Aumentado feels healthy after fresh cell treatment

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Twelve candidates are vying for Miss Jagna 2012 on Sept. 24, 9 p.m. at Jagna gym.

 

VP Binay with Mayor Che

Scene: Vice President Jejomar Binay was in Bohol last Thursday, Sept. 20, to meet with local officials and swear in new members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes was sworn in as new member of UNA by VP Binay. Mayor Che will run for governor under the UNA in the 2013 elections, according to VP Binay. Also spotted during the oath taking ceremony were: former Bohol Vice-Governor Julius Cesar Herrera, Dauis Mayor Jimmy Jimenez and his complete slate, Getafe Mayor Cary Camacho and his complete slate, Mayor Eutiquio Bernales with his Vice Mayor Constantino Reyes and 43 barangay captains and kagawads, San Isidro Mayor Jacinto Naraga and his complete slate, former Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat and his complete slate, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes, Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga, Aris Aumentado, Madame Greenie Aumentado, Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol, Maribojoc Vice Mayor Fructuoso Fiel Redulla, Jr. , former Panglao Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes, Panglao Vice-Mayor Evangeline Lazaro, Mark Leo Monton, Rammel Cagulada and businessman Norris Oculam.

 

Scene: LAUGHTEARS- The OSANG X-perience is on Oct. 13, at the Timeout Grill, La Vista, 5th level of Bohol Quality Mall. Osang who had a spot in X-Factor Philippines will tickle your funny bones. The girls of Bohol’s Top Model 2012 will show their flesh in the lingerie fashion show. Young indie film actor and commercial endorser of Dakki Marcus Cabrera will grace the event. The event is also part of eventologist Mizken's birthday celebration.

 

Seen: Rockstar Princess Yeng Constantino was at the University of Bohol last Thursday. Her concert was part of the UB Days celebration.

 

***

Parking spaces become ‘park’ for a day

 

Architecture students of Bohol Island State University-Main Campus parked themselves last Friday, Sept. 21, at the Tagbilaran City Square taking up spaces reserved for cars and transforming them into a mini park with sod, potted plants, benches, chessboard and a bike to make Tagbilaran City greener for a day.

 

Park visitors were offered the chance to have a free picture taking and portrait making. Tweng and his friends also entertained the crowd through fliptop rap battle.

 

The "Park(ing) Day" movement started as a single installation years ago in San Francisco and has become a worldwide event reaching more than 100 cities on four continents.

 

Visit www.facebook.com/ParkingDayBohol for more info.

 

***

Stem/fresh cell therapy has become a buzzword these days. Many people claim that the costly but groundbreaking medical procedure can treat various diseases and help slow or reverse the aging process.

 

Aumentado with Boholanos in Germany...

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, former President Joseph Estrada, hairstylist Ricky Reyes, talent manager and host Lolit Solis, actress Lorna Tolentino and former First Lady Imelda Marcos are only among the prominent Filipinos who swear by the healing effects of fresh cell therapy.

 

Marcos still retains her youthful piquancy at age of 83. Estrada, 75, shared that the stem cell therapy made him feel young. On the other hand, Enrile, 88 years old, impressed the public with his sharp mind and memory at the Corona impeachment trial earlier this year.

 

Encouraged by the positive feedback, Rep. Erico Aumentado, 72, who used to suffer from diabetes (his pancreas don’t normally produce insulin), said in a radio interview, he went to Germany last August for fresh cell therapy.

 

Aumentado had already inquired about the fees of stem cell procedure at Medical City and he felt it’s exorbitant. And there’s no guarantee it will lead to better result. With the help of Joey Santos, executive consultant for Villa Medica, a clinic in Germany where celebrities go for the procedure, Aumentado opted to undergo the procedure in Germany to keep healthy.

 

It’s his son Aris accompanied him in Germany during the entire sessions. After a number of sessions, the solon is feeling better. They went to France and stayed for more days where the solon also met some Boholanos there.

 

“While in Lourdes, he had no difficulty walking and climbing up and down a flight of stairs without an aid,” said globetrotter VRS who saw Aumentado at the grotto. “He took everybody by surprise… he is healthy, strong and fresh, very different from the last time I met him in Bohol.”

 

After the therapy, Aumentado hopes to feel healthy and renewed, ready to register his certificate of candidacy as congressman of the second district of Bohol.

 

with son Aris in France

Before Aumentado and other celebrities, several other well-known figures worldwide are said to have tried fresh cell treatments, among them the late English actor Charlie Chaplin.

