AR dela Serna is Phl’s 1st Mr. Supranational

Mister Bohol AR dela Serna (real name: Alberto Rodolfu dela Serna),  23, has defeated other hot contestants to win the coveted Misters of Filipinas-Supranational 2016 held on Sept. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

The Philippines’ first Misters of 

Filipinas- Supranational 2016 AR dela Serna

 will be the country’s representative to the 

Mister Supranational competition to be held in

 Poland on Dec. 3.  Contributed Photo

AR, the son Alberto and former Poblacion 2 barangay captain Glorivic of Tagbilaran City, says winning in a national male pageant is a dream come true.

“Being the first Mister Supranational feels great. But with greatness comes great responsibility. I am looking forward in representing the Philippines in Poland this coming December,” AR tells VRS.

He says he feels overwhelmed and his win hasn’t sunk in yet.

“Until this moment, it hasn't sunk in yet. I'm not thinking that I've already won,”  says the country’s first Supranational.

AR, who stands 6’1”, says he has always been in shape but admits he had to work extremely hard to achieve his impressive physique for the competition.

“The routine continues. I've been living a healthy lifestyle when I decided to join from last year’s edition. Plus additional help from pageant experts,” he admits.

So what is it about him that impressed so much? Mr Supranational-Philippines says it was just him being himself.

“Definitely my determination and character,” says AR when VRS asked what makes him stand out among other contenders in the Misters of Filipinas.

AR famously joined the Misters of Filipinas—the contest that determines who the Philippines will send in various male beauty pageants—twice (he was proclaimed 2nd runner-up last year) before winning one of the titles (others titles were Mister International Philippines, Misters of Filipinas Man of the World, Misters of Filipinas Manhunt International, Misters of Filipinas Man of the Year, Mister Asian Philippines 2016).

AR dela Serna’s strong performance throughout 

the competition added to his good looks, strong 

personality and great character made him the

 perfect Mr. Supranational-Philippines. 

Contributed Photo

AR says his experience of losing the contest last year made him more confident for the international pageant.

“The experience from previous pageants really helps. I do consider direct criticism from my supporters and people's comments through social media,” says AR.

He says he wants to inspire other people to see the positive outlook of life.

“Being Mister Supranational Philippines is a treasure that I would keep in my life. Being able to inspire other people and being able to make others smile is I think why there are events like this,” he says.

Prime Events Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPPS), the organizer of Misters of Filipinas says AR’s strong performance throughout the competition added to his good looks, strong personality and great character made him the perfect Mr. Supranational-Philippines.

Regil Dulfo, owner of Ramp Model Association of Bohol (RMAB), the company which grooms and handles AR, says he sees AR potential to become a famous model and personality.

“He is determined, dedicated and down to earth person,” he says.

AR will represent the Philippines in the first Mister Supranational 2016 which will be held in Poland, the same country where Boholana beauty queen Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor competed for Miss World 2006, on Dec. 3.

AR dela Serna, one of the 

country’s “hottest men”

 is now preparing for the Mister Supranational. 

Contributed Photo

“I want to continue working hard (since) Mr Supranational is fast approaching, I can't put my guard down. I will do my best in Poland," he says.

According to the organizers, Mister Supranational is a contest with an exclusive formula, aiming to discover an instant celebrity and new talents for television and the modeling industry.

The first edition of Mister Supranational will happen in Krynica-Zdrój City, Poland. Over 40 candidates from around the globe are expected to compete, and they will start arriving in Poland on November 23.

AR has joined other male beauty pageant in previous years. He won the title Mr Generation East 2013 of  Sta. Lucia Generation East Model Search. He was also declared first runner-up in Mr Philippine Youth in 2002 but he replaced the dethroned Mr. Philippine Youth 2012 in Nov. 2012.

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Adelyn Joy Esclamado is crowned Miss UB 2016

Wake-upper:

Scene: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) wants interested Boholanos to audition for PAL’s “Heart of the Nation” video and help represent the best of the Philippines to the world.   You can come to The Chocolate Hills Complex in  Buenos Aires in Carmen town on September 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon to get a chance to be part of our awesome video! You might also get a chance to win tickets to select local destinations, too!

