‘TBTK’ Articles
Written by anyajulia on 30 October 2009
The first-of-its-kind BCBP USA Grand Gathering on October 10, 2009, saw the installation of BCBP Southern California (SoCal) Outreach as a Chapter, the first ever outside Philippine shores. As the 65th chapter of BCBP, BCBP SoCal Governance Team is composed of the following: Chapter Head, Dito de la Cerna; Mission Director, Rusty Carluen; Formation Director, Lib Madamba; Program and Services Director, Polet Tiano; Unit Heads, Boholano couple Hermes and Yonnie Quijada and Carlos Gorospe; Treasurer, Ed Obra; West Covina Mission Team Head, Edwin Dimaculangan.
The whole day event, held at Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Auditorium in San Pedro, California, kicked off with a Grand Breakfast, which was attended by more than two hundred guests and members. The guest couple sharers were Larry Veloso, BCBP National President and his wife Dedit.
A two-part retreat conducted by Father Herbert Schneider for BCBP Southern California and Northern California members followed thereafter. Then, a Holy Mass was held at 5PM prior to the installation rites proclaiming BCBP SoCal Outreach as a Chapter.
BCBP President Larry Veloso gave the opening message during the Chapter Installation. Bro Manny Jimenez, Area Managing Director – South Luzon announced the official appointments with Jun Obra, RCD – South Manila, handing over the appointment letters to each governance team member. Fr Schneider then prayed over the new Governance Team. The installation was witnessed by members and guests from the US and the Philippines headed by Bro Louie and Sis Lilli Morales, BCBP Alabang.
Hermes Quijada and wife, the former Leonarda ”Yonie” Bontog are graduates of the BCBP-Tagbilaran sponsored Christian Life Program (CLP) 3 in 1993 and are active members of the BCBP community since then. Bro. Hermes hails from Mariveles,Dauis Bohol and was Auditor of the Norkis Group of Companies. He used to hold office in the company owned building along CPG Avenue corner Ma.Clara Street. Whereas Yonie, who was born in Carmen,Bohol, is a Chemical Engineer by profession and was a Math and Science teacher of the former Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology(CVSCAFT), now Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran City. She currently is teaching Chemistry at the Dominguez High School in Compton, California. They have two children, .Jannie Vince, 18, a college student and Dan, 16 ,a High School juniors. The Quijada family migrated to the United States in April,2004. Other Boholano members of the BCBP SoCal are : former Loay Vice-Mayor Nandie Maniwan and wife Gela, Lorrie Matig-a, and Sylvia Fortich .
Douglas B. Hontanosas
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Written by anyajulia on 28 September 2009
Aim high,
for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep,
for every dream precedes a goal.
Pamela V. Starr
We thank the Bohol News Daily(BND), thru Jerome Auza and Fides Maria Vistal, for providing us space in their publication, to reach out to our Boholano brothers and sisters at home, in the Philippines and wherever they are station in the world. For they are our intended target in our campaign promotion that is starting in earnest, in preparation for TBTK 2012, which is three years from now. Through this online web, we wish to communicate and get in touch with our people. Giving them updated news and development on a weekly basis about TBTK, the Boholano associations in America and elsewhere abroad, the personalities involve, highlighting their stories thru the BND. We believe our stories are also of the readers’ interest. Just as we, the Boholanos on overseas assignments, are interested too of current news and developments in our home province.
As they say, in whatever human endeavor, communication is the key that will bring the proponent to the realization of their aspired goals.
In our travel through the United States, we were once able to set foot on a well-appointed office, in a skyscraper located along Chicago’s suburb. What met our eyes as we passed through the entrance door is the sight of a mounted, colored picture that bears this marking: “Communication is the key to success, pass it on.
For it can spell the difference between success or failure, between victory and defeat, between life and death even.”
As the appointed Communications Director, this writer is given the task by the TBTK Chairperson Betty Veloso-Garcia, to start spreading the news. The load may not be easy and the burden may not be light, but we will carry this task until D-day to show our love and affection for Bohol and our fellow Boholanos. Yes, the success of a grand undertaking as the TBTK, depends on our ability to disseminate information the soonest time possible. We count on you, our dear readers, our Boholano friends and supporters, to rally round our fold that hopefully we can be homeward bound, see each other in Bohol, in the month of July, 2012. Replicate the success of the previous TBTK staging. God willing. What more, we intend to come up with better plans, programs and action to bring out the best in the next Tigum.