 

So how is this procedure done? According to ABS-CBN News, Dr. Robert Janson-Muller, who runs a fresh cell therapy clinic, Villa Ludwigshöhe in Germany, was in Manila last week to talk about the possibilities of fresh cell therapy in the wellness sphere.

 

Here are some excerpts of the news (still according to ABS-CBN):

 

Janson-Muller gets his embryonic cells from sheep. He reveals that he is the third generation fresh cell expert in the family, where his grandfather was one of the pioneers of the treatment along with Prof. Paul Niehans, who ministered to many famous names in world history.

 

Janson-Muller made it clear that fresh cell therapy is different from the now controversial stem cell treatment, which aims to replace damaged organs in the body or create one from scratch.

 

He stressed that his methods, which do not promise miracles, have been proven effective by his predecessors for the past 60 years.

 

Janson-Muller proudly said the positive effects of fresh cell therapy on humans. He said the procedure can help patients recover from neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or paralysis after a stroke, as well as chronic liver and kidney diseases.

 

The treatment promises firmer skin, muscle mass improvement, alleviation of menopause-related symptoms, enhanced metabolism, stronger immune system, better memory, and even a progressive sex life. To make the anti-aging treatment more effective, Janson-Muller suggests getting it done between the 40s and 50s.

 

After the treatment, the patient is advised to live a healthy lifestyle (where nicotine and alcohol are discouraged) exercise, good stress management and supplements are also prescribed.  

 

Janson-Muller stressed, however, that fresh cell therapy is neither a “fountain of youth” nor a treatment that can cure cancer or prolong lives that are already in danger, as claimed by others.

 

“Is there a fountain of youth?” Muller asked the audience at the press event. He answered his own query by debunking that age-old pursuit as an illusion. “According to Prof. Paul Niehans, it is not about giving more years to live but make the remaining years worth living.”

 

It is not for everyone, the doctor said, as the procedure is not allowed to be done on pregnant women as well as patients with tuberculosis, malignant tumors in the acute stage, severe psychoses and those displaying strong allergic reactions.

 

Because of the very specialized procedure, fresh cell therapy is quite expensive, something that Janson-Muller himself admits. The initial treatment, which will involve a four-day stay in his state-of-the-art clinic in Germany, costs 12,000 euros or over P622,000.

 

The Medical City and other hospitals in the country like St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig, and the Kidney and Transplant Institute are providing stem cell therapy. A six-month program for stem cell therapy, in the Medical City at least, is priced at around P2.2-P2.5 million for disease-related services, while for the health and wellness (or aesthetic purposes), the therapy is at around P1.4-P1.6 million.

 

(Note:The Philippine Medical Association and the Department of Health have advised the public to be careful about choosing where to go for the procedure. Medical experts claimed that there have yet to hear about clinical studies that would prove that the procedure can treat diseases without negative side effects.)

 

 ***

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

Meet Clement, mild & gentle

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Anti-epal Congresswoman, stage actress and political/social activist Mae Paner aka Juana Change was reacting on the tarpaulins of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Bohol federation president Jethro Nathaniel Lim Imboy sprawling along the city’s main thoroughfares. The original tarps had the faces of Juana Change and other two speakers with Bamboo as the event entertainer for SK Convention on Sept. 15-16. Juana Change, who is known for her anti-epal campaign, ordered the organizers to remove the “epal” tarps. In a statement sent to Bared, the organizers said, “The purpose of the SKPF in posting the welcome tarpaulins was to promote the Convention as local-partner and where 500 SK leaders from Bohol have committed to participate.” They had replaced the tarps and removed Juana Change as one of the speakers. The incensed Juana Change mentioned the incident on Morning at ANC last Friday.

 

Scene: The “maindie” (part “mainstream” and part “indie”) film Biktima (starring Cesar Montano and Angel Aquino) will hit theaters on September 19. The suspense drama is directed and produced by RD Alba.

 

Seen: Christopher Roxas was spotted in Panglao. He went firefly kayaking with Kayakasia and Plan International’s program coordinator John Diviva. Roxas and Diviva joined others for Because I Am A Girl Campaign last Saturday.

 

Scene: The 13^th annual tourism quiz initiated by the Bohol Island Tour Guides Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BITGAP Inc.) for the tourism month celebration. The first level was held on Sept. 7 in Balilihan and the 2^nd district level was held in Talibon last Sept. 14. The 3^rd district level is on Sept. 21 in Lila. The district and city finals will be on Sept. 28 at BQ Mall. The quiz covered various topics ranging from tourist attractions and events to history and current events. The contest is part of the ongoing celebration of Tourism Month.

