My Top Blog Stories for 2013: Part Two

 6. MEGA EARTHQUAKE STRIKES BOHOL

A devastating earthquake that registered 7.2 in the Richter scale struck the province of Bohol last October 15 at 8 in the morning. 

The mega temblor killed hundreds, injured many and left a trail of massive destruction including centuries- old churches and heritage houses. 

On the other hand, the disaster brought out the best among Boholanos who responded to the calls for help from the affected families

7.MAYOR EVASCO VS DICK GORDON

Maribojoc Mayor Evasco became the underdog of the year when media and netizens ganged up on him and pilloried him for his unpopular stand in the distribution of Red Cross relief goods during the earthquake relief efforts.

He didn’t stand a chance with Dick Gordon who had the media- savvy but like the Biblical David, the unassuming mayor held his own against Goliath.

Let me add a clarification: It wasn’t a fight with Red Cross. It was a simple misunderstanding between Mayor Evasco & Dick Gordon that was blown out of proportion by media.

8.WATER, POWER CRISIS IN BOHOL

Super typhoon Yolanda may have skipped Bohol in its path of carnage and destruction but it knocked down vital power lines in Leyte where our province gets it power supply

It caught everyone by surprise. Bohol’s standby diesel power plants simply couldn’t meet the demand thus resulting in a crippling power and water crisis that lasted for three weeks. 

Sales of generators skyrocketed even as most of Bohol’s resorts and hotels closed temporarily

Thank God for government officials like Department of Energy Secretary Petilla who fulfilled his promise to bring back electricity before Christmas

9. BEAUCHE SUCCESS STORY

Beaucheful inside & out

Madame Conchita “Che” Toribio De Los Reyes might not have made it in the biggest political battle of her life but Beauche International which she nurtured starting from its humble beginnings is now one of the most stable and fastest- growing Filipino- owned companies in the country’s beauty & wellness market.

She capped Beauche's phenomenal year with the first ever nationwide quest for Miss Beauche International held at the glittering Solaire Resort & Casino

Miss Beauche Int'l & Runners Up

Sir Kiko De Los Reyes & Madame Che Toribio De Los Reyes. With them is 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz
who chaired the first ever  nationwide search for Miss Beauche2 013

Just recently, she has expanded beyond Philippine shores and has just finalized distributorship in the Middle East particularly in Dubai, UAE

10.PAPA REY GATAL PASSES AWAY

The Gatal Clan toned down their Christmas and New Year preparations after Papa Reynald Torralba Gatal, the eldest of Galicano Gatal & Albina Torralba- Gatal’s five children passed away last December 27. 

He was my Papa Rogie’s brother

His passing marks the end of an era when the debonair, dapper and dashing gentleman ruled the society scene

He would always be remembered not only for his leadership and excellent public relations but also for his grace and talent in dancing. 

Papa Rey teaching First Daughter Linda Garcia a few steps
while Pres. CPG and the First Lady watch the pair

He was always the life of the party and was an active Jaycee for more than fifty years

Most of all, he was a great father, fiercely loyal friend & a figure of authority & security for us his nephews and nieces

He will be sorely missed by friends and family

11.INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT SUPREMACY

The Filipina beauty scored spectacular victories in the global pageant arena with an unprecedented and record- breaking four international beauty titles.

Not even acknowledged beauty pageant powerhouse Venezuela has achieved such a feat. 

Our latest world- class Pinay beauty queens are:

Miss Supranational Mutya Datul, Miss World Megan Young, Miss International Bea Rose Santiago and Miss Tourism International Angeli Dione Gomez.

Angelie Dione Gomez punctuated Year 2013 with a Miss Tourism International
victory on New Year's Eve for Year 2014

We also had a string of runners up and finalist placements in other pageants:

Miss Universe 3^rd RU Ariella “Ara” Arida, Miss Grand International 3^rd RU Ali Forbes, Miss Intercontinental 3^rd RU Doreen Medina as well as Miss Tourism Queen Top Ten Finalist Cindy Miranda and Miss Earth Top Eight Finalist Angelee Claudett De Los Reyes

Ara Arida's Miss Universe Top Five finish marks the fourth year in a row that the Philippines has made the Final Five in the world's most prestigious pageant. 

If this year's Miss Philippines will place again in the Final Five, she will join Miss Finland as the only country to have achieved five consecutive Final Five placements in Miss Universe

This bumper harvest of beauty titles has earned for the Philippines its second Country of the Year distinction

Just click for the link to  My Top Blog Stories for 2013: Part One

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