MikeLigalig.com

Hi Cion,

I have set up bulak@tubagbohol.com. Kindly check your PM inbox for email login details. Thanks!

Dear Balong,

I have set up a personalized email for you. It's balong@tubagbohol.com as requested. Kindly check your PM for details.

Hi Boyet,

I have set up your personalized email address. As requested, it's boyetbanluta@tubagbohol.com.
Kindly check your PM inbox. I sent a mail for login instruction. God bless.

Balong told me by email that he just wanted to let our friends know that his contest is for real and that he will give us what he had promised to give away.

Thank you Balong for sharing your blessings with your friends. Kadlawon pa ron sa Philippines. Ugma makakita na to si Elaine ani nga post.

As requested by Balong, I am posting this thread: $100 for Elaine. Please ask Balong for details of this contest.

By the Bohol Chronicle

April 15 is the Last Day for the filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the taxable Year 2007: BIR Form 1700 for Employees with tax dues after withholding taxes, BIR Form 1701 for taxpayers engaged in business, self-employed/professionals, partnerships and corporations whose fiscal year ends Dec. 31, 2007.

BIR-Bohol chief of office Atty. Rogelio T. Balaga strongly enjoins all Boholano taxfilers to file on time to avoid the additional burden of penalties which has to be imposed on late returns. Penalties include: 20% interest computed per annum, 25% surcharge for late filing, 25% surcharge for late payment plus a compromise penalty which ranges from P200 up depending upon the amount to be paid. All these will aggravate the burden of the basic tax.

However, filing the Income Tax Return (ITR) on time will also mean a prompt uploading of the means of the government to meet its budgetary expense and less wastage of manhours towards the deadline. Extraload for the day due to deadline filers will need extra expenses to meet the demands of the hour. Early filing will mean a smooth and hassle free filing deadline as it is not usually characterized.

Whenever you come across an old news or feature story about Bohol and the Philippines, please proceed to this board. Just post it there. Let's build a database of history.

By the Bohol Chronicle

Amicable settlements availed by workers laid of by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) were legal and allowed by the Supreme Court.

This is according to a ruling of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in Tagbilaran City amid allegations by lawyer Joseph Bernaldez that Hanjin is defiant of the Supreme Court order which granted P66-million in back wages plus attorney's fees to some 521 workers of the construction firm that were laid off sometime in 1996 after the Malinao irrigation dam project (Bohol Irrigation Project Stage 1) was completed.

It may be recalled that Bernaldez alleged, in an interview over Station dyRD, that Gov. Erico Aumentado had helped Hanjin by brokering a deal with the workers to settle their labor case in exchange for a P20-million payoff.

This was denied by the governor saying that it was the group of workers who requested him to ask Hanjin to abort its plan to appeal the case to the higher courts. He declined the request since he finds it "unethical" to request the counsel for such action.

Aumentado challenged Bernaldez to show evidences that he offered such settlement fee. "If he can not prove what he said over the airlanes," the governor said, "I will file libel charges."

In a letter to the Chronicle, Hanjin's legal counsel Antonio Arabejo said that the settlement entered into by the workers were done "freely and voluntarily" and the group were the ones who negotiated for the amicable settlement of their claims.

"There is no unfair labor practice to speak of inasmuch as the main issue in the case between Hanjin and the complaining workers is their status as employees," Arabejo explained.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Cabawan Barangay Captain Sergio Bangalao will stay in his post despite a court ruling that ordered him to vacate his office.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division issued on Monday a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of Bangalao to continue serving as barangay captain of Cabawan, this city.

It may be recalled that Bangalao tied in number of votes with his opponent, Apolonio Onyot, during the October 29, 2007 barangay elections.

Bangalao was officially recognized as the winner after a "toss coin" that was presided by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

However, Onyot filed a petition at the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) asking for the re-opening of some questioned ballots.

The petition was granted by MTCC Branch 1 Judge Sisinio Virtudazo which eventually led to the appreciation of ballots in favor of Onyot.

Some 3,000 businessmen and professionals, some together with their families arrived here Friday to participate in the 28th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)

Roberto "Bobby" Lavina, BCBP national president and Larry Veloso, chairman of the board of trustees led the attendees coming from over 100 chapters and outreaches in the entire archipelago.

The main event of the celebration was the Breakfast Fellowship held at the newly expanded Dagohoy Grand Hall at the Bohol Tropics which accomodated 1,500 while the remaining attendees watched on a wide screen at the ground floor Sandugo Grand Ballroomn the sharing of lawyer Doy Nunag, Rene Cortez and Maning Decasa.

source: The Bohol Chronicle

Plaza Marcela, one of the city's premiere and most-modern shopping center, adds another fruitful year to its existence of continuous and dedicated service to the Boholanos as it will celebrate its 11th Anniversary on April 19.

Alturas PR/Marketing Manager, Loy M. Palapos, said as a means of expressing the company's gratitude for the constant patronage of the consumer-public, various store promos and activities had been lined up to add merriment to the anniversary celebration.

Foremost in the anniversary activities is the Grocery Raid on April 18 at 11 AM and at 3 PM, where one can win thousands worth of instant prizes. In the afternoon, one can avail of Henna Tattoo for a minimum of P300 single receipt purchase at the Home and Fashion Department. At 4 PM, mascots like Jollibee, Susie, and Geno will entertain the kids.

In the evening, at Plaza Marcela-Belderol, one can enjoy the night of grooves and moves as the K' Barangay Dance finalists perform a showdown, followed by Pepsi's Game Show where one can win P10,000 cash.

The Jollibee and Greenwich Kiddie Model Search will also follow participated in by kids aged 5 to 10 years. Prizes at stake are: 1st Place-P3,000; 2nd Place-P2,000; 3rd Place-P1, 000; consolation-P800. At 10 PM, local reggae band, Estranghero, will perform on stage.

source: Press Release and the Bohol Chronicle

How about men over 40? Do we have men over 40 here? React!

Beth, happy, happy Birthday. May our gracious God and Savior continue to bless you, protect you, and guide you in all your undertakings.

We love you, Beth. Happy Birthday, again.

The Naval Manpower Development Center, Procurement Branch, through the Philippine Navy Mobile Recruitment Team is now conducting Provincial Recruitment purposely to give an opportunity to those who are living outside Metro Manila. To this effect the team is hiring or accepting qualified applicants to be called to Active Duty (CAD) into the Regular Force, Philippine Navy in this part of the country.

In order to realize the recruitment program the said Recruitment team will administer qualifying examinations on April 13 to all interested and qualified applicants. Hereunder listed are the Application Requirements, Pay and Allowances and Benefits and Privileges that the Philippine Navy can offer to successful examinees:

Application requirements: Original Birth Certificate, Original Transcript of Records, Original College Diploma, 2x2 colored picture (2 copies), Accomplished application form.

Qualification requirements for officers: Naval Officer Candidate Course (NOCC) - Must be a natural born Filipino citizen and of good moral character , Must be between 21-28 years old, Single, Graduate of 4 year baccalaureate degree (preferably technical course), Height of at least 5'4" for males and at least 5'2" for females, Must not have more than 2 false teeth, Must not have any pending civil/ criminal case, Physically and mentally fit for training, Must pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Aptitude Test Battery (AFPATB), IQ, and Special Written Exam (SWE), Marriage contract of Parents.

For enlistment: Basic Seaman Course (BSC) - Must be a natural born Filipino Citizen and of good moral character, Must be between 18-23 years old, Single, Holder of at least 72 units or a graduate of 2 year vocation course (Preferably technical courses) heights of at least 5'4" for males and at least 5'2" for females, Must not have more than 2 falls teeth, Must not have any pending civil/criminal case, Physically and mentally fit for training, Must pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Aptitude Test Battery (AFPATB), and IQ.

