One of my favorite cafés is finally in the BGC area: Black Canyon Coffee! Located at Tuscany, McKinley Hills, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

They do have a branch at Southmall Las Pinas but that’s a world away from my territory which is the stretch from Marikina to Makati.

But this is not my first introduction to Black Canyon Coffee. I first stumbled upon the franchise at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on my first visit to Thailand. That was 4 years ago when my blog Adventures of a Beauty Queen was born.

Black Canyon is all over Thailand since it is a Thai brand and I have had the chance to visit it not just at the airport but also in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and in Bangkok proper. Yes, I’ve got great memories attached to the café and was excited to hear that it was finally near me!

My Review: Black Canyon Coffee Manila gets 3.5 out of 5 Tiaras!

That score would’ve been higher if BCC’s signature dish – the Pad Thai Noodles (P194) – was less salty. Perhaps the saltiness is to please the Filipino palate? It also didn’t come with the traditional slice of lime. Even a lemon slice would have sufficed. Having Pad Thai without some tangy citrus feels like I went to work wearing only one sock.

The Brewed Coffee (P95) is okay, just a tad bitter. Not my favorite brew but a good change from my usual Starbucks.

The atmosphere is cozy with a nice 2nd floor and some greenery outside the café windows. If you like sunny mornings, Black Canyon is a great place for breakfast – they let the sun stream in generously. But those who prefer the shade can sit in the inner section where it’s safe from UV rays.

I love the menu – its got beautiful pictures of the café’s offerings – noodles, soups (like Tom Yum), rice dishes, pasta, curries, smoothies and all kinds of coffee concoctions.

We’ll be back for sure!

Mutya Datul is crowned Miss Supranational 2013!!!

Looks like Mutya Datul’s Salagubang Walk ruled the stage in Minsk Belarus! The “simple probinsyana who gets tongue-tied in front of people” has overcome and is now the very first Filipina to ever win the Miss Supranational title!

It’s a dream-come-true for the Isabella beauty who has been joining pageants just to raise funds for her ill mother. With her victory in Europe, Mutya now has $25,000 USD to bring home. ABQ also hopes that this will be the start of a modelling career in Europe for the gorgeous 21-year-old babe.

Aside from the crown, Mutya Datul also won Miss Personality, entered the Top 10 of Miss Talent and Top 8 of Miss Internet.

Watch her crowning moment here!

Mutya Datul (right) with the 2 other Filipinas in the Miss Suprantional 2013 beauty pageant – Suzette Hernandez of Canada (left) and Marie Molo Peter of Norway (middle)

Two other Filipinas in the pageant representing other countries also did well: Suzette Hernandez wore the Canadian sash; she entered the Top 20 of the semi-finals while Marie Molo Peter of Norway was Miss Internet 3rd Runner-up.

The Philippines has been excelling in the Miss Supranational. Last year, our representative Elaine Kay Moll won 3rd Runner-up in the international pageant. And now, with Mutya Datul’s win, our country’s fame as a pageant powerhouse continues to rise!

Here’s the text I received from Tessa Mangahas, PR Head of Bb Pilipinas Charities:

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. is overjoyed at the victory of the newly crowned Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul in the pageant held at Minsk Belarus. Mutya bested more than 80 of the loveliest women from all over the world, radiating the beauty, confidence, grace and intelligence of the Filipina. She has brought immense honor to the Philippines and we are looking forward to a rousing welcome for our very first Miss Supranational on Monday, September 9. BPCI would also like to thank all those who have supported Mutya in her journey to the crown.

Congratulations Mutya Johanna Datul, Miss Supranational 2013!

Get the complete list of winners here.

ABQ Loves Mutya Datul!!!

Ron and Joyce Titular with their Megan Young article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer!!! A first for the both of us!!!

Dreams do come true! One of my articles got published by my favorite newspaper – The Philippine Daily Inquirer! The article talks about the ‘secret gaming life’ of Miss World Philippines 2013 Megan Young. She is currently on the island of Bali in Indonesia in her first week of competition at the Miss World 2013 beauty tilt.

Click here to read the online version but if you can, drop by your favorite kiosk to buy a copy of today’s issue, Saturday,  September 7, 2013! its on the front page of the Lifestyle Section C1.

Our Megan Young Article for Inquirer…

What’s even cooler is that the photos used were taken by my hubby Ron T. who is a serious photography hobbyist. He often tags along with me when I attend pageant events. It’s Ron’s first time as well to be published by the PDI!!!

Congratulations to my lovey!

Thank you to Lex Librea who was supposed to write the article but ran out of time and asked me to send something in. Thanks to Subsection Editor Pam Pastor for liking the article enough to publish it!

Below is the front page with Ron’s photo of Megan and a teaser on the article. Love it!

Our Megan Young article is teased at the bottom of the front page of PDI! That’s a cropping of Ron’s photo of Megan Young! WOW!

Muslim protesters in Jakarta

Days ago, ABQ suggested that the coronation of Miss World 2013 should not be held in Jakarta but instead be moved to Bali and it looks like Indonesia’s government is working to move the finals to the island paradise. Muslim hardliners, many of them women, had been protesting in the streets in Jakarta, burning effigies of the pageant organizers calling them ‘infidels’.  They are protesting the ‘display of women’ which they deem against the Islamic faith.

Read the story on Yahoo here.

However, it must be pointed out that Miss World is the only major international beauty pageant that doesn’t have contestants on stage in swimsuits or bikinis. When Miss World founder Julia Morley visited the Philippines in early 2012, she stated that the swimsuit competition of Miss World is always held on the beach or by a poolside because the organization doesn’t think contestants should parade on stage in swimwear.

In spite of this and the move of Miss World organizers to scrap the bikini contest this year in favor of a Balinese Sarong contest, conservative Muslims still continue to push for the cancellation of the event to the dismay of tourism officials who say that the pageant will be good for tourism.

Our representative, Miss World Philippines 2013 Megan Young is also feeling the pinch. She said this in her official Miss World Philippines Facebook:

They told us to wear comfy clothes for rehearsals so I wore my orange Eric Delos Santos dress with my Super Dry wedge sneakers! I was going for a sporty-chic look Only to find out we had to cover up to respect the cultural beliefs in Indonesia. It was all good though because we found our own ways of being sexy without showing skin: CONFIDENCE!! So I put on my Topshop jeans, Zara top, H&M blazer and Aldo boots (with super cute socks underneath hehe) and gold earrings to finish off my outfit. During rehearsals, I was to.d that I was one of the girls chosen to participate in the press conference with several other ladies. I got so excited and pulled out my Kate Middleton inspired dress by Vania Romoff and topped it off with a gold belt and beige heels. We rehearsed all day for the opening ceremony tomorrow which you can watch through livestream at http://missworld.okezone.com/

Megan had to change her orange sexy dress (left) to the more conservative one in the middle…

For the safety of the contestants, pageant organizers should move ALL pageant events to Bali where the Balinese don’t mind tourists in skimpy swimwear. We don’t want a repeat of the violence and deaths that happened in 2002 when Miss World was forced to move the coronation, last minute to London.

Meantime, dear ABQ readers, please keep praying for the safety of all people involved in Miss World from the contestants to the organizers to the people flying in to watch the finals. Let’s also pray for the security folk assigned to protect the girls including our very own Miss World Philippines 2013 Megan Young.

