Oscars 2015: Who will win? Who should win?

The 87th Academy Awards take place on February 22 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

The stars will be out in full force for the ceremony, but which actors will end up taking home the famous golden statuette?

Think you can predict the Oscars?  Here’s my prediction of the wills, coulds and shoulds for Oscars 2015.

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Will Win: J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
Could Win: Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)
Should Win: Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Will Win: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)
Could Win: Meryl Streep (Into the Woods) Should Win: LauraDern (Wild)

 BEST ACTOR
 Will Win: Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)
Could Win: Michael Keaton (Birdman)
Should Win: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler).

 BEST ACTRESS 
Will Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)
 Could Win: Reese Witherspoon (Wild)
Should Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)

 BEST DIRECTOR 
 Will Win: RichardLinklater (Boyhood)
Could Win: Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman)
Should win: RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

 BEST PICTURE 
Will Win: Birdman
Could Win: Birdman
Should Win: Boyhood

Message to parents/anti-vaxxers: Measles can kill!

In 2014, my one-year old niece Jessae Mae Udtohan-Jala had measles.

Jessa Mae had runny nose, fever, cough and sore, red and swollen eyes. She had rash over her body. Jessa Mae was tired. She was not in the mood.

The doctor said Jessa Mae had measles.

Measles is a very contagious infection caused by the rubeola virus.

I had measles when I was a kid. We were told that a person can have measles once in his/her lifetime. Maybe true but I had measles twice in my lifetime but not that worse when I was kid. I remember that there were parents who thought measles was just a simple disease by leaving their children to stay at home without taking medication resulting to have death.

Even people who were vaccinated, some might still get it. Why? Health workers explain that the measles vaccine works about 95 percent of the time.

Jessa Mae was one of the beneficiaries of the free measles and polio vaccination in the country as part of the program of the Department of Health every January of the year.

And that’s for free.

“The vaccination is free and available in barangay,” said Paulina Udtohan, 60, Jessa Mae’s grandmother.

So there’s no reason that a parent can’t bring her child to the nearest barangay health center.

Paulina also believes that there are no side effects.

Measles is so highly contagious that before there was vaccination, for every case of measles, nine-out-of-ten people exposed would end up getting measles. It’s that contagious.

To intensify the campaign, village health workers do house to house info drive to urge parents to have their children immunized against measles in any government health center.

The message: Measles is a highly contagious disease and fatal.

“Although it is not a forced vaccine program,” said Paulina. “It’s up to the parents to have their children vaccinated.”

Personally, my nephews and niece had Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) shots and I didn’t see any signs of “plastic immunity” in them. I hope there’s nothing to worry.

Most of the parents fear that vaccination may cause further complications as children will develop “plastic immunity.” But I think there’s a little evidence on it. If the children are healthy or no serious health concerns, they should be vaccinated.

In the Philippines, there is a massive campaign and constant health education programs that are being conducted especially those who reportedly refused to accept immunization because of their belief.  These people may not be compelled to undergo immunization, but they were told to also consider the welfare of others.

 I don’t have kids but if ever I have kids I will make sure they would receive anti-measles and polio vaccinations. I don’t hear serious side effects from being immunized but I heard some deaths because of the complications from measles. We don’t know when an outbreak occur, prevention is better than cure.

I was thinking measles outbreak can only happen in developing countries like Philippines. While Philippines is aiming for a measles-free country, the US has growing unvaccinated people.

Immunization has saved more lives in Philippines in the last 10 years than any other health measure. If we can do it here in the Philippines, other countries can.

Things to do on Valentine’s Day in Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Scene: United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg visited Bohol on Thursday to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the implementation of development projects in Tagbilaran City. He was welcomed by PA Ae Damalerio and Rep. Art Yap at the Tagbilaran Airport. Ambassador Goldberg was also welcomed by Gov. Edgar Chatto and other officials at the Bohol Tropics. The MOU, which picked Tagbilaran under the Cities Development Initiatives, was signed by Mayor John Geesnell Yap II and Gloria Steele of the US Agency for International Development.