 

Scene: South Korean rapper Psy‘s song “Gangnam Style” became a huge hit around the world. It was uploaded last month, and even Ellen De Generes tried it out the latest dance craze. Aside from the video of a 60 year old woman who seriously dancing ” Oppa Gangnam Style,” there are hilarious versions and other parodies of random people dancing to the very catchy K-Pop song which have proliferated in YouTube including Bogart the Explorer, Showtime’s Eric “Eruption” Tai and MoymoyPalaboy. In the video, Moymoy Palaboy had a scene portraying Legazpi and Datu Si Katuna at the Blood Compact Shrine in Bool.

***

Mark the name Clement Paulinel Lofranco Ingking. His name rings a bell and you will hear more ringing from him very soon.

 

Clement, which means “mild” and “gentle”, is not a stranger to the limelight. When he was 12, he wowed the audience ramping and singing (with hundreds of auditionees from the province who competed for five consecutive monthly finals until the grand final), Clement won ICM’s Kiddie Idol Champion in 2006.

 

He won ICM’s Model Quest 2007 (male category champion), Mr. Alturas 2011, Mr. Bohol Island State University (BISU) FreshFace 2011, Lakandula ng BISU 2011, Mr. Sophie Paris 2012 and Mr. BISU-Main Campus 2012 first runner-up.

 

At present, he is taking up Bachelor of Hotel and Restaurant Service Technology at BISU-Main Campus and chairman of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of barangay Booy, this city.

 

And more: He is an active talent of Cebu Models Society, Bravura Models and Talents, Options and Concepts and formerly a member of Doors Models and Talents.

 

Whew!!! How does Clement find time for all that?

 

“I have a simple technique; when I am at the university, I manage to study and focus well and coping up immediately all the lessons,” said Clement. “And all my vacant hours will be spent at my SK office for all the paper works such as communications, resolutions, activity designs and for brainstorming more efficient and effective activities for my constituents.”

 

“What do I find sexy?” he asked. “Real, genuine, sense of humor, sexuality, a little bit of nerdy-ness, sometimes a little attitude, someone cute doesn't hurt either, but it's really the personality that grabs my attention and drags me in.”

 

Asked what’s the sexiest thing he has ever done so far, Clement laughed aloud and said, “Putting body oil during fashion shows and exposure shows.”

 

Clement stands 5’8’’, weighs 152 lbs., and wears medium-size shirt, size-30 brief and size-8 shoes. He’s a Scorpion (born November 21, 1994).

 

Find out as Clement completes the following sentences:

 

I am happiest when… my parents are proud of me all the time.

I’m saddest when…a part of our family passed away.

What I like about myself is…staying my feet on the ground, touching other lives, and following God’s wisdom.

What I hate about myself is…being a risk-taker.

I hate people who are…very judgmental and hypocrite, they’re the ones who complicates and put malicious meaning in everything.

I avoid people who are not…sociable and open-minded, they’ll just ruin my day!

My worst moment… was hearing those insecure and hypocrite people backstabbing and telling rumors about me.

My biggest fear…is to lose my parents; I can’t live without them as of now.

The most important person/s in my life is/are… my parents because without them I will not become who and what I am now. They are my inspirations and motivators.

If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be…an owl. Because I’m nocturnal, I’m a night person. I became more active at night and always lacking hours of sleep.

My most traumatic experience was…being bitten by a dog while riding my mountain bike way back 2007.

I deal with gossip by…ignoring and laughing with those nonsense stuffs.

Am I afraid of growing old?... not really, growing old means being mature and well-rounded person.

I lose my temper when…there are lots of paper works and reports to comply in last minute time.

If I were somebody else I’d be… Abraham Lincoln, for all we know was the 16th president of the United States. He preserved the Union during the U.S. Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. I want to try living in the world and having his capabilities, responsibilities and power.

Face-to-face with God, I would tell Him… I praise and worship you Father, thank you for the precious life you bestowed on me. You are my God and I will always follow your will.  Help me to grow a better ambassador of peace and guide me upon rendering my full-pledge service to you and my fellowmen.

 

The type of girls that turns me on... are those with appealing physical attributes and good sense of humor.

The type of girls that turn me off…are those “pasikat” or shall I say “feeler type”!

My philosophy in life is…We are who we choose to be.

 

***

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

Beryl: Enjoying life the unconventional way

Wake-uppers:

Scene: It’s Island City Mall (ICM) September affairs to remember! Pretty girls out there ages 9-12 years old are invited to join the ICM Glamorous Princess. Audition is on Oct 5 at 3 p.m. at the Activity Center. Call (038) 501-3000 for info. There’s more…You can also pamper your grandparents on September 9 at ICM and experience free make-over treats, relaxing massage and win instant Php 3000 cash prize in the Bingo games. There’s more, more…Enjoy up to 70% discount from participating tenants and 10% discount from Home and Fashion department on Sept. 14, 15 and 16. There’s more, more, more…. watch GMA Kapuso artists on Sept. 15, 4 p.m. at Activity Center.

