San Isidro beauty takes Mutya crown

An obvious crowd favorite from the start, Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro clinched the coveted Mutya sa Tagbilaran crown that won her the right to represent the city in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant held last Friday (April 27),  hosted by Manila’s eventologist Tim Yap  with actress Iza Calzado as co-host.

Raclaire Stephan Trigo of Barangay San Isidro
(with Butch Bernas, Ph.D.) was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.
Contributed Photo

The other four winners were Mutya sa Booy Dann Audrey A. Cadenas, first runner-up; Mutya sa Ubujan Rueggy Mae Namoc, second runner-up; Mutya sa Manga Lady Aira Lumantas,  third runner-up; and Mutya sa Poblacion 2 Margarett Requillo, fourth runner-up.

Youth leader and Booy village councilor Clement Paulinel Ingking told VRS that the winners were exceptionally beautiful and witty.

“All questions were answered with substance. The dreaded Q&A portion was as exciting as it promised. There were a few misses, some with very good saves but mostly, it proved that the level of competition is stronger than ever,” said Clement.

He added, “Most of the eventual winners had very impressive answers that had depth and delivered with conviction. They all performed exceedingly well during the finals.”

Cultural worker Butch Bernas, Ph.D. who also watched the pageant shared that the pageant was “full of innovation and incomparable.”

“The production number of the Mutya was so spectacular and grandeur like ever before. Stunning led wall helps the production awesome,” he said.

“Wow na wow,” he gushed.

Another crowd favorite Dann Audrey Cadenas 

was declared first runner-up in Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018.  

Cadenas was as supported by her family and the Booy 

Council headed by village chief Jun Telmo, councilors 

Eulogia "Yolie" Ayeng and Clement Paulinel Ingking. 

Contributed Photo

Clement said that prior to joining Mutya sa Tagbilaran, Cadenas, a former president of the Supreme Student Government at Bohol Wisdom School, already represented Purok 5 during the barangay search level. She even slayed the Question and Answer portion with her presence of mind, poise, and confidence.

Cadenas and Requillo were also winners of Island City Mall’s beauty and modelling contests, and making the mall as their training ground. Cadenas was Miss Teen ICM 2017 second runner up, while Requillo  was Mannequins Live 2016 first runner-up.

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2 young entrepreneurs

committed to help Bohol

Bright, ambitious Filipinos were leaving the Philippines In the 1970s in pursuit of better opportunities, a time period known as the “Brain Drain.”

To this day, the trend continues as the number of Filipinos leaving for work abroad has increased. However, some Filipinos opted to stay here. Some are staying here to build businesses and help communities that will engage more Filipinos and create more job opportunities for them.

Case in point:  Dalareich Polot of Dalareich Chocolate House and Joy Angeli Uy of Belian Hotel.

Just recently, they launched their personal advocacy-movement FAÇADE (Food, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education) with a  tagline “"Opening an open space of possibilities."

FACADE aims to change the face of culture in the province of Bohol through community development and education.

“We want to see Bohol in the future as a creative hub for food, agriculture, culture and the arts and development,” said Dalareich.

Organizers, speakers and participants 

during the launching of FAÇADE (Food, 

Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education). 

Contributed Photo

“We want Boholanos to talk, collaborate, open a conversation and inspire each other. Shobe Joy and I personally thank all our sponsors who were at our back when we planned for this,” said the Belgian-trained chocolatier.

Two social entrepreneur speakers from Manila, Josh Mahinay, founder of BEAGIVER and Dr. Anton Mari Lim, co-founder and President of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, also inspired the guests with the stories of the respective communities they are helping.

Young entrepreneurs, academe, community builders, resort managers, leaders and media were present during the event.