 

MGen Jet Velarmino, AFP and PSSupt Dennis Agustin
honor the fallen 44 at Camp Dagohoy.  -LPU

Scene: MGen Jet Velarmino and PSSupt Dennis Agustin led the offering of flowers and lighting of candles for the fallen 44 at Camp Francisco Dagohoy on Thursday. “For all of us who remain, may their legacy of bravery and courage in sacrificing their lives serve as a beacon of hope in our country’s pursuit of peace and justice. May their dedication to service serve as an example to all Filipinos,” read the statement of the BPPO. Meanwhile, PPSupt Agustin has designed his own kayak for the fallen 44. The kayak has colors red and black and has markings “Fallen 44.” “It’s one way of my expression in support and sympathy to the fallen 44. Sa akin lang yun. Personal lang yun. Mahilig rin tayo sa sports. When doing sports, nasa puso pa rin  natin mga kaibigan mga comrades natin. Mahilig tayo sa kayak ..  naka-pag soul search tayo nakapag-isip nakapagcontemplate, at the same time expression ko lang yun,” PPSupt Agustin said.   

 

Scene: Feliz compleaños to erstwhile Tagbilaran Mayor Joe Torralba, Walter Toston, Dr. Cyrilda Tallo, Maximiel, Feb. 9; former Tagbilaran City Councilor Ann Mariquit Oppus, Feb. 10; Atty. Zoilo Dejaresco, Jr., Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim, Lloyd Guttierez and Dr. Antonio Porticos, Feb. 11; Raul Gatal, Feb. 12; Valentino Gamutin, Atty. Handel Lagunay, Joselino Baritua, Gary Silagan and Fr. Val Pinlac, Feb. 14; Melchor Daniel, Feb. 15; Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag, Louella Husain and Tagbilaran City Councilor Lucille Yap-Lagunay, Feb. 17; Fr. Joe Sumampong, Feb. 20; Gov. Edgar Chatto, Feb. 21; and Fiel Angeli Gabin and Dr. Jojo Maniwan, Feb. 24.

 

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Love is in the air.

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, VRS has tracked down the Valentine's Day destinations in Bohol for traditional and new holiday ideas for lovers.

 

 

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg visits Bohol.-LPU

CHAP, for adrenaline junkies

 If the thought of a candlelit meal or spa treatment has you tapping your Nike with boredom, bond over a shared challenge this Valentine’s Day. The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) has The Rush, Islands in the Sky, Burma Loops and Planks, Earthquake and Vine Walk.  The adventure course trails that will test your strength, endurance, strategy and patience and it will test your relationships, too! Don’t forget to experience the authentic Boholano cuisines at Cuisina ni Tisay!

 

Sagbayan Peak, for fairytale lovers

Different animals and Disney characters can be found at the Sagbayan Peak. There’s a mini-castle to free your imagination as you and your beloved roam its medieval turrets. You can play Rapunzel or you can ask the seven dwarves or Snow White for some tips on how live happily ever after.  

 

Morning Hills, for nature lovers/stargazers

The universe is vast, but somehow you found each other. The Morning Hills in Loay town is ideal place for contemplating your place in the cosmos. It’s ideal also to visit the place at daytime to love nature.

 

Provincial Library, for bookworms

If your love bloomed over torrid prose and pub philosophy, then you need a break with intellectual clout. Visit the Provincial Library to feed your mind. Since February 14 falls on a Saturday this year, the library is open half-day.

 

Choco shop, for Choco lovers

Chocolate's a classic for Valentine's Day. Buy it for your spouse, your significant other, your kids, your parents. Visit the Chocoreich Cafe which offers you the chance to sit down and indulge in hot chocolate, baked chocolate treats, and chocolate candy, while on the premise. Always busy and always delicious, Tambahayan Cafe (along Maria Clara Street) is the perfect tambahayan for Valentine's couples.

