Loboc Wildlife & Nature Park is Bohol’s newest attraction

Wake-uppers:

Scene: AJ Wincielou Johanna “Cielo” Araoarao Gabin was one of the TOP 9 passers of the Civil Service -SubProfessional Examination (National Level). She placed 6th as the only top performer in Central Visayas and Bohol. Cielo is the daughter of Engr. Jerome Gabin and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin.

SPO3 Melinda Mendez- Basalo, duty team
leader of the PNP Personnel of Tagbilaran Aviation,
assisted and facilitated the arrival of the cast
 of “Home Sweetie Home” like Piolo Pascual, Toni
Gonzaga and Ogie Alcasid.  Contributed Photos

Scene: Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual joined the rest of ABS-CBN’s “Home Sweetie Home” cast on their Bohol trip last week (May 21).  Home Sweetie Home is a situational comedy topbilled by John Lloyd Cruz and Toni Gonzaga. Later on, Piolo Pascual was officially added late last year due to John Lloyd’s absence. Fans shared photos of Papa Piolo, Toni G at the airport and at Flushing Meadows where they had a shoot. According to fans, Piolo’s smiles melt the hearts and washed all the stress away.

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A little over a hundred species of animals— and counting, many are endemic to the Philippines, roaming on one-hectare of natural environment in an interior mountain village of Loboc town.

The opening of the Loboc Wildlife and Nature Park
in an interior mountain village is also an opportunity
to put Loboc on the tourism map.  Photo shows (l-r)
Businesswoman Uca Trotin, Loboc Councilor Boboy Baguio,
Loboc Mayor Helen Calipusan-Alaba, provincial disaster
 risk reduction and management officer Anthony Damalerio,
former Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan and Loboc Councilor
Margel Hilot during the grand opening of the wildlife and nature
park last Saturday, May 26. Photo courtesy: Anthony Damalerio

The Loboc Wildlife and Nature Park in Barangay Bonbon Upper is part of a 1-hectare property, some 30 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

The huge property boasts of hundred species of animals including  the Mariana deer, ostrich and a lion can also be seen from a distance grazing on the park.

The park also has reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes, the most prominent of which is the albino Burmese python.

Many bird species such as the crowned pigeons, parrots, peacocks, lories, wild ducks, can be seen. The birds freely fly or perch on trees inside the structure.

The animals are kept in huge cages but prowl in open spaces to simulate their natural habitat.

Elevated steel walkways serve as viewing deck for Philippine crocodiles.  Bearcat lives nearby.

The favorite selfie spot remains the bearcat cage and the “serpentarium” where visitors can feed the bearcat and hold the snakes.

Guests who had been there were all in awe with what they saw.

“The snakes and deer are my favorites,” said 5-year-old Mario, who went to the park last Saturday with his parents and friends.

Visitors can interact and feed some animals inside the Loboc Wildlife and Nature Park
which is now home to hundreds of animals- and counting.  Leo Udtohan

Visitors can take a cool walk down the canopy trail under the shelter of trees.

The park is not all about animals as guests will also be treated to the breathtaking sight of over hundreds of trees and other plants.  The trees are marked with their local and scientific names.

And, all this is just phase 1 of the park.

Former Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, one of the owners, said they intend to bring in more animals by the end of this year.

He said the opening of Loboc Wildlife and Nature Park is more than just lifting and boosting Loboc’s image as a tourism destination, but is also about improving the quality of livelihood in the town.

Loboc is known as the music capital of Bohol with the floating restaurants as one of the added attractions.

About 50 workers are employed in the park are from Loboc.  Calipusan said part of the proceeds from the entrance fee helps fund school children in Loboc town.

Topnotcher AJ Wincielou Johanna “Cielo” Gabin
in a rare moment with Bishop Alberto Uy
of the Diocese of Tagbilaran after she and her
 parents- Engr. Jerome and Fiel Angeli Gabin
and younger brother Renji, participated
 in the Flores de Mayo  at the Saint
 Joseph the Worker  Cathedral.  Contributed Photo

“We’ve initially hired 50 employees for the Loboc Wildlife and Nature Park, and we will increase the employment as soon as we will introduce more activities here,” Calipusan said.

Provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer Anthony Damalerio, who represented Gov. Edgar Chatto, said that the Loboc Wildlife and Nature Park was a welcome development in Bohol’s tourism industry.

“This is an added attraction of Bohol where locals and foreign guests will love this place,” he said during the grand opening of the park last Saturday, May 26.

Other guests during the opening were Loboc Mayor Helen Calipusan-Alaba, Lourdes Sultan of Travel Village, Bohol Tourism Officer Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus, Loboc Councilors Margel Hilot and Boboy Baguio, businesswoman Uca Trotin and barangay officials.

Calipusan said they will be developing another five hectares for an adventure park where tourists can camp and trek.

