From Miss Bohol to the Supreme Court

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

Mutya sa Tagbilaran 1997 Top Three 

One of the most successful of the Miss Bohol queens is Atty. Socorro D Marie Tallo Inting represented Tagbilaran City in the 1997 edition of Miss Bohol after winning the Mutya sa Tagbilaran title earlier that year. After her reign, she went on to focus on her law studies eventually following the footsteps of her brilliant lawyer- dad Atty. Roland Inting. 

Reunion of Your Blogger & Atty. Talie

Her Miss Bohol journey went full circle when she graciously accepted the invitation from the Bohol Provincial Government through Bohol First Lady & Cong. Vanessa Aumentado to be one of the judges for Miss Bohol 2025. 

During the Panel Interview 

Presenting the Best in Interview award

With Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado & Cong. Vanessa Aumentado 

After the pageant, she was gushing about how amazing the contestants were and how proud she was to be part of the Miss Bohol history. 

with her dad Atty. Roland Inting 

After she took and passed the bar, 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 permanent government 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.

Taken at 925 Maxi Hotel & Event 
Center, the official pageant residence 

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.

Boholano Lawmakers at the Opening Session of the 20th Congress & BBM's 4th SONA

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented his administration’s accomplishments, plans, and priorities in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28 at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.

Bohol’s three congressional representatives were among the newly elected and reelected 314 District and Party-List Representatives who were present during the opening of the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s SONA.

L-R: Cong. Aumentado, Cong. Yap & Cong. Tutor

First District Rep. John Geesnell Yap II looked so dapper & debonair in his Phillip Rodriguez formal barong. Second District Rep. Maria Vanessa C. Aumentado radiated warmth & elegance in her EJ Relampagos Filipiniana and Third District Rep. Alexie Besas Tutor was a vision in white in her Noel Estopito Filipiniana. Lifestylebohol extends its congratulations to newly- elected Cong. Yap for being chosen by peers as Asst. Majority Floor Leader of the 20th Congress.   

The Comfort & Heart Behind the Filipiniana Gown

I had the chance to sit down with EJ Relampagos, one of Bohol's most respected fashion designers for his insight into the concept behind the Filipiniana worn by Bohol First Lady & 2nd District Congresswoman Maria Vanessa Cadorna Aumentado!                  

2nd Dist. Cong. VanVan Aumentado 

“Banig ug Puso” : Our comfort, our heart.

The “banig” is a traditional handwoven mat usually made from palm leaves is a profound symbol our ability to remain steadfast amid challenges.  More than a mat, it’s a metaphor for our spirit rooted in tradition, resilient in change  and always able to create warmth and comfort in the most uncertain places.

The “puso” is a rice wrapped in intricately woven coconut leaves. More than just food, it’s a powerful symbol of ingenuity and identity.  It carries our heritage and heart. In the same way, it holds tight to our traditions and values even when life unfolds far from home.  

Yellow is the color of joy which best describes the aura of Cong. Aumentado who always exudes a cheerful and warm personality. 

Credit goes also to Cong. Aumentado for believing in Boholano artistry and talent by supporting them through the Miss Bohol platform of which she is the Honorary Chair, a responsibility that she has held since 2022 and by wearing them especially in high-profile events, Boholano designers are now starting to get noticed in the national and international arena like EJ Relampagos who had an invite to showcase his designs at the Milan Fashion Week a couple of years back

Tagbilaran City Police Station Pababay Project Turnover

There's more to our police officers than just law enforcement and maintaining peace & order.

The TCPS Run 2025: Run for a Cause":made history as the first and only fun run in Bohol to establish a Pabahay Program with the  completion of their Pabahay Project. 

The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) formally turned over their latest  Pabahay Project to Mr. Virisimo Curayag and family in Purok 5, Barangay Tiptip. 

TCPS Chief PLTCOL John Kareen O. Escober, along with City Councilor Budlong & other officials, turns over Pabahay Project to Mr. Curayag of Brgy. Tiptip

The turnover symbolized not only a new beginning for the Curayag family but also a milestone in TCPS's unwavering commitment to public service that extends far beyond traditional policing and a strengthened police- community partnership.

City Mayor Jane C. Yap, whose administration has been a steadfast partner of TCPS in championing inclusive and community-driven projects was represented by City Councilor Fausto S. Budlong during the turnover. 

Police- Community Partnership

The house blessing was officiated by Rev. Fr. Absalon B. Florenosos, while Pastor Reysam Carvero, TCPS’s faith-based volunteer, delivered an inspiring message of faith and shared humanity.

Also in attendance were Brgy. Capt. Jeminador Lantape of Brgy. Tiptip, Pat. Nikkia Cañedo, and Pat. Carla Jane Tanio personnel from the Police Community Affairs & Development Group (PCADG), and members of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, who worked hand-in-hand to bring the project to life.