 

There are plenty of things to do on Feb. 14! –LPU

Dinner menus, for food lovers

What better way to celebrate with your significant other than sharing a romantic meal? Yes, visit the Bohol Bee Farm and The Buzz for all-organic food.  Have an intimate dinner at Panglao Island Nature Resort, Amorita, Amarella, South Palms and Astoria. Bring your someone special to Gerarda’s, Garden Cafe, Payag Restaurant, Dong Juan (at Luisa Galleria), The Prawn Farm (at Island City Mall) and RaiRai Ken (at Island City Mall). For best ambiance, bring your date at Cafe Lawis in Dauis (beside the Dauis church) for a complete dinner set for two. Make sparks fly no matter your budget at the city at  Aubrey's BBQ Hauz (flavored by Nanay Mary Garcia) at Mansasa Junction (“Chicken Paa for only 60 pesos. We also accept packaged orders on Valentine’s Day,” says Leslie Ramirez) and Acacia de Bubu (Burgos cor Butalid St.) for yummy barbecue!

 

Single on Valentine’s Day?  There’s no need for a firing squad! In Bohol, there are plenty of things to do solo on Feb. 14. Watch movies, eat pizza, read books and swim in the beach.

 

Other places to explore on a date: K of C Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran Plaza.

 

Whether you're in love with love or anti–V-Day, celebrate V-Day with your own style.

 

Remember, saying ‘I love you’ doesn’t have to cost anything.

 

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Benjie and Joan Oliva have baby Edelle Ross baptized

 

New parents former NYC Commissioner Benjie Oliva and lawyer Joan Jagonos christened their daughter Baby Edelle Ross, on Jan. 25, at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus Church in Pasay City.

 

The family shared special family photos via Facebook Saturday.

 

“We are beyond grateful dear God for our princess is a gift from above. We pray for strength and wisdom to train her in the way she should go. Give us patience and joyful hearts. Let us, parents and godparents, be an example of Your love and forgiveness. We thank you Father for the honor of being her parents,” Benjie captioned the photo album.

 

Baby Edelle Ross with her parents Benjie and Joan Oliva
with godfather Dingdong Dantes who promised
 to guide his friends’ daughter in her spiritual life.
 –Courtesy: Oliva Family

The three-month-old was well-behaved and half-asleep as the priest baptised her. “We welcome you into the Christian world,” said the priest, as Joan cradled Edelle Ross in her arms.

 

As previously reported, Benjie and Joan chose their nearest and dearest to act as Edelle Ross’ godparents.   Actor and NYC Commissioner DingDong Dantes was one of the godparents who stepped forward during the service and promised to support his goddaughter throughout her life.

 

Benjie and Dingdong are now officially mag-kumpare.

 

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

EJ’s take on Miss U

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Two international cruise ships makes a port call in the island of Bohol in the Philippines, the MS Europa and MS Minerva. MS Europa, the best cruise ship in the world according to Ward-Ranking and Berlitz, visited Bohol last Wednesday. The 339 passengers visited the Chocolate Hills and Panglao. Others joined the "Community Life Tour" in Maribojoc town where they interacted with the locals. Another luxury ship MS Minerva arrived in Bohol on Friday. The 293 passengers had enjoyed the countryside tour. "It is a very good sign and I see 2015 will be a rosy year for the province of Bohol," said Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus of the Bohol Tourism Office. 

 

The visits of luxury ships MS Europa
and MS Minerva are good signs for Bohol,
 according to Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus. –LPU

Seen: President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new RTC judges in the province of Bohol: Lindecita Cabaron Arcamo of Branch 1, Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and former Tagbilaran vice mayor Jorge D. Cabalit of Branch 48, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

 

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Pinoys fans were shocked and saddened when Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, the Philippines’ bet to the 63rd Miss Universe pageant, failed to make it to the pageant’s Top 5.

 

Many Filipinos were expecting Lastimosa would surpass the successes of her last four predecessors in Miss Universe – Venus Raj, fourth  runner-up to Ximena Navarrete of Mexico;  Shamcey Supsup, third runner-up to Leila Lopes of Angola; Janine Tugonon, first runner-up to Olivia Culpo of USA; and Ariella Arida, third runner-up to Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.

 

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega won the crown, followed by USA, Ukraine, Netherlands and Jamaica.

 

Filipino fans remained supportive of Lastimosa in her quest to bring home the Miss Universe crown, some Pinoy fans traveled to the US just to support her including our very own fashion icon EJ Relampagos who was at the International University Arena in Doral, Miami, Florida, USA.

