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.

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

Random Ramblings from Raul

So I'm still a bachelor, never married, no kids. Alone but not lonely.

To tell you the truth, I have lots of peace and quiet in my life, I like that.

Although certainly it would be nice to have a “Besty” but I’ve found that relationships are a real give and take thing and I just like the idea of me doing what I want and not having someone over my back, giving me suggestions/advice every day all the time, (not that every relationship is like that but….) or having to get their approval to do something.

You call it loneliness. I call it freedom. If you're not happy with what’s flying around inside your head, well, you got to do something about that.

Depending on someone else may work for you or the two of you but someday, you're gonna be alone and if you don’t know how to handle it its gonna be a rough ride.

To be honest though  especially when I'm just by myself and get melancholic, I often wonder about all the could've, should've would've.

But then I realize that I’m probably going to be one of those that end up dead in their apartment, but thats ok, I’ll have lived my life how I wanted

And by the way, it isn't my birthday. These are just musings from a guy who is experiencing some midlife crisis. 

The First- Ever Mister & Miss PGBh Search !

In a province where pageant winners are revered and treated as celebrities, it was no surprise when the call for contestants from among the different sectors or offices at the Capitol was sounded off. 

As highlight for their family day celebration, it generated a lot of buzz and excitement and so there it was, the unique pageant that culminated with its coronation night at the Bohol Cultural Center last September 28. Seven pairs of male and female employees representing their respective sectors or offices in the Bohol Provincial Government pitted personality, poise and popularity in the first- ever Mister & Miss PGBh Quest. 

The contestants in their sportswear 

The pair from Finance receives the Darling of the Crowd
sashes from COS Atty.  Jun Amora & BM Jamie Villamor 

BEST IN SPORTSWEAR. The pair from Legislative with
Prov'l Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay & BM Lucille Lagunay

The candidates used the contest as a platform to acquaint the general public of the important role of their respective departments in governance and public service.

The glitzy event opened with a spectacular production number to the amazement and delight of the Capitol employees and top government officials who were there to cheer for their candidates. 

This year’s pioneering candidates and sectors represented were # 1 Mr. Jan Ashley Gementiza & Ms. Sarah Mae Balite of Legislative Sector, # 2 Mr. Jeffrey Torralba & Ms. Stephanie Gesite of Finance Sector, # 3 Mr. Alexies Cacho & Ms. Anacel Gultia of Infrastructure Sector, # 4 Mr. Anthony Pastorfide & Ms. Joanne Pinat of Economic Sector, # 5 Dr. Eli Sajulga & Ms. Cherie Jane Cirunay of Health Sector, # 6 Mr. Gabriel Torreon & Ms. Maraya Angela Solera of Devt. Administration and # 7 Jaypee Ian Morgia & Ms. Maria Berlin Algusar of Social Sector.

Best Talent performers were Economic sector's  Anthony &
Joanne for their magical & mesmerizing "Whole New World" duet

The contestants competed in five areas of judging; Opening Production Number, Sportswear, Talent, Formal Wear& the Q & A where they expounded on the biggest contribution of their respective sectors or offices in governing the provincial government towards building Bohol as a dynamic & progressive province. The pair from Economic Sector won the Q & A round with their convincing & persuasive answers.   

BEST IN FORMAL. The Health sector bets with
Atty. Jun Amora & BM Gloria Gementiza

MEET THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

Mister & Miss PGBh 2022

1st Runners Up

2nd Runners Up

Male candidate # 1, the tall & charming Mr. Jan Ashley Gementiza of Legislative was named Mister PGBh 2022. 1^st RU was # 5 Dr. Eli Sajulga of Health and 2^nd RU was # 4 Mr. Anthony Pastorfide of Economic.

Female candidate # 5 Cherie Jane Cirunay of Health was visibly surprised & got emotional when she heard her name being announced as Miss PGBh 2022. 1^st RU was # 1 Sarah Mae Balite of Legislative and 2^nd RU was # 4 Ms. Joanne Pinat of Economic

the candidates looking glamorous in their formal wear

Here are the winners of the special awards: 

SPECIAL AWARD	MALE WINNER	FEMALE WINNER
Best in Production Number	# 1 Legislative	# 1 Legislative
Best in Sportswear	# 1 Legislative	# 1Legislative
Best Talent Performance	# 4 Economic	# 4 Economic
Best in Formal Wear	# 5 Health	# 5 Health
Darling of the Crowd	# 2 Finance	# 2 Finance

PANEL OF JUDGES. Members of the panel of judges chaired by top Boholano fashion designer EJ Relampagos were beauty queen & SMART Communications- Bohol Customer Devt. Manager Ms. Maryknoll Romerde, businesswoman & Miss Bohol Co- Chair Ms. Ana Loinda Saluan, Tagbilaran City Events, Culture & Arts Office Head Mr. Joseph Alexis Cadelina and Mister Bohol 2021 Mr. Arneil Kadusale.