God forbid that the Bali Bombings in 2005 happen again.

Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul enters the room to a cheering crowd!

WELCOME HOME SUPRA-GIRL!

It’s hard to believe that Mutya Johanna Datul was exhausted when she arrived at her homecoming party in Gloria Maris, Gateway Mall. Look at the photo above! There is not one shadow or shred of proof that she had just spent hours in transit on her way back home to Manila from the European nation of  Belarus.

When she walked in, people stood up and cheered while the photographers’ flashbulbs brightened up the place. But they were not as bright as the shining gem that we know as Mutya Datul, the first Filipina (and Asian for that matter) to win the Miss Supranational title!

In the photo above she is wearing the very same Supranational crown that was placed on her head when she knocked down 82 other contestants from all over the world to win the title. Aside from winning the crown, she was bestowed the Miss Personality special award.

Mutya Datul gets up on stage as she basked in the delight of the audience which was cheering her victory.

MUTYA REUNITES WITH PIA, CINDY, ARA AND BEA

It was pretty obvious that the 4 other queens in the Gold Batch of Bb. Pilipinas were eager to see Mutya Datul again. As she was making her way to the stage, they whispered loudly to each other saying, “Ang ganda ni Mutya!” It was the first time they saw since her send-off to Supranational a few weeks back.

When all the girls finally all got up on stage, 1st Runner-up Pia Wurtzbach was the first to speak. While addressing both Mutya and the crown she said:

“Mutya diba umpisa palang sinbai ko na mananalo ka?!! Grabe ang ganda mo! Bagay sa yo. Iba na yung dating mo!

“Palagi kaming nakaabang sa mga updates ng Miss Supranational kung alam mo lang! And Ikaw talaga yung nag-stand out doon from the beginning. Bagay na bagay kasi si Mutya doon sa supranational kasi performer siya eh. Iba yung charisma niya. Nakikita yung pagka-genuine mo on stage kaya I think that’s why she won!

I think this is a great start for our queens this year! We want to continue the momentum because we’re aiming for a grandslam!”

Pia certainly knew how to tickle the audience. As soon as she uttered the word ‘grandslam’ she had everyone cheering again. She has good reason to be excited and motivated over Mutya’s win; its an open secret that she intends to join Bb. Pilipinas again next year with the goal of winning one of the crowns, the Universe title in particular.

Ara Arida (left) our Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Universe and Cindy Miranda, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013…

CINDY MIRANDA… YOU’RE NEXT!

Bb. Pilpinas Tourism 2013 Cindy Miranda, who will be the next Bb. to compete in her international pageant had this message for Mutya Datul:

“Mutya, I made you a letter before you left. I said it’s all up to you! Alam ko naman na mananalo ka! Lahat ng pains na pinagdinaanan mo… see? Sino ka na ngayon? Ikaw na si Miss Supranational!

The moment na nalaman kong nanalo ka, sobrang kinbahan ako kasi next na ako. Talagang ninikip yung dibdibko! Pero it serves as a motivation for me also. Mutya, thank you for inspiring us. Kung kaya mo, kaya din naming lahat. Congratualtions Mutya, w’ere so proud of you, we love you!”

Afterwards, I had a moment with Cindy to encourage her as she counts down the days to her send-off. She says (if I remember right) that she’ll be leaving on Sept. 20 for China to compete in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 beauty pageant.  Finals are on October 20. She admits being  worried because host China is having territorial issues with the Philippines. Politics may affect her chances of winning, she says.

While Cindy does have a point, I told her to let everyone else worry about it. Her main concern is to train hard and then go and enjoy the pageant as an ambassadress of the Philippines. IMHO, Cindy’s striking beauty is worthy of an international crown! Don’t you think?

Pia Wurtzbach (left) and Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 Bea Santiago flank Mutya Datul

BEA’S MESSAGE TO MUTYA DATUL

Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 Bea Santiago also had a message for Mutya Datul:

“Nung nalaman ko po, nan doon po kami sa taxi papuntang Kamuning and umiiyak po kami, sumisigaw kami sa taxi. Sabi ng driver, ‘maam baka mabangga po tayo!’ Sabi ko Kuya, ‘meron nanaman tayong nanalo for the Philippines!’

We’re so proud of Mutya! Sana hindi ka magbago, sana ganoon ka pa rin,sana more blessing sa yo, sana keep mo yung Mutyang mahal na mahal namin!”

Bea will be the final queen of Bb. Pilipinas Batch 2013 to compete internationally. The Miss International 2013 is scheduled for December 17, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan.

6) Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2013 Ara Arida (right) with Mutya and Pia Wurtzbach

ARA ARIDA TO MUTYA: ‘OMG!’

The beautiful Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Ara Arida, who looked more stunning than ever, had this message for our queen:

“‘OMG!’ Yun ung expresssion ko nung nalaman ko nanalo si Mutya. Actually, sobrang lungkot ko kasi di ko mapanood yung live streaming kasi hindi siya pwede sa phone. So nagtiyaga ako sa twitter updates… lahat ng blogs. Pero alam ko from the start, nung Bb. Pilipinas pa lang, meant talaga sa ‘yo yung crown na yun!

“Hindi lang yung chrismatic smile mo ang nag-pa-stand out sa yo in the competition, it’s your humble, pure heart. Kaya ngayon naniniwala akong hindi ka magbabago. Thank you Mutya, congratulations!”

Just a side note from me: totally loved Ara’s styling at the homecoming party of Mutya. She is slowly morphing into a Miss Universe winner! I can’t wait for Novemeber 9, 2013 when she competes in Russia!!!

Mutya Datul with her family…

MUTYA: PINAGLIHI SA IBON

The most heartwarming part of the night was when Mutya’s family went up on stage. Her mother, father and three out of five siblings were there to welcome her and for a moment they hugged and cried together on stage. According to the beauty queen, her family has always been her inspiration in life and that she joined pageants so she could raise money to help support them. Her Supranational crown is dedicated to them.

As Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya wins a heavy purse – $25,000 which she says will go to her mother’s daily medication (Mom Perly Datul suffers from a blood condition called aplastic anemia), the education of her 5 siblings and a savings account for the future.

I was able to chat with Mom Perly to congratulate her and check on her health. Extremely shy, she seemed hesitant to talk at first but when I told her I was a former Bb. Pilipinas winner she warmed up to me. Mom Perly says she’s been doing fine now that they can afford her medication thanks to her daughter’s success.

Mom Perly says, “pinaglihi ko si Mutya sa ibon na iniihaw sa amin. Yung ibon na tinitirador. Nung pinanganak ko siya, ang tangos ng ilong! Ang ganda! Kaya ‘Mutya’ ang pinangalan ko sa kanya. Ang ‘Johanna’ naman ay galing sa Bible. Ipinagdasal ko noon na sana magmana siya sa height ng ama niya.” Her father Wilfredo Datul is nearly 6 feet tall and it looks like she did take after him with her 5’8″ stunning physique.

Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul thanks everyone for their support!

MUTYA MISSED HER FLIGHTS TWICE!

