AR de la Serna gears up for 1st Mister Supra ● ‘Pinoy Aquaman’ conquers Canigao Channel

The Philippines's bet AR dela Serna is now currently in Nowy Sacz in Poland for the 1st Mister Supranational pageant, to be held on December 3 (December 4, Philippine time) at the Miejski Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji (Hall of Sports).

AR, 23, hopes to become the country's first Mister Supranational titleholder.

AR has arrived in the city of Krynica-Zdrój in Poland last Wednesday night (Nov. 23, Thursday morning, Philippine time) for the pageant's preliminary events and activities, such as top model runway, photo and video challenges.

Mister Supranational-Philippines 2016 AR dela Serna, 

our bet in the Mister Supranational pageant, 

is now in Poland deadest on bringing home the country’s f

irst Mister Supranational title. Courtesy: AR dela Serna  

"It is very cold here," AR told VRS on Facebook chat.

And it gets even busier. In the coming days, AR will participate in a number of much-anticipated events such as the talent show, preview and contestant interviews.  Preliminary competitions will be held also in Slovakia on Nov. 27-29.

AR said he is ready for the pageant. In the weeks after he won Mister of Filipinas’ Mister Supranational, AR underwent courses on personality development and public speaking, attended Polish language classes, did rigid gym workouts, fielded incisive questions during interviews, took up good-grooming lessons  and took (pieces of) advice from colleagues and mentors on how to keep that “winning/fighting” spirit up.

“I've been training for quite some time. I'm only gonna be showcasing who I am. As I represent the country. I assure everyone that I am prepared to represent the country,” AR said.

AR, the first Mister Supranational Philippines, is among pageant enthusiasts' favorites to enter the Mister Supranational.

“I've set my life towards the goal.  I've kept a very healthy lifestyle,” he said.

The live televised event will be held at the Miejski Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji (MOSIR), Krynica’s main events venue with capacity for 3,000 people.  The production promises to be a total success.

(Note: To help AR to win the premier edition of Mister Supranational, you need to download the MobStar app. If he gets the MobStar People’s Choice Award, he would easily advance in the semifinal round during the finals night!)

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‘Pinoy Aquaman’ swims Bohol to Leyte

Harold Bernales didn’t miss the chance to witness the historic swim of environmental- triathlete lawyer Ingemar Macarine, also known as the “Pinoy Aquaman,” on Sunday morning (Nov. 20), on his attempt to cross the Canigao Channel.

Bernales, 14, said he heard about Macarine’s feat on open sea swimming here and abroad.

“It was my chance to see him,” he said.

Lawyer Ingemar Macarine has attempted the first ever crossing of the Canigao Channel on Sunday. His non-stop and unassisted swim started from Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Island to Maasin City, Southern Leyte. The Canigao Channel swim has a total of 17 kilometer distance.  -Leo Udtohan

He accompanied his father, Paquito, who was the boatman of the escort boat.

Macarine’s attempt to cross the Canigao Channel was organized by Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes.

He aimed at raising awareness of the need to promote clean seas and Ubay tourism.

“I am promoting tourism in Ubay Bohol, and for clean seas and beaches,” Macarine said.

After applying sunblock lotion, he took time to pray Psalm 23.

Pinoy Aquaman with  Leyte residents at Guadalupe Port. /Leo Udtohan

At 6:06 a.m. on Sunday, Macarine started his swim from Barangay Tugas in the island municipality of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (CPG) to Maasin City, Southern Leyte, which is part of the Canigao Channel. The swim would cover a total of 17 kilometer distance.

He said strong waves and currents kept pulling him off course so he had to change direction.

“The first 10 kilometer was a very rough swim while the last seven kilometer was swim against strong current,” said Macarine.

At 12:30 p.m., Macarine reached the Guadalupe Port in Maasin City, a total of six hours and 37 minutes swim of the 17 kilometer distance between CPG and Maasin City.

“I hope this swim will inspire our kababayan from Maasin City and from Bohol, and of course, all over the Philippines to take care more of our marine environment,” Macarine said.

At Guadalupe Port, he was met by residents to have photo ops with him.

Resident Elizabeth Ibale, 66, said it was his first time to know that someone could actually swim from Bohol to Leyte.

Lawyer Ingemar Macarine is the first person to swim from Bohol to Leyte. /Leo Udtohan

“Bilib ko sa iyang abilidad nga first ko nakakita og tawo  nga grabe ang langoy  tiaw bang harang layua..grabeh oi,” she said.

Macarine said he plans to return to the United Kingdom to swim the English Channel which was aborted last August due to bad weather.

“I will be back to do the English Channel this coming September 2017. Last August 2016, this year, I was in UK for two months but I was not able to swim the English Channel because of the bad weather.  I hope next year, to try again. So, this is actually part of my training,” he said.

He said he will swim Camiguin to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental on January 17.

Macarine has conquered seas in the United States of America and Philippines. He was selected as one of the three Heroes of the Environment for 2015 by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).

