Winners of the Glow- in- the-Dark Bohol International Dragon Boat Festivall

The successful staging of the first Glow- in- the- Dark Dragon Boat Festival in Bohol generated a lot of mileage & positive vibes not only for the growing number of dragon boat enthusiasts in Bohol but also for the readiness & capability of local organizers to mount a high profile sporting event. 

Participants were all praises for the staging of the races, the warm welcome extended to them and for the overall conduct of the sporting event. This would surely translate into more opportunities to stage future sporting events in the city.

A huge credit goes to the unmatched leadership of Dr. Doyet Dumaluan, the president of Bohol Paddlers Association Inc, the organizing committee. 

The partnership of the city government and the provincial government was an impressive show of unity & cooperation especially the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the event 

See you at the next dragon boat festival here in Bohol!

And the results are in for the 2026 GLOW - IN- THE- DARK Bohol Dragon Boat Festival held from April 18 to 19 at the Bayfront of the fabulous Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City.

The race officials

Vancouver Reign Team

Surviveoars Leyteños Team

PNP Team

Taloto Wild Dragons

Bohol Paddlers Assn Inc

200m Premier Open 12 Category:

• Champion: PNP Team B
• 1st RU: PNP Team A
• 2nd RU: Taloto Wild Dragons 
• 3rd RU: BPAi

200m Premier Women Category: 

• Champion: PNP Maritime Group 
• 1st RU: Taloto Wild Dragons
• 2nd RU: Surviveoars Leyteños 
• 3rd RU: BPAi

200m Senior Mixed Category: 

• Champion: Sugbo Mighty Dragons 
• 1st RU: Surviveoars Leyteños 
• 2nd RU: Taloto Wild Dragons 
• 3rd RU: BPAi

The dragon boat racing event which is one of the highlights of the 2026 Saulog Tagbilaran celebration was a partnership of the LGU of Tagbilaran City and the Bohol Provincial Government and organized by the Bohol Paddlers Association Inc (BPAi) headed by Dr. Doyet Dumaluan.

MAJOR SPONSOR:

• STARLINK

MINOR SPONSOR:

• NATURE'S SPRING
• JJ'S SEAFOOD VILLAGE 
• FCB ( First Consolidated Bank)
• BLUE PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES
• POCARI SWEAT
• OCCIDENTAL ENTERPRISES
• LABB CONSTRUCTION 
• BUGSAI SEA CRAFT
• DU EK SAM
• DUMALUAN BEACH CORPORATION 

GOLD SPONSOR: 

• SANNOVEX PHARMACEUTICALS 

SILVER SPONSOR

• THE BELLEVUE RESORT 

Special Thanks to:

• Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado
• 1st District Cong. Baba Yap
• 2nd District Cong. Vanessa Aumentado 
• 3rd District Cong. Alexis Tutor
• City Mayor Jane Yap
• Bohol Tropics Resort, event venue

Tagbilaran City is Best Component City Police Station, LGU of Tagbilaran City is Also Honored During PNP Day 2026

The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) proudly earned the distinction as Best Component City Police Station of Region 7 during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Day 2026 Celebration held at Police Regional Office 7 on February 23, 2026.

The prestigious recognition highlights the station’s consistent excellence in law enforcement operations, community engagement, crime prevention initiatives, and organizational management. 

PLTCOL John Karen O. Escober
TCPS Chief of Police 

The achievement reflects the collective dedication of TCPS personnel under the leadership of PLTCOL JOHN KAREEN OLIVEROS ESCOBER, Chief of Police, whose strategic direction elevated the station into greater heights and placed TCPS among the top performing police stations in the region.

Through strengthened operational capability, community partnership programs, and disciplined internal management, TCPS sustained high-impact accomplishments, ultimately bringing the station to the pedestal of excellence among component city police stations in PRO7.