Pay and Allowances: Basis Pay of P16,026 for officers in the rank of ENS/2LT, Basic Pay of P8,605 for Enlisted Personnel in the rank of ASN/PVT, Additional monthly allowance of P3,610, Long Pay - 10% of the current monthly base pay compounded for every five years of active service, cash gifts and bonuses.

Benefits and privileges: Meal Allowance, Housing Facilities, Clothing Allowance, Free medical and dental services (including dependents), Financial assistance (in terms of salary loans, policy loans, and housing loans thru AFPSLAI, RSBS, PNSLAI, MBAI, and Pag-ibig Fund), Insurance thru AFPMBAI, SGTI, and AFPGIC, Scholarship grants to qualified dependents, Local/Foreign Schooling (for qualified personnel in the active service), Disability pension, and Commutation of leave.

For more information, visit PMI or call at Tel. No. 411-3767. LT Primitivo T. Novo Jr. PN, Commandant, 514th NROTC unit; PO1 Alfon L. Saquibal PN, Assistant Commandant, 514th NROTC Unit; PO2 Severino Q. Mejos PN, POIC, Admin and Personnel Branch 514th.

Schedule of activities: Screening - April 13; Date of Examinations - April 13 to 15, IQ - April 16 and 17; Special Written Examinations (SWE) - April 18. Venue: PMI Gym - PMI Colleges-Bohol, CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City.

source: The Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Wisdom School, known for its high academic standards is giving its students the chance to creatively spend summer.

The school enjoins pre-schoolers, elementary and high school students to a creative and worthwhile summer art workshop at the school campus which will run for five weeks.

The art workshop, covering various media, is set to begin on April 14 with artist Glenn Lumantao as mentor.

Sessions will cover lessons on basic sketching, freehand drawing, proper application of the different visual art media like oil pastels, watercolor and oil paints, along with the basic principle of art in terms of balance, composition, color harmony and chiaroscuro.

A special session on still life landscape and anatomy of common animals will be included, while portrait in charcoal pencil will be given as bonus lesson to the advance and older students.

Lumantao is also set to showcase his artworks in oil and acrylic in a first-ever solo exhibit sometime this summer. The exhibit will be sponsored by Kayla'a Beach Resort, a soon-to-open premier resort in Dimiao town.

source: The Bohol Chronicle

10,000 days. What do I need? Paper, Pen, Classic Literature Books and the Bible.

My old-time favorites: Rave, Optima (phased out already, I think)
On-and-off favorites: Pantene and Rejoice
Current preference: Clear (let me check first in the bathroom)

I tried it, Kiamz. All for the sake of experience and curiosity. Lami baja pud ang dinung-ag nga gisabwan ug Evian nga water.

Town mayors in the province vowed to get seriously involve in the drive of regulating the "exportation" of rice to the neighboring province of Cebu.

This commitment of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) - Bohol was sealed during a meeting convened yesterday at the Governor's Mansion, this city by Gov. Erico Aumentado who is all out in his steps to ensure the stability of rice supply in the province.

"It is not curtailment, but just regulating the volume of shipped out rice," clarified the governor since the situation calls for a slowdown in the exportation otherwise the province will suffer scarcity of rice supply at the end of the year.

Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren signed in behalf of the town mayors in the memorandum of agreement which mandates that the local executives should help in the regulation of rice ship-out.

source: The Bohol Chronicle

By Angeline Valencia

The Bohol Poverty Reduction and Management Office (BPRMO) intends to explore global market for the produce of its farmer-beneficiaries by starting it out with international food industry professionals at the upcoming SIAL 2008.

BPRMO Head Antonieto Pernia will be meeting international traders in the peanut industry during the upcoming SIAL 2008, the North American Food Marketplace and "the world's leading food industry show" in Montreal, Canada.

As SIAL 2008 organizers claim, the event expects over 140,000 visitors and 5,300 exhibitors that will gather together in one event, the food industry professionals in the world- -food manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers and wholesalers, institutional and commercial catering.

Pernia said he would be bringing samples of processed peanut products and exotic foods from Bohol that he would show to international processed food traders during the event.

source: The Bohol Chronicle

Some 40 commercial attaches from Philippine embassies all over the world committed to promote Bohol as an area of investment in their respective posts.

The delegation, shepherded by Assistant Secretary Zafrullah Masahud and Region 7 Director Asteria Caberte, both of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), visited Bohol recently for a tete-a-tete with Gov. Erico Aumentado at the Upper Sandugo Ballroom of the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City.

Aumentado assured the attaches that the infrastructure that would support investments especially in tourism and agriculture are already in place, and are even up for upgrading. The two are Bohol's major economic drivers.

source: The Bohol Chronicle

The daughter of House Speaker Joe De Vinicia also died when fire gobbled up their house. I think her name was KC. She wasn't able to run outside the house. Or it was too late for her to escape from the engulfing fire.

We can make the question "Kinsay mopahid sa mga luha ni [name]" as the official, standard question of Tubag Bohol.

Sauna sa high school, mo-shake hand ra gani ko ni [blank], moingon dayon: "Touch me not." Noli Me Tangere.

It seems that the number of bar examinees is dwindling. Hope HNU Law School, where I spent two years of listening to book-read lectures, has improved its leadership and management.

Tubag Bohol wishes to answer the question: "Kinsay mopahid sa mga luha ni "blank"? This question always puts a smile on my face even I had already logged out.

By Rudan Alberto Matig-a

The writings of history in our country are at a minimal. Historians focus their studies of Philippine history only inside the 400 year period of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Little is known before the Spanish era urging me a sense of urgency to postulate theories that may in some ways be the basis to rectify the wrongs. In my opinion our history is hidden from us by the Spanish authorities or they deliberately distorted it of course so that future Philippine historians will focus only on their exploits and the bringing of Christianity into our country. Our present day historians [If I may say…] limit their research in the archives of Madrid and Italy where the writings of the Spanish historians or Pigafetta are found. They always overlook the time of the Majapahit and the Sri-Vijayan empires in Southeast Asia and its relation to Philippine history.

The word Sri-Vijayan… does it ring a bell?

The Boholanos are called Visayans, but where did we come from? Who were the original Visayans? If your ancestor is not a “lumad” then you descended from the original Visayans who came from the Sri-Vijayan Empire encompassing Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Bali and the Kalimantan Island. Furthermore these people originated from Ceylon or Sri Lanka and Northern India. Their empire is “thalassocratic”. It means that the nature of their government is located in the sea. The Vijayan are a defeated people and they started their Diaspora in 1200 AD leaving behind the Borubudur temple in Java. They were identified as Buddhists. We have many ethnic dialects that derived from the Sri-Vijayan dialect even the names of some Filipinos who defied Spanish laws by not changing their names to Spanish are still using their original names. For example is “Bagatsing” as written in Visayan. I think this comes from the Singhalese language which is; “Bhagat Singh”. The word “bhay” means brother. This is the word we use to address a person who is stranger to us in a different accent which is “bay”. But we have another word for “bay” or brother which is “igsoon”. This also explains the sea nomad called the “Bajao”. Sri-Vijayan is also Sri-Bhoja. The Bajao people pray to Buddha as it is their original religion.