FAÇADE Series 1 happened last April 24-26 at Tagbilaran City Grounds, a side event of Fusion Nights 2018. Duke Minoza of Buenaventarada Farm and Paolo Rigotti of Rigotti Coffe talked about Coffee Seed to Cup and appreciation night last Tuesday. Ms Vina Antopina of Bean55Chocolaterie and Dalareich Polot of Ginto Chocolates talked about the cacao and chocolate journey.  Chocolate tasting was held last Wednesday. On the 3rd day, April 26, Efrenia Holt of Atbang Farm and Cyrus Lobrigas of KABOOM talked about Organic Food and Farming.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Some favorite expressions (In Bohol, we don’t say...)

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, is the new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). She took her oath before Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.  Leah Tirol-Magno (of Bohol’s Baking Mama), Macuno’s youngest sister shared on Facebook, “We are very proud of you Anang. Carry on the torch of righteousness and continue to share God's love to His people with this new responsibility He entrusted you.”

Scene: The Dalareich Food Products has won the first BPI Sinag Accelerate Challenge 2016. The program aims to empower up-and-coming enterprises with a social mission through an exclusive series of mentorship programs, said the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ social development arm, BPI Foundation. “God really works in mysterious ways,” said Dalareich Polot.

***

Last week, someone posted on Facebook a list of expressions of Boholanos (In Bohol, we don’t say) which has attracted millennials in the time it was posted and shared on the social media. 

Other Bisdaks who can relate of the expressions have started to make their own by simply changing the name of the province.  They say it is as a way of letting others know how they feel.

Bohol’s chocolate princess Dalareich Polot

 (3^rd from left, with her sister Irene and BPI 

Foundation staff) receives the award for the first. 

BPI Sinag Accelerat Challenge 2016. Contributed Photo

Here are some expressions that you might find interesting and amusing making daily conversations more colorful. Read on.

In Bohol, we don't say, "Ang gwapo niya!" Instead we say, "Sheeet kalami niya"

In Bohol we don't say, "Hi kumusta na?" Instead we say, "Buhi pa diay ka buanga ka? "

In Bohol, we don't say, "Awesome!" Instead we say, "Ataya ato gud?!"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Buti nga sayo" Instead we say, "Dah! Merese! Gabaan ang buang"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Weh? Di nga? Instead we say, "Pagsure ba kay magbiko tag Pink"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Dami mong pera Pare!" Instead we say, "Namayot napud ka gabii no?"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Saan kana?" Instead we say, "Piste oy! Dugay pa?"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Pasensya na po" Instead we say, "Strikto lagi ka sa personal oi"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Excuse me" Instead we say, "Padaplin daw bi"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Ulan na naman" Instead we say, "Managhan nasad ta ani"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Where's my pen?" Instead we say, "Animal ang nagkawat sa akong ballpen!

Mayrag mamatay karun dayun."

In Bohol, we don't say, "Tahimik mo naman" Instead we say, "Pakahoy-kahoy ang buang ohh"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Wag mokong idamay" Instead we say, "ay ko amunga ha kay wa raba ko galabot-labot" 

In Bohol, we don't say, "Wow sexy" Instead we say, "Hubagang ate oy! Ka salad naba"

In Bohol, we don't say, "Girlfriend mo bro? Congrats!" Instead we say, "Lahi napud na pre?"

And...

Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, MDM, is the 

new Medical Center Chief II of Gov. Celestino Gallares 

Memorial Hospital (GCGMH). 

Contributed Photo/Leah Tirol-Magno

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Wow nice haircut or hair style." Instead we say, “Dagway sa hinampak ay,wala pa nimo gipadakup ang nag tupi nimo!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Nice suit. What's the occasion? Why so dressed up?" Instead we say... "Halaahh ka porma sa hinampak oh! Asa na punerarya nimo nakuha? Asang lubong bro?"

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Ampangit ng boses nya." Instead we say, "Pakantaha nag My Way!"

In Bohol, we don’t say, “Pasumbag kah." Instead we say, "Gusto kag mangehi ug taga bay!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, “I miss you guys.”  Instead we say, “Sum-ola ninyog dagway oi, hug ko beh! "

In Bohol, we don’t say, “Sinungaling ka!” Instead we say, “Estoryaheee!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, “May ubo ka pala?” Instead we say, “Iluwa na kay maka-upaw.”

