Wednesday, November 12, 2014



Wake-uppers:
Scene: Blind hymnist and composer Onecimo “Onie” Oclarit passed away on Oct. 10. His renowned compositions are Balik sa Bohol Balik, CPG songs, and countless liturgical songs, most famous of which is O Senior San Jose. He served at St. Joseph Cathedral as organist/ vocalist and choir director for 35 years. “We thank God for the gift that Onie was to us! He was a "class act!" You will be sorely missed, Nie! REST IN PEACE!!,” said former city councilor Romana Darunday-Bullecer.

Scene: Lunel Ryan Boyboy of BISU-Candijay campus and Liezel Tortoga of BISU-Main Campus were crowned Mr. and Ms. State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) 2014.

***
It has been one year since Bohol’s 10/15 tragedy, the Oct. 15 earthquake that set off a cascade of disasters on a scale scarcely imaginable. The 7.2 magnitude quake, the deadliest and most destructive earthquake to hit the country, devastated the province claiming nearly 200 lives, making thousands homeless and leaving five missing.


10/15: We remember!
As what Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso said, “Ours is to see the hand of God out of the calamities that we have experienced.”

Meanwhile, Judith Uy-Sumatra of the Provincial Planning and Development Office has something to say one year after the tragedy:

After the 7.2M earthquake happened a year ago today, I became more disaster conscious.

Now that it's raining steadily in the City of Tagbilaran, I fear for the low-lying areas that might get flooded.

I worry about the soil and rocks loosened by the earthquake and aftershocks last year.

Will the torrent of rainwater cause further downward movement of the soil that may result to landslide?

Lord God almighty, thank you very much for saving our lives and properties from the tremor, but I pray that you keep your people safe from rainfall-induced landslides and flash floods.

Let the rains wash away the dirt on earth - pollution, corruption, and sins of omission and commission.

Let the rumbling sound of the thunder remind us of your goodness and greatness.

Without you, Boholanos would not have recovered from the disaster and stand strong and resilient.

Thank you, Lord God, for always being there for us.

(In this page are pictures which happened during the 10/15 anniversary.)

***

Benjie and Joan Oliva welcome a girl

Former National Youth Commission (NYC) official and now Department of Agriculture administrative officer Benjie Oliva and lawyer Joan Jagonos-Oliva, welcomed their first child, a daughter, on Friday.

The little girl arrived early; Joan was expected to give birth on Oct. 26.

Edelle Ross was born on Oct 17 at 9:59 a.m., weighing 6.3 lbs.


Baby Edelle Ross Oliva is here! Courtesy: Benjie Oliva
Benjie was by Joan’s side during the delivery via CS at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center in Manila.

 “We are so excited! Our baby girl brings hope and inspiration in the family,” Benjie told VRS yesterday.

No further details on the baptism of the baby have yet to be released. But a close friend of the couple confirmed that it will be on Jan. 25, 2015 to accommodate the schedule of actor and NYC Commissioner Dingdong Dantes.

“Dingdong said yes as ninong. Since is busy with his wedding preparations and showbiz commitments (Marian and Dingdong will get married on Dec. 30),  the first and second week of January will be their honeymoon, so the baptism of baby Edelle Ross will be in the third week of January,”relayed VRS.

Benjie and Joan were to be wed on the afternoon of Oct. 19, but the 7.2 earthquake rocked Bohol and destroyed the Dauis Church on Oct. 15.  The couple postponed their wedding and donated their honeymoon funds for relief operations in the affected areas of Bohol.

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

Community welcomes arrival of clean toilets in “Fiesta” video

Community welcomes arrival of clean toilets in “Fiesta” video
 
It’s a scene typically played out during fiestas: People rushing to the streets, drawn to the sound of a marching band. Everyone is smiling, eager to see the “star” of the celebration. But instead of showing the face of a movie celebrity, a beauty queen or a politician, the video reveals an unlikely, yet welcome sight—a new, clean toilet facility.
 
Aptly titled “Fiesta”, the Domex video, produced by Unilever Philippines, is available on Youtube and shows how underprivileged Filipinos welcome the “arrival” of clean toilet facilities in their communities. “The video aims to make people realize the value of a toilet which most of us, unfortunately, take for granted,” said Dennis Chua, Domex Brand Manager.
 
The “Fiesta” video contributes to the efforts of Domex’s One Million Clean Toilets Movement. Each unique view translates into a pledge for the advocacy campaign which collects pledges from households to conscientiously maintain their own hygienic bathrooms. For every pledge received, Domex will donate P5 to UNICEF’s sanitation program, towards improving access to basic sanitation in deprived areas around the world, including the Philippines.
 
