Miss Universe 1974 Marks Her Golden Crowning Anniversary

The first Miss Universe edition to be held in the Far East marks its 50th anniversary. 

What better way to showcase the beauty and splendor of the Philippines than the Miss Universe pageant where the reigning queen Margarita Moran will also pass on her crown to her successor and witnessed by her countrymen.

Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos made it happen when she singlehandedly oversaw the preparations with flair and excitement.

Amparo Muñoz y Quesada from Spain was crowned the most beautiful girl of the universe for 1974 on the morning of July 21 at the Folk Arts Theater. 

Rounding out the top five were 1st RU Miss Wales Helen Morgan, 2nd RU Miss Finland Johanna Raunio 3rd RU Miss Colombia Ella Cecilia Escandon and 4th RU Miss Aruba Maureen Ava Viera

It was however a tumultuous reign for the señorita with the fiery Spanish temperament whose reign came to a head when she threw out her crown from a hotel window. 

Despite not completing her reign, she was never dethroned and she is still acknowledged as the 1974 titleholder. She went on to carve a successful yet controversial showbiz career in Spain. 

Miss Universe 1972 Kerry Ann Wells of Australia crowned the 1975 Miss Universe 

She passed away on February 27, 2011 from a lingering ailment. She was 56 years old. She would always be fondly remembered not only by Filipino fans as the first Miss Universe to be crowned in the Philippines but also by the entire world as one of the most beautiful Miss Universe winners ever.

Farewell Queen

MUGNA/GUGMA: The Art of Book Design

Tomorrow, September 22, all roads lead to the National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol, for the MUGNA/GUGMA workshop, to be the participated by 30 experienced Boholano artists with a keen interest in the art of book design. 

In this art talk/sharing, participants will witness a sampling of the oeuvres of Felix Mago Miguel, which presents his own discoveries and explorations as an artist elevating his art out of obscurity and positioning Philippine design on the center stage.

Felix Mago Miguel's status and accomplishments as an artist, designer, and illustrator speak volumes of his inexhaustible passion and talent. 

Having lived in Bohol for almost 20 years with his wife, Amel, and their five children, Felix, as his family and fellows fondly call him - is dedicated to selflessly imparting his experience and expertise to aspiring local artists in the Philippines, especially here in Bohol. In fact, earlier this year, he led a successful two-day workshop on Illustrating Children’s Books. 

"The journey of ideas into our minds through books is not merely a leap from the author to the reader. To reach the reader, the ideas ride a vehicle and that vehicle is “design”.

It is a vehicle purposed to be invisible, but in this seemingly inconspicuous vehicle is the artist's hand. And Felix Mago Miguel is that." says  Neil Gerard P. Reyes, Information Officer II, ODVNM (BoAMSO)

This whole-day, free activity is made possible with the support of the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Center for Culture and Arts Development (PGBH-CCAD), through the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council (BACH). 

Participants and observers alike can discover and explore the essentials of book design, guided by an expert and professional artist, who generously imparts practical design tools and techniques. 

What’s only required is an eager heart, ready to learn and engage. The activity also serves as a platform for them to collaborate and possibly work together, adding more relevance and value.

As an educational institution of the government committed to promoting inclusive education, expression, and enjoyment, the MUGNA/GUGMA workshop is among the numerous public programs the National Museum of the Philippines has set before 2024 ends. 

MUGNA is the Cebuano word that means to “create, produce, or design”; GUGMA, on the other hand, is “love”. NMP remains faithful to upholding love for our heritage and helping hone the knowledge and skills of Filipinos to create world-class designs toward a progressive and sustainable future minds through books is not merely a leap from the author to the reader. 

The interactive art talk & sharing is open to participants, observers & enthusiasts from 9 am to 5 pm. So see you all! 

Fil- Australian is Mister Bohol 2024

Mister Lila is Mister Bohol- Dagohoy 2024

Almost everyone associated with the Mister Bohol search address him by his nickname Blair. Eighteen year old JOSE IMMANUEL PLAZA who turned a year older two days after the pageant finals is a fitness trainer back in Australia. Already towering with his 6’1” height, he was one of the crowd favorites and was selected as Best in Swimwear and Best in Interview. 

When asked why he chose physical fitness as his advocacy, he responded that it was not only to instill discipline and build a better physique but also to develop mental fortitude which is necessary to overcome challenges and obstacles.

