Congratulations to the winners of the Padadyaw sa Tinampo – the grand finale of the 80th Catanduanes Foundation Anniversary this Oct. 24-26, 2025: LGU Gigmoto, grand champion; LGU Virac, 1st runner-up; and LGU San Andres, 2nd runner-up.
Winning special awards were LGU Bato (Best in Costume) and LGU Gigmoto (Best in Moving Choreography).
The same congratulations goes to the new set of beauty queens chosen during the Oct. 24 pageant night: Bb. Catanduanes 2025 – Sharina Tariman of Bato; Bb. Catandungan – Karen Rodriguez of Bagamanoc; Bb. Catanduanes Tourism – Jane Aubrey Andes of Virac; 1st Runner Up – Princess Kaye Vargas of Virac; and 2nd Runner Up – Fatima Victoria of Bato.
*****
Logistical issues and lack of space prevented this paper from accommodating reports and photos of the various events of the 80th Catanduanes Foundation Anniversary.
We apologize to our readers for the deliberate omission although we are confident that the abundance of information and pictures of the events on social media would be enough.
*****
There was just one reason why the wreath laying in honor of Congressman Francisco Perfecto was held at the Virac Heroes Memorial Fountain.
Doing it as usual at the bust of the man who was responsible for Catanduanes’ becoming an independent province would not look good on social media.
The metal plaque citing the Masbateño-turned-Catandunganon was damaged during a previous typhoon and was not restored or at least repaired to a presentable condition.
At the very least, the General Services Office, which is just at the back of the legislative building, should have initiated its restoration or replacement months earlier.
*****
Gone from this world recently is kundiman diva and pantomina singer Carmen Camacho, who passed away last Oct. 19, 2025, a month before she would have turned 86.
A year ago, the native of Sapang Palay, San Andres was honored by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and then Governor Joseph Cua for her musical legacy.
The resolution said Camacho’s illustrious career in music began in the 1950s as a member of the Mabuhay singers, recording her first album in the early 1960s and collaborating with Villar Records in producing a repertoire of timeless songs.
Her dedication to the craft and her unparalleled talent earned her the distinction of being hailed as “The Country’s Top Kundiman Diva” by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a testament to her enduring impact in Philippine music, it said.
Among her notable works as timeless classics such as “Nagkamali Ako” (1966), “Kapuspalad ng Isilang” (1967), “Katkatawami’t Kasta Unay” (1968) and “Nagpaitem ni Lagip” (1969) as well as Cebuano song “Dakung Kasalanan” in 1968.
She likewise participated in the Golden Collection Series: The Best of Bicol Songs, contributing the “Pantomina” and “Si Nanay, Si Tatay,” showcasing her versatility as an artist using her native tongue.
*****
WHAT SEX IS. A little girl asks her father, “What is sex?”
The father thinks, this is the day I have to explain the birds and the bees to my little princess. He sits her down and explains sex, including sexual intercourse, conception, sperm, eggs, ovulation, menstruation, etc.
When he’s done, his little girl looks up at him and asks, “Daddy, what’s a couple mean?”
He explains that a couple is when two people are romantically involved and that it usually involves them having sex.
When he’s done, he asks the little girl, “Why do you want to know about a couple and sex?”
Looking confused, she says, “Mommy said lunch will be ready in a couple of secs.”