Macarine, 40, who hails from Surigao, is currently the election officer of Tubigon, in Bohol province.

***

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Vivoree’s grand homecoming

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The open-forum and actual ocular inspection of the unfinished and abandoned school building by the provincial lawmakers in Hingotanan Island in Bien Unido. Bohol Vice-Gov. Dionisio Dajalos Balite, Ph.D. led the fact-finding delegation with board members Niño Rey Boniel, Dionisio Victor Balite, Tommy Abapo Jr., Agapito Cañas Avenido and Benjie Arcamo. 

The first Mister Supranational 

Philippines 2016 AR dela Serna

 is off to Poland this week deadset 

on bringing home the first Mister 

Supranational title.  

Courtesy: Eric Esperal/Misters of Filipinas 

Scene:  The first Mister Supranational Philippines 2016 AR dela Serna is ready to capture the first Mister Supranational title.  This week, AR will leave for Poland.  His physical transformation vividly shows his sheer discipline and strong-willed determination in achieving his ultimate goal in the highly anticipated male beauty-battle in the world. “I've been training for quite some time. I'm only gonna be showcasing who I am. As I represent the country. I assure everyone that I am prepared to represent the country,” AR told VRS.

Scene: Pinoy Aquaman lawyer Ingemar Macarine will cross the 17 km. Canigao Channel today by swimming solo and unassisted from Brgy. Tugas, in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Island to Maasin City, Southern Leyte. The swim is organized by the Municipality of Ubay courtesy of Mayor Constantino Reyes to promote tourism in Ubay and for cleaner seas.

***

The "Go Getter Girl ng Bohol" Maria Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito was finally home in Bohol last Friday.

It's been two months since Vivoree was a housemate of the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Lucky Season 7 on ABS-CBN, and her busy schedule has kept her from leaving Manila.

Vivoree, who was wearing “I love Bohol” shirt, was all smiles as fans gave her a very warm welcome. She was excited to see Bohol once again and thank all of her kababayans who supported her all the way.

At the airport, fans were plenty and support was overwhelming.

Greater happiness, however, exuded from her face when she got home in Loon town.  Reuniting with her family, whom she has not seen for two months, was the highlight of Vivoree’s trip to her hometown.

Former PBB Lucky Seven housemate Vivoree Esclito

with her high school teacher Butch Bernas, Ph.D. 

at the Tagbilaran City Science High School during 

her homecoming to Bohol. Contributed Photo

Another teen housemate, Fenech Veloso, also comes from Loon.

Bohol cultural icon Reigh Monreal posted on Facebook that  Vivoree is a cousin of FEU Tamaraws' Francis Matutes Tamsi, son of Bohol's Kundiman Diva Ammie Matutes Tamsi.

In Loon town, she visited Loon South Sentral Elem. School where she met by her former teachers, classmates and fans.  Special Education students of Loon Central Elementary School were eagerly waiting in front of their dormitory for Vivoree.

In Tagbilaran City, she also met her classmates and teachers at Tagbilaran City Science High School.

Vivoree’s high school teacher Butch Bernas, Ph.D., said he was surprised of Vivoree’s transformation-- from being shy to confident.

“Yet she remains very humble,” said Butch. “She was one of my talented students,” he added.

An aspiring singer, Vivoree said last August that she joined the reality show to help overcome her insecurities about her looks.  She said she was often teased as "balbon" by her peers. She said that by being more confident in herself, she can freely pursue her dream to perform in front of an audience.

Lawyer Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine 

with Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes. Macarine 

will swim solo the Canigao Channel from Pres. Carlos P. Garcia

 Island to Southern Leyte today.  Contributed Photo

During her stint at the reality show, she was romantically linked with Filipino-Italian Marco Gallo. 

Vivoree was evicted from the PBB during the live 6th elimination night on Oct. 22. She got the lowest votes among those who were nominated for eviction.

However, she continues her TV guestings on ABS-CBN with Marco.

Continue to be brave and beautiful, said Big Brother.

***

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Wake-upper:

Scene: Donald John Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States last Tuesday in a stunning culmination of an explosive, populist and polarizing campaign. On Election Night, however, Trump’s star became the site of a victory party. Supporters gathered at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, chanting “U-S-A!” and wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. The star had been defaced several times over the course of the election.

***

The story of hair and beauty guru Bebei Tagoctoc is a ‘hairy’ kind of success story at all.

Bebei Tagoctoc is known as the "Mother of All Hair 

and Make-up Artists in Bohol" who

 started as utility boy at a small beauty parlor 

and working his way to the top. Contributed Photo

Bebei, the "Mother of All Hair and Make-up Artists in Bohol," started as utility boy at a small beauty parlor (called Blue Petals) inside the old BQ Mall, working his way to the top.

"At 15, I dropped out at school," recalled Bebei.  “I am a firm believer of education, but I had to stop from my studies because of poverty.”