The Spaniards when they arrived, everywhere they went in the Central Philippines the people already called themselves as Vijayan. I once read in the Philippine Free Press that the island of Leyte was formerly called Ceylon. In some parts of the Visayas there were also rumors of migration of “datus” from Borneo especially in Panay. A legendary story brought to Panay a golden salakot from Borneo. If this migration is true I believe this can be very much a part of the Diaspora of the Vijayan.         

Philippine history is inflated of conflicting historical passages which we consider it as true but behind it there is something inside that nags questioning its authenticity and its truthfulness.

Legaspi’s landing in the Philippines:

The landing of Legaspi in Cebu posed a disturbing question. Rajah Tupas of Cebu being hostile to Legaspi is unusual because 44 years ago Magellan planted already the cross in Cebu and his father Rajah Humabon and his mother were baptized as Carlos and Juana in 1521. It is therefore safe to say that his son Rajah Tupas and the Cebuanos are Christian’s or else historical account of Magellan is wrong.  This conflicting reading of history is very unfortunate to us the recipients of slanted and distorted historical account chronicled by the Spaniards just for the purpose of forcing their will on us. When Legaspi sensed that he was not welcome he left Cebu and strong wind carried him to Bohol. But it also said that he had two pilots that led him to Datu Sikatuna who was living in the village of Baclayon or Hinawanan in Bohol.

The Blood Compact:

Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna met not with fanfare and celebration as true blood brothers in front of the town’s people but in a secret meeting inside the galleon San Pedro. Sikatuna having a pact with Legaspi inside the ship to me is suspicious. In my view there was no blood compact at all but Sikatuna agreed an alliance with Legaspi to put down Rajah Tupas. A blood compact is a solemn rite to be celebrated among his people. It’s an old Asian culture of promoting amity, fraternity and friendship. One month or more after the meeting Legazpi took possession of the island of Bohol in the name of the King of Spain and the Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna allied with Legaspi in combat and conquered the forces of Rajah Tupas. In addition historian Jes Tirol himself said something like this; “Legaspi did not forge a treaty of friendship [quote also from a town mayor in Spain] but made a tactical alliance with Sikatuna.” This is an admission that Spain was not interested in friendship but they were after a tactical alliance with Sikatuna to topple Rajah Tupas. Datu Sikatuna was made into an instrument to betray the Visayan people and handed the Philippines to Spain. The presence of extant manuscript is true but it does not necessarily mean that there was a blood compact. The written records were only a spin to cover up Sikatuna’s betrayal against the Visayan people. And this manuscript was never published until 1886-87. This is 322 years after the event happened inside the ship San Pedro.

The famous painting of the Blood Compact by Juan Luna shows a faceless Sikatuna. He only painted Legaspi and his soldiers. Poor Sikatuna his face is not too important to Juan Luna and the Europeans It’s only the back of Sikatuna is shown. “Ug camera pa ni giputlan ug liog si Sikatuna…” To be continued.

Daghang salamat!



R.A. Matig-a

By Rudan Alberto Matig-a

In a discussion brief titled: “A Different View” the argument says that, the blood compact was not a formal treaty of friendship. It is admitted and it could also be interpreted, so it says, as the first formal treachery or swindling committed by the Spaniards against the Boholanos.

My view is the treachery or swindling committed by the Spaniards against the Boholanos is not much of a surprise. Swindling, treachery or trickery, Legaspi as a soldier should do all what he can for the glory of his king and Spain. I am interpreting this as his sense of duty and patriotism to his country.

If there were anomalies involved maybe it was on the part committed by Datu Sikatuna? I believe it was Datu Sikatuna who sold us for 30 pieces of silver to the Spaniards. The years from 1563 to 1565 when the name of Datu Sikatuna is active in Philippine history I tag him as the conspirator in putting down the Vijayans. Datu Sikatuna was not a Vijayan but a vassal of a Hindu king from the Majapahit Empire. The Spaniards called us “indios” because the Majapahit and Vijayans are of the same stock of people, coming from the south of India and Sri Lanka. While they may be the same people they don’t have the same cultural and religious background. Sikatuna is Hindu while Humabon of Cebu, Datu Dalisdisan and Pagbuaya are Buddhist. Tribal wars among the people living in Bohol at that time were caused primarily by religion.   

The Dauis and Mansasa massacre:

By classifying the cultural and religious background of the people living in the Visayan Islands we can now see an outline why there was a massacre of villagers in Dauis and Mansasa. I have this idea that Datu Sikatuna and the two chiefs of Dauis and Mansasa, Pagbuaya and Dalisdisan cannot meet eyeball to eyeball because of religious differences. Datu Sikatuna’s eagerness to go to war against them is held back by the weakness of his forces against the combined forces of Dalisdisan and Pagbuaya, so he sought the help of the Ternateans or the Purtuguese. The death of Dalisdisan in that tribal war caused Pagbuaya to flee to Dapitan.

I cannot buy the notion held by historians that a combined force of Portuguese and Ternateans plundered Dauis and Mansasa because, if there should be a village to be plundered along the coast of Bohol facing Mindanao, it should be Baclayon or Albur which are very much visible to the naked eye from the ocean. If you conduct an ocular inspection of Dauis and Mansasa you will find these two as secluded places hidden away from people navigating the open sea, except perhaps if there is a Boholano insider telling pirates and marauders from foreign lands that there are Vijayans living there. [Dauis and Mansasa]   

Hinawanan:

The water at the mouth of the river in Hinawanan, Loay is not an ideal place to celebrate a blood compact but it is a beautiful place to hide a boat away from the prying eyes of the villagers. Today’s Hinawanan can vouch of its thicker population but during the 16th century I doubt if a soul can be found there. The river in Hinawanan is a tributary to the Loboc River. That area is swampy grown with thick foliage before and until now it is prone to an overflow from the Loboc River. According to Jes Tirol a captain in Legaspi’s crew was told to survey the coastline for a deeper harbor where they can weigh down anchor. The story says that he reached the coastline of Bool but he recommended Hinawanan as the right place as it has a deep water harbor. Is it also a coincidence that the place chosen by the captain is also the place where Datu Sikatuna resided, since Jes Tirol asserted that Datu Sikatuna lived near a river? Be that as it may but in my opinion aside from its marshy character of the place the water in the river is not potable. I think the river described where Sikatuna lived near is the one at Baclayon which supplied a lot of potable water for the villagers that flowed from the upland.  To be continued…

Daghang salamat!

R.A. Matig-a

Basin naay phobia ang uban makakita ug delicious curves.

Melody, you give us an idea to install a webcam in TubagBohol.

Welcome back "Prodigal Queen of Tubag Bohol"
Most of the friends are always here.

Ang uban magdajon na gani. Well, love your neighbor.
Ang uban sab naay "Kinsay mopahid sa mga luha ni Balong..."

Wala man na ko madawat imong email Gem. I think na-wrong address to.

Dili pud kaayo ko familiar sa history sa Tagbilaran, Gem. Lahi nga mga histories ang akong gi-studyohan.

My heartfelt congratulations to Mari and Steve. God bless you always!

Quote from: kiamoy` on March 20, 2008, 10:43:26 PM
since im new here

1. i love the site's color interface.. dli sakit sa mata
2. i like the topics and the members here are more disciplined

I agree. Discipline is one of our core values. We separate the chaff from the wheat, the boys from the men, the bad eggs from the good eggs.

Without discipline, a forum site will be just like the traffic situation in Manila roads.

By Rudan Alberto Matig-a

I will start my story about Tagbilaran by making as base of reference the town of Baclayon because, according to my friend Jes Tirol, Baclayon is a town that accordingly before and during the start of the Spanish era covered the towns of Tagbilaran, Corella, Sikatuna, Balilihan and Alburquerque. So Baclayon must be a big piece of real estate at that time.

