Happy Ruby Birthday Vanessa Aumentado

Today, Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, First Lady of Bohol's 2nd Congressional District marks a very important milestone in her life. Today, May 21, 2021, is not just any birthday. It is her Ruby Birthday celebration. And as they always say, life begins at 40.

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado 

Indeed, because today is the beginning of her pursuit for another facet in her life which is public service and giving back to the community.

Coosome Twosome: Mr. &. Mrs. Aumentado 

Twenty years ago, she was thrust into the public eye when she represented her hometown Duero in the Miss Bohol 2001 Pageant. During the past two decades, the public saw how she blossomed into the self-assured and confident woman that she is right now. 

Aumentado Family: a picture of simplicity & love

She has earned two bachelors' degrees, settled into marital bliss with Cong. Aris Aumentado, became a hands-on mom to three children; Lawrence, Lance and Liam and became a very capable and hardworking representative of her husband in various activities and events in their district. 

As she enters this new phase in her life journey, I am joined by countless Boholanos in prayer and  to cheer for her continued success.

Happy happy birthday Vanvan and long may you reign! Cheers!

Bonding & Biking in Breathtaking Bohol

With lockdown restrictions already easing up, Bohol residents have started looking for fun & leisurely activities to indulge in. Whether an entirely new hobby or picking up where they left off, residents have started going out in droves after staying indoor for almost five months.

With Bohol under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) non- contact sports & fun activities such as swimming, biking, tennis and scuba diving are allowed already.

 Mandatory safety protocols are observed to allow for an exhilarating yet safe activity. 

Cong. Aris Aumentado with wife Vanessa & son Lawrence

Let’s start first with biking, one of Bohol’s most popular leisure activities because of the island’s paved smooth roads. It allows for a healthy cardiovascular workout, bond with family and friends and enjoy the scenic postcard- pretty Bohol landscape.  Even before the COVID 19 pandemic, biking has already been attracting hordes of biking enthusiasts and biking groups have even been formed to regulate and monitor their activities.

Ms. Vanessa Aumentado, wife of Cong. Aris Aumentado, shares some practical tips to fully enjoy the activity.

WHAT TO WEAR Helmet, gloves, bright- coloured cycling jersey & shorts with padding, comfortable rubber shoes and shades.    

BEST TIME FOR ACTIVITY Early in the morning between 5 am and 7 am or late in the afternoon 4 pm to 7 pm. 

MOST POPULAR ROUTES From the capital city of Tagbilaran to Panglao (20 kilometer distance) , Tagbilaran City to Corella and Sikatuna (10 kms. & 17 kms from the city, respectively)  Panglao to the interior towns of Loboc, Bilar & Carmen (20 km, 40 km & 60 km, respectively or Panglao to Jagna (66 km) in eastern Bohol. 

Vanessa advises beginners and first- time visitors to take it easy with an hour- long ride that would take you to the countryside and get glimpses not only of breathtaking natural wonders but also of the island’s daily life.

Iconic Panglao Watchtower

FAB FOUR. Judith, Vanessa, Lirio & Evelyn

For those who traverse from Panglao, bikers may choose to go to eastern coastal Bohol or tour the interior part. It’s both a lesson in history and a pleasant travel experience as you pass by towns with their age- old stone churches, busy markets and modern town halls. In between, there are unobstructed views of the coast that overlooks the Mindanao Sea. You may do quick stop overs for refreshments, some chitchat and selfies at IG- worthy sites.   

Quick stop to enjoy the scenery at eastern Bohol 

Want a feel of Bohol’s interior towns? Then proceed to Loboc (20 km distance) via Corella (home of the Tarsier Sanctuary) and Sikatuna. From Loboc where you get glimpses of its famed floating restaurants, you may proceed to Bilar where you pass through the enchanting Bilar Man- Made Forest and see the iconic Chocolate Hills in Carmen (60 kms) 

At the peak of Mt. Banat-i, Tagbilaran City's highest peak

So how about you guys? Are you ready for the ride of your life?

A pose at the impressive facade of Moadto Strip Mall, Panglao 

Photo credits: Ms. Vanessa Aumentado

EJ Relampagos & Vanessa Aumentado: Creative Collaboration

Sensational Boholano designer EJ Relampagos has always dreamt of something big for fellow Boholano designers.

CREATIVE COLLABORATION: EJ Relampagos& Vanessa Aumentado 2nd 

Acknowledged as one of the pillars of Bohol’s burgeoning fashion industry and one of the founders of the Bohol Designers Circle, he envisions a more professional approach & world- class standards that would ultimately benefit the Boholano community. 

Bohol 2nd  District's 1st Couple with  Sen. Miguel Zubiri & wife Audrey

The University of San Carlos graduate who has attended fashion week celebrations in New York, Paris, Milan, London and Tokyo recently merited positive reviews for the Filipinana gown he created for Vanessa Aumentado. 