Mutya might have found the way to the crown but she can’t find her way in an airport! The newly-crowned beauty queen opened her talk with an apology for being hours late for her homecoming party. She apparently missed her flight! Her guests were originally schedule to meet her at Gloria Maris, Gateway Mall at 4pm but that had to be delayed to 8pm. But it was already 9:20 in the evening when she finally stepped into the dining hall. For me, it was a wait WELL worth it. Just look at how beautifully expressive her face is in the photo above? And that gorgeous Supranational crown – doesn’t it look like it was created just for her?

Going back to our queen with a malfunctioning GPS (joke lang Mutya, haha!) – The self-confessed ‘probinsyana’ says she’s not used to airports since this was her first time to travel abroad and alone at that! She added that she ALSO got lost on her way to compete at Minsk, Belarus!

Mutya Datul is crowned Miss Supranational 2013!!!

PROPHETIC VISIONS OF THE CROWN!

Although Mutya Datul did not expect to win, she says she had a strong premonition she would. In Pilipino she said, “right before I set foot on Belarus, I suddenly saw myself returning with a crown on my head. I don’t know why I saw that! And then when the two hosts (on coronation night) said that the winner comes from ‘far, far, far away,’  I suddenly felt something heavy on my head.”

Before she knew it, the Philippines was announced and she was being crowned the winner while all of us Pinoy pageant fans watching online were shouting, crying and freaking out in various ways!

Eyes as big as Salagubangs…

HER COMPETITORS WERE AS BORING AS NEWSCASTERS?

The funniest moment at Mutya Datul’s homecoming party was when she recounted the details of her closed-door interview with the judges at Miss Supranational. She explained that the contestants entered the room in groups of five and they all had to answer the same question: Tell us about yourself and why you want to be Miss Supranational.

Her story, told jokingly, made everyone in the hall laugh out loud. Here’s what she said

“The other 4 girls (in my group) were like newscasters. They spoke too much. I was just listening and falling asleep. Honestly! I knew the judges felt the same way. So when it was my turn, I woke them up by saying ‘Mabuhay!’  Then I introduced myself in their language. After that I went straight to the point saying, ‘ I want to become Miss Supranational because this is my ultimate dream and I want it more! I want to be an ambassadress, a good example and give inspiration to many different people.’  I think the judges loved me because I kept it short and to the point!”

The loudest to laugh in the audience of press folk belonged to news reporter Patricia Fernandez, a former Bb. Pilipinas titleholder herself who is now working for a cable news station. Even TV presenters from the different networks laughed at the candor of the newly-crowned beauty queen. I too spent many years working as a newscaster but I hope to God that I’m not THAT boring, aahaha!

Mutya Datul is looking forward to experiencing Winter!

NEXT ASSIGNMENT: SHOP FOR WINTER CLOTHES!

Normally, winners of big pageants like Miss Supranational stay at the host nation for at least a week before going home. But Mutya Datul left Minsk, Belarus 2 days after winning. She explains, “Sabi po sa akin ng president ng Miss Supranational, next month, October, babalik po ako doon para makasama ko yung mga past winners ng Supranational and we will go to different countries like Panama etc.  Then sinabi niya sa akin, ‘have you experienced winter?’ Sabi ko, ‘no, never!’ Sabi niya – ‘Be ready for that!’

But I think it should be the other way around. THEY should get ready for the thermodynamic Mutya Datul who is going to rock the nations with her beauty, her personality and her Filipino-style hospitality.

Love her smile!

BEAUTY QUEENS DON’T STEAL PORK… THEY JUST BRING HOME THE BACON!

I remember Venus Raj’s 4th Runner-up victory at Miss Universe which coincided with that tragic hostage-taking incident involving Hong Kong nationals at the Quirino Grandstand. Mutya Datul’s victory also comes in the middle of bad news – the pork barrel issue continues to escalate while America pushes for an attack on Syria. But just like our champion boxers, our beauty queens give us a bright ray of hope that not all is lost in this dark world. There are still people out there who win their battles without bullets and who are beautiful inside and out. They are the ones we should hope to emulate.

Thank you Mutya Johanna Datul for being a shining gem in the midst of all this darkness. May you carry the flag of the Philippines proudly and show the world that a we are a peace-loving culture, a great nation,  and a loving people.

Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul (middle) with her Bb. Pilipinas Gold batch co-winners – L-R Pia Wurtzbach (1st RU), Cindy Mirana (Tourism), Mutya, Ara Arida (Universe) and Bea Santiago (International)

Miss Philippines Universe 2013 Ariella ‘Ara’ Arida… worthy of a Top 5 placement!

Click here to read this article which was originally published in Rappler.

CHIANG RAI, Thailand – With the crucial Miss Universe prelims are done, here’s ABQ’s list of who’s hot and — who’s not.

It seems the Latinas are grabbing most of the attention. They are a force to reckon with this 2013, with most of them resembling Barbie in the flesh.The downside? Well…all Barbies tend to look alike.

The Europeans, meantime, pose the biggest threat to a Latina win; but don’t be surprised if an Asian or Eurasian snatches the prize. The weakest group would be the blonde contingent with only 2 or 3 who fall into the “bombshell” category.

What about our girl — Ariella “Ara” Arida? What are her chances of winning or, at least, maintaining the Philippines’ excellent performance in Miss Universe with the past 3 queens placing as runners-up?  More thoughts on that below and in this article I wrote for Rappler – “Ariella Arida: Tough Contender in 2013 Miss Universe”)

Here’s my list of Top 21 girls to watch out for:

Top 5

In this interview at the Rappler studios, Ariella Arida herself identified at least 3 girls she believed were her main rivals for the win: Puerto Rico, Spain and France.

1. Puerto Rico – Monic Perez

Monic Perez of Puerto Rico. Elegance personified…

This statuesque 5’10″ nursing degree holder is a classic beauty and one of the front-runners for the crown if we are to go by the lists of most pageant fans. Monic Perez’ best performance IMHO, was during the Evening Gown competition at the prelims, where she wore a yellow gown with her hair up in a high, queenly bun. Her advocacy as a nurse is caring for the elderly.

2. Spain – Patricia Yurena Rodriguez

Patricia Yurena Rodriguez of Spain. This Spanish girl is sooo FLY!

An interesting beauty, this one. In spite of her angular jaw-line (which reminds me of Mariel de Leon), Patricia Yurena Rodriguez has one of the prettiest faces in this year’s collection of international beauties. Her performance in the prelims was captivating. However, this writer finds her a little too thin for comfort. This 5’8” Tenerife native is a volunteer fund raiser for Red Cross in Madrid.

3. France – Hinarani de Longeaux

Hinarani de Longeaux of France. If Angelina and Beyonce had a daughter, this is how she would look like…

Although her Official Miss Universe Web Interview seemed blah, Hinarani de Longeaux made up for it, trés beacoup, during the prelims where she finally let her oooomph ooze out. She’s like an Arabica version of Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie or R&B singer Beyonce. This 5’10” Tahitian-French model works for SOS Village Enfant which helps place orphans in new homes.

4. Ukraine – Olga Storozhenko

Olga Storozhenko of Ukraine

Can you believe that this 5’10” porcelain doll grew up playing with cars? But there’s no sign of boyishness in this elegant beauty now. Olga Storozhenko actually runs a local beauty pageant to raise funds for orphans. Her radiant beauty, which brings to mind actress Jane Seymour, was highlighted in the Official Miss Universe Web Interview and during her self-introduction in the prelims. Now, if only her stylist would stop making her look way older than her 21 years…

5. Philippines – Ariella Arida

Ariella Arida of the Philippines. Wanted in Russia!

