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

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.

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

The Miss Bohol Reunion: A Story of Enduring Friendship

Twenty- two years ago, buddies Juny Binamira & Dominic Butalid were tasked to handle the pageant's swimsuit photography at Ananyana Resort. It was for the girls who missed the first photo shoot. The group included Miss Duero Ma. Vanessa Cadorna while Raul Gatal who was the pageant emcee for most of the 90s was in the pageant committee as well. 

A Reunion of Friends

 

Since only a handful of girls were involved in the shoot, there was more time for small talk and more time for the photo session. Mr. Butalid even gave his fearless prediction that Vanessa would be among the top three girls who would slug it out for the crown. And he was proven right of course.

With her communication skills, charm & personality, she was the unanimous choice of the judges as Best in Interview and finished strongly as 1^st RU. But we all know what happened afterwards. When the eventual winner resigned as Miss Bohol 2001, Vanessa accepted the pageant organizers’ request for her to assume the title and the responsibilities that go with it.

L-R: Juny, Dominic, Vanessa & Raul

Fast forward to the 1st Bohol Dive Expo 2023 last summer where all four had different roles to play. Juny, a seasoned diver and photography buff was in the panel of judges for the underwater photography contest. Dominic, who is currently the president of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce & Industry was one of the event consultants. Raul was one of the writers tasked to prepare the dive magazine as well as program emcee while Vanessa who is currently Bohol's First Lady being the wife of Gov. Aris Aumentado is 2nd District Congresswoman and Vice Chair of the Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives.

 All the memories came back during the opening night of the event where Cong. Aumentado was invited as guest speaker. Members of the press who were there took photos of the instant reunion. What a night to remember.

The Queen & the Emcee

Indeed, pageants can also be platforms where endand mutual trust can be forged not only among the candidates but also among the people behind the event.

Will It be Third Time's the Universe for Pauline?

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado and First Lady & 2nd Dist. Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado warmly received Pauline Cucharo Amelincx during her courtesy call at the Governor's Office yesterday afternoon.

Pauline with Gov. Aris Aumentado & Cong. Vanessa Aumentado 

The said visit kicks off Ms. Amelincx' s Miss Universe Philippines 2023 journey after making it as one of 40 official candidates during the final screening in Metro Manila. 

Ms. Amelincx represented her hometown of Tubigon in Miss Bohol 2017 which she easily won. The multi-  titled beauty queen was also crowned Global Beauty Queen during the golden edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2018. 

Her Miss Universe Philippines journey started in 2020 where she was named 3rd Runner Up to Rabiya Mateo. Her second bid gave her the Miss Universe Philippines -Charity 2022 crown. Will her third and final attempt give Bohol its keenly anticipated MUP crown?

She follows the footsteps of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach who competed in 2013 and 2014 before finally clinching the Bb Pilipinas Universe crown in 2015. Maricar Balagtas also competed thrice in Bb Pilipinas in 2000 and 2001 before winning the crown in 2004.

This year's MUP winner will represent the country in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant to be held in San Salvador, El Salvador this December.

Aside from the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown, MUP organizers have announced that Miss Supranational Philippines and Miss Charm Philippines will also be crowned during the grand coronation night.

We shall be updating fellow Boholanos of  Ms. Amelincx's bid for the crown through a series of blog features that would capture the drama and excitement of her journey.

Good luck Ms. Amelincx!

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

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