Tagbilaran City, Province of Bohol Host 14th NICP National Summit

The National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) in coordination with the Department of Information & Communication Technology (DICT) had its 14^th Summit at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City, November 17- 18, 2022.

Mayor Jane Yap & Chief of Staff Baba Yap, NICP officials Bohol media 

The two- day summit which gathered the country’s key players and leaders in the information communication technology, the BPO industry, the academe and national government agencies provided a venue not only to tackle the new trends & breakthroughs in the ICT industry but also an opportunity to meet the industry’s leading innovations and solutions providers and the exchange of best practices among each ICT Council. 

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap expressed her optimism that hosting the gathering will be a strong follow- up and an opportunity for Tagbilaran City to attract more investors, showcase its readiness and capability in the information technology industry and provide more locally- available jobs in the ICT, BPO management sectors  and other technology- related enterprises especially after the capital city of Bohol recently made it to the list of the country’s 25 cities that are ready for transformation as “digital cities” by 2025.  

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado shared his elation with the holding of the recognized and biggest national organization of ICT councils in the Philippines because it would open the province to more investors and create more job opportunities.   

Dr. Mary Joy Abueg, NICP President, extended her gratitude to Tagbilaran City and the Province of Bohol for hosting the summit. In her message during the opening ceremonies, she reiterated two of the important mandates from NICP; ICT development and ICT countryside development which are aimed at creating more job opportunities in the information technology sector. 

Photo Credits: Just Jhuriz

Random Ramblings from Raul

So I'm still a bachelor, never married, no kids. Alone but not lonely.

To tell you the truth, I have lots of peace and quiet in my life, I like that.

Although certainly it would be nice to have a “Besty” but I’ve found that relationships are a real give and take thing and I just like the idea of me doing what I want and not having someone over my back, giving me suggestions/advice every day all the time, (not that every relationship is like that but….) or having to get their approval to do something.

You call it loneliness. I call it freedom. If you're not happy with what’s flying around inside your head, well, you got to do something about that.

Depending on someone else may work for you or the two of you but someday, you're gonna be alone and if you don’t know how to handle it its gonna be a rough ride.

To be honest though  especially when I'm just by myself and get melancholic, I often wonder about all the could've, should've would've.

But then I realize that I’m probably going to be one of those that end up dead in their apartment, but thats ok, I’ll have lived my life how I wanted

And by the way, it isn't my birthday. These are just musings from a guy who is experiencing some midlife crisis. 

Miss Batuan 2022 Is Mel Rose Oliverio

Miss Batuan 2022 

A stunning beauty named Mel Rose Oliverio of Brgy. RIZAL was named Miss Batuan 2022 in glittering ceremonies held at the Batuan Cultural Center. The lissome lass bested a field of 14 lovelies representing the town’s barangays.

She graduated from the University of Bohol with a Bachelor of Culture & Arts Education degree and received the Leadership and Service awards. 

She is an active member of the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

RUNNERS UP. Named runners up were 1^st RU # 13 Brgy. CANTIGDAS Ashley Pauline Bag-ao, 2^nd RU # 8 Brgy. POB. NORTE Maisy Mercado, 3^rd RU # 10 Brgy. STA. CRUZ Ace Lyn and 4^th RU # 11 Brgy. POB. SUR, Jade Gella.

Miss Batuan 2022 and Runners Up

All the ladies competed in the swimwear, speech/ advocacy and evening gown competitions. Along with their pre- judged talent competition scores, the five ladies with the highest averaged scores advanced to the final round for the final Q & A. One great innovation of the pageant was doing away with the preliminary onstage Q & A. Instead, they had an Advocacy Speech Round where each girl was given a minute to talk about her advocacy, promote her town and impress the judges and audience alike. I liked that portion alot. It saved precious time and the girls could focus on what they had to say.

SPECIAL AWARDS DOMINATION. Prior to the announcement of the five finalists, the emcees announced the recipients of the special titles and sponsor awards. It was my first time to see one candidate dominate and win all the important awards during the announcement of winners of the special awards establishing a pageant record of sorts. 

The following awards were handed out during the 2nd set of awards; Miss Photogenic, Miss Talent, Best Speaker, Best in Production Number, Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown. The frontrunner and eventual winner Candidate # 12 Mel Rose Oliverio won them all.

Your Roving Eye with Cong. Aumentado & Balilihan VM Chatto

The Panel of Judges in a serious mood

Batuan Mayor Dodo Jumawid , Cong. Van Aumentado,
FL Nora Jumawid & Mun. Accountant Tess Espejo 

PANEL OF JUDGES. Chair of the panel of judges was Bohol First Lady & 2nd District Cong. Vanvan Cadorna-Aumentado with the following members: Balilihan Vice Mayor Atty. Trisha V. Chatto, Boholana designer Roseth Mascarinas- Ranara of Rose Paul Silhouette, Miss Bohol 2018 Raclaire Trigo, rising male model Reinier Nunez, Miss Dauis 2015 and practicing lawyer & law professor Atty. Christine Barrete and Mr. Raul Gatal.

