KOKO Bohol, a truly authentic Japanese cuisine restaurant is now open!

 Going loco for KoKo   

Once in a while, an intense craving or hankering for Japanese food hits us especially at the onset of the dark & dreary rainy season only to be disappointed either with the taste and preparation. 

You see, capturing & perfecting the preciseness of the aroma and flavor of the inimitable Japanese cuisine takes absolute devotion & meticulous attention to details in the preparation.

So imagine the absolute delight and elation of Japanese food lovers when KoKo Restaurant, Bohol’s first authentic Japanese restaurant finally opened yesterday. 

Fr. Martin Lupiba, City Administrator Edi Borja, RG Ong, Councilor Dodong Gonzaga & Ebone Ong  

Just two nights before the grand opening, there was a soft opening & blessing attended by close family, friends & acquaintances of RG Ong & Ebone Ong, the attractive power couple behind the new restaurant. 

RG Ong & Ebone Ong, Your Roving Eye, Miss Silka Bohol 2017 Sheena Licong & LJ Lumayag

Koko, in Japanese, means “here” or “this place”. It is truly a place where eating is regarded as a holistic experience with food to be savored and enjoyed in the company of family & friends. A most welcome addition, I might say, to Tagbilaran’s vibrant & upscale dining places.

A very successful opening with satisfied guests 

The widest array of Japanese gustatory delights

During the soft opening last Friday night, guests including Your Roving Eye raved over their Koko Ramen. The secret is in the broth made from boiling pork bones over high heat for many hours that could stretch to two to three days which gives the broth its heavenly pork flavor & simmered to a consistent thickness. Their ramen is served in generous heaps and comes in three different offerings. 

BOWL OF KOKO RAMEN: A delightful & satisfying experience

From sushi & sashimi to their ramen, from appetizers & starters to the main entrees, KoKo Restaurant has a wide selection of Japanese cuisine to choose from.

THREE OF MY FAVES: Sushi Platter, Chicken Karaage & Sashimi

Located at the 5F of BQ Mall, the restaurant is very welcoming with bright & cheery interiors. The ambiance is cozy and inviting and you would be delighted with the courteous & attentive service crew. 

Pauline Is a Big Favorite in Tonight’s Mutya Ng Pilipinas Grand Coronation!

Boholano pageant fans & watchers alike keenly await the grand coronation of this year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas queens because Bohol’s candidate is being noticed by & getting positive feedback from pageant websites & TV stations covering the event.

Will Lady Luck smile at Pauline tonight?

Bohol’s bet Pauline Cucharo Amelincx has been installed as one of the big favorites to get a crown in tonight’s pageant finals which is extra special because the pageant is marking its Gold Edition.

Fifty beauties coming from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao & from overseas communities will pit looks, brains & personality in a glittering and grand coronation night to be staged at the SM MOA Arena. Delayed telecast at 11:30PM on ABS-CBN. In her modern terno & gold evening gown Designer: Mikee Andrei Tejano 

In her modern terno & gold evening gown Designer: Mikee Andrei Tejano

BOHOLANA BEAUTY. BRAINS. BREEDING. Your Roving Eye has correctly predicted that Pauline Amelincx, Miss Bohol 2017, will make a splash in the national pageant.

Her best assets are her globally appealing beauty, winsome smile, excellent communication skills, towering height and commanding stage presence which have catapulted her into the list of frontrunners.

The 23 year old BS International Studies degree holder from Cebu Doctors University also underwent a rigid training with Aces & Queens and has been mentored and guided by Mikee Andrei Tejano, a Boholano designer to complement the basic training that she had with one of Bohol’s top beauty queen mentors, Tubigon- based William “Yammy” Fortuna. 

Pauline with designer Mikee Andrei & fashion luminary Renee Salud

Pageant Talk Overload Philippines

BEST IN MODERN TERNO. THREE SPECIAL AWARDS. During the swimsuit & evening gown preliminaries, she was one of the few girls who did well in both categories. Before the evening ended, she was selected as Mutya ng Mags Clothing, one of four special sponsor awards. It was at the Modern Terno Competition that she cemented her frontrunner status when she was adjudged as the Best in Modern Terno. She wore a Mikee Andrei creation made from raffia fabric that was handwoven by Tubigon Loomweavers. 

the award- winning terno & a closer look at the intricate details

Adding to the overall impact was the gorgeous headpiece created by Patrick Isorena.  Aside from the Best in Modern Terno award, her designer was also named as one of the Top Five Designers for the Best Modern Terno. 

Top Five Finalists for Best Terno Designs 

L-R Sultan Kudarat, Cainta, Muntinlupa, Bohol & CDO

Pauline was also conferred two important Special Awards from the sponsors : Mutya ng Camera Club of the Philippines and one of the five Sol Y Viento Resort Ambassadors. 

As Mutya ng Mags & Best in Modern Terno 

FOUR MUTYA TITLES AT STAKE Four titles and crowns are at stake tonight; Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Asia Pacific International to be held in Manila, September 14 - October 4 2018, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Tourism International 2018 to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 4 to 23, Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Global Beauty Queen on May 2019 and Mutya ng Pilipinas – Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International to be held in China, November 1 to 18. 