The Filipiniana gown boosted by the innate elegance of Ms. Vanessa Aumentado landed her in the list of GMA 7’s list of SONA’s most stylish women.

with Cong. Len Alonte, Atty. Jiselle Rae Villamor & socialite Lirio Cadorna- Arbilon

at the red carpet 

When asked how Ms.Aumentado inspired him, he said “

She radiates simplicity, beauty, elegance and class... Truly she has a sense of personal style which is beyond being fashionable”

The 47th Miss InterContinental and her KISS 102.3 FM Radio Interview

When news came that Ms. Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman would be jetting in to Bohol for her triumphant homecoming & thanksgiving visit, Your Roving Eye took it as just another news assignment to cover and to report on.

with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero , Cong. Aris Aumentado & wife Vanessa at 

Alona Tropical Beach Resort Welcome Dinner

selfie with the gorgeous Karen Gallman

Who would have thought that it would be an encounter of a lifetime? As I headed off to the Panglao Airport for the arrival of the latest addition to Bohol’s pride, my mind brought me back to that fateful month a year ago when Ms. Gallman became the second Boholana to be crowned a Bb Pilipinas titleholder. She was Bb Pilipinas- InterContinental 2018 which meant she was to represent the country in the pageant assignment that has been very elusive to the Filipina. The best finish ever by a Filipina in Miss InterContinental was by Christi Mc Garry and Katarina Rodriguez as 1^st RU in 2015 and 2018, respectively.

Karen holds a copy of the Bohol Chronicle

 With Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. staff

Karen expresses delight upon seeing her pageant victory as headline

Anyway, we were able to squeeze into Ms. Gallman’s very tight three- day schedule in her home province a quick visit and interview at the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. office before proceeding to Ubay for her homecoming visit. The formidable task of interviewing the first Boholana international pageant titleholder on air fell into my lap at the last- minute.

with DJ Inday Rufing, Vanessa Aumentado, Mommy Editha Boyonas & Sir Peter Dejaresco

 

sharing a laugh with Ms. Gakkman during her interview

 

And so there I was right at the office to meet Ms. Gallman, her mom Editha Boyonas and Maria Vanessa Aumentado, wife of Cong. Aris Aumentado who facilitated and organized the homecoming along with the LGU of Ubay and the LGU of Panglao.

with Christopher Lumactud, BCRC official photographer

my fave photo with Karen & Vanessa 

After presenting Ms. Gallman copies of the Bohol Chronicle issue that bannered her Miss InterContinental triumph, we sat her down at the KISS 102.3 FM's deejay's booth and briefed her on the quick radio interview. 

MORE TO FOLLOW

Karen Gallman's Heartwarming Homecoming Visit to Bohol

Bohol was thrown in a tizzy when Karen Juanita Boyonas Gallman, Bohol’s first international beauty titlist arrived for her homecoming. Everywhere she went, she was a headturning sensation. Who wouldn’t be when you are blessed with the best of the East & the West and gifted with doses of that self- assuredness and confidence that comes with a well- deserved victory. 

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: Karen Gallman during her press conference

Photo Credits: TJ Medrana

It was a heartwarming welcome indeed with a series of events packed into a tight three – day visit. At the Panglao Airport, she was welcomed by by a group of wellwishers led by her relative Cong. Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol’s 2^nd District, wife Mrs. Vanessa Aumentado and Hon. Aya Montero on behalf of the Panglao LGU. Karen got emotional when she saw the group of Panglao school kids who were waving flaglets and screaming her name at the arrival area.  

Overwhelmed with the Panglao schoolkids who waved flaglets in the air

 Cong. Aris Aumentado & wife Vanessa Aumentado 

led wellwishers in welcoming Karen Gallman 

WARM WELCOME: Panglao Mayor Nila Montero at 

Alona Tropical Beach Resort & Hon. Aya Montero at the airport

From the airport, she was whisked off to Alona Tropical Beach Resort where a press conference and a welcome dinner awaited her. She charmed Bohol’s media with her wit & candor, endearing smile, feminine allure and charming beauty 

With Your Roving Eye & Mrs. Vanessa Aumentado

With Cong. & Mrs. Aris Aumentado & media maven Ardie Araneta 

The following day, she had a quick stopover at the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. office for a photo opportunity and an interview at KISS 102.3 FM with Your Roving Eye before proceeding to Ubay for her homecoming visit that included a courtesy call, campus tour, visit to the Philippine Carabao Center - Ubay Stock Farm, homecoming parade & reconition program. 

With Bohol Chronicle issue that bannered her pageant victory

With Bohol Chronicle Radio Corp. staff

Your Roving Eye presents copy of Bohol Chronicle issue 

with lifestyle section feature on her

It was a whirlwind visit but Karen never showed any hint of fatigue, irritation nor restlessness. She was in fact very grateful for the heroine’s welcome accorded her by her paisanos who were proud and thankful for the honor & recognition she gave her town Ubay and her home province Bohol.