One historical account said that; “Tagbilaran city was originally a native settlement, involved in trading with both China and Malaysia a hundred years before Spaniards arrived in the Philippines. The settlement first encountered the Spaniards in 1565, where the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi and the native chieftain Datu Sikatuna pledged peace and cooperation through the famous blood compact, where they drew their own blood, mixed it with wine and drank together.”

I think this is sketchy picture of Tagbilaran and even the source of this account seems faulty because, a hundred years before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, Tagbilaran is not yet a town. If ever the Tagbilaranons engaged themselves in trade and business they should have done it in Baclayon because this is where the town was first established and the center of commerce before the Spanish era, so to speak. Some people might think that we engaged in trade with China and Malaysia because of the presence of shard earthen wares and porcelain potteries dug in Lower Mansasa. If you try to classify these items today you will arrive at a point that these are luxurious items in Bohol long before the Spaniards came. I don’t think we traded with the Chinese and Malaysians with these items which I believe is a luxury to the people of Bohol. And besides, it’s not our custom to be using all those items. We don’t even use a dining tables before when eating but put the food in a banana leaves and lays it flat on the floor just like the Muslim, until now it's their custom. The ancient Boholanos were satisfied already with their bamboo utensils like the timba, sugong, paja and the hungot. The crudely manufactured clay pots in Albur are what we used to cook our food. We have nothing to trade with the Chinese merchants because our agricultural products were the same with China and all other Asian countries. At that time China can be categorized as an advance nation in Asia. They were in need of ivory, gold, silver, bronze, tin and iron, and we don’t have these products.

The discovery of pottery shards including porcelain plates in Lower Mansasa does not necessarily mean that we were already trading luxury items with our neighbors in Asia but those dug up items were properties that went with the dead person into his grave. This is an old Chinese custom that once a person is dead they let his properties go with him, believing that it can still be used in the afterlife. The artifacts that were dug were properties of the Chinese and it came from Chinese graves even if there is no forensic investigation of the graves. It’s a fact that Lower Mansasa and the adjacent town of Dauis were settled by the early Chinese community in Bohol even in the pre Spanish era. The Lims, the Ramerizes and the Alturases and maybe perhaps the Intings in Tagbilaran are the descendants of the early Chinese people living in Lower Mansasa. The Neris, Clarins, Reyeses, Cincheses, Cimafrancas and the Butalids are also descendants of the early Chinese living in Dauis. The Reyeses of Dauis who were also of Chinese extraction lost in the race in the propagation of their species. I think not a single Reyes is surviving right now in the town of Dauis.

There is a story about a Chinese family in Dauis before they were called by their Visayan name. This account is found inside the archives of the US embassy in Manila. My uncle the late Arturo Fortich came across this account while researching for his father who was once a “Thomasite” teacher in Bohol. I believe this account was left behind by the fleeing Spaniards in the dying days of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines and retrieved by the Americans, and this historical account happened way back before the Spaniards’ arrival in Bohol. The story goes this way:

“There were two Chinese brothers living in Dauis before the time of the Spaniards. These Chinese brothers lived peacefully among the natives in the island. The native Dauisnon never attempt to ask who they were and what their name is because there was a gap in communication. They were transient and migratory so there is no use of befriending them. The Chinese will just go their usual way of fishing at night and sleeping by day. Those extra catch they preserved it by salting them. The salted fish or “ginamos” they sold it to the native Dauisnon. When a local asked his compatriot Dauisnon where he got his salted fish? The usual answer in the Visayan language is; “Napalit nako ni anang mga tawo nga nanga-butalid ug katug diha.” Ever since then the name “Butalid” was carried through the ages. to be continued.

Daghang salamat!

By Rudan Alberto Matig-a

Wadje is no longer a popular name in Bohol. All of the people, or if not the majority don’t know or ignore the meaning of Wadje. I believe the place got its name from the families of Indians living in Wadje before, who populated the barrios of Manga, Taloto and Ubujan. The Penaflors, the Zamoras, the Matuods and the Tabacos who lived in Taloto, Manga and Ubujan probably came from Wadje before Tagbilaran became a full fledge municipality. The decision to change the name of Wadje to Nuestra Senora de la Paz is like burning a bridge that connects us to the past.

The brisk construction of churches and watch towers in Bohol were done in the 18th century when Moro slave raids were also rampant. My Lola Iya Awing told me a story that whenever the people of Panglao sighted a Moro vinta they will start a fire to signal the watch tower in Punta Cruz that the Moros are coming. I found out later that there are many watch towers in Bohol strategically located that fire signal in Punta Cruz can also be seen clearly in Cebu.   

When the population of Tagbilaran grew in the first quarter of the 19th century the Spaniards and the mestizos transferred residences and built their stone houses in sitio Ubos because, during those times there was a way of life between the Spaniards/Mestizos and the native Tagbilaranons that were not compatible to each other. The natives lived a primitive way of life. The natives ate snakes, scorpions and locusts. They gathered larvae of beetles from dead coconut trees, honey from sweet ants [tam-is tam-is] and honey from honey bees for food. They hunted deers, wild pigs, wild chickens, wild cats, lizards like hao and ibid also for food. This way of life did not go well with the Spaniards and that unknowingly among the people a racial divide was created in Tagbilaran.

This racial divide from all indications did not happen only in Bohol but it happened all over the Philippines. It was not felt by all the people even until the second half of the 20th century. The discrimination that happened but we did not feel it is like this; in the 1960’s when you apply as a salesman with Coca-Cola, San Miguel or La Tondena, you cannot be accepted if you are not a Mestizo. If you fill up an application form for employment it is hard for you to be accepted if you are a Muslim or an Iglesia ni Cristo because you are asked what religion do you belong. The application form also says; “Come if you have a pleasing personality”. If you are ugly or “maot ug nawong” porbidang pataya di ka madawat sa trabaho.

Daghang salamat!

R.A. Matig-a   

photo source: python.org

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You and I by Kenny Rogers and Bee Gees

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To Love Somebody by Bee Gees

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More Than I Can Say by Leo Sayer

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When I Need You by Leo Sayer

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No, not the Ken Lee version.

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Hello by Lionel Rechie

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Every Time You Go Away by George Benson

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One of the best songs ever...

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Who is the love of your life?

If she could only call out to God, the Lord will help her.
Jesus said: "Come unto Me those who are weary and are heavily laden and I will give you rest."

I now feel uncomfortable with the song. It seems there was a conspiracy against Bohol. Bohol is judged at the number one tourist destination in the Philippines for three consecutive years, but in this song, Bohol was never mentioned by the lyrics writer.

Can someone tell me why? No more tears...

Anyone would like to start a thread with the title: "Beauty Pageant Bloopers"?

I have a friend in Cebu who compiles the Q and A blunders in beauty pageants. Whenever he narrates the events, makaihi ka ug katawa.

Diha pud toy beauty contest sa Bohol jud ni nahitabo. The hostess asked: "What can you do to preserve our environment"?

Answer: "We should stop illegal lodging."

Nakalimot seguro nang mga taga-Manila nga ang nagbuhi sa economy sa Pilipinas mga OFWs.
Ang atong mga engineers gi-dawat sa trabaho sa gawas due to their competency sa English.
Unya, ang NCLEX ug unsa pa nang exam sa nurses, Tagalog ba na?
If you work in Hong Kong, magamit nang Tagalog panarbaho?
If you work as caregiver in Canada, mag-Tagalog ta didto sa atong mga employers?