 

“I'm on a cloud 9,” shared EJ who witnessed the pageant for the first time. “I intended not to bring my tab because I want to feel this experience to the bones. I got more than what I expected, I did not just feel it, I learned a lot.”

 

Fashion icon EJ Relampagos on MJ  Lastimosa
 during the 63^rd Miss
Universe: “MJ did her best!’ Courtesy: EJ Relampagos/MissUniverse

EJ said that Paulina Vega of Colombia was a clear winner the moment the candidates stepped on stage. “She was head to foot a beauty queen,” admired EJ.

 

The costume, a floral piece reportedly inspired by the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, (with many netizens comparing it to a birthday cake with its floral design) designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza, was poorly received by Filipino fans. Some couldn't help express their disappointment with her national costume.

 

EJ said MJ was able to carry the dress well.

 

“MJ did her best. Her gown is not ugly, however, it just did not compliment her height and figure,” shared EJ.

 

What if EJ were to do the national costume for Miss Philippines for the Miss Universe?

 

“I would want a halter serpentina gown in nude gold embellished with crystals on vertical patterns from neck all the way to the hem to make her look slim and tall, with a keyhole cleavage showing chest and a slit on the mid front to let her walk with ease,” said EJ. “This will surely compliment her skin tone, will make her look tall and slim... stunning!”

 

But EJ said he wanted to see Miss Philippines wearing a gown and a costume done by a Filipino designer.

 

EJ Relampagos and other Pinoy fans
watch the 63^rd Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA,
 to support Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa in her quest
to bring home the Miss Universe crown. Courtesy: EJ Relampagos

“This experience taught me a lot of things I want to share with my fellow Filipinos, especially the Boholanos. It’s time to step up our game... we can do it,” stressed EJ.

 

Added EJ: “I have learned that if you will go to a competition like Miss Universe, it’s not enough to be only prepared in all aspects. The preparation should be done right in every element! Be effectively and efficiently prepared.”

 

Traveling is broadening one’s knowledge and EJ knows that too well.

 

***

Bohol policemen wear black ribbons

in honor of fallen PNP-SAF members

 

The country is mourning for the 44 elite commandos who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. The SAF units fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country. 

 

Flags flew at half-mast across the Philippines on Friday as the entire country observed a national day of mourning.

 

In Bohol, the Philippine, Bohol and Tagbilaran City flags flown at half-mast at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City. The Philippine flag inside Camp Francisco Dagohoy was at half-mast since Monday.

 

Members of the PNP-Bohol were wearing a black ribbon around their badge to honor and remember the fallen 44.

 

Bohol observes the National Day of Mourning
 to honor and remember the 44 members of PNP-SAF
who died last week in Maguindanao. –LPU/GMANews

“We honor and remember the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who died in line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25,” said SPO4 Geronimo Conarco of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of the Bohol Provincial Police Office.

 

SPO4 Conarco said it is their simple way of honoring their brothers in the PNP and their way of expressing sympathy and condolences to their bereaved family.

 

Another citizen JP Maslog offered candles and flowers at the Camp Franciso Dagohoy on Friday night in honor of the Fallen 44.

 

“We will never forget,” said JP on Facebook.

 

Former Tagbilaran City councilor Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus also shared on Facebook her insights: “Call it coincidence, but yesterday, via mail, I got hold of the December 2014 issue of the Cavalier, the official publication of the PMA Alumni Association. We get it every month and is rather routinary. But yesterday was quite different- sent jitters! It came when we, former dependents of SAF members, couldn't help but silently "feel the pain" and say a prayer. And what was written all over the cover page : "Hurdling the obstacles to Peace". What a hurdle, that was! Inside, I read the President's corner, and I quote: " But peace is elusive nowadays. While most of our people sleep soundly on Christmas Eve, the men and women in the uniformed service stay awake as duty calls for most to be away from their families, to serve and protect the people. We do not want peace that is based on a yearly tradition of truce when fighting is just suspended for a while, but after the holidays return to the usual not-so- peaceful routine," Cav Robert Arevalo '85. Then the Article of Cav Fredelino Bautista '66 said: " Let it not be said that it is the armed services that are the obstacles. It is the men in uniform who die, who get maimed, who leave widows and orphans, many of whom are cavaliers. How many more of our young cavaliers who are in the forefront of preserving the peace shall make the ultimate sacrifice before lasting peace is attained? Therefore, let those who profess that they want peace, prove it, in deeds, not in words." Indeed!”