 

Udtohan

Scene: Our dear Ruth “Neneng” Udtohan (Nov. 4, 1983-Sept. 9, 2001) is lovingly remembered on her 11th death anniversary. As long as hearts remember, as long as hearts still care, we do not part with those we love, they're with us everywhere…

 

Scene: Is former provincial board member Felix Realista Uy finally ending his political career? The veteran lawmaker will no longer run for any position in next year’s election, saying he is “happy right now.” On the other hand, Brigadier General Joseph Sevilla (who was a provincial board member for many years) has reportedly plans to run in 2013 elections. “I’m still thinking,” he said. Brig. Gen. Sevilla is busy doing charity projects as chairman of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines (ROLP) and a topbrass of the Guardian Forces Brotherhood International (GFBI).  

Scene: This week is diving for a cause. Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Campaign is on Sept. 15. It aims to gather divers for a cleanup dive inside and outside the marine sanctuaries of Balicasag Island and Barangay Tawala in Panglao Island. Registration fee for the activity is Php 4,000 inclusive of two boat divers, full set of diving gears, dive boat, dive master, sacks for the collection of underwater debris, certificate, souvenir shirt and buffet lunch. Non-divers are also invited to join the coastal cleanup initiated by the barangay councils of Danao and Tawala, Panglao. To register, e-mail info@boholdiversclub.com or text/call +63 918-979-5819.

 

***

Fate has a strange way of intervening in Beryl Elizabeth’s life. Years back, she was looking forward to working as a nurse before taking up medicine.

 

“I want to be a surgeon,” the dutiful daughter recalls. So she finished nursing as preparatory course for Medicine and passed the licensure examination in 2007 but because of Beryl’s adventurous attitude, now she finds herself doing a job she never imagined herself doing in Kayakasia Philippines Inc. (Email: kayakbohol@gmail.com, visit www.facebook.com/kayakasiaphilippines or text/call +63932-855-2928).  

“Ive been kayaking since 2003, it’s a hobby ra. I never thought I’d be in this business jud,” she recalls. “I have friends who are kayakers and they wanted to start up a company with an aim of promoting kayaking in Bohol, so they asked me to be part of it.”

 

She turned down the offer several times because she wanted to work as a nurse. Then one day she realized to accept the offer.  “Who am I to say no to a job offer when there are a lot of people who are jobless. So I took the job, they needed a woman in the team man gud especially in the office because paper works is not a man’s cup of tea,” adds Beryl.

Now, Beryl is so hooked on travel business (where she meets a lot of people both local and foreign) she has decided to kiss plans of becoming a nurse good-bye.

 

“Now its almost a year na naa ko sa company, I’ve seen it evolve and grow and I am happy about it. One thing I love about my job is that I get to have a chance to be awed by Bohol’s natural beauty and appreciate it in another perspective, in a way wherein only few people gets the chance to do and to be able to share the experience to everyone who comes to us,” gushes Beryl.

 

“Kayaking is the least destructive way to enjoy and explore the beautiful waterways we have. It keeps you more closely attached to nature and gives you the freedom to skim through the liquid skin of the earth through your own power. And we in Kayakasia Philippines Inc. is more than willing to promote this eco-friendly recreational activity in Bohol,” explains Beryl.

‘I’m sexy after a good run when I'm all sweaty and I’m catching my breath.’

 

Kayasia is the only one in Bohol which offers premium kayaking trip packages as such as Firefly Kayaking which is the best seller, Virgin Island Kayaking and Moonlit Dinner. They also offer Kayaking the two churches (Baclayon and Dauis), Kayak Snorkelling and Multi-day Kayaking Expeditions. They also give basic Kayaking lessons to the guests prior to every trip with the aid of certified kayak instructors as guides and they also do kayak retail.

 

Instead of further talking economics, Bared did “sexy talk” with Beryl so readers will not forget that, besides being a businesswoman, she’s first and foremost a sexy kayaker.

 

Those in-the-know Beryl was a campus beauty queen. She won Miss University of Bohol High School 2003 and Miss UB Personality 3rd runner up in 2003. Until now, she maintains the sexy look.

 

‘Kayaking is the least destructive way to enjoy and explore the beautiful waterways we have.’

“When do I feel sexy?” asks Beryl. “After a good run when I'm all sweaty and I’m catching my breath.”