Well, well, "my family, my family, is, are, they is the best persons in the world blah... blah..." Confident! Next contestant, please.

Kiamz, in Thailand, parents have to spend millions of Thai baht so that they could send their kids to an International School. Thai public schools use the Thai language as medium of instruction.

A Thai who knows how to speak and write in English can easily land a job in global companies, embassies, or work abroad.

Pero kita sa Pilipinas, mo-insist nang mga Tagalog diha sa Manila nga Tagalog ipagamit sa eskwelahan. Mobukal jud akong dugo basta makadungog na ko sa ilang mga reasoning.

Mao ang resulta: "My family, my family, he, she, they, is the best persons blah...blah...blah..." Next contestant, please.

Bran, yesterday I wrote an e-mail to Edelweiss, our friend here in TubagBohol, and I mentioned to her those times that my father would fetch me at the office because he was worried over my safety. As I was writing the email, I felt that I was crying inside and my tears began to fall.

I feel the same emotional impact upon reading your recent post, Bran.

Thank you Zel for the link. I have written my comment on it.

Mari and Steve,

God bless sa inyong newly opened Internet Cafe. Your business is a must in Tagbilaran. It will help bridge our people in the province to the rest of the world.

As we all know, lisud kaayo magpaconnect ug Internet connection sa residential home sa Tagbilaran. Your Internet Cafe will fill in the need for online communication.

To Gemma, Joe and Kyle: what a wonderful gesture of love and kindness that you've shown to us and to Mari and Steve. Thank you indeed!

Kiamz, you can dig one-year old topics. I did not limit the time frame of any post. Any posts can be commented again 10 years later, God willing, paabuton pa ta Niya.

I haven't seen him around. Is he okay? Where is he now?

Any news about her? Latest update of her life?

Naay bay planned bayle si Ginger ug Sigbin?

To Kiamz: you can start the thread and I will lock it after the birthday.

Bran, what you've just said is more poignant. I feel that after my father's death. I have many untold feelings of pain and sorrow.

Bran, most of Pablo Neruda's poems are poignant and soul-shattering.
Like his "Tonight I'll Write The Saddest Line"

He was still able to run. But the son of Eladio Jala, a 28-year-old Manila grownup, won in the congressional race.

That's on April 22, 2008 (Asia Time) and April 21 2008 (US Time)
Kindly suggest what to do online within the 24-hour anniversary.

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless our friendships.

If you do, then list your name here and share with us your feelings/experience.

A gala presentation dubbed as Paukyab sa Calape by the Calapsora Ambassadors on May 8,2008 is among the nightly presentations of this year’s fiesta celebration of the town’s patron saint, St. Vincent Ferrer on May 10,2008.

According to Mayor Siulpicio N. Yu, Jr., M.D., the affair is a three-part dance extravaganza which will comprise folk dances in the first part, a variety of international dances in the second part and the modern hip hop and jazz in the third part.

Calapsora ambassadors is composed of 48 young students and out of school youths of Calape who were chosen from hundreds of aspirants who tried out in January this year.

Dr. Yu said the word Calapsora is a combination of the words Calape and Sora, which means dance.

Already in the final stage of mastery, Calapsora ambassadors will showcase Calape’s tradition, arts and culture according to the group’s choreographer, Mrs. Henedina Y. Sendrijas.

The Mayor said this is the first time that the municipality of Calape has organized a dance troupe which will serve as the town’s ambassadors.

Source: The Bohol Standard

To Priscilla Richards:

Your TubagBohol.Com email has been set up. Please check your PM for login instruction.
Your email add is preciousnpolite@tubagbohol.com

Hi Zel, kindly create a new thread for that to make it a special free giveaway. Thanks

That's good, Bran. Just negotiate with those who are interested to receive the books regarding shipping cost.

This is our new section. This is outside our contest. I realized that there are many things at our homes or offices that we could give away free to friends or strangers.

All you have to do is post whatever thing (material or non-material) that you think others may benefit of.

For instance, if you have a book that you wish to give up from your shelf, just create a new thread and announce that you are giving away a book (e.g. "By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept).

Another example is your dusty sandal. It's been a year that you didn't use it for some reason. You can post it here (perhaps with picture) and offer it free to anyone who is interested to use it.

Free hilot? It's up to you.

Hello Bran,

I have set up your unique email address. It's lorenzo@tubagbohol.com
Just check your PM. I sent you the login instruction.

Hi Sir Felix Daray,

Your unique email address has been set up. To get your password and login instruction, kindly check your PM inbox. Thanks.

By David Maulas
Bohol Chronicle

Aligned with the city's fiesta activities in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, the City Government of Tagbilaran gears up for yet another edition of the city's most prestigious search, the Miss Tagbilaran 2008.

The Search, headed by City Tourism Head Mariano L. Uy, is aimed at choosing the city's ambassadress of goodwill, who possesses both beauty and wit and best exemplifies the values of a true Tagbilaranon.

To qualify the competition, hopefuls must at least be 16 but not more than 21 years of age; single and never been pregnant; at least 5 feet and 2 inches in height; and of good moral standing in the community.

Applicants may represent a barangay where she has resided for at least three months or an educational institution where she has enrolled for at least one semester preceding her application.

The contestants are also required to submit a duly accomplished application form, one 2" x 2" colored picture, photocopy of birth certificate, and barangay clearance or endorsement from educational head.

Aside from the possibility of grabbing the revered Miss Tagbilaran 2008 title, sumptuous prizes pegged at P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000 for the Miss Tagbilaran, 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively, are also at stake. Candidates may also take home scores of minor awards.

Deadline of filing of application is on April 14, 2008. For more information, interested ladies may contact the City Tourism Office at 235-5497.

By the Bohol Chronicle

Entertainment Concept House II, in cooperation with Dunkin Donuts Ang Pasalubong ng Bayan, Dragon Firewokrs and Smart presents Live in Concert Sam Milby and Jed Madela, with special guest Richard Poon.

The concert is set May 5, 2008, 8 p.m., at the Bohol Wisdom School Gym, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Pinoy heartthrob Milby is tagged as the country's sexiest male. Joining him is the Total Performer and world champion of performing arts and grand champion performer of the world Madela who is known for his distinctive high pitched voice, energetic singing style. Madela is one of the busiest performers in the concert circuit both in the Philippines and abroad. Specail guest young, up-and-coming singer Richard Poon is fast making his mark as a romantic crooner.

They are expected to set the center stage on fire with their sizzling repartees and ultra-entertaining showmanship.

Proceeds of the event will also go to the Citizens Drugwatch Foundation and for the various projects of the Sanguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Calape.

Media partners are The Bohol Chronicle, Sunday Post, KISS 102.3 FM, TRUE RADIO 911 FM, and BCCTV.

For Ticket Reservation please contact Cleford or Eunice at 0921-630-3306, 038-501-8777 or 038-416-7888 or any Dunkin' Donuts outlets in Bohol.

Next week, this thread will be locked. You can still change your guesstimate. Hurry, the deadline is drawing near.

By Myla Quijano
published in the Bohol Chronicle

As part of City Savings Bank's (CSB) corporate social responsibility, CSB Tagbilaran recently donated one set of computer with printer each to three schools in their area.

Specifically, CSB donated to Hanopol Elementary School (HES), Dao Elementary School (DES) and Mariveles Elementary School (MES). The donation was done in coordination with the Aboitiz Group Foundation Inc.

CSB Tagbilaran Branch Head Roberto Acenas and staff were at the turnover. For HES the donation was received by Antonio Dugay, school principal. For DES the donation was received by School Principal Evangeline Canda and for MES, the donation was received by school head Juliet Micutuan.