He was born and raised here in Bohol before the family migrated to Brisbane, Australia where he is also active in school and as a member of their youth parish church.

He is very proud of his Boholano roots which is the reason why the family always makes it a point to visit his hometown regularly.

Together with James Howard Saldia of Baclayon and Aaron Yance De Castro, he will be representing the province in a national pageant.

Photo Credits: Mister Bohol FB Page

John Jensen H. Semblante is the 2024 Sandugo Festival King Grand Winner

The 23 year old is a BS Criminology graduate from BISU Balilihan Campus. The aspiring law enforcer attributes his participation in previous contests as a big factor in winning his first provincial pageant title. 

Sandugo Festival King 2024

A strong stage presence, confidence and well- assured poses and his short & concise responses were the winning combination that clinched for him the title as well as winning the Streetwear & Festival Costume competitions.

Rounding out the winner's circle were Ronnie Manliguez of Mabini 1st RU and Sam Dela Serna of Maribojoc 2nd RU

Mr. Semblante who dedicated his victory to his hometown Catigbi-an also expressed his gratitude to the Alturas Group of Companies for staging the annual search that provides the platform where young men like him are given the opportunity to dream big and aspire for greater things in life.  

With Ritchel Mutia at its helm and with the full support of AGC, the annual Sandugo Festival King has grown into one of the biggest and most prestigious personality contests in Bohol.

Panel of judges with Ginoong Pilipinas 2024

Among its past winners are Carl Michael Martinez who was recently crowned as the nationwide winner of Ginoong Pilipinas 2024 and Joshua Marapao Lillehagen who won the inaugural edition of the nationwide search for Great Man of the Philippines back in 2022.

Photo Credits: TJ Medrana Photography

The 

Carl Michael L. Martinez: Bohol's first Ginoong Pilipinas winner

Gentlemen in pageantry are often overshadowed or eclipsed by their female counterparts for a lot of reasons. Generally speaking, male pageantry hasn’t reached or received the same level of popularity or acceptance in contemporary pop culture. 

But the staging last week of two well- organized province- wide competitions on male pulchritude and the recent win of a homegrown Boholano of the prestigious nationwide Ginoong Filipinas title has slowly but surely changed all that.

Here are Bohol’s current toast in male pageantry led by Carl Martinez as they also clarified the misconceptions about male pageants which they say are avenues where they can amplify their voices, improve themselves and be the springboard to better opportunities.

CARL MICHAEL LADAGA MARTINEZ, 2024 Ginoong Filipinas Grand Winner

His story is that of resilience and believing in oneself. After winning a string of local pageant titles, he laid low for a while because he wanted to focus on his studies and work but the chance to represent the province in a national search through a province- wide contest proved irresistible.

Admittedly, according to Carl, he wasn’t really ready as he was out of shape when he showed up for the screening of the first- ever Mister Bohol search back in 2021. But he reasoned out that he would just beef up for the contest once he hurdled the screening. To his shock, he didn’t make it to the list of 20 official candidates. That was when he realized that one has to focus and work hard to achieve one’s goal. 

Working out, switching to a healthier lifestyle, discipline and prayers were some of his preparations as he made a second bid for Mister Bohol after two years. His preparations paid off as he was proclaimed one of the three big winners of Mister Bohol 2023 and earned the right to represent Bohol in the national search for Ginoong Filipinas where he competed with 16 other titleholders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

After competing in costumes, swimwear and formal barong, the cut to the top ten was made followed by the Q&A. He impressed the panel of judges with his response to the question “What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing young men of today?” 

His response:

”the lack of knowledge on their cultural heritage. Most men today enjoy partying and other things but they don’t know what their cultural heritage is all about. So being here at Ginoo is not just about a title but to be an inspiration to the Filipinos to stay true to their identity, culture, stay proud of their heritage, always appreciative of our art, and be highly esteemed of our tourism because I believe that a Ginoong Pilipinas is the Philippines personified”

The heartfelt response in addition to almost perfect physique which also won him the Best in Swimwear award sealed his victory. The 25 year old Mr. Martinez who is presently a fitness trainer at one of the best gyms in the province, will represent the Philippines in the Mister Universe Tourism 2025 pageant.

Best in Swimwear 

His advice for young men who will compete in pageantry “ Aside from being in shape and possessing charm & personality, authenticity is key so they just have to be themselves, be proud of who and where they came from, highlight their strength and maintain positivity throughout the journey.

