Youngest Mayor?

There is an interesting political twist in one of the northern towns of Bohol. Jose Jono Jumamoy was elected mayor of Inabanga, Bohol in the elections held last May 14, 2007. He is the son of third term mayor, Josephine Jumamoy, who was also elected Provincial Board Member of Bohol in the same elections. The twist? Jono is only 21 years old. Already, a local newspaper is speculating that he might just be the youngest mayor in the Philippines.

More twist. Before you cry political dynasty, know that Jono already has a double degree in Management and International Business at Northwood University at West Palm Beach, Florida. He gave up an opportunity to work in the US even after securing a work permit there and a position at the World Bank. He won by over 6,000 votes against his political opponent.

Inabanga is special to me because it is the hometown of my beloved mother. We've attended a lot of family reunions there. Will the town be seeing brighter days? I really hope so. Take note that Inabanga is also the hometown of Francisco Dagohoy, the Boholano who led the longest Philippine revolt against the Spanish rule.

Sale Sale Sale!

Will Harvey Stay Home?

Do you remember this email?

“Dear Fellow Filipino... Over the weekend, we saw the completion of two major political alliances for this coming Senate Elections that has just began here in the Philippines . Now we have two political forces with familiar faces nonetheless on opposite sides of the fences... It is with these in mind that I'd like to share with you what are events this coming May elections that will make me consider leaving the Philippines: 1. If former COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano of Hello Garci fame wins in his bid to become Congressman of Bukidnon... 2. If Dancing Queen Tessie Aquino Oreta reclaims her seat at the Senate... 3. If Richard Gomez becomes a senator. x x x 4. If Gringo Honasan wins again... 5. If Manny Pacquiao becomes Congressman of General Santos City... 6. If Lito Lapid wins for Mayor of Makati City... 7. If Chavit Singson becomes a Senator... Now if all of these 7 things happen during this coming elections then don't be surprised if I decide to leave this country that I love dearly... Sincerely, Harvey S. Keh Email harveykeh@gmail.com”

Mr. Keh's letter was heavily circulated before the May 14 elections. It showed his obvious frustration with the Philippine electorate who in the past have been so forgiving and undiscriminating. By the way things are going now, it seems the Philippine electorate has redeemed itself a bit. Garcillano, Oreta, Gomez, Pacquiao, Lapid and Singson lost. Only Honasan remains to have a chance.

Add to that the victories of non-traditional politicians like Fr. Panlilio of Pampanga and "me thinks" Harvey might just be staying home.

A Wedding in the Family

I went home to Bohol last weekend to attend the wedding of my sister Ynelle to Al, her bf for a few years now. The wedding was held at the St. Isidore Parish Church, a church which our father helped renovate. The mass and the marriage ceremony was con-celebrated by 5 priests including 2 who were close friends of ours. Relatives, friends, and acquaintances were there to witness the ceremony.

For once, there was no crying. I guess people felt Ynelle and Al are a perfect match. As mentioned in the homily, theirs is a "spiritual" love story. They first met in a bible sharing session and their relationship was nurtured by my sister's continuing service as a lector in church while Al worked as a seaman abroad. In fact, most of the marriage preparations were done with the help of fellow church workers, who like us, wish and pray for blessed married life to the two of them.

Funny thing. I, the younger brother, both in age and actual maturity, had to stand as "parent" in place of our father who passed away two years ago. It would have been funnier had our mother, still recovering from a stroke she had also two years go, agreed to "walk" the aisle with my sister on her new shiny wheelchair. That would been dramatic.

Despite my "ceremonial" role, I still found time to take some pictures of the event. It was another chance for me to practice my digital photography skills. Using Sony Cybershot, that is. You can see the pics at Flickr. Please feel free to comment.

PCIJ reports about Bohol barangay

Avigail M. Olarte writes about life in barangay Magsaysay, Sevilla, Bohol and how little life has changed for the people there through all the years, both in war and in peace. The barangay, which almost a decade ago was the site of constant clashes between the New People's Army (the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines) and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and which has been declared "free" from insurgents, continue to top all poverty indicators for barangays that you can think of.

This serves as a grim reminder to our dear politicians in Bohol, especially those now running for positions in the coming May 2007 elections. We have always wondered why Bohol, with all its resources and woderful tourist destinations, continue to be among the poorest provinces in the country. It's time for them to finally face the issue and to really commit to addressing the problem. Otherwise, we might end up seeing the last of the people's frustration, and the beginning of their anger. Read the full report at pcij.org.