An Aboitiz company, CSB has a paid-up capital of over 150M and total resources of 4B. It also has one of the best operating efficiencies in the thrift banking industry, lowest non-performing loans and highest capitalization level. The bank offers salary loans to public school teachers. Its deposit products include the Regular Savings Account which allows minimum deposits for as low as P100 and the Kaugma-on Savings. The bank also offers time deposits that guarantee very competitive interest rates which aims to give the depositors a good return on their investments.

press release
Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Wisdom School, known for its high academic standards is giving its students the chance to creatively spend summer.

The school enjoins pre-schoolers, elementary and high school students to a creative and worthwhile summer art workshop at the school campus which will run for five weeks.

The art workshop, covering various media, is set to begin on April 14 with artist Glenn Lumantao as mentor.

Sessions will cover lessons on basic sketching, freehand drawing, proper application of the different visual art media like oil pastels, watercolor and oil paints, along with the basic principle of art in terms of balance, composition, color harmony and chiaroscuro.

A special session on still life landscape and anatomy of common animals will be included, while portrait in charcoal pencil will be given as bonus lesson to the advance and older students.

Lumantao is also set to showcase his artworks in oil and acrylic in a first-ever solo exhibit sometime this summer. The exhibit will be sponsored by Kayla'a Beach Resort, a soon-to-open premier resort in Dimiao town.

Yes, Kiamz, from Pamilacan Island, masaag usahay sa Panglao Island.

By Bohol Chronicle

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), headed by OIC Director Dr. Francisca R. Opog, awarded the certificate of approval to Cristal e - College (CeC) to open the Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs starting June of this year.

CeC will be offering Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) course which is a two-year nursing program offered to high school graduates. Upon its completion, graduates will be eligible to take the US-National Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) which will allow them to work as registered nurses abroad. The ASN course will be offered at the Panglao Campus.

Moreover, CeC also will be offering Practical Nursing (PN) course which is a 1 year nursing program offered to second coursers or to individuals who have taken 72 units in college. Upon finishing, the students will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The PN course will be offered at the Tagbilaran Campus with classes scheduled at 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM.

Will Tyron Tirol, Cristal e - College President, said that CeC assures its students a holistic learning experience by providing a memorable learning journey at an affordable rate. He added that CeC strives to prepare its graduates to meet today's challenges with the right skills for the industry.

By the Bohol Chronicle

The man accused of shooting a Boholano broadcaster based in Cebu in 2004, an offshoot of a love triangle, was convicted of frustrated murder charges yesterday.

John Lloyd Ortiz was found guilty of shooting and wounding Cirse "Choy" Torralba.

Torralba is a native of this city who was prominently seen with the camp of Senator Loren Legarda in the last election.

Ortiz was sentenced to a jail term of eight years to 12 years and to pay damages of P161,214.

His lawyers said they would appeal the decision of Regional Trial Court Judge Estela Alm Singco of Branch 12.

Torralba was shot in the left shoulder while he was in his car on June 8, 2004. He had just finished his radio program at Angel Radio Station at the ground floor of Vacation Hotel in Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City when he was attacked.

Torralba told Cebu Daily News after the promulgation Monday he was confident he would win the case especially with the positive identification of Ortiz as the gunman through his account and those of two other witnesses.

By Peng Evasco
Bohol Chronicle

The National Food Authority (NFA) has assured enough rice supply in Bohol and has implemented measures to ensure the availability of NFA rice in all its accredited outlets.

This assurance was issued by NFA Bohol Manager Nestor Rey E. Alcoseba to allay fears of any rice shortage in the province. Some 520,000 bags of NFA rice have been allocated for the province this year. The local NFA expects another 16,000 bags rice shipment to arrive this week.

Alcoseba said that to ensure NFA rice will be available to consumers, it has started implementing this week additional measures to prevent unscrupulous practices such as overpricing, diversion and adulteration or mixing NFA rice with commercial stocks to command a higher price. It has started escorting direct delivery of rice allocation to accredited outlets in the public markets; repacking of NFA rice into 1 kilogram pack to ensure that consumers get the actual NFA rice and strict market monitoring through its Palengke Watch program.

By the Bohol Chronicle

Cebu City emerged as this year's grand champion in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet (CVIRAA) after garnering 811 points to top the 15-delegation line up which saw action during the weeklong sports event at the Carlos Garcia Sports Complex, Tagbilaran City.

The Cebuano players continue to dominate the lead in almost all events placing Cebu province as second with 476 points.

Bohol landed third trailing close to Cebu province with 377 points.

Host Tagbilaran City landed sixth place with 119.9 points.

Undersecretary Ramon Bacani of the Department of Education (DepEd) lauded the athletes and the coaches for letting sportsmanship prevail while stressing that sports development is essential in the growth of every individual.

"Discipline and determination" is what sports asserts, the DepEd official stressed during the closing program which wrap up the weeklong CVIRAA.

By Bohol Chronicle

Four Boholanos were among the few who passed the licensure examination for lawyers given by the Supreme Court in 2007.

Of the 5,626 aspiring to become lawyers, only 1,289 or 22.91% made it. This was due to the "unusually strict" correction process which yielded the lowest number of passers in recent history.

The Boholano barristers who made it among the 22.91% passers were: Teodula delos Reyes, Susan Concha, Beatriz Paz Dominque Lim, from Holy Name University and Josie Corre-Sempron from the University of Bohol.

Prov'l Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. is the HNU College of Law while lawyer Greg Austral is of the University of Bohol.

By Bohol Chronicle

Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan N. Lim ordered last Monday a stop to the questioned imposition of the 108 percent increase on real property taxes in the city as mandated by a city ordinance earlier approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The action of the mayor was announced during the top-rated "Inyong Alagad" program of dyRD, the day after he was exposed for allegedly harassing a real estate owner who filed a class suit against him and three other city kagawads.

Mayor Lim issued Executive Order no. 03 creating an ad hoc committee to study the implementation of ordinance No. RC-058 which earlier called for an increase in the real estate taxes in the city.

In issuing the order, the city mayor informed the Sangguniang Panlungsod on his predicament of putting into further study the ordinance which mandates the tax adjustments.

Lim was emphatic to order the suspension of implementation of RC-058 "in light of questions raised against its implementation."

Minutes after he announced over the radio broadcast the suspension of the tax measure, Lim wrote a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Jose Veloso and the Sangguniang Panlungsod asking to create the ad hoc body.

The real property tax hike was contested with a class suit filed against Mayor Lim, City Administrator Walter Toston, City Assessor Erlinda Samonte, City Treasurer Visitacion Acero and the city tax collection agents.

Among the complainants of the new tax collected are Butalid Realty Inc., Mercedes Subdivision, Inc., EB Gallares Properties and Associates, Inc., Benjamin Udtohan, Simplicio Yap Jr. and the Tagbilaran Women's Club.

Their complaint came after the city government increased the real property tax of 72.39% on lands and 35.67% on buildings, an order issued on Dec. 21, 2007.

By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

Jagna fiesta season starts in May but a barrio or two starts earlier like Looc and Canupao. Such events bring respite from the daily grind. They offer a change of diet even if only for a day or two. It also offers some sort of entertainment, a diversion or whatever as long as minds can be diverted from the daily problems.

Perhaps, that is what fiesta is all about.

A host would not offer pure vegetable dishes on fiestas. That is a sacrilege.