The panel of judges took their role seriously and looked for a complete package who will not only dazzle and stand out at the Miss Batuan pageant but also shine and get noticed on the Miss Bohol stage.

The 2022 Miss Batuan Pageant was the glamorous highlight of the municipality's 119th Foundation Day Celebration.

SIDE NOTES. There was palpable excitement inside the venue as all the town's officials led by Batuan Mayor Antonino “Dodo” Jumawid, event sponsors, balikbayans, visitors, important people and the barangays & families supporting their respective bets were present.  There was a huge audience turnout since it was the first live face-to- face event in Batuan after the easing of pandemic restrictions.

FAST- PACED SHOW. We were impressed with the impressive production values and the fast pacing of the pageant that ran for a little over two hours. 

Congratulations to the organizing committee headed by Batuan First Lady Mrs. Nora Balatero- Jumawid. Special mention to Marietta Adlaon and Atty. Marietes Espejo for an excellent job.

Pageant Emcees with outgoing Miss Batuan Shane Ajoc Cadao

Pageant Emcees: Bovith Lenteria II & Herlyn Cabig- Ducot Gown Designer: Aileen Sendrijas- Pasagad. Production Team: D Concepts by Dennis Balbero Photo Credits: Yuel Cruz Photography

The First- Ever Mister & Miss PGBh Search !

In a province where pageant winners are revered and treated as celebrities, it was no surprise when the call for contestants from among the different sectors or offices at the Capitol was sounded off. 

As highlight for their family day celebration, it generated a lot of buzz and excitement and so there it was, the unique pageant that culminated with its coronation night at the Bohol Cultural Center last September 28. Seven pairs of male and female employees representing their respective sectors or offices in the Bohol Provincial Government pitted personality, poise and popularity in the first- ever Mister & Miss PGBh Quest. 

The contestants in their sportswear 

The pair from Finance receives the Darling of the Crowd
sashes from COS Atty.  Jun Amora & BM Jamie Villamor 

BEST IN SPORTSWEAR. The pair from Legislative with
Prov'l Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay & BM Lucille Lagunay

The candidates used the contest as a platform to acquaint the general public of the important role of their respective departments in governance and public service.

The glitzy event opened with a spectacular production number to the amazement and delight of the Capitol employees and top government officials who were there to cheer for their candidates. 

This year’s pioneering candidates and sectors represented were # 1 Mr. Jan Ashley Gementiza & Ms. Sarah Mae Balite of Legislative Sector, # 2 Mr. Jeffrey Torralba & Ms. Stephanie Gesite of Finance Sector, # 3 Mr. Alexies Cacho & Ms. Anacel Gultia of Infrastructure Sector, # 4 Mr. Anthony Pastorfide & Ms. Joanne Pinat of Economic Sector, # 5 Dr. Eli Sajulga & Ms. Cherie Jane Cirunay of Health Sector, # 6 Mr. Gabriel Torreon & Ms. Maraya Angela Solera of Devt. Administration and # 7 Jaypee Ian Morgia & Ms. Maria Berlin Algusar of Social Sector.

Best Talent performers were Economic sector's  Anthony &
Joanne for their magical & mesmerizing "Whole New World" duet

The contestants competed in five areas of judging; Opening Production Number, Sportswear, Talent, Formal Wear& the Q & A where they expounded on the biggest contribution of their respective sectors or offices in governing the provincial government towards building Bohol as a dynamic & progressive province. The pair from Economic Sector won the Q & A round with their convincing & persuasive answers.   

BEST IN FORMAL. The Health sector bets with
Atty. Jun Amora & BM Gloria Gementiza

MEET THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

Mister & Miss PGBh 2022

1st Runners Up

2nd Runners Up

Male candidate # 1, the tall & charming Mr. Jan Ashley Gementiza of Legislative was named Mister PGBh 2022. 1^st RU was # 5 Dr. Eli Sajulga of Health and 2^nd RU was # 4 Mr. Anthony Pastorfide of Economic.

Female candidate # 5 Cherie Jane Cirunay of Health was visibly surprised & got emotional when she heard her name being announced as Miss PGBh 2022. 1^st RU was # 1 Sarah Mae Balite of Legislative and 2^nd RU was # 4 Ms. Joanne Pinat of Economic

the candidates looking glamorous in their formal wear

Here are the winners of the special awards: 

SPECIAL AWARD	MALE WINNER	FEMALE WINNER
Best in Production Number	# 1 Legislative	# 1 Legislative
Best in Sportswear	# 1 Legislative	# 1Legislative
Best Talent Performance	# 4 Economic	# 4 Economic
Best in Formal Wear	# 5 Health	# 5 Health
Darling of the Crowd	# 2 Finance	# 2 Finance

PANEL OF JUDGES. Members of the panel of judges chaired by top Boholano fashion designer EJ Relampagos were beauty queen & SMART Communications- Bohol Customer Devt. Manager Ms. Maryknoll Romerde, businesswoman & Miss Bohol Co- Chair Ms. Ana Loinda Saluan, Tagbilaran City Events, Culture & Arts Office Head Mr. Joseph Alexis Cadelina and Mister Bohol 2021 Mr. Arneil Kadusale.

