Monday, July 25, 2011

Miss Jagna Charmaine Agas prepares for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

Miss Jagna Charmaine Agas prepares for Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

After winning the prestigious titles of Binibining Jagna 2010 and Miss UB Personality 2009 1st runner-up, Charmaine S. Agas prepares herself for the upcoming Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011, the province’s most prestigious pageant on July 16 at the Bohol Cultural Center (the talent competition is on July 14 at the Tagbilaran Port Area).

A Pisces (March 15), Charmaine stands 5’5”; weighs 105 lbs., and has a vital statistics of 32-26-35, is an imposing presence both on and off stage. This 17 year old Accountancy student of Holy Name University has put a face to the name and what a very beautiful face it is, matched by a beautiful mind and a beautiful body with which the cameras love to flirt.

God-fearing, simple, optimistic, driven and bestowed with keen sense of volunteerism, Charmaine finds fulfillment in being involved in community-based projects. She is encouraging the young people to actively participate in community activities and help in nation-building.

“The activeness of youth,” said Charmaine. “There are activities in the community that the youths are the people working behind it. Like religious, sports, recreational activities and alike. This quality should be given importance to develop leadership, camaraderie and skills.”

Jagna is not only famous of their calamay (a sticky sweet delicacy) but also of their beautiful women. It is the only town in Bohol that has the most number of Miss Bohol Sandugo winners. It accomplished the first-ever three feats in the Miss Bohol Sandugo when the town's entries successively triumphed from 1990 to 1992: Tiffany Yap (1990), Ma. Recelle Adlaon (1991) and Celevel Ranoco (1992). Also in 2003, Fatima Liora Lloren Rana was crowned Miss Bohol Sandugo.

Is she nervous or pressured for the competition?

“Kinda pressured...but I trust myself. Whatever happens, I am still a winner and all of us (candidates) of Miss Bohol Sandugo are winners. It’ just that there is a winner in competitions. There will be a lesson that molds me to a better person. I believe that experience matters most,” she said with a beguiling smile.

Who are her inspirations to join Miss Bohol Sandugo?

“I’m inspired by the persons who trust me and those who don’t trust me. To those who trust me because they remind me that I am capable and to those who don’t trust me because they challenge me and taught me to be strong and be the best that I could,” she stressed.

The municipality of Jagna under the leadership of Mayor Fortunato 'Bicbic' Abrenilla is supporting Charmaine in her quest to win the crown. Mayor Abrenilla is designating her niece, Manol Ocio, the chairman of the successful Little Miss Jagna 2010, to take care of Charmaine.

Despite the pressures, hectic schedules and seemingly daunting task ahead of her, Charmaine is determined to purge head on in her pursuit of Miss Bohol Sandugo title. Constantly thankful for the privilege of being a beauty queen who represents Jagna, she is more than ready to undergo any challenge to bring the title where it truly belongs....home to the Calamay country.

What are your preparations for the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011?

“I minimize the amount of food I eat everyday. It’s very hard for me to do that since I am a food lover. I appreciate food so much! I exercise daily like sit ups and reading and surfing for info that are useful and important.”

What kind of diet do you have?

“Eating fruits, vegetables and drinking lots of water.”

Drinking a lot of water is good for the skin, they say.

I am drinking more than six to eight glasses per day.”

What part of your body do you think needs improvement?

“My tummy or “bilbil (belly fat)” because I have a big one. I really want have those sexy and shaped body! And it takes a lot of workout to have that body I want have.”

And what part is your favorite?

“My face. The shape of my face is my asset. And I can say it since many of my friends told me that it is the asset that they find the best in me. There was a time that I looked in the mirror and then thought that it really is my asset!”


Who is your role model and why?

“Fatima Soriano. I love all her songs, the lyrics and its meanings. I admire her simplicity, humility and faith in God. I remember the line of her song, “my sufferings are my offerings and I’m offering all of my sufferings. And if ever I will face more trials and more pains, I will offer them gladly again.” Inspiring, right?”

Yeah, very inspiring. Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?

“It’s very true; youths want to experience things because of curiosity. Premarital sex is rampant in our society but I say there is a right time for that and to avoid that matter, keep yourself busy with your studies. Temptations come for sure, to overcome it, just think of your family and the consequences of doing it.”

And what is your stand on the Reproductive Health Bill?

““I am anti-RH Bill. For me, it destroys the gift to multiply that God had given us. Overpopulation? This bill is not the solution to it. Self-discipline and respect instead are the things that we should have and practice.”