Mister & Miss PGBh 2022 was the glamorous highlight and finale of the Capitol employees’ Family Day celebration. It was organized and led by Maam Jo Relampagos, Head of the Bohol Provincial Human Resource Management & Development Office. Show Director was Mr. Eme Pinos of Bohol Economic Development & Investment Promotion Office.

Photo Credits: Robert Justy Alfarero & EJ De Guzman

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

Tagbilaran City PNP’s Project R.E.A.L. Gains Citywide Approval

Three days after the launching of Project R.E.A.L. (Reading Enhancement, Assessment & Literacy) the police mobile library sprang into action with its first community outreach activity conducted by the Tagbilaran City Police Station led by PSMS Carl John Legaspi under the supervision of PLTCOL Regie P. Real and in cooperation with the Tagbilaran LGU headed by Mayor Jane Yap and supported by philanthropist Dalareich Polot & Brgy. San Isidro officials at the Sipupa 2, Brgy. San Isidro of Tagbilaran City.

excited kids check out the books

Around 150 children- beneficiaries of the said barangay were given access to books and assorted reading materials. Making the activity more fulfilling was the free lugaw (Libreng Lugaw ni Manang Hepe) given to all the participants.

PCPL Bryan Villasquina reads to kids

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Tagbilaran City Police Station personnel with Chief of Police PLTCOL Regie P. Real, in partnership with City Mayor Jane Yap, conducts the education- based community outreach program to a pre- selected area within the city.  

To date, ten of the city’s 15 barangays have benefited from the activity. These are barangays San Isidro, Manga, Taloto, Mansasa, Taloto, Booy, Pob.III, Cogon, Pob. II and Tiptip.  

PLTCOL Real with Mayor Jane Yap & COS Baba Yap
 during Brgy. Taloto visit, Aug. 13 

TCPS Chief of Police PLTCOL Real shared that the project will not end once all 15 barangays have been visited and serviced by the police mobile library. After all, education should be constant and consistent. 

PCR Head PSMS Carl John C. Legaspi extends assistance

The launching of Project REAL highlighted the culmination of the nationwide 27th PNP Police Community Relations (PCR) Month last July 27, 2022 held at the Plaza Rizal. 

Ten of 15 city barangays have been visited

Barely a month after its launching, the project has created a buzz among netizens because of its timeliness, relevance and innovation. 

It has also merited the approval of the City Mayor because it coincides with her focus and thrust on education especially among the city’s marginalized children.

At the same time, the Bureau of Fire Protection has also been a tremendous ally in the said activity as its crew has been actively teaching young citizens on Fire Safety.

Congratulations Farrahlynn B. Bonocan

Congratulations to my US- based Boholano friends Ken & Naomi Joy Maree Bonocan for the good news! 

Farrahlynn B. Bonocan, BSN, RN

Their beauty &  brains daughter, Farrahlynn B. Bonocan, BSN, RN is now officially an NCLEX passer. 

She finished her Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minor in Integrative Health and Wellness from the University of Portland, School of Nursing. 

But it's not all academics for Farrah. In between school work,  she finds time to dabble in her passion for singing and attending her karate training where she is a certified black belt. She also enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and checking out the new food offerings in town. 

Fresh from her successful passing of the NCLEX, and barely a month from her hospital job as a registered nurse,  she already has her short- term goals; that of finishing her RN residency in Oregon as a Med-Sur nurse and then transfer over to Labor and Delivery. 

Her long - term goal is to go back to school to get her Masters in Nursing and be a nurse practitioner someday. 

Queen of Bohol 2022 Press Presentation

It was a bumper harvest of beauties during the sashing ceremony & press presentation for Queen of Bohol 2022 held at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium just this afternoon. 

After their individual introductions, each of the candidates underwent a Q & A with the members of the press.

Joining me at the press table were veteran newsmen Rey Chiu & Ric Obedencio, content creator Jhuriz, vlogger Paolo Rigotti and top FM dj Chevy. 

The five who got the highest scores were the candidates from Ubay, Jagna, Tubigon, Maribojoc and Talibon. One of them will be awarded the "Darling of the Press" special title which will be known on coronation night.

Jagna, Tubigon, Maribojoc, Talibon & Ubay 

As the pageant gets underway, some of the candidates have emerged as early favorites with the gorgeous quartet of Ubay, Jagna, Balilihan and Tubigon leading the pack. 

Among the best speakers were Tagbilaran City, San Miguel and Garcia- Hernandez. 

Some of the most charming girls were the beauties from Getafe, Duero and Bilar. 

But anything can still happen as the girls still have to compete in the preliminary competitions and engage their fans and followers on social media. 

Thirty- four beauty delegates from all over the province will vie for the crown on August 27, BWS Gym.

The activity which kicked off the Queen of Bohol 2022 journey exceeded our expectations and we were pleasantly surprised with the topnotch caliber of candidates. 

Expect a grand and spectacular pageant night from the LGBTQ Community of Bohol. 

Pageant Chair is Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad together with Tamara Pancho and Kim Villamor as Creative Director and Pageant Consultant, respectively.