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I noticed dyutay na lang ang tig bisita niining atong payag nga ginganlan og TubagBohol. Tungod ba kaha kini sa Facebook, Twitter ug ubang social networks? Daghan kaayong gi upload nga mga topics nga walay comments or responses.

These are the following:

1.   Our Lady of Light Church
2.   Hexagonal Mortuary Kiosk
3.   Spanish-era Circular Cemetery
4.   "Inang-angan" (212-step coral-stone stairway)

The church of the Parroquia de la Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Parokya sa Birhen sa Kasilak) has been declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly NHI). The unveiling of the marker has been scheduled for December 6, 2010.


From Wikipedia:

The Church of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz. Established by the Jesuits in 1753, the Our Lady of Light Parish was ceded in 1768 to the Recollects who built the first stone church in the 1780s. The churches built in 1815, 1850 and 1853-54 were devoured by fire. The present façade is believed to have survived the last one. This "Crowning Glory of Recollect Architecture" and "Queen of All Heritage Churches in Bohol" was constructed when Fr. Jose Garcia was parish priest from 1854 to 1890. Domingo de Escondrillas, director of public works in Cebu, drew the plans. The extremely elegant Baroque facade of this biggest church edifice in the Visayas is the finest in Bohol. Consolidating the Moorish tendencies are the bas-relief carving, wooden balusters guarding the bell tower windows, and the pointed roofs. The sophisticated architectural styles of the Baroque, the Moorish and the Plateresque are evident in the Corinthian columns and fine details of the lace-like capitals. The painted ceiling of the interior, done by Ray Francia in 1938, is perfectly in step with the tiled (now GI sheet) roof and the main "retablo" embellished with roundels in bas-relief depicting scenes from the life of Mary. The faux dome depicts popular saints venerated by Catholics. Beside the church is the old convento, now Sacred Heart Academy, which was built during the term of Fr. Pedro Polo (1844â€"46).

The Spanish galleon “Andalucia” arrives in Loon on October 23, 2010 as part of the 1st International “Dia del Galeon” Festival. “Andalucia” is a replica of a 17th century galleon built by the Foundation “Nao Victoria” and sponsored by the government and business community of Andalusia.

The galleon “Andalucia” revives the legendary trading vessels of the Galleon Trade Route that for three centuries (1565-1815) linked Manila, Acapulco and Seville, sailing across the Pacific Ocean between Asia and America as merchant ships and as a means to propagate culture.

“Andalucia” left Seville on March 21, covering roughly 11,000 miles and crossing the Mediterranean and Red Seas, and the Indian Ocean to reach Asia, calling on many of its ports. During Expo Shanghai 2010, the Galleon highlighted the Spanish pavilion to showcase both tradition and vanguard to promote Andalusia and Spain, the galleon replicating the first vessel to circumnavigate the world, thus demonstrating the Foundation’s vision, entrepreneurship, research and innovation proficiency.

“Andalucia” docked in Manila from October 6 to 9 afterwhich it sailed to Cebu where it docked at Aduana (Pier 1) on October 13. It completes its Philippine visit in Bohol, docking at the Loon Bohol International Cruise Ship Port in Catagbacan from October 23 to 25.

It will be Spain’s contribution to the “Dia del Galeon” Festival organized by Sen. Edgardo Angara, director general Cecile G. Alvarez in collaboration with the NCCA, DFA and the National Museum to mark the International Day of the Galleon, a UNESCO commemoration set on Oct. 8. Spain attaches great value to the Festival in appreciation of cultural diversity prompting inter-cultural dialogue to achieve tolerance, respect, mutual understanding for peaceful co-existence in modern democracies. The Galleon trade is at the core of Spain’s Common past with the Philippines.


Source: www.philstar.com

    See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil as gentle monkeys make you want to cuddle them in  your arms in this relatively quiet barangay that has been transformed into Bohol’s newest tourism hub.

    Cantomucad is one of the barangays of Loon that made it the ready-to-wear capital of Bohol. Its RTWs, as well as those produced in adjacent Pondol, lorded it over in retail stores in many business centers in the Visayas and Mindanao. Despite the advent of the “ukay-ukay”, the local garments manufacturing has survived.

    Meanwhile, a species of crab-eating monkeys inhabiting the barangay’s pristine mangrove forest may as yet trigger the business acumen of the local residents as the primates have become a tourist attraction and their habitat a showcase for environmental conservation. This early, some enterprising residents have produced macaque-inspired t-shirts for their “monkey-business”.

    According to Wikipedia, macaques belong to the subfamily Cercopithecinae. Although native to Asia and Northern Africa, thousands of them are housed in research facilities, zoos, wildlife or amusement parks, and are kept as pets in private homes throughout the world, making them the most widely distributed genus of nonhuman primates.

    Considered as true monkeys, these animals have a very intricate social structure and hierarchy. If a macaque that is lower level in the social chain has eaten berries and there are none left for a higher level macaque, the one higher in status can, within this social organization, remove the berries from the other monkey's mouth.

    Macaques, especially Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis, are commonly used in research, most recently in AIDS research. Their coloration includes gray, brown or black fur. They tend to be heavily built and medium to large in stature. Males and females may differ in weight, body size and canine (tooth) size. Based on internet research, the species found in Cantomucad is most likely Macaca fascicularis philippinensis.

    The Loon Macaques tourist destination has a receiving area and a boardwalk of about 100 meters at the end of which are found two feeding platforms. Giving food to the animals is strictly the task of the caretakers and is done at certain times of the day. When the monkeys are nowhere found, they are most likely engaged in things they normally do, like looking for crabs, clams and mudskippers (“tambasakan”); clinging and sleeping on tree branches; or just playing around with family members.      

    Open to tourists from 8 AM to 5 PM, the facility also features a well-protected mangrovetum or mangrove garden the species of which have been identified by the Bohol Environment and Management Office. (RPM)

The image of the Kasilak was reported to have been originally enthroned in a church in Butuan, Agusan del Norte on September 8, 1597.  When the Magindanao, Balangingi, Iranon or Illanon and Laut (pirates from the southern seas) attacked the coastal villages of Mindanao, concerned Butuanons sailed north towards Bohol bringing with them the wooden statue of Our Lady. Unfortunately, the attackers were also wreaking havoc on some communities on the island.  The group was determined to sail towards Cebu but the Marian devotees opted to sail towards the western rim of the island, dropping anchor in Sandingan, a tranquil island near mainland Loon.

Upon knowing that a well-established community existed in Napo, the group led by Rev. Fr. Pedro Lopez, SJ brought the image to the latter where it was warmly received and enthroned.  This allegedly happened in 1610 (unconfirmed).  For several years, the Birhen sa Kasilak was venerated by the Loonanon faithful in this old poblacion of Loon.

In 1753, Fray Manuel de Elizalde of the Jesuit Mission became the first parish priest of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Our Lady of Light).  In 1768, the Jesuits ceded administration of the parish to the Recollects.  Years later, the image of the Kasilak was permanently enthroned in the present church of Loon which was completed around 1855.

The first miracle attributed to the Kasilak happened in the 18th century when a band of pirates sailed towards Napo to loot its houses of valuables.  Our Lady allegedly appeared atop the steps of Inang-angan in her most radiant glory.  The blinding lights radiating from her forced the intruders to sail away.  Since then, countless untold miracles have been experienced by the Loonanon faithful.

Today, SidlaKasilak, Loon’s Festival of Lights, brings back the memory of those days when Our Lady was brought to Loon almost 400 years ago.  A few days before September 8, the feast day of the town’s patroness, we Loonanons stage the festival to commemorate the arrival of the image of Our Lady from Butuan.

The “Birhen sa Kasilak” exhorts all of us to seek the True Light, Jesus Christ, especially in these times when selfishness, corruption, indifference and deceit seem to eclipse the real essence of life and living.  She also encourages everyone to pass on this Light to all families and communities so that all will live united in a much better world.

Note: The mother parish of Our Lady of Light (Nuestra Señora de la Luz) gave birth to four other parishes, two of them also dedicated to Mary, namely, Mary Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum) and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje).    

Loonanons in the Medical Profession
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are not found on this list.)

MEDICAL DOCTORS

Edwin P. Jao
Girlie P. Jao
Perla P. Jao - Tan
Josephine V. Relampagos - Trinidad
Jose V. Relampagos
Celestina L. Marcojos - de Jesus
Evelyn Cantones -
Jacinta Pestillos - Lasco
Felicisima S. Santillana
Jacinto Sieras
Dr. Cantones
Grace M. Romea - Borja
Bebeth Mesina
Sophela Mesina
Yvonne M. Mesina -
Primo E. Maestrado II - 4th placer
Teofilo Recitas
Nicanor K. Lopez
Francisco S. Razalo
Tito L. Miranda
Teofilo Recitas
Janet P. Mesina -
Christopher P. Mesina
Maria Victoria Lamparas
Christine G. Masamayor - valedictorian, Class 2004 of the UP College of Medicine; 13th placer in the 2004 medical board examination
Jocelyn L. Nazareno
Marilu L. Nazareno
Maria Asuncion L. Relampagos - Navoa
Raquel Relampagos-Tansioco
Lloyd Peter M. Lopez
Cesar Tomas M. Lopez
Dr. Plateros (orthopedic)

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS

Primo E. Maestrado
Gingging Ganados
Adaw Uy - Emnace
Cirila Lacierda

PHARMACISTS
       
Grace Ponte Jao - Molon
Rosabella Ponte Jao - Alesna
Filomena E. Chua
Carmen Orcullo Colarines - Pinatacan
Wevina Orcullo Colarines - Fortugaliza
Gina Monreal Regañon - Jusay
Ms. Rubilla
Janet Monreal Regañon
Zenda Poligrates
Jennifer Sanguenza - Cubelo
Emilia Mesina
Inday Miranda

DENTISTS

Ceferino Concha
Rosendo M. Lopez III
Adela Emnace Maestrado

OPTOMETRISTS

Ammie Salgados - Monreal
Rudy Masamayor

NURSES The list is very long. Only those with notable accomplishments are included here.  

Artemia M. Guitones - Caresosa - 4th placer
Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, MD - 10th placer
Gertie Ann Piscos - 20th placer

Loonanons in Beauty and Fashion
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)

Beauty and Brains

Virgilia E. Chua - finalist in a popularity contest sponsored by Ang Suga, a widely read magazine in the Visayas and Mindanao areas during the '60s and '70s.

Carmelita Procianos Taylaran - Miss Loon 1977; Miss Bohol third runner-up

Maria Dolores Dumadag Alemania - Miss Loon 1978

Maria Antonietta U. Miñoza - Miss University of Bohol

Miss Vallesteros - Miss University of Bohol

Chan Retutas Cajegas - Miss University of Bohol; Chan was also crowned by Miss Universe 1999 First Runner-up Miriam Quiambao as the first Miss Bohol International during the first Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) in July 1999. She represented the Boholanos of Eastern USA. 

Maria Jennifer Garnica Mejorada - Miss Loon 1990

Candy Camineros - Miss Loon 1991

Gracia Robles Garnica - Miss Loon 1992

Louella Pantoja - Miss Loon 1999; fourth runner-up and best in evening gown, Miss Bohol International 1999 (first pageant).

Haidee Soria Gastones - Miss Loon 1999

Priscilla Jane N. Suello - Miss Loon 2000; third runner-up and Most Photogenic, Miss Bohol Sandugo 2001; Miss OLTA 2004 (Bohol First District Basketball Competition). 

Lyle Mae Cabañelez Cartagenas - Miss University of Bohol 2000

Joan Monreal - Miss New Bataan (Compostela Valley) 2002

Mellanie Angelina Compejos Wallace - Miss Bohol Sandugo 2002; her mother, Vicky Compejos Wallace is from Barangay Pondol.

Christine Alemania de la Cruz - represented Loon in Miss Bohol Sandugo 2003 where she won Miss Friendship.  The first runner-up in that pageant, Anna Maris Igpit, became Binibining Pilipinas 2006 and competed in the Miss World contest in the same year.  Christine also represented the Bohol Association of Metro Manila, Inc. (BAMMI) in the search for Miss Bohol International 2006.  She was also a Miss Mapua Institute of Technology contestant and graced the pages of the school's official manual.

Joan Kristine Roferod Uy - first runner-up, Miss Bohol International 2003; first runner-up, Miss State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA Region ; titleholder, Miss University of Eastern Philippines; titleholder, Miss PRISAA Central Visayas; second runner-up, Miss Air Philippines; first runner-up, Miss Talisay City;  titleholder, Miss Cordova (Cebu); finalist, Miss Cebu 2007; a registered nurse but a full-time flight attendant of Qatar Airways.

Miss Salubre - fromer Miss Loon

Marilou Labastilla Sombrio - Miss Day High School of UB 2006. Miss Loon Ecotourism 2008

Maricel Pasilbas - Miss Loon 2007

Fatima Gencianos - former Miss Day High School of UB; former Miss Benguet

Mylene Pedroso - Miss University of Bohol 2008; Miss Loon SidlaKasilak 2007 First Runner-up; Miss Tagbilaran 2010 First Runner-up

Fashion

Leandro "Diyong" Veloso + - fashion designer of Manila’s elite, a contemporary of fashion czars Ramon Valera and Pitoy Moreno; he once made waves in Tagbilaran for dressing up his younger sister in "saguran" and abaca twine haute couture style. Diyong was Bohol's most sought-after designer of wedding gowns and ball dresses before and after the Japanese occupation.  He once made waves in Tagbilaran for dressing up his younger sister in saguran and abaca twine haute couture style.  When he invaded the mainstream fashion industry in Manila his contemporary was fashion czar Ramon Valera.  He put up his own dress shop and specialized in classic lines that would endure the test of time.

Lino Almerol - designer of the Linoi line of garments which is marketed locally and abroad. He designed the gowns worn by Pureza and Trisha Chatto during the oath-taking ceremonies for the newly elected provincial officials on June 30, 2010.

Mario Rotersos - Vienna-based fashion designer; represented the Philippines in the 1998 Asia Pacific Young Fashion Designers’ Show in Hong Kong where his collection was described by critics as ultra feminine. His other recognitions: Concours International des Jeunes Createurs de Mode, Paris; Young Designer of the Year, Mega magazine; Competition Winner, Philippine Fashion and Design Competition 2000; Finalist, Pierre Lang Fashion Awards 2003; Specializations: Women's and Men's Casual Wear, Evening Wear, Retro, Modern, Futuristic, Costume/Stage, Alternative, New Urban Casual 

Loonanons in the Spiritual Vocation
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)

A.  Priests

Msgr. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos - former rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary; nominated and appointed on April 29, 1985 by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, as Auxiliary Bishop of Davao and Titular Bishop of Zaba in Numidia; currently Bishop of Butuan; one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).

