Bared... Mr and Miss Teen Bohol 2010 crowned

Tagbilaran, Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Wake-uppers:

• From Fiel Angeli Gabin: Happy 52nd wedding anniversary to Tay Leoncio-Nay Dioscora Amora Jubac, parents of Madam Lani Jubac-Schoof, businesswoman-wife of German philanthropist, Sir Hans Schoof, last May 25.
• After reigning as Mrs. Bohol International and Mrs. Bohol Tourism 2009, Dame Rose Soy was crowned for the fifth time as Rotary Santacruzan Queen 2010 held last Friday. Dame Rose, who is known as Bohol's Queen of Tourism, is known for having paved the way for the now booming Bohol tourism in her capacity as a travel specialist. Watch for a follow-up story.

Is it goodbye for the province's wholesome pageant?

The answer to today's interrogative subheadline is: Yes or No. Yes, if, that is a big if, there will elections this October 2010 for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and another administration will take place (Is Trisha Chatto, daughter of governor-elect Edgar Chatto, running?) and Mr and Miss Teen Bohol is not a priority in his/her administration. No, if, that is a big if, someone like John Torralba will handle it next year (with or without SK's support) to look for sponsors and run the event.

"We hope to see Mr and Miss Teen Bohol next year," said one student from Miriam College who watched the pageant. Jane Censoria Cajes said that the search is aimed to develop the self-confidence of the province's young constituents, and at the same time provide a venue wherein they can showcase their skills, talents and potentials. "They are representing the entire youth of Bohol."

Bohol's most desirable youth: Vence Gallego (Calape) and Jert Torregosa (Buenavista) are the Mr and Miss Teen Bohol 2010...

The Mr and Miss Teen Bohol is only one year old compared to the old pageants in Bohol like Miss Bohol Sandugo (established in 1989), Miss Bohol International (established in 1999) and Miss Tagbilaran (established in 1986). However, the Mr and Miss Teen Bohol made an impact on Bohol's society of having the highest number of contestants. It is the only pageant in the province which is trying to project a "wholesome" image (no swimwear, please!) for male and female teenagers after passing the rigid screenings and district eliminations.

Jesat Cathy Duce performing Lady Gaga's Bad Romance

I could not blame rising host Julan Crisale Cordova who said that Mr and Miss Teen Bohol is the most prestigious pageant in Bohol and his co-host Joan Robie Cajes made a second the motion when the pageant venue was super jam packed. Well, the most attended pageant this year. Who could protest when the pageant was successful last May 27 at the Bohol Cultural Center?

...At the Pedia ward (with S and K mascot) of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Hospital the following day after winning Mr and Miss Teen Bohol 2010 for their first function. - Gerwin Yudelmo

Here's a look at some of the highlights and the sidelights at this year's Mr and Miss Teen Bohol and what sets it apart from other pageants:

• The candidates who came out on stage at the beginning of the pageant and danced to "Dance Bailalo" by Kat de Luna are from the different towns of Bohol.
• And this year's Mr and Miss Teen Bohol was a strong wallop of fast-paced production number, precise and well-choreographed, and almost post-modern and highly fashionable outfits from the collections of designer Charlow Arbasto.
• During the pageant, there were many "ifs" like: What if Miss Trinidad was able to answer the question with deep and spontaneity? She was the tallest among the candidates and has the face value. What if Mr. Corella James David Mahinay was "fit" that night? When the top 5 was announced, he was rushed to a nearby hospital when he was experiencing shortness of breath or dyspnea. The show went on. So, when Mr. Corella arrived at the venue, it was already announcement of winners. "Sayang!" one girl exclaimed.
• The male contestants paraded on stage for the shortswear with "I Love Bohol" shirts and sexy shorts. After the guys, it was the turn of the ladies and it seemed the cheers were even louder for them; all clad in black shorts and "I Love Bohol" shirts.
• Video clips played an integral part of the evening's proceedings. The MTV showed the candidates recording their own version of Yolanda Adam's I Believe. "They know they can because they believe." The farewell speech of last year's winners - Ian Orillos and Jen Dunting - had a touch of Koreanovela. The organizer had the final questions videotaped for the top 3 finalists. It was lawyer Eliseo Labaria, provincial Comelec Supervisor III, who asked the female finalists what they would tell president-apparent NoyNoy Aquino if given the chance to ask him for something. On the other hand, Gabrielle Oppus, youngest daughter of Tagbilaran city re-elected councilor Kit Oppus asked the male finalists who they would have if they were popular leaders in the past.
• More entertainment was provided by Jesat Cathy Duce who made an appearance on stage singing Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Jesat proved herself a total performer. Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh! Caught in a bad romance Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah! Roma-roma-mamaa! Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
• The formal wear segment featured the ladies in beautifully designed evening gowns modeling before the cheering audience while the guys were just as elegant in their dapper, formal suits.
• When the final results, following the final round of questions, were announced it was crowd's favorite, Vence Gallego, who walked away with the Mr. Teen Bohol, edging Michael Angelo Opalla of Buenavista and Henrich Licod of Alicia into first and second runners-up respectively. Among the ladies, Jert Torregosa was crowned Miss Teen Bohol, with Jessica Timbal of Guindulman taking the first runner-up position and Felice Carvajal of Trinidad as second runner-up.
• According to John Torralba, the project director, this year's batch of Mr and Miss Teen Bohol aspirants was one of the prettiest, no wonder the board of judges (including the panel of judges included Bb. Pilipinas 2006-World Ana Maris Igpit, Mr. Philippines Eco-tourism 2009 RapRap Geson III, Yda Nolan and Jolo Valdez) had a hard time picking the winners.
• The winners of Mr. and Miss Teen Bohol 2010 have a cash prize of P20,000 each, a trophy, and other special prizes. The first and second runners-up received P15,000.00 and P10,000, respectively, plus a trophy and special prizes. And the good thing, no one get hurt when they received the trophies. Hehehe.

