Preparations for Anyag 2013 and Summer Dance Break

• Race to Anyag sa Tubigon begins
• Dancing the Summer Away in Albur

 

Wake-uppers:
Scene: Summer Gimik in Bohol: If you are looking for a little bit more this summer, something new, something exciting, a true adventure, perhaps something you have never done before. Then, try Firefly Kayaking at Abatan River in Maribojoc with KayakAsia Philippines.

 

It is truly magical to see an entire tree, glowing with thousands of fireflies, like a Christmas tree.

 

“By using kayaks you have saved thousands of fireflies from being affected by noise and smoke emitted from motor-boats. KayakAsia Philippines is trying very hard to preserve the natural environment of the fireflies in the Abatan River and for choosing us, you have helped our cause. The river thanks you. The fireflies thank you,” said Rey Donaire, KayakAsia Philippines manager.

 

More from Rey: Kayaking for us is more than just a trip. It is not just another tour. It is our advocacy also. An ecologically friendly way to see the sights and sounds of our island, Bohol from a different perspective. And through this you have helped us give belief to the locals who live along the river that doing ecologically-sustainable tourism can not only help better the environment but also their lives as well.

 

As the song goes, “Kumukutikutitap, bumubusibusilak, ganyan ang indak ng mga bumbilya, kikindat - kindat, kukurap–kurap, pinaglalaruan ng inyong mga mata…”

 

(Email: kayakbohol@gmail.com, visit www.facebook.com/kayakasiaphilippines or text/call +63932-855-2928).

 

Scene: The first Saulog sa Tagbilaran, a religion-based cultural activity spearheaded by the City Government through the City Council for Culture and Arts (CCCA) and the Diocese of Tagbilaran, is on April 30. It will showcase the fluvial procession of the Holy Family and a street dancing portraying the life of Saint Joseph as a worker, a loving father and husband.

Scene: Stephen Montealto on her Mom's 79th birthday (as posted on Facebook):  To My Beloved Mama Rose,A Mother's LOVE is instinctual, unconditional, and forever, She's a magic in any language, She's the bank where we deposit all our hurts and worries. And for me God sees us through our Mother's eyes and rewards us for our virtues. I couldn't have the chance to tour around the world without the love from a mother, You guided me and gave me your boundless love. On your birthday I wish you much peace, joy, love, good health, a heart that knows love, a soul that knows joy, a spirit that knows giving. Thank You for being everything a son could ever want. HAPPY 79th BIRTHDAY MAMA ROSE, You know how much I LOVE YOU!

Scene: Ten ladies will compete for the title Miss Carmen 2013, May 11, 7 p.m.  at the Carmen gymnasium.

Scene: Fashion icon EJ Relampagos on originality and integrity: Some people are asking if my collections during the Reveal fashion show were really original creations by me and if there were some pieces I "borrowed" from my Cebu designer friends... First of all, I want to take it as a compliment because I consider Cebu designers as the best in our land... Another point is, I trust in my own ability and capability... Me and my staff worked hard to realize my visions, we've spent sleepless nights to finish everything in time for the show... I just want to make it clear that every piece showcased on my segment during the Reveal show is originally designed by me and created in my shop. Thank you! :)

Scene: If you've been wondering why this ultimo eventologist haven't organized anything lately it's because he has been swept up by the need to finish the projects. He is just hibernating; he will hog the limelight (again) as a contract star of a giant network. Yes, he is in Manila for some "enhancements." According to VRS, he will have one commercial, one indie film and two teleseryes. He will be included in the movie Darna for Metro Manila Film Festival 2013. Revealing the identity of this future star from Bohol in this section and on social media is verboten. Guess that's why he's staying anonymous!

***

Dancing the Summer Away in Albur

“Giving back!” is the theme of Jay Anthony “Tonjie” Requilme Mangao’s message at the culmination program of the Alburquerque Summer Dance Workshop. Produced by the Office of Alburquerque Mayor Efren Tungol and the Culture and Arts Coordinator, the dance workshop ran from April 2 to 12 at the Alburquerque Training Center. 

Mangao, who recently graduated as major in dance from the prestigious Philippine High School for the Arts at Mt. Makiling in Los Banos, Laguña, heads the Alburquerque Performing Arts Group (APAG) and was the trainor of this summer’s dance workshop.