 

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

Miss Colombia wins Miss Universe 2014

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, 22, was named 2014’s Miss Universe! After a rigorous competition starting with 88 girls from around the world showing off their stunning beauty and talent at the FIU Arena in Miami, Florida, the stunner went home the ultimate winner over Miss USA Nia Sanchez!

Photo by Alexander Tamargo
 / Getty Images North America / AFP

Miss Jamaica was the top trend on Twitter towards the end of the competition, so viewers were really loving her.

Miss Spain was the top trend earlier in the night, but didn’t make it into the top 5.

Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa was on top 10 but failed to make it to the final 5.

Miss Congeniality Universe was Miss Nigeria, Miss Photogenic Universe was Miss Puerto Rico, and Best National Costume was Miss Indonesia.

This is the full list of winners.

Miss Universe: Colombia

1st runner-up: USA Nia Sanchez

2nd runner-up: Ukraine Ukraine Diana Harkusha

3rd runner-up: Netherlands Yasmin Verheijin

4th runner-up: Jamaica Kaci Fennel

National Costume: Indonesia

Miss Congeniality: Nigeria

Miss Photogenic: Puerto Rico

Rivermaya and Paolo Valenciano Live at Ubay Gym

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Congratulations to the selected OMG models Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas, Neil Namuag and Adelyn Joy Esclamado for  2015-2016. The contract signing was held yesterday, Jan. 24, witnessed by Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal, Roger Gatal, Nikki Gatal-Quintia, Pam Marzon and other OMG members.

 

Scene: The 15^th Ubi Festival was held on Jan. 21-23 to “venerate” the most important rootcrop in the province of Bohol. “We are holding the ubi festival to promote the products, the marginalized products of the farmers, to showcase to the community that ubiis unique in the province of Bohol and to promote the industry in order that it will become larger part of the high value crops in the province of Bohol,” said Larry Pamugas of the Provincial Agriculture Office. “This time, few farmers are going back to the farm, only few young people are going back to the farm, I hope this is a avenue to invite farmers to plant more ubi in Bohol.” Pamugas also said that climate change has affected the ubi production in Bohol. “One of the reasons why the harvest of ubi in the province now is (low) due to the impact of climate change. With that we hope we can innovate technologies that ubi can still survive even with the change of the climate.”

 

Seen: Spotted in Doral Miami, Florida in USA is fashion icon EJ Relampagos. EJ will be watching the 63^rd Miss Universe. The pageant night is on Jan. 25 (Jan. 26 Manila time, to be aired live on ABS-CBN).

 

***

Multi-platinum-selling rock band Rivermaya goes live at Ubay gymnasium on Jan. 28.

 

Catch Rivermaya and Paolo Valenciano\
 on Jan. 28 in Ubay town.

Rivermaya is one of the most significant Pinoy rock bands in the Philippines. Formed in 1994, it is one of the several bands which spearheaded the ’90s Philippine alternative rock explosion.

 

Rivermaya is composed of Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar, Japs Sergio, Ryan Peralta and Norby David. Rivermaya popularized chart-busting songs Ulan, Kisapmata and Himala.

 

Joining Rivermaya in the concert is Filipino music royalty Paolo Valenciano who is giving OPM a new twist.

 

Tickets to Rock and Rebuild 2 are priced at P300; P500; P1,000 (VIP); and P1, 500 (VVIP).

 

For details, call/text 0939-765-4093, buy your tickets at Tngardz Bicycle Supply, DPWH-Ubay, Ubay Parish Office, Van Trading Ubay and Omie Fashion Hauz in Talibon.

 

Produced by Bohol 2^nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado, the concert will again be a vehicle to raise funds for Ubay Pastoral Parish Council.