In Bohol, we don't say.. "Susuntokin kita diyan pag hindi ka tumahimik!" Instead, we say "Daahh maypag pusilon.. Dah hilom lagi kang pisteha ka!"

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Ba't ka nakatingin, ano problema mo?" Instead we say, "Ayaw'g tutok diha buanga ka, lugit ng mata nimu run"

In Bohol, we don't say "Saan kana ngaun nakatira?" Instead we say, "Aha naman ka gibutang sa Ginoo oi!”

In Bohol, we don’t say, "Hi, it’s you again." Instead we say, “Naa nasad ang giatay ay."

in Bohol, we don’t say “Ang landi nito." Instead we say, “Hoy cholera pagtarong ha kay ma torjakan nya ka!”

We're proud Boholanos, aren't we? Kolerang lambay mo!  Ha! Ha! Ha!

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

Christmas ‘gifts’ for my fave Boholanos

 

Sumad karon, ang kalibutan nagpangilin
Ngano kaha natawo ang batang buotan gayud
Kinsa siya, wa ba hi-ilhi
Siya manunubos sa yuta nga karon mikunsad gikan sa langit

Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sayawan ta ang bata
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon

Pasko na usab, sayawan ta ang bata
Pasko na usab, sa makalingaw nga hadla
Basin na man lang sa sunod unya nga katuigan
Padangaton ta ug ma-angkon tang maayong kalawasan
Ring-kin-ding kin-ding, hina-ot unta nga magpadayon
ang pagbati ta ug ang atong pagkamalipayon.

—Sumad Karon by Susan Fuentes

 

Four days before Christmas Day and here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts to my favorite Boholanos, with some new additions, inspired by Sumad Karon, a Visayan Christmas song classic by Susan Fuentes, Hajji, APO and Passionata, from their music album Mananaygon, which opens today's VRS.

 

Here they are:

 

Queenie Melody Fullante- A boyfriend who will love her forever and ever, amen! The guy must be romantic, confident, artistic, foreign, free spirit (aka the bad boy), intelligent/witty and considerate!

 

For Anna Maris Igpit and her Aussie football player Thomas Taylor —Marriage contract!  Remember that marriage is not a noun, it’s a verb! He! He! He!

 

For Marianne Domivee Chatto and Haibon Lim Mapute— A chain to bind them and lock their hearts forever and ever. Amen!  Same for Fer Mary Baliquig and her beau; Elvie Bongosia of PIA and her labidab and  Clyde Ebojo and his girlfriend. 

 

Various parols and belens are displayed at Tubigon
town plaza to bring more cheer to this year’s Christmas celebration.
The holiday ambience that Tubigon affords its visitors is
 making the place as one of the Most Christmassy Places on Bohol. 

For David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros—  Wedding bells!!!  

 

For Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso— Marriage contract (indefinite)!

 

For Alfeo Jabinez and Amy Fiel Booc — A marriage contract? Nope, it’s too early. Meanwhile, they may live(on?) happily ever after as sweethearts.

 

For Dalareich Polot —A perfect holiday with someone special. She’s been working so hard for her Chocoreich! Remember, all work and no play (and no lover) makes Jane a dull girl.

 

For Pat Ruiz- Inner strength to continue her advocacies! Same for Zenaida Darunday, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Rosalinda Paredes, Mightee Palo, Alvin Acuzar, Dorris Dinorog-Obena, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares and Vera Gesite.

 

For Nonito Donaire — More wining bouts! Same for Aj Banal, Jedara Docena and siblings, Caesar Amonsot and Boom-Boom Bautista.

 

For Candy Cumayas—Another beauty pageant to join to prove that a probisyana charm and beauty can capture the country! Same for Mary Rose Butalid.