***

Beauty queen and model Adelyn Joy Sajol Esclamado was crowned Miss  University of Bohol Personality 2016 last  Thursday, beating  other contestants from  the different departments held at the university ground.

The 19-year-old  Adelyn, daughter of  Teodoro and Helen  from Pilar town,  accepted her tiara with minimum fuss, waving calmly to the audience as the other contestants hugged and kissed her. 

"I’m happy and proud because all the sacrifices I have invested have paid off," she said afterward, grinning broadly.  Adelyn, who represented the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA)  also won  best in production number, best in casual wear, best in evening gown, body beautiful, best in talent 1st runner up and best in interview 2nd runner up.

Miss UB Personality 2016 Adelyn Joy Sajol Esclamado:
 ‘ If we want change, it must start from within.’
Contributed Photos/ Lorenzo Torero

Adelyn shared that she was trained how to walk and answer the Q and A.

“Aside from preparations I made for my talent, how to answer questions and how I walk properly like a beauty queen, I prepared myself for the tension I might feel on stage. I prepared myself on how to hold my emotions on stage and in front of many people,” she said, “Because I have to admit that one of my fears is presenting myself to the public and standing before a big crowd. And all those preparations and sacrifices I have invested have paid off.”

Edsel Jim Sevilla from high school was declared Mr. UB Personality 2016.

The contestants' bright smiles never faltered as they sashayed and twirled across the stage in the oldest uninterrupted surviving major campus pageant in  Bohol province. More than just a beauty pageant, Mr and Miss UB Personality is the only pageant in the province (and perhaps in the country) which required its candidates to undergo a personality test using the standardized testing tool 16 Personality Factor (16PF).

US-based socialite Mikey Gatal said he is proud of Adelyn’s victory.

"She was very sure of herself," Mikey told VRS on Skype. "Most of them would tell me that having the experience of modeling the signature OMG shirts gave them the boost of confidence, being exposed to different charity works and I believe if you do good to other people then you will blessed.”

A Libra (Oct. 15, 1997), Adelyn stands 5’1”, weights 92 lbs.; wears small-size shirt and size-7 shoes. Vital statistics: 34-24-36.

Would you rather be smart but not too beautiful, or beautiful but not too smart?

“Beauty can be enhanced and intelligence can be learned. But being naturally born extremely smart is an exemption. I would rather be smart but not too beautiful, because with intelligence comes beauty and wealth.”

Why are taking up business administration?

“Simply because I want to run my own business someday. Growing up away from our father is not easy, but we have to understand that he’s sacrificing he’s own happiness just to work abroad for us. And I don’t want my future children to experience the same. I believe that by running my own business, there is no need for me nor my husband to leave away just to work for money. Thus, I am near with my family and can have more time for them.”

How can you convince people that education is our key to success?

“Education is the key to success because without that, you will get nowhere in life, you may only get so far but in the end, you'll go nowhere. People succeed with not saying that you need to have a high education. Instead, you have to always go far and never fall back for you to keep striving for the best. Giving up, dropping out or quitting will leave a person with no success later on down the line, stuff may get hard but one of the ways through life is education! So strive and never give up! Knowledge is power. And knowledge can only be achieved through proper education.”

What do you think is the smartest thing you’ve done so far?

“It is taking time to think before I decide on things because I believe that the decisions I make today will be my foundation for my future. Our future depends on how we live our present. We may make wrong decisions in life but what’s important there is that we learn something from that mistake which can let us grow as a person.”

“What do you think is biggest decision that you’ve made in your life?” 

“Choosing between holding on or letting go. That is why I always take time to think before I make decisions because I know that “in every action there is reaction”. In life, we cannot have everything we want at the same time. We must be able to choose what really matters most.”

Have you always wanted to be a beauty queen since you were small? 