“By watching the ‘Fiesta’ video and asking our friends to watch it, we are not only raising awareness for toilet appreciation and sanitation, more importantly, we are helping less privileged communities gain access to clean toilet facilities,” said Benjie Yap, Unilever Foods and Home Care Vice President.
 

Clean toilets, germ-free communities
All over the country, people are welcoming the construction of new toilet facilities and the repair of dilapidated ones, since becoming aware of its role in disease prevention, especially among children.
 
According to the Department of Health, of the estimated 3,420 diarrhea-related deaths among Filipino children under 5 every year, around 2,000 could have been prevented by access to safe water, improved toilet sanitation and personal hygiene.
 
“This video should serve as a wake-up call for most of us. The little things we take for granted, like having a clean toilet, could mean the world to others and could definitely help save lives,” Chua said.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Bohol killer quake, sorrow & hope in words

Wake-uppers:
Seen: Gremerson Idulsa Aladad of the Bohol Island State University (BISU)-Tagbilaran has topped the Oct. 2014 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination.  Aladad got a 93.8 percent rating. According to PRC, there were 2,960 out of 3,841 who passed the exam.

Seen: Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante is Miss JCI Phiippines 2014.

Fullante
SceneOctober 15, 2014 is a special non-working holiday in Bohol, by virtue of Proclamation No. 887 signed by President Aquino.

Scene: Holger Horn is elected president of Panglao Scuba Diving Association (PASS). Other elected officers are Henry Hoeppner, vice-president; Laarni Lehtonen, secretary; Kwatz Gomez, treasurer; and Marlon Lamagna, auditor. The association is institutionalized through Municipal Ordinance No. 12, Series of 2013 and therefore fully recognized by the Municipality of Panglao.

Scene: The successful 1st PanubigFestival of Pilar town yesterday. Take a bow, Butch Bernas! Take a bow, Mayor Nita Cubrado!

***

Day of disaster/I can never forget/tired and thirsty.

This Wednesday, Oct. 15, will mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific earthquake that struck Bohol.
In the year that has passed, much has changed. Mountains of rubble have not been fully cleared. Bohol mourns the deaths of more than 200 people and five missing, one year after.

When an earthquake hit Bohol, Latigo (FT. kidothz), a group of Boholano rappers, wrote these words in Nov. 2013:



Another rap group, Anastazy Pro from Calape town, composed the song Bangon Bohol in Jan. 2014.

Collected here are recent images of those affected by the disaster, 
coping and moving on one year later. -LPU
Nakita sa kadaghan ang atoang katilingban,/ Akip na ang kahimtang ning atong ka igsuonan/daw na wad-an sa pagla-um,/ uban natong igsuon dili pa-ulahi para mobalik ta / ug mobangon sabay sampit sa kahitas-an / dili nato kalimtan ayaw huna-hunaa nga mo duol rata / kung kinahanglan kay wala siyay gi pili / andam siyang mo alagad sa atong palibot /  nga daghan na ang nanga samad.

Another song dedicated to the victims of the earthquake Bangon Bohol written by Ralph Maligro:

Itinayong tahanan gusali't simbahan / naglahong bigla , na parang bula /ang pangkabuhayan ng bawat isa/ 'san na napunta , 'san na kukuha

Bangon Bohol , bangon bol-anon/ Tayo ay sinubok lamang ng panginoon / ano mang hamon sa buhay haharapin/ lahat susuungin , lahat kakayanin

sa likod ng ngiti ay mga luha/ naghihinagpis nangungulila/ buhay'y nasawi , di na maibalik/ hinahanap-hanap , yakap mo't halik

Engr. Soc Saletrero’s Bangon Igsoon (Bohol Sandugo Song Festival 2014 grand winner), reminds us to put our trust in the Lord.  

Pailob lang igsoon sa na-aguman mo’ng katalagman nga ningdangat/ Hinumdumi nga ang tanan pagsulay man sa Kahitas-an.

Rhymathics Featuring Thea’s Bohol We Will Rise tells us that the Lord is our protector and strength.

Much has been said and written about the Oct. 15 quake. Yet, for all these words, the scope of the disaster and the depth of the sorrow have felt unknowable. The good part is we come to understanding/acceptance/moving on.

It’s now safe, /It’s over,/the Lord is on our side.