Besides, he would not do that if he does not want to be called a tightwad. Meat must be the main entrée. A government census taker on the poverty level in the municipality once asked a resident how many times a year he would serve meat to his family. The answer was: only once a year, during fiestas. Not wanting to place the community in a bad light, the census taker insisted that it could be more than once a year. The respondent agreed but insisted that it may be when his livestock meets a traffic accident - he is living near the provincial highway.

The fiesta celebrant, who is also a fiesta goer in other days - will raise a pig and several chickens just for the yearly event. To offer variety, he might out down his share in the purchase of carabeef, the tougher the better. The recipe would not vary from house to house, but what the heck; most of them are meat dishes. Not all could hire a cook for the affair so the host puts out his version of the dish he might have tasted somewhere.

There was once a practice among fiesta goers to send uncooked dishes, even drinks, to each other along with the usual invitation. Let them cook the meat according to their tastes. Then, everyone is welcome, even those who are seen for the first time When the prices went to orbit, the practice was discontinued.

When a stranger comes, he is asked if he is lost and is offered directions to his destination, where ever that is. The whole family is invited, even the house cat and dog but please do not bring the whole barrio.

For entertainment, a basketball tournament, usually termed inter barangay, is held with prices ranging from the cheapest to extravagant. The team members must come from the barrio. As long as he can distinguish his goal from his opponent, he would be accepted. An import or two may be allowed. When they say import, that means the player may come from outside the entrant barangay or even out of town, from the UAAP, NCAA or even PBA or NBA. All shapes and sizes of players can be seen ranging from the rolly polly dwarfs to malnourished beanpoles.

Years ago, a barrio would present a drama with homegrown cast. Comments from self-appointed critics range from laudatory to insulting, usually the latter.

Residents of the host barrio would tolerate uncomplimentary remarks because they will have their turn criticizing when time comes. However, the cinema and TV put an end to that. The wide screen and projector killed the growth of local talents.

Religious processions are held at fiesta evenings. What is noticeable is that the procession goers are mostly women of all ages - from forty up. The only men in the procession are the hired musicians and drunks.

Dances are held on the night of the fiesta. They are called benefit dances for the benefit of the host's pockets. Girls are reduced to the status of taxi dancers but they get a share of the proceeds. Previously a dance is so tight that the girls think they are being embraced by boa constrictors. This time, benefit dances are no longer held but discos. Dancers are so far apart that carabaos, which had escaped from the fiesta slaughter, can go on stampede between the dancers without being noticed.

With the prices rising astronomically, fiesta practices might change. How? We cannot predict. Meat dishes may still be there but - God forbid -, the fiesta goers are in danger of being asked to pay up before sitting down before the table.

By Loy Palapos
Bohol Sunday Post

Have you heard of hospitals turning down would-be patients because of their incapacity to pay their bills? Of Doctors being lukewarm in addressing the health needs of the have-nots? Of lawyers' consultation and other fees the ordinary hoi poloi cannot afford? Of Priests requiring religious fees before rites could be performed? Of engineers declining solicitations of expertise even for a good common cause? Of accountants who are experts in the art of tax evasion? Of teachers who only impart knowledge if the price is right?

Nobody could blame them. The law of supply-and-demand is universally accepted. The better you are in any profession, the harder you are to get, for your fees may not anymore be affordable. In this so-called urban society success in a profession has only one barometer… money. If you have no money, it means you are not good in your profession. Or, is this really so?

BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals) says otherwise.

The practice of one's business or profession is not only measured in terms of profit… of money. Only those who worship Mammon adhere to the belief that money is the end-wall of everything. That Christianity tempers the worship of Mammon. That there is more to life than gold.

Larelito Rosendo Maniwan (LRM) is Dr. Jojo Maniwan to all. He is presently the Chapter Head of BCBP Tagbilaran North. Everybody used to know him as "a sociable professional" who is easy to admire, if admiration is based on what one sees in the outside… in the packaging: tall and boyishly handsome, driving a flashy car, in association with the elite of Tagbilaran, a good catch if he were still single.

read more here

By Romy Teruel
Bohol Sunday Post

More than 5 million tourist arrival in one year. Is that possible? Yes if you are in Phuket, Thailand. Actually for last year Phuket registered 5,005,653 tourist arrivals aaccording to Nanthasiri Ronnasiri of the Southern Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand based in Phuket.

In all, Dir. Sumalee Samphaorat of Airport Services Division of Phuket International Aairport said, that required them 270 domestic flights and 293 international flights per month to bring all those tourists to Phuket. They have as many as 96 chartered flights a month because their regular flights are no longer sufficient to meet the demand of visitors. After being devastated by a killer tsunami in 2004 that is quite a miracle.

Yet Phuket is not extraordinarily endowed complared to Bohol. What they have that attract visitors, Bohol is not far behind. Thais are a smiling and courteous people but so are Boholanos. They have the beaches as fine and white as powder, but so does Bohol. They have their magnificent Buddhist temples, but so does Bohol with its ancient catholic stone churches and other religious artifacts. They have lush mountains but they don't compare to the mountains of Bohol. They have beautiful islets and vibrant dive sites but they don't compare to Bohol islets and dive sites like Cabilao and Balicasag.

Moreover Bohol has nature's miracle in the chocolate hills which Phuket doesn't haveand neither do they have the tarsier that captivates the heart of royalties like Prince Charles.

In size, Bohol is twice larger than Phuket, three times bigger in population and more than twice in number of local government units. Although both are islands that boast of coastal waters that teem with fish and other marine products.

Yet even as the number one tourist destination of the Philippines, Bohol's tourist arrival in 2007 was only over 600,000 - a small slice of the over 3 million arrivals for the whole Philippines.

Phuket's top ten visitors are Australians, Britons, Swedish, Koreans, Germans, Chinese, Russians, Japanese, Americans, and Malaysians who contributed ThB94.239 million to the income of Phuket for 2007 alone.

The mayor of Patong municipality, which was severely damaged by tsunami in 2004, had to order a suspension of hotel construction because the town has reached its maximum carrying capacity.

Nevertheless, there are now 628 hotels and resorts in Phuket with a total number of 37,546 rooms.

How did Phuket attract so many tourists and visitors?

I will discuss this in the report of the team of Boholanos in the tourism industry who went on a five-day benchmarking tour of Phuket early this month. The whole activity was part of an ongoing Training on Tourism Services Standards funded by the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) with tourism services standards for Bohol.

By Bohol Sunday Post

Hope glimmers for informal settlers in barangay Behind the Clouds in the Municipality of Batuan as top government official in the Visayas vows to look into their plight.

Presidential Assistant (PA) for the Visayas Felix Guanzon promised to bring in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to arrange for the conversion of timberlands into alienable and disposable lands so residents occupying the area can finally call them their own.

These informal settlers are considered illegal occupants in a portion of the timberlands where they found refuge after they had to abandon their homes in battle-scarred sitios Cambuslot and Cansingi.          

Guanzon conquered the hearts of the former rebel supporters when he bravely set foot in the barangay, an act most local government officials never dared to do.
Guanzon is one of the very few officials close to the President, who has conquered fear and set foot in the barangay.

By Bohol Sunday Post

Everything is now set for the May 10 encounter between the Purefoods Hotdogs and the Alaska Milkmen, as part of the elimination round of this year's Reinforced conference of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) at the Calape Cultural and Sports Center.

Calape Mayor Dr. Sulpicio N. Yu Jr. said the game will be sponsored by the BIT Foundation, the Buhing Inambitay ug Tinabangay Foundation, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Local Government Unit of Calape.

He said part of the proceeds will go to the Special Education Funds of the Local School Board (LSB) to defray its scholarship programs for deserving students and salaries of the teachers thereof.          

