Thursday, April 18, 2013

Birthday parties and Siquijor Island

• Memorable birthday parties in California
Exploring the mystic island of Siquijor
 
Wake-uppers:
 
Scene: Again, there is no Miss Tagbilaran 2013. “Miss Tagbi will not be staged this year,” reports a Very Reliable Source (VRS). “Then, there will be no Miss Teen Tagbilaran 2013. The City failed to stage the pageant in 1987, 1995, 2011 and 2012, one of the major activities leading to the fiesta celebration. In 2012, the Miss Tagbi was replaced by Miss Teen Tagbilaran. Trivia: Zosita Caliao Clarin was the first Miss Tagbilaran in April 1986. Twenty years after, her daughter Margo Adelaiz Clarin Manigque became Miss Tagbilaran 2006. Miss Tagbilaran beauties who won the Miss Bohol Sandugo title were Vanessa Joyce Matuod Evardone in 1994, Socorro d'Marie Tallo Inting in 1997 and Daisy Jean Quilicot in 2009.
 
Seen: Spotted in Bohol last Friday was Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista. His last visit to Bohol was in April 2012.Also spotted in Bohol last Holy Week were Kim Chiu and Xian Lim.

Scene: It's goodbye time for Lion and media colleague Priscilla Richards who is finally leaving for US this week. Priscilla will go back to US (for good?) with daughter Cathy. Priscilla will be surely — and sorely — missed by her friends.
 
Scene: The short film Bells Ring, Mr. King (BRMK) directed by Ted Ramasola is included in the 2013 The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. BRMK is one of the three films representing the Philippines. There are 140 films from all over the Asia Pacific region. “It is an honor to represent not only our country but our province, Bohol. I hope this will inspire our young film makers back home to pursue their dreams,” said Ted.
 
Scene: A daughter of a high ranking official in town was immediately rushed to the hospital. According to VRS, the daughter, who is the rose of the family, was broken hearted. “Her labidab left her and the strain was too much for her,” revealed VRS. “She attempted suicide by slashing her wrists and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she soon recovered.”  
 
***
Come in formal attire.
 
That was the “strict” reminder from Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal when we would attend birthday parties during my recent trip to California.
 
It’s the Boholano unity in the foreign land. Even if they live miles away, our paisanos still have time to celebrate or remember important milestones in life.  

 
In America, they like to celebrate, and rarely more so than on their birthdays. “Expect cake, balloons and presents at any birthday party you attend in America,” said Mikey. “More fun if they have hit a significant milestone in their lives.”
 
Cases in point:
 
Dr. Yvonne Tutor-Uy celebrated the golden year of her life with a big bang at the famous Golf Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, California.
 
The function room of the Golf Mountain Meadows was decked with more than just the usual American birthday decor; it was literally turned into a floral paradise, with tables nicely set up just outside the social hall deemed too small to accommodate the well-wishers.
 
“Turning 50 is overwhelming for some people but not for Yvonne Tutor Uy for it was the most glamorous thing I've ever seen on this eventful party and right on a course,” said Mikey Gatal.  “If you were there, you'd swear you were on candid camera.”
 
Mikey added: Kind of nostalgic by taking a walk down memory lane. Created a quiet dinner party and gathered friends who took pictures of her and at times, more sparks of gladness when the music played at the right time and place where host Poca Rafael entertained the guests and the performance of Divo Mayer capped the birthday bash with high remarks on his performance.  Played music from the teenage years and it brought some memory lane.
 
“She celebrated her 50th birthday with special gifts and giveaways for family and friends. The food was just right for everyone don't want to be filled up for everyone was expected to line dance all night and we did!” said Mikey.
 
On the other hand, Dindo Tallo, the eldest son of Dr. Prisco Tallo and the late provincial board member Dra. Socorro Buslon-Tallo celebrated his birthday on March 9 at Dancetime in Carson City, California with family and friends.
 
When the birthday boy arrived at the venue, what greeted him were blinding flashbulbs and the singing of “Happy Birthday” punctuated by applause.
 
As the guests (a mix of Filipinos and Americans) shared a hearty buffet dinner, Dindo’s wife, Rose (Miss Tagbilaran 1987 first runner-up) prepared a short film clips of photos showing Dindo from little boy to teenager to a fulfilled husband were flashed on the monitor, eliciting applause and affectionate laughter.
 
Rose thanked the people who attended the party and she even narrated their love story. What made the night so meaningful when she sang “Through the Years” to Dindo.  That’s when the Cry Baby in Dindo came out, forcing a smile and vainly trying to hold back tears, he watched obviously thrilled, like the whole house, as his wife dedicated the song for him. And what a show it was!
 
Dindo’s eldest son Dale rendered a song, while Josh showed his dance prowess.
 
Also spotted in the crowed were Dindo’s sister Dr. Aida Tallo and ex-PBA star Bernard Fabiosa.
 
Mikey Gatal set the energy that rose until midnight when the show was capped by a line dancing marathon participated in by the guests and Tallo kids.
 
We had so much fun, the food was overflowing, had a special bartender from Las Vegas who had the best mixes of alcohol, wine and even some non alcoholic beverages and surprise numbers.
 