Just because she’s at the bottom of this Top 5 list doesn’t mean she’s the least in our eyes. While the 4 contestants mentioned above will make it hard for her to win, Ara still has a huge chance of bringing home the 3rd ever Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.

The 5’7” chemistry graduate from Laguna is one of the most in-demand contestants with major sponsors (like Yamamay, Tony Ward, Mercedes Benz and Nobu) always requesting for her to grace their events. Russian singer Emin also included her in a shortlist of 7 contestants to be featured in one of his MTVs.

While some felt she was too muscular-looking during the prelims’ swimsuit competition, these critics may not know that Miss Universe tends to favor “lean, mean, fighting machines.” Out of all the Asian representatives, it’s safe to say that Ariella Arida is clearly number one!

ABQ’s Next 11 favorites rounding up the Top 16:

6. Czech Republic – Gabriela Kratochvílová

Gabriela Kratochvílová of the Czech Republic. Who says girls with long hair are prettier?

Gabriela Kratochvílová proves that not all beauty queens have voluminously long hair. She is, in fact, the first-ever Miss Czech Universe winner with a page-boy cut. In a pre-pageant show, Gabriela was also chosen as the “People’s Bond Girl” by swimsuit sponsor Yamamay.

7. Australia – Olivia Wells

Olivia Wells of Australia. Oi-Oi-Oi!

Could her first name be a good luck charm since she shares it with reigning Miss Universe Olivia Culpo? I don’t believe in luck but it’s fun to speculate. Olivia Wells is the beautiful mind behind the blog The Procrasti-baker. But don’t think for a second that you’ll see cupcakes on her hips! The 5’10” Melbourne miss is fabulously fit. She is also passionate about her charity work and has once flown to Vietnam as a volunteer to help disabled children.

8. Bolivia – Alexia Viruez

Alexia Viruez of Bolivia. Loving every minute of her…

This feline femme consistently delivers in the Miss Universe beauty pageant. From her Web Interview to all her stage moments in the prelims, Alexia Viruez does not disappoint. The 5’8” South American beauty once volunteered to serve rescue workers during a building collapse in her town of Santa Cruz.

9. Haiti – Mondiana J’hainne Pierre

Mondiana J’hanne Pierre of Haiti. Dark. Mysterious. Forbidding…

Delicate mahogany skin…Flawlessly chiseled face. The most beautiful among the dark queens, Mondiana Pierre evokes memories of a former Miss Universe winner — Leila Lopes of Angola who won in 2011. The 5’10” stunner founded Big Sister, an organization that encourages children in her hometown Port-au-Prince to seek an education.

10. USA – Erin Brady

Erin Brady of the USA. Smiling or pouting, she’s amazing!

Could we see a back-to-back win for the USA? I’m sure Erin Brady wouldn’t mind it at all! The best asset of this 5’8” accountant from Connecticut is her gorgeously perfect face.

11. Turkey – Berrin Keklikler

Berrin Kekliker of Turkey. Would love to have her for Thanksgiving…

What a sweet darling. This animal rescuer was happily laughing away on stage during the swimsuit competition of the prelims! Berrin Kekliker’s smile is much like that of local actress Alma Concepcion, who was also a beauty queen once. I just hope that this 5’10” Turkish delight didn’t lose any points for wearing a gown that looked more like a glorified swimsuit during the prelims.

12. Colombia – Lucia Aldana

Lucia Aldana of Colombia. Those eyes just drive me crazy!

Owlish à la Anne Hathaway. Abs that belong on the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated. The 5’6” Lucia Aldana might be the shortest on this shortlist of favorites but she has big dreams of producing and directing a government-related TV show.

13. Malaysia – Carey Ng

Carey Ng of Malaysia. Ballerina turned Beauty Queen..

The only other stunning Asian (from Asia, I must add) aside from Ariella Arida of the Philippines — is Carey Ng who grew up in Kuala Lumpur. She’s got a sexy vibe and walks like water; but whoever is styling her hair, please, no big “bumpits” to make her seem taller than her 5’8” frame. She’s simply “Malay-zing” just as she is!

14. Russia - Elmira Abdrazakova

Elmira Abdrazakova of Russia. A Siberian siren…

Of course, the host nation has to be in the Top 16! The sultry Siberian is a spokesperson for Operation Smile in the Russian territory. Love her lips, but the 5’8’ global economics student needs to keep off the red lipstick — it just makes her pouty lips look more swollen than sweet.

15. Canada – Riza Santos

Riza Santos of Canada. If she and Ariella make it into the Top 5 (or even Top 16) it will be history in making…

The only other full Pinay competing in Miss Universe aside from Ariella Arida is the representative from Canada, Riza Santos. The 5’8” Canadian queen is proud of her Filipino roots and in her Miss Universe bio, she mentions the work she’s done in the Philippines. (Read: 3 Filipinas in 2013 Miss Universe)

16. Italy – Luna Voce

Luna Voce of Italy. Her name literally means ‘moon voice’…

The boot-shaped nation of Europe sent a 5’9” eye-catcher this year. Luna Voce (yes, even her name is unreal) is often mistaken for an actress. Love the eyes and the body. Viva Italia!

ABQ’s Dark horses: 5 beauties that pose a threat to all of the above

 17. Israel – Titi Yitayish Ayanaw

Titi Yitayish Ayanaw of Israel. Ebony in Ivory…

Titi Yitayish Ayanaw, who is originally from Ethiopia, towers over the competition at 5’11”. Although her Web Interview seemed flat, Titi was fabulous in the prelims with her upswept hair and cocoa-colored skin.

 18. Croatia – Melita Fabečić

Melita Fabčeić of Croatia. I can see her on a billboard for Guess…

Melita Fabčeić has an odd beauty that keeps you wanting for more. It must be the tilted Asian eyes and sexy buck-toothed pout. This 18-year-old has jumpstarted a successful modeling career in Milan.

19. Curacao

Eline de Pool of Curacao. The heart-shaped lips are all that matter…

This 5’8” Caribbean queen has a Charlene Gonzales vibe going on. Because of her unique look, Eline de Pool is a stand-out beauty.

20. Kazakhstan

Aigerim Kozhakhanova of Kazakhstan. When she smiles with the dimples, she reminds of of Charice Pempengco…

This one’s a very pretty version of singer Charice Pempengco. The 5’6” Aigerim Kozhakhanova has a smile that can light up a giant stage. But I do hope her being skinny is a natural thing because thin is not always in.

21. Tanzania

Betty Omara of Tanzania. ABQ’s favorite African Queen…

Betty Omara is the most stunning among the African contestants, and seems to be chanelling the biblical Queen of Sheba. The 5’8” fashion model is the second on this list with short hair.

**********

Yep. Venezuela is not on the list and it’s a daring move for me since I’m the type of pageant fan that puts stock in the ‘Sash Factor’ of a country. Venezuela is the leading country when it comes to pageant winners but lately, they’ve been flailing. And, to be honest I’m just not attracted to the Venezuelan candidate’s beauty but she is gorgeous none-the-less. I just hope I don’t kick myself in the butt for not including her in my list… if she wins, LOL!