It was at the Blue Petals’ beauty parlor where Bebei’s talents was enhanced and developed.  He decided to apprentice in that Blue Petals where he started as a mere parlor sweeper, then eventually became a manicurista, a neophyte hairdresser and a make-up artist.

In 1987, Bebei opened his salon on CPG Avenue, consisting of a wall mirror, a shampoo chair, a bowl, and a dryer. It wasn’t much, but to Bebei it meant everything, as it was something he could call his own. It was Jun Quimpan, Bebei’s partner, who encouraged and helped him to establish his own salon.

Due to unavoidable circumstances, Bebei’s salon transferred to Lambert’s Building along Ma. Clara Street, then finally settled at K of C Drive.  However, his loyal clients continue to hire his services.

Twenty-nine years later, Bebei has become an institution in his own right, sought-after by the clients, mostly the who’s who in Tagbilaran, who submit themselves wholeheartedly to his "magic touch" which sometimes transforms them into completely new and different personalities, beautiful inside and out.

Name a who’s who and a star and Bebei has touched her:  Christine Hermosa, Piolo Pascual, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Jericho Rosales, Philippine top models, when they came to Bohol.  Bebei was tasked to touch their delicate faces.  In 2005, when Miss Earth candidates came to Bohol, Bebei was hired as the official make-up artist.

Bebei said he has never snubbed a client since he knew how to deal clients with tantrums.

“As possible, I please them,” he said.

Coming out

Bebei starts his day very early by praying. Then, he does prepare for the salon at K of C Drive.

Bebei Tagoctoc has become an institution in 

his own right that clients like couple Harold and 

Agnes Jesuro trust Couple Harold and Agnes Jesuro 

seeks Bebei’s Hair and Make-up and Rental Packages

 for their wedding last June. Contributed Photo

Everyday is a busy day. If he’s not at his salon, he’s somewhere else doing home service for a bride and her entourage. He also designs gowns.

Bebei was one of a handful few “bayots” in the city who came out in early ‘60s.  He said “coming out” in those years was a suicide.

Even as a kid, Bebei knew he was gay. He would draw faces, figures and fashion designs on his notebooks.  He liked dolls.

“It was something a near to death experience when you were coming out. It was a moment to see if society accepts my true identity or not,” he shared.

Bebei has experienced different layers of discrimination throughout his life- for his sexuality. Each time, he shrugs it off.

“I let them go,” he said, “I am not the one who is kawawa. I know myself.”

He said being a Marian devotee has helped him to conquer obstacles in life. He owns a Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrow) statue after he was inspired during his many visits at the St. Joseph Cathedral. The statue of the Mater Dolorosa at the Cathedral was donated by the late Charing Dejaresco.

“I like the Dolorosa’s teary-eyed and I felt her love for me,” he said.

Bebei’s life story was featured on GMA’s Jessica Soho Reports. It was no less than multi-awarded journalist Jessica Soho called Bebei as “Ricky Reyes of Bohol.”

‘Mothering’

Bebei spends much of his time “mothering” to other “bayots” who asked his help. Even Lamok, who once dubbed the “Beautiful Boxer”, could testify Bebei’s good heart. It was Bebei who adopted him when he was down.

As of this year, Bebei has two adopted “badings”. He may not have completed his education but he is sending them to college.

President-elect Donald Trump’s star, which 

had been defaced several times over 

the course of the election, becomes

 the site of a victory party. 

Supporters gathered at his star on

 the Hollywood Walk of Fame, chanting 

“U-S-A!” and wearing “Make America Great Again”

 hats. Your VRS’s 2015 photo at the star 

of the 45^th president of USA. 

“I told them to finish school for a bright future,” he said.

Bebei said he has no plan to stop working, not yet.

“I don’t have any plans to stop working, or to stop helping,” he said.  “I love what I am doing with the love of the people.”

Come to think of it, if he were not a hair and make-up artist, what would he have been?

"A teacher," said Bebei. "I love to teach."

But with what he’s doing, Bebei has more than achieved that dream.

***

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Boholana beauty queen dies after cancer battle

Wake-uppers:

Seen: The homecoming of Mr. Supranational-Philippines 2016 AR dela Serna during the 120th birthday commemoration of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia last Friday (Nov. 4). AR received a special citation from the provincial government of Bohol headed by Gov. Edgar Chatto.  It was AR’s first visit to Bohol after winning  the Misters of Filipinas-Supranational 2016 held last Sept. 18.  AR will represent the Philippines in the inaugural edition of Mister Supranational in Poland on Dec. 3, 2016. 

Regil Gucor is rubbing elbows with 

Mr. Supranational-Philippines 2016 

AR dela Serna during the 

120th birthday commemoration of Pres. 

Carlos P. Garcia.  Contributed Photo

Scene:  The 1st National Earthkeepers (Ek) Summit on Nov. 10 to 13 in Bohol. Frence Boiser of the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCA) said more than 150 youth leaders from all over the Philippines and invited international delegates will gather for the 1st EK Summit in Bohol ahead of the talks for the annual Conference of Parties (COP22) in Morocco.