As birthday boy Dindo moved around the venue greeting his overflowing well-wishers, I asked him about his birthday wish.
 
“Good health and long life,” said Dindo.
 
Then, another memorable birthday party was of Rey "Bodo" Reformina who celebrated his birthday on February 3 in West Hollywood. 
 
The tummy-filling goodies served for Rey’s guests were prepared by his friends.
 
Everyone had so much fun and many familiar faces came to attend his special day.
 
Rey is a registered nurse and a certified make-up artist in New York before moving to LA last year.
 
His friends took some time for some photo shoot, they have supermodel skills especially the catwalk, cobra walk, fish and tsunami walk.
Well, Rey doesn’t look 50.
 
Nobody revealed what the secret is behind his youthful look.
 
Can you guess what?
 
If turning 50 is as painlessly celebratory as Yvonne, Dindo and Rey did, everybody must welcome their half-century mark with an open heart.
 
As the invitation said, “Nifty at 50!”
***
 
Whether it be for internalizing spirituality by fulfilling Lenten religious practices, observing folk healing activities, and simply communing with nature in one whole package, Holy Week is still the best time to go to Siquijor.
 
When passengers jampacked the ticketing booths for tickets to other destinations to spend Holy Week, we’re thankful for the help of Edgar Gineta and Ann Cajilog for facilitating us at the Lite Shipping office so that we could cross the island.

Engr. Jerome Gabin, almost 15 years as Saint Peter and apostle since 1983, with Fiel, Cielo and Renji after the Easter Sunday mass...and (left to right) Butch, Edward and myself with two matriarchs – Mommy Lou Gabin and Ma’am Wincie Araoarao.
For almost seven years already, I have gone to Siquijor at this time of the year and stayed at the house of Mrs. Laura Jumawan Gabin (former Department of Education Supervisor), together with daughters Lanih Lei Flores and Monette May Burgon and their families. Her son, Engr. Jerome John Gabin (married to Fiel Angeli Araoarao), now based in Bohol, would go home to dutifully attend to his “tinuig nga tulumanon” as apostle of the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish since he was 13 (as passed on by his father, Engelberto). Now, he has been serving as Saint Peter for almost 15 years.

For my travel to the “Isla del Fuego” or “Mystic Island” this year, Butch Bernas (Tagbilaran City Science High School MAPEH teacher), Edward Guyano aka Inday Charity (my Bohol Tri-Media Association colleague) and Jhelmar Jala (my nephew) joined me. We were together in the boat with Mrs. Wincesa Araoarao (retired Bohol National High School PE teacher and Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe founder) for her first Holy Week observance in the island, who was with her daughter, Fiel, and grandchildren, Cielo and Renji.
 
On Maundy Thursday, we went to the church for the traditional washing of the feet of the Apostles re-enacted by Msgr. Candelario “Larry” Catubig, followed by the last supper at the Assisi High School stage, an activity fully supported by parishioners who bring food to be blessed by the priest and shared with the Apostles. The locals keep the bones of the fish, chicken, pig or cow and hide it atop the “abuhan” in the kitchen with the belief that one will never run out of food for guests in any gathering in one’s house.

As early as 4 a.m. of Good Friday, the five (5) - kilometer via crucis started, participated in by a thousand devotees. Before 12 noon, we dipped ourselves in the sea, as we were told that we will be spared from evil spirit if we did that. In the afternoon, we witnessed the veneration of the cross.
 
While waiting for the procession arrive, we chanced on former Siquijor Mayor Ling Avanzado and his son, Dingdong with his wife, Jessa Zaragosa, at their residence just across the church. After the photo opportunity, we did an interview with Dingdong, a vice-gubernatorial candidate, who bared his plans on how to better promote the island’s tourism industry.
 
The next day, Black Saturday, our goal was to trek to Camp Bandilaan and the house of Juan Ponce in San Antonio, Siquijor to let Butch, Edward and Mawmaw see for themselves the ritual of mixing exotic herbs and rather “unusual” ingredients to come up with a potent love potion (“lumay”) or “tambal” for illnesses.

Cambugahay Falls in the town of Lazi is one of the famous Siquijor’s tourist attractions.
We then proceeded to Capilay Spring Park (San Juan), Saint Isidore Parish and biggest convent in Asia and Cambugahay Falls (Lazi), then visited a friend’s house in Larena and Salagdoong Beach (Maria). Of the six municipalities of Siquijor, we failed to make a stopover in Enrique Villanueva (Talingting) because we had to go back to Tagbilaran taking the 7 p.m. Sunday trip from Larena.
 
Anyway, there’s always a next time - next year – and, maybe, with new people.
 
Though it would still be the same mystic island, but, hopefully, another sight to behold, another Holy Week experience to capture. But, while Bohol’s little neighbor has been maligned with things associated with black magic or “barang,” the fact remains that the people there are friendly, hospitable and above all, have strong faith in God.
 
I warn you: There are no witches but beautiful beaches!
 
 
***
 

 
 

Good news on Easter Sunday

The days were dark and solemn last week. It was dark at Christ's arrest on Maundy Thursday. It was darker at His crucifixion and burial on Good Friday.