 

What makes a man sexy? “There is something about a man’s arm that attracts me, especially when it is lean and not very muscular, just enough to be sexy. But still, if a man has the brains and can talk to me about anything under the sun then he is the sexiest for me.”

 

What is the sexiest part of her body? “My lips,” she giggles. “Because it can convey my emotions and I can send them across like when I’m happy I smile, I’m sad, I pout and when I’m hyped up, I pucker up and offers a kiss! Ha! ha!”

 

Read: Beryl will let your imagination run wild, but she won’t show everything. She can give you the come-hither look, but she won’t let you go further. Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

***

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

l-r DYRD reporter Jun Gutierrez, Brig. Gen Joseph Sevilla and DYTR reporter Edward Guyano

 

• Hollywood-like sign on Chocolate Hills mulled • Divers to clean island for girl’s rights on Sept. 15

• Hollywood-like sign on Chocolate Hills mulled

• Divers to clean island for girl’s rights on Sept. 15

 

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Rainfall, earthquake and blue moon on Friday! The blue moon appeared at 9 p.m. after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Samar province triggering tsunami warnings across a wide swath of Asia.

 

“A blue moon does not actually refer to the color of the moon rather it means two full moons in one month,” my six-year-old nephew Kotik told me.

 

The morning after, Sept. 1, Filipinos have reason to smile as the cool “ber” months begin, ushering in the joyous countdown to Christmas.

 

Radio programs begin playing holiday tunes as the world’s longest Christmas season unfolds in the Philippines. Now that the “Ber” months is finally upon us, the mornings are expected to get colder in the coming days.

 

(Note: I won again in our “Who Can Greet First Merry Christmas on September 1” with my high school classmate and UB High School principal Elaine Joy Auza. Joy, I won it for the nth time He! He! He!)

 

Scene: The most anticipated search for Mr and Miss Saint John the Baptist Academy (SJBA) Personality 2012 is on Sept. 6, 7:30 pm at Garcia Hernandez gym. “The beauty, prestige and tradition continue…there are six boys and six girls who will compete for the most coveted titles,” SJBA principal Ramon Caresiosa posted on Facebook.

 

Scene: Bohol-Buhol, the group art exhibit of Boholano artists in Manila on Sept. 8. Bohol-Buhol aims to highlight the beauty and wonder of Bohol in the merry tangled colors, forms and imagery in the paintings, mixed media and sculptural pieces.

 

Buhol-Bohol's exhibiting artists include Cesar Montano, Eric Catot, Guy Custodio, Glen Lumantao, Irish Glori Galon, Jhacky Curambao,Joey Labrador, Jef Sisican, Josefino Montano, Lito Masalta, Nene Lungay, Rhants Anunciado, Ric Ramasola, Rico Tompong, Rommel Montano and Sam Penaso.

 

Hollywood in Bohol

Bohol-Buhol is on September 8 (6 p.m.) until September 15 at the Renaissance Gallery, 4th floor of SM Megamall Building A, Mandaluyong City. Call +639283482268for more info.

 

Scene: A picture of Chocolate Hills with a massive “BOHOLLYWOOD ” sign on a hill, just like the one Hollywood is now circulated on Facebook. Local netizens found the idea funny at best, and stupid at worst.  However, the Hollywood-like sign on Choco Hill is not existing. It’s digitally manipulated photo. “The municipality of Carmen or the province of Bohol may not erect a landmark similar to the iconic Los Angeles’ “Hollywood” sign.  Remember how the Hollywood-like sign in Batangas mulled? It maybe sound ‘hard-to-miss landmark and potential tourism draw’ but not yet the right time,” said VRS.

 

***

SK Danao crowned Miss Panglao 2012

 

Miss SK Danao, 19-year-old Meshellane Real Jade Cajels, took the title of Miss Panglao 2012 last Wednesday, Aug. 29, organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation of Panglao.

 

The 5 foot 7 beauty queen beat out 16 other contestants, including Miss SK Doljo Jessamine Flores and Blez Jamessa Oliquino of Balicasag Island, who were first and second runners-up, respectively.

 

"Thank you," Cajels said while she burst in tears after her win was announced.

 

Cajels

Cajels, a nursing student who says she wants to become a good nurse, also named Best in Gown, Best in Interview, Miss Photogenic and Face of the Night .

 

“The Miss Panglao Pageant is a unique pageant since there is a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and dynamic involvement in community activities,” said Amira Montero, SK Panglao federated chair.

 

Last year’s winner, Miss Panglao 2011 Judith Anne Cruz launched her Math Literacy project to give free basic Math tutorials to academically-challenged students.