Though these structures are still on the drawing board, the nature park alone has certainly placed Loboc on the tourism map.

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

After a long hiatus, Miss Loboc is back

● After a long hiatus, Miss Loboc is back

● ‘Sun halo’ hovered over Ubay town

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  The talent of movie producer-writer Achinette Joy Villamor of Tagbilaran City shines as she was recognized in one of the most prestigious award-giving bodies in the country. Achinette was nominated in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards in the Best Screenplay category for the film Balangiga: Howling Wilderness. Two of her films she produced, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness  and Alipato, got 11 and two nominations, respectively.

Scene: Former beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor and Tommy Taylor have welcomed their first son together in Sydney, Australia. Maris made the announcement through her favorite medium, Facebook. "Today at 7:49 a.m. (May 15), Tommy Taylor and I became proud parents to a healthy, 7.7 lbs baby boy. We are totally  over the moon after an intense 5 hour labour. Please help us welcome our beautiful  bundle of joy, Luca Taylor," she announced while cuddling the baby.  Maris had previously revealed that she and Tommy were expecting a boy.  Maris has been openly documenting her pregnancy on social media. She's also proudly shared plenty of baby bump pics on Facebook and 'gram. Maris’ mom, Maricor, is in Sydney to support her.

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6 mediamen win barangay polls

Voting for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections went on smoothly in Bohol last May 14 even in 33 hotspot areas.

Johnny Orioque, publisher of Bohol Balita Daily News (BBDN),
  was proclaimed as village chief of Barangay Poblacion
in Trinidad town, after Monday’s Barangay and SK elections.
 Leo Udtohan

In Trinidad town, Johnny Orioque, publisher of Bohol Balita Daily News (BBDN) won the village chief post in Poblacion with ease.

Johnny got more than 1,136 votes while Vidal Cajes garnered more than 809 votes.

Johnny said the residents of Trinidad encouraged him to run for the barangay captain position.

Since it is in his heart to serve the public, he immediately accepted the challenge without hesitation.

He shared that being in the media industry has helped him to be devoted in serving the public. That is why he did not hesitate to enter the political arena.

He is thankful to the residents of Poblacion for trusting him.

 “Johnny is the leader,” said resident Soriana Tabada. “He’s exciting and he’s not one of the usual politicians. People really like engaging with him."

As the newly elected barangay captain, he has many plans for Poblacion.

“We will cross that bridge when we come to it. Naa tay daghang mga plano,” he said.

But even with the new task, Johnny said he will not leave the media.

When asked by reporters if he is ready for 2019, Johnny just gave an enigmatic smile.

Other media personalities who won were Manolito ”Willy” Maestrado of dyRD, reelected councilor, Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City;  Carlito “Lito” Responte of dyTR , reelected councilor, Barangay Totolan in Dauis; Ubaldo “Bob Goodman” Berro of Kiss FM – Councilor, Barangay Guinsularan in Duero;  Ern Pahayahay of dyTR – Councilor, Barangay Bingag in Dauis town; and  incumbent barangay captain Edgar Tumanda of dyTR was elected councilor, Barangay Minol in Mabini town.

There were other media personalities who also ran but did not make it. They were Melvin Jabajab of The Bohol Chronicle and Engr. Gerardo Cajes of dyRD who was one rank away from winning a place in Barangay Dao in Tagbilaran.

In Maribojoc town, by luck of the draws, incumbent barangay captain Doroteo Garsuta of Cabawan in Maribojoc town, wins during a draw lot after he tied with Marcial Quiwag during the race for barangay captain.  

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The comeback: 18 candidates vie for Miss Loboc 2018

Dormant for many years, Miss Loboc is making a much-awaited comeback. The pageant happens to be one of the province’s most prestigious before it folded up.  

Miss Loboc 2018 candidates at the famous Loboc River. 
Photo Courtesy: Miss Loboc 2018 Facebook Page

In the early ’70s , the town of Loboc conducted an annual search for a Miss Loboc.  The local organizers would comb the entire town for beautiful women of good moral character and entice them to join the search. The fairest and brightest would be crown Miss Loboc until it folded in 1990s.

But not many people these days can recall just how prestigious being Miss Loboc was back then — some would even argue it was absolutely more distinguished and esteemed than the still-running pageants.

There was Cynthia Limbago, a Miss Loboc winner, who represented the town in Miss Bohol Sandugo. Incidentally, her daughter Erika Limbago has joined the revived Miss Loboc this year.

Miss Loboc was changed to different names like Miss Agri and Miss Loboc Tourism until it folded up.

 The good news now is that the local government of Loboc through Mayor Helen Calipusan-Alaba has revived Miss Loboc— although jazzed up to keep up with the times.

Elmer Varquez, the town’s tourism officer, is this year’s chairman.

