Today is My Blog's 5th Year Anniversary!

Today is September 13 and my blogspot marks its 5th year anniversary. Today, we also hit the million mark for number of views. It's a twin milestone for someone who tried his hand on writing for fun and adventure. What an adventure it has been for the past five years.

Five years ago, I vividly remember describing myself as a very unlucky person who has been dealt some of life's most devastating blows both personal and professional during the last few years. Misfortune after misfortune have hounded me every now and then. Today, I take back what I wrote back in 2012. 

I realize how lucky I am to have been given the chance to bounce back and to gain a strong foothold on where I am now. Thank you to the people who have been there to help me and to make me believe in myself again.

Yes, it took me quite a while to be on steady grounds. Instead of moping down and putting the blame on others, I tried to find ways so I could cope and come to terms with the aftermath.

This blog has been a saving grace after all. It has been a reliable coping mechanism that helped me to regain my bearings and get a grip on myself.  

 Hitting the million mark on my fifth year anniversary! How doubly fulfilling!

Thank you to everyone who have made Bohol’s Roving Eye a part of their online activity,

Double cheers!

Bohol's Roving Eye Turns Four Years Old!

How could I possibly forget? Two days ago, September 13, was the fourth year anniversary of my blog. I was so inundated and swamped with mountains of paperwork that I simply forgot about it. 

There have been times that I have been in the doldrums especially when detractors and critics take at dig at my output but what kept me going is my love and passion for writing and of course, the love and support from you dear readers.

 Join me for a glass of bubbly tonight

Starting out as Bedimpled & Bodacious Boholano Blogger, the blog underwent a change of name to Bohol’s Roving Eye to be in sync with my lifestyle column in the Bohol Chronicle of the same name which incidentally marked its second year anniversary last July 27, 2016

Thank you to all of you who have visited and followed my blog for the last four years.

Now who wants some bubbly with me later tonight?

Cheers!  

www.mikeygatal.com shirt model

One bright day at the Alona Tropical Beach Resort, I had a photo shoot for my brother Mikey Gatal's website www.mikeygatal.com .

Just visit his website and register for free so you can be updated and be reconnected with all Boholanos from all over the world

Visit also Mikey's blogspot at www.boholster.com

Here are the some of the shots I personally chose

MY BLOG TURNS FOUR MONTHS TODAY!

My cup has runneth over since this blog came into being

We are the sum total of all our experiences

Everyday, we are faced with a lot of choices and ultimately, have to deal with the consequences. 

I have always told myself that I am one very unlucky person who has been dealt some of life's most devastating blows both personal and professional during the last two years

Other people would have buckled down and give up but not me. Instead of moping down and putting the blame on others, I tried to find ways so I could cope and come to terms with the aftermath

Coming up with this blog four months back was one such coping mechanism and it has helped me a lot to regain my bearings and get a grip on myself. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made because aside from reaching out to others, it has been a catharsis for me. 

Can you imagine letting go of all those personal demons that you have to wrestle with?

Today marks the four month anniversary of my blog and it has been an emotional roller coaster ride then. The euphoric highs and the depressing lows have been worth it.  

Thanks again to those who visited my blog and helped me reach out to a lot of netizens not only in Bohol but also from around the world

Cheers!

Photo Credit:

Dennis Saco of Cio Photography, Bohol

Bohol's Debutantes of the Decade

Turning 18 is one of the most highly- anticipated events in a girl's life. Transformation. Transition. Metamorphosis. Commencement. Call it whatever you want but it is one magical night when a girl truly becomes a princess with all eyes on her the moment she makes her grand entrance and with all the most dashing swains at her beck and call ready to curtsy and make her dance all night long

I have been blessed for the opportunity to emcee their coming out parties

Here are some of the most unforgettable debutantes of Bohol

# 1 KARISMA ROMEA

Who can forget KARISMA ROMEA? 

Truly living up to her name's sterling attribute, the charming debutante traces her lineage to the Romeas of Maribojoc. 

If the family name rings a bell, it's because she is the granddaughter of the late J. Ning Romea, the legendary features writer of the Bohol Chronicle whose articles I always devoured every Sunday with gusto. Karisma is a BS Nursing student of Holy Name University

Karisma is the daughter of Engr. John Carlos D. Romea 
and Mrs. Teofanisa O. Romea with 
an only brother, John Carlos O. Romea II

Prince Charming for the night

Some of her classmates who were under my English 1 class during their freshman year. One of the best sections I have ever handled. Smart, respectful and behaved students

The most unforgettable moment? When her very very close friends & classmates whipped up a dance number for and with her... TRULY A LABOR OF LOVE & FRIENDSHIP!

The masquerade- themed affair was held at the MetroCentre Hotel on May 22, 2011 and was organized by Malou Lustre 

The debutante's mom, Mrs. Romea, Stanley Sevilla, topnotch choreographer, hardworking Malou Lustre, event planner extraordinaire &  Lee Purificacion, debutante's classmate

# 2 GUADA LABUNOG

Next is GUADA LABUNOG whose team of young event organizers from Cebu transformed the venue into a scene straight from Alice in Wonderland including giant mushrooms!

Who can ever forget this birthday cake?

Guada is the daughter of Boboy & Lilia Labunog shown here with whole brood

Gorgeous gents all in a row

This was the night that I also caught a glimpse at a stunningly beautiful Boholana whose classic looks reminded me of Hollywood royalty! Her name? JUSTINE SOMBRIO

EJ Relampagos, Bohol's foremost fashion authority & pageant enthusiast, would surely be thrilled if this luminous beauty would give modeling or pageants a try. 

glammed up royalettes

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!