***

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

Monday, October 6, 2014

10 contingents to join Pilar’s 1st Panubig Festival ; Kirby Asunto to hold benefit concert for quake victims

Salamanca
•10 contingents to join Pilar’s 1st Panubig Festival
•Kirby Asunto to hold benefit concert for quake victims

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Marina S. Salamanca, Ph.D. is the new assistant schools division superintendent of DepEd, Division of Bohol. Salamanca is a multi-awarded Scout Leader and trainer of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, having received the Silver Usa for her meritorious and outstanding service to scouting.

Seen: Sen. Bongbong Marcos was in Bohol last Friday for the multisectoral dialogue on Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaption and Disaster Preparedness.

Scene: Making sure that no one is left behind in all the educational programs available, NYC Commissioner-At-Large Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III was in Bohol last Monday for the Abot Alam Project. Abot Alam seeks to locate out of school youths (OSYs) and enroll them in program interventions in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Dantes stressed the collaboration with partners in engaging ordinary citizens to adopt an OSY and ensure that they are enrolled in the Abot-Alam program.

For his part, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell gave books for the OYs through Abot Alam event. He said education is "a critical component of human development which in turn is necessary for economic growth."



***

Rising Broadway artist Kirby Asunto is spearheading a fund-raising concert billed Gift of Joy to benefit the victims of the Oct. 15, 2014 quake that killed nearly 200 people and displaced thousands of Boholanos.

The show will take place on Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Bohol Wisdom Auditorium.

Guests include JM de Guzman, Fr. Jonas Mejares, Loboc Children’s Choir, Penelope, Van and Maki Rickafort of the Singing Bee.

Kirby Asunto is coming to the province for a benefit concert on Dec. 13. 
 Photo grabbed from her official Facebook page.
Asunto got her first shot at fame during the fight between Pacquiao-Bradley fight in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2012. She was personally handpicked by Pacman to sing the Philippine National Anthem during his match against American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr.

The New Jersey Suburban News reported that “Asunto has earned high recognition in the Filipino-American communities in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Washington, D.C. even at her tender age.” As Most Outstanding Filipino in New York, she was the grand champion of the Philippine Fiesta Grand Idol singing competition.

Ticket prices are P200, P 500 and P750. For inquiries, please call 09157572551/0927-564-9047.

***

Ten contingents will take part in the first-ever Panubig Festival, a socio-religious event in honor of the Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of Pilar town, on October 11.

“As the center of rice granary in the province of Bohol, “Panubig” is a general term commonly used by the people to irrigate the farm, since water is life,” said Butch Bernas who conceptualized the first Panubig fest.

Pilar, formerly a barrio of Sierra Bullones town, has the Malinao Dam which was constructed to help irrigate the farms of Pilar and nearby towns of San Miguel, part of Ubay and Alicia.

Butch said that the actual feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated on Oct. 12 with grand nine-day nightly events every year in her honor.

“Panubig festival will commemorate its maiden celebration as thanksgiving and blessing of the people in honor of Our Lady of Pillar for giving a bountiful harvest to the devotees,” said Butch, a member of the Bohol Arts Culture and Heritage Council.
On Oct. 11, the town of Pilar will reverberate to the sound of revelry 
as residents and visitors celebrate the 1st Panubig Festival. 
Courtesy: Butch Bernas


One of the highlights of the festival is the search for the Panubig King and Queen.

“Each contingent has one Panubig Queen and one Panubig King,” said Butch.

“The music to be used is a combination of Pilar Hymn or any religious chants and must be celebratory,” said Butch. “It is of a free rhythm, not patterned from Sinulog or other famous festival in the region.”

“The entire performance shall be divided into street dance and ritual. Each contingent must perform the street dance routine using only progressive movements, no backward steps,” said Butch.

***

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

Wincie turns 75, shows no signs of slowing down

Wake-uppers:
Scene: Sylvia Dagami-Fortich posted on Facebook about Tindogi Tagbilaran: "If it's not worth fighting for, it's not worth much at all." "Do not be afraid to proceed forward doing that which others object to or doubt will work or imply that you're crazy to even imagine accomplishing. This is an important way to pick up your cross in following Jesus (Matt. 16:24). The only thing to fear is going against God's will by choosing inaction. When we
have to stand up for an idea that we feel inspired by the Holy Spirit to do, we have discovered a cause that will make a significant difference." For the love of our only home city, all of us who consider Tagbilaran our HOME, should stand up to protect her from everything atrocious and dreadful! For many, fighting is a hard and scary thing to do. But when you are fighting right in your own backyard, for your own self and those that you love, fighting becomes much easier! For even if others think Tagbilaran is just "a" place, for us this place is "HOME" and worth fighting for! YOU are a true Tagbilaranon if you stand for it! TINDOGI ang atong TAGBILARAN!