The relaunch is calculated to restore the past glory it enjoyed. Like in previous years, the pageant focuses on  promoting the town as a premier tourism destination in the province and further complement the LGU’s program to enhance tourism.

But Loboc is not only Bohol’s musical town, it is also the home of some beauty queens.  

Perla Salig (now Mrs. Teves) became first runner-up of the 1979 Bb. Pilipinas. Perla became Miss Loboc Academy and Miss Commerce at the then Divine Word College in Tagbilaran now Holy Name University. She won the Mutya ng Bohol pageant held in Cebu City sponsored by the Circulo de Boholano and represented the Central Visayas. 

Dormant for many years, Miss Loboc
 is making a much-awaited comeback with
18 lovely ladies vying for the crown.
Photo Courtesy: Miss Loboc 2018 Facebook Page

Another beauty queen, the most successful beauty queen of Loboc, however, will forever be Loboc Councilor Tessie Labunog-Sumampong. Tessie represented Loboc town at the 1983 Miss Young Bohol and she was declared 4th runner-up. 

Tessie, of course, is the proprietor of Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto and Cuisina Ni Tisay, a favorite destination of stars and celebrities.  Just recently, she was featured on ABS-CBN’s Magandang Buhay where she taught Melai and Karla Estrada how to cook balbacua.

Tessie said Miss Loboc  is not just another beauty pageant.

“This is a program that hopes to create ambassadors who will showcase Loboc’s tourism, culture and heritage that will ignite positive change in the community,” she said.

Loboc Councilor Tessie Labunog-Sumampong
is another beauty queen from Loboc town
 who joined the Miss Young Bohol 1983.   Contributed Photo

For its comeback year, 18 lovely ladies vie for the crown.  They are Mylene Morales, Michaela Soriano, Ginalyn Vargas, Fel Angelie Curpos, Dexie Campos, Anabel Acuna, Erika Limbago, Yholmarie Camarote, Kristine Clare Dango, Cherry Mae Vale, Joanna Simacio, Precious Ara Theresa De Costo, Jea Rose Lagrimas, Mary Purifel Ajoc, Angelie Tabuada, Mikaella An Melisimo, Jocelyn Toledo and Anna Leizel Libardo.

The coronation night is on May 21, 8 p.m. at JAD Complex with celebrity guest Neil Coleta.

The pageant is co-presented by Camp Sabros thru Edwin Sacdalan and One Dreamer Commissary. Others sponsors are LABB Construction,  Rural Bank of Loboc, Sta. Clara Power Corporation,  GLEH Financial Solutions, Loboc River Resort, M Lhuillier, Globe Telecom and Nelson  Yu of N.N. Yu Construction Inc as Gold Sponsors;  Nuts Huts,  Cebuana Lhuillier and The Bellevue Resort as Silver Sponsors;  Loboc  River Floating Resto, Loboc River Cruise Floating Resto, Travel Village, Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto,  Cocina de Loboc, Bohol Turistas,  Jojie’s Bakeshop, Estrella Bakery,  Hilltop Cottages and  Cuisina ni Tisay Catering Services as Bronze Sponsors.  The Major Sponsors are Aproniana Gift Shop,  Bohol Waterbike,  Mithi Resort and Spa, Island Souvenirs,  Ford Philippines,  Informatics , Ochoco Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services, TJ Medrana Photography and Kim Villamor.

Text voting is now open for Texters Choice Award. To vote, type: MISSLOBOC<space>LAST NAME and send to 2948. Voting ends on May 21 at 7 p.m.

***

Sun halo phenomenon hovered over Ubay, Bohol

Residents in Ubay town in Bohol province were treated to a rare phenomenon last week when the sun appeared surrounded by a halo of light.

Scientists said a sun halo is a natural optical phenomenon where light reflects tiny ice circles in the lowest level clouds.

A sun halo occurs on days where humidity in the air is especially high.

Ubay experienced hot weather on weekdays, while some parts of Bohol were having a light rain shower and cloudy skies.

Rey Tubo, who saw the rare phenomenon, said that he was mesmerized of the sun and decided to take some photos and posted these on his Facebook account.

Engineer Riche Cutamora Ibale also uploaded a photo he took on the sun halo and captioned it: “Called as 22 degree halo or a sun halo, the ring is caused by sunlight passing through ice crystals in cirrus clouds within the earth’s atmosphere.” He even used the hashtag #SunHaloDay #22DegreeHalo.

If other residents were amazed by the appearance of the

sun, some feared the appearance of a halo around the sun might be a bad omen.

A large ring or circle of light around the sun a
mazed residents in Ubay town, Bohol province since last week.
This rare sun halo is called a 22-degree halo by scientists.
 Photo Courtesy: Rey Tubo

“We should pray to God because the sun halo is a sign of bad things to come,” said Norfa Veseres, 70.