Scene:  Ariel Fullido, manager of CenterStage Band, announced on Facebook that the band has new singer. He said CenterStage band has welcomed back its former vocalist Charisse Mae, who is still fresh from a singing stint in South Korea. He posted on Facebook, “She will rejoin the band replacing Jussica Villaflores who will take a hiatus for a while after her doctor advices her to take a long rest to fully recover from laryngitis. Beauty titlist/model Frances Montejo will temporarily be kept as reserved singer as she will focus on her studies in the second semester at HNU. But with mainstay veteran singers Yeyet and Riza, Charisse will complement the powerhouse vocals of CenterStage band.” Charisse Mae had her comeback performance last Friday during the 33rd Annual Visayas Area Convention of Geodetic Engineers on Alona Kew White Beach in Panglao town.

Scene:  Rotarian Andreimarie Thurman posted on Facebook:  "There are special people in our lives who never leave us …. even after they are gone. Rest in peace our beloved founder, Dr. Luther Z. Ramiro. He peacefully passed away, early this Sunday morning, Oct. 30, 2016. Thank you for touching many lives Dr. Lu, you will live forever in the hearts of grateful Rotarians and all people dedicated to service above self.”

***

Boholana beauty queen Marcelina Marcel Gatal-Diego, who was named Miss Young Bohol 1983, died Wednesday afternoon after a long bout with breast cancer.  She was 53.  

“At around three o'clock today, All Souls’ Day, our eldest Ate Marcel Gatal- Diego lost her three year battle with breast cancer,” her younger brother Raul wrote on Facebook.

Former beauty queen and entrepreneur 

Marcelina Marcel Gatal-Diego 

did her ‘farewell walk’ after 

battling with breast cancer. 

Contributed Photo

Her death was also confirmed by fellow beauty queen Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin who expressed her shock and sadness at her death on social media.

“Another beautiful angel has gone to the Great Beyond,” said Fiel, who was Miss Tagbilaran 1987.

In 1982, Marcel represented the province of Bohol to the Hiyas ng Silangan-Philippines. She was adjudged Miss Talent and eventually chosen to be in the Top 10 finalists from among 30 candidates from all over the country. In 1983, she was crowned Miss Young Bohol, the precedent of Miss Bohol. 

Her good command of the English language ushered her way to various opportunities, including having been a radio newscaster and a disk jockey of KISS 102.3 FM during her college days at the Divine Word College of Tagbilaran (DWC-T) now Holy Name University.

She was also actively involved in the JCI-Chocolate Hills and in the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP).

Marcel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. In her battle, she had demonstrated extraordinary calm, faith and courage in her fight against cancer as she underwent chemotherapy. However, she opted to choose an alternative medication after chemotherapy killed her other organs.

“Chemo was not meant for her body,” VRS said.

And after a brief remission this year, Marcel did not lose weight, hair, voice and vision. However, she had difficulties in speaking because she developed another cancer--lung cancer.

Her death has left her families, friends and supporters in mourning.  Many of them have lost a part of their hearts.

Marcel’s younger brother Mikey who was about to blow his candle as he celebrated his birthday (Nov. 1 in the US) got a phone call from his sister Nikki.

“I  thought she (Nikki) would say a birthday greetings, but it gave me the sad news that our eldest sister joined our Papa Roger in heaven already and I put on a brave face and held on my tears not to cry on my birthday,” said Mikey.

Charisse Mae is the new vocalist of 

CenterStage band. Contributed Photo

“It's been difficult for all of us during this time of the year. I cried a river, knowing that three of my loved ones died of cancer, Hector, Kevin's mother and now my sister,” he added.

As news of Marcel’s death spread, so did the tributes.

“Rest in the Kingdom of the Lord Marcel: My student and queen,” said Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Ines Batoy-Araneta on Facebook. It was Ardy who discovered and plucked Marcel from anonymity during her student days.

High school classmate Jocelyn Oppus, who is based in Los Angeles, called the news of Marcel’s death “desperately sad.”

“Rest in peace my classmate and volleyball mate...one of the ‘Carnation’ babies,” she said.

Note: Her remains will arrive from Manila for one final viewing on Wednesday, November 9 at the Funeraria Gomez-Udtohan on CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City. Requiem mass and interment has been scheduled on Thursday, November 10.

***

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

Meet Pinoy’s supernatural creatures

Wake-uppers:

Seen: The nine contestants of the Scariest Halloween Costume 2016. The contestants dressed in movie-inspired Halloween outfits, like Valang, Medusa and other evil dead characters. (Nicole Khim Smith of Tan Model Agency who dressed as the horror bride: 'I'll bring you to hell!')

Scene: The Philippines’ Kylie Verzosa, a model from Baguio City, is proclaimed Miss International 2016. The green swimsuit of Miss International 2016 was the creation of  Boholano fashion icon Mikee Andrei.