 

For Tessie Labunog-Sumampong — Home sweet home! (Figure that out.) As the songs goes (to the tune of Moon River by Andy Williams: Loboc River, wide than a mile, I'm crossing you in style someday, Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, Wherever you're going, I'm going your way.....

 

For Nene Lungay, Marianito Jose Luspo and Napoleon Abueva— More years to showcase their talents. Same for Tadiyandi, Baji,  Arte Malaya, Glenn Lumantao, Joey Labrador,  Joyle Alipala, Ric Ramasola, 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.

 

For Mikey Gatal — A Roman holiday with his special someone.

 

For Geraldine Topsnik and Immaculada Cleofe Leopardas— Hot boyfriends!  Same for Idy Cagas, Felisse Marie Carvajal, Farrah Faye Mian and Trisha Chatto.

 

For Cesar Montano and Rich Asuncion— More challenging roles in teleseryes and movies.  Same for  TinTin Ng and  Lailette Boiser.

 

For Mila Lim and Dr. Mary Grace Uy — A New Year (and more years) full of hope and goodwill. Same for Musette Hontanosas, Vicky Wallace, Doc Joy Yap, LJ Lumayag, Dr. Angelito Lechago, DonDon Suganob, Primitiva Ontong, LJ Lumayag, Fiel Gabin, Kit Oppus, Meljun Daniel, Nora Pahang, Concepcion Bagotchay, Romy Tagaan, Ate V Yorong, Judith Uy-Sumatra, Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Marina Salamanca, Dodong Almedilla, Freda Tirol, Sarah Dejaresco, Roygie Jumamoy, Dr. Evangel Luminarias,  Hans and Lani Schoof,  Atty. Jas Montes,  Dr. Nenita Po, Greenie Aumentado, Dr. Cristeta Tirol, Dr. Henya Tirol-Sotelo, Fancy Baluyot, Amalia Tirol, Liza Quirog, Betty Veloso, Conching Lim, Pureza Chatto  Paz Trotin, Gen Jamisola, Daday Uy-Fuertes, Barbara Ong, Jojo Baritua, Helen Binangbang, Tessie Pagdato, Sylvia Fernandez-Maristela, Baby Collins, Connie Geonzon,  Gerry Egos, Edi Borja, Reigh Monreal, Malou Cempron and Atty. Eliseo Labaria.

 

For Joy Suarez — A new world-class resort to manage!

 

For  Maximiel Tallo, EJ Relampagos, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Henry Baron, Rhigel Dulfo, Tracy Remolador Torres and Sony Pamaong— Fashion shows to display their artistic collections!

 

For Sam Penaso— More exhibits abroad and flanking to showcase his world-class talent.

 

For Peddy Bolanio and Glee Orcullo — More "talkative" and “controversial” guests on Showbiz Rampa.  Same for  Inday Charity (dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka).

 

For Chito Visarra, Fred Araneta and Gerry Pabe (dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) — More  explosive news and “controversial” guests. Same for Atty. Salva Diputado and Ted Ayeng (dyTR’s Cuentas Claras).  

 

For Atty. Victor dela Serna, Nestor Daarol, Felix Cempron, Ted Ayeng and Atty. Salva Diputado—A silencer that will prevent them from flaunting on radio to throw “feisty” words this Christmas time. He He He

 

Eden Descallar–Ceballos and Mikel Ceballos— A long-delayed stork’s visit. Same for Loida Lagonoy-Viloria and George Viloria; and Dr. April Lumuthang-Froiland and Arch. Junibe Froilan.

 

For Diane Uy-Yap and Atty. Wrenly Yap—A healthy baby due in February next year.

 

For Che Toribio-delos Reyes— Good things in life.  And a sign that screams, "DON’T!!! In 2016!

 

For Dr. Maria April “Doc April” Lumuthang-Froilan- A big clinic for her Touch of April to beautify  the province of Bohol!

 

For Governor Edgar Chatto, Reps. Erico “Aristotle” Aumentado, Rene Relampagos and Art Yap and Mayor Baba Yap — Divine guidance and enlightenment for political will.

