Sunday, January 22, 2017

Tagna-Tagna 2017

Wake-uppers:
Scene: The two “controversial” beauty pageants in Ubay town: Miss Ubay 2017 organized by the Rotary Club of Ubay (Jan. 24) and Matahum sa Ubay 2017 (Jan. 26) organized by the local government unit of Ubay.

Seen: Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society during the 17th Ubi Festival.

Scene:  Pres. Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States of America, gave one of the shortest inaugural speeches ever given on Friday with heavy emphasis on nationalism:  “Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams will define our American destiny. Your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. Together, we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. Yes, together we will make America great again.”

Scene: Whale sharks (not killer sharks) were spotted off Barangay Malinao in Garcia Hernandez town.  According to Dr. Alessandro Ponzo of Large Marine Vertebrate Project Philippines (Lamave),the whale sharks were feeding in the area. “They just follow the plankton bloom,” he said. The whale sharks are protected by the Philippine law since 1998. “They need to be respected for what they are. Magnificent wild animals. The local government units should ensure that the coastal habitat are healthy and clean from plastic, one of the big threats for marine wildlife,” said Doc Ale.

Scene: The Miss Universe 2016 coronation night is on Monday (January 30), at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena at 8 a.m. This is the 3rd time the pageant is happening in the Philippines. The first one was in 1974 when Spain's Amparo Muñoz was crowned while the second happened in 1994 with Sushmita Sen of India winning as Miss Universe. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won the title on December 20, (December 21 in Manila) 2015, after more than 4 decades of special awards and podium finishes.


***
When the Rooster crows at the start of its year (Jan. 28, 2017, according to the Chinese Calendar), a lot of VRS readers who are diehard believers in the horoscope and feng shui have been asking what’s in store for them in 2017? Will they be pretty? Will they be rich?  Well, it’s hard to tell.
Snake Princess (with Medyo Maldito in this photo)
 is another big personality in 2017. 
Courtesy: Snake Princess Facebook

The Year of the Rooster expresses inner warmth and insight, as well as the quietness of privacy and family ties, according to astrologers and feng shui experts.  

Gold, brown and yellow are lucky colors of 2017, they said.  

This year is often marked by brilliant success for those who have endured with patience the draining and often solitary build-up of a business project. It is also a year of a blend of righteousness and justice, bombast and logistical efficiency. Public and private administration jobs, military careers or police jobs are highly favored.

And as tradition is hard to break, this corner’s “Tagna-Tagna” has a good batting average, with 98 percent credibility! 

(A gentle reminder: Readers are not constrained to take the “predictions” seriouslyAs I said, these are all tagna-tagna (bunga lang sa panghunahuna) and I could be wrong, you know.)

Now, let’s take a quick look at what the notorious and the famous Boholanos have in store for them for the Year of the Rooster.

• A busy year for Snake Princess and Medyo Maldito. The duo will have a “controversial” revelation.

• Former beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit will start having morning sickness middle of the year and it will make her husband Aussie football player Thomas Taylor very happy.

• Gian Ale will bounce back and spring a big surprise on all of us, proving to all and sundry that he’s not done yet, career-wise. Same for TinTin Ng and Lailette Boiser.

• Miss Bohol 2014 Queenie Melody Fullante will finally find a boyfriend who is romantic, confident, artistic, foreign, free spirit (aka the bad boy), intelligent/witty and considerate!

• Tableya Princess Dalareich Polot will remain loveless. Oopps, someone will come!

• Laywer Joan Jagonos and husband Benjie Oliva will welcome the stork’s visit before the end of the year, also for Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs.

• Actress Rich Asuncion and her beau are planning to seal their love this year despite her busy and hectic showbiz career.

•Lawyer Ingemar Macarine aka Pinoy Aquaman will make a world-breaking record.

• Something “big” is in store for Vivoree.

• Julia Faith Joaquin’s star will shine even brighter and bigger.

• A popular personality will become the new “face” of Touch of April of Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan as Doc April beautifies the province.

• It will be a busy year for Prof. Marianito Luspo, Joey Labrador, Nestor Pestelos, Direk Maryo delos Reyes and cultural icon Lutgardo Labad.

• A “super-bonggacious” fashion show will feature Boholano fashion artists and couturiers—Shanon Pamaong , Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Rhigel Dulfo Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Bebie Tagoctoc and Tracy Remolador Torres— to display their artistic collections!  After the show, they will establish a fashion and interior design school.

• Rex Alba will have another challenging role in movies.

• Center Stage Band will finally (finally!!!) release their debut album.

• Miss Bohol 2016 and Miss JCI-Philippines 2016 Glyssa Perez will join a national beauty pageant, the second Boholano to bring home the crown.

•dyRD’s Glee Orcullo and her friend Poybe Ingking will finally release a new album.

• Something “big” is in store for the first Mister Supranational Philippines AR de la Serna.

And now, the blind items:

• A new talent from Bohol will rise to make Boholanos proud.

• Another big scandal will shake the political scene!

• A high ranking official and a young politician will find themselves in a headline-hogging controversy.

•Bohol will produce more topnotchers in the field of education, nursing and engineering.

• A beauty pageant organizer and host will draw controversies.

• A popular radio program will undergo a major revamp.

• A popular young couple might not reconcile despite “intervention” and it will end in a bitter court battle.

• A drug-related scandal will rock the business industry, including local leaders.