Why do you think education is important?

“Education is important because it cannot be given to others nor taken from you unlike power, position, wants, and alike. If you have this, you will be knowledgeable enough to handle yourself and your life.”

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why?

Layla of the movie Skyhigh. I love nature so much that’s why I also want to have powers like her. She can control the plants, trees and everything in nature. And if I’m given the chance to have this, I’ll probably use this power wisely.”

What are your beauty secrets?

My beauty secret is… wearing charming smile all the time. I believe that being beautiful is being friendly and smiling to everyone. When you do this, you’ll look younger and your day will be fun!”

Nightlife?

“Well, sometimes I go out with friends at night to watch programs, activities and to relax. And speaking of permission, my parents (Ernesto and Lodelia Agas) are okay with nightlife because it is one way of practicing responsible freedom.”


What is your greatest inspiration?

“God is my greatest inspiration. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I am not here if I’m not chosen...having Him in my heart and life makes me alive, kicking and optimistic in life.”

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be?

“That is being so contended. Yes, contentment is a good thing. But too much of contentment is not good. So I want to change it and I want to have goals and aims in life and will work hard to achieve it.”

What is your favorite quote?

“Do your best, do what is right and let God do the rest.”

How’s your love life?

“Good. I’m single and happy. No commitment at all and ready to mingle also. But as of now, I want to focus on my studies first because I just graduated from high school and I am still in my adjustment period in college. But hopefully soon!


What do you find sexy in a man?

“A man who knows how to handle and carry his self. It boosts one’s confidence and if he’s confident he will be able to show his true self.”

What qualities do you want in a man?

“Honestly, looks for me doesn’t matter that much. But attitude matters the most. Being gentleman, thoughtful and responsible are the qualities that I’m looking in a man.”

And what turns you off?

“I don’t know but maybe a man who is “bastos.” Well, so far, it doesn’t happen to me yet. But if it will happen, it will totally be turned off!

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

Farrah Mian represents Tubigon in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

Farrah Mian represents Tubigon in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Father’s Day is easily forgotten. We usually find out that it is Father’s Day when we see ads online. Fathers, in most families, are our special unsung heroes. They rarely ever get their fair share of adulation. Let Father's Day be your way to spread the message of love. Happy Father’s Day to our Daddy, Papa, Papsie, Itay, Itang, Tatay, Papang, Padre!

Scene: We pay tribute to our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, on his 150th birth anniversary (June 19). Rizal said, "Our duty is to love our country and our conscience dictates that we do everything that our duty calls for." There are many reasons why Rizal is the most revered Filipino hero. There is a TV campaign that asks, Why is Jose Rizal your hero?

Scene: The Bohol Concerned Citizen’s Action for Progress, Inc. (BCCAP) Land and Housing Project in Songculan, Dauis, is calling for volunteers to help build houses. Offering your time and services to help build a home can make a huge difference in a family’s life. For info, please call Juliet Quijada at (038) 235-3490 or 412-0854.

Scene: The Balilihan Got Talent, the newest craze in town, will conduct pre-audition on June 25 at Balilihan gymnasium. According to James Obedencio, the audition will start at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Five years old and above can join the contest. The final night is on July 10,” says James.

Seen: It’s easy for this gentleman-school boss (who was a heartthrob in his high school days) to change girlfriend every month. “‘We don’t know why he keeps on changing partners every now and then,” reports a VRS who is a serious student. “Lemme tell yah most of the gurls are half his age. He is a spitzer!" adds VRS.

Seen: A former staff from the capitol is presently hurting over his love lost to an “aging worker of the lord (AWOL).” The love troika came about when his hunky BFF came to know that AWOL on a naughty webcam session which lasted for minutes. The former capitol staff was able to uncover the dangerous liaison between the two through kinky messages posted by his BFF. AWOL was getting gaga over his BFF because he is, ehem, gifted,” adds VRS.

Scene: The ICM RUNniversary, a 7k fun run will be on June 25. It will start at 5:30am at the ICM carpark. Registration fee is P200 (with singlet, snacks and other freebies), students-P150 and A1 card holders-P180. For more details, look for Guy Bernaldez, Joan Ortega at ICM Marketing, or Ariel Fullido, Raul Sabijon and Junnel Palomares of AGC Runners Club. Proceeds of this event will go to the Philippine Red Cross-Bohol and AGC charity projects.