What a busy schedule (ahead) for the winners! The following day, Vence and Jert (who were still sleepy and exhausted) had an outreach program at the Pedia ward of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital as part of their functions. This what made Mr and Miss Teen Bohol different with other pageants; it has served its purpose. At lunch time, they went to Clarin town to give sympathy to Kim Lara, one of the candidates, whose father died last week (Kim was able to attend the rehearsals and the pageant night).

When Vence and Jert were available for another round of grueling Q&A (thanks to Bared correspondent Gerwin Yudelmo), I told myself they are lovable characters! They were gracious under pressure, poised even under the oppressive summer sun, very confident now that they are titled.

What do you think does the world needs most right now?

Jert: Well, I think what the world needs most right now is love among humanity for we all know that with love, we can have unity and if we are united, then we will live a peaceful life.

Vence: I believe what the world needs right now is faith. In times of struggle and hardship, we need to be strong. We must have faith in ourselves and of course, faith in God.

As Mr and Miss Teen Bohol, what qualities of the Boholano youth would you highlight?

Jert: The qualities I would like to highlight are being hospitable and a strong fighter. Boholano youths are very determined and that's what makes us best among the rest.

Vence: I would like to highlight how the Boholano youth take action and come together and unite to commit to our goals. We are dedicated and true to what we do. We are amongst the hardest workers in our nation.

Who is your role model and why?

Jert: The person that I have been looking up to since before is my mom, Julie Torregosa because for me, she is such a strong fighter. A lot has happened in our family but she kept a tight grip on us. She stood by us against all odds.

Vence: My role model is my dad, Ven Gallego. He has taught me everything I need to know and has always stuck by my side. He has overcome many hardships in his life and never let it get to him. He taught me no matter what happens to you in life, the best thing to do is move on and let that situation make you stronger.

Young people today are liberated and adventurous, willing to try everything. What's your stand on pre-marital sex?

Jert: Well as part of those young people, my stand is that PMS should be a NO NO! But, since we are liberated and adventurous, we can't blame the youth for being curious because that's the essence of our being. What the society can do with that is to let all the youth be aware. They have to educate us with that for I believe that the lack of awareness has been the ultimate reasons why unwanted consequences happen.

Vence: I believe things like that should only happen at the right time. Thought we may be curious, I believe we must practice self control and know the things that could go wrong with PMS. What I believe us youth lacks is awareness. We must be aware and know the results of the decisions we make.

If you were somebody else, who would you like to be and why?

Jert: If I were to be a somebody in the society, I would choose to be any lawyer in the world. I would love to defend my fellow citizen and make sure they don't become victims of injustice. I believe lawyers themselves are somewhat of a hero.

Vence: If I were to be somebody else, I would be any doctor in the world. I would love to be one because I would like that opportunity to save lives. To me, doctors are the real superheroes in our world.

Describe yourself in three words.

Jert: I would describe in these three words: "Simple yet alluring."

Vence: I would describe myself by the three D'S: Disciplined, Determined, Dedicated.

What is your greatest inspiration?

Jert: My greatest inspiration is the smile of other people. It makes me realize that each day is a brand new day. I don't have to mourn and let the past bother me. I just have to move on and let it go, knowing that I still have the right to be happy for myself, which also gives happiness to others.

Vence: My greatest inspiration is my parents, because despite all the hardships and problems life throws at them, they find a way to make life better for my brother and I. I wish for one day, I can return the favor.

If you were to change something in yourself, what would it be?

Jert: If I were to change something about myself, I would change my negative thinking. I think sometimes, I feel so pessimistic about things that I forget to think about the positive side of the issue. I give myself unwanted stresses. But I'm sure with time and maturity, I will learn to become a optimistic and strong woman.

Vence: If I were to change something about myself, I would change the way I handle tight situations. I tend to stress and panic and not get anything done. I need to learn to relax and be easy in order to think straight. Such changes like these come with maturity. I still have much to learn as a young adult.

What will your advocacies be in SK?

Jert: My main concern would be about the environmental problems we are facing for how any years already. I feel we are responsible for the constant destruction of the environment. I should say that we should take the stand and act now before it's really too late. Who knows, we must be the change we wish to see in our world.

Vence: My main advocacy in SK would to support the cleanliness of our environment. God gave us the chance to live on his earth and it is our duty to take care of it. I feel a lot of our citizens have neglected the role as caretakers of our earth. I would convince and ask and talk about our environment and things we need to do to take care of it.

What is the essence of being Mr and Miss Teen Bohol?

Jert: Being Ms Teen Bohol is not just having the title, the special treatments, the worldly compliments of others, but it is taking the responsibility to represent the youth and be an ambassadress of good will. This is a time in my life, where I am given the chance to voice out to all the youth out there and take the lead for a better change and I would never ever waste it.

Vence: The essence of being Mr Teen Bohol is that I have the opportunity to be fully involved in my society. It makes me feel good knowing that I am doing good for my community. I feel I can take the lead and can help make changes to things that need to be addressed. Being a Mr Teen Bohol is also a good experience for me and can help me make the transition to being a mature, young man.

Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com. Visit www.bohol.ph.

Leo P. Udtohan

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