But the mood changed rapidly on Easter morning, the day Lord Jesus Christ is risen!
Let us sing together Alive Alive:

Alive, alive, alive forevermore.
My Jesus is alive, alive forevermore.
Alive, alive, alive forevermore.
My Jesus is alive.
Sing alleluia, sing alleluia,
My Jesus is alive forevermore.
Sing alleluia, sing alleluia
My Jesus is alive.
And everybody now:
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives
.

Thank the Lord that life is being shared with us and with all humanity.

***
Boholana tops Beat100 Music Charts

Isabel Iris is, of course, Isabel Iris Tirol Garsuta, who is now the singing sensation on music video network BEAT100.com Covers Music Chart.

Garsuta
According to Beat100.com, Isabel Iris topped the BEAT100 Music Video Chart last month with her original track, Glad You Came. Her entry received a Bronze Video Award.

"13-year-old, Isabel Iris, has become a massive hit on the music video network BEAT100.com, coming in third in the overall Covers Charts with her rendition of the song Glad You Came," Beat100.com said." The teenager, who lives in the Philippines with her family, has had BEAT100 users from around the world voting in their thousands after showcasing her vocal talent and displaying great composure on the acoustic guitar whilst performing the 2011 summer hit on webcam and was clearly beaming when told of her $100 prize."

"I am very thankful to Beat100, and most especially to my family, friends and supporter,” Isabel told Beat100.com. "This is my biggest achievement in music so far. I found joining BEAT100 a fun, exciting and challenging experience. It gave me an opportunity to share my talent and promote my videos. I enjoyed it very much. I started singing at the age of four and I have joined local contests like Little/Big Star in the Philippines. I wish to continue my dream of writing my own music and producing quality videos.”

Isabel Iris, the daughter of Lino and Marissa Garsuta, has been performing music since she was a kid.

The gap is close and you can check out Isabel's video and vote again at http://www.beat100.com.

***
Mikey meets Wonder Woman

US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal was rubbing elbows with Lynda Carter, the singing actress best known for her work on the TV series "Wonder Woman." 

Mikey had watched Carter's performance at The Catalina Jazz Club on March 15, at Sunset Boulevard, California.
Mikey and his Wonder Woman

"It maybe considered as her successful comeback to the concert stage where people were lining up just to watch her perform," said Mikey.

"She maintains her looks that brought her to fame and can definitely sing," gushed Mikey.

The former 1971 Miss World - USA was very nice to entertain people after the show, signing some autographs and photo opportunities with their idol.

As a gesture to the American icon and TV's legendary superhero, all of her fans who waited down the hall, made their Wonder Woman spins as soon as Lynda Carter stepped outside and she was so delighted to see that.

What an OMG experience!

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

Holy Week reflections

I love Holy Week. It’s quite possibly my favorite week of the whole year.

The art depicting the death of Jesus Christ attracts people inside the gallery archive at the Getty Center.
Since we are observing the most sacred week of the year,  I’m sharing to all Bared readers, I am Thine, O Lord, one of my favorite hymns, written by blind poet and hymnist Fanny Crosby. You can read alongside the passion accounts in the Gospels. (On this page and next are pictures taken in USA and in Philippines " to feel" the spirit of the Holy Week.)

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

The Getty Center in Los Angeles, California houses the largest archive of Christian arts in the world. People visit the center to appreciate the arts and its meaning.

According to cyberhymnal.org, Fanny Crosby was visiting Mr. W. H. Doane, in his home in Cin­cin­nati, Ohio. They were talk­ing to­ge­ther about the near­ness of God, as the sun was set­ting and even­ing sha­dows were ga­ther­ing around them. The subject so imp­ressed the well-known hymn-writer, that be­fore re­tir­ing she had writ­ten the words to this hymn, which has become one of the most use­ful she has ever writ­ten. The mu­sic by Mr. Doane so well fit­ted the words that the hymn has become a spe­cial fa­vo­rite wher­ev­er the Gos­pel Hymns are known.
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.
 
 
Last Wednesday, yours truly with fellow Boholanos (l-r) JunJun Karaan, Cindy Gonzaga and Liezel Gonzaga-Bingas visited  the famous Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.  The Divine Mercy stands 50 feet tall on top  of hill surrounded by flower garden with a total land area  of 11.8 hectares. "It's a solemn place to pray and meditate," said JunJun. This is a project of archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro City (CDO) which cost around 65 million pesos. Half of its amount is donated by Adaza family and half is from befecators  in Poland and archdiocese of CDO.  Courtesy: Rammel Sumatra

Sunday, March 3, 2013

A good year for movies


Feb. 24 marked the 85th Academy Awards, when the best and the brightest in Hollywood gathered to celebrate the best and the brightest filmmaking of the year.
Leo with 'Manong Oscar'
Sunday was Hollywood’s biggest spectacle final stretch. Mega-rich industry attendees descended from their hillside mega-mansions to sit inside the Dolby Theater  in one-of-a-kind gowns and Prada tuxedos. It was true, the glare from their diamonds could blind you.
We’re hearing more and more about what kind of show to expect while covering the Oscar Week. Observers had been predicting who would bring home the Oscars even accredited media men from all over the world, your columnist included (US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal who accompanied me spotted  rising Thai actor Chaiyapol Julian Pupart who is Mario Maurer's co-star in movie Jan Dara and Spanish actress Sonia Monroy) had placed their own markers.
Everybody got a little piece of something.  Argo, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty and Lincoln were all touted as front-runners at one point or another.