“It is my way of giving back what I have learned in school to the people of Alburquerque who have supported me all these years," said Mangao. "I hope more young people will join the next year’s summer workshop, instead of just idling the summer away."

 

Twenty members of APAG trained, including original members from last year’s dance and theater workshops, as well as new members who went through an audition on April 2. A total of 21 workshop sessions were conducted for 10 days on basic ballet movements and basic fundamentals of dance. These include footwork and hand movements such as releve, extension, plie, battements, passé, arabesque, tendu, jete, coupe, etc.

During the culmination program, Tonjie demonstrated his skill in choreography when the APAG members performed an invocatory dance, the “Mask Dance”, and a contemporary pop “Drive By.”

It was attended by LGU officials and employees, as well as representatives of the Center for Culture and Arts Development (GO CCAD) Vida Tirol-de Juan, Butch de Juan and Mitzi Ibaya. 

The video presentation of APAG says it all: “Dance is a silent poetry” and “Take more chances, dance more dances.”

***

Preparation underway for Anyag 2013

 

Anyag sa Tubigon 2012 Mariecris Batula Evardo was totally fabulous, gorgeous, poised and eloquent. She faced the camera with utmost fluency, nor did she get daunted when she had to mingle with huge crowds. She wasn't so strict on herself when it comes to her diet, and she always comes back to being in great shape.

 

But when she failed to get the crown (she was first runner-up in Miss Bohol Sandugo in 2012 to Idy Caseñas Cagas of Jagna town), she got a run-down of her flaws and told there was work to do.

This was, after all, Tubigon.

Anyag 2013 candidates

After winning the Miss Bohol Sandugo in 2010, beauty is now a serious business in Tubigon just like in Venezuela (girls as young as four attending beauty schools to set them on the road to stardom).

The annual Anyag sa Tubigon which is held in May brings the town of Tubigon to a halt – the talk of the town. As of lately, many Tubignon girls grow up dreaming of being a “Miss” or a beauty queen.

Tubigon expects – and, has come to be expected – to win in Miss Bohol Sandugo and other pageants in the province like Miss BACS Personality or at the very least, place among the top runners-up. 

In Miss Bohol Sandugo, the province’s oldest beauty pageant, Tubigon has produced two winners: Amir Sol (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2000) and Farrah Maye Mian (Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011), not yet enough to snatch the title as “Beauty Capital of Bohol” from Jagna town which produced Tiffany Yap (1990), Ma. Recelle Adlaon (1991), Celevel Ranoco (1992), Fatima Liora Lloren Rana (2003) and Idy Cagas (2012).

 

There’s so much work to do.

 

As early as March, the Anyag sa Tubigon committee headed by chairman emeritus Gertrude Cabrera-Abarquez are busy for Anyag as they want to make it an electrifying and memorable pageant.

You see, Tubigon is the only town in Bohol which gives proper training for the girls who would represent their town. Anyag contestants train like beauty queens. In every sense, the girls are conditioned – physically and mentally. The people who run Anyag want to have the ultimate contestant, the whole package.

Training and coaching are key elements. It is the goal of Anyag not only to create a beauty queen, but best beauty ambassador to represent the town.

When the Anyag committee members find out the Anyag has no chance of winning, they will look for another girl. Take for instance, Anyag 2010 Clarice Elaine Falcon Radoc and Anyag 2011 Lori Geisha Cabrera were supposed to represent Tubigon in Miss Bohol Sandugo but were replaced because there was low chance of winning the crown.

Last week, the candidates underwent intense lessons in how to apply make-up and do her hair and proper manners with the beauty army at the camp which includes hair stylists, makeup artists, physical trainers, speech and acting coaches, catwalk instructors and dieticians.

 

Anyag fanpage on Facebook says, "As a way of connecting to the community and doing their share in various socio-civic oriented causes, the candidates are taking their time in gracing countless sponsor visits, courtesy calls, guestings, photo and location shoots and many more. Truly, an Anyag is someone who rises above the ranks and exhibits grace under pressure despite the hectic and rigorous schedules."

Will another Anyag grab the Miss Bohol Sandugo title in July?

***

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

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

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 Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
David O. Russell, Silver Linings PlaybookMichael Haneke, Amour
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 Watts, The 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