***

Bohol TNT: Advocating transparency on good governance

As soon as media colleague Edward Guyano informed me that the launching of the Bohol Transparency Network for Transformation (TNT) was finally announced Wednesday morning on dyTR and dyRD, I rushed to finish a project to catch the launch in the afternoon.

You see, last year various groups frequently met in the course of organizing and attending various conferences on anti-corruption. During these meetings, the idea of forming a loose network to coordinate anti-corruption initiatives gradually evolved.

Bohol TNT (Your Friendly Governance Watchdog) is a newly formed network advocating for transparency in the extractive, particularly the good governance. It is composed of local media, civil society, church groups, peoples’ organizations and business leaders from across the province and local members of the Philippine National Police and officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

According to the members, the media-citizen networks can play an important part in building transparency, accountability and in the fight against corruption.

Bohol TNT is the fourth local transparency reporting group which Philippine Public Transparency Reporting Project (PPTRP) helped establish since last year. PPTRP is being implemented by four media development organizations – the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), MindaNews, and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Provincial administrator Ae Damalerio (who represented Gov. Edgar Chatto), businessman Ku Beng Sun (who represented the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry), PPTRP Director Alan Davis, Atty. Raul Barbarona, president of Bohol Alliance of NGOs and CCJD executive director Red Batario attended the launch, encouraged the members, and committed to help in the fight against graft and corruption.

Linda Paredes coordinator of the Provincial Road Monitoring Facility (PRMF) and one of the convenors of Bohol TNT, said “We're not here to condemn...we're here to work with government in ensuring that basic services go directly to the people - that every single centavo is accounted for."

Sad news: Edward didn’t attend the launch because he had a previous commitment. Yesterday, he asked me to update him of PTPRP’s activities this month.

Happy news: As I typed this, Rowena Paraan, the executive director of NUJP informed me of the upcoming seminar on June 30 (I was also informed earlier by CCJD’s Red Batario).

Those who are interested to join can call Bohol TNT Secretariat at (038) 501-7933, email: boholtnt@yahoo.com. You may visit Bohol TNT on Facebook.

***

The Anyag Sa Tubigon Executive Committee has made their final announcement last Wednesday that Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian of Brgy. Centro will represent Tubigon in the Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011, the province’s biggest beauty pageant.

The announcement which was posted on Facebook has received several reactions from beauty watchers, including yours truly, who believe that Tubigon beauties are now in superstar status.

Why Farrah Faye Abarquez Mian and not Lori Geisha Cabrera, the reigning Anyag sa Tubigon?

“Actually, we are sending Farrah Mian because she is in the right age already to join the pageant. Our reigning Anyag 2010 Lori Geisha Cabrera didn't meet the minimum age requirement. She is still 16 years old. We just want to avoid any possible issues which may arise,” said Raymond Delgado, the municipal public information officer of Tubigon. “Farrah is already ripe for the pageant and she is at her best na. Lori still needs a lot of work and polishing before we could send her to provincial pageants.”

Last week, 19 ladies, including Farrah, passed the screening held at the Miravilla Resort in Tagbilaran City.

Farrah, who stands 5’6”, is taking up medical technology at Velez College. She is also working as a part time model in Cebu under the LINES modeling agency.

Will Farrah be the second Tubignon to win Miss Bohol Sandugo (after Amir Sol in 2010)?

For the second time, there is no Miss Tagbilaran in this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo. The first time was in 1995.

The 19 candidates will compete in swimsuits, evening gowns, interviews and talent competitions. The top eight will advance to the semi finals where only three finalists will be chosen.

The talent competition is on July 14 at the Tagbilaran Port Area and the coronation night is on July 16 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Phillip Gatal will host the pageant while 2010 Miss Tagbilaran Fer Mary Baliquig and Miss PRISAA Region 7 Feliz Carvajal (also the first runner-up of Miss Toledo City 2011 held June 10) are the pageant anchors.

Bohol's most popular choreographer par excellence Alexis Cadeliña is this year’s choreographer.

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

School is cool with these campus heartthrobs (2nd)

School is cool with these campus heartthrobs (2nd)

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Only a few display the Philippine flag today, June 12, the 113th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The Malacañang has called on Filipinos to display the Philippine flag in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas and schools. Malacañang statement also cited Section 26 of Republic Act 8491, the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” that all the offices and public venue should display a replica of the flag.

Seen: Loida Tiza Salve Lagonoy is in the US. The Miss Bohol International 2009 winner arrived in California last week. “She is here for a vacation,” says the globetrotter Bared VRS who saw Loida in San Francisco.