Rev. Dr. Aloysius L. Cartagenas -  ordained priest on April 26,1985 at the age of 24; former rector of the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos, the first Diocesan priest to assume such position after 135 years of the seminary under the Vincentian priests.  Earlier, from 1990 to 1996, he took his masteral and doctoral studies, focusing on the Church’s social teachings, at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium.  In July 2002, he was given an award by the Foundation for the Advancement of Church Research and the Theology Department of the University. 

Rev. Dr. Jonas M. Mejares, OSA - doctor of canon law and former vice president for research and planning & development of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

Tomas L. Balatayo
Roland Cajegas
Vicente Cajegas Sr.
Linuel Cañizares
Joel Cantones
Absalon Florenosos
Esteban Gaudicos
Melchor Guadalquiver
Fr. Lanzaderas (Baganga, Davao del Sur)
Fr. Lasco (Butuan City)
John Legitimas
Eutiquiano Legitimas
Gabino M. Lerin
Jorge R. Mante
Orlando Mendez
Apolinario Mejorada, OAR
Mario Mejorada, OAR
Jerome P. Mesina, OAR
Mateo P. Monreal, SVD
Melchisedech E. Monreal
Alner U. Nambatac
Nicasio Paloso Jr.
Rafael Pestillos *
Roderick C. Pizarras
Fernando Po
Gorgonio C. Pueblos +
Robert S. Roa
Fr. Roferos (Davao)
Fr. Roferos +
Dennis Roslinda
Edwin Ruano *
Blair Lope M. Sabaricos
Elias Salomon
Eufemio Sombrio, SVD
Niño Maconrey E. Supremo
Stephen Supremo      
B.  Nuns

Emma Camilotes
Niceria Canteros
Nonet Cartagenas
Elvira Lasaca
Salome Longhas, DST
Rosalina Luzon
Sister Roferos
Sister Roferos
Paciencia Marcojos
Sister Mabanag
Maria Fe Marindoque
Sister Miranda
Antonia Sieras
Sister Sieras
Sister Sieras

Loonanons in Movie and Television, Theater and the Performing Arts
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)

Movie and Television

Jose "Pete" F. Lacaba Jr. - poet and journalist; editor of various publications; scriptwriter for movies, mostly those directed by Lino Brocka; former member, Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTCRB); and One of Top 100 Filipinos in Culture. He has authored six poetry collections in Filipino and a collection of journalistic reportage entitled Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage. He has also written screenplays for award-winning films including Jaguar, Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim, Orapronobis, Sister Stella L, Eskapo, Segurista and Rizal sa Dapitan.  The 10th Osian's - Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema honored him with the Aruna Vasudev Lifetime Achievement Award for his writings on cinema.

Jurey Pesudas Mirafuentes - Writer and Director for Television (ABS-CBN); Member, Screenwriters Guild of the Philippines; Associate Member, Filipino Cinema Directors, Inc.; Graduate, First ABS-CBN Scriptwriting Workshop; Graduate, International Academy of Film and Television (Screenwriting);  Graduate, International Academy of Film and Television (Directing); Finalist, Best Drama Program (Mga Eva Karon), Catholic Mass Media Awards. He was head editor of the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition.

Larry Jao - film producer (Larry Jao Productions).  One of his movies, "Puri", which starred the ill-fated nymphet Stella Strada, was filmed entirely in Bohol.  Some of its support cast were Boholanos.

Allan Sevilla Dancel - (See also: Loonanons in Music) Musical director, "For Men Only", a TV show of Pilita Corrales; guest pianist at the concert of Kuh Ledesma at the Folk Arts Theater

Community Theater

Bernardo ‘Leon’ Romea + - father of Justino "Ning" R. Romea. He was the original playwright, director and composer-musical arranger of Napo’s stage plays that are mounted on May 25 of each year without fail. 

Jeremias T. Mejorada + - writer of “drama” plays in his native Napo.

Gloria Sevilla-Andaleon - writer of “drama” scripts for Napo.

Jose Z. Lugo - has been directing "drama" in Napo for more than ten years.

Edna O. Lafuente, Randolph Mejorada, Socrates D. Lafuente, etc. - "dramaturgos" or stage actors

Jonas Nahial - director of cultural productions

Manolito M. Bunac - stage designer for "drama"

Dance (All Choreographers)

Nelson "Cocoy" Relayosa
Jonas Nahial
Jeanette Vidal
Mirasol Miranda
Deo Guden     

Loonanons in Music
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)

Justino "Ning" R. Romea â€" dean of Boholano songwriters; composer, "Bohol Hymn" (Awit sa Bohol),  "Ako Kang Paabuton", "Dalaga sa Baybayon", "UB Hymn" (University of Bohol), "BSAT Song" (Bohol School of Arts and Trades), and other school anthems, church hymns and love songs; scriptwriter, director and musical arranger of the "drama" in Napo, his home barangay; Bohol's most respected journalist and newspaper columnist (Bohol Chronicle); visual artist (painting).

Michael "Luke" Mejares - former vocalist of South Border, and R & B (rhythm and blues) King of the Philippines; In 2004, he stepped into the spotlight with his debut solo album “Stop, Luke and Listen” under a major label. His singles “Paano Na” and “214” experienced commercial and critical triumph. This earned for him the Male R & B Artist of the Year during the 2005 Philippine Hip-hop Awards, and led industry insiders to tag him as the country’s King of R & B. Luke is the son of Leonides Sabaricos Mejares of Barangay Napo and Elvira Porticos of Barangay Catagbacan Norte.

Felipe G. Larido - choir trainer; grand prize winner, Golden Jubilee Songwriting Contest, Diocese of Tagbilaran ("Pagmaya Kristohanong Katilingban", interpreted by his daughter Marife); second placer, First ASEAN Jamboree Song Competition, 1993. Born to “Nong Fidel”, one of the pillars of music in Loon, Felipe was destined to continue his father’s vision of spreading love for music in his hometown.  At age seven, he started joining his father in church services (the latter being a master at the harmonium), and in training future musicians. He was a working student throughout his high school and college years, and while in college, he organized the “Minstrels”, an all-male singing group that became very popular in Tagbilaran and around Bohol in the ‘70s. While teaching at a public school in Loon, he organized in 1970 the “Polyphonics”, a mixed group of young Loonanons that became a mainstay in many church services and cultural activities even up to the present.  He also trained various choral groups, one of which was the Loon Children’s Choir that garnered second and third places in the National Competitions for Young Artists - Children’s Choir Category in 1981 and 1985, respectively.  Several batches of this group of young Loonanon choristers represented Central Visayas in national music competitions. This master of arts in education, summa cum laude, received in School-Year 1981-1982 the Most Outstanding Performance in Teaching recognition from the then Ministry of Education and Culture.  He also received several recognitions and citations for his exemplary performance as coordinator of scouting activities in the First District and in the Division of Bohol. He was one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005). In tandem with his wife, the former Maria Asuncion Monreal Robles, and with the support of their equally talented daughter Marife, this Loonanon continues to share his passion for music to everyone.

Joan Ritchell Almedilla - Best Interpreter, Cebu Pop Music Festival; winner, Most Beautiful Voice contest of Yamaha Music Mate; essayed the roles of Kim in "Miss Saigon", Fantine in "Les Miserables", Imelda Marcos in "Here Lies Love" and other Broadway musicals. Born and raised in the Philippines, Joan, whose father, Agapito "Pepe" Almedilla, is from Cansubayon, Loon, Bohol, traveled to the United States in 1993 to pursue a college education. At that time, she was completely unaware that that decision will one day become the impetus for her theatrical stardom. She started her career in Harlem, New York and became a featured artist in a show called “Amateur Nights at the Apollo”, a competition where people in the audience judge and if they don’t like you they’re going to show it, like throwing paper at the performer. One intimidating factor of the show was that majority of the audience is African-American and she heard “unwelcoming remarks” as she stood onstage. However, all that changed when she sang and the once-hostile audience applauded her performance. It was so impressive that she was chosen to become part of “Best of the Apollo.” A Broadway producer watched the Apollo episode and saw and heard Almedilla sing.  It took him a month to track her down.  She was initially asked to audition for “Les Misérables” but she ended up with “Miss Saigon”. It was here that her career skyrocketed because she was chosen to portray the coveted role of Kim in 1995. She finally got her chance to be in Les Misérables initially in 1999 and then in October 2006 when the play came back to Broadway in celebration of becoming the longest-running musical ever. Almedilla clinched the role of Fantine and the play’s run was extended until the 2007 summer theater season in New York. Joan is married to Charles Uy, a Filipino-American filmmaker who won an Oscar when he was just 21 years old. The theater star also has a heart. She supports Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In April 2007, Joan directed a lavish benefit show, “Once Upon A Time,” in Los Angeles, for the non-profit organization Places Please, the proceeds of which went to an orphanage in Rwanda.

Sonia Leornas Sanguenza-Ainsworth a.k.a. "Sonia Singson" - interpreter, "Isang Dakot" (composed by Venancio "Vehnee" Saturno), grand prize winner, Fifth Metro Manila Pop Music Festival; and singer, Las Vegas entertainment circuit. Sonia performed in a concert dubbed "From Las Vegas to Loon: Sonia Singson in a Homecoming Concert". She learned to play the guitar at a very young age. While a high school student at Sacred Heart Academy (SHA), she competed in the annual talent search of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA).  At the University of Bohol, she was acknowledged as the local Joan Baez because of her dexterity with the guitar and her singing prowess.  Noticing her potential as a mainstream singer, a fellow Loonanon, Alfred Dancel, brought Sonia to Manila, provided her rigorous training, and booked her at posh bars, clubs and restaurants until she was discovered by Saturno in the early 1980s.  In the years that followed she was able to perform in Japan (Tokyo), Guam and other Asian countries. Today, Singson is one of the sought-after Filipino performers in Las Vegas, among them Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha, who both professed in many interviews on national television that it is difficult for performers to penetrate the entertainment scene in the gambling capital of the world. Sheer talent was Singson's passport to performances abroad. While singing at a plush club cum restaurant in Guam, a member of the US Navy named Frank Ainsworth was enthralled by her dazzling personality and exceptional singing voice.  The two eventually got married and moved to his native country.  The Ainsworths presently reside at Henderson, Nevada with their grownup son, Ira David, who is himself a good singer.

Brownbuds Mendel's Legacy - Bohol's most popular reggae band, composed mostly of Loonanons. A hit in all of their gigs in Bohol and outside the province, Brownbuds used to play for a popular beer brand during promotional tours.  The band entered the mainstream music industry in October 2007 via its self-titled debut album. “Byaheng Bohol”, the collection's carrier song, has virtually become the unofficial theme song for promoting the local tourism industry with its frequent airplay on radio and television. The song was also part of the musical score for Howie Severino's “I Witness” and Miriam Quiambao's “100% Pinoy”, both on GMA 7, and for Katkat de Castro's “Trip Kita” on ABS-CBN. The song “Olah” was used in the MYX Channel Yearender for 2006. Other hit songs include “Wake Up”, “Karma” and “Iro”, the latter a vernacular novelty song that was able to conquer the airwaves of the Visayas and Mindanao. Most of the band’s members are young Loonanon musicians, namely, Milo Miranda (bass guitar), Richard Lagroma (guitar), Jason Piodos (keyboard), Amiel Jim Penecios (vocals), and Morris Sarabia (vocals and percussion, and band manager).  The other members are El Cid Tirol (guitar) and Arlon Seno (drums).   

Alfred Sevilla Dancel + - high-caliber instrumentalist, composer and musical arranger; discoverer and voice coach of Sonia L. Sanguenza a.k.a. Sonia Singson. Alfred learned to play the piano during his elementary days at Saint Joseph College, now Holy Spirit School, in Tagbilaran City.  In high school at Sacred Heart Academy he was an unparalleled dancer.  He was also an excellent choreographer of folk dances, winning awards for his works. Dancel later experimented with instruments other than the piano and became very good at playing the guitar, accordion, vibraphone, violin and all keyboard instruments.  Before he was able to penetrate the mainstream entertainment scene in Manila he was the main pianist and accordionist of DYRC in Cebu City. One of his most memorable performances took place during the opening of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) which was graced by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos and Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos. The former chief executive was so impressed by Dancel's performance that he gave him a token of ten thousand pesos. During the peak of his career, he was commissioned to provide the musical score of a movie starring Nestor de Villa and Nida Blanca. Some venues of his performances include the following: Aloha Hotel; Bulakeña Restaurant, with Darius Razon and Carmen Soriano; God the Father Restaurant, with Sonia Singson; Tigpaw Restaurant, with Sonia Singson; Italian Village, with Rhodora Silva; Aberdeen Court, where he played the space organ; Manila Garden (now Dusit) Hotel, with Marlene de la Peña; Manila Peninsula Hotel; Mandarin Hotel; and Hyatt Hotel.

Allan Sevilla Dancel + â€" as master keyboardist, he played for The Reycards, Pilita Corrales, Carmen Pateña and other noted Filipino performers during their local and US concerts.  He was also a solo recording artist ("Music as You Like It", an album of instrumental renditions), musical director of Hilton Hotels worldwide, and official pianist of Manila Hotel until his death in 2003. Alan learned to play the piano from his elder brother Alfred.  Like the latter, he was also an excellent dancer, with folk dances as his forte, while studying at Sacred Heart Academy.  Before he made a name in Manila as a sought-after instrumentalist, he was a pianist and accordionist of DYBU in Cebu City. His other noteworthy accomplishments: performed abroad for about 20 years; musical director, "For Men Only", a TV show of Pilita Corrales; guest pianist at the concert of Kuh Ledesma at the Folk Arts Theater; and member, Philippine Musicians Guild; one of the Top Ten Musicians of the Philippines, according to the Philippine Musicians Guild whose president was Maestro Dominic Salustiano.

Loonanons in Business
(Incomplete record considering that Loon is a premier town of businessmen.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)


Marianito D. Alemania - franchise owner of Madelicious, a fastâ€"growing chain of bakeshops with more than 50 branches nationwide. 

Genju V. Lapez - former president and national chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. 

Edgardo V. Masamayor - former Regional Internal Audit Manager for Asia of Dole Food Company

Napoleon L. Nazareno - president and chief executive officer of Smart Communications, Inc. and Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Piltel); director of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company and PLDT Global Corporation; chairman of I-Contacts Corporation; one of Ten Outstanding Boholanos Around the World (Tobaw) awardees during the Second Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (18 July 2003).   