So that wraps up my list of favorites for the Miss Universe 2013 crown.  We’ll find out on November 9 (November 10, Philippine time) who the winner will be. Will it be one of the girls on this list or will it be a shocking upset?

Whatever the case, it promises to be another exciting edition for the Miss Universe beauty pageant!

Viva Ariella Arida!

CHIANGRAI, THAILAND  – In a breath-taking two hour pageant, Ariella Arida of the Philippines conquered yet another beauty title for the nation by placing 3rd Runner-up in the 2013 Miss Universe which just concluded in Moscow, Russia! This placement matches that of Shamcey Supsup in 2011 and gives the Philippines what I believe it’s fifth 3rd Runner-up placement.

For a moment, it seemed like Ariella Arida would win. She was the only Asian in the Top 5; the one girl with straight hair and the lone candidate who did not need a translator during the Q&A segment. But the Latina contingent was too strong and Venezuela reaped the crown with Spain coming in 2nd, Ecuador 3rd, and Brazil 5th.

Now, the pro-translator folks will have some ammo to claim that if Ariella had used a translator, then maybe she would have won. They could be right, they could be wrong; but it is a moot argument because the choice to go without a translator will remain a Philippine pride. We may not have won the crown but we proved that we are brave even when outside of our comfort zone.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to watch a clear video streaming since I am currently in Chiangrai, so I have no idea of what the Q&A was all about but I did see that Ariella answered with confidence and made the audience cheer without restraint.

Congratulations to our girl from Laguna! With your victory, Ariella Arida, the Philippines maintains it’s powerhouse status in the world of pageants!

Ariella Arida in an ‘Aquino yellow’ Alfredo Barazza gown… could she have worn better?

After being disappointed (and yet thankful) that Ariella Arida of the Philippines placed 3rd Runner up in the Miss Universe 2013, Pinoy pageant fans are now harping on the golden yellow gown that she wore calling it a ‘Colombian disaster.’  The designer of her competition gown is Alfredo Barraza of Colombia, the compatriot of Stella Marquez Araneta who owns the Bb. Pilipinas and Miss Philippines Universe franchises.

One of my readers complained on Facebook saying:

“Mrs. Araneta should start giving Filipino designers the chance to dress up our candidates and stop patronizing her own Colombian designers. Our candidates’ gowns have been blah and do not help them at all.”

However, some pageant fans have found the ‘Aquino yellow’ gown of Ariella Arida quite captivating saying that “it suits her and makes her look so regal!”

What do you think? Would Ariella Arida have had a better impact if she wore a Filipino gown made by one of our star designers like Michael Cinco, Francis Libiran or Eric delos Santos? I’d like to know!

Jakelyne Oliveira ( Brazil), Constanza Baez (Ecuador), Patricia Yurena Rodriguez (Spain), Ariella Arida (Philippines) and Gabriella Isler (Venezuela)

I have always been torn between these two schools of thought regarding the evening gown competition:

School of thought #1: The gown is so important that it can spell victory or defeat.

School of thought #2: The gown doesn’t make the girl. If she is a winner, she can wear anything and still win.

My belief is a blend of the above: the gown doesn’t make the girl but dress her up anyway in something universally fabulous.

I haven’t hidden the fact that I had mixed feelings (not very good ones) about the Alfredo Barazza gown that Ariella wore. I believe she would have won or placed higher if she had a better gown and maybe a different styling.

One ABQ reader supported my theory by sending this comment which I’d like to repost. According to his figures Ariella was Number 1 in the swimsuit competition but came in second to the last in the evening gown competition. Please remember that the figures listed below are not verified yet so read it with a grain of salt. This comment was sent in by ‘Liquid Days’. Here goes:

Here in the US, apparently you can participate in NBC’s ‘You Be The Judge’ experience by judging the candidates while watching the pageant. You can then compare your ratings with the actual judges’ ratings. In other words, we now get to see the judges’ scores! I have copied the judges’ scores posted in one of the message threads at the United States Beauty board (at voy.com) and pasted them below. I hope these are accurate. Note Miss Philippines’ score on evening gown and it might partly answer the question you posed in this blog post.

I was hesitant about posting them here because I did not want to spread any misinformation, but I thought it was most relevant to your question. Also, several individuals who participated in the ‘You Be The Judge’ experience seem to verify the scores in that message thread I mentioned, so I suspect the numbers are accurate. I tried to confirm the information by trying to participate but it looks like I couldn’t anymore because the TV broadcast already ended here in the Midwest. I believe those in the West coast can still participate since the broadcast may not have started yet.

Regardless, we are very proud of Ara! Thank you, Joyce!

Swimsuit:

(1) PHILIPPINES – 9.430

(2) VENEZUELA – 9.417

(3) SPAIN – 9.217

(4) BRAZIL – 9.200

(5) USA – 9.033

(6) GREAT BRITAIN – 8.917

(7) ECUADOR – 8.867

(7) INDIA – 8.867

(7) UKRAINE – 8.867

(10) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – 8.792

(11) COSTA RICA – 8.717

(12) PUERTO RICO – 8.633

(13) INDONESIA – 8.433

(14) SWITZERLAND – 8.333

(15) CHINA – 8.267

(16) NICARAGUA – 8.017

 Evening Gown:

(1) VENEZUELA – 9.727

(2) ECUADOR – 9.583

(3) SPAIN – 9.545

(4) UKRAINE – 9.308

(5) GREAT BRITAIN – 9.250

(6) BRAZIL – 9.227

(7) USA – 9.182

(8) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – 9.082

(9) PHILIPPINES – 8.933

(10) INDIA – 8.433

Ariella Arida, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 with blog author Joyce Burton Titular

Dear ABQ Readers:

With Ara’s fantastic finish at fourth in the Miss Universe 2013 beauty pageant which concluded on Nov. 9, 2013 in Russia, let me celebrate by publishing a pre-Universe interview I had with her before she left for Moscow. I never got to publish it because I had just gotten too busy with a student film and then a teaching mission in Thailand, where I am right now.

This interview took place in August during Cindy Miranda’s send-off to the Miss Tourism Queen International 2013. However, the photos are from Ariella’s own send-off. Hope this isn’t too confusing.

Anyway, I can’t tell you just how proud I am of our girls; from Venus to Shamcey and Janine to Ariella! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Love Joyce

*****

Ara Arida enters the room at her send off party to Miss Universe 2013. This is her winning STRUT!

Joyce: What was your childhood like?

ARA:  It was a very simple childhood and a happy one. I grew up in Laguna with my family. My life is very monotonous. No intense hardships. My childhood was really different from my life now. During gradeschool I used to compete not in beauty pageants but in sports. I wore rubber shoes, Jerseys, jogging pants… I didn’t know how to wear heels and put on make up . I was teased, specially during my high school days I was teased for never wearing sleeveless until my graduation.  I used to wear jeans and a shirt until college. I took up Chemistry in UP Los Banos so most of my subjects have laboratory.  So sa lab I can’t wear sleeveless, can’t wear shorts. I always wear jeans and t-shirt.  They never thought that I’m going to be a beauty queen someday…

Joyce: When did you start joining pageants?