• A popular radio personality will quit the first love for many years, leaving the followers (this one included) orphaned. It will be a long story.

***

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

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Boholanos in Tawag ng Tanghalan; Lee Min Ho in Bohol?

●Boholano young talents join ‘TNT’
●Korean actor Lee Min Ho in Bohol?

Wake-upper:
Young singer Isabel Garsuta has
 a future in the music industry. 
Courtesy: ABS-CBN
Scene: The bad weather brought by typhoon Auring cancelled the Saturday’s swim of lawyer Ingemar Macarine aka Pinoy Aquaman who planned to embark on two-way unassisted, open water swim from Guinsiliban Port on Camiguin Island to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, and back for a total of 24 km to promote tourism and clean environment. “Our swim was cancelled because of bad weather. It is dangerous for the escort boats to escort me during the swim. It’s okay for me to swim but the escort boat is still the problem,” said Macarine. He instead swam the 2.1 km from Paras Beach Resort to the White Island, one of the province’s tourist destinations with some members of the Camiguin Swimmers Association headed by Gilbert Grado. 

***
I can’t recall the last time I saw a Boholano who joined a national singing contest. It must have been a long time ago. But I remember Jerome Sala— yes, who was a champion on ABS-CBN’s Star in A Million.

That’s why I’m happy to see young Boholano talents singing who are making inroads into the national scene.

Last week, Julia Faith Joaquin of Tagbilaran City sang her way to the semi-finals on ABS-CBN’s Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT), a singing competition conducted as one of the segments of the noontime show It's Showtime.

Joaquin, a high school student, defeated daily challenger Cresmon Padero with her cover of Liza Minnelli's "Maybe This Time." She scored 92.6 percent, while Padero got 90.2 percent for his performance of Air Supply's "Here I Am."

Joaquin first joined TNT in August last year. She was able to become the defending champion but was dethroned after just one day.
Julia Faith Joaquin has secured 
her spot as semi-finalist on Tawag ng Tanghalan
Courtesy: ABS-CBN

Another young singer, Isabel Garsuta, tried her luck on TNT last Friday (Jan. 6). Although she didn’t win, Isabel had an adorable performance of Jessie J’s “Price Tag.”

Isabel, 17, teaches voice, piano and violin.  She is the daughter of Lino and Mariz Garsuta (nee Tirol) of Caingget Beach, Tagbilaran City.

Rey Valera said Isabel, who dreams to become a lawyer, has a future in the music industry.

Isabel posted on Facebook, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven."
She thanked her family and supporters who supported, congratulated and watched her performance on TNT.

“It was really an honor to represent Visayas.   I did my best and I am just really happy with all the positive responses from everyone. I may not have won but knowing that there are people out there who supported and appreciated me, it is what really inspires me,” said Isabel on Facebook.

On a similar note, 24-year-old Mary Ann Palma had a spot when she performed Manchester Melissa’s “Looking ThroughThe Eyes of Love.” 

A pastor’s wife, Palma said she will use the prize money for the construction of their new home. Her family currently stays in a temporary shelter that has no electricity and water supply.

Boholanos are indeed talented singers. We should be proud as they continue to win in competitions and exemplify that we can sing.  And even if they don’t win, like soldiers, they refuse to fade away. They just sing and sing even if only to their hearts' content.

***
Lee Min Ho’s visit to Bohol: A bluff

While typhoon Auring hit the Visayas region last week, some died-hard Korean fans were posting on the social media that Korean actor Lee Min Ho was in Bohol.

Korean actor-singer Lee Min Ho
 of “Legends of the Blue Sea” 
was apparently spotted in Bohol. 
Courtesy: Facebook

Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and Jocelyn Pilayre were among others who were overwhelmed when they learned that Lee Min Ho was in Panglao town.

It all started when a Facebook user Rowena Aranar claimed she spotted the actor on Alona Beach in Panglao.  She shared a photo on Facebook with Lee Min Ho in a black tank top and damp hair as people flocked him for a photo.

Aranar, posted on January 7, “Lee Min Ho, is in Hennan , Alona Resort, Panglao, Bohol , sobrang gwapo at freindly, smiling face bida sa, Boys Over Flower.”

Her post has become viral, with almost 3,433 shares on the social media site as of writing.

Many fans believed that the singer-actor was in the Philippines for the taping of the “Legends of the Blue Sea.”  In one of the episodes, Heo Joon-jae (Lee Min Ho) tells Shim Chung (Jun Ji-hyun) that he plans to bring her to Boracay.

However, the news turned out to be, well, fake.

(We heard a loud thud from Fiel and Bjosh!)

The candid photo of Lee Min Ho was apparently snapped by Twitter user @minozindonesia, the first Indonesian fan base of the actor.

Internet user Leorenzi Dangoy said that Aranar’s post even “destroyed the reputation of Hennan” on a global scale.

There were others who agreed that the location does not look like Hennan Beach Resort at all. The photo was taken in 2013 in “The Heirs” days at Huntington Beach in California.

KPOP and Culture Fest on Facebook said, “Okay, bes, kalma. Lahat tayo nag-hyperventilate sa rumored Bohol photo ni Lee Min Ho. Nakaimpake na kami for Bohol. Apparently it was an old photo taken during his visit in the country. Who else have thought that they'd prolly doing the last few episodes of Legend of the Blue Sea here in the Philippines? Mianhe for the mini heart attack. Hindi kayo nag-iisa. *checks BP*”

Whatever the reason, it can’t be denied that fans are swarming over the charming actor.

