MikeLigalig.com

Quote from: hubag bohol on August 16, 2010, 12:00:00 PM
...samtang naghuwat nga mangatagak ang power gems.

Bwa ha ha ha ha !!!! Power jud hinoon.

Quote from: fdaray on August 16, 2010, 07:29:54 AM
Koddi., are you a graduate of BAC?

I am a graduate of ViSCA, now Visayas State University, in Baybay City (Leyte). 

Quote from: bugsay on August 14, 2010, 01:59:34 PM
naay laing casa sa Tagbilaran nga di ko makalimot sa tibuok nakong kinabuhi.

Bamboo Tavern may nga'an adto Bugz.

Sa una sa pangitaon pa ang signal, nakaadto ko'g dapit nga sa inidoro gyud dapit ang signal. Maayo gani kay limpyo.

My sister graduated from BAC in 1981. She was a scholar, being part of the school's swimming team that represented Bohol in regional competitions.   

Quote from: hofelina on August 11, 2010, 11:17:02 AM
... si Rey dako kaao ang katungdanan, siya ang namolo sa Tourism sector sa Bohol ...

One of the players ra ko, Manay, from the government sector. One thing good about Bohol's tourism industry is the cooperation of all involved, especially from the private or business sector (e.g. hotels, resorts and restaurants; travel agents and tour guides; transport operators; etc.).       

Quote from: Bambi on August 11, 2010, 05:11:24 AM
Ms. Raquel, basta taga Loon gani mga ambongan gjod nang mga tawo diha (babaye man o lalake)!

Uyyyy ... na refresh ang kagahapon !!!


Salamat kaayo, Manay (Hofelina) sa imong pagdapit kanako nga magkita tang tulo ni Vrglguapo. Salamat kaayo kang Vrglguapo ug sa iyang maanyag nga kapikas kay iyang gipaambit ang iyang mga grasya ngari kanamo. Halayo man sa Bohol si Manay ug si Vrglguapo apan tataw kaayo sa ilang mga saysay ang ilang naghingapin nga gugma sa atong yutawhang Bohol.

Quote from: guinacot on August 13, 2010, 10:01:14 AM
oo. ako ni. lgu loon gihapon ka? regional manager nko dinhi caraga. gikan ko region 10 in  2007-2009 as regional head then balik napod dinhi butuan last july 2009.

Nakatambong ka sa silver anniversary sa pagka obispo ni Msgr. Didi Pueblos? Grabe kuno kadaghan sa mga tawo.

Quote from: bol-anon nga cebuano on August 13, 2010, 01:25:33 AM
suspended gani indefinitely ang cebu-davao-cebu route sa PAL tungod kay wala nay pilot. magbarko or magtrucking nalang ang mga taga davao usa kaabot sa cebu.

Mao ba? Sa ato pa diay ani, ngitngit pas alkitran ang atong gipangandoy nga direct flight from Davao to Tagbilaran and vice versa. Magdahum na lang ta sa ubang airlines.

Dakung problema pud ni sa atong paisana nga si Ma. Socorro "Acor" Relampagos - Gonzaga, nga maoy VP sa PAL.

In the last 120 years, we have been importing rice in about 80 years. We cannot attain self-sufficiency in rice owing to the increasing population, shift from agricultural land to residential or industrial, and lack of big rivers for irrigation. We can never stabilize rice production, but we could have stabilized local income by increasing the production and exportation of high-value crops like fruits, as well as seafoods. By then rice importation could never be a problem. But our government's agriculture program has other priorities. We have the best soil for fruit production. We rank next to Indonesia in having the longest coastline, but we are at the tailend in Southeast Asia as regards production of fruits and seafoods.     

Quote from: jppepito on August 12, 2010, 05:23:50 PM
Gusto unta nako mahibal an kung unsa na nahitabo aning balaya?

Closed to everyone na gyud ni. Anugon ang effort ni Archt. Torrero (UB) sa pag restore niining balaya.

Kinilaw nga deboned mangsi
Inun-onang tamarong
Tinuwang katambak with sikwa and alugbati
Santol fruit and chili leaves salad
Scrambled egg (salin sa pamahaw)
Diced ripe tomatoes with buwad potpot
Watermelon
Salvaro
Tanduay Ice

Quote from: guinacot on August 12, 2010, 07:11:09 PM
salamat sa pag post nimo ako ngalan sir koddi. kaila ko nimo. si bedo ako na ig agaw. MIS manager sa del monte phils sa cdo. expert kaau na mag golf. hehe. kumusta tanan taga loon

Ikaw ni Shi?

Sa Dauis ug Baclayon ra mi concentrate si Bea sa iyang mga heritage conservation efforts. Family problem kuno ang nakapaundang sa operation niining balaya as a tourist destination. As regards the road widening, Bea took the cudgels for the affected homeowners of Baclayon. For the record, not one old house in Baclayon was touched by the road widening project. About two years ago, the organized homeowners of Baclayon (Bahandi) mounted the play "Karaang Balay" in one of the houses to underscore the urgency of saving their built heritage. Some houses are now participants in a homestay program for tourists. The play was originally written in Tagalog by Bol-anon Fred Valenzona, who now teaches Math in the US, and a Loonanon writer who is a TB tambay. 

I had a modest collection. Pero na discouraged ko pag continue after nakakita ko'g collection nga kinadaghanan. Award-winning gyud sa kadaghan. From country A to country Z. And by subject: lunlon butterflies, airplanes tanan, birds tanan, flowers tanan, etc. Dayongan na gud og duha ka tawo ang baga kaayo nga album. I also collected coins. Mao gihapon, pagkakita nako sa same philatelist nga numismatist sab diay. By country gihapon. Mas bug-at pa gyud. I had a collection of small matches from hotels, retaurants and bars in the US. Pero nadaot tungod sa phosphorus-tipped palito. What I did, gigunting ko na lang ang labeled side sa match, ug gipapilit sa illustration board aron ma display.   

Pamahaw:

Inun-onang mulmul
Scrambled egg
Maruyang saging
(No rice)

Paniudto:

Law-oy
Piniritong kitong
Fried Bisayang manok
Rice

Snacks:

Pan monay
Milo

Panihapon:

Lomi (noodles, sikwa, alugbati, tuna chunks, spices)
Inun-onang tamarong
Rice

We all deserve the politicians we elect ...

Disqualified na ang mga Hall of Fame awardees, mostly Cebu-based.

There was much fanfare when this old house which was turned into a museum was opened a few years back. It is now closed to the public due to certain problems. Family-related kuno.

Kaanugon sa legacy sa ilang amahan ...

Kon diri pa ni nahitabo sa ato ... manggawas ug makig-away jud ang mga paryente sa namatay apil na ang mao pay pagtunga ug kinalayu-an na nga pagka paryente.

I admire that lady kay tiaw bay mas nakaalagad ug nakasinati siya sa ubang babaye kay sa iyang kaugalingong inahan. Kana na lang daan nga sitwasyon dili kabugtian og kwarta.

Mao nay ganti sa matinud-anong ug kinasing-kasing nga nag-alagad.

Dr. James Sombrio

Quote from: tubagboholspride on July 16, 2010, 11:56:40 AM
I think balicasag is not crowded?

If you want a really really quiet island for diving ... Cabilao is perfect for you. There are at least three dive centers and only about four resorts. Inland is a lake for sunset viewing or bird watching, a unique agriculture and a community of women weavers of handicrafts. Google for the article by National Geographic on the Philippines being one of the world's 25 best new destinations. It mentions only Cabilao among the many dive sites in the country.     

Pamahaw:

Fried egg sunnyside up
Mawos ng ginamos tugnos

Paniudto:

Ginisang kibow, sinabwan
Nangka gitono-an
Saging lakatan

Snacks:

Cantaloupe
Paklay with siopao
Banana-choco shake
Oranges (fruit)

Panihapon:

Humba gitunlob sa Sukang Pinakurat with una sa dayok
Inun-onang tamarong
Ginisang tangkong
Dinuguan
Pork with tausi
Kamote turon
Sprite

Piskay
Kutas
Panuhot
Hawoy
Bunabuna

Naay bag-ong kan-anan sa Tagbilaran ginganlan og Food Options. Mao ni ang Car Options nga pwesto sa una. Dapit sa Citi Hardware, across St. Jude Hospital. Naa kunoy tamilok diha. Wa pa hinoon ko makasuway og kaon anang lugara.

Bringhaws gikan sa Balilihan:

Humba nga galasa-lasa
Litson chunks dapit sa gusok ug tiyan
Torta

Quote from: hofelina on July 13, 2010, 05:01:24 AM
Kanus-a man ka mo-qualify as most notable Loonanons?

See the different threads about "Notable Loonanons". Syaro'g di ka ma belong sa usa ... he he he. By the way, taga Loon diay ka? That should be the main qualification.

Quote from: islander on July 14, 2010, 08:06:26 AM
koddi prudente obviously has brains.

We all have. But how we use them varies. Thanks for the compliment.

Brigadier General Joseph Garnica Sevilla

These are tidbits of what I know about the Eskayas. Mariano Sumatra of Loon town went with a priest to Manila (to study perhaps) and surfaced in Mindanao as a pro-Katipunan organizer. He went back to Bohol and settled in Biabas, Guindulman where he started a community that used its own alphabet, signs and languages reportedly to continue his advocacy and evade suspecting authorities. He introduced a communal system of agriculture with him providing the inputs and the farmers giving back to him a portion of their harvest, thus he became a "datahan", someone to whom one makes a "data", or installment payment. While the Eskayas could be considered as a tribe, this may be as far only as their unique social, economic and learning systems. If we consider race, they do not belong to one other than ours. While in Biabas, Anoy frequently visited his hometown and even convinced some of his friends and relatives to join him in Biabas.  This may explain why surnames that are common in Loon are carried by some households in Guindulman and in Duero, where another Eskaya community was established.  The many Datahans and Sumatras in Bohol are, therefore, blood relatives.       