But the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the rare solar halo circling the sun has a natural explanation: It is formed due to high clouds.

Scientists call it the halo because it has an approximate radius of 22 degrees from the sun.

The halos occur when sunlight refracts through a high band of cirrus clouds more than 20,000 feet above the ground.

According to EarthSky.org, the sunlight bounces off these crystals making the waves change direction, this is refraction, and this gives the appearance that the sun has an extra halo of light surrounding it.

“Halos around the sun or moon happen when high, thin cirrus clouds are drifting high above your head. Tiny ice crystals in Earth’s atmosphere cause the halos. They do this by refracting and reflecting the light,” it said.

On the other hand, lunar halos are signs that storms are nearby, it added.

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

Loon’s newest attraction: The ‘99 Hugot Lines’

●Loon’s newest attraction: The ‘99 Hugot Lines’

● Dodo’s campaign promise: Free rice subsidy

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Morning talk show hosts Karla Estrada and Melai Cantiveros-Francisco of ABS-CBN’s Magandang Buhay were spotted in Bohol last week. They were here to shoot for a Bohol episode. Sadly, Jolina Magdangal-Escueta was not able to join her co-hosts.   One of their favorite destinations was Cuisina Ni Tisay in Carmen town. In one of the segments, Loboc Councilor Tessie Labunog-Sumampong demonstrated to Karla and Melai how to cook “balbacua,”  a slightly gooey soup of beef "throwaways" -- skin, tail, tripe, tendons, feet, etc...Watch the Bohol episode on Magandang Buhay this week.

Loboc councilor Tessie Labunog-Sumampong
 demonstrates how to cook “balbacua” on
ABS-CBN’s Magandang Buhay at Cuisina
ni Tisay with hosts Momshie Karla and
Momshie Melai. Contributed Photo

Scene: Mother’s Day always gets us feeling so emotional, simply because it’s such a day that we honor our mothers.  We are so eternally grateful to have such an amazing Mama, Nanay, Nana, Ina, Ima, Ermats, Mamang, Inang,  Mommy, Mudra!  Moms deserve a break from household chores.  Several restaurants in the city are offering free treats, Mother’s Day meals and special menus.  Much love to The Hand That Rocks The Cradle!

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Tomorrow, May 14, we will decide who will run our villages for the next three years.  Let us all join hands in prayer and in our own little ways in exercising our right to vote, and be part of the changes.

Remember, your vote is your dignity.

Before you vote, take time to read this reminder from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)’s 10 commandments for Responsible Voting:

 1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience.

2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote.

Celso “Dodo” Pamaong’s campaign promise

 that caught attention by voters in his village: 

free rice twice a month. Leo Udtohan

5. Do not sell your vote.

6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold, and glitter.

7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption.

8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude), popularity, good looks, or “pakikisama” (peer pressure).

9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.

***

For years, Celso “Dodo” Dangoy Pamaong has been managing his two lotto outlets. But this year, he tried something different: to run as barangay (village) councilor in Cogon in this city.

 “Gusto ko moserbisyo (I want to serve),” he said as he sat in a wooden chair infront of the lotto outlet along Belderol Street.

“Suwayan nako (I will give it a try),” he quipped.  

Countless campaign posters were on the streets. But Pamaong’s campaign posters caught attention

by voters in his village: free rice twice a month.

But Pamaong vowed that it would not just be an empty promise if elected councilor of Barangay Cogon in Tagbilaran during Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

“Unsaon mana ang kuwarta nako? Naay negosyo, walay asawa (What would I do with my money? I have a business. I don’t have a wife),” he told VRS.

Pamaong, 70 and a widower, operates two lotto outlets in Barangay Cogon, the most populous village in Tagbilaran with 17,114 residents.

A neophyte, he said his decision to join in the electoral exercise was propelled by the yearning to serve. He filed his certificate of candidate and made his campaign posters.

But his slogan on his posters caught the attention of many people: “Para sa INDIGENT libre bugas 15 ug 30 kada bulan (For the indigents, free rice every 15th and 30th of the month).”

Some people didn't take his campaign seriously and laughed at it. Others just rolled their eyes, probably thinking that this was just one of the typical empty promises of politicians running for public office.

But Pamaong said he was pulling anyone's leg when he made that promise.

“Dili na binotbot nga saad. Mao na akong saad sa indigent kay wala nakahunahuna muhatag ana (It is not a lie. It is my promise to the indigents because no one has ever thought giving it),” he said.

He, however, could not say how many kilos would be given to the poor except that it would not be less than a kilo.

The beneficiaries would be taken from the list of identified indigents from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Distribution would be done by sitios (sub-villages).

Pamaong said the rice subsidy would continue as long as he was in the position since the funds used to buy the rice would be taken from his own pocket.