SceneFormer city councilor Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus also shared on Facebook her sweet memories of the old Tagbilaran: Now, it can be told. My love story started with a "Can I walk you home"? From a party at Gee Garden"s Hotel, a young officer from the PMA came up to me and asked: "Can I walk you home?" and so we did, with one of my bff's - Grace del Rosario-Lumayag and the late Zacarias Lumayag in tow, and the "Fall in Club" discreetly doing the same. Anyhow, a year or so later, I gave my "YES" near the Causeway along Tagbilaran Bay, and it was when the moon was so bright. All two separate occasions, in the late evening and so peaceful, then. On hindsight, I ask: Can I do the same now? Like, will I be brave enough to walk the streets of my beloved city without fear, or will I even allow my own kids to stay late, out? To many, it’s a resounding "NO"! Thus, I call on all Tagbilaranons to be vigilant, and do our share. Let us, please, ensure we have a Tagbilaran, even safer than when we found it, for our children. Until and unless we have it, then we cannot rest!

***
Erstwhile Tagbilaran City Councilor Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus
 with her hubby B/Gen. Louie Oppus, the director of the Firearms 
and Explosives Office
 (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Courtesy: Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus
Back then, the students of Bohol National High School (now Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School) called her as the “most terror” teacher in school.  But parents and colleagues put their thumbs up on her as the teacher who disciplined and molded good students and citizens during her time as a teacher.

“She was very passionate on her job as a teacher,” recalled Rowena Jala. “We were well-behaved in school. She didn’t punish students even those who were naughty at school but she taught the students to behave and respect.”

Her students also recalled that she had a remarkable strong voice.  “It was very loud and clear even without a megaphone during a mass playground,” said Arlene Pisquera. “She had a photographic memory. She could memorize all the family names of the students.”

Wincesa “Wincie” Balatero Espejo Araorao has had earned the respect of her students, co-teachers and friends.

Teacher. Mother. Disciplinarian.

Wincie is all that — and more.

Wincie’s four children regard her as a woman who has shown, through her honest and earnest ways, the real essence of hard work, talent, grace, generosity, "integrity," and most of all, faith in God.
Wincie is the eldest child of Hilario Araro Espejo who served as Teniente del Barrio (Barangay Captain) of Cogon in the late1950s and Josefina Mercader Balatero, valedictorian of Saint Joseph Academy (now Holy Spirit School) in the late 1930s, who, when orphaned early, was left to care of her two brothers, and eventually got married to Hilario.

At 75, Wincesa Espejo- Araorao shows no signs of slowing down. 
As the founder of  Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe, her favorite dance is Binasuan.
Seeing the example of modest, simple living of her parents, Wincesa grew up understanding the value of hard work, persistence and faith in God during the time when life in Tagbilaran was so simple and tranquil.

Graduating from Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School and Bohol High School Class of 1956 while dabbling time between studying, helping her parents with the carenderia at the “Pook Pantalan” and taking care of her six younger siblings, she proceeded to take up Bachelor of Science in Education – Major in Physical Education at the University of Southern Philippines as her fallback from the nursing course which was her original choice that was hindered by financial constraints.

At USP, she was a gymnast, organizer, founder and first president of the USP Banikanhon Dance Troupe and almost made it to the Philippine Swimming Team when she won gold medals for breaststroke and backstroke during the regional elimination, but she opted to be near her family in Bohol rather than go to Manila for the swimming team.

Following college graduation, she taught in Marawi, Mindano, then came back to her home province to teach Physical Education at her Alma Mater, Bohol High School where she was founder, choreographer and adviser of the Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe (BLDT), celebrating its 35th year this year. The BLDT, sticking to its thrust of being a folkloric group, became the training ground for prospective members of other performing groups in Bohol like Diwanag Dance Theater and the new breed of Physical Education teachers and choreographers.

She became a politician’s wife when her husband, then Philippine Banking Corporation executive Derclo Reparatp Bongoyan Araoarao, won as Mayor of Panglao in the 1980 elections and served as local chief executive till 1986. One of the greatest milestones of the BLDT was becoming the grand champion of the province-wide “Hadla nga Bol-anon” folkdance competition in December 1986 via the “Kuratsa-Kuradang” entry which she choreographed, giving the group a chance to join the regional “Sayawit Festival” in Cebu City representing Bohol Division, where the BLDT performers won the grand prize, besting other contenders from Cebu City and other top-ranking school divisions.