Together, we will make a difference in the lives of our people. Together, we will introduce new ideas, channel our resources and hard-earned money from our workplace abroad, and contribute our share for nation building, for the progress of our province. Together, we can make dreams come true by becoming role models for our children, our young students and professionals back home, who too desire to gain employment abroad and improve their stature in life for themselves and their families.
The thing speaks for itself what the last four TBTK staging since 1999 had brought wonders to our province. We are now the premier tourist destination in the Philippines. Tagbilaran is adjudged as the most progressive provincial city and
Bohol is elevated from the ranks of the depressed to vastly improved. We are the leader among provincial ethnic groups in the country whose dollar remittances from our OCW-OFWs, keep our economy alive and vibrant. The Boholanos are now respected in the Philippines and our overseas workers admired in workplaces abroad. We are now everywhere, globally at that. From America, Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and even in far-away Africa. The Boholano community’s influence transcends beyond national borders and stretches through the seven seas.
This is one achievement that we Boholanos should be proud of. That the TBTK Global Gathering which we look forward to every three years, is an idea that speaks of our identity and unity as a people. The common bonding and love of Bohol. Confucius said that the journey thru a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let this write-up be the beginning of our interactions with the rest of the Boholanos wherever you may be situated. For us to have that common mission, vision, goal to look forward to for TBTK 2012.
For queries and inquiries, get in touch with us thru our e-mail ad:douglashont@hotmail.com. Till the next issue.
Douglas B. Hontanosas
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Written by anyajulia on 18 September 2009
Despite all the threats: the A H1N1, the plummeting world economy, the mass lay-offs in workplaces abroad, still thousands of Boholanos abroad took all these lightly and packed for home last July 2009 to join the TBTK Global Homecoming. For them, it was real joy to spend their hard-earned dollars to be with their loved ones, to get involved in class reunions, to go to places to reminisce the good old days, and many more.
TBTK Chairperson Betty Veloso Garcia did not count the cost of visiting Boholanos spread in various countries to remind them that their families they left behind are so excited to be with them no matter how briefly. Whether they registered or not was not so important as coming home to embrace an aged and ailing Nanay or Tatay – perhaps for the last time.
What everyone observed in the two-week TBTK celebration spoke of the pomp, pageantry, revelry in every social function. The fund-raising each group organized for its various purposes was more than enough to bring Balikbayans together and experience the great satisfaction that they have left something to our fellow Boholanos who are in need. Even those who did nothing but roamed the streets felt that money was in circulation. Vendors in our markets enjoyed the opportunity of earning much, much more than they did in ordinary days.
Not all may have noticed the tree planting, the medical missions, the recognition of Boholanos who excelled in their various professions, the organized tours to see what’s new in Bohol.
What was most touching was the visits made to their ailing classmates whom they will not see anymore because they died after they were back to their respective work areas. This reminded me of one who said, “Show that you care while one can still feel your love.”
But despite the beauty of the homecoming, those who simply folded their arms as they watched the activities unfold, they saw nothing but “faults”. Sometimes faults are there for a purpose – to satisfy those who come only to find faults.
With the election days just a few months away, some politicians make adverse comments to enhance their political ambitions. These critics even found their way to our community newspapers, to radio stations. This they did “in aid of legislation” and also to improve the next TBTK. This was baloney!
On the issue of public funds appropriated by the Provincial Government during the TBTK Medical Mission conducted at the Bohol Cultural Center, we deny that such funding was received by the TBTK. It would be best that they do some kind of research so that they can be sure where their money went.
While we appreciate the Medical Staff assistance provided by the Provincial Government, nevertheless, we assumed the cost of operation of the medical mission funded from our own contributions. The medical men who came to Bohol to extend free medical assistance to the Boholanos, brought their own equipment, medicines, etc. Furthermore, they spent their own plane fare, hotel billeting, and cost of everything during their stay in Bohol.