Teresita Pesquira - vice president of Citibank - New York.

Maria Socorro “Acor” Relampagos-Gonzaga - Vice President for External Affairs of Philippine Airlines. 

Engr. Pablo M. Relampagos - proprietor of KarAsia, a major Mindanao-based chain of car and accessories distributor; project engineer of the first government infrastructure projects, mostly bridges, in Mindanao;  one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).   

Stephen George C. Relampagos - finance manager of Johnson and Johnson, at one time holding an executive position for Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Zosimo Soria Jr. - vice president and general manager of Rhone Poulenc-Rorer Philippines, Inc. 

Loonanons in the Legal Profession
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)

Raul A. Barbarona - former vice mayor of Loon; executive director, Environmental Legal Action Center (ELAC)

Wilfredo Caresosa - former mayor of Loon

Boy Caro

Florendo Caro Columnas

Natalio Pacomios Castillo Sr. + - third placer, 1938 Bar Examination

Purisimo R. Castillo

Fulgencio Mesina Factoran III

Ms. Mesina Factoran (sister of Fulgencio III)

Dennis Mesina

Manuel Saiz Ferandos - sixth placer, Bar Examination

Pio B. Ferandos + - author of “The Bohol Guerrillas in Action”, that details the armed struggle against Japanese oppression during the Second World War.

Rogelio P. Ganados

Ramon Lapez +

X Luminarias

Rufino Marcojos

Irma Zita Masamayor (Judge)

Fermin R. Mesina + - third placer, Bar Examination

Jose Mesina, 11th placer, Bar Examination 

Rosa Relampagos Mesina - Gatinao (summa cum laude, pre-law)

Melchor P. Monreal +

Adriano Montes

Ramon N. Nazareno

Florencio Orcullo

Jovencio Orcullo

Johness Orcullo Pasilbas - Batoy

Franklin Procianos (Former judge, Davao CFI)

Jephte M. Romea

Ignacio Roferos Relampagos +

Jessica Granaderos Gumop-as - Tirol

Benito Tubaces

Buena Kristine Marimon Orcullo - Uy

X Pergamino

Felipe Gablines Merlas +

Dave Uy Nambatac, CPA

Other Loonanons of Notable Accomplishments
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)


Pio B. Ferandos + - author of “The Bohol Guerrillas in Action”, that details the armed struggle against Japanese oppression during the Second World War

Bar topnotchers - Natalio P. Castillo Sr., third placer (1938); Fermin R. Mesina, third placer; Manuel S. Ferandos, sixth placer; Jose Mesina, 11th placer. Loon could be the municipality with the most bar topnothers.  

Ismael M. Masamayor - Bohol's first chemical engineer. A graduate of Mapua Institute of Technology, he topped the board exams in 1940.  He was a former registrar and dean of the College of Engineering of Holy Name College, now Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City.

Dr. Teofilo Recitas - attending anesthesiologist at Flushing Hospital and Medical Center in New York; initiated medical and surgical missions to Bohol and organized projects that provided local hospitals with medical supplies and equipment and sent heart patients to the United States for treatment; one of Ten Outstanding Boholanos Around the World (Tobaw) awardees during the Second Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (18 July 2003); one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).

Esperanza L. Relampagos - once called “miracle seed” by the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran, this civic leader, wife and mother stands by her strong faith and complete trust in the Lord. Her membership in and leadership of the Catholic Women’s League, Diocesan Council of the Laity, Balikatan sa Kaunlaran, Tagbilaran Lionettes and Lions Clubs, Loon Women’s Club, Philippine National Red Cross, Girl Scouts of the Philippines and many other religious and socio-civic organizations have been highlighted by numerous awards and citations conferred by the Tagbilaran Women’s Club, Divine Word College, CWL, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, and other award-giving bodies. She was one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).  

Dr. Mariano M. Lerin, CPA - first national president from outside Manila of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants or PICPA in which he has been active since 1968, holding different positions and chairmanships and receiving various recognitions.  During the administration of President Corazon Aquino, he was president of the ASEAN Federation of Accountants, the second Filipino to hold such position. He has been teaching Accounting, Auditing and Taxation subjects for more than 30 years at the University of San Jose - Recoletos, St. Theresa’s College and Mater Dei College.  He has been guest professor and lecturer in many colleges and universities in the Visayas and Mindanao while serving as dean of the College of Commerce and the Graduate School of Business and Management of USJR.  He served as regional president of the Philippine Association for Graduate Education, national president of the Association of CPAs in Education, and, for four terms, national president of the Philippine Association of Collegiate Schools of Business.  Today, he sits in the Board of many colleges and universities and is an accreditor of PAASCU, a national accrediting body for both undergraduate and graduate education. He was one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).  
Aurelio S. Cacho - master of arts major in guidance and counseling, summa cum laude; Outstanding Science Teacher of Region 7 in 1983 and 1984; qualifier, Search for Outstanding Contribution to Science Education in Central Visayas for School-Year 1988-1999; two-time finalist in the Metrobank Search for Outstanding Teachers; Most Outstanding Public Elementary Teacher in 1993. Every year, for 20 consecutive years, from 1978 to 1998, he received a rating of 99% for Outstanding Performance as a teacher. He was one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).  

Dr. Sisinio S. Ferandos - Diplomate in Pediatrics; Division Head in Pediatrics of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan

Romualdo Murcia - first placer, 1997 national board examination for accountants

Larianne Kristine Corciega Bitancor - fifth placer, 2009 national board examination for accountants

Zenda G. Poligrates - first placer, national board examination for pharmacists
 
Artemia M. Guitones - fourth placer, national board examination for nurses

Primo E. Maestrado Jr. - fourth placer, national board examination for medical technologists
 
Christine G. Masamayor - valedictorian, Class 2004 of the UP College of Medicine; 13th placer in the 2004 medical board examination

Rafael A. Recamadas Jr. - overall spelling champion during the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Meet held in 1970 in Dumaguete City; University of Bohol’s first magna cum laude graduate in Civil Engineering

Cesar Tomas M. Lopez - tenth placer, national board examination for nurses; Loon’s first-ever physician mayor; recipient of the 2003 Local Government Leadership Award (LGLA) for being one of the Outstanding Municipal Mayors of the Philippines

Dr. Nick Lopez - “Father of TBTK” or Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan; two-term president of the Confederation of Boholanos in the USA and Canada or CONBUSAC; member of both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Emergency Physicians; president of the Loonanons of USA and Canada or LUSAC.    

The family of Juan Relampagos and Esperanza Lopez - conferred the  Huwarang Pamilyang Pilipino or Model Family of the Year Award in 1998 by then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on the occasion of the Philippine Centennial Celebration.

Loonanons in the Visual Arts
(Incomplete record.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)


Joel Aplasin - enlightened inmate painting from the national penitentiary.

Lucas Corciega - Canada-based visual artist (digital and creative photography).

Lemuel M. Cornito - resident artist, Meeril Arts; graphic Artist and T-shirt designer; oil painter. Cornito is an artist who experiments in regard to his subjects, medium and canvas.  He paints on textile, driftwood, old wood slabs, and chests or "kaban", Recently he experimented on painting mature yet unfilled coconuts locally called "bu**** nga lubi".  The result was a hit among art enthusiasts.

Alanito Luminarias Gomez + - handicraft designer and, until his death, was Bohol's most prolific collage artist. 

Ramon Pesidas Lapeña Jr. - painter; Fine Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines.

Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD - visual artist; municipal mayor of Loon; A self-educated artist, Mayor Lloyd once tried his hands on "Baza", a t-shirt business he put up with his friends.  He also paints using charcoal as medium and the human face as subject. When the Municipality of Loon joined, and won the grand prize, during the 2000 Bohol Sandugo street dancing and dance drama showdown, he designed the contingent's centerpiece, a representation of Tubig-Loon, with real water cascading from a mountain prop.  Recently he designed the logo of Loon's First Creative Industry Festival.

Reynald Romea Luminarias - US-based architect, photographer and digital artist.

Carlito “Carling” P. Masalta - oil painter; owner of Isla Vista, the only visual arts shop on Cabilao Island; erstwhile student of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines College Cebu. His clients are mostly tourists coming to Cabilao to bask in its quiet environment or explore the magnificent underwater panorama around the emerald island. A member of the Art Association of the Philippines, Carling has joined group exhibits, mostly in Cebu and Bohol.  His works, mostly in the realism and impressionism genres, have been exhibited three times at Shangri-La in Mactan.

Norman Mataflorida - licensed architect, graphic artist and well-known T-shirt designer and printer. His clients include not only Loonanons but also those from outside the town. Having been trained to draw, he occasionally produces sketches and illustrations. He worked in the Middle East where he designed concepts for interiors of buildings and offices.

Farley Meredores - Franciscan friar whose God-given talent in the visual arts produced quite a number of paintings and sculptures, mostly images of Jesus, Mary and some saints.  Growing up as a child in Moto Sur, he already showed signs of becoming an artist and craftsman as he frequented the shop of his neighbor, Dodong Simbajon, to observe how the latter fashioned human and other figures of reinforced concrete. Even at a young age, he was already tinkering with the sculptor's tools and was able to produce miniature statues and figures.  Farley designed and executed the main altar of the Mary Coredemtrx Shrine in Talamban, Cebu City.  When he was based in Bicol, particularly in Naga, Farley carved a huge "Pieta" figure that greets churchgoers of one of the city's Catholic churches.  Farley also dabbles in painting. A painting of his that shows baby Jesus kissing Mary, His mother, is on display at the Catholic Library in Naga City.  (Search for his works in the internet and be amazed.)












11.   Reigh P. Monreal - publications management specialist; winner, Municipality of Loon Official Seal Designing Competition.

12.   Rolando Paloso â€" painter and sculptor; one of his masterpieces is the huge statue of Francisco Dagohoy, Boholano hero, that welcomes all visitors to the provincial PNP headquarters.

13.   Virgilio Q. Pomida - multimedia painter; married to a Loonanon; awarded as one of the top watercolor artists of the Philippines; winner of the Doña Modesta Singson Gaisano On-the-Spot Painting Contest for which he was invited to exhibit in the US.

14.   Rene Eune "Coycoy" P. Ponte - painter, graphic artist and T-shirt designer. Artdom, his Loon-based printing shop, became a training ground for young artists and attracted quite a number of clients. He currently works as a graphic artist in Tagbilaran.

15.   Redentor O. Razalo - architect and painter

16.   Mario L. Relampagos - photographer; undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management. Despite his very tight schedule, Relampagos still finds time for artistic pursuits, particularly art photography, which has also become a profitable business for this recipient of the PaghiuSadya 2005 Outstanding Loonanon Award. 

17.   Zosimo ‘Iyo Zosing’ P. Relampagos - Loon's most respected painter and sculptor.  He designed and executed Bohol’s most beautiful monument dedicated to Christ the King (Cristo Rey) which is found beside the Church of Our Lady of Light. His other works include the statue of Our Lady of Light on the façade of the Kasilak church; a replica of the grotto in Lourdes complete with the statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Bernadette, also found beside the Kasilak church; the "hugosan", a four-column platform that serves as main gate of the fortress-like church and venue of the annual Easter Sunday rites; and the Stations of the Cross inside the church of Dauis, his wife's hometown. He once had a shop in Tagbilaran called Mary’s Art, named after the Blessed Virgin and Mary Loquellano, his spouse.  The shop specialized in religious images carved on wood or painted on canvas. The prolific artist was best at painting “still life” and sculpting the Last Supper many of which now adorn houses throughout Bohol.  Iyo Zosing's children and grandchildren are also into art.  One of his daughters, Luz R. Rodriguez, an architect, is the mother of Sheila R. Ira, Sharon R. Lee and Sherlene, who all know how to paint.  Another daughter, Sonia R. Aliño, also has a painter for a daughter in the person of Esperanza A. Estomata. Iyo Zosing's youngest son, Budget Undersecretary Mario L. Relampagos, dabbles in photography.   

Loonanons in the Literary Arts
(Incomplete list. Everyone is encouraged to submit names of those who are worthy of mention in this list.)

Fidelino P. Coritico - gold medalist, Tirol-Borja Balak and Pakigpulong Contests 1983-1984; gold medalist, intercollege/university "balak" contests, 1985-1986; gold medalist, Bohol "pakigpulong" and "balak" contests, 1984-1985; trainer of gold, silver and bronze medalists, "balak" contests, 1984-1987; author, Hugpong sa Mga Balak ni Dong Fidel; scriptwriter and director, Pig-ot  drama presentations; columnist, Bohol Inquirer, 2002-2006; editor-in-chief, The Quill, national publication of the Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sangunians (PLEASES, Inc.). 

Jonathan Castil Ingcol - writer of "balak" and English poetry

Emmanuel ‘Eman’ Agapito F. Lacaba + - considered the only poet warrior of the Philippines and a genius while studying at the Ateneo de Manila University.  The book Six Young Filipino Martyrs states, “Not many poets are given the honor of becoming martyrs for their country. In the Philippines there are only two: Jose Rizal and a disciple he never knew." That disciple is Eman, son of Jose Monreal Lacaba, a Loonanon. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) confers the Gawad Eman Lacaba to young poets.  Eman wrote the lyrics of “Awit ni Kuala”, the song sung by Lolita Rodriguez in the classic Lino Brocka film masterpiece "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang". He also composed new revolutionary lyrics in Cebuano for some wellâ€"known folk songs.  Eman and his brother Jose 'Pete' F. Lacaba Jr. were accorded the distinction of being among the top 100 Filipinos in culture. Only one other Boholano, national artist Napoleon Veloso Abueva, a relative of the Veloso clan of Loon, made it to the prestigious list.

Jose ‘Pete’ F. Lacaba Jr. - brother of Emmanuel ‘Eman’ Agapito F. Lacaba and former member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Pete is a poet, editor and scriptwriter of some of Lino Brocka’s memorable films.  He is currently the executive editor of Yes! magazine.

Joaquin "Ngids" Ligumbres - 94-year-old writer of "balak" and Spanish poetry

Dr.Justiniano Lopez Seroy - developmental poet and professor of the Visayas State University.