Miss Bohol 2024 is from Garcia- Hernandez

Cayle Tentativa is Miss Bohol 2024

Carl Joellie Tejano Tentativa of Garcia- Hernandez was crowned Miss Bohol 2024 in glittering ceremonies held at the jampacked Bohol Wisdom School Gym on Friday, July 12. 

The 23- year old RP & New York, USA licensed nurse was crowned by outgoing Miss Bohol 2023 Kyra Hopkins, Miss Bohol Honorary Chair Cong. Maria Vanessa Aumentado, Miss Philippines Earth 2024 Irha Mel Alfeche, Miss Bohol Co- Chair Ana Loinda Saluan and SK Bohol Pres. Lawrence Ancla . 

The newly- crowned Miss Bohol 2024, daughter of Garcia- Hernandez Municipal Councilor Hon. Carol Tejano was also named 2024 Miss JCI Philippines Bohol and Best in Interview after topping the closed- door panel interview with the judges earlier during the day.

Cayle, as she's called by friends & family also placed second to Miss Tagbilaran City for the Darling of the Press special award during the Press Presentation which officially kicked off the Miss Bohol 2024 edition.

In her three appearances

During the final Q & A, the top five were asked the same question “ If crowned Miss Bohol 2024, how would you encourage local communities to actively participate in the conservation efforts of Bohol as a global geopark for the benefit of future Boholano questions?”

Ms. Tentativa’s response “ I'm gonna convince the community tonight, right here, right now in the Miss Bohol stage that the designation of Geopark is very telling of the undeniable beauty of Bohol and the rich culture of the Boholanos so let's all be committed because this is us, this is our culture and we should be proud so that we can all be aware and unanimous in showing the world the beauty of Bohol and ensuring the preservation for the next generation and for the rest of the world to enjoy. Daghang salamat"

RUNNERS UP & SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS. Rounding out the winners’ circle were Flaviona Joaquin of Tagbilaran City 1^st RU, Best in Evening Gown and Darling of the Press, Angel Ann Calimbayan of Dauis 2^nd RU.

Mariel Dianne Ybañez of Tubigon 3^rd RU and Miss Congeniality & Miss Photogenic and Jacel Joy Argawanon of Pilar 4^th RU and Best in Swimsuit. Miss Jagna Elah Merari Lagrido was named Best in Production Number.

L-R: 4th RU, 2nd RU, Miss Bohol, 2nd RU, 4th RU

All the 16 candidates competed in the swimsuit and evening gown competitions before the top five finalists were revealed.  

PANEL OF JUDGES. Miss Philippines Earth 2024 Irha Mel Alfeche chaired the panel of judges that included Miss Bohol 2005 & Bb Pilipinas – World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit- Taylor, Reyna ng Aliwan Philippines 2024 Mia Tamayo, Bragais Shoes Executive Ezequiel Quezada, TV host & football player Marcus Paterson, singer/ actress Kyline Alcantara and top fashion designer Dennis Lustico.

PAGEANT’S HISTORIC FIRSTS. The delegation from Garcia Hernandez led by Mayor Jess Baja & First Lady Mau Baja erupted into thunderous applause and screams when their candidate was named Miss Bohol as it was a historic first Miss Bohol win for the municipality of Garcia- Hernandez.

Had Flaviona Joaquin won, it would have been a fourth successive win for the City of Tagbilaran. To date, the Municipality of Jagna still holds the record for three consecutive Miss Bohol wins achieved by Tiffany Yap 1990, Recelle Adlaon 1991 and Celevel Ranoco 1992. 

Tagbilaran City has won in three successive editions Raclaire Trigo 2018, Celina Villoceno 2019 and Kyra Hopkins 2023.

Boholana Costume Winners

The 2024 edition also marked the first time for a major Miss Bohol pre- pageant event to be held outside Tagbilaran City when the Boholana Iconic Costume Competition was staged at the impressive Jagna Cultural Center last July 7. Garcia Hernandez wore the grand prize winning design of designer Charlow Arbasto and Best Film for Maxigne Delusa

Miss Bohol Honorary Chair
Cong. Vanessa Aumentado

Pageant hosts were Miss Bohol 2017 Pauline Amelincx & Clyde Dy while Kapuso star & singer Paul Salas serenaded the girls. 