“No. I always wanted to be a successful business woman ever since I was a child. I never imagined myself being a beauty queen. But as I grew up, I learned the importance of beauty pageants in our society and how it influenced other people. And I was curious about how it feels like to be a beauty queen. So I gave it a try and it turned out great.”

What are you’re winning traits?

“God-loving, extra miler, self-discipline, and being true to yourself and others. I always put God first in everything I do. God has better plans for us than we have for ourselves, so never doubt Him. I believe that being an extra miler means breaking boundaries and pushing through limitations. If you learn to face your fears and step out of your comfort zone, then you can be able to learn lot of things and uncover hidden potentials within you. Being an extra miler makes you grow as a person. Self-discipline. You must be able to learn how to discipline yourself because in pageantry, all your actions and words will influence other people. You must be able to set as a good role model/example to everyone. If you want to spread positivity to the world then influence them with positivity within you. Being true to yourself and others. Be that “true-to-herself’ person in this world full of “i-wanna-be-like-her” persons. Because being you is your edge over others, that’s what makes you unique.”

Miss UB Personality 2016 Adelyn Joy Sajol Esclamado  and Mr. UB Personality 2016 Edsel Jim Sevilla  (extreme left)  are flanked by friends and
supporters during the parade last Friday  to end  the University of Bohol Days and Intramurals.  Contributed Photo/Romelyn Cañonaso 

Aside from winning the Miss UB Personality 2016, what do you think have you achieved so far?

“I learned how to believe in myself and boost my confidence that enables me to face my weaknesses and develop my strengths.” (Adelyn was Mutya ng Pilar 2014 3^rd runner-up.-LPU)

 You are an OMG (Mikey  Gatal) model who is exposed to charity works. And maybe you have an important message to share… and Miss UB would be the venue or forum to start your advocacies. “I always wanted to serve and help other people, and I’m always thankful to my OMG family for helping me achieve it. As a youth and reigning Miss UB Personality 2016, I wanted to promote my advocacy which is to empower other people especially the youths to join in any life-changing and inspiring activities in order to change their negative perspective in life.”

So, you believe that the youth is the hope of the fatherland?

“I always believe that "youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow" that is why I strongly disagree with the abolition of Sangguniang Kabataan election of our country today. SK will serve as a training ground for our youth to develop their skills and unlock their hidden potentials. If I Will not encourage them now, then who would be? And wouldn't it be too late? We have to train them now in order to make them a responsible leader in the future.”

In the Duterte administration, do you believe has change truly come?

“Yes. We are all the living witnesses of it. But true change can never be achieved if we do not know how to discipline ourselves. If we want change, it must start from within.”

When did you realized that you are Miss UB Personality, the oldest campus pageant in the province? During the coronation night? Or morning after that? 

“Until now I still can't believe that I brought home the crown. “

           

 Do you have secrets sustaining your poise, under pressure, especially the crucial point in any contest?

“Presence of mind and positive thinking. There is no room for shyness on stage. You gotta show them what you've got, but don’t forget to enjoy!”

Who’s you’re beauty queen role model?

“Ate Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas (also a beauty queen and a fellow OMG model).  I admire her down to earth attitude despite all her success and achievements in life.”

Any other woman whom you admire?

“My mother. Because she is a personification of true beauty inside out.  She's exactly what I wanna be in the future. She's  a blessing not only to me, but also to everyone who knew her.” 

Do you have a boyfriend?

“Yes!”

So, how’s your boyfriend now that you’re Miss UB?

“He’s happy and proud of my achievements.”

If you were to choose between your boyfriend and Miss UB title, which would you choose?

“I believe I can handle being  Miss UB and  having a boyfriend at the same time.”

What is the essence of being Miss UB Personality?

“Pageant is a celebration of beauty that God has given into us. It is a way of acknowledging and showcasing the potentials and skills we have within. It is also an effective way to campaign social awareness to different social issues and problems we are facing right now, because the answers of the candidates can be use as a piece of advice to the concerned public.”

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How do you overcome sadness?