Jose "Jojo" Z. Lugo - stage actor, writer of "balak", and director of the annual "drama" in Napo.  Following in the footsteps of his father Simeon ("Dingkay"), Jojo has been directing the stage plays in Napo for almost 20 years now. After reading his "balak" entitled "Luha sa Payag", Job Pagusara, an awardee poet conducting a literary arts workshop in Loon in 1999, commented that Jojo is a potential Palanca winner in Visayan poetry.  Sponsored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the workshop called Tanghal-Tula was participated in by the town's budding writers and poets. Some of its graduates became writers and poets of note - Rene Eune Ponte, Jonathan Castil Ingcol, Reigh P. Monreal, etc. 

Reynald Romea Luminarias - US-based writer of "balak" and English poetry; graduate of the UP Writers Workshop. Reynald started his writing career at the Bohol School of Arts and Trades (now CVSCAFT - Tagbilaran) where he was school paper editor.  After graduating on top of his class he enrolled in Architecture at the University of the Philippines where he continued his pursuits in both visual and literary arts. While still a college student, his poems were published in widely circulated magazines and included in anthologies.  Genetics must have played a big role in Reynald's artistic ability.  His grandfather Bernardo Romea and uncle Justino Romea were both excellent writers of Visayan drama and "balak" as well as English poetry. Likewise, his mother, Teodosia Romea, spoke flawless English, having been trained to become a bookworm and good communicator by her father.

Melchor P. Monreal Sr. + - orator, poet and writer of winning "balak"; scriptwriter and director of “drama” plays in his native Basdacu; author, "Pamalaye", a play about marriage and its many stages following local tradition.

Reynaldo P. Monreal - journalist, and writer of news and feature articles; writer of "balak" and Binisaya translations of scripts for stage plays; vice chairman, Literature Division, Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council; coordinator and member, Bahandianong Arte Halad sa Namat-ang Dagang (Bahandi-Loon); research editor; cultural events scriptwriter; past editor of a local weekly; author of "Sugilanon sa Ubi", a narrative poem on the story of the purple root crop called kinampay around which revolves some of the highlights of the annual Ubifest of Bohol; translated some works produced for stage (i.e., "Ang Labing Ambungan sa Tanang Nalumos sa Tibuok Kalibutan", from Teresa Lorena Jopson’s "Ang Pinakamakisig sa mga Nalunod sa Buong Daigdig", an adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World"; "Ang Pos-opis", from Rabindranath Tagore's The Post Office; "Karaang Balay", from Alfred R. Valenzona's one-act play "Lumang Bahay"; and "Pamahayag Ngadto sa Kabatan-onang Pilipino", from Jose Rizal’s “To the Filipino Youth”. His most recent work is a script for the play “Tawag sa Bantayan”, which highlights the lives of people during the time of banditry in the country and revolves on the history and significance of watchtowers. It was staged during the launching of Punta Cruz as an eco-cultural destination.   

Clovis L. Nazareno + - multi-awarded short-story and "balak" writer, newspaper columnist, three-time Palanca awardee in English poetry, and graduate of both the UP Writers Workshop and the ASEAN Writers Workshop. His poems are featured in many magazines and anthologies.  A poem of his that describes Loon's public plaza is included in "Writing Home" which also features 18 other writers.  He was also ranked among the top forty short story writers in a writing competition sponsored by Asiaweek.  Among his works are "Bohol's Tarsier Population" and "The Cortes Swamp".

Rene Eune "Coycoy" P. Ponte - writer of "balak" and English poetry; winner, 2003 Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Awards for Literature; recipient, Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry and poetry.com; fellow, Silliman Writers Workshop; past editor of a local weekly; chairman of the Literary Division of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (Bach) Council. Coycoy started as a songwriter and evolved into one of Bohol's most prolific writers of "balak" and English poetry.  A pioneer of the Bohol Writers Workshop, he tried painting and graphic arts including T-shirt designing. Artdom, his Loon-based printing shop, became a training ground for young artists and attracted quite a number of clients. He still writes poems while writing a column for Sunday Post. 

Maria Asuncion M. Robles - Larido - This daughter of Gregorio Robles and Demetria Monreal was an operetta star at the Saint Joseph College, now Holy Spirit School, where she finished a degree in Education.  A retired public school teacher, she has produced quite a lot of literary works, mostly poems, stories, declamation pieces, speeches, and scripts for "pastores", coronation pageants, graduation playlets, and dance-dramas.

Godofredo Roperos - one of Cebu’s most respected writers and columnists.

Loonanons in Government Service
(Incomplete record)

Natalio "Manong Talio" P. Castillo + - a working student from Cabilao Island who rose to become the executive secretary during the incumbency of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.  He later became member of the House of Representatives. 

Natalio ‘Chito’ R. Castillo Jr. - son of Natalio P. Castillo and former member of the Constitutional Convention. For almost ten years, he served as Chairman of the Board of Northfront Shipping Company, Inc. Presently, he is Board Chairman of the Bagaberde Group of Companies. He was one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).   

Purisimo R. Castillo + - lawyer son of Natalio P. Castillo who, at a very young age, was appointed commercial attaché to Spain. He died in 1967 at age 29, aborting a promising career in foreign relations and politics. His two children by his Swiss wife are very proud of their Loonanon roots.

Cleofe Mesina - Factoran - commissioner of the National Police Commission; wife of former Secretary Fulgencio Factoran Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Pio B. Ferandos + - lawyer, guerrilla leader, former town mayor, war historian, book author, and judge of the Court of First Instance of Cebu.

Ramon Lapez + - also from Cabilao, worked his way through college, graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law, and served as member of the Batasang Pambansa. He had a lucrative shipping business and a law firm and is best remembered as a philanthropist and for helping countless Boholanos land jobs aboard foreign vessels.

Rosendo ‘Kapitan Sendoy‘ Lopez Sr. +, Dr. Rosendo C. Lopez Jr. +  and Dr. Cesar Tomas ‘Yul’ M. Lopez - the only three generations of mayors serving the municipality. The latter's brother, Dr. Lloyd Peter is the current mayor.

Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, MD - DILG's Local Government Leadership Award (LGLA) recipient as One of Ten Outstanding Mayors of the Philippines in 2003 

Irma Zita Masamayor - Bohol RTC Judge.

Fermin R. Mesina + - lawyer and former councilor of Davao City and commercial attaché to Tokyo and Saigon.

Ricardo Dospueblos Miranda + - governor of Davao when it was still a huge undivided territory.  A street in Davao City was named after him.

Melchor P. Monreal Sr.  + - lawyer, most outstanding alumnus of the University of Bohol, awarded several times as most outstanding municipal treasurer of the Philippines, and regional director of the Department of Finance in Iloilo, Zamboanga and Tacloban. He served as first secretary/treasurer and Loon’s representative in the first-ever board of directors of the Bohol Electric Cooperative, Inc. that was established on August 11, 1971. A national expert in local government operations, especially in fiscal management, he was responsible for the establishment of many local government units (e.g., Bien Unido, Bohol), particularly in launching the operations of their basic offices and departments.               

Lino Nazareno - former Undersecretary of Agriculture

Ramon Enriquez Nazareno + - judge of the Lapulapu City Court of First Instance. His father Vivencio Pueblos Nazareno and grandfather Catalino Nazareno served as ‘presidente municipal’ (mayor) of Loon.  Ramon also became mayor of Calape, his wife’s hometown. 

Romulo Luminarias Neri - former Secretary of Economic Planning and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), former Commissioner of CHED (Commission on Higher Education), former chairman of the Social Security System.

Jovencio Orcullo + - Bohol provincial fiscal and judge of the Regional Trial Court.

Franklin Procianos - judge of the Davao Court of First Instance.

Ignacio (Gene) Relampagos + - former mayor and Provincial Board Member.

Rene L. Relampagos - youngest governor of Bohol; scion of the Lopez clan and youngest son of Esperanza, one of Kapitan Sendoy’s daughters. He sowed the seeds of development in the areas of environmental protection and ecotourism which, in later years, earned for Bohol a number of regional and national awards in the field of local governance. Elected in May 2010 as Member of the House of Representatives (Congressman of the First District of Bohol). 

All the Folk Practices, Customs and Beliefs included by Koddi in this thread were researched and compiled by Loonanon Clovis L. Nazareno, a three-time Palanca awardee in English Poetry

Note: Some of these folk practices, customs and beliefs may have, in one way or another, contributed to the development of harmony and unity in the community as well as pride in being Loonanon.  There could be other folk practices and traditions that are worthy of mention here but are inadvertently not included due to lack of information. Loonanons are therefore encouraged to submit those information that are worthy of mention in this list.)

Courtship and Marriage

â–ª   In some barangays, the parents choose the girls they want their sons to marry, as was done in the old days. The persistence of this custom illustrates the common saying that tradition dies hard. Usually, however, they ask their son if he has found a girl he would like to marry. After he has pointed out a girl of his choice and his parents approve of her, they look for a spokesman who is usually a relative with a gift of speech and the ability to talk in the figurative language.

â–ª   They set a day for a visit to the girl’s home and advise the girl’s parents of the projected call. If the girl’s parents agree, the boy’s parents prepare a feast consisting of cooked rice, chicken, pork and fish, together with some drinks, which may be wine or "tuba" (coconut toddy) or both. Upon reaching the house, the spokesman asks, “Would there be any objection to our going up?” The parents of the girl invite them to come up. Fully aware of the purpose of the visit, they welcome the visitors, but the girl hides in her room. After an exchange of pleasantries and some conversation on varied topics, they partake of the food and drinks. The spokesman then opens up the subject and states the object of their visit, saying that they would like to plant to plant a piece of ubi (yam) in the land of the hosts.  He then places the "senyal" on the plate - - a small symbolic amount, such as two pesos and says, “may the 'senyal' meet no opposition!” Then they continue their conversation on a variety of topics, and after some more drinks, the boy’s parents take their leave and go home.

â–ª   The parents of the girl consult their daughter about the matter, but sometimes, if they like the boy, they bring on her to accept him. If within the next three days the girl returns the "senyal", it will be understood that the proposal has been rejected. In such an event, the parents of the boy make another attempt. They prepare more food and drinks and double the amount of the "senyal". They wait again for three days, and if the "senyal" is again returned, they either make a third trial or look for another girl.

â–ª   If the "senyal" is not returned, it is understood that the proposal has been accepted. The boy’s parents and relatives then prepare food and drinks and they go to the house of the girl. As usual, pleasant conversation takes place, in the course of which the spokesman of the boy opens up, saying “Some days ago we planted a piece of ubi on your land; we have come today to find out if it has sprouted,” or something to that effect. The spokesman of the parents of the girl answers in the affirmative. Both parties now talk about arrangement of the wedding.

â–ª   Sometimes, however, the girl’s parents require the boy to render personal service for a certain period of time, say three to six months, during which the boy does all sorts of chores such as cleaning the kitchen and the yard, fetching water, gathering wood for fuel, tending the carabaos, feeding the pigs, plowing the field and planting. The purpose of this personal service or "pangagad" is to enable the parents of the girl to observe at close range the young man’s character and habits.

â–ª   When the parents of the girl are satisfied with the young man’s service and behavior, they invite the boy’s parents to a meeting to discuss the final arrangements for the wedding. The relatives of the girl attend this meeting, at which more food and drinks are served. When arrangement has been reached on the date of the wedding, the parents of the boy prepare a big feast to which all relatives, neighbors, and friends are invited. Enough cigars and tuba are prepared for the guests. The "bugay" or dowry for the new couple is also made ready. The boy or his parents provide the wedding dress and shoulder all expenses for the wedding.

â–ª   After the wedding rites, a big feast is held in the home of the bride. Later the bride is taken to the home of the bridegroom, sometimes followed by a brass or string band. This is known as the "ganas", from the Spanish verb "ganar" (to win).  In the groom’s house she feigns coyness.  She has to be given a gift before she goes up; another gift before she enters the house, and still another before she sits down. She is then given a glass of wine or water which she is supposed to offer to the relatives of the bridegroom, addressing them with the proper title or respect which she is to use henceforth, such as "tatay" (father), "nanay" (mother), "manong" (older brother), "manang" (older sister), etc. After the ceremony, each sponsor or "maninoy" gives the newlyweds some useful advice.

â–ª   Tradition dies hard but folkways do change, albeit slowly, in these rapidly changing times. In their desire for greater individual freedom, today’s boys and girls choose their own mates. A young man does his own courting and, after an understanding has been reached with his sweetheart, he asks his parents to see the parents of the girl and plead for her hand. Food and drinks may also be prepared for this meeting, but may not be as lavish as in the old system called "panuyo". The parents of the girl may consult her about the proposal, but the consultation is a mere formality, since her acceptance is a foregone conclusion.

Festivals, Cultural Events and Fiesta Calendar

Annual Festival of Lights or SidlaKasilak  - The festival not only pays homage to the town's patroness, the Our Lady of Light or "Birhen sa Kasilak", but also symbolizes the enduring qualities of the Loonanon.  "Sidlak" means to rise while "Silak" means to shine.  Loonanons rise above all adversities.  Their talents and capabilities have been highlighted in quite a number of sociocultural events.

Kasadyaan sa Napo - a homage to the Holy Child, it features a street dancing contest participated in by Barangay Napo's five permanent sociocultural groups, namely, Tubig-Loon, Wawog, Inang-angan, Tulay and Kabaybayunan.

Creative Industry Festival - Launched on December 15-16, 2007, this activity aims to promote individual talent and creativity in the arts; discover new products that are distinctly Loonanon and have potential for business; and discover talents and skills with market potential. The 2007 contest categories were: original Loonanon appetizer ("abregana" or "sumsuman") and delicacy or snack item; Christmas tree, Christmas lantern and fashion accessory using recycled materials; painting and sculpture; novelty or utility item; cross-stitching; piano and acoustic guitar playing; rondalla; dish garden; and pop dance.  

“Drama” or Community Theater - The densely populated coastal village of Napo may make it to official records on Philippine theater as the venue of the country’s longest running series of stage plays. The community theater here has its beginnings with moro-moro, a form of entertainment during the Spanish times highlighted by simulated Muslim-Christian fight scenes that are always won, as expected, by the latter. Since many decades ago, every May 25 without fail, local thespians mount a play to highlight the celebration of the feast of the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).  The local residents get involved as actors, singers, directors, stage managers and playwrights. World War II cut short the staging of the play, but it was immediately resumed after the liberation of the country from the Japanese occupation. For the local residents, the play is the single biggest cultural event of the year, the success of which everybody wants to be a part of.  Thus, the fisherfolk share with the rehearsing actors their meager catch.  Some volunteer to make errands for the director.  Above all, the barangay allocates at least 10,000 pesos per year to mount the production.  Napo residents working elsewhere also donate cash. Barangay Canhangdon Occidental also has a theater group but it does not mount an annual presentation.