At this juncture, the TBTK organizers especially the Chairperson Betty Veloso Garcia would like to thank the many men and women who so generously gave of their time, effort and commitment towards making the TBTK a big success. We thank our many advertisers, benefactors and sponsors for their generosity, and their confidence and belief in this unique event. Last but not the least, to everyone who took part of this great reunion, we thank them for coming!
Let us talk about the Search for the Miss Bohol International Beauty Pageant. This activity has always been among the highlights of the Global Homecoming since its inception in 1999. Like any other Beauty Pageant, they were never without a Swimsuit Competition. What was indecent in their attire? The Boholanos are now used to wearing appropriate attire for swimming except perhaps the octogenarians who wear the “porontong.” May we address this to the critics, “Why did you miss to see the appropriateness ( ? ) of the swimsuits worn in the Sandugo Beauty Pageant sponsored by the City Government?
We call on our politicians not to meddle in future TBTK affairs. We just want to come home to where we belong. The City Mayor of Tagbilaran instead of welcoming us, he made things difficult for us : denied the TBTK with Mayor’s Permit for the venue of our activities, prohibited us from soliciting advertisements to promote the business of our local businessmen through our Souvenir Program. What a pity! Boholanos not welcome in their homeland.
We also urge our Vice Governor Julius Herrera and Board Member Aster Piollo not to engage in political grandstanding at the expense of Boholanos whom people call “unsung heroes”. These politicians are seeking a new mandate in the 2010 elections and they should look at the TBTK as a group who come home to bring cheer and material benefits to our people. Let us instead help one another because we love Bohol.
In 2012, God willing, we will be back for another homecoming under the same able leadership of Betty Veloso Garcia whose passion and love for Bohol knows no bounds.
Let us prepare now for the next homecoming. Let us pray and hope we will not be missing anyone. We say this because we do not have the promise of our tomorrows.
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Written by anyajulia on 10 July 2009
It is not often that the President of the Philippines can welcome arriving balikbayan or foreign guests at her official residence in Malacanang Palace, in the nation’s capital of Manila. Much more, it is not always that the Chief Executive, with all her workload schedules and numerous social functions to attend to, day by day, can still accept the invitation to be the Guest of Honor of a provincial homecoming celebration, to be held the week after.
If the Presidential presence is the gage of success for a grand affair, then the thing speaks for itself, the twelve(12) day 2009 TBTK Global Homecoming scheduled from July 14-26, can be considered as one. For right on day one, our Boholano balikbayans and their foreign guests, after arrival from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, have a scheduled audience on the afternoon of July 14, a Tuesday, with Her Excellency, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Boholano delegation will be led by Congressman Edgar Chatto, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and the TBTK Chairperson Betty Veloso-Garcia. After which, they will be given a guided tour at Malacanang Palace, and to be served with cocktails at the Heroes Hall .
As if given the privilege to meet the Head of State in person and being accorded all the VIP treatment, still not enough, President Arroyo will fly to Bohol the week after, to be with them for the Bohol Day celebration scheduled on July 22, a Wednesday, hosted by the Provincial Government of Bohol, headed by Governor Erico Aumentado. What more, her DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, will also be in Bohol on July 25, a Saturday, to lead a massive tree-planting drive province-wide in the morning, at the bank of Abatan River in Cortes town. In joint efforts of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and the Provincial Government of Bohol. Just as the theme of the 4th TBTK staging is about Clean and Green Environment, Ecological Awareness, and the love of Mother Earth.
Count our blessings and give thanks with a grateful heart, for President Arroyo has special affection to the people of Bohol. Not just for giving her the second highest votes during the 2003 election, but for being in the forefront of the national campaign for tourism promotions. Where the TBTK Global Homecoming, that started in 1999, was cited by the Department of Tourism as a model for other provinces to follow. Where Bohol now is considered as among the leading tourist destination sites in the Philippines. Bohol, according to statistical surveys conducted by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration(POEA), also leads in the dollar remittances with an astounding figure of $57 million in 2008, from our Boholano Overseas Filipino Workers(OFW) and Overseas Contract Workers(OCW).