Former Miss USA 2007 and Miss Universe 2007 4th runner-up and E! reporter Rachel Smith who's covering the Oscars for four years said that it was fantastic.
When she learned we're from Philippines, Rachel was all smiling. "I would love to visit the Philippines soon. I heard wonderful things about it. I met the kindness people from there and a  little r and r. "
Mikey Gatal with Spanish diva Sonia Monroy
ABC7's George Pennacchio told us earlier that the 85th Oscars was different from the past.
"It's gonna be surprises. I think it's a good show.  I think America and the whole world would fall in love. it's the most prestigious red carpet of the year."
The Oscars have historically been the place to find the biggest dresses and even bigger fashion statements. We would ask, “who are you wearing?"
A number of designers and stylists offered their predictions for what we might see. On the red carpet was Filipino designer Alexis Monsanto who was KTLA Morning News' in-house Oscar fashion critic. He said that "every year is fantastic." Monsanto said his father came from Batuan, Bohol.  
"They are classic timeless designs. Beautiful colors of turquoise of blue, I expect to see that," said Monsanto, who made the gown for Hollywood actress Kimberly Roberts.
Rachel Smith
Another Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino dressed up actress Gloria Reuben for this year's Oscars. 
Also reporting on the red carpet were Fil-Ams Yong Chavez of ABS-CBN North Bureau, film expert David Magdael  and Inquirer's Ruben Nepales.
Oscars host Seth MacFarlane mocked Hollywood and embraced it. MacFarlane has the musician's edge too. He could do singing and dancing that the producers didn't have to force him to do. He delivered the kind of opening that gets a host invited back.
Sunday was the biggest night of Anne Hathaway' life. The actress made sure everyone knew of her enthusiasm for Les Mis , and she didn't let us forget it.
“It came true!” was Anne Hathaway’s opening speech. 
We agreed Hathaway totally deserved that award. Even watching that tiny little clip of her Les Miserables song made us teary-eyed. Isn't it?
Alexis Monsanto
But there's a woman who earned a place in our hearts forever. The talented and accident-prone Silver Linings Playbook actress Jennifer Lawrence who fell flat on her face.
Dressed in an off-white strapless Dior Haute Couture gown, a stunned Lawrence tripped over all that fabric. Thankfully, Lawrence recovered quickly, and managed to turn her awkward moment into a totally adorable one. "You guys are only standing up because you feel bad that I fell, and that's really embarrassing, but thank you," she told the audience as they gave her a standing ovation. It was pretty much perfect.
It was Lawrence's second major wardrobe malfunction. She accidentally hike up her blue Dior gown, revealing a sheer panel over her legs and making it look like her dress had ripped in half while climbing the stairs to accept her Golden Globe.
Jennifer Lawrence Courtesy: AMPAS
Ang Lee, a humble and beloved figure in Hollywood, emphasized that the achievement of his film was not just about effects.
“I hope this award season thing help people recognize that it’s not just technology’s triumph, it served the purpose of our artistic expression,” he told reporters on the red carpet. “It’s actually the artistic approach that I think make it believable and amazing. It’s not just technology itself, it’s the handcrafts, it’s the heart of doing it.”
The Oscars were all about music this year. It featured  Jennifer Hudson belting And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going, Anne Hathaway singing One Day More passionately, and Catherine Zeta-Jones performing All That Jazz"  bringing Chicago back to life. Some raised questions as to whether Zeta-Jones was lip-syncing.
Hudson inspired the entire Dolby Theater to deliver a standing ovation. Then the cast of Les Mis including Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, and Eddie Redmayne, took the stage with a medley that they wisely opened with the only original song from the score, Suddenly. Of course, they also decided to let Russell Crowe sing with them too.
Barbra Streisand sang The Way We Were as this year’s In Memoriam segment paying tribute to performers and artists like Ernest Borgnine, Nora Ephron, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jack Klugman, Tony Scott, Frank Pierson, Marvin Hamlisch, Hal David, the critic Andrew Sarris and Adam Yauch.
Lawrence and Hathaway Courtesy: AMPAS
Film critics said that the win by Argo demonstrates the difference — when it comes to predicting Oscar winners — between earning critical acclaim and earning an Academy Award. Zero Dark Thirty may have won more plaudits from critics, but critics didn’t vote in the Oscar balloting.
In the Academy Awards, as in political elections, who votes, matters.
We can fall on every stage and still be graceful.  Maybe we can take lessons from Jennifer Lawrence.
The Winners of Oscars 2013:

Picture-Argo

Actor in a Leading Role-Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln

Actress in a Leading Role-Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook

Director-Ang Lee, Life of Pi 

Original Screenplay- Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino

Adapted Screenplay-Argo, Chris Terrio

Original Song- Skyfall, Skyfall

Original Score- Life of Pi, Mychael Danna

Production Design- Lincoln, Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Film Editing- Argo, William Goldenberg

Actress in a Supporting Role- Anne Hathaway, Les Misérables

Sound Editing- Zero Dark Thirty, Paul N.J. Ottosson

Sound Mixing- Les Misérables, Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes

Foreign Language Film- Amour, Austria

Documentary Feature- Searching for Sugar Man, Malik Bendjelloul and Simon Chinn

Documentary Short Subject- Inocente, Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine

Short Film, Live Action- Curfew, Shawn Christensen

Makeup- Les Misérables, Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell

Costume Design- Anna Karenina, Jacqueline Durran

Visual Effects- Life of Pi, Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott

Cinematography- Life of Pi, Claudio Miranda

Animated Feature- Brave, Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman

Short Film, Animated- Paperman, John Kahrs

Actor in a Supporting Role-Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained

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


And the Oscar goes to....