Commemoration of the Battle of Moalong and Municipal Day of Prayer for World Peace - The idea of holding this cultural event was hatched in response to the 7/11 terrorist attack in the US.  The first commemorative rites were held on the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Moalong, on September 22, 2001. The annual observance has been mandated through Municipal Ordinance No. 02-004, Series of 2002. Some of the cultural activities include the following: recognition of war veterans, walk for peace, bedecking the tree of peace with paper birds bearing texts of prayers for world peace, releasing of while balloons, "bugsay sa kalinaw" (boat rowing contest), community singing and reading of petitions for world peace, launching of lighted and decorated floaters on the river, etc.

Holy Week rites - The reenactment of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday precedes a Good Friday dawn pilgrimage to Big Cross, a monument atop a mountain in Cabug, about six kilometers from the town proper.  In the afternoon the main highlight is a procession of images of saints who played diverse roles during the passion of Christ. The spectacular Easter "sugat" culminates at the "hugosan" where an angel descends from the clouds and removes the shroud representing the grief that Mary endured when Her Son died on the cross. While everyone jubilates, effigies of Judas are burned at the church plaza to symbolize every Christian's vow not to live a life of sinfulness.

Town fiesta on September 8 and barangay fiestas throughout the year    

Outstanding Scenery and other Natural Attractions


Cabilao Island. This island prides itself of having one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Philippines where about 200 sightseers, mostly divers, arrive everyday during peak days of the summer months. Tourists avail of the amenities of at least three beach resorts and three dive shops. The hammerhead, its main attraction along with the coral gardens that form a wall below the tidal flat, has been complemented by the pygmy seahorse, a species endemic to Indonesia but first sighted in the Philippines in Cabilao.

Cabilao Island Lake. Bohol’s only natural lake is found in the middle of the small island of Cabilao. Frequented by migratory birds, enclosed body of water is fringed with trees below slopes of solid rock on whose surfaces are embedded several fossils of marine organisms. Viewing decks have been constructed by an association of local fisherfolk. 

Green Footprint Lagoon. A recent discovery, this smaller lake in Looc also on Cabilao Island is shaped like a giant's footprint and a habitat of the "latu" seaweed (Caulerpa sp.) and an unidentified red shrimp species.

Cabacongan Fish Sanctuary. This protected area, that is also found on Cabilao Island, is a favorite learning site for fisherfolk associations of Bohol and other provinces. Aside from the rich marine fauna, it offers a majestic view of mainland Bohol across the Sawang Pass, an important navigation channel for boats and catamarans plying the Cebu-Tagbilaran route.
   
White Beaches and Sand Bars. Strips of white sand abound in Loon. The more frequented beaches are found in Napo, Basdacu, Basdio (Rock Island Cove), Mocpoc, Pantudlan, Looc and Cambaquiz.  In Pantudlan, wave motion created by strong winds gradually transfers the sand bar on one side of Baluarte Point to the other.     

Mangrove Gardens. Sandingan, Loon’s other island, can be reached through a manâ€"made causeway that runs through a breathtaking panorama of mangroves on the Tajang Pass which offers an alternative site for boating and swimming as there are at least two picnic huts owned and rented out by nearby Calayugan Norte. In Canigaan, also on Sandingan, a leisure islet for picnic groups has been established by the community beside aweâ€"inspiring mangrove gardens. From the seaside corner of Sandingan High School a visitor to the island also gets a beautiful view of the mangroves and the lofty mountains of Loon.  In the other coastal barangays, the mangrove forests also offer livelihood opportunities for the local residents.  In September 2005 in Napo, an area where exceedingly tall mangrove species grow on white sand became a location for the ABS-CBN television series "Panday".  It is worth knowing that the mangrove areas of Cantumocad and Pondol are inhabited by monkeys. 

Caves. Loon is a spelunker’s paradise. Caves of karst origin are found in both highway and island barangays.  Recently reported are more than 30 caves in Cantam-is Baslay alone. 

Mount Canmanoc. This prominent geological landmark of Loon is a potential tourist destination as it offers a commanding view of the sea, town center and neighboring mountains.  On its slopes grow native trees, including the endangered molave, on whose branches birds of different species feed on its fruits and build their nests.

Mount Tan-awan. A visitor to this highest point of Loon gets to see Bohol at all angles as well as nearby Cebu.  Most of the major telecommunication companies have installed their transmission towers and cellular sites here.

Moalong River and Antaeg Spring & Lagoon. The sylvan banks of this meandering body of water serve as home to myriad birds and monkeys. Upstream, the river reveals some aspects of the Loonanon culture and showcases how the local government unit was able to tap the abundant water resource for household consumption.  Visitors can indulge in the soothing coolness of spring water cascading between rocks and boulders or trapped in lagoons. Some private groups have already visited Moalong and were amazed to see such a pristine environment in this secluded part of Bohol. Student organizations, too, have expressed interest in conducting ecology cruises on the turquoise river and have requested the office of the mayor for tour-guiding assistance.

Waterfalls and Springs. Local sightseers enjoy the crystal-clear water of Piong Falls located between Nagtuang and Canmaag.  In some upland barangays, water flows from springs that have encouraged the local folks to develop their own bathing and washing areas.  Recently discovered are quite a number of majestic waterfalls that flow into the open sea though the Moalong River.

Danicop Hidden Valley and Springs. Accessible from the national highway in Basac, this sylvan paradise and nature spa located in Ticugan is cleverly protected by trees growing on cliffs and mountain slopes.  Its main features are the rock formations on cliffs, the onrushing waters the locals call "Lungkajab", and springs that flow from the mountainside. 

Hanging Gardens.  On the shoreline of Lintuan endemic plants and natural bonsais grow on rocky overhangs that also protect picnickers and shell gleaners from the heat of the sun or a heavy rain.

Endemic Animals. In addition to the hammerhead shark, pygmy seahorse, monkeys and exotic birds mentioned earlier, other animals like the “mamag” (tarsier), “kagwang” (a lemur-like species), “tinggawong” (bearcat) and “tambaloslos” (previously believed to be legendary) have been sighted in Loon. 

Built Heritage, Historical Places and Other Sites

Church of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz.   Established by the Jesuits in 1753, the Our Lady of Light Parish was ceded in 1768 to the Recollects who built the first stone church in the 1780s. The churches built in 1815, 1850 and 1853-54 were devoured by fire.  The present façade is believed to have survived the last one.  This "Crowning Glory of Recollect Architecture" and "Queen of All Heritage Churches in Bohol" was constructed when Fr. Jose Garcia was parish priest from 1854 to 1890. Domingo de Escondrillas, director of public works in Cebu, drew the plans.  The extremely elegant Baroque facade of this biggest church edifice in the Visayas is the finest in Bohol.  Consolidating the Moorish tendencies are the bas relief carving, wooden balusters guarding the bell tower windows, and the pointed roofs. The sophisticated architectural styles of the Baroque, the Moorish and the Plateresque are evident in the Corinthian columns and fine details of the lace-like capitals. The painted ceiling of the interior, done by Reynante Francia in the 1930s, is perfectly in step with the tiled (now GI sheet) roof and the main "retablo" embellished with roundels in bas relief depicting scenes from the life of Mary. The faux dome depicts popular saints venerated by Catholics. Beside the church is the old convento, now Sacred Heart Academy, which was built during the term of Fr. Pedro Polo (1844-46).

Inang-angan. Made of coral stone blocks, this grand stairway of four flights and 174 steps was constructed under the direction of Fr. Antonio Yus, parish priest from 1847 to 1849, to improve contact between Napo (downtown) and Moto (uptown). A fifth flight of 38 steps leads to the convent (now Sacred Heart Academy) at the back of the Our Lady of Light church. The promenade concludes in the old wharf popularly called Tulay where a visitor gets a majestic view of the sea, the mangrove areas and the mountains of Loon and Cebu across the Cebu Strait.

Spanish-Era Mortuary Chapel. This hexagonal two-storey stone structure located across the Our Lady of Light Church is made of coral stone blocks or "tinableya" put together with a mixture of sand, lime and water.  In olden times, mass was not celebrated for the remains of a dead person.  Instead, they were brought here for final blessing by the parish priest before they would be buried. Originally tile-roofed, it is now used as an office and occasional showroom for special events. 

Spanish Colonial Cemetery (1800-1860s).  The circular layout of this structure is unique in Bohol.  The stone walls called "cota" or "kuta" are built of coral blocks or "tinableya" put together with mortar, a mixture of sand, lime and water.   Like those of big churches in the province, the internal layout of the chapel, which has six burial chambers, is cruciform with a transept or pair of arms across the nave.  Graves of persons of low status were unmarked in historic times, otherwise wooden ones may have been used, thus nothing remains to identify each grave within the circular perimeter wall.   

Sombria Bridge. This stone bridge in Cogon Norte on the national highway has been identified by the Sites and Monuments Division of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council as one of the most imposing and having the highest elevation among colonial bridges in the province.     

Napo Ruins.  For many years, Loonanons believed that the image of the Birhen sa Kasilak was enthroned on this site in 1610.  Reported to have been originally enthroned in Butuan, Agusan del Norte on September 8, 1597, the image was brought to Cebu by concerned Butuanons led by Fr. Pedro Lopez, a Jesuit friar, at the time when Moro bandits were attacking the coastal villages of Mindanao. Allegedly, they eventually dropped anchor near Sandingan Island and brought the image here.  On the other hand, recent research proves that the veneration of the Our Lady of Light started in Europe only in the 1700s.

The Ferandos House. Owned by the family of the late Pio Ferandos, former Loon mayor and Cebu RTC judge, this fine example of a chalet built during the American period served as a secret meeting place of the Filipino guerrilla leaders during the Second World War. Behind the ancestral house is a vertical cave that has potential for development into an environmental showcase.   

Gabaldon Building. This edifice comprises the main building of Loon South Central Elementary School.  Completed in 1915, it features an H layout with three rooms in the middle and four rooms on each side.  Between the two corner rooms on each side of the facade is a wide stairway that leads to a foyer marked by columns and a high ceiling. All rooms have floors made of wooden planks. Ventilation is provided by the open space below the floors and several holes on the transom-like span above the doors and walls. The rear court, which used to be a garden bounded by the two rooms on each wing, has been transformed into a multipurpose hall, thereby concealing the two stairs that each led to the porch outside these rooms. The steel-pipe railing on the porch has been retained. Toilets have recently been added to all the classrooms. The original GI sheet roof has been replaced with tile-designed GI sheet.  The original capiz-panel windows have also been replaced with glass jalousies. Both stairway and foyer have recently been tiled.

Loon Public Plaza. Completed in 1929, it features an imposing monument dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and a big fountain that depicts the legend of the town.  Of particular interest is a miniature Statue of Liberty atop the Rizal monument attesting to the era when it was constructed. Another structure at the plaza is a fountain that features four caryatids forming a column that supports a round structure the side of which is adorned by four gargoyles serving as water spouts.  Atop the circular platform are two figures of women, one carrying an urn and the other drinking water from her scooped hand.

Christ the King Monument. This imposing structure on the church plaza features a figure of the Risen Christ atop a three-sided column at the center of an ornate and multi-layered circular base.  It is maintained by the family of its designer, the late Zosimo “Iyo Zosing” P. Relampagos.

The Grotto. This other masterpiece of “Iyo Zosing” depicts the scene in Lourdes, France where Mary appeared to a girl named Bernadette. It is a favorite backdrop for the annual reenactment of the Last Supper and many other photo opportunities. 

Hugosan. Another Relampagos masterpiece, this four-column platform across the Spanish-era mortuary chapel serves as main gate of the fortress-like church.  It is the venue of the annual Easter Sunday rites observed by the local Catholic population

Big Cross. This pilgrimage site marked by a Big Cross on the slopes of Barangay Cabug offers a majestic view of the Cebu Strait. A road leading to the place features replicas of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Moalong Cliff and River. The river and the bluff overlooking the wide expanse of mangrove are mute witnesses to the most successful ambush staged by the Boholano guerillas against the Japanese aggressors during the Second World War.

Tubig-Loon Spring. An abundant source of spring water north of the nucleus barangay of Napo after which the town’s name was taken. The spring and the nearby fish ponds and mangrove areas are frequented by quite a large number of birds. 

Barangay Cantaongon. A major supply camp of the Boholano guerrillas during the Second World War.

Sister Milvida’s House of Prayer. This favorite retreat facility in the middle of a coconut grove in Barangay Moto Sur sits on a promontory overlooking the Lintuan Beach and the Cebu Strait.  Also called the House of Peace by its owners, it has a main building, open-air conference room for small groups, duplex house, kitchen, dining area, chapel, gazebo and garden. It has hosted local and international retreats.

Virgen de la Paz Hermitage. This home of the Virgen de la Paz hermit nuns sits on a cliff that overlooks the mangroves and marine sanctuary in Barangay Tangnan and offers an unobstructed view of the sea and the blue mountains of Cebu.

Solar-powered Lighthouse. Located in Punta Baluarte in Barangay Pantudlan, Cabilao Island, this modern lighthouse is a donation of the Spanish government and stands beside the old one that has been retained for its historical value.   

Mesina House. The only remaining house of such design.  Loon used to have a lot of old houses of the same design.  With some families experiencing early the economic boom brought about by success in the retail business, mostly in Leyte, Samar, Negros and Mindanao, and in the practice of their professions, all the other old houses have been replaced with concrete ones with modern designs.

Cabilao was sparsely populated during the administration of the Philippines by the Spaniards. The island residents, mostly belonging to fishing households, would sail to the poblacion or town center of Loon to perform their duties and obligations as Catholic Christians, particularly during major celebrations and rituals.   

One day, a group of fishermen from Cambaquiz composed of Doroteo, Benigno, Osong and Victorino launched a net into the sea and got nothing except a wooden cross that they immediately threw back into the water. They launched the net again, but after two more tries they still got nothing but the cross. Baffled, Doroteo instructed his comrades to load the cross into the boat. Immediately thereafter, they were able to haul a big catch. Sensing a miracle, Doroteo brought the wooden crucifix home and placed it near the hearth to dry.

In one of his dreams, Doroteo was instructed to build a sanctuary for the symbol of Christ. He told his fishing mates right away about his dream and they all got together to build a small chapel made of bamboo, nypa and salirap or woven coconut fronds. 