FRONTRUNNERS: # 42 Navotas,# 19 Sultan Kudarat,# 24 Bohol,# 21 Los Angeles & # 48 Muntinlupa

Photo Credits: Raymund Isaac & Queenmaker Philippines

Will Pauline fulfill her date with destiny tonight or will she buckle from the intense scrutiny and pressure? 1973 Miss Universe Margie Moran once said “A girl is crowned as the queen not because she is the most beautiful nor the smartest. It's a matter of destiny, luck, and timing”

Whatever the outcome in the Gold Edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Pauline Amelincx has already proven that she is truly worth her measure in gold. Good luck Pauline!

Mikee Andrei's Award- Winning Terno Proudly Made with Raffia Fabric from Tubigon, Bohol

Trina Sumayang, the hardworking & amiable manager of TMPC (Tubigon Loom Weavers Multi- Purpose Cooperative) is super duper happy with the victory of Pauline as Best in Modern Terno. 

You see, Pauline’s Mikee Andrei- designed terno was created from custom-made raffia fabrics made by Tubigon’s famed loom weavers with special mention for Kuya Lindo and Ate Thelma.  

With supervision & inputs also from the very supportive Tubigon First Lady Eden Jao, the team spent nights and days in the execution of the raffia fabric that was envisioned to capture the aquatic resources of the coastal town.

Mikee Andrei's winning terno 

Headress by Patrick Isorena

The loomweavers’ efforts have paid off. I have seen how Trina has reached out and promoted the raffia and Your Roving Eye recalls how Trina with facilitation by Christine Ires & Ronald Lopez approved the request to showcase their raffia dresses & accessories during the Miss Silka Bohol 2014 Press Presentation.

 Pauline with TMPC's Trina Sumayang

The Mutya ng Pilipinas modern terno competition gave the spotlight to local SME’s and cottage industries such as the Tubigon loomweavers who have been making fashionable & wearable ladies’ dresses and accessories like clutch bags & shoulder bags all created out of raffia. 

Tubigon’s First Lady captures Pauline’s winning moment

More than just a show of support for Pauline Amelincx, the award- winning terno is a testament and salute to the artistry and craftsmanship of Boholano designers and loomweavers & the support from the private & public sectors. 

 Raffia cocktail dresses during the 2014 Miss Silka Bohol Press Presentation

  Raffia bags from Tubigon Loomweavers

Bohol's Roving Eye Blog Turns Six Years Old Today!

Today, I mark my blog’s sixth year in the blogosphere with mixed emotions. I say mixed because in the midst of the drumbeating, the rejoicing and gloating, I can’t really share this happiness with that someone that I am head over heels with. Okay, so there you have it. An admission that I do have a flawed life and littered with flawed relationships along the way. It’s solid proof that hey, we can’t have it all. Anyway, enough of my online drama and heartbreak. 

Getting halfway through the decade

Friends from my private life as well as those from social media have been telling me to rejoice and celebrate this milestone.

More than a million blog visits, countless online advertisers, loyal followers, more than a thousand posts  and halfway through a decade of musings, ramblings and reporting, I realize that this is indeed something worthy to crow about. 

Here’s to more years of blogging!

This blog’s statistics may pale in comparison with the others but I realize that that I only need to compete with myself and always remember why I got into blogging in the first place.

I owe it you all why I have hit the six year mark! Cheers!

Remembering the Late Chelsi Smith: Miss Universe 1995

I know this feature on the demise of a Miss Universe titleholder is quite old news in this day of social media and the internet but Your Roving Eye just had to give this tribute to a beauty queen who left a legacy of beauty, kindness and optimism. She will be remembered for being the inspirational multiracial beauty queen and advocate who paved the way for people of color to pursue their dreams of joining and winning a pageant.

Chelsi’s Miss USA & Miss Universe crowning moments

Miss USA 1995 and Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith passed away at the age of 45 on September 8, 2018 after losing her battle with liver cancer. 

Here are some of the highlights of the late Chelsi Smith's foray into pageantry.

MISS USA 1995. During the final question & answer segment of the Miss USA Pageant, she was asked how she, if she is an advisor to then U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton, would change the First Lady's image if asked for a consultation, Smith replied:

"I would tell her not to change her image, actually. I believe very strongly in who I am, and I've seen 50 ladies tonight who believe very strongly in who they are, and I really think that she wouldn't have made it as far as she has if she wouldn't have been herself, so I really truly think she should stay exactly the way she is."

Aside from the Miss USA crown and the Best in Swimsuit award, she also set a record as the first and only Miss USA to be selected by fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality. 

First African- American to win Miss Universe

MISS UNIVERSE 1995. After becoming Miss USA, Smith traveled to Windhoek, Namibia to compete in the 1995 Miss Universe pageant, broadcast live from Windhoek Country Club on May 12, 1995. She topped the preliminaries and led nine other girls into the top ten semifinal round. After topping the top ten, winning the swimsuit competition and placing second in the top six, she was propelled into the final top three.