LOS ANGELES, CA- I grew up loving the Oscars.  I like the evening's glamorous fashions, the little snippets of the screenplays, famous kisses to seat-climbing winners and the wildest acceptance speeches.
 
Like you, the Oscars brings out the child in all of us.  We all dream of walking the Red Carpet on the arm of a movie stars we like while hundreds of bulbs flash simultaneously.
 
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences aka Oscar is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema.

Last Wednesday, I arrived in Los Angeles, California to cover the 85th Academy Awards.  
 
US-based Boholano socialite Mikey Gatal, who lives in the downtown Los Angeles County, accompanied me during the Oscars activities. 
 
It was like an epic to watch the red carpet being physically rolled out last Wednesday for the ceremony. The golden statues were being readied. Statuettes of Oscars are ready for visitors and tourists at a local souvenir shop in Hollywood. 
 
Mikey and I gushed when we witnessed how the Oscars organizers and crew were all organized.  
 
"They are very organized and they have a very tight security," observed Mikey.
 
Before starlets hit the Red Carpet, Hollywood Boulevard was being dressed for the occasion. It was closed between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue. There was re-routing bus traffic. However, people could still visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Forecourt of the Stars at Grauman's Chinese Theater and Madame Tussauds Hollywood and Hollywood Museum and the Max Factor Building. (I was thinking to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame after the Oscar activities for the day yet Mikey rushed me to Hollywood's famous spots.)
 
At the Dolby Theater (formerly known as Kodak Theater), the statues were lined the length of the red carpet which is approximately 500 feet. A little bit of Oscar trivia – the size of most common set-dressing Oscar is 34 in. diameter (base), 7½ feet tall and 65 pounds. The statuette was designed by Cedric Gibbons, art director for MGM studios, and was sculpted by George Stanley.
 

Mikey Gatal

In the week leading up to the Oscars, Mikey and I attended the events celebrating this year's nominees. The Oscar Week featured screenings, film clips, and discussions with filmmakers and artists whose work has garnered nominations in the animated feature film, documentary, foreign language film, make-up and hairstyling and short film categories.
 
We’re hearing more and more about what kind of show to expect this Sunday.
 
The films Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty, Argo and Les Miserables earned multiple Oscar nominations.
 
Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron told reporters that Academy Award winner Jane Fonda will join Jennifer Garner, Kristen Stewart and Kerry Washington to present on the Oscar telecast. They are working on a tribute to the genre of movie musicals. With Dame Shirley Bassey, Adele and Barbra Streisand performing, as well as the Les Miserables cast members Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, it promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing kind of affair.
 
Fonda earned seven nominations and won Academy Awards for her roles in "Klute" and "Coming Home." Garner was seen in this year's "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" and will be seen next in "Dallas Buyers Club." Stewart is best known for her role as Bella Swan in the "Twilight" saga and also starred in 2012's "On the Road" and "Snow White and the Huntsman." Washington starred in the Best Picture Nominee "Django Unchained" and was seen in "A Thousand Words." Washington is also the star of ABC's hit drama "Scandal."
 
Fonda, Garner, Stewart and Washington join a stellar list of previously announced Oscar presenters including Jennifer Aniston, Michael Douglas, Jamie Foxx, Paul Rudd, Salma Hayek Pinault, Melissa McCarthy, Liam Neeson, John Travolta, Ben Affleck, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Wahlberg, Ted and "Marvel's The Avengers" cast members Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo; returning 2011 Oscar winners Jean Dujardin, Christopher Plummer, Octavia Spencer and Meryl Streep; "Chicago" cast members Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones; special guests Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Daniel Radcliffe, Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron; and performers including Kristin Chenoweth, Jennifer Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit and Helena Bonham,Adele, Dame Shirley Bassey, Norah Jones and Barbra Streisand.
 
Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Feb. 24, the Oscar Sunday, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.
 
Meanwhile, excuse me as I attend the Oscar Party tonight.
 