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).    

The Loon public plaza located beside the huge 18th-century stone church serves as the centerpiece of the town.

At the center of the public park is a monument dedicated to the national hero. This and the structures around it were completed in 1929 during the administration of Mayor, then called Presidente Municipal, Vivencio Nazareno who served as town executive between 1928 and 1931 and resided just across the street beside the plaza.

Having an art deco style, the monument is considered the most beautiful and imposing in the entire province. Its symmetry is described as perfect at all angles, with each side marked by a flight of steps bound by ornate balustrades.

The main base of the monument used to be a big aquarium filled with freshwater fish. It has since been filled and sealed.  

The platform that serves as base for the four-column structure supporting the life-size statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, is designed like a porch and surrounded by balusters.

Rizal wears a coat-and-tie outfit and carries a cloak on his left hand. This image of his depicts the years he spent in Europe as a student of medicine. The head and hands of the statue are made of bronze.

Just beneath the platform on which stands the statue of the national hero are the words “Noli Me Tangere”, the title of one of Rizal’s two novels that kindled the ire of the Spanish friars.

Of particular interest is a miniature Statue of Liberty atop the Rizal monument attesting to the Commonwealth era when it was constructed. On the other hand, this symbol of freedom is sometimes construed as a message that Rizal was an American-made national hero.

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 that spurts water on the bigger pool below.  Atop the circular platform are two figures of women, one carrying an urn and the other drinking water from her scooped hand. This structure is believed to depict the origin of the name Loon, which is “tubig nga naglo-on”, the mixing of the salty sea with fresh spring water.

Nowhere found now are wood-and-concrete benches that used to be neatly arranged following the perimeter of the plaza, as well as the trellis arches on the park’s entrances that used to support viny flowering plants.

Mr. Marianito Luspo, foremost Boholano historian and chairman of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council offered a theory regarding the intricacy of the overall design of the Rizal Park in Loon.  He speculated that the sketch or plan of the plaza could be one of the non-winning entries to the international contest to design what is now the Luneta, where the famous Rizal monument is located. He added that the latter and the one in Loon were both constructed in the same period.


Source: Center for Developments in Culture, Heritage and the Arts (CHARTS), Local Government Unit of Loon, Bohol

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

Mario Rotersos - son of Epifanio Rotersos from Badbad Occidental, graduated two years ago (2008) from an Architecture course at the Technische Universität Wien or Vienna University of Technology in Austria. His diplomarbeit or thesis was about flagship stores as his theme (e.g. Dior flagship store, Comme des Garcon, Burberry life store, Prada epicenter store, Peek und Cloppenburg, etc.). He focused on, among others, the union between fashion and architecture.  He was a well-known Cebu-based fashion designer for more than 10 years and had worked on product development and merchandising for ladies' and men's wear.  While in Europe, he travels during the summer term for work and goes back to Austria during the winter semesters for studies. He has been in Vienna for about five years. Rotersos is presently working as a freelance designer specializing in both men's and women's apparel, prêt-a-porter and haute couture.

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     

Fidel Larido + - most remembered harmonium player, music teacher and church accompanist.

Fidelino "Dong Fidel" P. Coritico - poet and writer; composer, “Maghiusa tang Tanan”, Finalist, Archdiocesan Songs for the Third Millennium, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Cebu, 1998.

Joseph Omar Jared Sanidad Estrada - band manager and vocalist; has performed in the Sultanate of Brunei and the ASEAN entertainment circuit, and Beijing

Nonatus E. Bunac - fomer member of Singing Cooks, Waiters, Atbp.

Arnold R. Rebucas - keyboardist of H2O, an all-Boholano band that used to play in Manila's entertainment circuit.

Teofilo Jadulos - Instrumentalist (Guitar, Keyboard, Brass); Music Teacher and Band Trainer, Loon South Central Elementary School; Member, LUSAC (Loonanons of USA and Canada) Band

Berning Marcojos-Segundo - erstwhile resident organist at Cebu’s Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Felipe Zuasola + - former policeman composer of Mithing Loonanon, one of the cuts in the Loon Children’s Choir album.

Agapito Mejares and Juliet R. Murcia - local "balitaw" singers

Lylle Mae Cabañelez Cartagenas â€" one of Bohol’s kundiman divas

Ammie Matutes â€" Tamsi â€" one of Bohol’s kundiman divas (top-ranked in 2007)

Ray de la Cruz + - music master of the Bohol Symphony Orchestra. He was a pioneer member of the Loon Philharmonic Orchestra which, for many years, played on special occasions at the town plaza or public market. 

Casiano Monreal Pangilinan + - piano tuner

Manuel C. Uy - Composer, "Gugma", performed for the first time during the First Loon Creative Industry Festival on December 15, 2007. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Management from the University of San Jose - Recoletos, Manuel is the only musically inclined child of Uy Kon Ching and the former Crescencia Cubelo whose family business has helped a lot of Loonanon small entrepreneurs and consumers for more than 60 years now.  He keeps a collection of original compositions that he hopes to record in the future.

Fr. Roland Cajegas - singing priest of Calbayog City; played the lead role in a musical mounted by the city’s theater group that went on a national tour.

Atty. Melchor Pueblas Monreal + â€" compiler/ publisher of “Harana: Talamdan sa mga Awit nga Halandumon”.

Maria Asuncion M. Robles - Larido - Voice Coach, Composer/Lyricist and Writer. This daughter of Gregorio Robles and Demetria Monreal also composes "songs and yells", mostly for girl scouts competing in jamborees. A singer for all occasions during her heydays, Inday Sonnie, as she is fondly called by many, continues to sing at weddings, usually accompanied by her husband Felipe and joined with either her daughter Marife or the Polyphonics, a church choir the couple co-founded in the early '70s. Her ability to notice the slightest discordant note helped a lot in training the members of the Loon Children's Choir, which won honors at the National Competitions of Young Artists in the '80s, and in all other singing groups that she trained in tandem with "Sir Oloy", her husband of more than 38 years.

Jovito "Lou" Corciega - Singer and Songwriter; Soloist, Polyphonics; Composer, "Birhen sa Kasilak" Hymn; Choir Trainer. Lou has been singing all his life, solo or with a band or group. In his younger years, he joined and won in singing contests thereby bringing pride to every Loonanon.  His songwriting talent is evident in his compositions that are mostly love songs (Bulak nga Bol-anon, Hikalimti Ayaw, Kamatayon ang Utlanan), Christmas songs (Pasko Magmalipayon, Merry Christmas Kaninyong Tanan) and a tribute to Our Lady of Light, patroness of Loon. This Eucharistic minister has been teaching graduation songs for his high school alma mater, Loon Institute, now University of Bohol-Loon, for many years now.

Bernardo "Leon" Vidal Romea + - rondalla trainer, scriptwriter, director and musical arranger for the "drama" in Napo, his home barangay. Bernardo or "Pantaleon" or "Leon", as he was more popularly known, was born on March 12, 1895 in Barangay Napo to spouses Marcelo (Oyong Eloy) and Maria (Oyang Iyay) Vidal, a second wife.  His grandparents were Domingo Romea and Cecilia Ordubanes of Barangay Taytay. After completing his elementary education and first year of high school, the latter at Bohol High School, he qualified for a teaching post, a feat in those days.  On June 16, 1910, at age 15, he was appointed temporary teacher in Loon. A few years later, he passed the teachers' examinations and went on to become principal for 19 years. Romea's command of the English language was grammatically flawless.  He bought American books and subscribed to local English magazines (e.g. Free Press, Graphics, etc.) hoping that his children would love or develop the habit of reading. They indeed became bookworms and their communication skills improved. His passion for music was such that he composed songs, organized rondallas wherever he was assigned in his teaching career, and promoted and participated in competitions.  This went on even through his retirement years.  He could skillfully play any of the string instruments in the rondalla but was at his best with the banduria.  Romea was keen in distinguishing the slightest discord that at times during rondalla rehearsals, he would suddenly wave a hand for a pause just to tune up a dissonant instrument. Romea was also called a "dramaturgo" for he wrote and directed stage plays or "drama" which always served as the culminating feature of the barrio fiesta celebration in Napo.  In fact, he is acknowledged as the original playwright, director and composerâ€"musical arranger of Napo’s stage plays that are now mounted on May 25 of each year without fail.  It is believed that Napo holds the record of staging the longest running series of annual plays in Bohol, if not the whole country.