1^st RU India, Miss U 1995 2^nd RU Canada

An excellent response, a captivating beauty and great personality made it possible for Chelsi to be crowned Miss Universe 1995 just ahead of Miss India Manpreet Brar 1^st RU and Miss Canada Lana Buchburger 2^nd RU.

Best in Swimsuit at Miss Universe 1995

TRIVIA:  Chelsi Smith’s triumph prevented history from happening during coronation night. If Chelsi didn’t win the crown that year, India would have been the first country to have a back- to- back victory in Miss Universe for the outgoing queen was Sushmita Sen of India. The first back to back victory would later come 14 years later in Bahamas when Venezuela’s Estefania Fernandez would be crowned by her predecessor and compatriot Dayana Mendoza as Miss Universe 2009.

Chelsi & her Little Sister created Miss U history 

Chelsi Smith is also the last semifinalist and last titleholder in Miss Universe history to be escorted by a Little Sister during the Little Sisters’ 13 year appearance in Miss Universe. 

Read more about the Little Sisters feature story HERE.

After passing her crown to Alicia Machado of Venezuela

LIFE AFTER MISS UNIVERSE. After her Miss Universe reign, Chelsi became a model, an actress, and a singer. As a model, Smith worked for Hawaiian Tropic, Jantzen  Pontiac, Venus Swimwear, and Pure Protein among others  She made appearances on Martin, Due South and the TLC documentary, The History of the Bathing Suit.    She was also a celebrity contestant on the American television show Wheel of Fortune and an award presenter at the People's Choice Awards.

The beautiful brunette released her first single, Dom Da Da, which appeared in the movie “The Sweetest Thing” in 2002.

In 2011, she was presented the Influential Multiracial Public Figure award.

FAREWELL CHELSI. Chelsi Smith would always be remembered as one of the most remarkable Miss USA and Miss Universe titleholders. May her light continue to shine even at the Great Beyond.

Johnnie & the Walkers Performs at Coclea Lounge Bar on Sat, Sept 15

Bohol’s young ones and the young at heart are in for an electrifying musical treat and a trip down memory lane when Cebu’s homegrown legends, Johnnie & the Walkers perform at Bohol’s coolest music lounge, Coclea Lounge Bar, along Mansasa Seaside on Saturday, September 15, 8 pm.

Tenggoy “Johnnie” Colmenares is band frontman

Tenggoy Colmenares, the band’s frontman, who was also the alternate lead vocalist for another iconic Cebu band,  40 the Band will lead his bandmates in dishing out rock classics, alternative music & cool rock from 80’s and 90’s bands like the Police, The Cure, Dishwalla, Pearl Jam and Gin Blossoms.

The Walkers 

Relive the memories of the glorious 80’s and 90’s this Friday, September 15. Front act by resident performers, The Euphony Acoustics.

Don’t miss out on the hottest musical treat this September! 

Entrance tickets at P150 on a first come, first seat basis.

The Search for Miss Silka Bohol 2018 is On!

What do Marian Grace Malubay, Geraldine Topsnik, Cecile Mae Grupp & Sheena Marie Licong have in common? 

2014 Marian Grace, 2015 Geraldine, 2016 Cecile Mae & 2017 Sheena Marie

All four have joined the Miss Silka Bohol Quest, one of 30 qualifying pageants at the provincial & regional levels. Its expansive scope that covers Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have given Filipinas between 16 and 22 years old everywhere the opportunity to become Silka image models.

Take first big step to realize your dream and grab this once- in- a- lifetime opportunity to be Bohol’s official representative in the nationwide search for Miss Silka Philippines 2018 now!

K & N Productions is the official event organizer. 

SCREENING HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE LAST FOUR YEARS

Makeover before facing the panel

Journey to self- discovery

Create a positive first impression 

2013 winner Quir Maghuyop & Silka rep Engr. Jabines 

write their decision

Here are the details for the screening, the minimum qualifications & the requirements:

Visit the Miss Silka Bohol FB Page for details

Hello September!

It seemed like only yesterday when we took down all the remnants from last year’s Yuletide celebration. Then suddenly, September comes rushing in to remind us to prepare for the most wonderful time of the year.

The name September comes from the old Roman word “Septem” which means seven because in the Roman calendar, it was the seventh month. September is also the start of the school year in most countries particularly in the United States when students return to school after the six- week summer holiday.

Regardless of  name origin and the symbols, customs and traditions associated with the month around the world, for us Boholanos and for most Filipinos for that matter, September ushers in the months that end with “ber” and that would only mean one thing; the most joyous of all seasons and holidays is just around the corner. Very soon, the malls would be festooned and bedecked with Christmas trimmings, temperatures would soon drop  and the air would then reverberate with timeless & beloved carols.

  

September birthstone: Sapphire

Even in the most trying times and in a world seemingly wracked by hostilities and strife, there is still a reason after all to be hopeful as we await the birth of our Saviour.

September has a very special place in this blogger’s heart for it was on this month, September 13, 2012 to be exact that this blog made its debut.

Cheers everyone!