Think before you post.


***

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

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Their New Year’s resolutions

Wake-upper:
Scene:  The formal installation rites of Bishop Alberto Uy as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on Friday at the St. Joseph Cathedral was officiated by His Excellency Archbishop Bernadito Auza, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations.

***

They think that it’s important to start 2017 the right way—by having a New Year’s resolution!

Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese 
of Tagbilaran Courtesy: Elvie Bongosia
Leah Tirol-Magno
I am not so much of a fan for New Year’s resolution. I would go for a goal instead. The goal this year and for the years to come is to focus more on Jesus and the personal relationship with Him and everything will fall into the right places and let God take charge of my life.

Anthony Aniscal
My new year's resolution is to make sure that time spent for family will be of priority. Being a public servant, it demands time for the constituents and at times the precious time for family are set aside.

Benjie Oliva
My New Year's resolutions: Make time for meditation and more prayer. More  workout for a healthier body. Work harder for the family and for the country.

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas
My New Year's resolution is to make time to what really matters to me. I want to spend my whole life doing the things that defines me and be with somebody who really cares for me. I would focus on improving myself so that I can totally love, serve and protect my priorities now. I want to become the best for a good cause and for the purity of intention on helping in making this world a better place. I would love to spend my life in spreading the seeds of love.

Ferome Almine
I personally wish that I’ll have more hosting and coordinating events this 2017 since I want to have a blessed and fruitful new year. I wish also for a strong economy, clean government and a total change of the facade of our country.

Adelyn Joy Esclamado
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a chef. I was always curious how delicious foods were prepared and asked my mother about it. When she would start telling me the answers to my questions, I tend to listen eagerly. But then, my curiosity perhaps gone too far, I accidentally put our kitchen on fire while trying to cook the new dish I learned. My mother burnt small portion of her legs trying to save me. It happened too fast that I can’t even remember what exactly happened. On that day, my dream to be a chef turned into ashes. And now, I think it’s the right time to start all over again, I will try my best to face my fears and will open my heart and mind for new experiences. In short, my new year's resolution is to make cooking a hobby.

Mikee Andrei
My New Year's resolution would be for better health---to always prioritize health despite tremendous work. Also, this year, I hope I’ll have more time with my family.... and save up!
Whether it’s by pursuing their dreams or cultivating 
their passions, they have plans to rev up their lives this 2017. 
Contributed Photos

Marianne Domivee Chatto
The past year has been a roller coaster ride for me. For this brand new 2017, I envision myself to be a dedicated public servant, an optimistic leader, and a passionate and caring mother. The best thing that happened in my 2016, my baby Dom.

EJ Relampagos
My New Year's resolution is to stop making resolutions to myself. He! He! He! I would rather master more on self discipline, self responsibility and self respect. These are what we need to have in order to live a good life in today's world dominated by diversions! Love to all.

Vilma Yorong
May this year bring more opportunities not only for myself but also to the people I serve.  I hope my dreams will turn into reality and my efforts and hardwork will translate into great achievements. I am praying that the Lord will give me enough strength and faith to face the challenges of 2017.

***

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

Sunday, January 1, 2017

#VRS2016Snaps

#VRS2016Snaps
What an amazing year 2016 has been!

2016 was a busy year, with big breaking news stories seemingly every week.

The presidential election was clearly a dominant topic of interest, but stories on drug war, loveteams,  and sometimes beauty pageants also drew avid readership.

As is our tradition, here's a look back at some of our favorite moments from the year gone by.

#DuterteEffect
The Duterte-Cayetano political rally last April 3 in Bohol was “phenomenal.” Supporters called the visit “redemption,” “Duterte festival,” and “Duterte phenomenon.”

In Ubay town, a crowd of 10,000 greeted Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano at the town’s gymnasium. In Tagbilaran City, the crowd swelled to 60,000, an event really unexpected since Bohol is touted as bailiwick of the Liberal Party (LP).

After Tagbilaran, Duterte and Cayetano proceeded to Panglao where at least 20,000 supporters, wearing blue and red shirts with Duterte’s face and name on it, have gathered at the Panglao gymnasium.

It’s been an amazing year for VRS. So we’d like to stop and remember some 
of the most compelling stories of 2016. 
Courtesy: Ralph Paulo Libradilla/Chris Ramasola/PEPPS/ABS-CBN/et al


#PoliticalGrip
Of the 47 towns and one city in Bohol, 31 elected mayors are with LP while nine belong to PDP-Laban, the party of President Duterte. The UNA and the NPC have four mayors each.

For the Boholanos, the choice was a Duterte-Robredo leadership. But even though Duterte won in Bohol due to his campaign manager, former Maribojoc mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr., Duterte’s popularity in the province didn’t help for the local PDP-Laban leaders to win.

In Maribojoc town, considered the bailiwick of Evasco, their candidate incumbent vice-mayor Fructuoso Redulla Jr. failed to win the mayoralty bid. Also  PDP-Laban’s provincial chair Dr. Doloreich Dumaluan didn’t  win for mayor in Panglao town.

Prominent political families have maintained their political dominance. 