Jerome Pedrigal Velasco - lead guitarist of the mainstream bands Riftshifta,  Teeth,  Mongols, Daydream Cycle and Pupil; Guitarist of the Year at the NU Rock Awards 2004. Teeth was born in September 1993 during Manila's alternative rock boom. Its original members were Glenn Jacinto, vocals; Jerome Velasco, guitars; Peding Narvaja, bass; and Mike Dizon, drums. Signed to Warner Music Philippines, Teeth released its self-titled debut album in 1995. “Laklak” topped the charts of the alternative rock station LA105 for 12 weeks. The LP went double-platinum. “Laklak” was re-recorded and crossed over into the mainstream, stirring controversy with its alcohol-fueled lyrics.  It was voted Song of the Year at the 1995 NU 107 Rock Awards. The cheaply made video for Teeth's second single, Prinsesa, was even played on MTV Asia. In 1997, Teeth recorded “Time Machine” and sold enough to be certified platinum. In 1999, the band released “I Was a Teenage Tree”. The album contained the single "Shooting Star", which was awarded Song of the Year at the NU 107 Rock Awards in 2000.  In 2003, “Dogs Can Fly” (Teeth's Finest) was released. In 2003, Velasco joined former-Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia in forming Mongols.  He, however, left the band in 2005 to pursue a career in audio engineering and recording. The band was renamed into Pupil and Velasco remained the co-writer and producer for its “Beautiful Machines”.   As of 2007, Jerome Velasco is the chief musical producer for Pupil’s second album and member of the dreampop/electronica band “Daydream Cycle”. Jerome’s mom is Cely Pedrigal from Cantam-is Bago.

Fr. Jonas Mejorada Mejares â€" former dean of the Conservatory of Music, University of San Agustin (USA), Iloilo City; Singing Priest of Iloilo, recording artist and concert performer; and featured soloist, "Tunog Agustino" album. Fr. Jonas, who is also Vice President for Research, Planning and Administration of USA, has recorded and released solo and collaborative albums for commercial distribution. His talent in singing was honed in his home in Barangay Napo where his parents, Agapito and Sofia, were known stage actors.  Napo carries on a community theater tradition for many decades now and Fr. Jonas, as a child, participated in the staging of the annual "drama" plays.  As a concert artist, Fr. Jonas has performed with Jose Mari Chan in a benefit concert.  His recent performances were those with Luke Mejares in "The Singer and the Preacher" and Yeng Constantino, ABS-CBN's Pinoy Dream Academy grand winner, in the "The Dreamer and the Preacher". He composed “Musikang Loonanon”, theme song of a local songriting competition.

Fr. Melchisedech Estoque Monreal - songwriter and concert performer; and vocalist, Singing Priests of Tagbilaran (SPOT). Fr. Edik's talent in singing was honed in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.  While pursuing Theology at San Jose Seminary in Manila, he was tapped to interpret quite a number of songs for recording.  As a member of SPOT, he has performed in many local and international concerts.  He also interpreted one of the finalist songs in the Metro Cebu Pop Music Festival.  The song, which was given recognition as the third best entry, was composed by Engr. Narciso Saletrero, another Loonanon. 

Maria Fe Evelyn "Marife" R. Larido-Tampos - voice and piano teacher, singer, stage performer, choir trainer, choreographer, and recording artist. With parents who are both into music, it was expected that Marife would grow up into a musically inclined person, which was what she became.   Singing was her passion at such a young age that during her prime she already sounded professional.  In fact, she became Bohol's Yamaha MusicMate and represented the province in the regional eliminations. Marife interpreted the song "Pagmaya Kristohanong Katilingban", a composition of his father, Felipe G. Larido, that won the grand prize in the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Songwriting Contest. In 2007, during the National Arts Month celebration in February, she and two other Loonanons, Lylle Mae Cabañelez Cartagenas and Ammie Matutes-Tamsi, were proclaimed Bohol's "kundiman" divas. In 2009, she was chosen Best Interpreter (“Hanap nga Handurawan”) during the First Musikang Loonanon, a songwriting and interpretation contest.

Reynaldo P. Monreal â€" songwriter and founding member, The ViSCA Polyphonics (Visayas State University); cultural events management specialist; grand prize winner with four entries in the Top 10,  Bangga sa Awit 1992 (Visayas Developmental Songwriting Contest); first runner-up with five entries in the Top 12,  Bangga sa Awit 1990; awardee for Education, Journalism and the Arts, 1990 Outstanding Young Loonanon Achievers; Best Science Jingle for “Kabataan Alang sa Mauswagong Ugma”, 1988 Eastern Visayas Regional Youth Science Camp of the Department of Science and Technology; DYAC - AM Best Radio Jingle, 1982 ViSCA-DYLA-BPTC Basic Course in Radio Broadcasting; plaque of recognition from Barangay Napo for Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Development of the Municipality of Loon, and from the Mary Help of Christians Parish for composing its golden jubilee theme song.

Benjamin L. Mejorada, PhD +  - composer, poet and choir trainer; self-taught songwriter and musician.  His musical talents were further developed during his student days in the seminary.  A Philosophy graduate, he taught at many schools including the University of San Carlos and, most recently, Mater Dei College.  He was based in the United States for many years before returning to Bohol to concentrate on teaching and school administration and many socio-civic and cultural projects and activities.  The school hymn of Sacred Heart Academy is one of Dr. Ben's legacies to the Loonanons.  A collection of his original compositions, mostly dedicated to his hometown, has been recorded on CD with the Polyphonics, a local church choir, as main performer.

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

Marie Rose Celesti T. Panis - gold medalist in tennis for girls under 18 during the 2002 Palarong Pambansa; currently ranked by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association among the top ten lady tennis players in the country; a sports scholar of De La Salle University, a graduate of BS in Mass Communications major in International Relations

Ricardo "Ricric" Pilosas Marata and his nephew Cyrus M. Baguio - professional basketball players

James P. Relampagos - Cebu Amateur Athletic Association’s most valuable player (MVP) in 1998; at 6’3”, was former center of the University of San Jose - Recoletos; son of COMELEC employee Primo Relampagos and the former Evelyn Perez.   

Sandy Fernan Quintal - Bohol’s interschool MVP in 2001; a native of Barangay Basdio.

Lope Salazar - finalist in athletics, 1979 Palarong Pambansa. 

Cirilo Calatrava - finalist in athletics, 1979 Palarong Pambansa; currently the sports coordinator of DepEd - Division of Bohol.

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.

Barato ra plete. Loon town proper to Sandingan (Mocpoc wharf) P15 kon jeepney, P20 kon habal-habal. P20 para Cabilao in 10 minutes. Tag P20 pud kada byahe sa habal-habal for every trip.

Mitabang ra kog promote, oy. Search lang mo sa website sa Loon kay naay mga pictures didto. Kini nga thread nag provide ra og description kay wala man koy mga photos.

Quote from: hofelina on July 13, 2010, 05:01:24 AM
Kanus-a man ka mo-qualify as most notable Loonanons?

Asa man ka nga category gusto mahiapil? Government service pa man ni. Mag research pa ta para sa lain nga mga category. 

Atty. Edwin Lacierda - official spokesman of Pres. Noynoy Aquino

Mario L. Relampagos - current Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management; one of the Ten Tubig-Loon awardees recognized during the first global homecoming of Loonanons (PaghiuSadya 2005).  This son of an artist and teacher, who is remembered fondly as “Iyo Zosing”, studied at the Christ the King Seminary after completing his elementary education at Loon Central Elementary School where he excelled in declamation and oration.  He must have realized early that priesthood was not his true calling, and so he enrolled in Economics at the University of San Carlos, after which he finished a master’s degree at the UP School of Economics. His government career started at the Agrarian Reform Institute of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, Laguna, where he was researcher and trainer.  Later, he was employed as project officer of the Development Academy of the Philippines; project supervisor of the Human Settlements Commission; project director of the Ilocos Fuelwood Development Program; administrator of the Virginia Tobacco Corporation; and project manager of the National Council on Integrated Area Development, serving as head of the Samar Integrated Rural Development Project of the Australian Aid for International Development and of the Bohol Integrated Area Development Project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. From 1990 to 1998, he served as Director IV of the Department of Budget and Management, handling special operations, foreign-assisted projects, fiscal planning, and budget operations of the government. Afterwards, he was promoted to Assistant Secretary of DBM, and later Undersecretary. Relampagos has facilitated the fruition of many infrastructure development projects in Loon, like the construction of new school buildings and related amenities and LGU facilities as well including the Center for Developments in Culture, Heritage and the Arts (CHARTS).

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). 

Undesirable Superstitions

â–ª   One should never point to the rainbow; otherwise his index fingers will be cut short ("mapungkol").

â–ª   The appearance of a comet is a bad omen.  It means that war, pestilence or famine is coming.

â–ª   When a woman is on the family way, no one should displease her.  She should not talk about the blind, the lame and other persons with similar handicaps or her child will become any of these.

â–ª   If the first child is a boy, it is a sign of good luck for the family; if a girl, bad luck ("buwisit") is in prospect.

â–ª   In building a house, the owner has to see that the stairs faces north or south, or preferably the east.  The stairs must never face the west, otherwise, the family will be sickly.

â–ª   While the corpse is still in the house waiting to be buried, and for the period of ten days, the floor must not be swept; otherwise, another member of the family will die.

â–ª   If thirteen people eat at a table at one time, one of them will die soon.

â–ª   The floor of the house must not be swept at night otherwise, the owner will become poor.

â–ª   A pregnant woman must not look at the moon during an eclipse; otherwise the child will be deformed or the mother will suffer from hard labor during the delivery.

â–ª   When the person dreams that his teeth have fallen of, a close relative or friend will die soon.

â–ª   Belief in witchcraft is common.  Some men and women are reputed to have harmful tongues and to posses unusual powers to do harm to any one they dislike.  Such dangerous persons are known by several names, such as barangan, sigbinan, ban-okan, ungo or buyagan.

â–ª   The "santilmo" (St. Elmo’s fire), a flame-like appearance that sometimes alight on boats at sea during stormy nights, strikes fear in the hearts of the common folk. They believe that it is the spirit of someone who either has committed suicide or has been murdered, and is bent on doing harm to those on board, perhaps drowning them.  If it appears on land it leads people astray.

