strength and power of the mind not to be overturned to despair especially when He gave my five precious jewels as gifts of marriage. With this, I was able to endure all obstacles in life.

What motivates you to achieve great things in life?

Prayer is the secret plus the positive outlook of things and to cultivate a good perspective in life with the thought that very pain, trouble, misfortune and distress in our life is a link so we can share His sufferings while He was on earth. He never complained instead He asked forgiveness to those who offended Him. Therefore we must carry our burden so we may find a place He prepared for us after our last journey.

What are your future plans?

After my retirement what? When all questions when I was young we're answered, there still remain questions which need to be addressed, it is because as long as there is life, there is a process. We never stop shaping our life and this process ends until we die, All that I can do is serve my family, especially my husband , continuously guide my children on how to run their families in upbringing their children and also share time extending help to those who seek advices. Still when there's opportunity for more advancement as long as I'm able I would gladly take it. As a Ph.D in Education I believe it is my responsibility to educate people about life so they will be happy no matter what status they may belong.

What important lessons you have learned in life?

The important lesson in life that I learned is that life is a journey where everyone is responsible for his destination. Another, is life has no meaning when one doesn't experience its ups and down. To be fruitful to the end, whatever grace one has received it has to be shared since we cannot keep treasures here on earth when we die we can't bring anything. There are many to be shared knowledge, time, effort, money, service and attention to those who need most.

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The treasures of James O

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 49th birthday celebration of PNP Provincial Director Dennis Palo Agustin on November 5;

provincial board member Freda Olavides-Tirol also celebrated her birthday on Nov. 8.

Remembering Haiyan (Yolanda). It has been one year 

after super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines on Nov. 8. 

Here are my random photos; each photo has a story to tell.

\ I personally took all these while I was in Leyte

 on Nov. 9, 2013. – LPU

Scene: Miss Silka Bohol 2014 Marian Grace Malubay is representing the province in Miss Silka Philippines on Nov. 9.

Scene: On the first year anniversary of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): No typhoon or flood can diminish the strength of the Filipino soul. No calamity or natural devastation can quench the fire of our hope. The Filipino soul is stronger than Yolanda. – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma

Scene: I saw the last broadcast of GMA Cebu’s Balitang Bisdak last Friday. And I want to say what a privilege it has been to be part of the dynamic newsteam, to have the opportunity to report the news from Bohol to the world. Ingana ka buotan ang desk kay iapil jud basta naay dakung storya sa Bohol. Balitang Bisdak was our eyes and ears in pursuit of truthful and balanced news and stories that beg to be told for 15 years. People, watch out for "24Oras Central Visayas" on Monday, Nov. 10. As the saying goes, "Every goodbye is the birth of a memory.” Boholano talents in GMA Cebu are Reyn Nikko Sereno, Jude Montejo, Alan Domingo and Gew Sarabia Gulleban.

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James Obedencio (center) with his talents: ‘Bohol is such a very nice place to showcase the talents of our fellow Boholanos in the field of modelling and fashion.’

Several years ago, I met James Obedencio when I covered the Manoeuvres, a popular all-male streetdance group in the 1990s, which was in town looking for a new member. The hopeful James was one of the contestants who tried his luck.

During the interview break, James came to me and introduced himself. 

I told him what a great performance he had that the Manoeuvres dancers were so impressed.

“Thank you,” he said, and I learned his ala-“Maalaala Mo Kaya” life story.

The next time I met James he became a super-volunteer of SK in Balilihan.

The next time I knew, James is now a talent manager in Bohol.

"Why in Bohol?” asked James, “Bohol is such a very nice place to showcase the talents of our fellow Boholanos in the field of modelling and fashion."  

According to James, the road to the industry is never easy. The handler or manager must be patient and open-minded.

Carlos Alfonso Cuerquis is joining 

this year’s Mr. Olive C.-LPU

“It's not so easy because joining in this kind of industry you should have an open mindset first, then to find someone who has a personality that suits, a positive attitude and a self-confidence.."

Does James have requirements?

"In an ideal world of modeling, models should be 6 feet tall with slender bodies,” explained James. “For me, there are no entry requirements as long as you have an excellent appearance, nice personality and oozing factor onstage.”

James’ talents are mostly student-aspiring models: Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz, Ino Kristian Caballo, Renzo Miguel Racho, Michael Ferdinand Gamueda, Hannah Mae Cimeni, Maria Nina Therese Cimeni, Paulen Quinal, Rose Ann Putong, Danika Blaze Mondredondo, Flor Villasis, Louvan Joecor Riancho, Jeneiva Ybanez, Ernest Lee Tambis, Reianne Joshe Inno Ugboc, Jason Cababan, Ramon Felisilda, Red Balili, Norwin Rama and Ruel Duterte.

His treasures.

Does James practice favoritism?

“No,” smiled James, who is now among the very few lovable talent managers in town. He is easy to deal with and he makes his talents accessible to the press.

He doesn’t meddle in their private lives.

PD Dennis Agustin (7^th from left) on his 49th birthday 

celebration together with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero, Provincial Administrator

 Ae Damalerio, Sir Yape and other guests . Courtesy: Pinay Vera

“But I give advices. As long as there’s no conflict between their personal lives and their work, I don’t meddle.”

Like Carlos Alfonso Cuerquis, 5’7”, who is joining this year’s Mr. Olive C, was discovered by James.

“I know he has the potential,” said James. “He is into singing, guitar plucking, dancing, modelling and drawing.”

Carlos shared, “I read books in order to practice my speaking abilities. I eat plenty of nutritious food and drink vitamins for a healthy body and active mind.”

Carlos on James: “I trust my manager because he is there to help and give advices. The talent manager can help you build up your strength and help you improve your skills.”

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