Time stood still in Ubay when Karen had her homecoming parade 

Photo Credits: Ric Obedencio

SPECIAL THANKS & recognition to the town of Ubay led by Mayor Constan Reyes and Cong. Aris Aumentado with the help of wife Vanessa a former beauty queen herself & other officials who facilitated and coordinated the visit of Karen Gallman an Ubayanon who gave honor, pride & recognition not only to Ubay but also to her home province of Bohol and the Philippines when she became the first Pinay to be crowned Miss InterContinental. 

Ms. Gallman speaks to a jampacked crowd in Ubay and 

encouraged the youth to chase after their dreams

Ubay Science High School students present a 

charcoal portrait to a delighted Karen

 PRIDE OF UBAY: Ubay Mayor  Constan Reyes presents Ms. Gallman 

a plaque of recognition while Cong. Aris Aumentado looks on

Photo: Ric Obedencio

Ms. Gallman was born at Barangay Fatima in Ubay to Gavin William Gallman, a retired Australian soldier, and Ubay native Editha Boyonas on September 27, 1992 and had her formative years in Brgy. Bood where they had a farm before migrating to Australia at the age of eight. 

as Miss Philippines during the 47th Miss InterContinental Pageant  

Her journey towards the Miss InterContinental crown began when she was crowned Miss Ubay 2007 at age 14, competed in Bb Pilipinas 2012 where she was voted Miss Photogenic and made it as Top 12 Finalist. She was convinced by Madame Stella Marquez to compete again but not before getting a Business Arts major in Management at the Griffiths University in Brisbane, Australia. 

showcasing the beauty, charm & intelligence of the Boholana on the global stage

She joined Bb Pilipinas again last year where she won the Bb Pilipinas- InterContinental 2018 crown. She and Catriona Gray are the only Bb Pilipinas queens of their batch to win their respective international assignments.

From Miss Ubay 2007 to being crowned the 47^th Miss InterContinental.

Montero Family's Triple Celebration at Alona Tropical Beach Resort

It was with jubilation, gratitude and magnanimity when the Monteros tendered a triple celebration at their breathtaking Alona Tropical Beach Resort a week ago. Movers and shakers from Bohol’s political scene, society figures, namedroppables and throngs of supporters & wellwishers came for the celebration. 

Panglao Mayor Nila Montero & Cong. Aris Aumentado

It was the belated birthday celebration of Frank Montero, his grandsons Aaron Franko Montero Nuñez and Yussoff Montero Cerna, the baptismal dinner for granddaughter Anya Nikola Montero Cerna and the thanksgiving dinner for Mayor Nila's recent legal triumph. 

Charming Cerna Clan of Salipada & Nekolai with

their kids Amir, Yussof, Nika & Anya w Fr. Joel Ruyeras

High profile guests included the Dela Serna family, DA Region 7 Asst. Director Atty. Salvador Diputado, brilliant writer  Donald Sevilla, Joy Sevilla & Boy Pernia. Hardworking congressman Aris Aumentado came with his gorgeous wife Vanessa C. Aumentado.

Beauties & the Best

FAB FOUR. Celevel Butler, Nekolai Cerna, Evelyn Du & Aya Montero

Atty. Yvann Lucero, Mary Ann  Mapait,  Avril Espinosa, Archt. David Tan Jr. & Erma Pandan

OFFICERS & GENTLEMEN. Birthday boy Frank Montero with law enforcement 

guests that included Police Supt. Santos and Police Supt. Navida 

After feasting on an array of mouthwatering fare, everyone enjoyed the entertainment provided by Deep Blue, Bo Young & Brownbuds, Bohol’s undisputed reggae & ska band. The party & revelry wound down just past midnight and just before we bid adieu to the Monteros and to the other guests, we couldn’t help but hum the catchy melody of the band’s repertoire while having a big smile plastered on our faces. 

JP Maslog, Zach Lucero, Aya Montero, Ruby Mijos & Nekolai Cerna

L-R: Raul Gatal, John Borgman, Celevel Butler, Vanessa Aumentado, 

Cong. Aris Aumentado & Maricel Madrona 

Standing L-R: Majoy Abugho, Raul Gatal, RCPI Pres. Romeo Balaba, 

Henann VP Alfonso Chusuey, Nekolai M. Cerna, Ruby Mijos & Jude Madera 

Seated: Marites Caindec, Evelyn Du and Councilor  Aya Montero 

 EXPATS & EXPERTS. John Borgman & son Milton, Breit Butler, Montero sisters, 

Raul Gatal  & jetsetting Celevel Butler

And who wouldn’t be in a jubilant mood? The soiree was proof positive that you just can’t put a good woman or a good family down. 

Henann’s Alfonso Chusuey with Bo Young’s April Remolador

BOHOL ARTISTS: Mike Yu, Joseph Dumadag, Maxi Tallo & Celevel Butler