 

For  Inday Rufing  — A hot “partner” to love him dearly. Same for  Inday Charity, Ryan Sines, John Torralba, Emerson Pinos, Julan Cordova, Alexis Cadeliña, Deo Guden, Rico Guigue, Charlow Arbasto, EP Relampagos, Gerry Lugod and Butch Bernas.

 

For Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Hannah Precillas and Kirby Asunto— A big break to showcase their singing prowess!

 

For Marc Joseph Batoy, Danilo Torcende, Adryan Mila, Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz and Ar-Ar dela Serna — More exposures to prove to all that Boholano men naay ikabuga!

 

For Dame Rose Soy —Eternal youth beauty for Bohol's Queen of Tourism.

 

For AD— A chastity belt! He He He

 

For Ardy Batoy —A vacation! The Bohol’s Queen of All Media deserves a break!

 

For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint venture.” He He He Same for Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace.

 

For Baby Tagoctoc— He may continue to shine!  Bohol’s most influential and powerful bading deserves a vacation, too.

 

For Raul Gatal—  A round-trip ticket to a quiet place far from his “haters.”

 

For Josephus Anthony Bumaat — Another kilig novel as engrossing as Anh To Be Surprised.

 

For Atty. Greg Delgado — A seductive girlfriend!   Same for  Van Delima, Doc Homer Singco and Lemuel Belarmino.

 

For Leah Tirol-Magno — A baking session and an outlet to show her delectable world of baking mastery.

 

For Mizken Tirol-Andan— A partner to color his world.

 

For Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Msgr. Jeff Malanog, Fr. Warli Salise, Jr.,  et al— Good health and more years to share the gospel as Veritas de terra orta est! (“Truth shall spring out of the earth”). Same for pastors Nelson Rio III, Bobby Rio, Vicente Agustin, George Lungay, Franco Trigo, Rey Rodriguez and Bro. Libby Aba.

 

And...

 

—No more painful and violent deaths. Well, we all have to go. But I hope and pray that deaths won’t be as painful. And I wish to see the end of the chain of deaths that had hounded the province in 2014.  

-—Safe arrival, peaceful and successful events with Pope Francis in the Philippines.

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Shaping-up tips from Miss Tagbi

This early, a quick look at the Miss Bohol 2014 official candidates line-up shows some of the early favorites already catching the attention of pageant fans from here and abroad.

Among them is Miss Tagbilaran Geraldine Topsnik. She was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran this past April, and she will compete for the Miss Bohol title on July19.

 “She has a good fighting chance to win the crown,” according to a beauty pageant watcher.  “So far, she’s doing very well.”

Geraldine, who was born on April 15, 1997, stands 5'6", 110 lbs, and with vital statistics of 34-26-36, became Miss Cristal-e College 2013, Miss Teen ICM 2013 and then Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2014.

“Being Miss Tagbilaran 2014 doesn’t only mean that I was crowned that night, my work is done, but it means that I was crowned, my work is just beginning,” shared Geraldine. “I plan to utilize my title by influencing different people and promoting our tourism.”

The 17 year-old half German half Filipina will convince tourists to visit Bohol, which was devastated by the killer quake last year, through the power of social media. “Social media is one way of conveying the tourists to explore Bohol after the quake, although the quake might have devastated lives it also has sprouted different opportunities,” shared Geraldine.

In this season of Sandugo festival, VRS asked Geraldine for her fitness insights and sundry.

How do you feel about competing at the Miss Bohol 2014? I feel proud to be able to represent the City of Tagbilaran, but there’s always this uncertainty in pageants especially this one, that makes me nervous. Who wouldn’t be? It’s Ms.Bohol2014 and I’m competing against 17 beautiful girls, but I am hoping that on the 19th of July I’ll be able to represent the province of Bohol. I am hoping and praying.