Suffice it to say, the Boholanos are now respected in our country and admired in workplaces abroad. Our TBTK Chairperson, Mrs. Betty Veloso-Garcia and family, departed for Bohol yesterday, Wednesday, July 8, from the JFK International Airport in New York. She just came from Seattle, Washington, where Betty attended the Sleepless In Seattle Confederation of the Boholanos In the United States and Canada(CONBUSAC) Convention, headed by President Carlos Caga-anan. She also met Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, CONBUSAC’s Guest of Honor. We beam with pride to hear that the TBTK Chairperson is awarded as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Overseas Boholanos by the CONBUSAC. Betty truly deserves such recognition. For all her efforts poured in the TBTK – for the cause of Bohol and the Boholanos.
Douglas B. Hontanosas
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Written by anyajulia on 06 July 2009
HOMECOMING Boholanos attending the biennial Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) are still urged to undergo self quarantine proceedings, in the absence of detection facilities here against the dreaded AH1N1 virus, says Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo.
In the same manner, locals who may be exposing themselves to the threat by mingling with homecoming relatives can just exercise the precautionary measures to keep them protected from the virus, according to Atty. Abapo.
This week, Bohol has seen the onset of a homecoming crowd from abroad intending to participate in the worldwide gathering of Boholanos to pool investors for locally identified projects for private sector funding.
Homing Boholanos from countries contaminated with the dreaded and highly contagious swine flu could indeed be bringing in the virus if they do not follow self-guarantine procedures as suggested by health authorities, a mediaman hinted.
Stressing the self-quarantine as a national policy, which the Department of Health (DOH) has instructed, Abapo said it should be applicable to all persons coming from different places abroad and measures for locals.
Atty Abapo, who spoke for Governor Erico Aumentado in his weekly the interaction with the media continued on by saying even President Macapagal-Arroyo set the example and has to go through the procedure. President Arroyo, who came from a marathon state visits in Japan, Brazil and Hongkong checked out at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City recently without any signs that she was infected by A(H1N1) virus.
While stating not much of local monitors at the ports of entry, Abapo said there is no way Bohol could put up the monitoring system like the thermal scanner which is only installed in the country’s major airports and ports of entry from abroad.
Without the scanner to detect persons who may unwittingly carry the virus here, Abapo instead appealed for the honest observance of self precautionary measures suggested by the DOH as a way of keeping Bohol free from the virus.
He talked about covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, doing away from welcome hugs, constant and proper hand washing.
In fact, he also asked the listeners to be more wary about the threat of dengue. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
TBTK ’09 Bohol
Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan, Inc.
(A Gathering of Boholanos from Around the World)
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
July 14-26, 2009
July 14 , Tuesday- Malacanang Palace Visit – Audience with the President
July 16, Thursday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Registration: Metro Center
6:00 pm – Mrs. Bohol International
* Final Presentation of Candidates – Metro Center
* Canvassing /Selection: Metro Center
July 17, Friday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm: Arrival and Registration of Delegates: Metro Center
12 noon – International Cockfighting Derby: Baclayon Cockpit, Coordinator- Bobong Olario
6:00 pm – Mrs. Bohol International Coronation and Ball
* Councilor Mariquit D. Oppus – Chairperson
* Mrs. Liklik Schroeder & Eve Calceta – USA and Canada Coordinators
* Mrs. Rosemarie Marapao-Bruening- Coordinator- European Countries
July 18, Saturday
7:30 am Concelebrated Holy Mass: Most Rev. Leonardo Y. Medroso, Bishop of Tagbilaran,
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Tagbilaran City
9:00 am – Flower Offering to Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Monument,
Tour of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Museum, Tagbilaran City