***

The month of November is always associated with ghouls and spooks since it starts with our observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

Since Halloween, which dates back to Celtic ritual thousands years ago, is just around the corner, all things related to the occasion have been sprouting up.

Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration characterized by child- friendly activities, such as costumes, trick-or-treating, et al.

Last Friday, some people started wearing fearsome costumes and masks to scare the spirits away. The Scariest Halloween Costume contest held at the Island City Mall featured mostly foreign supernatural creatures like Valang, Medusa and a horror bride. The gory scenes where the creature attacks victims are truly heart pounding and scary. There are no cheap scare tactics — only inventive and effective products of creativity.

 I’ve missed those years when Pinoy evil and winged creatures roamed around the mall for us to know our own supernatural creatures. 

Our country has no shortage of supernatural creatures in our local folklore. Meet some of them:

Kalag (Ghosts)-  The restless spirit of a dead person. These ghosts are said to be victims of injustice an or those who have unfinished business. A kalag appears as the mere of silhouette of a person.

Strange noises and infamous headless apparitions of priests and nuns are reported to be seen at the Old Capitol Building.  Until now, some guards and employees swear to hearing strange noises and disturbing shouts. It is believed that the headless ghosts and noises are from the priests and prisoners beheaded during World War II.

Thousands of people of various ages flock to the cemeteries as early as Oct. 31 for the traditional yearly visit to tombs, in loving remembrance of the their departed loved ones.  –Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

In Dampas, Tagbilaran City, the tragedy that took place early January where a family died has contributed to its haunted reputation. Strange sights and sounds are reported at the crime scene. 

Ungo (Monsters)-Refer to any harmful supernatural creature that looks horrifying. There are two kinds of monsters:  wakwak (a bird-like creature with the sound of “wak wak wak”) and kikik (a bird-like creature which is the advanced party of the usikan or sorcerer).

Engkanto – The engkantos are usually described as blond, good-looking, taller than ordinary humans, have high-bridged nose and no philtrum or medial cleft.  They live in large trees, abandoned houses and other places.

In 2002, Toting, a videographer of the then MYK Studio went to Dauis to take video of a lot for sale for his boss’ possible client. The place had trees and tall grasses. When they returned to the office to play the video, the place had many small houses and some unidentified people.

Some residents in Barangay Can-omay in Antequera town testified that Tubod Dako is a dwelling place of the engkantos. The large stone is said to be a palace. In Inabanga town, the Macaban City is known as the place of engkantos.

The balite tree in Cogon is also a big house of an engkanto. The heirs of Ingking, Udtohan, Espejo and Pamaong donated the lot for a wet market. When the bulldozer driver had to create a new road, he saw a large house that he had to change direction. That explained why the road on Tabacco Street going to Pamaong Street is not straight.

The Binayran Road in Barangay Dampas is said to be the most haunted road in Tagbilaran City. Drivers have reported everything from strangely dressed wanderers, to ghosts, to phantom vehicles that chase them to its end.

However, there malevolent engkantos who can take control of a human body. Last month, several students in Sagbayan and Ubay were allegedly possessed by the engkantos. 

White Lady- The white lady is a type of a female ghost dressed in all white reportedly seen in rural areas and associated with some local legend of tragedy.  The poorly lit Mansasa street with huge trees near Mansasa Elem. School has been known to be the home of supernatural beings. A lot of people avoid driving and passing by in this street.  A white lady who hails tricycles in the middle of the night, rides for a short while, and then mysteriously disappears. There are some reported white lady apparitions at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, Tagbilaran City Central Elem. School, the old Divine Word College and University of Bohol S&T Building.  The black and red ladies are the less popular version of the white lady.

Agta- The agtas are tree dwelling, cigar smoking giants!  Agta or kapre is normally described as having a strong smell that would attract human attention.  According to folks, there is agta sighting near Barangay Guinobatan before going to Bien Unido. At night time, someone can see a lit cigar at the mahogany tree.

Demons and evils roam around the Island City Mall for this

 year's scariest Halloween costumes.  –Leo Udtohan/Chronicle 

Tikbalang-The tikbalang appears to be the local counterpart of the mythological centaur. Its upper body is that of a horse, its lower body that of man. Tikbalang nests in the forests and caves.  In Bohol, while the candidates of Miss Trinidad 2002 had their pictorial near the Batunghay Cave, a tikbalang appeared to a barangay kagawad and a person with a third eye. The village councilman said he was surprised to see the tikbalang since he heard about them from his grandfather many years ago. He said his lolo told him that someone can tame a tikbalang when you snatch one of its golden hair. Once you get the golden hair, you get to ask anything you want the tikbalang to do.

Duwende- The duwendes are small people who live in small hills, rivers, shrubs, houses and other places. The duwende is probably the cousin of many other creatures such as dwarf, elf and leprechaun. In Antequera town, people often see tudtud (dwarf-like creatures) in rivers, woods and fields.