Asked if he would give away commercial rice of rice from the National Food Authority, he replied: “Of course, commercial rice.”

There are 838,533 registered voters expected to cast their votes for barangay, and 319,546 registered voters for SK in Bohol.

There were 28,205 candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy for the barangay and SK elections. Of the 2,066 candidates running for barangay captains, 336 were unopposed.

Candidates for barangay councilors reached 15,481. Of the 2,042 candidates for SK chair, 363 were unopposed. There were 8,630 candidates for SK councilors.

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Loon’s newest attraction: The ‘99 Hugot Lines’

“Barya ka ba? Kasi umaga pa lang kailangan na kita.”

“Bakit kita iiyakan kaya naman kitang papalitan.”

“Bahalag walay uyab basta naay amigo.”

“Hugot” lines?

The “99 Hugot Lines” of Tajang Pass Causeway and 

Mangrove Garden Road” on Sandingan Island in Loon 

town is the newest attraction in Bohol province. Leo Udtohan

Loon town has many of them.

Nobody seemed to have warned us that the “Tajang Pass Causeway and Mangrove Garden Road” on Sandingan Island would also bring flashbacks of failed loves and embittered “hugot” lines (emotional quotations).

But that is exactly what happened when people recognized the 99 blocks along the road were painted with colors and written with a few punches of hugot lines, prompting some people to take to social media in a storm and post their photos.  In fact, it caught the attention of GMA News to feature the rising destination last week.

The sadder, the better.  It hurts, you know!

The funnier, the best. It melts your heart!

Nowadays, most Filipino people are using #Hugot lines, a song, poem, quotation, or even a simple statement, in expressing their emotions for someone.

At “99 Hugot Lines,” there are hugot lines for love and relationships and environment.

One can read:

 “Yung kayo, pero walang kayo...”

“Mahal kita pero mahal bugas”

“Bahalag uyab mo basta uyab ta”

And if you’re looking for Mr and Miss Right? Maybe you can find it there.

One hugot line warns: “Bawal umaasa nakakamatay.”

“Pangit ba ako then why?”

And, “Nagmahal, nasaktan, nabayot.”

“Yes,  I love it here. The view is nice. And I can relate of the hugot lines,” said Mary Grace Castañeras who visited the “99 Hugot lines,” a project of the Loon Tourism Office with Loon youth volunteers.

 “We are currently working for our tourism in Loon. One of the tourist destinations to develop is from Moalong to Tajas Pass this way. This is the initial,” said Maricris Marañon, a staff of Loon Tourism Office.

“Loonanons can write down their hugot line in expressing their own feelings. This is just an initial and later on we still have other tourist destinations to develop soon,” she added.

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

BongBong Marcos: ‘I will sit as Vice President’

We deserve better than campaign gimmicks

With few weeks to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, politicians are trying to convince us to “remember them” on May 14.

Election gimmicks won’t be complete without conquering social media.  

The campaign period is in full swing, and everyone is rooting for their respective candidates.  Some are bombarding the voting public with campaign ads. However, as of Saturday, I didn’t see some unusual campaign gimmicks.  Maybe this week.

In the past, we’ve heard stories of politicians who are reportedly giving away “freebies” with their names written all over. We have seen donated goods, candies, soaps, ballpens, with politician’s names written on them. Plus, the “uwan-uwan”!

And of course, election gimmicks won’t be complete without conquering social media.  The internet has been through a lot last week, to put it simply. Your Facebook rants about corrupt and alleged narco politicians probably aren't changing your friends' minds.

Campaign slogans and (hilarious) memes ricochet across Facebook and Twitter.

One outrageous meme reads: “Walang silbi sa bahay pero gusto maglingkod sa barangay.”

***

BongBong Marcos: ‘I will sit as Vice President’

Former senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos , Jr. said that his political direction would become vice president of the country.

Former senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos 

administered the oath taking of the Bohol leaders 

to the Nacionalista Party (NP)  last May 1 in Tagbilaran City, 

Bohol province. Leo Udtohan

“My political direction? I will sit as vice president. Very simple, di naman kumplikado plano natin,” said Marcos who didn’t elaborate further.

Marcos was in Bohol last Tuesday, May 1, to attend some activities including the launching of the Marcos Loyalists Movement (MLM).

He arrived on Tuesday morning in Tagbilaran City. He also met Bishop Albert Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.  

At 3 p.m., Marcos went to attend the launching of the MLM attended by at least 3,000 members and supporters at Booy Covered Court.

Most of the members, wearing red shirts, came from the towns of Balilihan, Jagna and Alburquerque and Tagbilaran City.

Businessman Joemar Unabia, president of MLM, said that the movement was to support any member of the Marcos family. He even likened the movement to a tree whose component parts- strong limbs, sturdy trunk, branches, and leaves- grow even upward, towards the life-giving sun.