Spiritual Enrichment- Diocese of Tagbilaran–c/o Ms. Betty Balatero
o Confirmations/Validation of weddings, religious seminar- Dauis, Bohol
12 noon –International Cockfighting Derby: Baclayon Cockpit
3:00pm – 25th Anniversary of Priesthood –Rev. Fr. Fernando Po @ the St Joseph’s Cathedral, Tagbilaran City ,followed by blessing and reception of new resort at Laya, Baclayon, Bohol
July 19, Sunday-
“SandugoFestival “Street Dancing, Parade, and Field Performance- Mr. Mariano Uy – Executive Director/ Deputy Mayor, City of Tagbilaran
6:00pm – TBTK staff, coordinators and committee meeting and dinner – TBTK Chairperson- Betty Veloso Garcia
July 20, Monday
8:00 am Youth Activities, John Torralba – coordinator, Medical Mission – c/o Dr. Anita C. Jackson
4:00 pm – Presentation & Press Conference of Miss Bohol International: Bohol Tropics Resort
7:00 pm – Homecoming: Holy Name University (DWC) / University of Bohol (RPC) Reunion
July 21, Tuesday
8:00 am – Youth Activities, Medical Mission – c/o Dr. Anita C. Jackson
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Miss Bohol International Talent Competition: Bohol Tropics Resort
7:00 pm – Reunions
* Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association
* Bohol Institute Technology, Bohol High School(DCPNHS), Bohol Trade (CVSCAFT)
July 22, Wednesday
BOHOL DAY CELEBRATION – Province
8:00 am – Youth Activities
12:00 pm – TBTK Meeting, Metro Center
2:00 pm – TBTK Election, Metro Center
6:00 pm – TBTK GALA – “DREAMS” Dinner show to be presented by the Boholano Community –Europe , Pres. Rosemarie Marapao-Bruening ; conceptualized and directed by Rolf Bruening @ the Verdan Pavillion ,Panglao Island Resort- Panglao , Bohol
July 23, Thursday
8:00 am – Youth Activities
Reunions –Holy Spirit School, Bohol Wisdom School, St. Therese
4:00 pm – Miss Bohol International Motorcade
6:00 pm – Cultural Show- Bohol’s Talent and Pride
July 24, Friday
8:00 am- Youth Activities
Group tour
7:00 pm – Miss Bohol International Competition: HNU Gym
* Ma. Pureza V. Chatto, Chairperson in Cooperation with Chocolate Hills Lady Jaycees
July 25, Saturday
9:00 am – “Tree Planting” with DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr.
Coordinated by Norris Oculam- President –Bohol Chamber of Commerce
7:00 pm – The Outstanding Boholano Awards, (TOBAW) Sponsored by the First Consolidated Bank- Mr. Nene Baseleres, Chairman/ Coordinators- Mr. Ted Apalisok and Mr. Narding Mag-aso
July 26, Sunday
Free Time: Family Picnic
7:00 pm – Recognition Night, Sponsored by The Provincial Government thru
Hon. Governor Erico B. Aumentado: Bohol Tropics Resort/ Induction of officers
(Douglas B. Hontanosas)
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Written by anyajulia on 29 June 2009
Some overseas Boholanos, like Mrs. Liklik Gallares – Shroeder and Eve Calceta, long time residents in Northern California’s Bay Area, the Sumodobila family now based in Houston,Texas and Mrs. Rosemary Marapao-Bruening, a Nurse in Germany with husband, Rulf. are now in Bohol at this early. Representing the early birds or first batch of Boholano balikbayans who are returning home for the big event, scheduled this July 14-26,2009 – the 4th TBTK Global Homecoming. The Bruenings, spearheading a big delegation of the Boholanos In Europe, will present a gala -dinner titled: Dream, at the Verdan Pavillion of Panglao Island Nature Resort on July 22, a Wednesday.
For spouses Ric Borja and Anita Taghap as well as their four children: Mike,Rian,Milvian, and Myla, tagging along four grandkids, the Borja family will be homeward bound this Sunday. Taking that Korean Airline flight from the JFK International Airport in New York, all the way to the domestic airport in Tagbilaran.. Looking forward to their 2nd TBTK participation and meeting with the local folks. Mrs. Borja, who is the incumbent President of the Bohol Circle Eastern USA, said that about 25 members of their group will be arriving in Bohol to be part of the medical mission they will conduct in Dampas,Tagbilaran and in Bilar town, respectively, for two days. Bohol Circle Eastern,USA will also donate a check amounting $1,300.00, for the construction of one housing- unit, to the Gawad-Kalinga Housing project in Totolan,Dauis Bohol
In the US alone, per telephone survey, planeloads of Boholanos will be going home this July for the 12 day TBTK gathering. According to Alger Ibarra residing in the Bay Area, about fifty delegates and their families from the Boholanos in Northern California answered the call to be part of the TBTK revelry.