Mister & Miss PGBh 2022 was the glamorous highlight and finale of the Capitol employees’ Family Day celebration. It was organized and led by Maam Jo Relampagos, Head of the Bohol Provincial Human Resource Management & Development Office. Show Director was Mr. Eme Pinos of Bohol Economic Development & Investment Promotion Office.

Photo Credits: Robert Justy Alfarero & EJ De Guzman

Cong. Vanessa Aumentado Receives PNA Regional Award

Bohol 2^nd District Congresswoman Maria Vanessa C. Aumentado who happens to be a professional nurse, along with 16 other awardees from all over the Central Visayas, was conferred a SHINE Award for 2022 during the 2nd Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Region VII Innovation & Scientific Engagement on September 23, 2022 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Cong. Aumentado speaks before PNA Region 7

The SHINE (Stories of Hope & Inspiration of Nurses’ Endeavor) Award recognizes ordinary nurses who have done valiant, selfless acts and extraordinary inspiring deeds that exemplify love of God and country, caring and integrity beyond the call of duty. The recognition is made more meaningful as it was awarded on the occasion of the Centennial Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Nurses Association.

with PNA national & regional officers

Cong. Aumentado with fellow Region 7 awardees

with PNA Bohol Chapter delegates

Cong. Aumentado who delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees and nominees assured the association of her continued efforts to bring about positive changes and to advance the role and advocacy of every nursing professional.  

 “I may have temporarily put on hold my nursing vocation because of marriage, motherhood and a calling for public service but the calling and the instinct to nurture, to care and to share is always there. It means so much to me that the work that I am so passionate about has gained your nod. This award is not mine alone as this is a collective effort and a result of dedicated teamwork.”

Also in attendance during the awards ceremony were Melvin D. Miranda, RN, MAN, National President, PNA, Joseph Stephen A. Descallar Governor, PNA Region 7, Dr. Marilou B. Ong, Member, Board of Nursing, Frances Almira Cal, President, PNA Negros Oriental Chapter, Melinda Pausanos, President, PNA Bohol Chapter, Daisy Palompon University President, Cebu Normal University and Jonah Lydia D. Langga, Chief Nurse St Anthony Mother & Child Hospital

Bohol's Roving Eye is 10 Years Old Today

Ten years is not to be sneezed at especially for a blog of limited means. 

But then, from out of nowhere, a pall of gloom and a sombre mood spoiled the jubilation and heightened sense of excitement. 

The sobering thought that it has been a long long time which made me feel like an ancient relic already. 

Where have the years gone by?  In this age of instant gratification and senseless posturings, I had actually looked forward in celebrating my blog's milestone but somehow, it  just didn't feel right. 

But just then, I was able to come to my senses just  before the day will end. Just like that. 

And so allow me to thank all of you for the love, the support and the in between. The past decade has been a blast because of you. 

Tagbilaran City PNP’s Project R.E.A.L. Gains Citywide Approval

Three days after the launching of Project R.E.A.L. (Reading Enhancement, Assessment & Literacy) the police mobile library sprang into action with its first community outreach activity conducted by the Tagbilaran City Police Station led by PSMS Carl John Legaspi under the supervision of PLTCOL Regie P. Real and in cooperation with the Tagbilaran LGU headed by Mayor Jane Yap and supported by philanthropist Dalareich Polot & Brgy. San Isidro officials at the Sipupa 2, Brgy. San Isidro of Tagbilaran City.

excited kids check out the books

Around 150 children- beneficiaries of the said barangay were given access to books and assorted reading materials. Making the activity more fulfilling was the free lugaw (Libreng Lugaw ni Manang Hepe) given to all the participants.

PCPL Bryan Villasquina reads to kids

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Tagbilaran City Police Station personnel with Chief of Police PLTCOL Regie P. Real, in partnership with City Mayor Jane Yap, conducts the education- based community outreach program to a pre- selected area within the city.  

To date, ten of the city’s 15 barangays have benefited from the activity. These are barangays San Isidro, Manga, Taloto, Mansasa, Taloto, Booy, Pob.III, Cogon, Pob. II and Tiptip.  

PLTCOL Real with Mayor Jane Yap & COS Baba Yap
 during Brgy. Taloto visit, Aug. 13 

TCPS Chief of Police PLTCOL Real shared that the project will not end once all 15 barangays have been visited and serviced by the police mobile library. After all, education should be constant and consistent. 

PCR Head PSMS Carl John C. Legaspi extends assistance

The launching of Project REAL highlighted the culmination of the nationwide 27th PNP Police Community Relations (PCR) Month last July 27, 2022 held at the Plaza Rizal. 

Ten of 15 city barangays have been visited

Barely a month after its launching, the project has created a buzz among netizens because of its timeliness, relevance and innovation. 

It has also merited the approval of the City Mayor because it coincides with her focus and thrust on education especially among the city’s marginalized children.

At the same time, the Bureau of Fire Protection has also been a tremendous ally in the said activity as its crew has been actively teaching young citizens on Fire Safety.