In his message, PLTCOL ESCOBER emphasized that the award is not an individual achievement but a product of teamwork and community support:

“Kining kadaugan dili para sa usa ka tawo lamang kundili para sa tibuok TCPS ug sa katawhan sa Tagbilaran. Ang among kalampusan bunga sa panaghiusa, disiplina, ug suporta sa LGU ug komunidad. Magpadayon kami sa matinud-anon ug lig-ong pag-alagad sa katawhan"

The station also proudly congratulates the following personnel who brought honor to TCPS:

• PMSg Joel Orapa – Best Senior PNCO for Operations

• PSSg Luwen Refulle – Best Junior PNCO for Operations

Their recognition reflects the professionalism, operational competence, and dedication to public safety service.

TAGBILARAN CITY AS OUTSTANDING COMPONENT CITY LGU

During the same ceremony, the City Government of Tagbilaran, under the leadership of Mayor Jane C. Yap and who was represented by City Administrator Alvin Acuzar, was likewise recognized and awarded as Outstanding Component City Local Government Unit (LGU), highlighting the strong partnership between the police and the local government in maintaining peace, order, and public safety in the city.

These recognitions affirm the effectiveness of collaborative governance, proactive policing, and community-centered public safety programs being implemented in Tagbilaran City.

The Tagbilaran City Police Station remains committed to delivering responsive, capable, and trustworthy police service to the people as it continues to uphold the highest standards of the Philippine National Police.

 

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.

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. 

  

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.

Flaviona Joaquin is Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2023

Dampas became the first barangay to win the Mutya sa Tagbilaran crown twice when its bet, the tall and talented Flaviona Cana Joaquin who composes and sings her own compositions bested a field of 16 hopefuls representing the 15 barangays and the Tagbilaran City College.

Flaviona Joaquin is Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2023

A consistent honor student since her elementary days, the budding songwriter & singer who comes from a musically- inclined family that includes Julia Faith, is also actively involved in campus and community organizations. 

She wowed a separate panel of judges earlier during the preliminary closed- door panel interview when she sang a line from her own composition.  She has been a consistent honor student from her grade school days in Holy Name University to her senior high school days at the EnSciMa Academy. Aside from the crown, she was also named Best in Swimsuit after the swimsuit round.

She was crowned by the outgoing queen Bella Acero who was assisted by the chair of the panel of judges Senator Raffy Tulfo, Gov. Aris Aumentado, Mayor Jane Yap, First Gentleman Baba Yap and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.

The Crowning Moment

L-R: 3rd RU, 1st RU, Mutya 2023, 2nd RU, 4th RU

MEET THE RUNNERS UP: 

Her runners up included 1st RU # 9 BOOL Ma. Jesalyn Uy 2nd RU # 6 POB 2 Debien Cuyos, 3rd RU # 10 TIPTIP Ma. Christina Schott, 4th RU # 8 MANGA Sarah Anne Gerber.

COMPETITION FORMAT

After all the girls competed in both the swimsuit and evening gown rounds, their scores in the two rounds were added to their scores from the closed- door panel interview and talent competition. 

The ladies who got the highest five scores moved to the final round where they underwent a final Q & A. The judges then ranked the girls based on beauty, charm, Q & A & the overall impression.

PAGEANT NIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

the girls in their Charlow Arbasto wrap dresses

Best in Swimsuit

Best in Evening Gown

Jake Ejercito serenades Miss Tiptip

The Final Five

Flaviona reacts after winning the crown

L-R: VM Jala, Mayor Yap, Sir Chief Baba & Gov. Aumentado

SPECIAL TITLES & SPONSOR AWARDS:

Miss Tiptip received five of the 15 special titles & sponsor awards. She was named Miss Photogenic, Miss Samsung, Miss IBEX, Miss Converge & Miss Globe. Miss Mansasa received the Miss Congeniality and Miss Talent awards while Miss Pob. III who impressed the preliminary judges with her impeccable wit, engaging personality and sunny disposition got the Miss Texter's Choice & Miss Bohol Tropics awards.  

Miss Bool who topped the Roy Tizon evening gown competition with her subdued catwalk and elegant stance was named Best in Evening Gown and Miss Copier's Choice awardee. The rest of the special award recipients were Miss Booy who was named Miss South Palms Resort, Miss Pob I was Best in Production Number and Miss Pob II who got the Best in Interview award.