In a related development, Bobong Olario said that about 75 -100 members of the Tagbilaran Association of Southern California, headed by Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson as President, have already applied for paid-time off(PT0) from their workplaces, to be able to fly home next month. Mr. Olario, who is coordinating the TBTK International Derby promotion to be held on July 18, a Saturday, at the Baclayon Cockpit Arena, made mention that so far, about 80 cockfight aficionados at home, in the Philippines and abroad, have already signed up for the International Derby.
As liaison to his brother, Ret. Gen. Abet Olario, who is the newly elected President of the Holy Name University Alumni Association, Mr. Olario said that a TBTK Balikbayan Basketball Team is formed to play an exhibition game against the HNU/DWC Alumni Team, bannered by former varsity players of the school. As preliminary game of the main event, pitting movie stars headed by Boholano actor, Cesar Montano versus the Bohol Chronicle/DYRD team, the top commercial team in Tagbilaran.
The Circulo Boholano in Illinois, under President Lilia Cumba, will also be fielding forty delegates to the TBTK gathering in Bohol. While about fifteen members from the Sandugo Eastern,USA, headed by President Bobong Dejaresco, will too pack up their bags and once again savor the sweetness of home sweet home. Latest e-mail report from Sylvia Fortich, PRO of the Tagbilaran Asso. of Southern California, Inc., there are 15-20 of them who will be attending the TBTK and be home in Bohol next month.
Adding heightened excitement to the Global homecoming of Boholanos, according to
TBTK Chairperson Mrs. Betty Veloso-Garcia, are the scheduled Class Reunions and Homecomings of schools, colleges, and universities, whose sons and daughters represent the Filipino diaspora, Overseas Contract Workers, Overseas Filipino Workers, as well as the Kaliwat ni Dagohoy and Sikatuna in foreign lands. Mrs. Garcia, a Nurse working in a New York hospital, for one, is an alumna of our local schools as Holy Spirit School in Elementary, Divine Word College in High School, Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing, where Betty obtained her Registered Nurse Associate Degree, and the University of Bohol, where she holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, respectively. All these schools are opening their gates wide open to a grand-homecoming, to jibe with the TBTK July calendar. What more, family gatherings, clan reunions and town fiestas become one moment in time affair. When long-lost friends and relatives renew ties and acquaintances. Reliving the good old days, the happy memories that once were shared back home in familiar places and tranquil surroundings.
Even the President of the Philippines, Her Excellency, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, will meet the arriving Boholano balibayans in her official residence at the Malacanang Palace, on day one, July 14, a Tuesday, at the nation’s capital of Manila. The theme of the 4th TBTK Global Homecoming which is about Environment Awareness, Conservation and Protection, is given support by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) under Secretary Lito Atienza. Sec. Atienza, will lead all Boholanos in a Tree Planting drive province-wide, scheduled on July 25, a Saturday. So also the Department of Tourism, under Sec. Ace Durano, is endorsing the TBTK as a model in our tourism campaign for other provincial communities to follow.
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Written by anyajulia on 20 June 2009
The latest letter received by the TBTK Chairperson Betty Veloso-Garcia from the acting Chairman of the Bohol Sandugo Foundation,Inc. and Deputy Mayor of the City of Tagbilaran, Mariano L. Uy is enough reason to smile and bring ecstasy to the heart of its intended recipient. Like music to our ears. A cause of celebration to Boholano balikbayans who will be arriving in planeloads from all corners of the world. For it brings the message that we so long to hear – the full support of the Bohol Sandugo and the City Government of Tagbilaran to the 2009 TBTK Global Homecoming this month of July.
Hereunder is the full text of Mr. Uy’s letter dated May 28,2009 to the TBTK Chair, which speaks for itself.
May 28, 2009
MS. BETTY VELOSO-GARCIA
President and Chairman
TBTK Foundation
Dear Ms. Garcia:
Greetings!
The Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. is again on its threshold of preparation as it reaches the 21st year of spurring the province into being the prime eco-cultural tourism destination in the country thru the Sandugo Festival. Considering that this year’s celebration coincides with the global homecoming of Boholanos dubbed Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan which you are spearheading, this year’s edition promises to be notches higher.