PBA president Sonny Barrios said they stopped playing in Calape during the past municipal administration, following delay in the remittance of proceeds in previous round by the LGU which brought problem with the promoter.

By Bohol Sunday Post

The Systematic Adjudication team (SAT) of the Land Administration and Management Project-2 (LAMP2) conducted a ceremonial free patent signing on March 31 after holding intensive assemblies in four barangays of Sikatuna- - in Libjo on March 1, Cambusac Sur on March 8, Can-agong on March 15 and Bahay-bahay on the 29th.

From the assemblies, LAMP2 gathered a considerable number of applications for lot registration.

Sikatuna residents grew eager to avail of the benefits that LAMP2 offers after adjudicators from the Corella and Sikatuna field offices held the activity.

In less than a month, there were already free patents completed with the necessary documents.          

In the ceremonial signing of free patents on March 31, Sikatuna municipal officials had an opportunity to discuss updates on the project with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Eduardo Inting, LAMP2 project manager; Deputy Project Manager Bonifacio Rivera; Management Support Unit Chief Lorenzo Esmero; Operations Unit Chief Abundio Remolador Jr., CENRO Samuel Racho; Social Development Supervisor Alfredo Elmer Doblas; Community Development Supervisor Alfredo Elmer Doblas; Community Development Officers Honey Jane Calumba, Vito Piquero, and Rhoda Namolata-Pajo; Systematic Adjudication team (SAT) Leader Joseph Requillo; Deputy SAT Leader Epifania Laguitao; Land Management Officer Pureza Magallano; Adjudicator Cesaria Judith Timbal; Community Development Assistant Rhudyl Marcvin Ferniz; Ronald Hilot; and Aruel Orog.

By Bohol Sunday Post

Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado recently inaugurated P4.83 million worth of infrastructure projects in four barangays in Mabini town 120 kilometers east of the capital, Tagbilaran City.

The projects are the epitome of convergence: identified by the residents themselves as their top priority need, bulk of the funds came from grants from the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Aumentado said Mabini is one of only 12 towns in Bohol selected for the poverty reduction program under KALAHI.         

"Mabini is close to my heart because its leaders and people are united and cooperative to bring the town forward to progress. As such, President Arroyo is also eager to pour funding for their various projects," the governor said, referring to Mayor Stephen Rances' and Vice Mayor Esther Tabigue's leadership that rallied their constituents to harmony

By Bohol Sunday Post

Mayor Exuperio Lloren vowed to continue to recognize the significance of gender equality as fundamental in development initiatives of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jagna in his presentation of the municipality's Gender and Development (GAD) program during the Women's Month culmination program at the Capt. Goyo Caseñas Audio-Visual Hall on April 1.          

"The LGU plays a significant role in addressing the inequalities and in making the situation more equitable by recognizing the active role of women as partners in development and not just mere recipients of development efforts," Mayor Lloren said.

In his last seven years of office, Lloren has significantly and systematically responded and consistently attended to the different specific roles of men and women of Jagna by recognizing and integrating them in participatory decision-making.

By Bohol Sunday Post

A multi-disciplinary Japanese team was here on March 22 to 30 to conduct a field practice on Rapid Rural Appraisal in a rural community in barangay Jimilian.

The 13 Japanese composing the team were personnel from IC Net Limited Company, a consultancy firm based in Japan, and from the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) Program.

The team was headed by the coordinator of the Training Program on Community Development, Akiko Fujimoto, and the project consultant, Eng'r. Takeaki Tomioka, who was once a JICA Expert on engineering machineries assigned to the Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (BAPC).         

Included in the team from JOCV were experts in child disability, public administration and community development who have been assigned in other Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

By Bohol Sunday Post

The Department of Trade and Industry-Bohol Provincial Office (DTI-Bohol) announces that the licensure examination for real estate practitioners such as appraisers and brokers is scheduled at 7 am to 12 noon of May 25.

The examination will be conducted at 3rd Floor, Allied Sciences Bldg., Cebu Normal University, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City.

Interested applicants may now get application forms from DTI-Bohol office located at the second floor of FCB-Main Bldg., CPG North Avenue, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City.

Deadline for the filing of application with supporting documents is on April 28.

The requirements are as follows: certified true copy of Transcript of Records or College Diploma, two copies of recent passport-size pictures with plain white background and complete name tag, one window envelop with mailing stamp for ordinary mail (for report of rating), prescribed examination fee of P250, and current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula).

As an additional requirement this year, an applicant should submit a certificate of attendance in an accredited Comprehensive Real Estate Seminar (CRES).

For more details, interested applicants can contact Malou or Mercy of DTI-Bohol through telephone numbers 411-3302, 501-8828 and 501-8260.

By Bohol Sunday Post

The contest to name the new Seven Wonders of the World is on going and Bohol's Chocolate Hills is ought to be among the new seven natural wonders of the world.

The Chocolate Hills has been registered in the list of nominees for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The New Seven Wonders of Nature is a proposed revision of the Seven Wonders of the World, organized by a Swiss-based, for-profit corporation called New Open World Corporation. The same organization just created a new list of man-made wonders.

The Chocolate Hills is at 13th place as of April 5. Lake Atitlan of Guatemala.

Vietnam's Ha Long bay, Phong Nha National park and Fansipan Mountain which placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.         

New 7 Wonders of the World-7 symbols of global unity celebrating our world's beauty and diversity.

The sites are selected according to a tally of around 100 million votes cast by people around the world over the Internet and by cell phone text messages, the nonprofit organization that conducted the poll said.

The campaign to pick the seven new wonders was begun in 1999 by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber. His Switzerland-based foundation, called New7Wonders, received some 200 nominations from around the world and then narrowed the list to 21 candidates for the public to vote on.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

The bar of public opinion was the latest battleground being added to the celebrated rape-slay in Panglao four years ago where its former mayor was implicated as the brains.

This means the sensational case has gained another venue in addition to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office which handled the preliminary investigation.

As of last report, the complainants and their private prosecutor are yet to receive a copy of the counter affidavit of former mayor Doloriech Dumaluan, linked as the mastermind of the crime.          

The former mayor was charged with three others for rape with homicide in connection with the death of Vivian Dumaluan, his distant relative. The young Dumaluan was found lifeless four years ago in the vicinity of the Dumaluan Beach Resort. She was allegedly raped and killed before she was dumped in the seaside resort owned by the former mayor.

Another respondent of the case was the former mayor's younger brother identified as Teofredo Dumaluan alias Pingmay.

By Angeline Valencia
published by Bohol Sunday Post

Gripping on the local rice supply amid the perceived looming crisis, Governor Erico Aumentado was quick to issue an executive order Friday last week, regulating the shipment of palay and milled rice to other provinces to prevent draining the local stock.

In the EO, the governor sets the maximum allowable shipment for large retailers at 500 sacks (at the standard 50 kilos) per week; 300 sacks for medium retailers and 100 sacks for small retailers.          

Aumentado signed the EO on April 4 at the clinching part of his weekly radio program, Governor's Report, aired simultaneous over two major Tagbilaran-based AM stations and over other Bohol-based radio stations on delayed broadcast.

Aired live over the radio program was his dialogue with local rice millers and retailers at the Governor's Mansion, with the presence of Regional Director Aster Caberte of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Director Edgardo Ingking of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Manager Manuel Boholano, National Food Authority (NFA) Manager Nestor Rey Alcoseba and officials of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Kiamz, your suggestion made sense. Sayang pud diay ang lechon mabugnaw na.