Seen: Fashion mogul Maximiel is now a volleyball enthusiast. Health experts said that a volleyball match in the gym or outside is a fun way to socialize and stay active. “Volleyball is an ideal method of aerobic exercise,” shares Maxi. And, ehem, he is now a “heredera”!

Seen: A young socialite (YS) detected a lump on her breast. She concluded it as breast cancer. “This affected her mood” says a VRS who is close to the young socialite. She was convinced by her friends to see a doctor. After a series of lab tests, it was found out that the lump was not a dreaded cancer but a normal hardening of the mammary gland during the monthly period. “YS becomes very prayerful since then. Because of it, she knows how to pray the holy rosary!” adds VRS.

Seen: Those in the know just ignored this twentysomething socialite, an heiress of a business in Tagbi, who is telling people that she’s a vegan. “I don’t think she likes veggies. She doesn’t know what a broccoli is. She’s gaining not losing,” says a friend whose ears are bleeding.

Scene: A "Day of the Purple Ribbon for RH" will be held on June 15 at the Metro Centre Hotel. It will be a gathering of leaders, artists and public figures who are pro-RH.

***

Lori Geisha Cabrera, 16

• Height: 5’2”

• Weight: 99 lbs.

• Vital statistics: 32-25-36

• Color of eyes: Dark brown

• Color of hair: Dark brown

• Parents: Engr. Leonidas Cabrera Jr. and Mrs. Gina Cabrera

• Sibling: Lea Gein Cabrera

• Birthday: January 25, 1995 (Zodiac Sign: Aquarius)

• Birthplace: Cebu City

• Education: Holy Name University

Course: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

• Religion: Roman Catholic

• Titles: Miss Rose of Summer 2010 (Panaytayon, Tubigon), Anyag sa Tubigon 2011


MC Polestico, 20

• Height: 5'10

• Weight: 172 lbs. • Size of shirt: Large • Size of briefs: Large • Size of shoes: 11 • Color of eyes: Black

• Color of hair: Black

• Parents: Allan Apat and Flordeliza Polestico

• Siblings: None

• Birthday: June 7, 1991 (Zodiac Sign: Gemini) • Birthplace: Bacolod City • Education: Holy Name University

Course: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

• Religion: Roman Catholic


Over 25 million students trooped back to school last Monday. The same old story: many public schools are far from ready due to a lack of school equipment and supplies. However, it didn’t dampen the excitement of the students because their campus crushes make the school atmosphere pleasant, enjoyable and exciting.

As a continuation of our “school is cool” series, Bared has found these two campus crushes.

The beauties of Tubigon have actually been in the field of beauty pageant for quite a time now but it was only after they won the Miss Bohol Sandugo in 2010 by Amir Paraguya Sol did the Tubigon ladies rose overnight to superstar status.

If the name rings a bell, it’s because Lori Geisha Cabrera was declared Anyag sa Tubigon 2011 last May. And Lori proved to be a great contender in this year’s Miss Bohol Sandugo, if, that is a big if, there will be Miss Bohol Sandugo.

In high school, she was a campus crush at Holy Family of Nazareth School where she graduated second honorable mention. At Holy Name University where she is a first year college, she becomes an instant campus crush. “Fresh and young,” says a boy who’s instantly smitten by her beauty and charm.

On the other hand, girls dream of convincing Melvin Cyrus “MC” Polestico to be their beau. He is a rockstar-famous as a point guard of Holy Name University’s Falcons. My friends (including RC) call him “hot.” The female population is obsessed of this person.

The Falcons boys are good. But more than good, they’re good-looking. As in basketball, or any sports, what seems to count more especially for local fans are the gamers more than the game itself. The more drop-gorgeous the players are, the more deafening grows the fanatics’ scream and the more audible the swooning. MC, who finished high school at Bohol Wisdom School, creates noise when is inside the court.

And what else do you want to know about Lori and MC? A lot. Stay tuned.

What is your favorite subject?

Lori: It would be English and Math.

MC: I like History.

Why do you think education is important?

Lori: As our reigning Binibing Pilipinas 2011 Shamcey Supsup had said, “Education is something that can never be taken away from you”. And yes, it’s oh so true. I would say that your education becomes who you are, and it’s what you are. That’s what makes education so important.

MC: It is important because with education you can have a better future.

What is your favorite quote?