The Jumamoy family maintained its dominance in Inabanga town.  Josephine Socorro Jumamoy was re-elected mayor, while son Jose Jono Jumamoy was re-elected councilor.

The Cajes family maintained their hold in Trinidad town. Judith Cajes was reelected mayor, while daughter, Joan Robie, won a fresh mandate as councilor.

In Panglao, the Montero strengthened its position after Nila Montero was re-elected in the mayoral race and her daughter, Aya Montero was elected councilor.

The Imboy family continued its dominance in Loay town. Outgoing mayor Rosemarie who lost to Chatto will be replaced by her daughter, incumbent councilor Rochelle Brigitte Imboy, 25, who received a fresh mandate as the new mayor of Loay town. Rosemarie’s husband, board member Brigido Imboy, was elected as Loay vice mayor.

Capt. Gisela Boniel was elected mayor of Bien Unido, replacing her husband Mayor Boniel who won a seat in the provincial board.

#PinoyAquaman
Lawyer Ingemar Patiño Macarine, popularly known as “Pinoy Aquaman,” added feathers on his colorful cap by successfully crossing the 17.1-kilometer long Canigao Channel between President Carlos P. Garcia (Pres. CPG) island-town of Bohol and Maasin City, capital of Southern Leyte.

The swim was organized by the Municipality of Ubay courtesy of Mayor Constantino Reyes to promote tourism in Ubay and for cleaner seas.

Macarine, also the election officer of Tubigon town in Bohol, started the swim early morning of November 20 at Barangay Tugas of Pres. CPG town and tackled the channel in six grueling hours and 37 minutes to reach Barangay Guadalupe in Maasin City.

Macarine, one of this year’s nominees for the World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year, has conquered the seas in the United States and Philippines.  He plans to return to the United Kingdom to swim the English Channel sometime in September next year. The event was cancelled in August last year due to bad weather.

#CelebritySightings
Bohol is their favorite destination. Those who visited Bohol in 2016 were singer-actress Manilyn Reynes,
Nonito “The Flash” Donaire Jr., former beauty queen Precious Lara Guigaman and husband Marco Alcaraz,  Sara Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo and her kids, Valerie Concepcion, appl de Ap and K-Pop Star Sandara Park.

During the Earth Day celebration, members and supporters of the Bohol Nature Conservation Society (Bonaconso) gathered to celebrate Earth Day with multiawarded singer-songwriter Joey Ayala.  As a musician and artist, Ayala believes in the healing power of song, as well as the connection to the earth that it provides.

#Weddings
The former beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit and Aussie football player  homas Luke Taylor finally tied the knot in a church wedding at the St. Augustine Church in Panglao town.

#BoholFestivals
By any standard—quantity, quality, variety—2016 was an amazing year for Bohol’s arts and culture.

Baskets of different sizes and shapes highlighted the 3rd basket festival in Antequera town.

The 2nd Calamay Festival was held in Jagna town, the home of the original calamay.  The 29-feet replica of the famous calamay added fanfare to the celebration. Amiela Balaba, Jagna information officer, said that “Jagna’s calamay is delicious, tasty and world-class ang quality.” Its Sinoog Estokada festival last Sept. 29 portrayed angelic war through rhythmic marching and movements following the beat of the drums.

This year’s Sandugo street-dancing competition had a new twist.  It had infused kuradang, a native Visayan dance practiced in Bohol, Cebu, Leyte and Panay, that might had a culture shock for the Boholano millenials.

Loon’s SidlaKasilak (Festival of Lights) revolved solely on the lights, choreography of lights such as movement, synchronization, formation and dynamics and quality of lights such as design, color harmony and brightness.

Amid  a downpour, the participants of the 3rd Panubig Festival in Pilar town last Oct. 11 drew cheers as they danced in honor  to Nuestra Señora del Pilar or Our Lady of the Pillar, the town’s patroness.

 The rain did not appear to affect the enthusiasm of the dancers (seven from elementary and three from high school) who wore colorful costumes and props as they showcased the tradition and culture of the Pilarnons.

History came to life as the show, “Dagohon sa Hoyohoy, Dagohoy the Musical 2016” by the Bohol Theater Network headed by Kasing Sining, exceptionally told the story and struggle of Bohol’s Dagohoy. The scenes were so intense that it impressed the audience.

“When I was watching the original show way back in 1990 I was already amazed. This time, I was totally captivated and hooked up to the show. I was even teary eyed along the way because it was really well performed, the music was well-arranged, all the actors portrayed the roles excellently. In general, the show was excellent,” said Jeycelle Espejo-Inting, a former history teacher at University of Bohol now teaching at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School.

#BeautyandBrawn
Glyssa Perez of Danao town was proclaimed Miss Bohol 2016. Perez was a former Miss Philippines- Australia.

Petche Ann “Che Anne” Vale of Bohol also tried her luck in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016. Che Ann, 20, a Radiologic Technology graduate from Bohol International College, hails from Barangay Agape, Loboc, the music town of the province. She was the second Lobocanon to join the Mutya ng Pilipinas and the third Boholana to do so.

Carlo Roy Gorospe Roslinda  joined the Gentlemen of the Philippines 2016. Caloi, 27, underwent rigorous physical trainings as well as Q&A training under the supervision of his manager James Obedencio and some friends.

#BiyahengAR
Mister Bohol AR dela Serna (real name: Alberto Rodolfu de la Serna),  23, won the first Misters of Filipinas-Supranational 2016.

