My Christmas wishes (again)

O’ Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born;

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

One of my favorite Christmas carols is O’ Holy Night. I like Dionne Warwick’s version in her Christmas concert in Italy in 1993. Her rendition was breathtakingly beautiful. She respected every single original note and managed respiration impeccably.

One line that really stands out for me is “His law is love and His Gospel is peace.”  This reminds us to love one another and make peace.

Remember, Jesus is the Star of Christmas.

Since it’s Christmas, here’s my own list of Christmas wishes to my favorite Boholanos.

Environmental lawyer and triathlete

 Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine  Leo Udtohan

For Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine— A successful swim across the English Channel in 2018.  Hopefully, he will be the first Filipino to swim the English Channel, considered the Mount Everest for open swimming.

For Vanessa Cubrado—More-risking taking and challenging ventures that will redound to progress for the municipality of Pilar.

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —More energy to liase between provincial and national leaders.  But Benjie’s ultimate Christmas for Bohol? “My Christmas wish is for lower prices of fish, fuel and electricity in Bohol,” he said.  

For  Anthony Aniscal and DarL— A “joint venture.”  The night is getting colder!  Ha!Ha Ha!

For Dr. Mutia Tirol-Macuno — More noble initiatives for the promotion and improvement of public health. So Gallares, so kind!

For Anna Maris Igpit —A healthy baby in 2018.

For Mila Lim — Grace under pressure in keeping with the demands of business pursuits.  More, more Santa Clauses to make her home the “Most Christmassy House” in Bohol. Same for Blair Panong, Greenie Aumentado, Karla Magno Tessie Labunog-Sumampong and Sarah Dejaresco.

For Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin — Renewed combined grace under pressure and strength of character to share talents and hurdle future challenges and good health of family.

Former youth leader and a high-ranking Boholano

 official of the Cooperative Development Authority

 (CDA) Benjie Oliva and family.  Contributed Photo

For Marianito Luspo and Gardy Labad—More zeal to promote and preserve the historical and cultural assets of the province.

For Sam Penaso and Joey Labrador— Physical strength to embark on more creative pursuits in visual arts and sculpture.

For Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto— More high-impact projects for Bohol that are worthy of accolades from national/international award-giving bodies. How about he gets no.1 in Galing Pook 2018? Because no one else in the entire country is doing what Bohol and Gov. Chatto is doing.

For Vera Villocido Gesite aka Pinay — A round-trip ticket back to California, USA! Her greatest wish? “Being reunited with my children.”  Beautiful heart, beautiful life.

For  Gian Luigi Ale— More enriching experiences and opportunities to harness God-given talents to inspire young people. How about performing in The Voice USA/UK and other television shows in the US! His version of Thinking Out Loud has gathered 17 million viewers on Youtube. Amazing!!!

For Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April) and Arch. Junibe Froilan— A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for  Dr.  Aleksander  and Jessa Ylanan and Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos.

For Totsie Escobia—Good health and strength. His wish? “No more stray dogs in the streets and noisy motorcycles.”

Beauty queen Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin

 and cultural worker Alexis A. Cadeliña 

Contributed Photo

For EJ Relampagos— A European tour!

For Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag—  Wedding bells! Wedding bells! Same for Atty. Jammy Aumentado-Villamor and beau, and Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc

For Butch Bernas— More opportunities for professional growth. And, a  new car! Bongga!  Same for Jeycelle Espejo.

For Baby Tagoctoc—Willingness to support budding make-up artists and designers. After all, Bohol’s most powerful and influential bading is the “Queen Mother.”

For Dalareich Polot — Chocolate overload! Unwavering commitment to advocate for the furtherance of the entrepreneurial spirit among the young Boholanos. Her chocolate factory - Dalareich Chocolate House, the first of its kind in Bohol that no one in the province has done before. She is a living testimony that great things start with small beginnings.

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — More current, trending and credible news reports and headlines on the biggest controversies, issues and events in the Philippine and Hollywood entertainment industry in Showbiz Rampa.