“Parang isang puno, una itanim ang pangalan na Bongbong Marcos o kung sino man sa Marcos family, pangalawa, parang puno na alagaan natin at bigyan ng malasakit at pangatlo, parang puno na yayabung ang bunga para sa karamihan at anong kabutihan na maibibigay ng mga Marcos sa buong bansa,” Unabia said.

Marcos told supporters said he was elated of the movement which was first in the country.

He didn’t elaborate further of the electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, but he assured the supporters that the protest was on-going.

 “Yung mga boto ninyong nawala, ilalabas natin yan, ibibilang natin yan,” he said.

He also administered the oath taking of membership of the supporters.

Marcos said he would not run in the May 2019 election as he plans to finish his electoral protest against Robredo.

He told reporters later that seeking a Senate seat would mean that he is "abandoning" his protest, as was illustrated by jurisprudence.

At 8 p.m. Tuesday (May 1), he also administered the oath taking of some Bohol to the Nacionalista Party (NP).

Among those who renewed and took their membership were provincial board member Tomas Abapo, Jr., former Panglao Mayor Leonila Montero, Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol, San Isidro Mayor Jacinto Naraga, Getafe Mayor Casey Shaun Camacho , Bien Unido Mayor Rene Boneraga , Balilihan Vice Mayor Adonis Roy Olalo, former Philippine Councilors League (PL)-Bohol chapter president Ramonito Torrefranca, former Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy, former Antequera Mayor Samuel Rebosura and Lila Vice Mayor Arturo Piollo III.

Marcos assured the members that the party, which was founded in 1907, would help members.

“We are here to protect and help you,” he said.

The NP, the country's oldest political party, had formed a coalition with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), the political party of President Rodrigo Duterte.

***

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

San Isidro beauty takes Mutya crown

An obvious crowd favorite from the start, Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro clinched the coveted Mutya sa Tagbilaran crown that won her the right to represent the city in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant held last Friday (April 27),  hosted by Manila’s eventologist Tim Yap  with actress Iza Calzado as co-host.

Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro
(with Butch Bernas, Ph.D.) was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.
Photo by Helen Castaño

The other four winners were Mutya sa Booy Dann Audrey A. Cadenas, first runner-up; Mutya sa Ubujan Rueggy Mae Namoc, second runner-up; Mutya sa Manga Lady Aira Lumantas,  third runner-up; and Mutya sa Poblacion 2 Margarett Requillo, fourth runner-up.

Youth leader and Booy village councilor Clement Paulinel Ingking told VRS that the winners were exceptionally beautiful and witty.

“All questions were answered with substance. The dreaded Q&A portion was as exciting as it promised. There were a few misses, some with very good saves but mostly, it proved that the level of competition is stronger than ever,” said Clement.

He added, “Most of the eventual winners had very impressive answers that had depth and delivered with conviction. They all performed exceedingly well during the finals.”

Cultural worker Butch Bernas, Ph.D. who also watched the pageant shared that the pageant was “full of innovation and incomparable.”

“The production number of the Mutya was so spectacular and grandeur like ever before. Stunning led wall helps the production awesome,” he said.

“Wow na wow,” he gushed.

Another crowd favorite Dann Audrey Cadenas 

was declared first runner-up in Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.  

Cadenas was as supported by her family and the Booy 

Council headed by village chief Jun Telmo, councilors 

Eulogia "Yolie" Ayeng and Clement Paulinel Ingking. 

Photo by Helen Castaño

Clement said that prior to joining Mutya sa Tagbilaran, Cadenas, a former president of the Supreme Student Government at Bohol Wisdom School, already represented Purok 5 during the barangay search level. She even slayed the Question and Answer portion with her presence of mind, poise, and confidence.

Cadenas and Requillo were also winners of Island City Mall’s beauty and modelling contests, and making the mall as their training ground. Cadenas was Miss Teen ICM 2017 second runner up, while Requillo  was Mannequins Live 2016 first runner-up.

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2 young entrepreneurs

committed to help Bohol

Bright, ambitious Filipinos were leaving the Philippines In the 1970s in pursuit of better opportunities, a time period known as the “Brain Drain.”

To this day, the trend continues as the number of Filipinos leaving for work abroad has increased. However, some Filipinos opted to stay here. Some are staying here to build businesses and help communities that will engage more Filipinos and create more job opportunities for them.

Case in point:  Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Chocolate House and Joy Angeli Uy of Belian Hotel.

Just recently, they launched their personal advocacy-movement FAÇADE (Food, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education) with a  tagline “"Opening an open space of possibilities."

FACADE aims to change the face of culture in the province of Bohol through community development and education.

“We want to see Bohol in the future as a creative hub for food, agriculture, culture and the arts and development,” said Dalareich.