Years earlier, she also trained and coached Bohol male and female gymnasts who figured in the regional level and later, sent to the Palarong Pambansa and made it to the top three finish. In June 1987, she was Summa Cum Laude while earning her Master of Arts degree from the University of Bohol.

By a sudden twist of fate, she was ushered to the land of Uncle Sam to find greener pastures.

The performing artist in her made her join the 2nd Annual Philippine Folk Dance Festival held at Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University, New York City with her favorite “Binasuan,” a dance of skill, where she was the only solo performer in the competition. She divided her time between earning a decent living in NYC, spending time with family and serving as Eucharistic Minister at Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church. At 75, she is content with God’s blessings of love of family – her children, Fiel Angeli Gabin, Information Officer of the City Government of Tagbilaran, with Jerome, Cielo and Renji; Reparato Anthony, a nurse at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, with Shiela and Reesie; United States Army Sgt. Ann Claire Young of Raleigh, North Carolina, with Jabron, Jalen, Jayla and Jordy, and Coeli Marie, a web designer in Zephyrhills, Florida, with Alex, Sethie and Chloe.

“The one thing I can’t live without is prayers – communicating with God is the most basic part of my existence,” said Wincie.

Unlike most women, she’s not embarrassed to reveal her age—75 on Sunday, that is today (Sept. 28), 26 years of which have been lived- and how! in educating people- and 25 years living in the United States.

“Am I afraid of growing old?,” asked Wincie. “I am certainly not afraid of growing old. I am ready when the time comes that God calls for me.”

Now 75, Wincie is enjoying her staycation between Tagbilaran and US. She can avail of the privileges (discount in drugstores, restaurants and other places).

Even if she doesn’t look 75, that is.
***

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

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Breeze pays tribute to hardworking hero moms with nationwide 1 Laba Day

Celebrating the heroes of the home, Breeze treated more than 19,000 hardworking moms across the Philippines to a day of rest, games and exciting surprises at the first-ever 1 Laba Day. The leading detergent brand took care of their laundry chores, washing a total of 481,536 clothes, in a series of events held simultaneously in multiple barangays in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.

Celebrity moms and surprise guests, including Sige Moms Christine Bersola-Babao, Gladys Reyes and Dimples Romana, headlined the nationwide events. At Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City, radio DJ Laila Chikadora also kept the crowd entertained with her witty jokes and led the fun bingo games where moms won bicycles, skateboards, inflatable swimming pools and other toys for their children. These prizes were meant to encourage moms to be Sige Moms who let their kids play and go on exciting adventures. 

While the moms enjoyed their day off from doing the laundry, Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, LG, Whirlpool and White Westinghouse, took care of washing their clothes.

“We know how hardworking our mommies are, spending as much as three to four hours a day doing the laundry. Today, Breeze is taking care of washing their clothes so they can have some time for themselves and to have fun, as our way of thanking them and recognizing their admirable efforts,” said Mara Banson, Breeze brand manager.

“As part of the Circle of Sige Moms, our job is to encourage mommies to allow their kids to be kids, even if it means getting dirty or having stained clothes,” said Christine. “When we say yes to playing and going on adventures, we say yes to our children’s intellectual, emotional and physical growth.”

“My daughter Callie is very artsy and likes working with her hands. We love baking and often, we’d be covered in icing and food color of every hue,” said Sige Mom Dimples. “But I’m glad I allowed her to do that, because it’s very fulfilling when you see your child achieve great things because you allow them to do their own thing and pursue their passions.” 

“Being a mom is a 24/7 job,” added Sige Mom Gladys. “But because we have a dependable partner in Breeze, doing the laundry becomes easier and effortless. We can spend less time on washing clothes and have more time for ourselves and our family.”


1 Laba guarantee
Boasting of a revolutionary formulation, Breeze with ActivBleach empowers mommies everywhere to take on their endless tasks, removing even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Safe for both white and colored clothes, Breeze has a four-enzyme technology that removes more types of stains and a patented whitening technology that delivers visible whiteness in just one wash. 

Breeze with ActivBleach is also the first and only detergent brand with melamine perfume encapsulation technology that blooms in wash and bursts in wear, making sure that clothes keep smelling clean and fresh even when worn. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment. 