Pageant direction by Eme Pinos and Creatives & Visuals by Rolly Icban

Thoughts on Saulog Tagbilaran 2024

Yesterday was the culmination of an age- old tradition of thanksgiving, merrymaking and a break from the mundane routine of our daily lives. 

As relatives, visitors and guests feasted on their favorite fiesta fare, people going to and coming out from the city were battling it out to escape from the heavy traffic jam yesterday be it from the main thoroughfare or at the narrow access roads but surprisingly, I've got no  complaints as I drove around.

I was able to keep my  cool as I tried to navigate  and escape from  the crowds and  had to drive at a snail pace just to reach the next destination.  Finally, as the day gave way to dusk, the traffic situation gradually improved to the relief of everyone.

In every event or occasion, something's got to give. You just can't have your cake and eat it too. Either the success of the event or the traffic jams that were an offshoot of the multitudes that came to celebrate with and share in the joy of Tagbilaranons on their feast day. 

In fairness, traffic enforcers and cops skipped their fiesta break to help ease and decongest the streets. Bravo to these unsung heroes. 

So before we complain and rant like there's no tomorrow, let us focus more on the silver lining like the conclusion of the spectacular street parade and competition without any hitches or untoward incidents. I'm pretty sure the officials and organizers are already on top of the situation as they brace for the staging of the last few events.

Cheers and happy fiesta again mga paisano ug paisana.

Tagbilaran City PNP Thanks Marathon Sponsors

Tagbilaran City Police Station is thankful for the overwhelming support and assistance extended by the City LGU headed by Mayor Jane Yap, partners, sponsors, volunteers and the entire Bohol running community for the City PNP- initiated “Half Marathon for a Cause”. PLTCOL Homobuno R. Sayon TCPS Chief of Police and the entire police force has been encouraged by the support and looks forward to organizing and joining in more fitness and sporting activities in the near future. 

According to TCPS event facilitator PCMS Carl John Legaspi, the half- marathon, organized by TCPS and co- presented by the City LGU in partnership with Bohol Adventure Outdoor Events, one of the prominent race-organizing groups in the Province of Bohol was organized to bring awareness to the DILG Program ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ (BIDA), a more holistic anti- drugs campaign to underscore the PNP, PDEA, NBI & other agencies of government's intensified war against drugs. At the same time, race proceeds will go to the Adopt-a-School, Community Outreach, and the TCPS Livelihood project beneficiaries that include the city’s public elementary schools and Tagbilaran City’s Urban Poor Associations.

 
PCMS Legaspi has also released the names of sponsors, business establishments & organizations that have extended their support for the sporting event

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

Mayor Jane C. Yap

SILVER SPONSORS:

Island City Mall Right Fit- DRC JL Construction SupplyVapers Hub. EC Solicon Builders and Supply. LABB Construction. Bohol Bankers Association. BQ Mall. ALVAS. JJs Seafood Village Restaurant. Paeng’s Chicken. Makuku. Symply. G Hair and Skin Care. Richeese

BRONZE SPONSORS:

2^nd District Congresswoman Maria Vanessa C. Aumentado. Melanie L. Skoullos. DU EK SAM. Hon. Eliezer "Ondoy" Borja. Bohol Tropics Resort. Globewest Finance Corporation. BG Car Rental. Sumampong Lumber Supply. Herbalife. Hon. Nicanor Besas. Hon. Tim Butalid. Mosia Café. Arrabelle Suites. Tagbilaran City Square. BPI. KEW Hotel. LICLIC. Fitfinity Thai Boxing & Fitness Center. Pocari Sweat. Nature’s Spring. Fitbar. Masaje de Bohol. DMV Teknology. God’s Gift Printing Office Supplies. Wise Choice. Hon. Charles Cabalit. Hon. Gemma Inting. Hon. Atoy Torralba. Hon. Nerio D. Zamora II

Tagbilaran City PNP Successfully Organizes Half Marathon

Close to a thousand runners & physical fitness buffs alike responded to the gun start of the recently- concluded Tagbilaran City Police Station- initiated Half Marathon for a Cause which had the participants race from Tagbilaran City Hall to Brgy. Poblacion in Dauis then Brgy. Poblacion in Baclayon and finish the race at the Tagbilaran City Hall.

waiting for the gun start

 

Jerome Casinillo ruled the men’s category in 1:13:00 followed by Florendo Lapiz and Kenya’s Joseph Murruri who settled for second and third places, respectively. In the women’s category, Lizane Abella outpaced Shashein Angcahan in the exciting race for first and second places. 