ARA: After I finished college, that’s when it started. But (I started becoming interested in pageants) when Miriam won, when I watched her on TV. That’s when I developed a fascination for pageants. Even with modeling, when I watch channels with models, I find it interesting. I just couldn’t imagine then that one day I might do it because it’s so different from what I used to do before.

Joyce: How were you discovered?

ARA: It happened after I finished college when this designer in my hometown found me in a coffee place. Nilapitan lang niya ako, a designer from San Pablo, Noli Pilapil, and he asked me if I’m from where and I told him I’m from Alaminos. He’s a designer and he was in a competition and wanted me to model his designs. I had to ask permission from my mother because it’s a different world and they’re kinda strict about it. Then I told (my parents), “I finished my college already,” which is what they wanted.

After that, I modeled. Many designers saw me and wanted me to join Bb. Laguna. I joined. That’s my first beauty pageant, it was in 2010. I was a semi-finalist. It was my first time to wear 5 in heels. Super-awkward and I didn’t even know how to put on make up.

Ariella Arida with Mom and Dad. They MUST be so proud with their daughter shining the way she did in Russia!

Joyce: Tell me about your parents.

ARA: My parents are both grade school teachers that’s why they really wanted me to finish school. They wanted me to focus on school and only that.

Joyce: Were they shocked?

ARA: Actually when I won (Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013 Universe), they went down from where they were and at first my Mom said, ‘OMG, I didn’t expect it!”

Joyce: What about your siblings?

ARA: I have one sister. She’s a researcher-entomologist. Very ‘science’ ang mga courses namin, she’s a biologist. It’s really a different world…

Look closely at Ariella cheek where the hair partially covers her eye. See the streak of a teardrop? She cried during her send-off because she was very excited and overwhelmed by the support of Filipinos.

Joyce: What will you do with your course afterwards?

ARA: I will use it .Before I joined (Bb. Pilipnas) I was working selling chemicals in the food industry. When I have money from all of this I really plan to put up a business, my own perfume line. That’s my plan with my friends even before. Perfume. Its accessible. It’s possible. It can be done.

Joyce: Speaking of your friends, what’s their reaction to your new life as a beauty queen?

ARA: (Laughs!) Hindi sila makapaniwala, tutoo ba?

Joyce: So what are you hobbies?

ARA: Me, I do love the outdoors! You can ask me spontaneously to go to the beach and I’ll go with you without preparing. One time I  went to this virgin island without a decent CR (bathroom) and survived. You can send me anywhere! I actually planned to join Survivor, Fear Factor, Amazaing Race; that’s what I wanted to do. Sobrang outdoors-y ako then all of a sudden, Beauty Queen!

Ariella with her co-Bb. Pilipinas winners – Pia Wurtzbach (1st RU), Cindy Miranda (Tourism), Ariella Arida (Universe), Bea Santiago (International) and Mutya Datul (Miss Supranational 2013)

Joyce: How is your training for Miss U coming along?

ARA: Right now it’s been intense unlike before I can rest. I can get to chill but now that Cindy is leaving the attention is with me. I’m here everyday here in Araneta for training.

Joyce: Grabe ba ang pag-strategize for Miss U?

ARA: I’m just thankful that I know myself more. That will be my advantage. Shamcey and Venus say its so important to know who you are, especially your roots and where you come from because when you get there that’s where you will pull from especially during the closed-door interview. That’s really a big impact.   Everybody is beautiful but what will make stand out is your personality. That’s what the judges want to see. So its really important that you know who you are and you have to have your own stand.

Joyce: Have you seen your competitors…

ARA: Actually I find this year competitive talaga. Especially with the looks. From the start they’ve been doing hotpicks and Ive been tagged. Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Spain. Miss France looks Pinay.

(Note from ABQ: Puerto Rico entered the semi-finals. Venezuela won. Spain was 1st runner-up. France was unplaced but still hot.)

Joyce: Do you think you have a Latina vibe?

ARA: People say that about me. But I’m a pure Filipina, I think that’s my one advantage. I noticed the candidates are brunettes now.

Beautiful, stunning and captivating! Thank you Ariella Arida for showing us that you CAN!

Joyce: And do you have a special walk like Shamcey and Janine?

ARA: I have a special walk but it’s just called – the Miss Universe walk. They (Bb. Pilipinas) don’t want to give it a name. (But its a walk) that will separate me from the other candidates!

Well, Ara Arida certainly stood out from all the other girls in the Top 5 of the 2013 Miss Universe Top 5 – she was the only one in a bright colored gown, the only straight-haired beauty, the only Asian AND the only one who answered without the need for a translator. Although she placed 4th, many feel that her answer in the Q&A portion should have gotten her a higher placement if not the crown itself. ARRIBA ARIDA! Congratulations!!!

Now that Ara is done with her pageant, all eyes are now on Bea Santiago (right) who will be the final Bb. Pilipinas winner to compete abroad. She will represent the country in the Miss International 2013 this December.

BEST FRIENDS AND FINALISTS. Miss Philippines Ariella Arida holds hands with two of her closest friends in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant — Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler and Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez. Also in the photo is Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliveira. Photo by Jonas Gaffud

(Don’t you just love it that the accusation that Ara was racist has been put to death by the photo above? After she made a comment that ‘Latinas couldn’t complete a sentence in English’, as a way of defending her own English skills, a certain personality who loves to offend people got offended himself and on behalf of all Latinas accused Ara of all kinds of things.  He seemed to have ignored the fact that in the same interview Ara identified 3 Latinas (Venezuela, Spain and Puerto Rico) as her main rivals for the crown. So much for being racist, huh.)

CHIANGRAI, THAILAND – The most beautiful Asian in the ‘Universe’ is coming home triumphant today after a 2-week stint in Russia that gave the Philippines it’s fifth 3rd Runner-up prize in the Miss Universe beauty pageant. Ariella “Ara” Arida’s homecoming party is set for the early evening today and I feel terrible for being so far away on a teaching trip and unable to be part of the welcoming festivities.

But distance won’t stop me from honoring Ariella. Here’s is an article published yesterday (Nov. 11) by Rappler that my dear friend (and human encyclopedia of pageants) Lex Librea wrote, with a little help from me. It’s a walk through and analysis of the Miss Universe 2013 beauty pageant. In it we talk about Ariella Arida’s performance and share our thoughts on the other contestants.

Click here to read it!

Ariella with Bulgaria’s candidate right before Ara left Moscow. Safe flight home and God speed…

How did I do in terms of predicting the winners? TERRIBLY! Unlike my near-accurate predictions for Miss World 2013, I got low marks for MU which leads me to believe that what some fans have been saying about the pageant – that’s it’s anybody’s guessing game – is true.

But my main prediction that Ariella would enter the Top 5 was on the mark. I also was right about Spain, Puerto Rico, Ukraine and the USA. My other prediction that the winner would most likely come from the Latina contingent was also correct with the Venezuelan win by Gabriela Isler.  My comment that the Latinas were a strong force to reckon with was seen in the Top 5 with four of them being Hispanic.

My hubby commented – ‘thank God for Ariella; she prevented an Asian shut-out in the pageant.’

So true!