AR, the son Alberto and former Poblacion 2 barangay captain Glorivic of Tagbilaran City, said winning in a national male pageant was a dream come true.

He represented the Philippines in the Mister Supranational 2016 in Poland and he was one of the Top 20 finalists. 


#PBBLucky7
The housemates of the latest season of "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB): Lucky 7 had two lucky teens from Bohol. They were: Ma. Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito, the “Go Better Girl ng Bohol”  and  Fenech Aimee Veloso, “Ang Ballroom Baby ng Bohol.” 

Vivoree, 16, who hails from Loon town, is a grade 10 student of Tagbilaran City Science High School.

“She can sing and play the guitar,” said teacher and cultural worker Butch Bernas, who was Vivoree’s grade 7 adviser.

Vivoree, who dreams of becoming a performer, said that the reason she auditioned to for PBB was to, “At first po, try lang po talaga. Minsan lang po yun nangyayari, yung mga auditions po sa lugar namin, so sinubukan ko po. But then nung nagtagal po, narealize ko na I’m doing this for something not just for nothing. And that dream isyung pumasok sa bahay ni Kuya.”

#KiligPaMore
Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, collectively known as LizQuen, were in Bohol for ABS-CBN’s hit television series “Dolce Amore (Sweet Love).” The show explored the province’s scenic spots like the white sandy beaches on Panglao Island, Sevilla Hanging Bridge, Loboc River, man-made forest and the Chocolate Hills.

The Bohol episode showed Tenten (Enrique Gil) finally agreed to join Serena (Liza Soberano) in her trip to Bohol.

Many Boholano followers could not get over to the kilig serye’s episode on Bohol, trending on social media and unwittingly disrupting the diurnal of Boholanos.

Fans of real-life sweethearts Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza got excited upon knowing that the phenomenal love team were in Bohol to shoot for a movie they will be part of.  Alden and Maine, collectively known as Aldub, were in Bohol for the taping of "Enteng Kabisote 10, The Abangers.”

#OplanTokhang
In Bohol, at least 30,000 drug dependents voluntarily surrendered and pledged not to use shabu again. At least 61 drug suspects had been killed in the province of Bohol but not a single case for extrajudicial killing has been filed at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) here.

As the war against illegal drugs took a brutal, and often left a bloody trail across the country, police in Cebu City (soon in Bohol?) had found a novel way of softening suspects up: serenading and asking them to surrender through singing the novelty song “Oplan Tokhang.”  The (un)official theme song of the “Oplan Tokhang,” was composed by the grandson of Yoyoy Villame PO3 Janew Villame of Clarin Police Station.

#GoodNews
Pope Francis had appointed Monsignor Alberto Uy as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.  He will replace Bishop Leonardo Medroso, 77, whose resignation has been accepted by the pope.  A priest for 23 years, Msgr. Uy is currently the Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Talibon and at the same time the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Jagna town.

Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, was appointed as the new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). She took her oath before Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.  Leah Tirol-Magno (of Bohol’s Baking Mama), Macuno’s youngest sister shared on Facebook, “We are very proud of you Anang. Carry on the torch of righteousness and continue to share God's love to His people with this new responsibility He entrusted you.”

#Poweroutage
Boholanos took to social media to vent their ire against a 21-hour power outage that hit the province last Dec. 3.

The outage started at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, to give way for the annual preventive maintenance of the NGCP’s 138-kilovolt Maasin-Ubay Line 2.

But in its advisory, NGCP had said the outage would last only until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Time passed, however, and power has not returned by 6 p.m. By 7 p.m., NGCP issued another advisory to say that the outage would last until 8 p.m. The time came but still, there was no power.

The delay in the power restoration irked Boholanos who turned to social media to vent their anger.

There were power interruptions on Dec. 4, Dec. 17 and Dec. 27.--all unscheduled.

#PaskongBol-anon
Some towns were just more creative than others.  The town of Tubigon had retained its title as the “Most Christmassy Place” in Bohol province.

The 28-foot tall Santa Claus in Sierra-Bullones had become the town’s center of attention, drawing people who take pictures with the Santa in the background.

 In Anda town, Christmas trees were created with discarded trash and indigenous materials. An array of skillfully crafted Christmas trees made from waste materials are now beautifully displayed at the town plaza and continue to surprise a lot of viewers.

Hundreds of devotees in Jagna town flocked to St. Michael the Archangel at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 24, not just to hear Mass but to witness the “Padagan sa Kometa (Gliding of the Comet).”  It was an reenactment of how the Christmas Star shown brightly above the manger to guide the shepherds and the three kings to where Christ was born.

Msgr. Ignacio Reyes, parish priest of Jagna, said that based on their records, the reenactment dated back to 1867 when parishioners were no longer contented of decorating their church with small stars.
Church records showed that the tradition was never interrupted even during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

Before the start of the first day of the Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass), the parishioners already hang their kometa (star) near the mezzanine floor above the door of the church.

The kometa's tail was folded as it remained at the end of the pulley until Christmas Eve when it would be released and glide toward the belen near the altar, about 62 meters away.

Reyes and the choir --Pastorela Chorale-- led the congregation in singing the “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” the church lights dimmed and the bright comet slowly glided across the church, passing the 12 stars that were evenly hanging from the ceiling.  It took at least 10 men to control the ropes that held the comet to the pulley, making the comet move up and down as it continued its glide toward the manger.