Here is the complete nominations lists:
 
Best Motion Picture
Argo
Amour

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Django UnchainedLes MisérablesLife of PiLincolnSilver Linings PlaybookZero Dark Thirty 
 
Achievement in Directing
Ang Lee, Life of PiBenh ZeitlinBeasts of the Southern Wild
David O. Russell, Silver Linings PlaybookMichael HanekeAmour
Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
 
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings PlaybookDaniel Day-Lewis, LincolnDenzel Washington, FlightHugh Jackman, Les MisérablesJoaquin Phoenix, The Master
 
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings PlaybookJessica Chastain, Zero Dark ThirtyNaomi WattsThe ImpossibleQuvenzhané Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
 
Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Alan Arkin, Argo
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
 
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams, The Master
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Jacki Weaver, Silver Linings Playbook
Sally Field, Lincoln
 
Best Animated Feature Film
BraveFrankenweenieParaNormanThe Pirates! Band of MisfitsWreck-It Ralph
 
Original Screenplay
Amour, Michael Haneke
Django Unchained, 
Quentin Tarantino
Flight
, John Gatins
Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola
Zero Dark Thirty, Mark Boal
 
Adapted Screenplay
Argo, Chris Terrio
Beasts of the Southern Wild
, Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin
Life of Pi, David Magee
Lincoln, Tony Kushner
Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell
 
Best Foreign-Language Film
A Royal Affair (Denmark)
Amour
 (Austria)
No (Chile)
War Witch (Canada)
Kontiki (Norway)
 
Original Score
Anna Karenina, Dario Marianelli
Argo, Alexandre Desplat
Life of Pi, Mychael Danna
Lincoln, John Williams
Skyfall, Thomas Newman
 
Original Song
"Before My Time," J. Ralph; Chasing Ice"Everybody Needs a Best Friend," Walter Murphy and Seth McFarlane; Ted
"Pi's Lullaby," Mychael Danna and Bombay Jayashri; Life of Pi
"Skyfall," Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth; Skyfall"Suddenly," Claude-Michel Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boulil; Les Misérables 
 
Achievement in Production Direction
Anna Karenina
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
 
Achievement in Cinematography
Anna Karenina, Seamus McGarvey
Django Unchained, Robert Richardson
Life of Pi, Claudio Miranda
Lincoln, Janusz Kaminski
Skyfall, Roger Deakins
 
Achievement in Costume Design
Anna Karenina, Jacqueline Durran
Les Misérables, Paco Delgado
Lincoln, Joanna Johnston
Mirror Mirror, Eiko Ishioka
Snow White and the Huntsman, Colleen Atwood
 
Best Documentary Feature
5 Broken Cameras
The Gatekeepers
How to Survive a Plague
The Invisible War
Searching for a Sugar Man
 
Best Documentary Short Subject
Inocente
Kings Point
Mondays at Racine
Open Heart
Redemption
 
Achievement in Film Editing
Argo
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty
 
Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling
Hitchcock
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Misérables
 
Best Animated Short Film
Adam and Dog
Fresh Guacamole
Head Over Heels
Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"
Paperman
 
Best Live-Action Short Film
Asad
Buzkashi Boys
Curfew
Death of a Shadow
Henry
 
Achievement in Sound Editing
Argo
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Skyfall
Zero Dark Thirty
 
Achievement in Sound Mixing
Argo
Les Misérables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall
 
Achievement in Visual Effects
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Life of Pi
Marvel's The Avengers
Prometheus
Snow White and the Huntsman


1st Mr. & Ms. HNU 2013 held

Wake-uppers:
Scene: The people of Bohol wish Gov. Edgar Chatto a (belated) happy birthday (Feb. 20). Feliz compleaños to former Mayor Jose Torralba, Dr. Cyrilda Tallo and fashion icon Maximiel Tallo (Feb. 9), Councilor Kit Oppus (Feb. 10), Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim (Feb. 11), Bohol's seasoned host Raul Gatal (Feb.  12), Atty. Handel Lagunay and Fr. Val Pinlac (Feb. 14), Meljun Daniel (Feb. 15), Engr. Jes Tirol, Elvie Macalandag, Louella Husain and Tagbilaran City Councilor Lucille Lagunay (Feb. 17), Fr. Joesum Sumampong (Feb. 21); and Dr. Jojo Maniwan and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (Feb. 24).
 
Scene:  Talented fashion experts and couturiers Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo and EJ Relampagos will “Reveal” their collection in a gala fashion show on March 2, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center. Initiated by the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran, “Reveal” is re-building and re-shaping the Boholano design aesthetic. One of Bohol’s respected designers who will showcase his collection is Maximiel Tallo, the master of elegance, who specializes in formal wear and wedding gowns. His clientele usually is international. Maxi was a semi-finalist of the Mega Young Designers Competition, finalist in the Paris Concours International de Jeunes Creatures de Modean International Young Designer Competition held at Bonifacio Tent and Top 20 in the Project Runway Philippines in 2010.
 
Scene: This barangay chief “RFJ,” who is seeking higher office in this May 2013 election in the water town of Bohol, was misbehaving. When two media personalities were covering the event in his barangay while a big rally was held on the same day, he got mad and forcibly picked and removed the mediamen from the place. “He should ask us politely besides that’s a public event,” said one mediaman.  
 
 
***
It’s never too late.
 
Beauty watchers were hopeful that the Holy Name University (HNU) would have time to include male candidates in the school pageant. It took many years to realize, thanks to Stephen Bryan Yu Bongcaras, Central Student Organization (CSO) president and secretary-general of the 9th National Youth Parliament.
 
Bongcaras, who also won in several personality pageants in the province, has a penchant for pageants.
 
