I MUST say writing “Acacias fronting our Taloto house” brought me a lot of fun, a good dose of nostalgia, and a pleasant surprise having noticed that the article was well-read! I guess folklore always captivates the Filipino’s imagination, huh, yours included. I pat myself on the back for writing it but more importantly, I thank Hezekiah Kit for urging me to tell the story! Let’s do more stories of that nature, haha!
I’m quite contented that Woman Talk with Belinda Sales has completed its first four broadcasts in September 2022! I’m pleased that I can provide a unique platform for women’s voices to be heard in the province of Bohol and in the city of Tagbilaran. So far, we have conversed with an environment and women advocate, a millennial law student and women advocate, and a peace and justice advocate.
As women, we need to question existing stereotype beliefs especially if these disadvantage other women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
I look forward to engaging more women advocates and leaders particularly those coming from the different sectors. Yes, we will also invite men. We will also listen to their stories. In October, we shall have a male guest or two.
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I can’t help but write about my 2022 experience. Yes, I know that 2022 hasn’t ended yet but this story deserves to be told. I am certain that you, too, my readers, have your unique 2022 tales waiting to be told.
The year 2022 is a dynamo! In early January while in Manila, I contracted COVID-19 – because I traveled after having been stuck for two years, but thank God, I just breezed through the illness because I was vaccinated twice; then I returned to General Santos City and renewed my talk show with 98.3 Home Radio General Santos for three months – I couldn’t renew after three months on account of the campaign period; visited my cousin Josephine Pizarras and family in Mati City – a plan I have long wanted to execute; visited my friends in Iloilo City and went splashing and swimming in the white-sand beaches of the islets in Guimaras causing me to get sick for two straight nights, it sucked! – my perpetual thanks to Grace Bayoneta Solis and kids for taking good care of me until I recovered; campaigned for city councilor of General Santos City – a long-cherished dream – with campaign support from family, friends, former power industry colleagues, present colleagues, and new acquaintances and allies; joined a healing retreat and expanded my circle of friends in Davao City and Metro Manila; flew to Bohol instead of Iloilo for my birthday – an unplanned trip but a timely reroute; returned to General Santos to complete my engagements; flew back to Bohol for a hosting gig; and then started the relocation process. Like I said, the birthday trip was a timely reroute.
Now that may sound easy breezy, but I can guarantee it’s not. There were accompanying stressors along the way and boy, was it tough! But thank God, when He directs your steps, things just fall into place.
In the relocation process, there is still a lot of things to cover but the first step had already been accomplished, so let’s take it one step at a time from here forward.
In the meantime, I am thinking of school again haha! Me and my solid relationship with school! It has been proven repeatedly over time.
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On Sept. 28, 2022, Ma’am Wincesa “Wincie” Araoarao turned 83! Indeed, 80 is the new 60! We were entertained with lots of singing and dancing – yours truly included – in her adorable Graham Avenue home in Tagbilaran City. Food, ice cream, and cakes of all sizes and flavors decked the table. It only goes to show how much Ma’am Wincie is loved hereabouts.
Former performers of the famed Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe of the Bohol National High School as I knew it then came to dance the night away. I must tell you, it’s so good to dance. Nothing beats a good dance producing copious sweat.
All these years, I have visited and lived in House Araoarao each time I visit Bohol, sometimes together with Shiloh Ruthie. We always felt welcome in the house.
Thank you, Ma’am Wincie, Fiel, Jerome and AJ Cielo and Renji, for the invitation. It truly made my day! Ma’am Wincie is truly #CharmAndGraceAt83, an icon in the summer island of Bohol.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