When I’m sad I stop being sad and be awesome instead.” — Neil Patrick Harris (as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’)

We encounter major losses in their lives, and sadly, many never get over them.  Sadness and depression may get to us during the times we least expect it. No one is exempt from experiencing this emotion.  Sadness is the feeling that comes from an unhappy event. Now, if you don’t deal with it, sadness can become chronic and lead to discouragement, despair, and finally depression.

‘Pray hard and God will work in a mysterious way,’
says Fely Orimaco-Gatal (extreme left) who is
 vacationing in the USA. Photo shows Fely with son,
US-based socialite Mikey Gatal, and
 friends –the Bagotchay family (Fidela, Leo and Alot)
at the Washington DC monument.
Contributed Photo

Our number one enemy is emotions. We tend to be led by how we feel, but we must realize that they change from day to day. For many years of my life, I experienced regular depression. When sadness strikes, I always remind myself to focus on the good and move on. After all, we have so many things in our life to be happy about. Appreciate those things, and suddenly our sadness will feel smaller and our happiness will grow larger. 

Another friend said, “It’s never too late to start over. If you weren’t happy with yesterday, try something different today. Don’t stay stuck. Do better.”

However, it is how we deal with it, how we face it that will make the difference.  Read on....

Rey Reformina- I drowned myself with a good expensive red wine and with a good conversation with a stranger in a bar and after that I’m good!

Mizken Tirol Andan- By thinking the good things that happened in your life and move on.

Phoebe Ingking- I simply think of it as a temporary state..and it will end soon. So it makes me hope I’ll be happy. As of the moment, I will spend time to contemplate with myself and find my inner peace. From there, there's a new learning, a renewed experience and feeling. And ohh, I never counter the feeling of being sad..let it be. I can definitely surpass any if a sound mental state and connection with Lord is maintained.

Clement Lofranco Ingking- Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Fely Orimaco-Gatal- Pray hard and God will work in a mysterious way.

Atty. Julius Gregory Delgado- Workout to release endorphins which makes you feel good, pray and do charitable works. In that way, joy replaces sorrow over time.

Florabel Butawan-Arcamo- I listen to music to make me relax. 

Benjie Oliva- I go to Church and pray.

Dominic “Dobap” Aparicio- Go out with friends and make fun, make them laugh enjoy life while we can... Then little by little I can overcome my sadness...

Vera Villocido Gesite- I sing my heart out. I travel. 

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BBNBC: Helping without expecting something in return

Help and forget.

This is how the members describe the way of life that guides the Bantay Bayan National-Bohol Chapter (BBNBC). They speak of helping and getting, but of helping and letting go. 

When the town of Loboc experienced unprecedented flooding in 2014, members of BBNBC quickly went to the area to help. 

Members of the Bantay Bayan National Bohol Chapter
headed by Jun Gutierrez together with Garcia-Hernandez
Mayor Tita Gallentes distribute slippers to 300 kids in
 Barangay Datag in this town.  Contributed Photo

Volunteer action in response to disasters is perhaps one of the clearest expressions of the human values that underpin the drive to attend to the needs of others.

“The 900 members of BBNBC who come from all walks of life find time to help without expecting anything in return. You help then forget you gain something,” says BBNBC provincial director Jun “Alerto” Gutierrez, who’s also a media personality.

“Our members are a diverse lot, spanning all ages and occupation types. What they do have in common is a deep and abiding love to help our fellowmen,” adds Jun.  

Members clean schools for dengue prevention, help build houses, and become traffic enforcers in many events and even pallbearers.

As a provincial director, Jun focuses on mentoring and encouraging team members toward opportunities that will help them reach their full potential. 

Jun talks a lot about the camaraderie of the group to conquer significant challenges. 

“It’s about help. It’s been fun learning and growing together,” he says. 