Known as Miss Holy Name College (HNC), Miss DWC-T Personality (which was held at the time when Martial Law was at its peak after Marcos' declaration)  and Miss HNU, it produced many beauty queens like the late Mrs. Pastora Mendoza Visarra and Miss DWCT 1976 Ms. Lety Tinampay- Te, who according to Bohol’s seasoned host and “beauty expert”,  one of the most elegant Miss DWCT winners who reigned during the golden years of pageantry in Divine Word College of Tagbilaran City.”
 
Capitalizing on promoting social relevance and a sense of responsibility and volunteerism among the youth, the CSO of HNU headed by Bongcaras, produced the first-ever Mr. and Ms. Holy Name University (HNU) Personality.
 
In the afternoon of February 8, the 16 candidates representing the different departments and campus organizations shared a piece of their minds to the panel of interrogators led by Rev. Fr. Dudz Lero, during the one-on-one interview and pre-pageant judging which constituted 30 percent of the total score.
 
In the evening at the HNU Gymnasium, the pageant highlighted the CSO “BIG” Night which showcased the “BIG” advocacy projects, namely Bohol Red Cross' participation to the Million Volunteer Run 2, I Transform Hambabauran Initiative and the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge in March 2013 in the municipalities of Antequera and Talibon, aside from the candidates sashaying on stage in their best behavior and bearing wearing production number outfits, professional and formal attire. In the grueling question and answer portion, each male and female candidates were made to share their insights on individual and common questions.
 
Cool but witty Collin Chio Joshua Jubac and statuesque Candy Cumayas romped to victory over their contenders and were crowned Mr. and Miss HNU Personality 2013, respectively. Noriefumi Palban and Crizelle Jade Requierme were proclaimed first runners-up, while Ralph Melchor Lacang and Melanie Quimson were adjudged second runners-up.
 
Other male candidates were Arjo Carajay, Kenneth Salabsab, Kevin Cantoneros, Vincent Descallar and Jason John Japon, with their female counterparts April Joy Baliong, Ezra May Corona, Suzanne Mae Campos, Tanya Bianca Schreurs and Ann Lorraine Ladera.
 
EJ Relampagos, Bohol’s fashion guru, Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, City Information Officer and Miss Tagbilaran 1987, and HNU’s Fr. Ruel S. Gado, high school and grade school chaplain composed the board of judges.
 
“I am overwhelmed with how good all the candidates look and speak their minds... to think it was all impromptu... wow!!! :) Kudos to all Holynamians! And of course to the organizing committee headed by Stephen Bryan Yu Bongcaras, congratulations for staging a decent and relevant personality search.  You guys did not only make history for the school, you also made a big difference in promoting social responsibility. You just proved that the quality of a beauty pageant does not rely on how much is spent for it, but it is the dedication of every person involved that makes it simply amazing,” EJ posted on Facebook, after the pageant.
 
Gracing the affair were Fr. Francisco T. Estepa, SVD, university president, Fr. Ruel F. Lero, SVD, vice-president for Academic Affairs and Fr. Vicente L. Uy, SVD, vice-president for administration,  and Nanelyn D. Wate, Student Affair's Office director. Pageant hosts were Stephen Bongcaras, Mr. Olive-C Bohol first runner-up and Lara Lumayag, Miss Teen Bohol 2012 second runner-up and Miss Friendship awardee.
 
***
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Send some love this Feb and Aris Aumentado files COC

Courtesy: Smart
Wake-uppers:
Scene: February 10, 2013 marks the Chinese New Year and a day of celebrations to herald the beginning of the Year of the Snake. To enjoy prosperity, longevity, and happiness, my Chinese friends told me to wear black, blue (light-blue), and green to charm the snake. Have these foods during the Chinese New Year to ensure a prosperous and happy year to come : tikoy (it represents the togetherness of the family and stronger bonds), prawn (symbolizes liveliness), dumplings (when boiled in water, represent a family’s being able to recover a long lost wish), pomelo (for abundance and prosperity), tangerines, oranges and kiat-kiat (for wealth and luck, these fruits are believed to bring abundance and happiness), peanuts (for longevity), long noodles (if noodles are served, then “keep them as long as possible long for long life), nian gao (for achieving new heights in the coming year) and jai (a vegetarian dish for longevity). Add sea moss for prosperity, lotus seeds for children/birth of sons, lily buds to “send 100 years of harmonious union”, Chinese black mushrooms to “fulfill wishes from east to west”, long leafy greens and long beans to wish a long life for parents, whole fish for abundance and to ensure a good start and finish and to avoid bad luck throughout the year, and sweets and desserts to bring a sweet life in the new year.

Scene: Smart's Fiber Power is featuring Ely Buendia at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen town. Also in the video are Rico Blanco, Raimund Marasigan and Barbie Almalbis. Smart's Fiber optics is what powers a modern network. Optic fibers use light as a medium for telecommunication & broadband data. Theoretically, it is able to reach speeds of more than 1 Terabits per second (Tbps).
Courtesy: PhilStar.com

Scene:  Actor Mikael Daez shared his Bohol experience in the Feb. 4, 2013 issue of the Philippine Star: Bohol was such a peaceful experience. It allowed me to recharge and completely get my mind off things.  I think it’s a place where people can really “get away from it all.... It feels completely untouched in Bohol and I get jealous over their way of life because there doesn’t seem to be any stress in their lives. I admit I may not be able to live there for long periods of time but I will definitely go back if I need a place to recharge.