Organizers, speakers and participants 

during the launching of FAÇADE (Food, 

Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education). 

Contributed Photo

“We want Boholanos to talk, collaborate, open a conversation and inspire each other. Shobe Joy and I personally thank all our sponsors who were at our back when we planned for this,” said the Belgian-trained chocolatier.

Two social entrepreneur speakers from Manila, Josh Mahinay, founder of BEAGIVER and Dr. Anton Mari Lim, co-founder and President of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, also inspired the guests with the stories of the respective communities they are helping.

Young entrepreneurs, academe, community builders, resort managers, leaders and media were present during the event.

FAÇADE Series 1 happened last April 24-26 at Tagbilaran City Grounds, a side event of Fusion Nights 2018. Duke Minoza of Buenaventarada Farm and Paolo Rigotti of Rigotti Coffe talked about Coffee Seed to Cup and appreciation night last Tuesday. Ms Vina Antopina of Bean55Chocolaterie and Dalareich Polot of Ginto Chocolates talked about the cacao and chocolate journey.  Chocolate tasting was held last Wednesday. On the 3rd day, April 26, Efrenia Holt of Atbang Farm and Cyrus Lobrigas of KABOOM talked about Organic Food and Farming.

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

Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Karen Gallman gets warm welcome in Bohol homecoming

Whether catwalking or simply talking, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman has a magical way of charming and endearing herself to people, so down-to-earth, and thus grounded, that you want to hug her.

I experienced it myself Wednesday (April 18) last week in her first trip to the province after winning the national title in March where your VRS, including Allen Doydora (dyRD), Dave Responte (dyTR) and Helen Castaño (who was the instant “sash and crown bearer”), accompanied her during her Bohol homecoming.

When she was approaching the group of well-wishers, it was noticeable that she was much lovelier in person.

Our admiration strengthened when she spoke to us in her thick Bisaya accent.

Karen was elated by the warm welcome. She sported a big a smile and thanked Bohol 2^nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and his wife Vanessa (who arranged her homecoming),  Aumentado’s chief of staff Boy Pernia, and some fans in greeting the Boholano beauty queen.

“I always look forward to visit Bohol. It’s home for me,” said the 25-year-old beauty queen.

Vanessa, a Miss Bohol 2001, revealed that she was a great fan of Karen since she joined the Bb. Pilipinas 2012.

“Thank you for making us proud,” Vanessa told her. “I am a fan of yours,” she added.

Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman 

visited Panglao Island on Wednesday, April 18, to

 see the stretch of powdered white sandy beaches

 of the island which is now facing environmental issues.  

Photo by Helen Castaño

“I am so thankful, salamat kaayo sa inyong warm welcome nga gihatag ninyo nako (I am deeply grateful to all of you for the warm welcome you gave me), she said.

Asked if she could still speak in Binisaya, she snappily answered “Yes” and said “Kamao man gihapun ko mag-Binisaya (I can still speak Bisaya).”

What' is so impressive about her is the fact that she has never forgotten her mother tongue and in fact, speaks Cebuano so confidently and fluently without a foreign accent and even proudly calls herself "Bisdak" - which makes her all the more endearing to many Boholanos.

Police Officer Melinda Mendez-Basalo who escorted her as she stepped down a commercial plane and walked down the terminal ramp at the Tagbilaran airport shared, “I talked to her in Tagalog when I welcomed and congratulated her and she answered me in Bisaya I forgot she is a Bisaya man diay, such an attitude.... love her so much..”

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Arao-arao-Gabin said: “I can't help admiring her beauty. During her first attempt in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant 6 years ago, she looked so naively charming in her photos and on television, but seeing her in the flesh this time, she certainly exudes both charm and inner strength that she has seemed to have polished over the years, prior to her recent BP Intercontinental 2018 victory, an honor that Boholanos here and abroad are so excited about.”

Karen went to KissFM for an interview with the bubbly Inday Rufing.  After the interview, she met Bishop Alberto Uy and Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran and some priests at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary before she proceeded to Panglao Island.

Crown jewel

Karen Gallman with Bohol Rep. Erico Aristotle

 Aumentado and wife Miss Bohol Sandugo 

2001 Vanessa Cadorna – Aumentado.  Leo Udtohan

In Panglao, Karen spent time to appreciate the beauty of the place known for its miles of powdery white sandy beaches.  She was bothered of the environmental issues the island resort was facing.

“I went here last year and it was beautiful. And I didn’t see the problem,” said Karen who wants the island resort protected to prevent further environmental degradation.

“Of course, it such as beautiful place. And it will be so sad to see go to ruins. So, we should definitely do our best to preserve it and look after it. We need really to take care of Panglao so that it  doesn’t go to ruins,” she said.