 

“Part 2 is back to back live band/disco sponsored by Colt 45. Proceeds of the disco will dole out for the expenses,” said Van Delima of Van Trading, one of the sponsors of the concert.

 

Added Van: “Don’t miss the chance of lifetime!”

 

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Encounter with Pope Francis strengthens faith

 

Many Filipinos braved the crowd and the weather to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and be blessed by the Pope during the pontiff's five-day visit to the country. 

 

Pope Francis has lunch with some Yolanda typhoon
 and Bohol earthquake survivors at the archbishopric in
 Palo, Leyte on January 17.  Photo shows Salome Israel
receives a blessing from Pope Francis with
Saturnino Barace, Jr and Niza Flores (partly hidden)
and other Yolanda survivors.  \Courtesy: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Even though Pope Francis had to rush back to Manila from Leyte as gales from Storm Amang picked up, forcing him to shorten his visit to Leyte by four hours, he managed to have a quick lunch with several survivors of super typhoon Yolanda and Bohol strong earthquake.

 

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila who joined the lunch, recalled that he had asked the Pope whether he wanted to say something to the survivors. “But what can we say?” The Pope responded. “Before these 30 survivors, he himself was reduced to silence,” Tagle said in an interview.

 

The five Boholano survivors who had lunch with Pope Francis described it as "a blessing and meaningful experience." 

 

“Very happy, very luck to meet the Pope,” said Shirley Bongay of Loon. “I can’t describe my feelings. I felt enthusiastic. I was enlightened by the Holy Spirit with mixed emotions.”

 

Saturnino Barace Jr of Antequera shared that he found consolation in Pope Francis’ presence. “Nalipay ug minggaan ang akong pamati.”

 

“Malipayun mi nga among gikasalo si Pope Francis sa lunch bisan kadiyot ra nga higayun apan malipayun gihapun mi kay iya man ta gi-bless tanan,” said Niza Flores of Sagbayan. “Giapil kitang tanan sa iyang panalangin, mao kitang tanan nakadawat sa iyang panalangin.”

 

Salome Israel of Tubigon shared that she was moved by Pope Francis’ presence, stating that the pontiff spoke to them “heart-to-heart.”

 

“Our meeting with the Pope was once in a lifetime. Dako kaayo ang impact niya sa akong life. Kana bitaw moestorya siya nimo eye to eye contact nga naa jud listening ears, then he responded,” said Salome. “He gives me strength to move on.”

 

Veneranda Gentallan on meeting
Pope Francis: ‘I knelt down for his blessing
and I even kissed his shoes.’ While another
Boholano survivor Shirley Bongay looks on.
Courtesy: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

Salome was able to give the nipa hut souvenir and my personal letter to Pope Francis. Confirmed! Confirmed!

 

For Veneranda Gentallan of Maribojoc meeting the Pope was a blessing. When it was her turn to meet the Pope, she knelt down and kissed the papal shoes while crying. 
“All of them had kissed the Pope’s hand. Pero ako na wala ko ka-kiss sa iyang kamot. Kay sa hunahuna nako ‘sa ubos lang ko unya siya sa taas’. Mingkalit lang ko luhod sa iyang atubangan. Minghilak nako, ug akong gihagkan iyang sapatos,” said Veneranda. “Iya ko gitindug unya akong nasulti niya nga ‘Salamat Lord, thank you Lord’ while iya kong gi-blessingan.”

 

Asked why she cried when she met the Pope:

 

“Mura jud ko naa sa heaven na! Nga akong hunahuna si Jesus Christ na akong nahimamat. Nice hunahunaun nga gipakita sa Diyos si Jesus Christ thru Santo Padre,” said Veneranda.

 

Veneranda will preserve her dress she was wearing during the luncheon with the pontiff.

 

 “Kini akong sinina nga gisuot kadtong nagkita mi ni Pope Francis, I will preserve this. Dili na ni nako suoton hangtud sa hangtud kay hunahuna nako holy nani. Naapil nani nga holy sukad nagkita mi ni Pope Francis,” shared Veneranda. 

 

How were you blessed by the pope?

 

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