From September 1 to 7, mommies can also win a washing machine from Breeze in the Breeze 1Laba Challenge promo. To join, participants simply need to like the official Breeze Facebook page www.facebook.com/breezephilippines and look for the 1 Laba Day status update. They should then leave a comment on the post, with a photo of themselves doing the 1 Laba pose holding a Breeze pack and using the hashtag #Breeze1Laba.

Take on millions of stains in just one wash with Breeze with ActivBleach, available in three sizes at supermarkets and groceries nationwide: 70g, 700g and 1450g packs.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Here she is ... Miss America 2015!

Original article from Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY
"Tonight one young lady's life is going to change forever," said Miss America 2014 Nina Avuluri.
And so it went on Sunday night as Miss America 2015 was crowned in Atlantic City.
Here are the highlights of the night as it unfolded:
The Judges:
Kathy Ireland, who was barefoot in the green room before the show
NFL star and Dancing With the Stars alum Donald Driver
Olympic gymnast and DWTS alum Shawn Johnson
Desperate Housewives creator/writer Marc Cherry
Army general Anne Macdonald
Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk
First Miss America to be crowned on live TV Lee Meriwether
The 15 semifinalists:
Miss Idaho Sierra Sanderson won the America's Choice vote to become a finalist. Sanderson made national headlines by winning her state pageant in July wearing her insulin pump with her pink bikini during the swimsuit portion of the competition. She became a champion in the diabetes community.
Miss Massachusetts Lauren Kuhn who is two years away from being a dentist
Miss MississippiJasmine Murray, who made it to the Top 13 on Season 8 of American Idol
Miss TexasMonique Evans, who is focusing on health care
Miss TennesseeHayley Lewis plans to make sure to take in "every single aspect of this experience"
Miss Kentucky Rasmey Carpenter, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010
Miss AlabamaCaitlin Brunell, whose dad, Mark Brunell, is an NFL pro
Miss Ohio Mackenzie Bart loves that dummy on her lap (she's a ventriloquist)
Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett wants to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities because her brother has cerebral palsy
Miss Florida Victoria Cowen wants girls to be careful about what they post and share on social media
Miss Connecticut Acacia Courtney doesn't "ever want to feel like I've peaked"
Miss New York Kira Kazantsev, who was once in an abusive relationship
Miss Arkansas Ashton Campbell, who crew up in a town of about 75 people
Miss Iowa Aly Olson loves Game of Thrones
Miss Oklahoma Alex Eppler says she's a nerd
No. 16: Miss North Dakota Jacky Arness, voted in by the judges as a wildcard extra
A Weird Kathy Ireland Moment
Co-host Lara Spencer asked Kathy Ireland what she was looking for during the swimsuit portion:
"I'm looking for someone who can captivate, someone who can connect with America and get great results. These women have a servant's heart and she's got a huge responsibility ahead of herself. She's got to communicate in everything she does. I'm looking in the eyes."
Huh?
Oops! Miss Nebraska flashed everyone
Co-host Chris Harrison was yakking about how the judges will be looking at "personal style" during the evening gown portion when he stopped and right behind him, Miss Nebraska Megan Swanson has her legs open and she leaned over to the contestant next to her to say something, flashing the Atlantic City audience and, yes, all of us at home. Twitter caught it. We re-wound our DVR to take a closer look. Yes, it happened.
The Talent
There were singers, dancers and a pianist. But the ventriloquist and the cups-singing were the most memorable of them all.
Miss Ohio Mackenzie Bart did a ventriloquist act. Miss New York sat on the stage and played a cup while singing Happy.
The Questions
Miss Arkansas was asked by Shawn Johnson about whether there should be limits on use of guns by children. "I do think there need to be restrictions."
Miss Florida was asked by Kathy Ireland about Ray Rice's wife's decision to stand by him. "I know that's a very hard decision. But me personally? I don't agree with it. … I don't necessarily believe he deserves a second chance."
Miss New York was by Lee Meriwether about women leaders in the Senate and what they should be taking a lead on. "I really believe that sexual assault in our military is an issue these women have got to fight for …"
Miss Virginia was asked by Anne Macdonald about the ISIS beheadings. "This is an absolute outrage… I feel it's important for the U.N. to come together to decide."
Miss Massachusetts was asked by Marc Cherry about sexual assault on college campuses. "This is something I have personal experience. My best friend's roommate was raped… We need to talk about this in schools."
And finally, the crowning
4th runner up: Miss Massachusetts
3rd runner up: Miss Florida
2nd runner up: Miss Arkansas
Runner up: Miss Virginia
Miss America 2015: Miss New York Kira Kazantsev wins, making it the third row in a year for New York to take the crown.