In 1907 a bigger chapel was finally completed in Cambaquiz. Meanwhile, construction of a chapel for the image of San Roque was started in the village of Cabacungan on the other side of the island. With the project not prospering due to unexplainable circumstances, the devotees requested for their patron’s image to be enthroned in the chapel in Cambaquiz. There was no further argument as there was no other chapel on the island. As a result, it was agreed that the feast of the Holy Cross be observed on May 7 and that of San Roque on May 8.

In later years, when it was decided that a separate parish be established in Cabilao, the chapel in Cambaquiz was considered the most appropriate site. A problem, however, emerged as a deed of donation in regard to the lot could not be produced. The parish church, still dedicated to the Holy Cross, was finally established in the adjacent barangay of Talisay. The church in Cambaquiz remains an important place of worship especially because of the reported miracles attributed to the Holy Cross while it was still enthroned thereat.               

After an undergraduate course in Plant Protection I enrolled at the Asian Institute of Journalism for a Master's in Media Management and Diplomate in Journalism. Thesis na lay kulang. Giabtan og wala nay resources.

Cabilao Diving Guide

Cabilao Island has some of the best dive sites in the Philippines and offers a exciting dives for the more experienced. Cabilao Island is south west of Pangangan Island across the Bohol Strait. A small island of Loon, Bohol, it is 1 hour 20 minutes boat ride by banca from Mactan Island, Cebu. Diving in the area is centered in front of an old lighthouse.

1. Housereef is a wall dropping down to 50 meters completely covered with beautiful hard and soft corals where the scorpion fish, tunas, jackfish, barracudas, frogfish and nudibranches are seen.

2. Shark's Point is a plateau with a depth of 22 to 34 meters and home to the pygmy and the thorny seahorses with occasional sightings of the white- and black-tipped reef shark, napoleons, barracudas and jackfish.

3. Lighthouse is located next to Shark's Point. It is a slope covered with sea grass and corals and sighted are Pegasus, seahorse ghost pipefish, harlequin ghost pipefish, stone fish, devil fish and leaf fish.

4. Fallen Tree is a wall dropping down to 60 meters and more, richly covered with gorgonian sea fans and black corals and home to barracudas, turtles, frogfishes and nudibranches.

5. Looc is a wall dropping down to 70 meters and ends into a sandy plateau where a variety of hard and soft corals abide. It is the habitat of innumerable microorganisms like shrimps, snails and numerous fish schools.

6. Cambaquiz is a wall dropping down to 90 meters which has a large overhang and many caves where baby sharks rest during the day.

7. Santa Cruz is a wall dropping off to 40 meters and found at the eastside of Cabilao Island where sea needles, ghost pipefish, harlequin ghost pipefish, shrimps and snails reside.

8. South Point is a wall dropping down 35 meters and one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Visayas where a fascinating coral garden with table-like coral formations is found.

9. Coconut is a wall dropping down to 50 meters where sea gorgonian fans and black corals are seen. Large schools of barracudas and occasional black-tipped reef sharks inhabit the place.

10. Rock-Point is a wall dropping down to 50 meters and borders a protected underwater area with several caves, incisions and overhangs where sea snakes, barracudas, large groupers, napoleon wrasses and snappers live.

To be opened to the public in a few months, this "monkey business" will be Bohol's newest tour package. The main facility, a strong concrete-and-bamboo boardwalk with rest and feeding corners have been constructed. The welcome area is currently being constructed. The actual site is the coastal barangay of Cantumocad. The primates' sanctuary is only about 30 meters from the national road on the left if going to Tubigon from Tagbilaran.       

Unsa na may status niini nga proposal? Kadtong mga nakaila ni PAL Vice President Ma. Socorro L. Relampagos-Gonzaga, palihug sa pagpangutana kaniya unya i-post dinhi ang iyang tubag. Daghang salamat.

Kon matinood ni, pagka daghan na tingaling manguli sa Bohol for various purposes. Mas molambo pud ang local tourism industry, unya posible nga adunay magsugod og ubang negosyo sa Bohol kansang mga supplies come from southern Mindanao. Mokubos na unya ang presyo sa durian ug tuna, ha ha ha!

This Christmas I sent about 80 Christmas cards and postcards to my friends. Panahon na pud tingali nga mobalik ta sa kinaraang pagpadayag sa atong mga Christmas wishes. Thanks, Raquel for the cards. By the way, I hope you received na the package I sent to you.

From May 25, 2009 to May 25, 2010 the Mary Help of Christians Parish celebrates its 50th year as a parish separate from the mother parish of Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak). A Diocesan letter recommends a pilgrimage for interested groups. Dugang indulhensiya. All devotees of Maria Auxiliadora (Auxilium Christianorum) are invited to join the grand celebration next year in Mocpoc Norte (Sandingan Island), Loon, Bohol.

GASPS AS OBAMA AWARDED NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

By Karl Ritter and Matt Moore, Associated Press
October 9, 2009; 6:04 pm ET

OSLO â€" The announcement drew gasps of surprise and cries of too much, too soon. Yet President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday because the judges found his promise of disarmament and diplomacy too good to ignore.

The five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee â€" four of whom spoke to The Associated Press, said awarding Obama the peace prize could be seen as an early vote of confidence intended to build global support for the policies of his young administration.

They lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation, and praised his pledges to reduce the world stock of nuclear arms, ease U.S. conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen its role in combating climate change.

"Some people say â€" and I understand it â€" 'Isn't it premature? Too early?' Well, I'd say then that it could be too late to respond three years from now," Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told the AP. "It is now that we have the opportunity to respond â€" all of us."

Jagland said the committee whittled down a record pool of 205 nominations and had "several candidates until the last minute," but it became more obvious that "we couldn't get around these deep changes that are taking place" under Obama.

Obama said he was surprised and deeply humbled by the honor, and planned to travel to Oslo in December to accept the prize.

"Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations," he said at the White House. "To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize."
Obama will donate the $1.4 million cash award that comes with the prize to charity.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who won the prize in 1984, said the decision showed that great things are expected from Obama and "wonderful recognition" of his effort to reach out to the Arab world after years of hostility.

"It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope," Tutu said.

Many were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in a presidency that began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline for the prize and has yet to yield concrete achievements in peacemaking.

"So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is only beginning to act," said former Polish President Lech Walesa, who won the peace prize in 1983.

Some around the world objected to the choice of Obama, who still oversees wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has launched deadly counterterrorism strikes in Pakistan and Somalia.
Jagland told AP that while the war in Afghanistan was a concern, the Obama administration "immediately started to reassess the strategy."

"That itself is important, because when something goes wrong, then you need to ask yourself why is it going wrong," he said.

Obama said he was working to end the war in Iraq and "to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies" in Afghanistan, where he is seriously considering increasing the number of U.S. troops on the ground and asking for help from others as the war enters its ninth year.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi in Afghanistan condemned the Nobel committee's decision, saying Obama had only escalated the war and had "the blood of the Afghan people on his hands."

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called the Nobel decision "hasty."
"The appropriate time for awarding such a prize is when foreign military forces leave Iraq and Afghanistan and when one stands by the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people," he was quoted as saying by the Mehr news agency.

Aagot Valle, a lawmaker for the Socialist Left party who joined the Nobel committee this year, said she hoped the selection would be viewed as "support and a commitment for Obama."

"And I hope it will be an inspiration for all those that work with nuclear disarmament and disarmament," she told AP in a rare interview. Members of the committee usually speak only through its chairman.

The peace prize was created partly to encourage ongoing peace efforts, but Obama's efforts are at far earlier stages than those of past winners, and the committee acknowledged they may not bear fruit at all.

"If everything goes wrong, then one cannot say that this was because of Barack Obama," Jagland said. "It could be that it is because of us, all the others, that didn't respond. But I cannot exclude that Barack Obama also can contribute to the eventual failure."

In Europe and much of the world, Obama is praised for bringing the U.S. closer to mainstream global thinking on such issues as climate change and multilateralism. A 25-nation poll of 27,000 people released in July by the Pew Global Attitudes Project found double-digit boosts to the percentage of people viewing the U.S. favorably in countries around the world. That indicator had plunged across the world under President George W. Bush.

The award appeared to be at least partly a slap at Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Obama's predecessor for his largely unilateral military action in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

"Those who were in support of Bush in his belief in war solving problems, on rearmament, and that nuclear weapons play an important role ... probably won't be happy," said Valle.
At home, the picture is more complicated. Obama is often criticized by his political opponents as he attempts to carry out his agenda â€" from government spending to health care to Afghanistan.

Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele said Obama won because of his "star power" rather than meaningful accomplishments.

"The real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?'" Steele said.

Drawing criticism from some on the left, Obama has been slow to bring troops home from Iraq and the real end of the U.S. military presence there won't come until at least 2012.
The Nobel committee said it paid special attention to Obama's vision of a nuclear-free world, laid out in a speech in Prague and in April and at the United Nations last month.
Former Peace Prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, said Obama has already provided outstanding leadership on nuclear non-proliferation.

"He has shown an unshakable commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts," ElBaradei said.

In July talks in Moscow, Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed that their negotiators would work out a new limit on delivery vehicles for nuclear warheads of between 500 and 1,100. They also agreed that warhead limits would be reduced from the current range of 1,700-2,200 to as low as 1,500. The U.S. now has about 2,200 such warheads, compared to about 2,800 for the Russians.

There has been no word on whether either side has started to act on the reductions.
Obama also has tried to restart stalled Mideast talks with no progress yet reported.
In the Gaza Strip, leaders of the radical Hamas movement said they had heard Obama's speeches on better relations with the Islamic world but had not been moved.

"We are in need of actions, not sayings," Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said. "If there is no fundamental and true change in American policies toward the acknowledgment of the rights of the Palestinian people, I think this prize won't move us forward or backward."

Obama has said that battling climate change is a priority. Yet the U.S. seems likely to head into crucial international negotiations set for Copenhagen in December with Obama-backed legislation still stalled in Congress.

Unlike the other Nobel Prizes, which are awarded by Swedish institutions, the peace prize is given out by the five-member committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament. Like the Parliament, the panel has a leftist slant, with three members elected by left-of-center parties and two right-of-center members. Jagland said the decision to honor Obama was unanimous.

The secretive committee declined to say who nominated Obama. In Nobel tradition, nominations are kept secret for 50 years, unless those making the submissions go public about their picks. This year's nominations included Colombian activist Piedad Cordoba, Afghan woman's rights activist Simi Samar and Denis Mukwege, a physician in war-torn Congo who opened a clinic to help rape victims.

Nominators for the prize are broad and include former laureates; current and former members of the committee and their staff; members of national governments and legislatures; university professors of law, theology, social sciences, history and philosophy; leaders of peace research and foreign affairs institutes; and members of international courts of law.

Obama is the third sitting U.S. president to win the award: President Theodore Roosevelt won in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson was awarded the prize in 1919.

In his 1895 will, Alfred Nobel stipulated that the peace prize should go "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses."

A Boholano in Mr. International Philippines contest

Sixteen macho guys are competing for 2009 Mister International Philippines with grand finals on Oct. 14, 8 p.m., at the A Venue Mall (7829 Makati Avenue, Makati City).
Adbul Wallace, the Boholano representative, loves the bees and the flowers. The entrepreneur, towering at 6’ and weighing 165 lbs. (waistline is 32”, size of briefs is medium and shoe size is 10.5), is the son of Bohol’s Queen Bee, Vicky Wallace, owner-manager of Bee Farm.

“The feeling is indescribable. I can’t believe it…it’s overwhelming,” admits Abdul who is turning 24 on Oct. 30.

Abdul finished high school at the Bohol Wisdom School and nursing at the Holy Name University. He loves R&B, mellow and alternative songs; and admires artists like Akon, Sean Kingston, Ying Yang and Justin Timberlake.

The 2009 Mister International Philippines will compete in the 2009 Mr. International contest in Taichung, Taiwan. The last time the Philippines won the title was in 2001, with ramp model Alexander Aquino. 

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com) - FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Loon: Bohol's emerging prime tourist destination
Source: Municipal Tourism Council of Loon, Bohol

Turn back the hands of time and walk through a profusion of built heritage and a community steeped in a wealth of traditions in culture and the arts.

Explore an underwater paradise in one of the world's most amazing dive sites, sunbathe on white beaches and sand bars, come face to face with mangrove monkeys and myriad birds that fly in wild abandon in sylvan surroundings, and marvel at the biodiversity of Bohol's only island lake.

Give yourself an adrenaline rush as you paddle through a labyrinth of mangrove thickets, cross a winding river that reveals a secret paradise, scale mountains and craggy cliffs, and discover mystical caves that have remained unexplored for many years.

Finally, soothe your weary body by immersing in nature's spas complete with springs and waterfalls.

Experience all of these in Bohol's westernmost town where 67 barangays are evenly spread in beautiful plateaus, lofty mountains and two karst islands.

Named after a crystal-clear spring that gushes from the bosom of the earth, Loon is blessed with plenty of natural resources and built heritage complemented by warm-hearted people whose folkways and beliefs have been nurtured by family and religion.
      
Built heritage

Loon is almost always associated with its imposing church. Completed in 1855, the church of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz, more popularly known as Birhen sa Kasilak, is considered the "Crowning Glory of Recollect Architecture" and "Queen of All Heritage Churches in Bohol".

The extremely elegant Baroque facade of this biggest church edifice in the Visayas is highlighted by delicate bas relief carving nowhere found in the province.

Visitors are awed by the Corinthian columns and fine details of the lace-like capitals on the façade and the main altar.

The painted ceiling of the interior, done by Reynante Francia in the 1930s, complements the turn-of-the-century tiles on the floor, while the faux dome depicts popular saints venerated by Catholics.

Serving as main gate of the fortress-like church is a four-column platform called Hugosan. It is the venue of the annual Easter Sunday rites observed by the local Catholic population.

Behind the huge church is Inang-angan, a grand stairway of four flights and 174 steps made of coral stone blocks.  It leads down to the coastal village of Napo, Loon's original settlement. This grand structure was constructed between 1847 and 1849 to improve contact with the present sawang or town center.  

A fifth flight of 38 steps leads to the convent, now Sacred Heart Academy. The promenade concludes in the old wharf popularly called Tulay where a visitor gets a majestic view of the sea, the mangrove clumps on white sand, and the mountains of Loon and Cebu.

Directly facing the church is a hexagonal two-storey stone structure made of coral stone blocks or tinableya put together by a mixture of sand, lime and water.  In olden times, mass was not celebrated for the remains of the dead.  Instead, they were brought to this mortuary chapel for final blessing before they were buried at the foot of the hills of Cogon Sur where the ruins of a Spanish colonial cemetery still exist.  