Once the comet is directly above the manger, it is made to move down thrice as a sign of respect to the infant Jesus. It would stay there until Jan. 3, the Feast of Three Kings.

Resident Aurelio Acebes, 52, said attending the “Padagan sa Kometa” made him feel proud and happy because this could only be witnessed in Jagna. “I feel that my Christmas is complete every time I attend the Padagan sa Kometa,” he added.

While some parishes have their own “Padagan sa Kometa,” it is only in Jagna where “Dagit sa mga Bitoon” (Snatching of the Stars) is being held every the first Sunday of January.

 “That makes it unique in Jagna because the celebration doesn’t end in "Pagdagan sa Komet’ but we have the ‘balik-dagit’,” said Reyes.

In “Dagit sa mga Bitoon,” the “kometa” begins its journey back home to coro. As it glides back, the 12 smaller stars that are also connected to the pulley followed the “kometa.” The journey will be accompanied by marching song. By the end of the song, the ceiling will be empty.

Jagna Councilor Anthony Aniscal said the tradition should be preserved since it gives identity to the town.

“It is already an identity of our town because we are one of the few, if not alone, practicing such tradition every Christmas for more than a century,” said Aniscal. “It must be preserved but must not defeat the real center of Christmas who is Jesus Christ,” added Aniscal.

#WeRememberThem
From the tragic deaths of former Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga and Bohol Gov. Rolando Butalid and to the loss accomplished greats Dr. Luther Ramiro and Nemi Monton, we've done a lot of collective mourning in 2016.

Shock waves rippled through the political arena as news surfaced that former Danao Mayor Louis Thomas “Tom” Gonzaga passed away, two days after he was found unconscious inside his house in Tagbilaran City. He was 46. Mayor Tom was described as one of the coolest and unassuming public servants in the province.

Lawyer Rolando Gatal Butalid, former governor of Bohol and city mayor of Tagbilaran passed away at the age of 85. He served as provincial governor for eight years (1978-1986). He left a good legacy of an honest and friendly leadership.

Sports enthusiasts were devastated by the passing of sportsman and civic leader Nemi Monton last Oct. 4.  As president of Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) in Central Visayas, Nemi opened doors wider for Boholano athletes (he discovered Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, et al).  He would be sadly missed for his energy, great sense of humor and timeless example as discoverer of athletes.

The founder of Ramiro Hospital Dr. Luther Ramiro passed away on Oct. 30.  He was 91.  As a civic leader, the late Ramiro was a pillar of the Rotary Club being a charter member and a former outstanding president.

News of his death spread on social media, and fellow Rotarians expressed their condolences. "Thank you for touching many lives Dr. Lu, you will live forever in the hearts of grateful Rotarians and all people dedicated to service above self,” Rotarian Andreimarie Thurman posted on Facebook.

Boholana beauty queen Marcelina Marcel Gatal-Diego, who was named Miss Young Bohol 1983, died after a long bout with breast cancer.  She was 53.
Her friends also took to social media with their condolences.

 “Another beautiful angel has gone to the Great Beyond,” said Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin. 

Also former chairman of Miss Tagbilaran Mary Anne Michelle Porticos left us.  Her friends at City Hall expressed their shock and grief of her passing.
                                                       
Radio personality Joseph “Jojo” Ligan died on May 23. He was 56. Also known as George Gray, he was fondly remembered in radio with his deep booming voice, he brought back the music of yester years in “Good Morning, Yesterday” and the half-hour “Beatles Special.”

Writer Joe Espiritu wrote “30” on Oct. 15. He wrote a column “View from The Top” in the defunct Bohol Sunday Post. His friends said, “You can view us now from the top...thanks for sharing your talent...continue writing in heaven.”

And while most of us didn't know them personally, the loss of them, somehow, feels personal -- we cheered their victories, enjoyed their works and services and listened to their voices.

We remember them.
***

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

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Christmas, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year. Personally, Christmas season is always my favorite time because of the festive Christmas decorations and songs, the nippy weather and the happy smiles of the people.

I asked some personalities to share their most memorable Christmas and how they intend to celebrate the holidays this year. Some of our Boholano friends asked simply ignored the questions. Here are those who shared their seasonal thoughts:

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
The Christmassy house of the Paredes
 family in Dauis town in memory 
of Roochie.  Contributed Photo/Rosalinda Paredes
Rosalinda Paredes— Christmas of 1981 was most memorable to me though a bit sad. It was the last Christmas of my three-year old daughter, Roochie, who was then fighting for her life due to cancer of the brain. For the first time, Rene and I pooled meager resources and invested in Christmas lights so we can give Roochie a colorful and starry Christmas every kid desires. Roochie died June the following year. But, we still keep her memory by making sure we enliven our house during Christmas time with multi-colored lights and glittering lanterns so every child and those adults who remain kids-at-heart will enjoy the happy spirit of season. Merry Christmas!

Queenie Melody Fullante— For me, every year is memorable because though our family celebrate it in the same ways every year, the joy that I feel always increases knowing that we get another year to celebrate it together.

Vera Villocido-Gesite— When my two children were in the elementary grades and I was a high school teacher, we had the same Christmas break. I loved that we were able to do things together and go to places together during the holidays. My favorite was taking long drives with them to Southern California and singing along the way or watch cartoons. And then go to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland. It simply was joy to enjoy the rides and see the sights in the eyes of my children. And, especially because at that time, they also enjoyed and loved my company.