STRONG EMPOWERED WOMEN

This year’s edition of Mutya sa Tagbilaran paid tribute to women empowerment. the global phenomenon of reaffirming a woman’s status through opportunities in literacy, education, training and awareness creation which the present leadership in Tagbilaran is doing for its women sector. 

In doing so, it promotes Tagbilaranon women’s sense of self-worth and the power to restore their dignity as women who contribute to their community’s progress & development. 

At the same time, it celebrates and recognizes the leadership qualities and capability of women leaders as embodied by its first lady mayor, Hon. Jane Yap.

During the spectacular opening number that fused artistry and dazzling cutting edge digital technology, images of our women leaders like 2^nd Dist. Congresswoman  Vanessa Aumentado & 3^rd Dist. Congresswoman Alexie Tutor & Tagbilaran City Police Station's Chief of Police PLTCOL Regie Real were flashed on the wide screen.

SAULOG TAGBILARAN 2023

Congratulations and thank you to the artistic & creative team behind Mutya sa Tagbilaran for giving Tagbilaranons the rare opportunity of watching a superb world-class production. It was a fast- paced two- hour production that was graced by Asia's Fearless Diva, Jona and spiced up with performances from the Vergara Siblings, Technotronix and the Vanguardians. 

It was indeed the most glamorous highlight of Tagbilaran Saulog 2023 as the city prepares for its city fiesta in honor of its patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker. For more of the Saulog activities, just check out its FB Page.

Photo Credits: 

Gerald James Cabal Photography

Chris Ramasola

 

Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023 Takes Its First Plunge This April!

More than a hundred underwater photographers, dive enthusiasts & instructors will converge in Bohol from April 13 to April 30 for the inaugural staging of Bohol Loop Dive Expo or BHOLDEX 2023, the first of its kind in Bohol. 

The dive loop will take the event participants to a series of one- day dive expeditions and underwater photography contests and free dive exhibitions in newly- discovered dive spots from the coastal municipalities of Dimiao, Valencia, Garcia- Hernandez, Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, Anda, Mabini, Ubay. 

Gov. Aris Aumentado is flanked by your Blogger 
& Vice Gov Dionisio Victor Balite

In between, there will be welcome events in the participating towns where the loop divers will be treated to the host town’s food, culture and entertainment. The loop dive event kicks off on April 13 with an opening program & dinner to be hosted by the Tagbilaran City LGU led by Mayor Jane Yap at the Bohol Tropics Resort and culminates with a closing program & awarding ceremony on April 30 at Villa Tomasa Alona Q in Alona Beach, Panglao.

Seen at the BHOLDEX launch were Prov'l Administrator Aster Caberte, 

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap & Tourism Chair BM Tita Baja

The Panglao Association of Dive Operators (PADO) is organizing the event to help establish newly- discovered dive spots in Bohol after an intensive six- month dive assessment activity. This would ultimately boost the status of Bohol as a premier dive destination led by the Bohol Marina Triangle, the trifecta of dive spots in Panglao, Pamilacan and Balicasag.

Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, on the other hand, stressed the importance of solidifying Bohol’s position as one of the country’s top tourist destination through the discovery of new tourism offerings and diverse travel & tour options. 

Gov. Aumentado expresses his support 

At the same time, the governor who is also the Regional Development Council Chair for Central Visayas said that the event is also aimed at raising the awareness level for the protect, secure & restore these dive destinations to their pristine state. 

EVENT PARTNERS: Cebu Pacific, TWD, Pacifica Dive Shop, Civil Aviation Authority, the Bohol Provincial Government, Department of Tourism, Dive 7, Tourism, Promotion Board, Coca Cola Bottlers, ArMode. 

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS. Bohol Chronicle, KISS 102.3 FM. BHOLDEX 2023 is still open for event sponsorship. Please visit Bohol Loop Dive Expo Facebook Page for details

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