When Dragons Invaded Bohol

The 2nd Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Federation International Club Crew Challenge has come and gone  but its impact still lingers. It brought so much excitement to my otherwise monotonous and drab existence. 

When I got the call from Tagbilaran's top eventologist LJ Lumayag of K & N Productions inviting me to be a part of the working team behind the summer sports spectacle, little did I realize that it would open new doors for me. 

It was an honor to be working side-by-side with the unassuming and self- effacing Ret. Major General Charly B. Holganza, the Overall ExeCom Chair, who was so intent with his vision for the event and for Bohol that we couldn't help but root for him and work beyond what was agreed on. 

It was indeed one big event for new opportunities, new friends, new challenges

with Kechie, Mark & Gerson at the K & N Office

On the other hand, Sir Charly's niece and his Project Coordinator, the feisty and whooping dynamo Geraldine Gentozala- Juachon was in an entirely different league of her own. 

She knew exactly what she wanted and she says it as it is. No shades of gray for this dynamite. 

Mr. Lumayag assigned me the task of overseeing the conceptualization, revisions and production of the Souvenir Programme. After meeting the creative team composed of Ghen Lumayag, Cana Apale, Ian Anino , Mark Aranas and the rest of the gang, we were put to work immediately. 

First issues to be resolved: 

Do we go for the traditional or the new one? How many pages? what kind of printing paper will be used? will it be glossy or matte? 

What should be the size? colored or black and white? layout? what should be featured? 

Most importantly, how many working days are we supposed to work on the project?

In between beating the "deadliest" of the deadline,  we also had to contend with last minute changes, inserting   additional advertisers (who in his right mind would refuse a willing and able sponsor? pray, tell me) burning the midnight candles, assigning shifts for sleeping within the printing press so that printing will be 24/ 7

The best thing about the whole shebang? 

The food especially the breakfast prepared by Maam Nelly Lumayag and the endless cups of coffee and the unlimited supply of Marlboros..

Of course, the chika and the teasing and the practical jokes too

Thank you Gen. Charly Holganza, thank you LJ, thank you Ghen and to the rest of the gang

Miss you like crazy!

Finished Product: Waiting for distribution

At the end of the day, what matters the most would be the people you work with. 

Their being genuine, their being pleasant and fun to be with because when the going gets tough especially when the deadline comes nearer and tempers flare up, what we need are grace under pressure and professionalism. 

Surely and undoubtedly, K & N Productions has oodles and oodles of that.

La Bella Maria Escabarte: La Simpatica Muy Bonita Co- Emcee

with one of Bohol's prettiest :Justine Sombrio whose family owns Panda Tea Garden Suites

Bohol's paddlers during cocktails

In between editing and printing the souvenir programme, I still managed to co- emcee the event

Photo Credits:

Ghen Lumayag

Renel Dangoy

Phil Dragon Boat Race 2013 Opener

The Opening Ceremonies of the 2nd Cobra- Philippine Dragon Boat Federation International Club Crew Challenge held recently in Dauis, Bohol was graced by Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto who took time off from his grueling election campaign trail to address and welcome the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation led by its President Marcia Cristobal & party and the more than 600 athletes, team managers and sponsors from the Philippine dragon boat community. 

Dauis Town Mayor Jaime "Jimmy" Jimenez, himself an avid paddler, also welcomed everyone to the municipal town of dauis, the gateway to Panglao Island

Ret. Major General Charly B. Holganza, Overall Chair of the Event Organizing Committee, later declared the Bohol Dragon Boat Regatta open

Dauis Municipal Mayor Jimmy Jimenez

Seen during the festive Opening Ceremony was hardworking and amiable Rowena "Weng" Montecillo, Dept of Tourism Central Visayas Regional Director who made sure that everyone was okay and enjoying the hospitality & warmth of the Boholano

Awakening of the Dragon Ceremony: Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto with PDBF Pres. Marcia Cristobal & Dept of Tourism Region 7 Director Rowena "Weng" Montecillo

Also working behind the scenes were Geraldine "Gen" Gentozala- Juachon, the dynamo behind the event as well as LJ Lumayag, Event Organizer from K & N Productions, and Maleth Zafra

L-R: Gen. Charly Holganza, Gov. Edgar Chatto, DOT Region 7 Director Weng Montecillo, PDBF Pres Marcia Cristobal

SMOLDERING SHOW ONSTAGE:

Later on, Maria Escaberte & your Boholano Blogger, the event emcees, inadvertently sent everyone's temperatures shooting up the roof when we dared the athletes to to show off their sexiest selves. 

To everyone's delight, some hunky and sexy dragon boat paddlers gamely posed and gyrated onstage for the On- the- Spot "Sexiest Summer Bodies" Challenge sponsored by Cobra Energy Drink and in part by Danao Adventure Park & Hyundai

Here are some of the sizzling action captured through the lenses of Ginelee "Ghen" Lumayag of K & N Productions

A member of the FSUU Team from Butuan City shows off his biceps

The Philippine Navy paddlers sizzle onstage

JCI Boholana Kisses President Maria Escabarte wows em with her wit & charm

Your Blogger, Raul Gatal, and Maria Escabarte with the Sexiest Hunk Winner

The media and onlookers can't get enough of the action

a sizable crowd of athletes and onlookers are all eyes on the spectacle

So now I know the secret to getting the most buffed physique. Paging the Bohol Paddlers Association! 

Can I enlist now for the next tryouts?

Photo Credits: Ginelee "Ghen" Lumayag of Ghen Lumayag Photography

Chanisse Angelie Bojo Turn 18

Designs and layout: Ghen Lumayag
Printer: K&N Productions

It is only lately that the idea of a coming out party has caught on in Bohol. More and more families have embraced the celebration of a debut or debutante's ball when daughters reach their eighteenth birthday.

Eighteen is not only the time when young Filipinos reach their legal age but also the time when young girls come of age and make the transition to maturity and sensibility.

From simple yet intimate affairs held at home to lavish celebrations befitting a young princess, these important social milestones showcase not only the beauty and charm of  the celebrants but also highlight the talents they possess. These celebrations usually have a theme that reflects the personality and interests of the debutante

On Wednesday, May 15 2013, one such lucky girl will be presented to society in a celebration to be held at one of the top- rated hotels in Tagbilaran City

And who is the lucky girl?

She is Chanisse Angelie Bojo, the daughter of Edgar Salinas & Juliet Bojo- Salinas. Chanisse, an incoming BS Physical Therapy student of Cebu Doctors University, comes across as a young independent, trustworthy and well- grounded lady who obviously has been brought up well by a supportive and loving family

Cheers to you Chanisse!

Will keep you posted on the details but for the meantime, here is a sneak preview of her photo shoot courtesy of top photographer, Dennis Saco of CIO Photography, Tagbilaran City, Bohol 

Photo Credits: Dennis Saco