ChitoVisarra— As you start to feel the aches of age, holidays are more of reminiscing and the joy of seeing the young ones revel in the things you enjoyed years back.

Idy Caseñas Cagas —Every Christmas spent at home is always memorable for me. This time of the year, I always look forward to being able to celebrate with them. After my first Christmas away from home few years ago, I had a whole new appreciation of being able to spend Christmas with them. It made me cherish every memory. Treasuring every moment with them and spending time with them are the most precious ones. This year, I will have to miss Christmas with my family because of work, but it will still be a memorable one, it will still be a merry Christmas as my partner and I will get to spend our first Christnas together.

For Vera Villocido-Gesite, her most 
memorable Christmas was bringing 
her children to Disneyland. 
Contributed Photo/Pinay Adiong
Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor—My most memorable Christmas would be 2013 after the earthquake and typhoon Yolanda that affected thousands of Filipinos. It was the most humbling event in my life and I saw right before my eyes the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about the presence of gifts and food but it's about being giving joy and love to other people in whatever forms. I believe it will always be my most memorable Christmas, an event I can't wait to share with my kids and grandchildren in the future.


CHRISTMAS 2016
Adelyn  Joy Esclamado—Christmas season is the season of giving, I intend to give  simple gifts to children at our place and spread love and happiness. I want to be an advocate of positivity for the year to come. Christmas will be merrier with the persons I love, and in connection to that, I will spend my Christmas day with my family who are always there with me through the years.  I want to give back to them the happiness they gave me.

Eden Descallar- Ceballos— Nothing beats the feeling of spending it with your loved ones, our family. And sharing our blessings to the people who are with us this year.

Mikey Gatal—Though many sad things happened in my life this year, I will still celebrate Christmas for it's the of the year to be forgiving, sharing, happy and thankful to God for all the blessings He has given me. Nothing special but all I can say is, love is still in the air.

Butch Bernas— I will clean my room; attend 9 novena and misa de gallo. Oops, I will attend parties, reunions with family.

Leah Tirol-Magno—Baking and decorating more cakes!

Benjie Oliva—We will celebrate the holidays this year with the family in prayer and thanksgiving to the Father Almighty for the bountiful blessings that He has given us for 2016. My family and in-laws are all in Bohol for the celebration. We will take this opportunity also to spend the holidays with relatives and friends in Catigbian, Tagbilaran City and Panglao.

Benjie Oliva and his family will spend Christmas in Bohol. 
Contributed Photo/Oliva Family
Fiel Angeli  Araoarao-Gabin—Christmas this year is simpler than the past years, but most  importantly, it will be spent with family, with prayers for thanksgiving.

Clement Ingking—Christmas season is always my favorite time. It’s the time of the year when every one seems to be more giving, happier and more forgiving in remembering and celebrating the birth of our dear saviour, Lord Jesus Christ. Personally, I believe the best Christmas for me is now because I know I am able to breeze through the stormy phase in my life and found the peace and true happiness that I have long been praying for.

Glorivic Yap-de la Serna—I will spend my Christmas with my family. I am thankful for all the blessings and the tests which strengthen our bonds.

Van Delima— I intend to celebrate Christmas with my family. I want to make most of the time as we gather entirely in this joyous occasion

Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas—Well this year, my holiday would be the start of something new, something I cannot live without. I would celebrate this year's holidays by spreading the seeds of love everyday. I'll surely have a time with my family and I'd connect with my loved ones and remind them about how thankful I am to have them in my life. I'll send personal messages to the people I'll treasure forever and I'll be a lot jollier this Christmas. I'd probably make my heart happy by doing good deeds and sharing my blessings to those who are in need. I'd continue to be true to myself and live the real spirit of Christmas.

AR de la Serna- I will spend Christmas with my family. This year, I have received a lot of blessings. Dreams do really come true.

***

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

Sunday, December 18, 2016

My own 'recycled' Christmas list

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

O Holy Night is one of my few favorite Christmas songs because of its ever-timely message. It is one of the oldest Christmas carols, originally penned by French songwriter Adolphe Adam in 1847, based on a French poem. The song has since been altered, and today's best known version was written by Minister John Sullivan Dwight.

Many singers in the world have full of huge vocal swells and big musical moments and every rendition of the song is special. Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, The Lettermen, Donna Summer and Andy Williams have truly iconic performances of O Holy Night. However, Mariah Carey’s rendition of the song is quintessential and non-debatable, according to me. No one can deny that her rafters-high range and incredible momentum of her version is impressive and entirely infectious.  I also like Mahalia Jackson’s version. The Queen of Gospel is not just singing, she is also preaching.

Since it we are celebrating Christmas, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts to my favorite Boholanos.

Boholano Catholics attend the first Misa de Gallo
to show their devotion and faith to the Holy Child. 
\Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso officiates 
the first Holy Mass at 4:30 a.m. last Friday at the
 St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral.- Leo Udtohan
For Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito—  A showbiz break. Same for Fenech Aimee Veloso.

For PO3 Janew Villame— An album to showcase his singing prowess. The grandson of Yoyoy Villame, has composed the “Oplan Tokhang” theme song.

For Bebei Tagoctoc — The "Mother of All Hair and Make-up Artists in Bohol," deserves a vacation.  He can visit Thailand, Cambodia and Europe.