â–ª   People believe that the soul of the dead comes to visit his or her folks during the forty days following his or her burial.

â–ª   A "wakwak" is supposed to be a bird that cries out its name at night.  In reality, it is believed to be woman who is after people’s blood and liver.  Consequently, when a woman is about to deliver, her relatives place a lemon or "biasong" under the floor of the house in order to drive any "wakwak" that is supposed to be attracted by the smell of the fetus born by the pregnant woman.  Some people merely place the leaves of the "biasing" and a light under the house, believing that these are also effective in warding off the "wakwak".

â–ª   The "mamumugno" or "mamarang" is supposed to be a woman who possesses a mysterious oil that she uses to heal herself when wounded.  She appears only during the Holy Week, waiting for her victim near a river or brook because it is said that if wounded, she just jumps into the river and the wounds would heal immediately.  After that, she continues to fight.  The hair of the mamumugno enters the nostrils, the ears and the eyes of the victim who then grows weak and at the mercy of the "mamumugno".  This then takes out the victim’s liver.  The victim can only be saved in case someone passes by, for although his mind is normal, he cannot shout for help because he is under the power of the "mamumugno".

â–ª   In some remote barangays, before cultivating the land, people hold an offering or sacrifice, during which they try to please the spirits or "diwata" so that they will help the farmer get a bountiful harvest.  In this offering, a table with cooked rice, chickens, wines, and buyo (betel leaf) is set in the open field after which the spirits are called to come and help themselves to the food.

â–ª   When one is about to build a house, he should consult a quack doctor to find out if the place selected as a site is suitable or not. The lot is measured according to the dimensions of the proposed building, then three grains of rice wrapped in black cloth are buried in the middle of the selected lot and left there for three days.  If one or two grains are missing after the third day, the project should be abandoned for if continued, there will be sickness in the family that will live in the house.

â–ª   Because many people believe that a witch is capable of taking out the entrails and liver of a person and eating them, they close their windows when they go to bed at night. They fear the witches more than they do the thieves and robbers.

â–ª   The "sigbin" is said to be an animal that can harm people.  It is said to have an appearance of the Australian kangaroo.  A man who owns this animal can easily kill anyone secretly by telling the "sigbin" to bite him.  There is no way of avoiding it because it cannot be seen by anybody except the owner.  It is very useful to the owner because it can transport him at a terrific speed at night.

â–ª   Many of the old people of Loon believe that there are two kinds of dwellers, on earth: the ordinary human beings that we see about us and the unseen inhabitants, some of whom live in trees and caves but go about with humans, especially at high noon and at night.  One way of keeping children in at noon and at night is to scare them by telling them, if they stayed out, that they might be harmed by the invisible people.

â–ª   If one wishes to cultivate a virgin piece of land, one must first appease the unseen owner of the land. He does this by preparing a dish consisting usually of white chicken or white pig and offering it to the unseen owner. This practice is called "baying" or "buhat" and is performed by a "tambalan".

â–ª   Similarly, if one wishes to enter a cave to get guano or for some other reason, one must first get the permission of the unseen owner through the "baying".

â–ª   Many years ago there was a place haunted by encantos. A man who did not believe stories about the encantos went to the place to cut down a tree to make a fishing boat.  He died in the place mysteriously.  Another man who went there to make a kaingin was never heard of after that.

â–ª   Sometimes a boy gathering firewood for fuel in the thickets or forest gets lost.  The people believe that the boy has been misled or "gimino" by an "encanto".  The remedy, if he has a presence of mind, is to turn his shirt and pants inside out.  Otherwise, he will not be able to find his way home, and his parents will have to organize a searching party using gongs and, if the search is done at night, torches.

â–ª   "Dwendes" are small people who sometimes inhabit very big houses. They are harmless, but they like to play tricks on people.  When offended they retaliate with their pranks such as putting the kitchen utensils up in the ceiling or placing a woman’s skirt around the post of a house.  Naturally, the skirt cannot be removed without being torn.

â–ª   There is a cave that people say is haunted.  At night, during inclement weather, a traveler on horseback or on foot may find a coffin laid across the provincial highway, with burning candles at the four corners.  But if one goes back the following morning, the coffin is nowhere to be seen.

â–ª   In one of the barangays, a young balete tree stands near the provincial highway where there are no houses nearby.  One day a man was walking on the highway all alone. Hearing a band playing a lively march, he stopped and listened.  Soon white men in full gala uniform came out of the balete tree and played martial music, marching along the road and mysteriously disappearing in the distance. News of this incident spread among the people in the community.  Since then, the balete has been known to be a haunted tree.

â–ª   There was a girl who was courted by an "encanto".  Although he could not be seen, there were times when it appeared that he was visiting her since a conversation seemed to be going on between him and the girl.  Besides, there seemed to be a strange odor of perfume in the sala.  One day the girl got lost and could not be located for a number of days.  When her parents finally found her, she told them she was taken to the encanto’s place through an underground passage.

Some Harmless Beliefs

â–ª   When a lunar eclipse takes place, people beat cans and make all sorts of noise in order to scare away the "bakunawa" (dragon) that is supposed to swallow the moon. They shout at the top of their voice, saying “I-uli ang among buwan (Give us back our moon)!” When the moon reappears, the people believe that the dragon disgorged it because of the noise they had made.  Many people however, no longer believe this superstition but just the same they go through the motions of making noise in a spirit of fun.

â–ª   Young Romeos in outlying barangays are always in the lookout for an evening when the moon and a star are close together, for it is believed that such an evening is the most propitious to go out for courting, girls being easy to win then.

â–ª   As to the origin of earthquakes, the people believe that they are caused by the movements of Enoch, who has been imprisoned under the earth.

â–ª   One must not open credit on New Year’s day; otherwise, he will have many debts the rest of the year.

â–ª   If a spoon falls while the family is eating, a female visitor is coming; if a fork, a male visitor may be expected.

â–ª   If one sneezes, that is a sign that one is being talked about or is the subject of gossip.

â–ª   Eating twin bananas will make a married woman bear twins.

â–ª   The first article to be taken into a newly constructed house must be a sack of rice, which must be dropped in the middle of the sala.  This practice will assure the occupants that they will always have something to eat.

â–ª   Occupants of a new house should not include chicken in their first meal in order that they will not be living from hand-to-mouth (kakha-tuka) like a chicken on the loose.

â–ª   It is not good to plant sweetpotato at high tide for they will not produce tubers.

â–ª   If one spends any amount on New Year’s Day, one will be extravagant the whole year.  For this reason, people should do their marketing and buy all their needs the previous day as to avoid spending on New Year’s Day.

â–ª   If winged ants (actually termites) are seen flying at night, there will be rain.

â–ª   In planting corn, the farmer has to close his eyes when sowing the first three hills so that the chickens will not be able to find the planted kernels.

Superstitions and Unscientific Beliefs

â–ª   Like many other people in all parts of the world, the Loonanons nurture superstitions and unscientific beliefs, which have been handed down from generation to generation and have persisted in spite of scientific advancement of science and the influence of the schools. Some of the beliefs are innocuous enough and are of interest only as surviving vestiges of the crude and irrational explanations of the primitive mind for some of the manifestations of Nature.  Others, however, are more or less undesirable because they generate fear among the people, especially the children.

Family Solidarity

â–ª   Family solidarity is the rule among the Loonanons.  The members of the family stick together through thick and thin.  Any misfortune suffered by one member of the family is shared by the other members just as honors achieved by one are shared by the other members.

â–ª   In some instances this feeling goes beyond the confines of the family and includes the barangays and the town. This spirit sometimes manifests itself during elections when a candidate is preferred by the people of a barangay or town to all others with the same or similar qualifications because he is a home product.

â–ª   This solidarity is strengthened by family reunions that are held every year, usually on Christmas Eve. At this reunion the children who may have grown up and established their own homes gather under the parental roof with their own offspring for a renewal of family associations.

â–ª   Associated with this solidarity is the authoritarian nature of the Loonanon family. The father and the mother make important decisions of the family and the children abide by these decisions while they are under the family roof.  They get out of the family control only when they get married and establish their own homes. The children accept the idea that “Father and Mother know best.”

â–ª   This idea of submitting to the parent’s will and decision is further strengthened by the belief in what is known as "gaba" or curse, which means that bad luck or misfortune will befall any son or daughter who disobeys the will of, or is ungrateful to the parents. If the disobedient son meets a misfortune, people may say that he is "nagabaan", that is, he met it because of the curse that had been laid on him.

"Sinu’og" or "Sayaw Panaaron"

This is a dance to the rhythm of gongs and drums made in compliance with a vow made to a saint either to thank for a favor received or to ask for some help.  For example, if one is sick of a certain ailment, one dances before the image of the Birhen sa Kasilak (Our Lady of Light) who is known for her ability to cure sickness.  After one gets well, he dances the sinu’og during the next fiesta in grateful thanksgiving for the cure of his ailment.  In this dance, he makes all sorts of contortions of his body and movement of his arms, hands and legs.

Cockfighting

â–ª   Cockfighting is still a popular pastime in Loon, particularly on Sundays and holidays at which time the men go to the cockpit with their fighting cocks and bet money on them. Those without roosters choose their favorite cocks and bet on them. Everybody derives great excitement from watching the performance of the cocks, shouting every time his favorite scores a hit. The cock aficionados go home in high spirits when they win, but feel dejected when they lose. Such discouragement, however, is temporary, for they cling to the hope that the next cockfight would bring them better luck.