As such, our preparation is also inclined towards according our returning Boholanos with the kind of hospitality we are known of. Thus, we are committing the following;
* Hang welcome streamers at city entry points, activity centers, and hotels/inns with the help of the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants (BAHRR)
* Provide special seats for TBTK participants during the monthlong nightly entertainment and limited seats at the stage (max of 20) during the Streetdancing Competition. (the rest of the TBTK participants may occupy Grandstand bleachers)
* Give due acknowledgment to TBTK in our promotional sorties and during the conduct of any Sandugo activities.
* Involve TBTK participants in the Blood Compact Re-enactment and Streetdancing parade
* Donate three (3) Sandugo custom-made trophies for Miss and Mrs TBTK International and Tennis Tournament
Furthermore, we invite you to field-in a Member to the Board of Judges for Miss Bohol Sandugo at Bohol Cultural Center on July 18 at 8:00 pm and the Streetdancing Competition at CPG Sports Complex on July 26 at 1:00 pm, preferably with relative experience on judging such competition. This invitation is initially served to your kind person, but should you be unavailable, you may send someone to represent your organization.
Be with us in promoting Filipino heritage and in reliving humanity’s eternal pact for unity and peace through the Sandugo Festival
Yours truly,
(SGD) MARIANO L. UY
Deputy Mayor, City of Tagbilaran
Acting Chairman, BSFI
In her e-mail postings circulated to the TBTK shareholders, Mrs. Garcia said and quote:… after all the struggles and deliberation, we have come to a diplomatic state,
Praise the Lord. My heartfelt thanks to all for your patience, time, and effort to make this event a great success. We only have a month and a half left, let’s do what we are supposed to do.
So, to All Boholanos wherever you are situated in the Philippines and abroad, Manguli Ta Sa Bohol sa July 14-26,2009 for the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan. See You There.
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Written by anyajulia on 16 June 2009
DILI igo ang rason sa kahadlok sa swine flu aron i-oktaba ang nagsingabot nga Tigum sa mga Bol-aanon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK).
Kini maoy pamahayag ni Liklik Gallares Schroeder sa pakighinabi sa kahanginan sa milabay nga adlaw.
Kini usab bisan pa nga gibutyag ni Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III nga may 33 pa ka kaso sa A (H1N1) nga nadeklara na nga luwas, nga nagdugang nagdto na sa 71 ka pasyente nga naayo na.
Sa laing bahin, 46 pa ang may kompirmadong mild nga A (H1N1) case, nga nagpalobo sa natakdan ngadto na sa 193 sukad niadtong Mayo 1.
Sa umaabot nga sugyot nga Ipa-oktaba ang TBTK, si Gallares-Schroeder mibutyag nga dili na kaayo kahadlokan ang swine flu kay wala na kini mataho nga gikahadlokan sa Amerika.
Hinuon, dugang niya, ipadayon pa gihapon usab ang mga pamaagi aron kalikayan ang pagkatap sa sakit pinaagi sa pagsubay sa saktong hygiene. (PIA)
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Written by anyajulia on 15 May 2009
It is said that music is the food that feeds our soul. What a fitting delight to know that
our TBTK Global Homecoming campaign promotion not just has its own official Theme Song, but its composer is no less a Priest, gifted with such extra-ordinary skill in music and among the Paring Bol-anon holding pastoral assignment abroad who is right now connected to a Louisiana Parish in the United States, in the person of Fr. Roel Lungay. Music was arranged and sang by Romy Ceniza Mascarinas, another talent based in Tagbilaran City.
Better still, such TBTK Theme Song was first aired during Tagbilarans fiesta celebration at Wyckoff, New Jersey where a big congregation of the Boholano community in the East Coast were in attendance last May 9, a Saturday. To everybody’s delight, touching the heart, mind and soul of every Boholano hearing the melody and the lyrics of the song that emits love of our home-province, our people and the invitation to be home this July for the grand celebration..
Such information is no less revealed by our TBTK Chairperson, Mrs. Betty Veloso-Garcia, who was invited as the Inducting Officer of the Tagbilaranon’s of Eastern USA headed by another Paring Bol-anon, Fr. Fernando Po, as re-elected President.
Hereunder is the lyrics of the TBTK’s Theme Song in its entirety. To hear the song, log on to our website at tbtk.org . or click youtube, or get in touch with us thru our e-mail ad:douglashont@hotmail.com.