Just recently, the BBNBC together with Guardians Forces Brotherhood Against Crime International Inc. (GFBI Bohol) and The Brod Riders, a group of Bohol- based bike enthusiasts, led by P03 Meshielo Vedra  distributed slippers to more than 300 pupils of Datag Elementary School in Garcia- Hernandez town  last August 28. They were joined by Garcia- Hernandez Mayor Tita Gallentes and Police Sen. Insp. Rey Olair, chief of Garcia-Hernandez police.  The members also conducted an anti-drug abuse campaign. 

Jun feels he has become much more aware of those in need of help, as well as those who unselfishly volunteer their time and energy to help others.

“Volunteering at Bantay Bayan-National Bohol Chapter is the perfect way to meet new friends and add self worth and adventure to your life,” says Jun. 

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Yoyoy’s grandson sings ‘Oplan Tokhang’ theme song

Ladies and gentlemen, let us sing together (to the tune of Philippine Geography by the late Yoyoy Villame):

Philippines ang atong country

Si Duterte ang presidente

Si  Leni ang iyang bise

Bato dela Rosa ang chief PNP

Gipangusgan ang kampanya sa droga

Unom  ka-buwan lang ang kontrata

Mga drug lord karun hadluk na

Ang uban wa pa moporma  mao nangatumba.

PO3 Janew Villame sings like the late
 Yoyoy Villame who happened to be his
grandfather.  His new “Oplan Tokhang”
song is used by different police stations
 in Visayas to give message in convincing
 drug users and pushers to give up, stop
 their illegal activities and start a new life.
Leo Udtohan/Chronicle

Si General Talino ang among RD

Gikan kini sab sa PNP

Ming-order gyud sa mga hepe Oplan Tokhang pangusgan kini,

Sa pangampanya sa ilegal nga droga

Double barel kung mapagahi pa

Busa tago kamo durogista kay ang kabaghuan ania na.

Akoang nabalitaan karun

Adunay summary execution

Makalilisang paminawon tungod sa droga init gyud karun

Sa Tokhang nga atong programa

Daghang drug lord nga min-surrender na

ug ang uban nagmagahi pa, unya nanukol mao nadisgrasya.

Ayeyeyeayeyeye

Si  Duterte ang presidente

Ayeyeyeayeyeye

Bato dela Rosa ang chief PNP

Ayeyeyeayeyeye

Pulos gayud  mga Bisaya kini

Ang mag druglord karun hadluk na

Ang uban kanila mingsurrender na..

Daghan gayud ang gahig og ulo

Nagpatuo nga mingsurrender na kuno

Sa police station nanumpa kuno

Arun ang iyang ngalan malimpyo

Bag-o mingbalik sa bisyo

Ang pulis ra diay  iyang gitunto

Pag-monitor nasakpan gyud  siya

Mingsukol sa buy-bust mao nangatumba....

According to our Presidente, the Philippines must be a drug-free country.

That song, Oplan Tokhang, is the (un)official theme song of the “Oplan Tokhang,” a campaign that involved policemen knocking on houses of drug suspects and asking them to surrender.

As the war against illegal drugs took a brutal, and often left a bloody trail across the country, police in Cebu City (soon in Bohol?) have found a novel way of softening suspects up: serenading and asking them to surrender.

With guitars and portable sound systems in tow (sometimes with a hearse to add horror effect), police belt out “Oplan Tokhang,” a novelty song composed by the grandson of Yoyoy Villame PO3 Janew Villame of Clarin Police Station.

Police said they came up with the concept to emphasize how serious the authorities are in weeding out the illegal drugs.

Last January, Villame, a singing policeman, has become a sensation after bus passengers listened to him belting out Yoyoy Villame’s songs at the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in this city. 

Villame, 37, stunned passengers by plucking his guitar to perform the classic songs of the late Villame.

But he had a different mission: To preach about the danger of illegal drugs. 

Villame was transferring from different buses with his guitar. He was accompanied by Inspector Lamberto Hibaya, 50, who was assigned as his partner to give a very short “lecture” about the dangers of illegal drugs to the passengers. 

After the info-dissemination, Villame told passengers he was not a busker but he wanted to share his music. 