Prayers for the Dead

â–ª   In the olden days when embalming services were not yet available, the remains of a deceased are immediately buried, after which the relatives and neighbors pray for nine days for the eternal repose of his or her soul. After the prayer on the ninth day food is served for those who attend. This is called "tapus". Today, the nine-day period is observed starting on the first day of the wake.  It is followed by forty more days of prayer, and on the last day another gathering is held during which food is again served.  During these forty days, the soul of the deceased is believed to remain on earth after which it goes to its final destination.

Family Shrine
â–ª   Every Catholic family has a shrine at home before which the members pray at the sound of the Angelus and at other times.  At the shrine may be found the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or a saint whom the family has chosen as its patron or protector.

All Saints’ Day

â–ª   The first day of November is an important day among the Loonanons.  On this day they visit the graves of their departed relatives, clean and decorate them, and offer prayers for the eternal peace of the souls of the deceased.  This practice shows that they hold their dead in great esteem.

Celebrating Christmas

â–ª   Being primarily a Catholic town, Loon celebrates Christmas every year. During this season, the air rings with joyful music, and everything wears a happy face. The season is ushered in by the misa de gallo, which is celebrated at dawn for nine days. On the twenty-fourth of December, a midnight mass is said.

â–ª   People put up gay decorations with lanterns and multicolored lights. Many families hold their family reunions on Christmas Eve while waiting for the midnight mass to begin.

â–ª   On Christmas day children go to their "maninoy" or "maninay" to get their blessings and whatever gifts may have been prepared for them.  Of course, during the visit, they enjoy eating "biko", "suman", fruits, candies, and other delicacies. 

â–ª   Groups of people go from house to house to carol and raise funds for charitable and other civic purposes, and sometimes for themselves. This practice is called "daygon". A variant of the "daygon" is the playlet participated in by "pastores" (shepherds) and depicting the Nativity and the visit to Bethlehem of the Three Kings.

â–ª   The Christmas season is also the time for reconciliation between feuding parties and for making up among relatives and friends that have had a falling out.

Use of Honorific Titles

â–ª   Loonanons consider it disrespectful for younger persons to address their older brothers or sisters without using any of the conventional titles of respect, such as "manong", "manang", "manoy", "manay", "uray", "ingko", "insi", "manding", "oyong", "uyang", etc. Old folks, irrespective of relationship, are addressed as "iyo" or "iya".

Sharing Good Things with Relatives and Neighbors

â–ª   The spirit of neighborliness is shown by the Loonanons by sharing good things with their neighbors.  When the father returns from a long trip, he brings gifts or "sinugatan" for his children and neighbors.  If a housewife prepares something that is out of the ordinary, she sends part of it to the neighbor to let them have a taste of it.  If a fisherman makes a good catch, he sends some of it to his neighbors so that the latter can share his good luck. This practice is called panghilas or patilaw.

Passing in Front of or Between People

â–ª   One of the interesting experiences which a foreigner will not fail to notice in Loon, as well as in other parts of the country, is the quaint way one asks permission to pass in front of or between people. Bending forward and extending one or both hands in front, he walks quietly, sometimes saying “tabi” but usually saying nothing.

Passing by Someone’s House

â–ª   In Loon, it is customary for one who has to pass by a house, to tell the owner about it, saying, “Mo-agi mi (We shall pass by).” Upon hearing this, the owner invites the passerby to drop in for a few minutes, and if the latter cannot accept the invitation, he excuses himself, saying that he would do so next time.

The Wife as Family Treasurer

â–ª   The Loonanon wife holds the family purse. Every payday, if the husband is an employee, he turns over to her all his earnings for disbursement or safekeeping.  If one is a professional, like a physician or a lawyer, he turns over to his wife whatever he may receive for his professional service.  If a merchant, he turns over his sales and profits.

â–ª   So general and deep-seated is this practice that one sure way of making a Loonanon wife unhappy would be for the husband to keep his earnings and just let her run the home of an allowance.  Unmarried sons and daughters also give their earnings to their mother, who spends it as she sees fit but bearing in mind the welfare of the whole family.

Prayer at Angelus

â–ª   When the church bell peals for the Angelus, the entire household, including the househelp, assemble before the family altar to pray. On the street, children stop their games while adults stop walking or whatever they’re doing, bow their heads and quietly mumble their prayers.

Handkissing

â–ª   Children kiss the hands of their parents and elders as a sign of respect usually when the evening prayer is over.  Locally known as "amen", the gesture is also practiced when young members of the family or clan meet their older relatives for the first time or after a long time, when children leave for school or a long trip, and every time they return home.

â–ª   A modification of amen consists in holding the right hand of a parent or an elder and placing it on the forehead.  Among the modern and sophisticated families, the children kiss the parents on the forehead or cheek.  But whatever the actual practice may be, it is a beautiful custom, showing, as it does, the respect that the children owe and pay their parents and elders.

Hospitality

â–ª   When a visitor comes to a house for a call, he is warmly received and offered something to eat and drink during which the usual pleasant conversation takes place. In some houses, a glass of soft drink, wine, usually tuba, or cigars may be offered.

â–ª   If it is an extended visit and the visitor stays for a day or more, he is given the best accommodations and food that a family can afford. This is especially true during fiestas.

Cooperation

â–ª   One beautiful custom of the Loonanons is that of cooperating with one another in time of need. This is especially true in the barangays. For example, when someone gets married, the relatives and neighbors help with contributions of rice, fuelwood and labor.  When someone dies, the neighbors help in whatever task is needed, a practice called "dayong". While the women prepare food for the wake, the men dig the grave. Still others cook the food for the visitors.

â–ª   In some barangays or chapel associations, a sort of mortuary aid fund called " tabo' " has been institutionalized. When someone dies, every "bubong" or household contributes a certain amount to be given to the family of the deceased for wake and funeral expenses.

â–ª   The farmers also help one another in preparing each other’s land for planting through a practice known as "hunos". The number of farmers or neighbors involved depends upon the size of the farm and their willingness to help. 

â–ª   When a rural family wishes to move its house to a new location, bamboo poles are attached to it so that it can be carried by twenty or thirty men, depending on its size.

Fiestas

â–ª   Loonanons spend lavishly for fiestas that they celebrate to honor their town or barangay patron saints. They prepare food, local delicacies and drinks. During fiestas in Loon, it is very common that homes play host to strangers who are themselves strangers to each other.

â–ª   Because of tradition some families resort to credit just to be able to entertain fiesta revelers.  Some of them, however, prepare for the fiesta months earlier by raising hogs that they butcher come fiesta time.  Other households agree to form a group called "sosyo" for which they put in a certain amount every month so that when the fiesta approaches, they will have enough money to buy a carabao (through a broker), cavans of rice, or drinks, which they equally share among themselves.

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.

Loon Fiesta Calendar

Date   Patron/ Patroness     Barangays

Jan 6 - Birhen sa Barangay (Our Lady of the Village) - Basac

Jan 15 - Señor Santo Niño (Holy Child) - Basdacu, Canhangdon Occidental, Canhangdon Oriental, Canmanoc, Cogon Norte, Cuasi, Sondol and Tontonan

Jan 19 - Mother of Perpetual Help - Biasong, Canmanoc and Cogon Norte

Jan 24 - FEAST DAY OF THE VIRGEN DE LA PAZ Y BUEN VIAJE PARISH - Visitors are hosted by the households of Cuasi only. The rest (Pig-ot, Cabadug, Tangnan, Tontonan, Song-on and Taytay) hold their respective barangay fiestas. Also, most households still prepare food for visitors during the September 8 feast of the Our Lady of Light, patroness of the mother parish.   

Mar 19 - OUR LADY OF LIGHT PARISH DAY; FEAST DAY OF SAINT JOSEPH, SECONDARY PATRON OF THE PARISH - All barangays and chapels within the Our Lady of Light parish

Apr 5 - San Vicente Ferrer - Taytay

Apr 26 - San Vicente Ferrer   Basdio, Calayugan Norte, Calayugan Sur, Canigaan and Sondol

May 3 - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) - Cogon Sur, Napo (Masalingtuoron) and Tubodacu

May 7 - FEAST OF THE  HOLY CROSS PARISH - Cabacungan, Cambaquiz, Looc, Pantudlan and Talisay

May 12 - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) - Bahi, Cansuaguit, Cantomucad, Catagbacan Handig, Catagbacan Norte, Catagbacan Sur, Pananquilon and Pondol

May 13 - Our Lady of Fatima - Bahi, Canmanoc, Catagbacan Handig and Quinobcoban

May 20 - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) - Basac

May 15 - San Isidro Labrador - Agsoso, Bagacay Katipuhan, Bagacay Kawayan, Bagacay Saong, Basdacu, Bongco, Bugho, Campatud, Nagtuang, Song-on, Tan-awan (2), Tangnan, Taytay, Tubodio, Tiwi, Tubuan and Ubayon

May, third Saturday - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross, Invencion) - Moto Sur

May 22 - Holy Spirit - Cogon Norte

May 24 - FEAST DAY OF THE AUXILIUM CHRISTIANORUM (Mary Help of Christians) PARISH - All eight barangays on Sandingan Island participate in church festivities, but only the barangays of Ubojan, Mocpoc Sur and Mocpoc Norte prepare a feast for visitors.