For Leah Tirol-Magno —Continued balance in professional and artistic endeavors. Baking Mama!

For  Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra and Gerry Pabe (of dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) and Allen Doydora and Anthony Anisca (of dyRD’s Tagbilaran By Nite) — Hot issues, biggest issues and events, more  explosive topics and more interesting and “controversial” personalities in their radio programs.  Same for Ted Ayeng and Edgar Tumanda of dyTR’s Cuentas Claras and Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Ines Araneta.

For Atty. Julius Greg Delgado and Marie Nickie Bolos — A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen! 

Jagna councilor Anthony Aniscal and 

wife DarL l Contributed Photo

For Joseph Alexis A. Cadeliña—More creative concepts that will level up the entertainment landscape of Tagbilaran.  Same for Josephine Remolador- Cabarrus and Ma. Fe Dominise.

For Second District Rep. Aristotle C. Aumentado— Forging of more dynamic partnerships that will pave the way to more progress and development in the second district.

For Joseph Gara—Another album to showcase his artistic talent.

For Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” L. Yap II — Confidence that he has the continued support of his constituents and more successful efforts in local governance.

For Bishop Albert Uy -More eloquence that could inspire and draw more sheep to his flock. Same for Bishop Daniel Patrick Parcon,  Msgr. Jeff Malanog and Fr. Warli Salise Jr.

For Miss Bohol 2017 Pauline C. Amelincx - An opportunity to represent the Boholanos in a national pageant.

For Loboc Children’s Choir, Alicia Bamboo Ensemble, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Loboc Youth Ambassador, Katipunan Elem. School Rondalla, HNU Diwanag Dance Troupe and Bohol Master Singers — Enhance individual members' dedication and commitment to harmoniously sing as a group to capture varied audiences.

For Rosalinda Paredes, Emilia Roslinda, Pat Ruiz,  Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Liza Macalandag, Jammy Ungab, Ludwig Quirog, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Lester Ouano, Michael Canares and Regina Macalandag—More developmental work/projects/contracts for social change.

Vera Villocido Gesite  Contributed Photo

For Mizken Tirol Andan—Colorful lovelife. Seriously, the eventologist is wishing good health for his family. Same for Jholly Lim.

For TinTin Ng and  Lailette Boiser — More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies.

For Ryan Sines, Ramil Dolauta and Tamara — Colorful love life! More projects, more exposures.  Same for Donna Vitos, EP Relampagos, Jonathan Ocat, Rholly Ingking and Nina Jasmine Cadeliña.

For Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Hannah Precillas and Alexis Calipusan — A one night concert in Bohol... and more opportunities to inspire many people.

For Mikey Gatal— A partner to color his world.

For Inday Rufing, Inday Balbacua, et al — Another program to tickle funny bones.

For Rich Asuncion and beau— A marriage contract!

For  Shanon Pamaong, Maximiel Tallo, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Charlow Arbasto and Tracy Remolador Torres—Reignited passion for their craft. A huge runway project to display their artistic collections!

For Clement Paulinel L. Ingking— More fervor in advocating for the Global Ecobricks Alliance towards environmental protection.

For Mister Earth Philippines 2017 Carlo Roy G. Roslinda —Positivity and drive to bring home the honor and pride to Bohol in the coming international competition.

Miss World Philippines First Princess Glyssa B. Perez Contributed Photo

For  Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso —Another “joint venture.”  He!He!He! Same, David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros, Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace, and Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal.

For Mister Supranational Philippines 2016 AR dela Serna — A big break in the industry.

For Miss World Philippines First Princess Glyssa B. Perez —An opportunity to be cast in a movie with important Filipino showbiz celebs as a Regal baby.

For Dr. Rhine T. Pamaong— Motivation in the preparations for the Miss Bohol International 2018 during the Tigum Bol-non sa Tibuok Kalibutan in July 2018.

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