***
It's final: Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado has replaced his father, the late Bohol 2nd district Rep. Erico Aumentado, in the congressional race this May 2013 elections.

"I can make it, kaya nako ang mualagad sa katawhan sa segundo distrito," said Aris, debunking rumors that he could not serve the people like his father,’ “ang akong kandidatura walay kausaban sa akong amahan diin nag-una ang tinuoray nga serbisyo."

Erico Aris Aumentado (center) files his COC for congressman of the second district of Bohol last Monday at the provincial Comelec Office. With Aris are (l-r) Dra. Sharleen Lim, Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- delos Reyes and Mayor Thomas Gonzaga and supporters.
Aris was talking to reporters last Monday after he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the provincial Comelec Office. He was accompanied by gubernatorial bet Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-delos Reyes, vice-gubernatorial bet Dra. Sharleen Lim, big personalities like Ma. Fe Camacho-Lejos, Tommy Abapo, lawyer Handel Lagunay, Azon Galbreath, Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga, Bie Unido Mayor Rey Niño Boniel and other mayors and barangay captains, family members and supporters, who according to Fr. Joseum Sumampong in his homily, “mga nagmahal nimo mao naa sila karun aron musuporta kanimo.” (I like the homily of Fr. Sumampong who challenged Aris and those supporters “Don't give up. Adunay purpose ang Ginoo sa matag-usa kanato.")

In 2004, Aris wanted to run as vice mayor in Ubay town but his father disapproved his plan. Again, he wanted to run for board member in 2010 but his father didn’t like the idea of having two Aumentados in public service.

"I've thought hard about it," Aris added. "Wala pa ko sa akong hunahuna adto dawaton nako iyang hangyo to continue serve the people."

They say that Aris inherited much more than looks, political savvy and business acumen from his father.

Teased about it, Aris smiled and conceded that he might never equal, much more surpass his father’s record.

***
Valentine’s Day is four days to go, but you still have time to send your favorite people a little love. You can turn your room to the most romantic room to set your hear aflutter, send flowers, chocolates and a sweet note!

For something sweet this Valentine’s Day, Ramirez Cakes and Pastries (RCP) caters all your cake needs in every occasion. They are crafted to design themed cakes that suits your special day may it be weddings, birthdays, christening, and shower parties.

They also provide various pasalubong and delicacies. Try the famous Ramirez Torta.  It started with a plain recipe for every family gathering.  It was their very loving Lola Lita and Mama Gemma who first introduced the product to the market at mid 1990s. The family recipe was then loved by many and now became one of the best pasalubong items in town.

RCP has three outlets. The main center is located along Junction Road, Mansasa District, Luisa Galleria Mall at Gallares Street and at the Gallares Court just near the crossing of the city streets, Ma. Clara Street and Gallares Street.

(Note: Contact Ramirez Cakes and Pastries at (038) 412-2818; 412- 0711, 510-1855, or 09176324047. You can also visit them on Facebook – ramirezellainecakesand pastries.)

***
Reveal – The Grand Fashion Gala

The Rotary Club of Tagbilaran is set to stage one of their most significant projects for 2013.  The fashion show is living up to its title as a lot of revelations will happen on Saturday, March 2, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center. For the first time ever, Bohol Fashion Designers’ Circle is created and organized with six Bohol-based fashion designers initiating the group.  Talented fashion experts and couturiers Henry Baron, Maximiel Tallo, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rhigel Dulfo and EJ Relampagos will showcase their design prowess on more than 90 collections to grace the ramp.
Fashion designers, models, beauty queens, celebrities, socialites and dignitaries are expected to bring more glitz and glamour.
Power of 6

“Rrrreveaaaallll!!!” says Bohol’s premier designer Henry.

“This is a very good come back for me because it’s not gonna be only me but six of us!” shares Bohol’s mega designer Maximiel.

Bohol’s emerging designer Jong Magallano is also excited at the same time tensed since according to him, this will be his launching fashion show and it’s this big.  He never expected to make a debut as grand as “Reveal”.

Omie who is based in Talibon is also very excited to make a grand splash in the city of Tagbilaran.  He is expecting friends from other parts of the province to come and support the show.

Rhigel feels so happy to be a part of “Reveal”.  “This will surely be very significant since all the designers will be helping and supporting each other.”

Fashion icon EJ is also very supportive of this project.  “This is what I have been wanting to do and waiting for quite a time already. I am very happy that with the help of Rotary, we are now one organization.  Expect Bohol Fashion Designers’ Circle to make a difference and we want to make that difference obvious.”

The show will be directed by LJ Lumayag and lights and sounds will be provided by Disco Record Center.

Rotary Club of Tagbilaran President Joy Suarez is very optimistic about this project.  Meanwhile the chairwoman for the project “Reveal”, PAG Loella Bantol is also very supportive of the designers’ circle. This project is a fund raising activity of the Rotary to help support different humanitarian services of the chapter.

Tickets are available at Php 1,000, Php500 and Php 200.  For inquiries, please contact Alex at 09088910937.

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