May 28 - Holy Spirit - Basdacu

May 25 - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) - Napo (Makigdaiton)

Jun 13 - San Antonio de Padua - Cabadug, Cogon Norte and Lintuan

Jun 19 - Señor Santo Niño (Holy Child) - Cabadug

Jul 16 - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) - Moto Norte

Aug 16 - San Roque - Badbad Occidental, Basdacu, Cabug, Candaigan, Canmaag, Cantam-is Bago, Cantam-is Baslay, Cantaongon, Cantomucad, Cogon Norte, Mocpoc Norte, Mocpoc Sur and Pondol

Aug 27 - Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - Quinobcoban

Aug 28 - Saint Augustine - Genomoan

Aug 22 -    Immaculate Heart of Mary - Nueva Vida

Sep 8 - FEAST DAY OF THE OUR LADY OF LIGHT (Birhen sa Kasilak) PARISH - Agsoso, Badbad Occidental, Badbad Oriental, Basac, Basdacu, Bugho (also the barangay fiesta), Cabug, Canmanoc, Cogon Sur, Cogon Norte, Lintuan, Moto Sur, Moto Norte, Napo, Quinobcoban, Tan-awan, Ticugan, Tiwi, Tubodacu and Tubodio. Barangays under the Parish that join only the church festivities: Bongco, Campatud, Cansubayon, Nagtuang and Tubuan. Barangays in other parishes that still observe this feast day: Biasong, Canhangdon Occidental, Canhangdon Oriental and Ubayon of San Lorenzo de Manila Parish; Cabadug, Cuasi, Pig-ot, Song-on, Tangnan, Taytay, and Tontonan of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish; and Cabacungan (Holy Cross Parish; one chapel association only, not the whole barangay)

Sep 12 - San Roque - Pig-ot

Sep 14 - Santa Cruz (Holy Cross, Exaltacion) - Moto Sur (Luyong Sawang)

Sep 16 - Our Lady of the Holy Rosary - Canmanoc

Sep 29 - Saint Michael the Archangel - Cansubayon

Oct 18 - FEAST DAY OF THE SAN LORENZO DE MANILA PARISH - All 22 barangays under the Parish join in the church festivities, but only the three Catagbacan barangays prepare food for fiesta revelers.

Oct 28 - Birhen sa Barangay (Our Lady of the Village) - Taytay

Oct, last Saturday - Birhen sa Barangay (Our Lady of the Village) - Cantam-is Baslay, Cantaongon, Catagbacan Sur, Moto Norte, Ticugan and Tubodio

Nov 24 - San Vicente Ferrer - Badbad Occidental, Cogon Sur and Tubodio

Nov 27 - Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal - Badbad Occidental and Tangnan

Dec 8 - Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception - Ticugan and Ubojan

Dec 26 - Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) - Badbad Oriental, Bugho and Moto Norte

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.

Origin of the Names of Loon's Barangays

(1) Agsoso, after “soso’”, a freshwater shellfish species abundant in a spring that still provides water to the municipal water system.

(2) Badbad Occidental and (3) Badbad Oriental, after a local shrub or tree called “badba-an” which abounds in the area even at present.

(4) Bagacay Kawayan, (5) Bagacay Katipuhan and (6) Bagacay Saong, after “bagakay” or bamboo abundant in the area and utilized by the residents to make various handicrafts. “Kawayan” is the most common local term for bamboo. In Bagacay Kawayan, during the Spanish times, a bamboo thicket grew beside a small pool of mud to where the early inhabitants brought their carabaos to wallow. “Katipuhan” means a place where “tipolo” trees grow in abundance, while “saong” is a tree species whose sap is believed to be similar to that used as paste in the construction of Noah’s Ark.

(7) Bahi, after “bahi” or the hard portion of the trunk of a “pugahan” palm abundant in the place especially during its establishment.

( Basac, after “basak” or rice paddy, no longer found in the village but replaced by patches of “palaw” or “paw”, a water-loving plant species belonging to the taro family. 

(9) Basdacu, coined from “balas” or “ba’as”, which means sand, and “daku”, which means big, both words referring to the wide shoreline that covers the breadth of the barangay. (10) Basdio, also from “ba’as” and “diyo” or “diyot”, the opposite of “daku”; thus, a place where there is a little patch of sand on its shoreline.

(11) Biasong, after trees of an orange variety of the same name that grew near a little spring that flows into the Moalong River.

(12) Bongco, after a legendary shining ball called “trabongko” that giant snakes amused themselves with on dark evenings.

(13) Bugho, presumeably after “buho” or hole, in reference to the ravines and gorges that define the topography of the barangay.

(14) Cabacungan, after the plant named “bakong” which the barangay used to have plenty of.

(15) Cabadug, or place belonging to or owned by “Badug”, purportedly the first inhabitant of the barangay. 

(16) Cabug, after “kabug”, the nocturnal bats seen hanging from the branches of a big “tipolo” tree in the heart of the barangay.

(17) Calayugan Norte and (18) Calayugan Sur, after the swaying of the coconut trees of the island village which, when viewed from the mainland, allegedly looked like they were engaged in a fighting match or “ga-layug”.

(19) Cambaquiz, after "ba's nga nag-ekis-ekis" or sand that crisscrosses from one side of the Cambaquiz point to the other depending on the direction of the waves.  That the name of the barangay comes from the phrase "come back and kiss" is plain hearsay.

(20) Campatud, after a spring called “patud” in the middle of a thick forest where hunters would go to.

(21) Candaigan, after a legendary ever-burning stump of a tree where people kindle or “daig” their oil lamps.

(22) Canhangdon Occidental and (23) Canhangdon Oriental, after a spring called “kanhangdon”, or after its location vis-à-vis the Moalong River; thus, a place to be “halangdon” or to be looked up.

(24) Canigaan, after “Nigaran” a legendary remote place where big “nigad” trees grew in abundance, and to where a black sheep of a son produced from the marriage between a Marimon and a Labastilla was banished; for being a “turo” or bull, he acquired the monicker “Saturos of Canigaran” or Canigaan.

(25) Canmaag, after “mamag” or tarsius, the smallest primate in the world, which were plenty in the area.

(26) Canmanoc, after the wild chickens or “manok” that used to crisscross its lush hills and roost upon the branches of a large “tipolo” tree.

(27) Cansuaguit, after a spring of the same name from which the villagers get much of their water for household use.

(28) Cansubayon, after “subay” or “subayon”, the act of walking along or following the banks of creeks until finally reaching one’s destination; or from “subay-subay”, the term used by the early villagers in reference to the act of catching freshwater fish starting from a spring to a bigger body of water.

(29) Cantam-is Bago, probably a combination of the words “tam-is” or sweet and “bago”, which refers to either a vegetable tree called “bago” or the native cassava cake called “binago”. (30) Cantam-is Baslay, also after “tam-is” or sweet and a spring called “baslay”, an important source of water for the community.

(31) Cantaongon, after the “taongon” tree abundant in the locality.

(32) Cantumocad, after the creek called “sondo” which is located in a “canto” cutting the barangay at its center where one is obliged to “tukad” or take a leap.

(33) Catagbacan Norte, (34) Catagbacan Sur and (35) Catagbacan Handig, from the word “tagbak”, which means to barter or exchange goods produced by upland communities with those harvested from the sea; thus, “katagbacan” means a place where barter takes place. “Handig” was probably named after the location of the place, that is, reclining on the slopes that rise from the plain.

(36) Cogon Norte and (37) Cogon Sur, after the “kogon” grass that doesn’t seem to leave the place despite being burned to open up new areas for agriculture.

(38) Cuasi, after a legend that testifies to the villagers’ propensity to engage in business. A banca filled with merchants was assaulted by strong winds and big waves prompting the elder men to shout “Kawasi!”, an order to disembark or jump overboard to save their merchandise.

(39) Genomoan, after a legend about a carabao left to wallow or “homol” in the river by its owner who had to leave for home because of a stomachache.  The farmer’s condition got serious while it was raining hard causing the river to swell. In his delirium, the farmer kept murmuring about his “hinomolan” or the carabao he left wallowing in the river.

(40) Lintuan, after “balintong-balintong” or “tuwang-tuwang”, the changing movement of sand near Lawis Point caused by the blowing of the south and north winds.

(41) Looc, after the curved shape of its coastline, that is “na lo-ok”.

(42) Mocpoc Norte and (43) Mocpoc Sur, after “pok-pok”, the warning sound produced by knocking a drum hung from a big “pagatpat” or mangrove tree every time the Moros would emerge on the sea, their swift vintas poised to attack the barangay and plunder its homes.

(44) Moto Norte and (45) Moto Sur, after “moto” or hill, the location of the place as referred to by the residents of the coastal barangay of Napo, the town’s original settlement. 

(46) Nagtuang, after “nagatuwang”, a phenomenon in the place where the flow of water from a spring is absorbed in a much higher elevation.

(47) Napo, after “napolo” or “napo’o”, which means island-like, a description of its location that seems separate from the mainland.  “Napo” also means “dapit nga balason” or a sandy place.

(48) Nueva Vida, after the Spanish phrase for “new life”, probably discovered as a new settlement when the population of Catagbacan below it increased.     

(49) Pananquilon, after a medicinal herb called “panankilon” that grows abundantly in the locality.

(50) Pantudlan, after “tulod-tulod”, the thrusting action of the waves resulting in the transfer of the sand to the southern side of Baluarte Point when the north wind blows and to the northern side when the south wind blows.

(51) Pig-ot, after “pi-ot”, the narrow stretch of the provincial road that had been widened by blasting the cliffs and boulders, resulting in the fleeing of the monkeys and total wiping out of their population from their habitat in the enchanted place called “Bogo”.

(52) Pondol, after “pundok-pundok”, “pundo-pundo” or “pondol”, a description of the place which has several “lawis” or points jutting out into the sea; or after “tubig nga gapundo”, or pools of stagnant water found in the place. 