This initiative was led by PLTCOL JOHN KAREEN OLIVEROS ESCOBER, Chief of Police, through the station’s flagship programs Oplan LIMPYO TAGBILARAN and T.C.P.S. Cares.  

“This house is a symbol of what we can achieve when we move together with purpose. Dili lang ni balay—this is a product of compassion, community, and service with a heart. 

We vow to continue building lives, strengthening relationships, and promoting community safety with genuine care and service.said PLTCOL Escober during his remarks.

The Tagbilaran City Police Station expressed its deepest gratitude to all who made the project possible—from local officials to community leaders, volunteers, and every single participant of the run.

TCPS Concludes PCR Month with Culminating Program

The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) concluded the nationwide observance of the 30th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month with a culminating ceremony held at the Saulog Gymnasium, Tagbilaran City Hall Compound last July 30.

TCPS Chief PLTCOL John Kareen Escober 
with Mr. Steven Lim 

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Steven B. Lim, a prominent Boholano businessman and civic leader, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Carrying the national theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinsa, Ang Gusto ng Pulis Ligtas ka,” the ceremony brought together law enforcement personnel, local stakeholders, job order employees, and community representatives to celebrate the strengthened ties between the police and the public.

In his opening remarks, PLTCOL JOHN KAREEN OLIVEROS ESCOBER, Chief of Police of Tagbilaran City, emphasized the station’s commitment to community engagement and inclusive public service, stating:

“Ang kalampusan sa among serbisyo dili lang sukod sa gidaghanon sa mga operasyon, kundi sa kadagatan sa among relasyon sa katawhan. 

With the spirit of Police Community Relations, we continue to walk alongside the people we serve.”

 Guest of Honor Mr. Steven B. Lim, a longtime member and former president of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and former Okay Municipal Councilor, delivered a heartfelt message highlighting values-based leadership and the role of multi-sectoral collaboration in peace-building.

“It is when government, business, and citizens come together with a shared purpose that true community transformation becomes possible,” Mr. Lim said in his address.

It was a simple yet meaningful culmination highlighted by the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to the TCPS Job Order employees for their invaluable contribution to the daily operations of the station. 

Chief of Police PLTCOL Escober & Mr. Lim joins the awardees for a photo memento

Their commitment and professionalism in carrying out their tasks & responsibilities—whether as drivers, clearance processors, or utility workers—was formally recognized as vital in sustaining public trust and operational success.

Grace & strength from the police interns

The program concluded with the singing of the PNP Hymn and a reaffirmation of the station’s continuing commitment to Oplan LIMPYO Tagbilaran, the flagship program of PLTCOL Escober aimed at ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more peaceful city.

The successful culmination of the 30th PCR Month serves as a testament to the strength of community policing in Tagbilaran City—grounded in service, sustained by partnership, and inspired by shared hope.

Miss Bohol 2025 Closed- Door Panel Interview

 Miss Bohol has evolved from a beauty contest into a platform where charming ladies are given the opportunity to advocate for causes that they believe in. Aside from beauty & personality, the Miss Bohol pageant is looking for a spokesperson, an inspirational model and ambassadress of goodwill for Bohol.

It is for this reason that all the girls have to hurdle the closed- door panel interview with the panel of judges on the morning of the pageant. For the last two years, the panel interview was held at Maxi Hotel & Event Center, the official residence of the Miss Bohol Pageant.

The judges had the chance to see the girls up close and got to know them better as they interacted with the girls in an informal interview. 

Sharuen Hafeel, Hotelier Andrew Fernandes & SK Bohol President Hon. Lawrence Ancla

Each candidate was given five (5) minutes to present herself and respond to the judge's question. This year proved to be another bumper harvest of exceptional ladies with topnotch interview skills. 

The top three ladies during this area of judging were Miss Dauis, Miss Mabini and Miss Panglao. 

The panel interview comprised 30% of the judging criteria. The rest of the criteria in the race for the top five spots are as follows:

Boholana Costume.   10% 

Swimsuit 25% 

Evening Gown 25%

Production Number 10%

The closed - door panel interview has been a part of the Miss Bohol pageant since 2014 when the province's most prestigious beauty competition underwent a make over. 

Here's a little trivia:  For the past three years, the girls who scored the highest in the interviews also ended up with the Miss Bohol crowns on their heads. 

Gov. Aris Aumentado, Cong. Vanessa Aumentado & Ms. Ana Saluan

A huge congratulations to the Miss Bohol Committee headed by Honorary Chair 2nd Dist Cong. Vanessa Aumentado and Co- Chair Ms. Ana Loinda Saluan for a job well done.

Meet Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2025

Bvhlgryl Chelsea Palen Barinan, a winsome 20 year old BS Industrial Engineering student from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2025 after besting a field of 15 candidates who represented the city’s 15 barangays. 