 

The Miss Panglao Official Theme Song “Truly Beautiful” composed by Deo Guden, arranged by BJ Baylon and interpreted by Joseph Gara was launched during the Talent Night Showcase.

 

ABS-CBN stars Aldred Gatchalian and Jason Abalos added glitter and excitement to the event. Talented Kimberly Gango sang and danced also together with performing talents from Panglao.

 

Bohol’s seasoned host Raul Gatal emceed the pageant with Miss Panglao 2011 2^nd runner-up Mary Rose Butalid as anchorwoman.

 

The judges were Pureza Chatto, Irena Heberer, president of Rotary Club of Panglao Island; Marybeth Chan, president of Marc and Mattheaus Group of Companies; Marietta Gasatan, president of Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Karin Wesemael, owner of Linaw Beach Resort; Dianne Necio, 2011 Bb. Pilipinas- International, 2012 Miss International Top 15 finalist; Joyce Ann Burton, 1985 Bb. Pilipinas- Universe, 1981 Miss Young International Top  Ten Finalist; Franz Eichenauer, CHA, general manager of The Bellevue Resort; and Lady Cely Chiongbian, Cebu- based philanthropist and socialite.

 

***

Divers to clean island for girl’s rights

 

Divers will be under the surface of Balicasag Island on Sept. 15, picking trash and other stuff from the depths of Bohol’s popular divesite, during the Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Campaign.

 

The Dive Cleanup for Girls’ Rights aims to gather all female divers for a cleanup dive inside and outside the marine sanctuaries of Balicasag Island and Barangay Tawala in Panglao Island.

 

“Participation of male divers are also considered since campaign promotes gender equality,” said John Vivica, program coordinator of Plan International. Aside from the environmental cause, all participants will be given orientations on children’s right, Plan’s Because I Am A Girl Campaign, and coastal resource management.

 

“Let’s talk about the rights of children and their protection from harm caused by disaster, environmental degradation and climate change. Then take a glimpse into one of the richest coral reefs in the world in Balicasag Island,” added Vivica.

The Dive Cleanup for Girl’s Rights was conceptualized to coincide with International Coastal Cleanup Month, which is observed every September and to build up towards the celebration of the first ever International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11, 2012 (10-11-12).

 

The Because I am A Girl Campaign of Plan International was linked to this environmental celebration because Plan believes that all girls and boys have the right to be protected from harm caused by disaster,environment degradation and climate change. Girls, in particular, have special needs that must be taken care of during times of emergencies and disasters.

 

The event will be held in partnership with the Bohol Divers Club whose general manager, Darwin Menorias, played an important role in the conservation of Bohol Marine Triangle. This area comprises the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan and constitutes a passageway of whales and dolphins with coral reefs ranging from fair to good condition.

Registration fee for the activity is Php 4,000 that includes two boat divers, full set of diving gears, dive boat, dive master, sacks for the collection of underwater debris, certificate, souvenir shirt and buffet lunch.

 

Non-divers are also invited to join the coastal cleanup initiated by the barangay councils of Danao and Tawala, Panglao.

 

All interested divers can register to info@boholdiversclub.com; text/call +63 918-979-5819.

 

"At the end of the activity, all participants are expected to support the advocacies on gender equality among children and coastal resource management, establishing that boys and girls can benefit from both a world that is gender and disaster resilient," added Vivica.

 

Founded 75 years ago, Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children’s development organizations in the world. Plan’s vision is of a world where all children realize their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity.

 

***

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

‘Big loss’

Wake-uppers:

Baning Penales

Scene: The Tagbilaran City Schools Division welcomes its new superintendent Evangel Medel-Luminarias, Ph.D. Luminarias was a professor of the University of Bohol until she was appointed schools division superintendent of Toledo City.  

 

Scene: Urbana “Baning” Penales celebrated her 87^th birthday with luau birthday party last August 18 in California, USA. “It turned out to be one of the memorable birthdays she ever had,” reported by an Amboy VRS. “Her daughter Gloria Penales Pabualan from Houston, Texas came to personally assist the decorations and preparations, she brought with her the hunky and cutey guy Nildjan Penales Romero who recently passed the RN licensure in America. Guests arrived in strides and so happy to see them enjoying the whole night line dancing.”

 

Scene: The MikeyGatal.com website owns by US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal will turn 5 this month. On September 1, Mikey Gatal Kids Foundation in cooperation with the Guindulman Association of California, Southern Area or GACSA will have a fundraising event and annual fiesta celebration which will be held in Bellflower, California to benefit the kids of Guindulman town. Hollywood celebrity/model Thomas Sautebin is the expected guest to grace the event. Visit www.mikeygatal.com or www.boholster.com.