(53) Quinobcoban, after “kinubkoban”, in reference to several holes dug by the early residents of the village in search of sources of water.

(54) Sondol, after “donsol”, a sea slug species abundant in its seashore.

(55) Song-on, after “so-ongon”, an arch-like rock formation along the shoreline that resembles a cave when viewed from the sea, where one has to stoop or “so-ong” to pass through.

(56) Talisay, after the “talisay” trees growing on cliffs hanging over its shoreline.

(57) Tan-awan, after the same word, which means a place from where one gets a good view of the villages below it, being located on the highest peaks of Loon.

(58) Tangnan, after a cave-like hole called “tangnan” that contains fresh water. 

(59) Taytay, after “taytayan” or bridge, a description of the narrow hilltop-located pathway that leads to the center of the village.

(60) Ticugan, after the “tikog” plant whose leaf strips can be woven into mats but whose population in the village had been reduced to zero. 

(61) Tiwi, after the “tiwi” trees that once grew on the eastern part of the village.

(62) Tontonan, or “to use a rope”, after “tonton” or rope that the early residents had to use to scale a high mountain in the village.

(63) Tubodacu and (64) Tubodio, after “tubod” (spring), “daku” (big) and “diyot” or “diyo” (small), descriptions of the villagers’ sources of water.

(65) Tubuan, also after “tubod” or “tuburan”, a local spring.

(66) Ubayon, after “nag-ubay sa baybayon” or straddling the shoreline, a description of its location.

(67) Ubojan, after “ulbohan”, a place where there used to be a spring or natural well from where abundant water gushed in spurts or “ga ulbo-ulbo”.   

List of Officials who Emerged from among the Early Occupants of Loon
   

Badbad Oriental - Esteban Carnice, first official

Bagacay Kawayan - Silvestra Concha, first cabeza de barangay, assisted by Vicente Mejorada and Jose Torino, barrio policeman

Bagacay Saong - Simeon Pelpinosas, Marcelo Pelpinosas and Eugenio Mejorada, first officials

Bahi - Luis Torino, Segundo Planos, Ponciano Magallen, Miguel Mulato, Buenaventura Sombrio and Severo Mulato, first officials

Basac - a certain Lafuente, first teniente del barrio
Basdacu - Juan Castillano, first cabeza de barangay; Placido Palomares, Faustino Labesores, Julian Preciados, Pedro Ponte and Rufino Marcojos, first officials

Biasong - Antonio ‘Otoy’ Ceballos, first official

Basdio - Leon Gadia, first teniente del barrio

Cabadug - Agustin Casalta, first cabeza de barangay

Cabug - Leocadio Regañon, first teniente del barrio

Calayugan - Benigno Plazos, first teniente del barrio

Cansuaguit - Fausto Caresosa, first teniente del barrio

Cansubayon - Francisco Almedilla, first cabeza de barangay

Cantomucad - Crispiniano Sombrio, first official, became vice mayor to Vivencio Nazareno

Cogon Norte - Lt. Ireneo Catayas, early listed official

Cogon Sur - Mateo Fuerzas, Gregorio Corbita, Baldomero Lugo, first cabezas de barangay

Lintuan - Isidro Lapiceros, Segundo Martos, Patricio Relator, Eugenio Ponte, Justiniano Martos, Paulino
Supremo, Martin Meredores and Fortunato Martos, first officials and residents

Looc - Estanislao Perges, first cabeza de barangay

Mocpoc - Pedro Relator, first cabeza de barangay; followed by Pedro Ganados, Catalino Roslinda, Juan Ganados and Filomeno Leornas

Napo - Tomas Sevilla, first town executive

Pananquilon - Macario Roferos, Martin Peñaranda, Gabriel Maluenda and Pedro Lanoy Sr., first officials

Pig-ot - Juan Coritico, first cabeza de barangay; Julian Sobrado, Tomas Poligrates and Victorio Gubantes, first officials

Pondol - Enden Cubio, Severino Lupiba, Marcos Tayabas and Segundo Lopez, first officials

Taytay - Benigno Palomares and Pedro Palomares, first officials; the latter became a municipal councilor

Tiwi - Francisco Calabria, first official

Tontonan - Liberato Coquilla, first cabeza de barangay

CRADLE OF LOONANON FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Where did most of our ancestors come from? Here’s a list based on historical records. Note that most if not all sound Spanish, proof that the decree issued by Gov. Narciso Claveria requiring all Filipinos to use Spanish surnames was strictly followed in all of Loon.

Last Name / Barangay

Corbita - Cogon Sur
Coritico - Pig-ot
Cubio - Pondol
Dospueblos - Napo
Ferandos   - Napo
Floren - Cuasi
Flores - Pig-ot
Formoso - Basdio
Florenosos - Pig-ot
Fuerzas - Cogon Sur
Gablines - Cuasi
Ganados - Mocpoc
Garay - Canmanoc
Garnica - Pig-ot
Gaudicos   - Pig-ot
Guadalquiver - Agsoso, Tubodio
Gubantes   - Pig-ot
Guitones - Tontonan
Josol - Pananquilon
Juaton - Pananquilon
Labastilla - Bagacay Kawayan
Labesores - Basdacu
Lafuente - Basac, Catagbacan
Lanoy - Pananquilon
Lanzaderas - Sondol
Lapez - Cabilao Island
Lapiceros - Lintuan
Marcojos - Basdacu
Marimon - Catagbacan
Martos -    Lintuan
Mascariñas - Badbad
Mataflorida - Lintuan
Lacierda - Badbad
Leones -    Cantam-is Baslay
Leornas - Mocpoc
Lera - Lintuan
Lesula - Catagbacan
Libranza - Cantam-is Baslay
Lidon - Tontonan
Literatus - Basdio
Longjas - Cabug
Lopez - Moto, Cabilao Island
Lugo - Cogon Sur
Luminarias - Bagacay
Lupiba - Pondol
Magallen - Bahi
Magoncia - Pondol
Maluenda - Pananquilon
Mante - Napo
Matutes - Basdacu
Medrina - Campatud
Meguillo - Tangnan
Mejorada - Bagacay
Morastil - Basac
Moria - Tontonan
Mulato - Bahi
Murcia - Cabilao Island
Nazareno - Napo
Orcullo - Badbad
Palmitos - Tangnan
Palma - Biasong
Palomares - Basdacu, Taytay
Pamplona - Cogon Norte, Tontonan
Pastoril - Tontonan
Pedrablanca - Bahi
Pedros - Canmanoc
Pelpinosas - Bagacay Saong
Peñaranda - Basdio, Pananquilon
Perez - Basac
Perges - Looc
Pestillos - Cuasi
Piodos - Bahi
Piscos - Cabug
Planos - Bahi
Plazos - Calayugan
Policianos - Tontonan
Poligrates - Pig-ot
Relampagos - Canmanoc      
Relator -    Mocpoc      
Remoreras - Bugho
Ponte - Lintuan
Preciados - Basdacu
Ramada - Agsoso
Rebucas - Cantam-is Bago
Recamadas - Canmanoc
Refugio - Basdio
Regañon - Pig-ot
Roferos - Catagbacan, Pananquilon
Rojas - Basdio
Roslinda - Mocpoc
Salomon - Napo
Sablas - Pananquilon
Salinas -    Tontonan
Salamanca - Napo
Sanguenza - Cuasi
Santillana - Basdacu
Sarabia - Cuasi
Sarabosquez - Pondol
Sarpamones - Cantomucad
Sartorio - Tontonan
Saturinas   - Catagbacan
Sevilla - Napo
Sieras - Taytay
Simbulas - Agsoso
Sobrado - Pig-ot   
Soler - Basdacu
Sombrio - Cantomucad, Bagacay Kawayan
Sumatra - Canhangdon, Bahi
Supremo- Basdacu, Bahi
Taylaran - Cantaongon
Veloso - Catagbacan

Complete List of Local Chief Executives

Cabeza de Barangay :

1810 - 1825   Tomas Sevilla      

Capitan:

1826 - 1835   Faustino Sevilla      
1836 - 1850   Ventura Ricafort
1851 - 1860   Victor Salomon
1861 - 1882   Miguel Salomon
1883 - 1887   Moises Salomon
1888 - 1891   Santiago Dalugdug   
1891 - 1894   Policarpo Relampagos   
1895 - 1896   Estanislao Mellijor    
1897 - 1898   Valeriano Mejorada      
1899 - 1900   Francisco Soria      

Presidente Municipal:

1901 - 1904   Inocentes Ramirez
1905 - 1908   Catalino Nazareno
1909 - 1912   Magno Sevilla
1913 - 1915   Marcelo Sabaricos
1916 - 1922   Vivencio Nazareno
1923 - 1927   Valeriano Mesina
1928 - 1931   Vivencio Nazareno
1932 - 1937   Rosendo T. Lopez Sr. (mayor during his second term)

Municipal Mayor:

1938 - 1939   Atty. Pio B. Fernandos (later Cebu CFI Judge)
1940 - 1942   Jacinto Salomon (Japanese Occupation)
1942 - 1944   Patricio Caresosa (Japanese Occupation)
1944 - 1945   Melanio Pueblos (Japanese Occupation)
1946 - 1947   Geronimo Lituañas (Appointed)
1948 - 1951   Geronimo Lituañas    
1952 - 1959   Juan M. Relampagos
1960 - 1966   Jovencio S. Orcullo
1966 - 1967   Julio Mesina (By Succession)
1968 - 4 Jan 1980   Atty. Ignacio R. Relampagos   
5 Jan 1980 - 2 Mar 1980   Eugencio R. Perez (Appointed)
3 Mar 1980 - 16 Apr 1986   Atty. Wilfredo L. Caresosa
17 Apr 1986 - 2 Dec 1987   Rosendo C. Lopez Jr. (OIC, Appointed)
3 Dec 1987 - 2 Feb 1988   Rizalino A. Lucero (Caretaker, Appointed)
3 Feb 1988 - 30 Jun 1992   Atty. Wilfredo L. Caresosa
1 Jul 1992 - 30 Jun 1995   Atty. Wilfredo L. Caresosa
1 Jul 1995 - 30 Jun 1998   Atty. Wilfredo L. Caresosa
1 Jul 1998 - 30 Jun 2001   Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, MD
1 Jul 2001 - 30 Jun 2004   Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, MD
1 Jul 2004 - 30 Jun 2007   Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, MD
1 Jul 2007 - present   Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD

Origin of the town's name   

On the westernmost corridor of Bohol lies Loon, the biggest municipality of Bohol, with 67 barangays evenly spread in beautiful plateaus, lofty mountains and two islands.  Named after a crystal-clear spring that gushes from the bosom of the earth, Loon is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and a rich cultural heritage. The spring is found north of the coastal village of Napo, Loon’s nucleus community.  The water from this spring blends together with the blue water of the town’s rich marine paradise, thus the name “Tubig-Loon” or “Tubig nga nag-loon”.  In the Bisayan dialect, ‘lo-on’ means to merge, coexist or live together.  The brackish mixture flows beyond the town's shores, a fitting depiction of the Loonanon’s proclivity to explore limitless boundaries and venture into business, education and other professions.  No wonder, Loon is Bohol’s number one town of professionals and  businessmen. 

Welcome mong tanan ... barato ra ang mga pletehan.

Check the websites of these resorts:

Cabilao Beach Club (Cambaquiz, Loon, Bohol)
Polaris Beach Resort and Dive Center (Pantudlan, Loon, Bohol)
La Estrella Beach Resort (Pantudlan, Loon, Bohol)

Daghan man gong klase ning mga macaque nga unggoy. Ang sa Loon maora og Macaca fascicularis philippinensis, nga ang kinaham kan-on mao ang mga kasag, lambay, agukoy ug susamang buhilaman sa dagat. 

             
Inse Ipay grew up to be sickly and her parents had no other recourse than to bring her in front of the Holy Cruz in Cambaquiz. Her mother appealed, “Most Holy Cross of the Lord Jesus I offer Thee my daughter Josefa to You. If You want her to join You in heaven, please get her now. If You want her to live, please heal her so that she can serve You for the rest of her life.” Inse Ipay got well. She is now 65 years old and serving the Lord in the same chapel.

Manang Ayang had been serving the Lord through various activities in the Holy Cross chapel despite the fact that she had a lot of children to look after and even if her husband was against it. She prayed hard for God to ease the burden of surviving amid poverty in her family and for her husband’s enlightenment. Her wish was granted. Her husband now goes to church. She also discovered that she was blessed with the gift of healing.

In 1994, the road in Cambaquiz was constructed. The workers made the chapel their abode during the night. They revealed that they would see a bright light emanating from the altar with a figure of a lady in the midst. It is worth noting that one of the representations of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a lady clothed in light. Also, Cabilao belonged to the parish of the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak) before it was merged with Sandingan island to become a parish.

Julia Dogelda, a resident of nearby Pangangan island, told his uncle, Ambrosio Labesores, father of Inocencia, that she saw a bright light like a star forming a cross hovering above the chapel in Cambaquiz.

Henia and Cirilo sailed back home to Cabilao from Calape amid total darkness as they do not have any source of light. They prayed hard to the Holy Cross for help. Later their boat ran aground on the white sands of Cambaquiz. They thanked God through the symbol of His Son, the Holy Cross.

A woman from Davao suddenly arrived in Cambaquiz in 1998. She told the local residents that, after praying to God with all her heart, her gravely ill child recovered. After what seemed like a miraculous incident, she dreamt of going to an island in Bohol where the Holy Cross is venerated. Knowing that Cabilao is home of the Holy Cross Parish, she went to the seat of the parish in Talisay but found the church to be not the one that appeared in her dream. After having been told that another chapel exists in nearby Cambaquiz, she lost no time and proceeded to the latter. There she saw the coastal area, the white beach and the chapel just as they were described in her dream. She cried while embracing the wooden cross and profusely thanked the Lord for the miracles that happened in her life. The incident was witnessed by Inday Lolok, Anding Inday, Manang Ayang, and Prenda.

Junior Sordilla worked abroad as a marine engineer and seaman. On a dark stormy night, the ship he was aboard in suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. As chief engineer, he kept tinkering with the machine but failed to discern the problem. In silence he prayed for God’s help through the Holy Cross and suddenly felt his mind being enlightened. Looking up, he removed a lock-like contraption from the upper part of the machine and the engine was on again. Coming home to Cabilao, he paid homage and thanked the Holy Cross of Cambaquiz.

Bagyong, son of Palang, was caught in a storm while fishing. Afraid that big waves would take him to a faraway place, he thought of anchoring his boat to the bottom part of the payaw, a fish-attracting device made of a clump of bamboos with coconut fronds tied onto its upper end to serve as shelter and feeding area for fish. With the tug rope in hand and praying to the Holy Cross for help, he swam deep into the water to look for a strong base onto which he would securely tie his boat. He succeeded but only because he was aided by a bright light that looked like a cross which suddenly appeared underneath the stormy water.

Ondoy Ruiz, a seaman, revealed that a group of pirates sailed past his ship after he prayed hard to the Holy Cross to spare him and the other crew members of the havoc that the pirates would have wreaked on them and their vessel. In May 2008 he visited Cabilao and the chapel to thank the Lord for the safety he experienced at sea.

Diolito Murcia went with a group of fishermen on a fishing expedition in Tacloban in 2008. One night he became too tired, had fallen asleep, and accidentally fell into the sea. Realizing the dangerous situation he was in, he prayed to the Holy Cross for God to be on his side and for his colleagues to locate him.  He survived the harsh situation, sent money home, and instructed that a thanksgiving mass be celebrated.

Rudy, Diolito’s brother, was fishing in Davao when the engine of his boat suddenly stopped. He floated aimlessly in the sea, bearing the heat of the sun, the cold nights, and hunger. He prayed to the Holy Cross to save him and, after three days, rescue came. He sent money to his mother, Aya Payak, and requested her to sponsor a thanksgiving mass.


       Residents of Cabilao attest to more miracles happening in their lives and in others’. They continually pray to the God through the mighty name of Jesus who died in the Holy Cross to save mankind. Their petitions are generally for safety, guidance, enlightenment and healing.

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.               

Quote from: hofelina on July 11, 2010, 02:19:22 AM
salamat Kodds, gusto ko moanha koyogi ko beh?

No problem ...

Walay katapusan ang edukasyon, ma eskwelahan man o sa gawas niini, tungod kay, matud pa, everyday events are learning experiences.

Poverty and marriage prevented my eldest sister from pursuing a college degree after high school, but she persevered until she became a full-fledged teacher at age 45, and was immediately hired by the Department of Education until her retirement at past 60.

Quote from: vrglguapo on July 10, 2010, 10:16:42 AM
Unsa may tawag sa seaman nga b***t, ang tubag sheman he he he...

Happy kaayo na siya sa barko ... he he he

From Loon town, go to Mocpoc wharf on Sandingan island (10-15 min; jeepney P15; habal-habal P40); take an outrigger passenger boat (P20) accross the narrow strait. Talisay wharf on Cabilao is only 10 minutes away on a calm sea. Then take a habal-habal to your chosen resort (P20). Booked guests are fetched at either Tagbilaran of Mocpoc wharf. 

Panihapon:

Lechon
Pansit
Lengua estofada
Halang-halang nga native chicken
Fried chicken
Kinilaw nga bariles (Davao style)
Red wine
Fundador

Occasion: KB Alumni Association, Inc. Strategic Planning and Fellowship at Casa del Verbo (SVD House) in Panglao.

We really have similar experiences. I also took up law while working with a foreign-funded project. But after completing it, I ran out of resources for the bar. Also, I was hired in another foreign-funded project that brought me back to Bohol.     

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.

Quel, usa ko sa mga agriculturists nga walay farm. Labon ikaw ...
Naibog kaayo ko anang imong pakatayan sa mga tambaliyong. Congrats, Quel ...

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.       

Pinoy seamen are among the world's best ... lovers. This according to Brazilian women.

Para nako, mahal ra jud nga tour. Unya dugay sab kaayo. Daghang activities pero all may not be what a tourist may want to experience.

Panihapon:

Inun-onang tulingan
Utan tambaliyong, sikwa ug alugbati gisubakan og sardinas
Butong unod ug sabaw (lubi)

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.

For more information, search for "Patterson, Lyndon. Loon Spanish Colonial Period Cementerio: Province of Bohol, Philippines".

Quote from: wolfpack823 on July 07, 2010, 10:34:57 PM
Matod pa sa akong pamiilya gi-develop na man daw ang Abatan River.

Bag-o pa gi-launch and Abatan River Community Life Tour. The tour starts at the marina in Salvador, Cortes and ends in Catigbian. The cost is P1,100 per person. It is quite a long tour and could be boring. The management scheme is also confusing according to a consultant, because it involves communities of Cortes, Maribojoc, Antequera, Balilihan and Catigbian.