Lori: When in doubt, dance it out.

MC: There is more value in the journey than in the success itself.

How do you manage your time in modeling and studying?

Lori: I can’t totally call myself as a model. Yes I’ve been to photo to shoots but I can’t consider myself as one. And for now studying and surviving college life is my main concern. Because I guess education is more important than fame.

What is your ambition in life?

MC: To become a professional IT expert.

Status? Single? In a relationship? Complicated?

Lori: Haha, I guess it’s complicated to say this, but yes, I’m in a relationship.

MC: Single.

What do you find sexy in a man?

Lori: A man’s smile is the sexiest thing for me.

What do you find sexy in a woman?

MC: The skin.

What qualities do you want in a boy?

Lori: I’m not particular with a tall, dark, and handsome quality. What I’m after a boy is that he should stand out by simply being himself.

What qualities do you want in a girl?

MC: Beautiful and kind.

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

School is cool with these campus heartthrobs (1st)

School is cool with these campus heartthrobs (1st)

Wake-uppers:

Seen: This business executive (BE) has been described by the people as an emotional mess. Besides being unable to the work, BE arrives to meetings hours late. BE sets extreme rules and regulations in the corporate office.

Scene: The “cold war” between the two members of an organization in the city is deep-seated, according to VRS, “as in “dut sa bukog na.” Did they fight over a girl? Did they fight because of business? What could be the reason? “Basta mortal enemies na sila karun.”

Scene: The devastating condition of the Raha Sikatuna Park in Bilar. Due to the war torn nature of the area, it is now practically abandoned. Sadly, this now decaying place was home to rare flora and fauna. Gone are the days when Rajah Sikatuna National Park was a haven for nature lovers and a bird-watchers paradise.

***

With these heartthrobs on campus, wouldn’t you want to be in college again?

Good looks, academic excellence and attitude. Put them all together and what do we get? A campus crush, of course!

They are the favorite subject of conversations among the student body, secret or otherwise.

I bet you didn’t know that Ar dela Serna has a busy schedule— modeling and studying— but he can manage it all. “I manage my time in modeling and studying by simply balancing it. If it’s time to study focus on studying and if it’s time to be a model focus on how to be a model,” confessed Ar.

On the other hand, fate has a strange way of intervening in Danilo Torcende Jr’s life. Dan was thrust into the limelight when he joined a pageant in 2010. Those who watched the pageant testified that Dan was “Shy, smooth and sexy.” That exposure helped him become confident. And of course, he is making women — and other creatures besides — kilig to the max!


They are popular at the Holy Name University. They are admired based on their good looks and the way they carry themselves or based on their achievements, talent and wit. Or maybe, a combination of all these impressive factors.

Ar dela Serna, 18

Height: 6'1

Weight:145 lbs

Size of shirt: Medium

Size of brief : Medium

Size of shoes: 10-11

Color of eyes: Black

Color of hair: Black

Parents: Alberto and Glorivic Yap dela Serna

Siblings: Alberto Manuel dela Serna and Alberto Narciso dela Serna

Birthday: May 6, 1993

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Bohol

School: Holy Name University

Course: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Religion: Roman Catholic


Dan Torcende, 19

Height: 5’11
• Weight: 132 lbs.
• Size of shirt: Large
• Size of briefs: Medium
• Size of shoes: 10
• Color of eyes: Brown
• Color of hair: Black
• Parents: Danilo Torcende Sr. and Hermenia Torcende

Siblings: Cristofferson and iris

• Birthday: Dec. 20, 1992

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

• Birthplace: Lotopan, Toledo City
• School: Holy Name University Education
Course: BSBA Marketing Management (2nd year college)
• Religion: Roman Catholic

What is your favorite subject?

Ar: Math1 College Algebra

Dan: I like Filipino.

Why do you think education is important?

Ar: I think education is important because education means knowledge and knowledge is power.:)

Dan: Educated person have a good future in life.

What is your favorite quote?

Ar: A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.

Dan: Love is sweeter the second time around.

What is your ambition in life?

Ar: I want to become a successful businessman someday.

Dan: I want to become a successful man.

How about your status? Are you single? In a relationship? Complicated?

Ar: Single!

Dan: In a relationship.

What do you find sexy in a woman?

Ar: I find a woman sexy in her eyes

Dan: Have intellectual mind and a beautiful heart.

What qualities do you want in a girl?

Ar: She must be understanding and simple.

Dan: She must be simple and beautiful.

***

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.