Tiyanak- The origin of the tiyanak is unclear but some sources said they are aborted fetuses from mother’s womb who took revenge of not giving them birth, or babies who died before receiving baptism.  The tiyanak can also be the offspring of a woman and a demon.

Most tiyanaks are said to live in forests. If they see a human, they transform into what looks like a normal baby. When the person notices the tiyanak and comes near to take a look at it, the tiyanak changes back to its true form and eats its prey.

Residents near the balite tree near Alsa Baso in Mansasa, Tagbilaran, reported of tiyanak sightings.  A few residents also in Dao District near the transmitter of DYTR seen or heard the tiyanak.

The mantiyanak is the mother who died while pregnant, while a tiyanak is the ghost of the unborn child.

Aurelio Romero Gahit, popular known as “Ondoy Kalag” shared his encounter with the mantiyanak in 1993.  The mantiyanak stirred the villages of Taloto and Booy that people heard the mantiyanak singing lullabies to her baby, causing hair-raising chills and making them trembled in fear. 

Ondoy Kalag who was at the Victoria Memorial Park saw the woman floating in the air. He lost his nerve at the sight of the mantiyanak.

“She appeared to me,” he said. He went to see a Catholic priest and he was told to pray at the grave of the person. After praying, the spirit was gone.

Manananggal- Is one of the most famous mythical creatures in the Philippines.  Many people believe that this creature transforms only by night, half-bat and half-human, and is afraid of the daylight. They would prey on pregnant women using its elongated tongue to snatch the baby from its mother.

The manananggal transforms with the help of a lana (coconut oil) and chants the oracion (Walay Hesus ug Maria or There is no Jesus and Mary) to severe its upper torso, and leave its lower torso.

Some faith healers said that somewhere in Doljo town, in Panglao town, is the resting place of the manananggals who take a rest from a long flight from Mindanao.

However, contrary to what we heard, manananggal has small wings that flip faster with glowing red eyes, sharp teeth and very long fingernails.

Horror Bride/Leo Udtohan

Angkay, a businessman from Tagbilaran City, said he saw mananangal when he brought some tobacco in Samar. Since the Elf canter was filled with tobacco, Angkay and his two friends had to stay at the top of the vehicle. The driver had tied them to secure them from falling down since the travel would take them three to five hours. When they arrived in a town known for kababalaghan, they saw flying creatures that looked like birds. Upon a closer look, they were manananggals.  Angkay said the manananggal is not exclusively female. When the mananggals had to attack them, his friend said an oracion (prayer) and they bounced back as if there was a protection shield. The manananggals disappeared but they came back with stones to throw at them.

Wuwug-It is a self-segmenting viscera-sucker. It separates at the neck and the wingless head hovers off with its entrails dangling in the air, leaving the body behind. A wuwug produces the sound ‘wooohhh wooohhhh.” Wowie, a resident of Barangay Sal-ing in Balilihan town had a close encounter with a wuwug.

He said he went home after attending a village disco that he heard an unfamiliar sound. And when he looked up at the sky, he saw a head floating. He run and hid in coconut tree.

Sigbin- Whether or not you believe in the sigbin, you probably heard that Panglao Island is home of this mythical creature. These sigbins are said to have bring wealth to their owners, as well as allowed them to possess special knowledge in the mystic arts.  Sigbin eats uling (coal) and squash.  The sigbin walks backward with its head behind its knees; it almost looks like a wallaby or kangaroo. They are believed to be fast runners.

Santelmo- The Santelmo or the St. Elmo's Fire is a small fire and staring the fire it turns into a skull.  Filipinos believe that when a man dies while the rain pours, his spirit will stay where the body has been found and eventually his spirit will turn into the so called Santelmo. We would light a candle when there is a corpse found along the streets to release the spirit from its captivity from the real world.

Tambaluslus- Smaller than the agta, they have wide protruding lips like an ape. The creature’s name is derived from this feature which is referred to as ‘luslus’ which means ‘loose and hanging’. Once his lips touch your forehead, you will be in “mino,” the state of being lost as a result of enhancement. The only way to escape it is to take off your clothes and wear them upside-down.

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Some favorite expressions (In Bohol, we don’t say...)

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, is the new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). She took her oath before Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.  Leah Tirol-Magno (of Bohol’s Baking Mama), Macuno’s youngest sister shared on Facebook, “We are very proud of you Anang. Carry on the torch of righteousness and continue to share God's love to His people with this new responsibility He entrusted you.”

Scene: The Dalareich Food Products has won the first BPI Sinag Accelerate Challenge 2016. The program aims to empower up-and-coming enterprises with a social mission through an exclusive series of mentorship programs, said the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ social development arm, BPI Foundation. “God really works in mysterious ways,” said Dalareich Polot.

***

Last week, someone posted on Facebook a list of expressions of Boholanos (In Bohol, we don’t say) which has attracted millennials in the time it was posted and shared on the social media. 