He sang his original composition “Pulis Bol-anon,” a song about Boholano policemen who are crime busters with a message of fighting illegal drugs. The song also warns Boholanos about vote buying. 

Part of the lyrics said, “Kaming  pulis Bol-anon ayaw kami  i-under basin kulang og tulog dili jud mo-surrender. Ayaw  tamaytamaya ...kasagaran nakapatay tungod sa self-defense.” (We are Boholano policemen, don’t underestimate us, even we don’t get enough sleep, we don’t surrender.  Don’t mock us..we killed because of self-defense)

The chorus said, “Kitang tanang Bol-anon, kinahanglan maghiniusa. Batukan nato ang krimen ilabina sa illegal nga droga.  Inig-abot sa election dili na magpailad pa... kanang pagbaligya anang boto tungod lang sa kuwarta.” (All Boholanos should be united. Let us fight against illegal drugs.  This coming election let us not be deceived. Don’t sell your votes because of money)

Passengers said Villame sang like Yoyoy’s. 

"It was such a lovely day to hear him singing. He sounded like Yoyoy Villame. Everyone seemed happy,” said Elvira Romero. The song was also timely and relevant, she added. 

Another passenger said she wants to have a singing policeman in the bus. “Feel nako safe ko. Unya ag singer liwat siya ni Yoyoy Villame, mao sila tinguga, mao nga prununciation... nalingaw... gusto unta ko musayaw pero wala ko pasayawa, (I felt safe somehow. And the singer sounded like Yoyoy Villame. The same voice and diction. I was entertained that I wanted to dance but I wasn’t able to dance),” said Florencia Palma. 

It was Police Superintendent Dennis Agustin, former director of the Bohol Police Provincial Office, who discovered Villame in one of the events at the Camp Francisco Dagohoy. 

“He was the only available. I discovered he was Yoyoy Villame’s grandchild and voice-alike. What a lost opportunity if we would not revived his songs and his legacy. He was a gifted singer, writer, lyricist, poet and artist), said Agustin who wanted to immortalize Yoyoy’s contribution to Filipino music and film.

The singing policeman Janew Villame meets the
 multi-awarded and controversial policeman
 SPO1 Adonis Dumpit at the Bohol Police Provincial Office.
Contributed Photo

He also said that Villame has a talent. “Gusto ko run siya sumikat, malay mo maging artista yan (I want him to be known, who knows he would become an artist),”  he added.   

Agustin said he tapped Villame to break down barriers between the police and the public, especially in the campaign against illegal drugs.  

“Eh part kasi ng police community relations is ma-relax ang mag civilian in the presence of policemen... naalaa mo ba kung ang bata ay makulit e pinagsabihan na ‘ tumigil ka diyan  kasi may police.’ Eh, hindi dapat ganun dapat mapalapit ang police sa community..kami ang immediate na kasama na taga- gobyierno  na nagrerespundie sa mga problema nila (It’s part of the police community relations to make the civilians feel relaxed in the presence of the policemen. Kids who had tantrums were told to stop because there’s a policemen..which should not be.  The police should be closer to the community because we are the immediate companion of the government to respond to the public in times of problem)” he said. 

Villame shared that when he was a kid, he wanted to become a singer just like Yoyoy, the younger brother of his grandfather Jesus.  It didn’t push trough because he became a policeman.  

Villame was married to Venus, 36, with whom he has two kids- Sarah Ella, 10; and Maria Laica, 7. He hoped that through his songs he could help in the campaign against illegal drugs. 

“Thru singing..ipaagi nalang sa kanta nato nga makaamgo sila nga daotan diay musud sa illegal nga droga...” (I hope that through my songs people can realize that illegal drug destroys society), he said. 

Yoyoy Villame, whose real name was Roman Tesorio Villame, was a native of Calape town in Bohol.  He was a bus driver when his boss took notice of his singing talent.  His long list of hits and his entertaining style of music had earned him the title of "King of Philippine Novelty Songs.”

Memorize the “Oplan Tokhang” song and you will never get lost in life.

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