Thanks Ariella Arida for all the sacrifices you made and the hard work you put into winning the 2013 Miss Universe beauty pageant. We know that you did it #forthePhilippines!!!

Ariella ARRIDA ARRIBA!

Hola November 2013 Cover featuring Megan Young

ABQ is proud to announce that it is the hand behind the cover story of Hola Philippines’ November Issue featuring Megan Young, the country’s first ever Miss World winner. The story talks about the different ‘hats’ that Megan wears – as beauty queen, actress, film student, ‘ate’ (big sister to her siblings) and fund-raiser for charity. The article was co-written by my dear friend Raymond Golez.

Visit Hola Philippines’ Facebook!

Megan Young’s triumphant return as Miss World. Photo courtesy of Hola Philippines

If you aren’t too familiar with Hola, it’s actually a classy Spanish magazine that has branched out to the Philippines. According to the Philippine website Hola is a ‘monthly celebrity lifestyle magazine that features high society, show business industry and fashion…   It focuses on the glamorous and leisurely activities of monarchs, socialites, and celebrities in both local and international setting…   A light-hearted magazine that reports on weddings, homes, fashion, new babies, new couples, and other people-centered and personal stories. HOLA!’s uniquely glamorous coverage of celebrities on luxury holidays, which is both friendly and voyeuristic, is something never seen before in the pages of local magazines.’

Hola Philippines’ Instagram. Click Here!

Thanks so much to Hola Magazine for the opportunity!!!

Go grab a copy of the November Issue of Hola Magazine featuring Miss World 2013 Megan Young NOW!

Go to Hola Philippines’ Twitter site here!

Tacloban in the aftermath of killer typhoon Yolanda

It has been very difficult for this blogger to be so far from home (I’m currently in Chiangrai, Thailand) while the Philippines has been knocked down to its knees in the aftermath of killer typhoon Yolanda which is estimated to have taken the lives of 10,000 in Tacloban and surrounding areas. How I wish I could be back home to help and to commiserate with friends. But at least through this blog, I can still find a way to do something.

Click here to get updates from Rappler on the relief operations in affected areas.

I just received news that my derma clinic across Robinson’s Galleria has just opened itself up as a drop-off center for donations. Dr. Shae Raymundo who is my dermatologist sent this SMS to me:

Dermalosophy is accepting donations for the victims of typhoon Yolanda and will be brought to Benguet Corporation/Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation in Makati. All donations will be brought to Tacloban. They need FOOD, WATER, RICE, MEDICINE.

Dermalosophy is located at:  Eton Cyberpod Corinthian, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City. What I like to do is park at Robinson’s Galleria then cross Ortigas on foot to get to Eton Cyberpod which is right across Galleria. The clinic is on the ground floor of Eton Cyberpod which is a low-rise building.

Just remember – NO CLOTHES OR SHOES PLEASE! Stick to food, water rice and medicine!!!

Dr. Shae Raymundo and her staff at Dermalosophy. The clinic is now open as a drop-off center for donations for victims of typhoon Yolanda

TRIVIA and BEAUTY QUEEN CONNECTION: Dona Remedios Trinidad Romualdez happens to be the mother of Imelda Marcos. Dona Meding, as she is fondly known, was immortalized in a beautiful family tree depicting a coral reef fan, done by Betsy Westendorp who is the BFF of Madame Stella Marquez Araneta, the founder of Bb. Pilipinas Charity Inc. The family tree painting hangs by the staircase of the Santo Nino Shrine in Leyte. Photo below.

The Dona Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation was established by the children of Dona Meding.  The foundation is based in Tacloban City.

The Vic Orestes Romualdez Family Tree by Betsy Westendorp. Not sure though which lady here is Dona Meding…

**********

Note that Dermalosophy is NOT ACCEPTING CASH DONATIONS but to those who wish to send financial aid, they can do so by depositing to:

Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation

BDO Acct. No. 0000-4078-7362

Paseo Perea Branch

BDO Swift Code BNORPHMM

Please text 0999-887-9275 after depositing so you can get a receipt.

Congrats to Super Talent and Beauty Czarina Rosales!

CHIANGRAI, THAILAND – Although the Miss Asia Pacific World 2013 “Super Talent Endeavor 2013″ concluded two weeks ago on October 30, 2013 in Seoul, Korea,  ABQ would like to send a belated congratulatory post to Filipina Czarina Rosales who won 4 special awards in the contest: Best in Talent, Miss Asia Pacific World Star, Best Model and World’s Most Beautiful Super Talent.

Aside from the above, Czarina Rosales also entered the Top 15 proving that the Philippines remains to be one of the most competitive nations in beauty pageants.

Czarina Rosales is an R&B singer and part of ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million Season 1 which was won by popular recording artist Erik Santos. She is best know for her duet with Gloc-9 titled “Blues Niyang Itim.”

Miss Asia Pacific World 2013 is Shristi Rana of India!

The winner was India’s Shristi Rana. It was a back-to-back win for the nation as she was crowned by last year’s Miss Asia Pacific World Singh Yadu who is also from India. Shristi also reaped two special awards: Best National Costume and the Best Personality Award. The 1st Runner-Up was Miss Egypt while 2nd Runner-Up was Miss Kazakhstan.

Thank you to Airwindzone for the photos…

Ali Forbes in Top 20 Swimsuit Favorites of Miss Grand International 2013!

Another Filipina is shining bright on the international stage! <a href=”http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/2013/09/03/ali-forbes-will-compete-in-miss-grand-international-2013/”>Ali Forbes</a>, best remembered as <a href=”http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/2012/04/15/bb-pilipinas-universe-2012-janine-tugonon-and-her-court-of-winners/”>2nd Runner-up in Bb. Pilipinas 2012</a> is performing well in the first edition of the Miss Grand International (MGI) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ali Forbes’ National Costume presentation was a favorite in Miss Grand International 2013

Even with 74 other rivals for the title, Ali Forbes has made it into the pageant’s Top 10 for National Costume and Top 20 for Best in Swimsuit thus far! The prelims will take place on Nov. 17 and coronation on November 19, 2013.

<strong>PHILIPPINES IS 2ND IN THE INTERNET VOTE!</strong>

Vote for Ali Forbes now!

Help Ali Forbes win Miss Popularity by voting for her at the official site. Myanmar is currently leading with some 5,800 plus votes as I write this article. Philippines has over 4,700. The rest of the candidates are far, faaar behind with Indonesia at 3rd place so far with under a thousand votes.

All you have to do is go to the official website of <a href=”http://www.missgrandinternational.com/”>Miss Grand International here</a> then click on the tab that says “VOTE”. Choose Ali Forbes’s photo and vote for her. One email addy can vote once and only once.

Wishing Ali Forbes the best; may the Philippines continue to shine abroad!

What a treat! I arrived home in Manila (just an hour ago) on the same flight as Ghana’s representative to Miss Earth 2013!

I first spotted the African Queen right after I settled into my Thai Airways seat; we were about to depart from Bangkok. She was walking down the opposite aisle looking like a panther. I nudged my hubby and said, “OMG, look. Tall, gorgeous black girl to your left!”

Little did I know, I had just zeroed in on Miss Ghana Earth 2013, Amabel Klutse!