PSSG Bryan Villasquina & PSSG Rosemary Dino with the 21K winners

According to TCPS event facilitator PCMS Carl John Legaspi, the half- marathon, organized by TCPS and co- presented by the City LGU in partnership with Bohol Adventure Outdoor Events, one of the prominent race-organizing groups in the Province of Bohol was organized to bring awareness to the DILG Program ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ (BIDA), a more holistic anti- drugs campaign to underscore the PNP, PDEA, NBI & other agencies of government's intensified war against drugs. At the same time, race proceeds will go to the Adopt-a-School, Community Outreach, and the TCPS Livelihood project beneficiaries that include the city’s public elementary schools and Tagbilaran City’s Urban Poor Associations.

During the brief opening program, TCPS Chief of Police PLTCOL Homobuno R. Sayon shared that the turn- out exceeded their expectations and he extended his gratitude to everyone who supported the event; the City LGU headed by Mayor Jane Yap, partners, sponsors, volunteers and the entire Bohol running community which made the event truly successful. City Mayor Jane Yap also expressed her jubilation with the event’s success and looks forward to a stronger partnership with the City PNP and Bohol’s growing number of fitness buffs.

Atty. Socorro D Marie "Talie" Tallo- Inting: From Mutya sa Tagbilaran to the Supreme Court

The annual spectacle of beauty, brains & advocacy and the glamorous highlight of Saulog Tagbilaran has produced countless titleholders and contestants alike who have gone on to pursue their dreams and accomplish their goals in life.

L-R: 2nd RU Michelle Evardone, Mutya 97 Talie Inting 1st RU Josely Ferniz

One of the most successful of the Mutya queens is Atty. Socorro D Marie Tallo Inting who won in 1997 and later that same year, also won the Miss Bohol title. After her reign, she went on to focus on her law studies eventually following the footsteps of her brilliant lawyer- dad Atty. Roland Inting.

 

She worked her way up until she was appointed and took her oath of office as the Chief of the Office of Recruitment, Selection & Nomination of the Judiciary & Bar Council of the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines, a post she has held since 2017.

Her office is in charge with the screening of individuals who aim to lead the Office of the Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, Special Prosecutor and the offices of the Chairperson and Regular Members of the Legal Education Board.

Her office at the JBC also processes and preliminarily screens / reviews all applications for judges in the lowest level Courts of Justice until and including Justices in the Court of Appeals, Tax Courts, Sandiganbayan and the Supreme Court.

Talk about an unassuming Boholana who holds a key and powerful post in the Supreme Court, the highest representation of the judicial branch of the Philippine government.

Bianca Gaviola & Christina Schott are the MUPH Bohol big winners

Bianca Gaviola who was crowned the first Miss Universe Philippines Bohol also won the Miss Elixir Bohol sponsor award and also topped the People's Choice Award and was named Best in Evening Gown. Ms. Gaviola was Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2017 and was 3rd RU to Pauline Amelincx in the 2017 Miss Bohol pageant. 

Last night's big winners

Just last year, she was crowned Miss JCI Philippines 2023 and joined iconic Boholana beauties Pauline Amelincx, Glyssa Perez, Catherine Tabaniag and Queenie Melody Fullante who have all won the title. She will now be able to raise more awareness to her advocacy which is to address the plight of fellow artists and use arts as a platform to amplify one's choices and passion in life.

On the other hand, Christina Schott, Miss Philippines Bohol who will compete in the national preliminary that would select the country's bets for Miss Supranational and Miss Charm scooped the most number of sponsor awards and major awards. She was named Miss Good Skin and Miss Radiant Skin as well as Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Production Number. 

Bianca's fellow JCIans came in full force

Bianca Gaviola is Miss Universe Philippines Bohol 2024

Aside from sharing the same family name, Ascension Gaviola and Bianca Gaviola also became Bohol's first official winners of pageants that send  the winners to the nationals. 

Ascension was crowned the first- ever Miss Bohol and became the first Boholana to represent the province in the first nationwide search for Miss Philippines in 1926. 

After 98 years, another Gaviola has become the winner of another inaugural search with Bianca crowned as the first winner of the Miss Universe Philippines Bohol title which concluded with a glittering coronation last night at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Along with the other winners of the different city, provincial and regional pageants of MUPH, Bianca will be flying to Manila for the nationals.