The circular layout of the burial place is unique in Bohol. The stone walls called kuta are also made of coral. The internal layout of its small chapel, which has six burial chambers, is cruciform with a transept or pair of arms across the nave.  

A stone bridge in Sombria near the municipal hall has been identified by the Sites and Monuments Division of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council as one of the most imposing and having the highest elevation among colonial bridges in the province.  

The public plaza serves as the centerpiece of the town. Completed in 1929, it features an impressive monument dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Of particular interest is a miniature Statue of Liberty atop the monument attesting to the era it was constructed.

Another highlight of the public park is a big fountain that features four caryatids forming a column that supports a disk. Evenly spaced on the rim of this circular platform are four gargoyles that serve as water spouts.  Figures of two women, one carrying an urn and the other drinking water from her scooped hand, complete the whole structure.  

Monumental art

The town is also a haven of visual artists one of whom is the late painter and sculptor Zosimo P. Relampagos. A master of huge art pieces, he created the monument of the risen Christ standing on a three-sided column at the center of an ornate and multi-layered circular base.  

Another masterpiece of his is a replica of the grotto in Lourdes, France where Mary appeared to a girl named Bernadette. It is a favorite backdrop for the annual reenactment of the Last Supper and many other photo opportunities.  

In Barangay Cabug one finds the Big Cross, a pilgrimage site that offers a majestic view of Cebu Strait. A road leading to the place features replicas of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Historical sites

The abundant source of spring water found north of Napo after which the town is named is also located below the municipal hall. This spring and the nearby fish ponds and mangrove areas are frequented by quite a large number of birds.  

Farther north a river and a bluff overlooking the wide expanse of mangrove are mute witnesses to the most successful ambush staged by the Boholano guerillas led by Capt. Francisco Salazar against the Japanese aggressors during the Second World War.  

On this site the local government unit commemorates the Battle of Moalong River every year and hopes to develop a Philippines-Japan Friendship and Peace Park.  

A few kilometers upstream is Barangay Cantaongon, a major supply camp of the guerrillas, where Salazar captivated the locals with his agility astride a galloping horse.

Most heritage houses in Loon have been replaced many years before heritage conservation became an advocacy. Being a premier town of adventurers and professionals, Loon experienced economic progress earlier than most other towns. As a result, a construction boom ensued that required tearing down the old houses built of wood.

One family, however, has withstood the temptation to let go of their ancestral abode. The children of Pio B. Ferandos, former Loon mayor and Cebu RTC judge, have retained the town's finest example of a chalet built during the American period.

This white-painted house located opposite the big acacia tree on the churchyard allegedly served as residence and office of the Japanese during the war.

Nature's bounty

The Loonanons have been known as the most itinerant among Boholanos, engaging in the retail business in Samar, Leyte, Negros, Palawan, Siquijor and most provinces in Mindanao. On the other hand many of those who graduate from its seven high schools opt to go to college and practice their professions elsewhere. These cultural aspects are compounded by the rugged topography that deters large-scale agriculture from doing well. As a result, much of what Mother Nature has blessed Loon with has retained its pristine state.  

Around the island of Cabilao divers are drawn to the hammerhead shark, coral gardens, and pygmy seahorses. A tourist can swim, dive, snorkel, take underwater photographs, jet-ski or fish.  

The island has two enclosed bodies of water. The bigger one, Cabilao Island Lake, is frequented by migratory birds and fringed with trees growing below slopes of solid rock marked with fossils of marine organisms.  The other one, called Green Footprint Lagoon, has a lakebed where the seaweed latu (Caulerpa sp.) grows in abundance. The lagoon is also home to a species of red shrimp.  

Marine protected areas also abound. Those in Basdacu and Cabacungan are frequented by divers because of its rich flora and fauna. Suggested activities at the buffer zones of these MPAs include swimming, diving, snorkeling, underwater photography, hook-and-line fishing, and gleaning for seaweeds and shellfish.

The white beaches on the mainland, the Rock Island Cove on Sandingan, and the sand bars of Cabilao are attracting picnickers from nearby municipalities.

During high tide, the interlinked passageways on Tajang Pass seem to separate the mangrove thickets into small islands. The mangrove gardens that line the coastal villages of Cantomucad and Pondol are inhabited by macaque monkeys.

The Moalong River serves as the main catchment for the water coming from all springs, streams and waterfalls of Loon's uplands. The watershed to which the river belongs is also a habitat of diverse species of plants and animals that include endemic birds, mamag (tarsier), kagwang (a lemur-like species), and tinggawong (bearcat).

Caves of karst origin are found almost everywhere. In the village of Cantam-is Baslay alone, a spelunker can explore at least 30 caves.  These subterranean niches are home to thousands of bats and nocturnal birds.

The mountains of Canmanoc and Tan-awan are prominent landmarks that offer a commanding view of the sea, town center and neighboring mountains.  They are also ideal venues for trekking and mountain biking.

Water flows from the fringes of the hidden valley of Danicop in Barangay Ticugan where there are lagoons and a diving platform of solid rock. The raging waters that soothe a trekker's aching back must have gouged the softer parts of the rocky cliff above the riverbank and created huge pockmark-like holes on it.

The Pi-ong Falls situated between Nagtuang and Canmaag drops like a bride's veil onto a lagoon. Nearby the Kabantian Falls found between Nagtuang and Bongco seems like a water stairway as it drops six times before reaching a pool of water.  

Festival of Lights

Every September 8, Loon celebrates its annual fiesta in honor of its patroness, the Birhen sa Kasilak. The ten-day celebration is highlighted by nightly cultural activities the most awaited of which is the culmination of SidlaKasilak, the town’s festival of lights.

Two days before the fiesta, the image of the Kasilak is brought to Napo via a fluvial procession that starts in Sandingan Island. Kasilak devotees, with parol on hand, meet the entourage in Napo and the whole congregation ascend the Inang-angan creating a magical scene of dancing lights in mesmerizing colors.  

At the church plaza, hand-held lanterns of varied colors gracefully float in the dark as the Loonanons pay homage to the Kasilak through a dance of lights offered to the Lady.  

Sleeping giant no more

As Loon braces for the opening in 2010 of the country's first and only international cruise ship port at Catagbacan wharf, the LGU, with Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD at the helm, initiated the drafting of a municipal tourism master plan, now for implementation.

People’s organizations like the Cabilao Romblon Weavers Network (CROWN) and Pundok nga Nag-ugmad sa Kabiling Loonanon (PABILO) have been strengthened to become frontliners of a craft village within a tourism zone and as interpreters and service providers of a heritage walk tour package, respectively.  

To be established very soon is a center of Loonanon craftsmanship at the public market where all products made locally are displayed and sold.  Now in full operation is the Center for Developments in Culture, Heritage and the Arts (CHARTS), a venue for the training of artists and for research on and promotion of Loonanon heritage.  

Realizing that some tourists have the habit of exploring local stores, the LGU is currently renovating the public market. It also identified parking spaces for vehicles to promote order and smooth flow of traffic.

To increase food production in response to the need of the tourism sector, the LGU established plant nurseries in strategic barangays to enhance access to planting materials of crops and ornamental plants. It also organized the farmers and sustained a farmer-scientists training program and a fertilizer subsidy scheme.

Meanwhile, coastal law enforcement has been intensified to protect the town's marine biodiversity. The enforcement of the user's fee ordinance has been sustained in the diving areas around Cabilao.

Launched last year is Buhay Dagat, a project that aims to train qualified members of fishing households in sustaining their marine protected areas where they can charge fees for diving and snorkeling.

Meanwhile, necessary legislative support has been provided by the Sangguniang Bayan especially as regards protecting the marine and terrestrial resources of Loon for its communities to manage in a sustainable manner through tourism-based livelihood projects and activities.
 
Bohol's sleeping giant as regards tourism potential has indeed opened its eyes, albeit gradually, to face the challenges and opportunities that the tourism industry offers now and in the future.

Maghikay jud ko sa hometown sa akong amahan ug puluy-anan sa akong favorite saint, Birhen sa Kasilak. Mamista ta. Mao pud ning adlawa nga makahuluganon alang ni Ms. Raquel, our very proud Boholana.

Tubag ni sa kang Lorenzo nga komentaryo kabahin sa mga pulong nga kon kaduhaon paglitok o paresan og laing pulong, lahi na ang buot ipasabot:

Examples:

bagol - coconut shell
bagol-bagol - skull

bulok - color, dull
bulok-bulok - simmering, producing air bubbles on water

dunggan - ear
amo - monkey
dungngan-dunggan sa amo - edible fungus (dark brown, isubak sa sotanghon)

puti - white
itlog - egg
puti'g itlog - talawan

Kada gabii, especially when watching TV, I sit on the "handay-handayan" of my late father, that reclining chair with long arms. Usa kini ka kabilin sa akong amahan nga akong giampingan. Mao tingali nga usa pud sa akong paboritong kanta mao ni:

MY FATHER'S CHAIR
(Lyrics and Music by Rick Springfield)

My Father's Chair still standing there
All alone since the long night
Now it's three years on and I still feel
He'll come home, we'll be alright

So where's this healing time brings
I was told the pain would ease
But it still hurts like the first night

That night my brother, my mother and I
Were looking up at a distant star
And wishing we could reach that far

And back in the house
And alone for the first time
We told each other we cared
We avoided My Father's Chair

I watch my family, we hold on
We are strong and we'll be alright
The clock continues counting down, all the while
And every child will share the long night

But do the spirits meet again
Why am I still so filled with doubt
Is my soul everlasting

And the far distant future
When I knew you'd be gone
Came too fast and stays too long
Why do they leave the weak of spirit
And take the strong

When the world turns sour
And I get sick from the smell
And I can't find no comfort there
I climb into My Father's Chair


This thread is dedicated to our respective fathers and grandfathers.  

   

Nagdamgo ko kagabii og mga panganod with a lot of stars behind them. I remember having the same dream long time ago.  When I asked an officemate about its meaning, she told me that the dream means that I will experience short-lived joy and not much progress. Mora'g tinuod baya pud, he he he. Ikaw, unsay imong damgo? Tingali'g ato nang mahatagan og kahulugan. Hinunua, di na lang ta motoo og damgo. Salig ug tuo lang gyud ta kanunay sa Ginoo. Pero makalingaw baya pud ning mag interpret kunohay og damgo.     

Tabi:

Ta'bi - Tabi, moagi sa ko. Tabi, kinsa tuod ka?
Tabi' - Unsay miabot nga tabi didto nila. 

Unsaon:

Unsa'on - Unsaon nimo nang imong gidala?
Unsaon' - Nanganak na diay si Raquel? Unsaon man? (Tubag: Lalaki.)

Baka-baka:

Baka-baka - toy cow, miniature cow
Baka'-baka' - naglisud paglakaw 

Akong namatikdan nga daghan sa mga suki sa TB ubay-ubay og mga nostalgic statements (euphemism sa tiguwang, he he he).  I am certain nga daghan nato naka experience na og bayle . . . sa merkado, sa basketbolan, sa kalubihan, sa mga formal occasions, etc.  Like me, in one alumni homecoming, nahapla jud ko sa sinaw nga sawog, and all eyes were focused on me. Sayaw lang gihapon, mora ra'g wa.  Share your most unforgettable bayle moments here.  Kinsay mo-una. Kadtong naka sul-ob og bell-bottom?

The information provided in this thread are those of Mr. Manuel Faelnar (manuelfaelnar@gmail.com)
that I received on March 16, 2009.  Even if he is not a Boholano (his roots are in Southern Leyte; well there might be a Boholano blood somewhere in his genealogy considering that most Southern Leyteños are migrants from Bohol), I am sharing this with TB members because we (including Cebuanos, Siquijodnons,  Negrenses, etc.) have a common (Bisaya) heritage.  Meanwhile, here's an intro on Mr. Faelnar.

Atty. Manuel Lino G. Faelnar
Co-Convenor for Language and Culture
Subsidiarity Movement International

Vice President, DILA Phils. Foundation, Inc.
(Defenders of the Indigenous Languages of the Archipelago)

Director, Lubas sa Dagang Bisaya, Inc. (LUDABI)

Member, Linguistic Society of the Philippines

"Without our language, we have no culture, we have no identity, we are nothing."
Ornolfor Thorsson, adviser to President of Iceland.

"When you lose a language you lose a culture, intellectual wealth, a work of art."
Kenneth Hale, who taught linguistics at MIT.

Sigi lang ta'g hisgut-hisgot dinhi, pero wala lang nato mahibaw-i nga gikan diay ta sa managsamang tunghaan. To start the discussion, these are the schools that I went to:

Visayas State College of Agriculture (now Visayas State University) (completed course)
Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa) (completed short course)
University of the Philippines in Los Baños (completed short courses)
Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (lacks thesis)
University of San Carlos (two years)
University of San Jose Recoletos (completed course)
Mater Dei College (a few subjects)

Ayaw katingala sa taas nga lista kay nag transfer-transfer man ko, depende kon asa ko nag work.

VICARIATE OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER


SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHEDRAL PARISH
Parish Priest: Msgr. Jeffrey P. Malanog, VG
Parochial Vicars: Fr. Julian C. Lupot, Jr. and Fr. Agerio V. Pana
Assisting Resident Priests: Fr. Felix Warli R. Salise, Jr.; Fr. Ronaldo C. Amora; Fr. Joel S. Aquino; Fr. Jose Stelieto A. Ruyeras; Fr. Belarmino T. Palapar and Fr. Ramon Jose P. Oncog

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH, Taloto District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Fr. Manuel Y. Mendez / Assisting Resident Priest: Fr. James B. Darunday

OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH, Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Fr. Desiderio R. Magdoza
Parochial Vicars: Fr. Martin Juan S. Legitimas; Fr. Stephen R. Supremo
Assisting Resident Priest: Msgr. Gorgonio C. Zapatos, Jr.

NUESTRA SEÃ'ORA DEL PILAR, Corella
Parish Priest: Fr. Patricio A. Galon

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH, Booy District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Fr. Aniceto H. Polinar

BIRHEN SA BARANGAY PARISH, Lindaville Subdivision, Dao, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Msgr. Oscar D. Pajo / Parochial Vicar: Fr. Severo D. Pajo, Jr.