The 5’6”tall beauty from Booy was a heavy favorite going into the final Q & A after topping the evening gown competition & the closed- door panel interview. 

Aside from winning Best in Evening Gown & Best in Interview, she was also named Miss Bohol Tropics and Miss 911 Ambassador.

The last two girls onstage react 

An interesting sidebit to her triumph is sharing the Mutya sa Tagbilaran legacy with her mom, Maria Gina Palen who also represented Booy and placed as 1st RU in the 2001 edition of Mutya sa Tagbilaran. Earlier, during the closed- door panel interview, she was asked what would make her win, she replied “prayers, my strong faith and authenticity”.

The queen's mom was Mutya 2001 1st RU 

This year, the girls’advocacy projects were included in the criteria so that the pageant would serve as a platform to raise awareness on the causes that they believe in. 

This year’s Mutya winner came up with “Beyond the Books of Empowering Working Students” , an advocacy project that she can identify with. As a working student, it was a challenge to juggle her time between work, school and family. 

This early, she’s already planning to coordinate closely with City Mayor Jane Yap in organizing career development workshops for working students and with support from local businesses, schools and the LGU.

MAGIC FIVE: L-R: 3rd RU Ubujan, 1st RU Cogon, Mutya 2025 Booy, 2nd RU Dampas & 4th RU San Isidro

THE RUNNERS UP Rounding out the final five were: 

1st RU Miss Cogon Nikoline Grace Jensen who was also named Miss Sagility and Miss DITO Telecommunity. 

2nd RU Miss Dampas Cindy Lay Ling Ling also won the Best in Swimsuit and the Best Advocacy Video awards. 

3rd RU was Miss Ubujan Grichene Marri Roslinda 

4th RU was Miss San Isidro Crimson Morris who also received the Miss Oro China & Miss Shellane sponsor awards

The other special award winner were:

Miss Tiptip Trixie Nichole Nobong who won the Miss Globe & Miss Talent awards, 

Miss Mansasa Gerlie Rangas who was named Miss IBEX and voted by fellow candidates as Miss Congeniality. 

Miss Poblacion 1 Kayla Maria Oomen was picked as Miss Converge and selected as Miss Photogenic by official glamshot photographer Chris Ramasola. 

Miss Bool Dianne Kaye Astacaan was Miss People’s Choice

Miss Dao Richel Mae Galvadores was Best in Production Number and also wore the gown that won for Aileen Sendrijas Pasagad the Best Gown Designer award.

THE PANEL OF JUDGES.

An eclectic group of newsmakers, movers & shakers composed the panel of judges that included 2023 Miss Universe 1st RU Antonia Porsild, reigning Miss Earth 2024 Jessica Lane, Best Model Philippines Aaron Davis, 

social media influencer Small Laude, world- class designer Cary Santiago, sports enthusiast Milka Romero, stage design guru Ronald King, Global Ports President & CEO Shiela Romero, TV/ movie actress Jane de Leon & Patrick Tolentino.   

with Antonia Porsild
2023 Miss Universe 1st RU 

Mutya sa Tagbilaran, the glamorous highlight of the annual Saulog sa Tagbilaran has cemented its staus as one of the country’s premier beauty competitions with the successful staging of its 2025 edition highlighted by its spectacular production values, fast- paced program flow, celebrity guests & performers and deserving winners.

Kat Velarde with the candidates

It was a fitting finale for a year- long quest that began with the scouting of girls to compete in the barangay level. From their initial foray into pageantry, they gradually transformed from gawky & reluctant girls to self- assured, empowered ladies through their series of activities, workshops, appearances, lending their voice and presence to activities and causes that they believe in. 

 

After Mayor Yap announced that the girls’advocacy projects will carry more weight in the judging criteria starting this year, the pageant has now elevated itself as an excellent platform for meaningful engagement. 

By becoming spokespersons & becoming fundraisers for a chosen advocacy project, future Mutya sa Tagbilaran winners can be assured of meaningful & relevant year- long reigns where they would use their crown to promote & support their advocacies. 

Love Lopez bids farewell to 
her year as Mutya 2024

This year’s pageant night was a successful collaboration with the barangays & city officials, stakeholders, corporate sponsors and the community. 

As the ladies sashayed on stage with elan & grace and cheered on by their supporters and families, it was also a manifestation of our innate love for the true, the good and the beautiful. For that one magical night, we showed our guests and the rest of the world that we truly are one when it comes to appreciating beauty from inside and out. 

City Mayor Jane Yap

Congratulations once again to City Mayor Jane Yap, Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2025 Chairperson, pageant director Alexis Joseph Cadeliña, Head of the Tagbilaran City Events, Culture, and Arts Office & to the pageant creative director Dr. Chris John Rener Torralba, City General Services Officer and the rest of the committee members for a job well done.