Other Bisdaks who can relate of the expressions have started to make their own by simply changing the name of the province.  They say it is as a way of letting others know how they feel.

Bohol’s chocolate princess Dalareich Polot

 (3^rd from left, with her sister Irene and BPI 

Foundation staff) receives the award for the first. 

BPI Sinag Accelerat Challenge 2016. Contributed Photo

Here are some expressions that you might find interesting and amusing making daily conversations more colorful. Read on.

In Bohol, we don't say, "Ang gwapo niya!" Instead we say, "Sheeet kalami niya"

In Bohol we don't say, "Hi kumusta na?" Instead we say, "Buhi pa diay ka buanga ka? "

In Bohol, we don't say, "Awesome!" Instead we say, "Ataya ato gud?!"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Buti nga sayo" Instead we say, "Dah! Merese! Gabaan ang buang"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Weh? Di nga? Instead we say, "Pagsure ba kay magbiko tag Pink"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Dami mong pera Pare!" Instead we say, "Namayot napud ka gabii no?"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Saan kana?" Instead we say, "Piste oy! Dugay pa?"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Pasensya na po" Instead we say, "Strikto lagi ka sa personal oi"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Excuse me" Instead we say, "Padaplin daw bi"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Ulan na naman" Instead we say, "Managhan nasad ta ani"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Where's my pen?" Instead we say, "Animal ang nagkawat sa akong ballpen!

Mayrag mamatay karun dayun."

In Bohol, we don't say, "Tahimik mo naman" Instead we say, "Pakahoy-kahoy ang buang ohh"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Wag mokong idamay" Instead we say, "ay ko amunga ha kay wa raba ko galabot-labot"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Wow sexy" Instead we say, "Hubagang ate oy! Ka salad naba"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Girlfriend mo bro? Congrats!" Instead we say, "Lahi napud na pre?"

And...

Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, is the 

new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares 

Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). 

Contributed Photo/Leah Tirol-Magno

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Wow nice haircut or hair style." Instead we say, “Dagway sa hinampak ay,wala pa nimo gipadakup ang nag tupi nimo!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Nice suit. What's the occasion? Why so dressed up?" Instead we say... "Halaahh ka porma sa hinampak oh! Asa na punerarya nimo nakuha? Asang lubong bro?"

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Ampangit ng boses nya." Instead we say, "Pakantaha nag My Way!"

In Bohol, we don’t say, “Pasumbag kah." Instead we say, "Gusto kag mangehi ug taga bay!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, “I miss you guys.”  Instead we say, “Sum-ola ninyog dagway oi, hug ko beh! "

In Bohol, we don’t say, “Sinungaling ka!” Instead we say, “Estoryaheee!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, “May ubo ka pala?” Instead we say, “Iluwa na kay maka-upaw.”

In Bohol, we don't say.. "Susuntokin kita diyan pag hindi ka tumahimik!" Instead, we say "Daahh maypag pusilon.. Dah hilom lagi kang pisteha ka!"

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Ba't ka nakatingin, ano problema mo?" Instead we say, "Ayaw'g tutok diha buanga ka, lugit ng mata nimu run"

In Bohol, we don't say "Saan kana ngaun nakatira?" Instead we say, "Aha naman ka gibutang sa Ginoo oi!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Hi, it’s you again." Instead we say, “Naa nasad ang giatay ay."

in Bohol, we don’t say “Ang landi nito." Instead we say, “Hoy cholera pagtarong ha kay ma torjakan nya ka!”

We're proud Boholanos, aren't we? Kolerang lambay mo!  Ha! Ha! Ha!

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

3 years feels like ‘33 seconds’ for quake victims

Wake-uppers:

Scene:   Sports enthusiasts were devastated by the passing of sportsman and civic leader Nemi Monton last Oct. 4.  As president of Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) in Central Visayas, Nemi opened doors wider for Boholano athletes (he discovered Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, et al).  He will be sadly missed for his energy, great sense of humor and timeless example as discoverer of athletes.

Monsignor Alberto Uy is the new bishop of the
Diocese of Tagbilaran. Courtesy:
From the Facebook page of Msgr. Alberto Uy

Scene: Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Alberto Uy as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.  He will replace Bishop Leonardo Medroso, 77, whose resignation has been accepted by the pope.  A priest for 23 years, Msgr. Uy is currently the Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Talibon and at the same time the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Jagna town.

Scene: I thank the esteemed judges and organizers of the Globe Media Excellence Award (GMEA) and the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for chosen me as one of the finalists of GMEA’s Explanatory Story for “Rice Bowl of Central Visayas is near empty” and CMMA’s Best Investigative Report on the 3-part series on the recovery of Bohol after the Earthquake. Both articles were published in Philippine Daily Inquirer. Thank you, thank you!

***

It’s been three years since a magnitude 7.2 earthquake brought Bohol province to its knees.

Three years later, change is uneven although industries are bouncing back. The way people see recovery and resiliency would depend on where they are since rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts continue.