 

Scene: A fire that hit seven houses near Pook Pantalan, Tagbilaran City yesterday morning caused at least P100,000 pesos in damage to property. No one was reported injured in the fire. Many of the residents tried to save their belongings as the fire destroyed their homes. Saturday's fire came a day after a blaze destroyed two houses in Dauis town.

 

Seen: Christian John CJ Sajulga and Kelley Maribel Manuta were crowned Mr and Miss University of Bohol High School 2012. They will compete for the Mr and Miss UB Personality this September.

 

Mr and Ms UB HS

Scene: The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between JCAD and BOHECO II took place at Bohol Yacht Club, Puerto San Pedro, Bien Unido, Bohol last August 22 for the Construction of Mini-Hydro and Wind Power Projects.  “Another initiative of Mayor Niño Rey Boniel for the good of Bien Unido and his constituents,” said an LGU employee.

 

Seen: Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno has made history by becoming the first female chief justice in the Philippines.

 

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"Sana ay maging handa ang mga tapat at may kakayahan nating mga pinuno na magsakripisyo at tumugon sa tawag ng panahon…Hindi ito madali ngunit kung sama-sama tayong lahat, hindi malayong maabot natin ang minimithi natin magandang kinabukasan para sa bawat Pilipino."— Jesse Manalastas Robredo (1958-2012)

 

There has been an outpouring of tributes for the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. He was widely considered to be incorruptible, in a country where graft is endemic and politicians often distrusted.

 

Tributes also came in via social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook where many offered prayers for Robredo, remembering him as a good public servant.

 

Last Wednesday, flags in all government offices and public schools flew at half mast.

 

Relampagos with Robredo

Rep. Rene Relampagos posted on Facebook: “Secretary Jesse Manalastas Robredo is in God’s loving embrace. Let us remember this honorable man’s humility and good deeds, and look upon his life as a source of inspiration. To all his colleagues, friends, and family, we sympathize and offer our most sincere condolences.”

 

Leo Almote shared a poem on Facebook which expressed Robredo’s death, life and contributions. “Waters of Masbate, you have become purer. For three days, an honorable man slept on your sea bed, upon waking, he shall find himself back in the sky. Surrounded by light, wearing wreaths of gold, because of his virtue, your waves are now sacred. While our tears create ripples on your surface, we hold your hand and honor your memory, Jesse your name is Integrity.”

 

Robredo was a former official at an ice cream company before he was elected mayor of Naga City in 1988 at the age of 29, making him the youngest mayor in the country at the time. His success in turning the once-sleepy city into a trading, housing and education center won him many honors, including a 2000 Ramon Magsaysay award, considered Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize.

 

On the other hand, people who have never heard of Captain Jessup Bahinting before may know him only as the pilot of the plane that crashed off Masbate.

 

What they don’t know is that he was a regular presence in relief work after major disasters, a pastor who used his skills and his aircraft to bring help where it was needed, Cebu newspapers reported.

 

Robredo in Bohol with Gov. Chatto and Rep. Aumentado.

In Bohol, there are those who were touched by his goodness.

 

“He’s really kind and a charitable person,” said Jea Dano (of IJea Travel and Tours, 31-A Airport Road, Cogon District, 6300 Tagbilaran City, Tel No: (038) 412-3885, www.ijeatravel.com) who met Bahinting several times when she was working at the Tagbilaran airport.

 

Flag half mast in public schools.

JCI Sen. NB Director John Enerio, who organized a medical mission in Jan. 2010, said Bahinting was a good man.

 

“When we had the Texas Medical Surgical Mission, we had no less than 8,000 patients (beneficiaries), Capt. Bahinting escorted from Cebu to Tagbilaran boxes of medicines with his plane free of charge (gratis). And even park his plan at Tagbilaran Airport in case there is a need for airlift (he had his plane like a waiting taxi and he was at the Bohol Cultural Center, the venue of the medical mission.”

 

Captain Bahinting was born in Larena, Siquijor, but his family moved to Negros Oriental when he was a teenager. He went to a flying school in Davao City.

 

According to reports, Captain Bahinting sent his own Cessna, at no cost to the government, to fly in antivenom from Camiguin to Cebu City. This act saved the life of a Cebu City zookeeper who had been bitten by a cobra.

  

Preacher David Oman Mackay of LDS Church said, "No success can compensate for failure in the home." This quote must have guide Robredo and Bahinting.

 

 

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

Aris Aumentado: Will he or will he not?