For Ingemar Macarine — More swims here and abroad to promote clean marine environment. I hope the Pinoy Aquaman can conquer (finally!) the English Channel.

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal youth for Bohol's Queen of Tourism.

For Zenaida Darunday— A clean bill of health for Bohol's environmental advocate. Same for Pat Ruiz.

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — An explosive Showbiz Rampa in 2017. They can invite “interesting,” “daring,” “talkative," and “controversial” local guests to spice up the program.  Speaking of Glee, I hope she will continue to write love songs to describe her aching heart... and the release of her new album with Feby Ingking will showcase her singing prowess.

For Glorivic Yap-De La Serna— Another European trip to broaden her travel experience! Same for JP Maslog, Vanessa Cubrado Unajan and Alfeo Jabinez.

For Gov. Edgar Chatto — His “Heat-Bohol” will continue to serve the purpose for the people of Bohol.  Same for Mayor Baba Yap.

For Inday Rufing— A busy, busy career.  Same for Loboc councilor and businesswoman Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Edik Dolotina, Clement Ingking, Emerson Pinos, Alexis Cadelina, Linda Paredes and Vera Gesite. 

For Mila Lim — More Christmas stuffs to fill her “Most Christmassy House” in Bohol.

For Miss Bohol 2016 and Miss JCI-Philippines 2016 Glyssa Perez—Another beauty pageants to prove that a probisyana charm and beauty can capture the country! Same for Petche Ann Vale, Miss UB Personality 2016 Adelyn Joy Sajol Esclamado and Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas.

For AR De La Serna— A promising career in the field of modeling. After all, the country’s first Mister Supranational did prove to the world that Boholano men can flaunt!  Same for Carlo Roy Roslinda.

For Aster Caberte — The empowered woman of DTI-Central Visayas deserves a long vacation in Europe! Same for Jerome and Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin (topping her bucketlist).

For Ferome Almine— A busy, busy year of hosting.

For Mikey Gatal — A holiday with his special someone.

For Butch Bernas —Unwavering dedication for preservation of cultural heritage. Same for Edison Gumapac and Jeycelle Espejo-Inting.

For Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado — He will continue to pursue vigorously his support for the marginalized. Boy Pernia adds, “He has spent so much time and personal resources to help his constituents. He is the odd man out in traditional politics. A man with a good heart.”

For Anna Maris Igpit and Thomas Taylor — A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan and Arch. Junibe Froilan, Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso and Analyn and Mark Arbilo.

For Rex Alba- Another challenging role in movies after his cameo role in the action-thriller I Am Wrath with John Travolta.

For  Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra— More  interesting, more explosive segments of Inyong Alagad with interesting and “controversial” guests. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado, Lito Responte, Ted Ayeng, Edgar Tumanda, Allan Mangmang, Nestor Daarol, Doc Louie, Anthony Aniscal, Allen Doydora, Rey Tutas, Willy Maestrado, Dave Responte, Ern Pahayahay, Gerry Pabe and Jun Gutierrez.

For Loboc Children’s Choir, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador, Katipunan Elem. School Rondalla, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe, HNU Chorale and Bohol Master Singers — Performances here and abroad to show to the world what hidden talents we have.

For Leah Tirol-Magno — More baking sessions and long vacation!

For Apple Liao— A healthy, beautiful baby!

For Nathalim Nalupa— Enjoying the joys of motherhood for the first time. 

For Ryan Sines, Donna Vitos, EP Relampagos, Ramil Dolauta, Rholly Ingking, Jonathan Ocat,  et al — A “hairy” year to beautify Bohol!  Oops, para sa ekonomiya!

For Van Delima— A hot, seductive girlfriend! Same for Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado and Dominic Aparicio.

For Queenie Melody Fullante— A boyfriend! It’s about time to love someone after a busy career.

For Center Stage Band—  More music and a new album. Paging, Ariel Fullido!

For  Shanon Pamaong , Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Bebei Tagoctoc and Tracy Remolador Torres— They can establish a school of fashion to train young designers. And they can start the New Year with fashion shows to display their artistic collections and hopefully, the first-ever Saulog Tagbilaran fashion week.

For Gian Luigi Ale— A concert and a big break to showcase his singing prowess! Same for Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio and Hannah Precillas!

For Ardy Batoy — A round-trip ticket to Maldives where the Bohol’s Queen of All Media can enjoy the world.  Same for Bohol’s seasoned host and Roving Eye Raul Gatal.

For Dalareich Polot— A boyfriend who is worth more than a “ginto.” She’s been working soooo hard that she forgets her lovelife. It’s time to find someone special.

For Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag—  Wedding bells! Wedding bells! We are tired of waiting naHe!He!He! Same for Rich Asuncion.

For Mizken Tirol-Andan— Another endorsement and a hot partner to color the new year.

For Lailette Boiser and TinTin Ng — More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies to showcase their natural acting.

For Nestor Pestelos, Direk Maryo delos Reyes, Lutgardo Labad and Marianito Luspo— A busy, busy good year to share their talents. Same for John Torralba, Joey Labrador, Glenn Lumantao, Sam Penaso and Ralph Maligro. 

For RC, AD and RO— A chastity belt! Same for “T”  “J” and “F” who have lonely nights. Behave, Behave! He! He! He!

***

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