After the strong earthquake in 2013, 

Boholanos have developed a powerful 

sense of disaster consciousness.  Inocencia Reyes, 

a grade 1 teacher of Cogon Norte Elem. School in Loon town, 

demonstrates how to use the “kuratong,” 

a bamboo traditionally used to call the community, as

 the school revives it for disaster risk reduction. 

Leo Udtohan/Bohol Chronicle

The earthquake also taught Boholanos to be better prepared for disasters, especially at the community level.

At Cogon Norte Elementary School in Loon town, one of the hardest-hit areas, the school has adopted the use of "kuratong" - a bamboo communication device - to warn students and teachers of possible calamities.

Inocencia Reyes, a Grade 1 teacher, said kuratong is traditionally used to call community members to assemble at village halls for meetings, alert people or call children home.

She said the school revived the use of kuratong as part of disaster risk reduction efforts, especially when earthquakes strike.

"In case of power disconnection, we can use kuratong to alert our students since no one knows when an earthquake will happen," she said, noting teachers and students were trained in using the device.

The school has also a student-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) organized by Save the Children to develop and capacitate student leaders who will serve as advocates in promoting DRR in schools and communities to protect them from any harm cause by natural and human made hazards.

Student leaders were trained in first aid and emergency response, leadership, communication and other life-saving skills. They also conduct seminars to their schoolmates about disaster preparedness inside the DRR kiosk.

Boholanos may have picked up the pieces, but the scar left by earthquake remains.

For Genara Somoro, the Bayong falls in Barangay Katipunan in Sagbayan town, is hard to look at, because this is the place where her two daughters and other three lost their lives.

Three years ago, Somoro’s siblings Jonalyn, 13 and Joellene, 11 and their friends-Jess Marvin Empinado, 10, Meme Jane Empinado, 9, Reynaldo Sipsip, 15, were taking a bath at Bayong Falls in Barangay Katipunan, Sagbayan town.  

They were swimming when the earthquake struck, triggering a landslide that buried the children.

Their bodies were never found making the families in a state of emotional and legal limbo.

 “Naka-recover naman ko after three years pero lisud hikalimtan ang nahitabo makahilak gihapun ko makahiumdum sa akong duha ka mga anak (I have recovered after three years, but I cry when I remember my children),” said Somoro.

Genara Somoro is still thinking of her two daughters
who perished during the earthquake in 2013..

But she learned to accept their fates even closure is elusive.

“Sakit huna-hunahunaun pero dawaton namo kay pagbuot man sa kahitas-an (It is painful but I learned to accept it because it is Heaven’s will),” said Somoro who held the photos of her daughters who vanished without a trace.

“Wala ka namo makita (We never found you)," mother said to her daughters. "Pero kahibaw mi asa mo- naa ka sa Ginoo run (But we know where you are — with our Lord in heaven)."

The Bayong Falls, which was a tourist destination, is now an abandoned place.  It lost its beauty. No one else go there except for the families of the victims who pay homage to the five children every Oct. 15 and Nov. 1 which bring obvious comfort to the bereaved.

Somoro said that although she thinks of Jonalyn and Joellene daily, their death anniversary remains a special day.

Salome Israel, 26, who lost her right arm and has a dislocated pelvic bones resulting from the quake, has found a work at rural health office in Tubigon town after three years.  She said she was denied because of her being handicapped.

 “Time will take care and heal of everything,” Israel said.

The fraught passage of three years feels like “33 seconds” for Clement Paulinel Ingking who lost her mother Linda during the 33-second quake.

“The emptiness can't be filled by anyone... and the grief is always there behind the smiles... we just chose not to move on in order not to forget her and all the memories,” he said.

Full recovery will take still longer.

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Panubig festival goes on despite rain

Amid  a downpour, the participants of the 3rd Panubig Festival in Pilar town last Oct. 11 drew cheers as they danced in honor  to Nuestra Señora del Pilar or Our Lady of the Pillar, the town’s patroness.

The heavy rains failed to dampen the spirits of the
Pilarnons who had to witness the 3rd Panubig Festival
 in Pilar town. Leo Udtohan/Bohol Chronicle

 The rain did not appear to affect the enthusiasm of the dancers (seven from elementary and three from high school) who wore colorful costumes and props as they showcased the tradition and culture of the Pilarnons.

Butch Bernas, Ph.D., the Panubig Creative Team, said it was amazing "come rain or shine."

"It was really pouring rain, but people stayed," Butch told VRS.

Hundreds, many without umbrellas, including students, were drenched barely for three hours, but stayed on, watching and supporting their favorite contingents.

“Panubig literally water! It’s raining! It’s water!” said student Lloyd Quieta.

Giant scarecrows also added attraction to the festival.

 The event was hosted by Inday Rufing of Kiss 102.3 FM.

Take a bow, Butch. Take a bow, Vanessa Cubrado-Unajan, Panubig Festival Executive Chair.

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