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH, Sikatuna
Parish Priest: Fr. Manuel D. Pantollana

BARANGAY SANG BIRHEN SHRINE â€" PARISH, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Msgr. Vicente M. Nunag, III / Parochial Vicar: Msgr. Celso T. Laolao
Assisting Resident Priests: Msgr. Melquiades H. Agunod; Fr. Simplicio F. Manigque and Fr. Alvin C. Pusta

SAINT VINCENT FERRER PARISH, Bool District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Msgr. Feliciano E. Nalzaro, Jr. / Parochial Vicar: Fr. Martin V. Pimentel, Jr.

SANTA CRUZ PARISH, Dao District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Msgr. Gabino M. Lerin / Assisting Resident Priest: Msgr. Cirilo D. Darunday. Jr.

MOST HOLY TRINITY PARISH, Manga District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Fr. Roderick C. Pizarras

SAN ROQUE PARISH, Tiptip District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Msgr. Avelino B. Onyot

ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA PARISH, Dampas District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Fr. Jose Cecil N. Lobrigas

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER PARISH, San Isidro District, Tagbilaran City
Parish Priest: Fr. Andres S. Ayco / Assisting Resident Priest: Msgr. Margarito R. Gonzaga

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA QUASI-PARISH, Ubujan District, Tagbilaran City
Pastor: Fr. Saturnino J. Villapaz

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA QUASI-PARISH, Third District, Tagbilaran City
Pastor: Fr. Valentino U. Pinlac / Assisting Resident Priest: Fr. Jose D. Sumampong, Jr.

STA. CRUZ CHAPLAINCY, Mansasa Heights, Tagbilaran City
Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Jose Sinforiano J. Monton

DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE, Dampas District, Tagbilaran City
Priest-in-Charge: FR. Ramon Jose P. Oncog


VICARIATE OF THE HOLY CHILD


HOLY INFANT PARISH, Valencia
Parish Priest: Fr. Gilbert P. Ilogon / Parochial Vicar: Fr. Petronio B. Ligtas, Jr.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY PARISH, Lila
Parish Priest: Fr. Manuel Q. Maligmat

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER PARISH, Tabuan, Garcia-Hernandez
Parish Priest: Fr. Alan A. Cruz

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, Garcia-Hernandez
Parish Priest: Fr. Marcos A. Caballo

SAINT NICHOLAS TOLENTINE PARISH, Dimiao
Parish Priest: Fr. Claverlito S. Migriño / Assisting Resident Priest: Fr. Efren D. Dolauta

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER QUASI-PARISH, Canhayupon, Dimiao
Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Angelito B. Sumod-ong


VICARIATE OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY


THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY PARISH, Dauis
Parish Priest: Fr. Gerardo F. Saco, Jr.
Parochial Vicars: Fr. Victor G. Bompat and Fr. Renaro R. Regis

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, Baclayon
Parish Priest: Fr. Efren A. Bongay
Assisting Resident Priests: Fr. Martin C. Lupiba and Fr. Crisilio J. Alipoyo

SAINT AUGUSTINE PARISH, Panglao
Parish Priest: Fr. Vivencio F. Husain, Jr.
Parochial Vicar: Msgr. Felipe B. Digal / Assisting Resident Priest: Fr. Ruel P. Pangan

SANTA MONICA PARISH, Alburquerque
Parish Priest: Fr. Rogelio M. Organiza

NUESTRA SENORA DE LA PAZ Y BIEN VIAJE PARISH, Songculan, Dauis
Parish Priest: Fr. Fermin O. Bugtong


VICARIATE OF THE OUR LADY OF LIGHT


OUR LADY OF LIGHT PARISH, Loon
Parish Priest: Fr. Victoriano E. Dagat
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Victor Joseph S. Torralba
Assisting Resident Priests: Fr. Estanilao D. Amper and Fr. Panfilo S. Somosot

SAINT VINCENT FERRER SHRINE â€" HOLY CROSS PARISH, Maribojoc
Parish Priest: Fr. Warren M. Abarquez / Parochial Vicar: Fr. Faustino M. Bisol

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER QUASI-PARISH, Busao, Maribojoc
Pastor: Fr. Florante S. Camacho, SVD

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS PARISH, Mocpoc Sur, Sandingan Island, Loon
Parish Priest: Fr. Alger L. Angcla

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY PARISH, Antequera
Parish Priest: Fr. Leonel M. Grado

SAN LORENZO DE MANILA PARISH, Catagbacan, Loon
Parish Priest: Fr. Floro G. Hora

HOLY CROSS PARISH, Talisay, Cabilao Island, Loon
Parish Priest: Fr. Nestor B. Curambao

NUESTRA SENORA DE LA PAZ Y BUEN VIAJE PARISH, Cuasi, Loon
Parish Priest: Fr. Alexander O. Nalitan


VICARIATE OF THE OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL


OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH, Balilihan
Parish Priest: Fr. Felix Cleofas M. Silagan

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, Catigbian
Parish Priest: Fr. Danilo R. Maniwan

SANTO NINO PARISH, Baang, Catigbian
Parish Priest: Fr. Reuben Neron L. Angcla

SANTO NINO PARISH, Hanopol, Balilihan
Parish Priest: Fr. Joel V. Halasan

SANTO NINO PARISH, Cortes
Parish Priest: Fr. Linuel L. Canizares / Assisting Parish Priest: Fr. Mario T. Laguros

NUESTRA SENORA DE LA PAZ Y BUEN VIAJE PARISH, La Paz, Cortes
Parish Priest: Fr. Roque C. Anquilero II


VICARIATE OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE


SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE PARISH, Loboc
Parish Priest: Fr. Jorge R. Mante

MOST HOLY TRINITY PARISH, Loay
Parish Priest: Fr. Blair Lope M. Sabaricos

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, Concepcion, Loay
Parish Priest: Fr. Virgilio R. Salas

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH, Sevilla
Parish Priest: Fr. Roberto A. Supremo

OUR LADY OF GUDALUPE PARISH, Quinoguitan, Loboc
Parish Priest: Fr. Rod Oliver T. Saligan

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER PARISH, Bilar
Parish Priest: Fr. Marcelino D. Biliran

SAINT JAMES THE GREATER PARISH, Batuan
Parish Priest: Fr. Gerardo C. Salise


VICARIATE OF SAINT VINCENT FERRER


SAINT VINCENT FERRER, Calape
Parish Priest: Fr. Aurelio D. Luzon, Jr. / Parochial Vicar: Fr. Joseph S. W. Skelton, Jr.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH, Panggangan, Calape
Parish Priest: Fr. Joselito M. Masula

SAINT AUGUSTINE PARISH, Sagbayan
Parish Priest: Fr. Areston V. Limocon

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER PARISH, Tubigon
Parish Priest: Fr. Marlon J. Lumanas
Assisting Resident Priests: Fr. Absalon B. Florenosos and Fr. Gamaliel B. Canas

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH, Clarin
Parish Priest: Fr. Johnson B. Inte

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH, Cahayag, Tubigon
Parish Priest: Fr. Elias S. Algabre

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER PARISH, Nahawan, Clarin
Parish Priest: Fr. Arnold Goder

HOLY CROSS PARISH, Cawayanan, Tubigon
Parish Priest: Fr. Joemari P. Polo


IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SEMINARY


Formators: Fr. Crisologo R. Geangan (Rector); Msgr. Jesus B. Ligason;
Fr. Irvin B. Garsuta; Fr. Dennis H. Balakid and Fr. Jonas I. Lubiano


OTHER RESIDENCIES


Fr. Oriel F. Echavia - Priesthome, Taloto District
Fr. Hipolito G. Namocatcat - Priesthome, Taloto District
Fr. Genaro M. Rebosura - Priesthome, Taloto District
Fr. Wilibaldo D. Sanchez - Priesthome, Taloto District
Msgr. Felimon R. Dumalag - St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral
Fr. Orlando R. Mendez - St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral



Information provided by:

Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao_Gabin, City Information Officer, City Government of Tagbilaran
Fr. Robert S. Roa - St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral

Larianne Kristine Corciega Betancor of Barangay Moto Norte in Loon town topped all examinees from the Visayas and Mindanao in the recent Philippine CPA Licensure Examination that was held in Manila and selected regional offices of the Philippine Regulation Commission on May 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2009.

The results were released in one day after the last day of examination.

Betancor, who graduated from Cebu’s Colegio de San Jose Recoletos, placed fifth among the 1,231 who passed the accountancy board out of 4,262 who took the exam in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Legazpi.

The names of the topnotchers and their respective scores are as follows:

1.  Conrad Jonathan Tan Lee, De La Salle University - Manila - 92.57%
2.  Leomar Rita Cabarles, University of Rizal System - Binangonan - 92.00%
3.  Mabel Laguerta Buted, De La Salle University - 91.14%
4.  Joseph Ian Concepcion Asuncion, University of the East - Manila - 91.00%
5.  Larianne Kristine Corciega Betancor, University of San Jose Recoletos - 90.71%
6.  Reinier Jeffrey Epino Abdon, Philippine Christian University - Manila - 90.57%
6.  Oliver Malang Bartolome, Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila - 90.57%
7.  Daniel Jan Español del Mundo, De La Salle University - 90.29%
8.  Jeramael Presbitero Villaber, University of Cebu - 89.71%
9.  Angelica Christine Francisco Torres, De La Salle University - 89.57%
10. Maximilian Hamada Chan, Saint Louis University - 88.71%

Betancor graduated valedictorian from Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in her hometown. Another valedictorian of the same school, Romualdo Murcia from Cabilao Island, also in Loon, was number one in the same board exam in 1997, surprising all other topnotch Accountancy schools in the country including his alma mater, Holy Name University, then Divine Word College in Tagbilaran City, which at that time was celebrating her golden anniversary.

Larianne Kristine Corciega Betancor of Loon town topped all examinees from the Visayas and Mindanao in the recent Philippine CPA Licensure Examination that was held in Manila and selected regional offices of the Philippine Regulation Commission on May 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2009.

The results were released in one day after the last day of examination.

A resident of Barangay Moto Norte, Betancor, who graduated from Cebu’s Colegio de San Jose Recoletos, placed fifth among the 1,231 who passed the accountancy board out of 4,262 who took the exam in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Legazpi.

The names of the topnotchers and their respective scores are as follows:

1.  Conrad Jonathan Tan Lee, De La Salle University - Manila - 92.57%
2.  Leomar Rita Cabarles, University of Rizal System - Binangonan - 92.00%
3.  Mabel Laguerta Buted, De La Salle University - 91.14%
4.  Joseph Ian Concepcion Asuncion, University of the East - Manila - 91.00%
5.  Larianne Kristine Corciega Betancor, University of San Jose Recoletos - 90.71%
6.  Reinier Jeffrey Epino Abdon, Philippine Christian University - Manila - 90.57%
6.  Oliver Malang Bartolome, Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila - 90.57%
7.  Daniel Jan Español del Mundo, De La Salle University - 90.29%
8.  Jeramael Presbitero Villaber, University of Cebu - 89.71%
9.  Angelica Christine Francisco Torres, De La Salle University - 89.57%
10. Maximilian Hamada Chan, Saint Louis University - 88.71%

Betancor graduated valedictorian from Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in her hometown. Another valedictorian of the same school, Romualdo Murcia from Cabilao Island in Loon, was number one in the same board exam in 1997, surprising all other topnotch Accountancy schools in the country including his alma mater, Holy Name University, then Divine Word College in Tagbilaran City, which at that time was celebrating her golden anniversary.     

The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees will be held on June 22, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

Gikamang (crawl) ni Ondoy si Inday / Ondoy raped Inday.

Simbako! / I will go to church!

Kabahong kabahong! / Oh how the gangrene smells horribly!

Ang higante gituli sa duwende. / Higans gituls by the wend.

Naiti na ang linung-ag. / The boiled rice turned into chicken poop.

Remember the Mabini tragedy? There is an indie movie about it that will be shown in theaters. Entitled "Kamoteng Kahoy", it is directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes, and stars Nash Aguas, Robert “Buboy” Villar, Gloria Romero, Yul Servo, Ana Capri, Marissa Sanchez, Anton Bernardo, Gerald Madrid, Julio Pisk, Sharlene San Pedro and Irma Adlawan. Plot: Based on a true story which happened in a small barrio in Bohol in 2007 where 21 pupils died and almost a hundred were hospitalized after eating cassava cakes sold by an old woman who might have accidentally used a pesticide with the ingredients. (Thanks to Ricky Lo for the information.)

Kadaghanan sa atong mga kabataan karon wala na masayud nga Tinagalog na diay nang ilang gipanggamit nga mga pulong, sama sa SAYANG, PANTULAK, PAKULO, KAILANGAN, PAKSIW, MALAGKIT, etc. In the year 3000, language researchers will try to rediscover the dead language called Binisaya. 

Kinsa man ni sila si Carmen, Pilar ug Alicia nga nahimo man ni silang mga ngalan sa lungsod sa Bohol?

8 Filipinos, a Boholano among them, join ranks of international franchise professionals (Philippine Star, March 10, 2009)

MANILA, Philippines - Eight more Filipinos joined the 2009 elite roster of newly-designated Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) in a graduation ceremony held recently at the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) 49th Annual Convention in San Diego, California. This brings to 27 the total Filipino CFE graduates since the course was introduced in the Philippines in 2001.

PFA president Robert F. Trota (president-Max’s Restaurant), who represented the Association at the biggest franchising gathering in the US, led this year’s pool of graduates from the Philippines which include Elizabeth Pardo-Orbeta (Wendy’s); Consuelo Santos (Jollibee); Virgilio Espeleta, a chemical engineer from Getafe (Julie’s Bakeshop); Rosalinda Deres (Goldilocks); Christine Casanova (Francorp); Emmanuel Viado (Julie’sBakeshop); Mercedes Pascasio (Francorp); and, Federico Moreno (Ystilo Salon).

The CFE graduation is integrated in the 49th IFA convention which had former President Bill Clinton as keynote speaker. Held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, this year’s gathering was attended by more than 3,000 international franchise executives and enthusiasts. PFA, being a member of the World Franchise Council, was invited to participate in the IFA Convention.

The CFE program which is run by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) under the US-based International Franchise Association (IFA) is a mini-MBA in Franchise Management, a professional development program for franchise executives. Outside the US, PFA was the first institution accredited by the ICFE to offer some of the courses in order to earn points for the completion of the program. At present, more than 50 Filipinos are enrolled in the program.

Have you heard of Danicop Hidden Valley? Island Lake? Kabantian Falls? Cantam-is Caves? (30 caves in one barangay alone!). Which "unknown" places in Bohol have you been to? Share some info here.  Describe their distinct features and advantage as potential tourist destinations.