What is your favorite category (Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Interview, casual/On-Stage Question), and why? My favorite category is non-other than the casual on stage question because in this category the people get to know who the candidate truly is as a person and they get a glimpse on the candidates personality other than her beauty.

What is your least favorite category, and why? My least favorite category would be the swimwear category although this is the favorite of some, and I do respect that, but it’s my least favorite because behind that beautiful body is hours and days of diet and exercise and it’s also makes me feel very conscious about how I look and the way that people think about how I look and portray who I am as a person in the swimwear category of the competition.

What would you say to someone who says that pageants are superficial and/or demeaning to women? I would tell them that to personally get to know a previous pageant winner or a contestant and I’m sure just by getting to know them, they’ll instantly know how pageants have improve their lives and personalities as it did with mine.

How do you stay motivated to eat healthy, exercise, and prepare for your upcoming pageant? I stay motivated to eat healthy and exercise by thinking of the people who believes in me and by thinking about the advocacies that I want to be implemented if I become Miss Bohol 2014.

What kind of diet do you have? I was obese when I was younger, and in Mutya sa Tagbilaran, I still had some of that baby fats on, and right now I’m doing my best to have my body toned. I’m having a less rice diet, less sweets, more protein, vegetables and the healthy stuff with exercise.

How much sleep do you get per night knowing that you have busy schedules in the Miss Bohol? It really depends, on some nights I get 8 or more hours of sleep but in some, 5 or 6 , But I do try to get up to 8 hours of sleep a day because having enough sleep makes you a lot healthier, makes you glow and have more energy.

Other than confidence, what would you say is the most important quality for a pageant contestant hoping to capture her next crown? I think that other than confidence the most important thing that a beauty should possess is the passion for what she is doing. I believe that you can expect greater things once you love what you do. And in order for her to get her next crown she must be confident and passionate and of course, she must never forget where she came from and never forget the Lord.

What is your favorite quote? My favorite quote is “live life without any regrets, trust in the Lord and he will keep you safe”.

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be? Right now, I am changing my persona of thinking too much of what other people would think about the things that I do and about me. I think that , I am doing my best to change this part of me, because I believe that to live happily means to not care that much on other people’s perception ,as long as you believe in yourself and you are happy , then what other people think of you really doesn’t matter that much.

What do you find sexy in a man? It would definitely be how a man carries himself, his height and his eyes... I don’t know why, but I just find it sexy. (Laughter)

Will Geraldine join the Miss Bohol Honor Roll?

***

In 2006, Bb. Pilipinas World-2006 Anna Maris Igpit shared to me her strict diet days before she went to Poland to compete for the Miss World 2006. To stay thin, she followed a healthy strict diet and practice few exercise.

When I saw Maris in Poland, her wait was 24 inches! Maris is a person naturally thin, and doesn't have tendency to increase weight.

The MISS BOHOL SANDUGO (www.facebook.com/missboholbeautypageant) admins and other beauty watchers have noticed that some of the girls have "baby fats"...and they have less than two weeks to trim down!

“A lot of people have noticed that some of our Miss Bohol 2014 candidates need diet and exercise,” the fanpage said. “A beauty contestant's diet does not consist of starvation and countless hours on the treadmill. Instead, it is about adopting a healthy lifestyle and working to achieve long, lean muscles. They have 17 days to do it before the finals night on July 19.”

The fanpage shares the pageant secrets to diet and exercise:  find opportunities to exercise, eat clean, and stay prepared. “Cravings are natural, even for a beauty queen. However, pageant contestants combat these with preparedness --- always with healthy snacks and fruits on hand,” added the fanpage.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Fresh from Europe, Bohol’s Tableya Princess Dalareich Polot (extreme left, with Andrea Trinidad Echavez of the US Embassy and VRS), is back in Bohol. Dalareich was in Belgium (the home to some of the world’s finest beer, most decadent chocolates, and mouthwatering delicacies) on a scholarship grant about chocolate-making.  She was the grand winner in the First Young Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp 2013.