Panglao Island, considered crown jewel of Bohol’s tourism, is composed of the towns of Panglao and Dauis.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) earlier identified the lack of waste water treatment facility and “bottomless” septic tanks as among the problems contributing to the environmental woes of the island.

The latest report of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), an attached agency of DENR, said that the fecal coliform on Panglao Island was above average.

On the other hand, Karen was in favor of closing Boracay Island for rehabilitation.

“I am for the closure of Boracay just to rehabilitate so that at least ma-enjoy natin sa future so i-close natin ngayon. it’s so sad for the jobs , the Filipinos based there and tourists have no income for them.  If it is happening in Panglao, we should do our best to preserve it. This is not acceptable. We should not go it to ruins,” she said.

Warm welcome

While travelling to Ubay, Karen was sharing some stories about her Bb. Pilipinas journey. She even told your VRS  the place where she spent her childhood. She was also quick to point Bood Elem. School where she spent her Grades 1 and 2.

In Ubay town, at least 124 km from Tagbilaran City, she was welcomed by the departments heads and local officials headed by Mayor Constantino Reyes and his wife Councilor Violy and members of the Rotary Club of Ubay.

Karen joined a motorcade through the main streets of the town.

Hundreds of fans including local officials warmly 

welcomed  Bb.Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018 

Karen Gallman, a native of Ubay, in her Bohol 

homecoming. Leo Udtohan

Holding welcome banners, some fans went wild with Karen’s acknowledgment of their presence along the street.  Some residents lined up the streets chanting “Karen, Karen,” as she waved and greet them.

Some of them came from far-flung barangays to have a first glimpse of the homecoming queen. One of them even sashayed as Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental.

Karen also visited the Bohol Dairy at the Philippine Carabao Center and Ubay Stock Farm in Barangay Lomangog to taste their newly launched products--- Chocobao Drinks, Caramilk Ice Cream, chocolate and candies, cakes and pastries, Cheese and Yogurt, CaraCalamay, and Caramilk-infused dishes---locally made by locals.

Independent

Karen was born in Barangay Fatima in Ubay town on September 27, 1992 to Gavin William Gallman, a retired Australian soldier, and Ubay native Editha Bayonas.

She spent her childhood days at Barangay Bood before she migrated to Australia at age 8.

 “So, I was basically born and raised in Bohol jud,” said Karen who was crowned Miss Ubay 2007.

Karen shared she had a happy childhood memories in Barangay Bood where she grew up.  Her best memorable experience in Ubay was when she fell from mansanitas tree. She said she likes ginamos (salted and fermented fish) and dried fish.  

She first joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2012 at the age of 19 and made it to the top 12 of the national beauty pageant and was also named Miss Photogenic of the batch.

Before trying her luck again in Bb Pilipinas 2018, she worked as an operations analyst in a company in London for two years.

In the Bb. Pilipinas 2018, Karen received flak for her Q&A response when asked about her thoughts on building a third restroom for transgenders.  She explained, “I love the LGBT community.”

She said  her 60-year old mother Editha trained them to speak Bisaya and embrace the Boholano way even if they were living in Brisbane, Australia.

Editha said her daughter is “independent, buotan nga anak (a good daughter)” whose big dream was to become a beauty queen.

Next month, she will begin her training for the Miss Intercontinental 2018 pageant to be held in December.

 “I haven’t started preparing yet but I think next month I will start. I will be back to the gym. I will have training on catwalk, QnA, public speaking and make-up. I think it will help me towards the international crown,” she said.

“I will do my best. Let’s pray that I will do bring the crown and make Bohol proud again. If ever I will win it will history, the first Filipina to win the crown,” Karen said.

***

Loon’s ‘Coral Garden’

The town of Loon has plenty of other intriguing attractions to offer to its visitors. Very recently, people visit the town to see the “Coral Garden” in Barangay Tangnan which offers new exhilarating experience.

The ‘Coral Garden’ in Loon town is 

the newest natural attraction in the province. 

The red orange color which gives a panoramic view are not because of corals but of the sun-loving purslane (ulasiman or ngalog) wild plants which naturally grow in the area, declared as geological monument, after the 2013 earthquake.

But according to cultural and tourism worker Reigh Monreal, the plant which gives red-tinted shoreline is not a purslane but a blutaparon. Locals called the perennial herbs as bilang” (Blutaparon portulacoides) of the Amaranthaceae family.  It looks like Portulaca (ulasiman or pigweed species).

He said that the name “Coral Garden” was first used by a blogger who missed to visit the “Loon Coral Gardens” in Barangay Song-on where exposed corals are found.

The Municipal Tourism Office called that colorful place in Tangnan as the “Loon Beach Prairie.”

How to go there?  Upon entering Barangay Tangnan, stop at "Kennethman" signage. Inquire how to go down the site.

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