TIGUM BOL-ANON
Words by J. Roel Lungay
Music by Romeo C. Mascariñas
1
Panahon sa kasadya
Ania na usab
Dakong panaghudyaka
Kanato nagtawag
Kita mag tapok-tapok
Kita mag tigum-tigum.
2
Hala tibuok banay
Pangandam na kamo
Ma nanay man o tatay
Ma dodong man o inday
Kitang tanan mo byahe
Kitang tanan pauli.
Koro:
Tigum Bol-anon tigum
Dili na gyod maluom
Tigum Bol-anon tigum
Dili na gyod mahilom
Mahal natong probinsya
Nagsige nag pangagda
Bol-anon tib’ok kalibutan
Sundon nato ang dalan
Pauli sa Bohol,
Pinangga tang Bohol.
3
Kalambo, kahiusa
Paga damgohon ta
Yuta natong natawhan
Atong pangalagaran
Ayaw kamo kalimot
Tandaon ta siya.
4
Bol-anong panawagan
Kaninyo nga tanan.
Bol-anon’sa kalibutan
O dungga ki’ng tanan;
Salamat, o Bol-anon
Magkita-kita tang tanan.
(Koro)
Tulay:
Tigum Bol-anon tigum!
Bol-anon tib’ok kalibutan
Bol-anon tib’ok kalibutan
Uban kamo sa panagtigum!
(Koro)
Koda:
Tigum Bol-anon tigum!
Tigum Bol-anon tigum!
Tigum Bol-anon tigum!
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Written by anyajulia on 22 April 2009
The TBTK 2009 Schedule of Activities from July 14-26 is already prepared in earnest.
From the Boholano balikbayans’ appointed meeting with President Gloria M. Arroyo in Malacanang Palace in the nation’s capital of Manila on day one, to the subsequent social functions calendared in the days thereafter. Many of which are held in Tagbilaran City,Bohol, the venue site of most TBTK activities. So also in the neighboring municipalities as Baclayon, where an International Derby is to be held. Panglao, where the Boholano European community will present their DREAM show at the Panglao Island Resort and in Calape where the Miss Bohol International Beauty Pageant will take place in their 7,000 seat capacity Sports Center, respectively.
Be that as it may, the dates of July 20 and 21, a Monday and Tuesday, will be the most awaited by our Boholano brothers and sisters who have their own medical and health concerns. Those who can’t afford to seek treatment with specialist medical practitioners or in a private tertiary hospital. For topnotch doctors, surgeons, dentists, nurses, and other medical practitioners from hospital institutions abroad will be coming to Bohol as part of the TBTK delegation. They will spearhead the two-day Medical-Surgical Mission lead by a Boholana physician based in California, Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson, the incumbent Chairperson of the Tagbilaran Association of California(TAC) and the designated Coordinator, International TBTK Medical Surgical Mission 2009. To be held at the newly refurbished Tagbilaran Puericulture and Maternity House, Inc.
Dr. Jackson’s staff will be accompanied by a Maxillofacial Surgical team headed by Dr. Theodore Micholoff from St. Martin de Porres and Makati Medical Center, the Boholano-couple physician from New York, Dr. Teofilo”Pepe” Recitas and wife Diane, representing the Home-Reach foundation, as well as Mrs. Fancy Baluyot and staff of the Philippine Gift of Life and the Provincial Health Office under Dr. Rey Moses Cabagnot.
The TBTK Medical-Surgical Mission will be bringing with them specialized equipment and free prescriptive medicines to the Boholano patient-recipients. The TBTK Chair, Mrs. Betty Veloso-Garcia, a Nurse by profession and is connected with the New York Downtown Hospital, as well as her nurse daughter Maribeth, will also be present to administer to the needs of the visiting Medical Corps who will be billeted at the Metro Center during their Bohol stay, as well as to monitor the progress of the humanitarian undertaking.
Dr. Anita Jackson-Cal is calling on all overseas Boholano medical practitioners to take part in this laudable project and do their share in alleviating the plight of our indigent patients in the Province of Bohol. To the rest of our Paisanos, they can contribute financially or give whatever material support for the intended project that is considered one highlight activity of the TBTK 2009 Global Homecoming.
Douglas B. Hontanosas
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