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The funny video of internet sensation Mikey Bustos on Bohol is now available on youtube. The “Bohol and the All-knowing Tarsiers” traces the adventurous journey of Mikey Bustos and Frank McCormick as they find their way through Bohol. Find out why tarsiers are cute and very, very smart! Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CXcrAzS2kU.

Scene: It’s a good weather to match a long weekend. Pres. Benigno Aquino III has signed Proclamation No 455 declaring August 20, tomorrow, a regular holiday throughout the country. This is in observance of the Eid'l Fitr, when Muslims end their fast. The Eid'l Fitr holiday is immediately followed by Ninoy Aquino Day on Tuesday, August 21.

Scene: The 1^st Underwater Pilgrimage at the Bien Unido Double Barrier Reef Marine Park is on Sept. 7-8, 2012, Bien Unido town. For inquiries, contact: Leony at +63915-322-9874 or CCEF Office at (032) 416-20040.  Explore the only underwater religious destination in Asia at the only double barrier reef in the Philippines.

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He will, he will not. . . he will, he will not. . .

Latest reports indicated that Aris Aumentado, despite early denials, may opt to run for congressman or board member in 2013.

More than two weeks after The Bohol Chronicle headlined 2^nd district Rep. Erico Aumentado to run for Bohol governor in May 2013 elections, his son Erico Aristotle, popularly known as Aris, is reported to run for congressman (?) or board member (?) in the second district and those who are surely voting for him are hoping and praying that he will – he should.

"He has been asking for a sign," Very Reliable Source (VRS) told Bared during a brief chat, "There is a high possibility that Cong. Aumentado will run for governor and his son Aris for congressman. And the people of second district welcome it."

This time around, just when Aris is inclined to say "yes" to run, Cong. Aumentado may not allow him to run. “There are many things to consider. It is not yet final,” added VRS.

Now Aris is having second thoughts, inclined not to run.

“Whatever is the outcome, this young Aumentado knows how to respects his father’s decision,” revealed VRS.

Aris is often seen these days meeting with local officials in the second district.

“But if you ask me, Aris should go ahead and run. The best "sign" he should consider is the approval of majority of the voters for his candidacy,” said VRS.

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Tessie Labunog-Sumampong is still firm in her plan not to enter into politics.

“As of this moment, no to politics,” says Tessie.

Tessie and Libby Sumampong

Tessie thinks she is already helping enough or as much and that’s it. She has already been participating in public service through humanitarian organizations and promoting Bohol through her Loboc Riverwatch.

It was reported that Tessie’s hubby, Libby, is vying for a post or become the next vice mayor of Loboc.

Tessie revealed that there have been times when they would talk about politics but at the moment, Libby does not see any need for it.

“Libby may yet run for councilor of Loboc,” reveals Tessie.

My unsolicited advice to them?

Don’t!!!

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Just after typing this column, I received a text message from socialite VRS informing me of the campaign material of Councilors Baba Yap and Kit Oppus now circulated on Facebook.

The campaign picture of BaKit’s Team Panaghiusa shows Baba and Kit with their (complete) 10 councilors (--to-be?): Joseph Bompat, Eliezer Borja, Jose Esteban Timoteo Butalid, Charles Cabalit, Bebiano Inting, Adam Relson Jala, Jeremias Pabe,  Allan Real and Salome Vitorillo.

Those in the know indicated that Catigbian Mayor Bertsal Salinas may opt to run for congressman in the first district in 2013. Bared texted Bertsal for his comment, he answered: “Maybe…maybe not.”

Erstwhile Vice Mayor Toto Veloso also told Bared that his team GV Express, which stands for Good Vehicle/Good Vibes/Good Vision or DT for Dodong-Toto Doers for Tagbilaran, with lawyer Dodong Gonzaga as mayoralty bet, has to choose the 10 councilors from 16 probable candidates. However, Coun. Betty Torralba is with the team GV Express/DT. “We plan to release our strong line up next month,” informed Toto.

Meanwhile, VRS reported that Bag-ong Bol-anon is conducting nightly activities with Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes as provincial chair.

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Three generations making their way to see Lady Liberty

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin takes first bite of the Big Apple. And what a bite it was! Juicy!!!

“I’ll never forget my first time in New York,” Fiel told Bared. “After all the stops and starts, dreams do come true! For many years, my family’s ultimate dream was for me to join them in New York City, but fate took a different course. It came decades after the long wait. “

Fiel was in The Big Apple months ago to accompany her daughter Cielo who was qualified as Philippine team member and the only participant from Central Visayas to the 2012 International Regions Math League Competition held in Las Vegas last June.

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