How did I find out it was her? As we got off the plane and walked into NAIA (which still deserves the worst international airport title, btw) I spotted two ladies holding up a sign that said, “Miss Earth Ghana”. I knew right away it was the tall dark beauty I had been admiring before take-off.

So I waited a few minutes and there was, Amabel Klutse, all smiles, willing to have photos with me in spite of the long flight she just went thru.

Well what can I say? It looks like Ghana sent a friendly eye-catching 5’11″ stunner to Miss Earth 2013!!!

Miss Earth 2013 presented it’s lovely international candidates last Thursday (Nov. 21, 2013) at the F1 Hotel’s poolside and here are a few of my observations:

This year’s batch is prettier than last year and I’d like to make special mention that I’m quite happy with the black beauties – almost all of them appeal to me. Besides, it would be refreshing to see an ebony beauty wear the crown on Dec. 7, 2013.

Europe also sent several striking ladies but I can’t help but feel that a Latina will snatch the crown away from power candidate Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of the Philippines. The nationalistic side of me hopes it doesn’t happen but the other half is quite open to possibilities. I can be schizo when it comes to my pageant choices, aahaha!

Anyhoo, here are my favorite girls in swimsuit at the Press Presentation of Miss Earth 2013. I picked them not just for their physique but also for their facial appeal, catwalk and posing techniques. But it is in no way my final list of favorites for the Miss Earth 2013 crown…

Note that Bonaire and Cameroon were still en route to the Philippines at the time of the Press Con so they were not part of the program.

NOTE 2: IF YOU CATCH ANY TYPOS OR MISTAKES, PLEASE DROP ABQ A NOTE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION. OR EMAIL ME AT jaedeelight@yahoo.com

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Australia’s Renera Thompson, Austria’s Katia Wagner, Bolivia’s Maria Rene Carmona and Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Vera Kmeta

AUSTRALIA – Renera Thompson of AUSTRALIA sort of reminded me of Angelina Jolie minus the bee-stung lips. Apart from her sculpted physique I so love her glowing tan which is natural, btw,  thanks to her Samoan roots. As an investment advisor, she hopes to encourage other Samoan women to develop entrepreneurial leadership. Another dream of hers is to work on TV as a presenter. Renera is 26 years old and stands 5′ 5¾” (167cms) .

AUSTRIA – Katia Wagner who is from AUSTRIA wore a simple bright coral bikini that accentuated her curves nicely. Loved her fresh face and natural smile but you can’t expect anything less from a dentist and CEO of a nail salon. The 2012 model of Eva Air’s Royal Laurel Class is 25 years old and  5’8″ tall (173cms).

BOLIVIA – Dusky with dimples and a towering frame is how I describe BOLIVIA’s sizzling Maria Rene Carmona. Reneca, as her friends call her, ruled the stage with her NBA height of nearly 6’1″ (185cms). Oh, did I mention that she’s part of the national basketball team in Bolivia? This 18-year-old civil engineering student is in my list of top favorites!

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA – The stunning redhead from BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA, Vera Krneta took our breath away in her white swimsuit. The 19-year old student has been working hard on her English skills to improve her chances of winning Miss Earth 2013 and if she doesn win, she’ll have to put her plans to study Social Sciences on ice. Vera Krnata stands 5’9″ tall (175cms).

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Canada’s Sofiya Chorniy, Costa Rica’s Mariela Aparicio, Crimea’s Maria Makater, Cote D’Ivoire’s Bintou Traore

CANADA – Fresh as a daisy with her simple styling, Sofiya Chorniy of CANADA didn’t have to do much to impress this author. In case you’re wondering about her name, Sofiya has Ukrainian roots and speaks the language fluently aside from English and French. The 20-year-old is studying Kinesiology and Physical Education with dreams of teaching PE and French to children. She also keeps fit by playing competitive water polo. Sofiya is 5’9″ (175.2 cms) and works part-time as a model.

COSTA RICA – Mariela Aparicio of COSTA RICA was an apparition of beauty as she made her way down the ramp. The choice to wear a a bright green swimsuit trimmed with long fringes made her stand out in this batch. The 5’9″ (175 cms) tanned tigress was Miss Costa Rica International 2011 where she placed in the Top 15. Mariela is 26 years old and is a professional model.

CRIMEA – Though her tresses make you think of the Little Mermaid, all that hair in her face can’t hide the beauty of Maria Makater of CRIMEA. The 18-year-old student of journalism was featured in an MTV of a hiphop group based in Chernigov, Ukraine. Maria’s pageant titles include Queen of Chernigov 2012 and Queen of Flowers 2011. She stand 5’8½” tall (174 cms).

COTE  D’IVOIRE – This ebony queen from the Ivory Coast is a law student who works as a part-time model. For me, this black beauty has a touch of Pinoy flavor which is why I love her. Bintou Traore of COTE D’IVOIRE stands 5’9″ tall (175 cms).

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Czech Republic’s Monika Leova, Ecuador’s Ana Maria Weir, France’s Sophie Garenaux, Gabon’s Filiane Mayombo Koundi

CZECH REPUBLIC – Surprise! Monica Leova of the CZECH REPUBLIC looks more Asian than Czech thanks to her Vietnamese roots. When I saw her I thought, “she’d make a gorgeous TV presenter.” Guess what? The 22-year old beauty queen happens to be a news anchor for TV Prima in her country. Monica, who stands a little over 5’10″ (178 cms) also works as a professional model.

ECUADOR – There’s a bit of Cherie Gil going on for this South American beauty. Ana Maria Weir of ECUADOR has striking face and a set of abs that most of humanity can only dream of. This fashion-model-slash-student competed in the Super Model of the World 2006. She is 25 years old and 5’8½” tall (174 cms).

FRANCE – This is the first ever international pageant for FRANCE’S Sophie Garenaux and still can’t believe that she is representing her country in Miss Earth 2013! The 22-year-old nursing student has a lady-like appeal not unlike that of French Royalty. Sophie stands at 5’9″ (175 cms).

GABON – The heavy-lidded eyes of GABON’s Filiane Mayombo Koundi are what got me first. Then it was the contrast between her golden swimsuit and dark African skin. So sexy! This 19 year old student is a little over 5’6″ tall.

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Ghana’s Amabel Klutse, India’s Sobhita Dhulipala, Indonesia’s Nita Sofiani, Korea’s Catharina Choi

GHANA – When Amabel Klutse of GHANA smiles, it’s as if she’s laughing over some secret joke. Although I don’t find her photogenic, she is quite lovely to behold in person which is exactly what happened when I chanced upon her at the NAIA. Click here to read about it. Amabel Klutse is a 21-year-old building technology student who measures 5’11″ (180.2 cms).

INDIA – Hotter than a 42 degree fever, Sobhita Djulipala of INDIA brought more than just her hot curves to the stage – she also brought a pretty cool brain: she’s currently pursuing a post-graduate diploma in business and corporate law. The 5’9″ classically trained dancer is only 21 years of age.

INDONESIA – For me, the representative from INDONESIA, Nita Sofiani  is very “artistahin”; I can almost see her acting in a romantic telenovela on TV. But Nita is actually an event organizer and a make-up artist. She also has a degree in English. The Bandung beauty is 21 years old and measures 5’7½” (171 cms).

KOREA – IMHO, this is one of the beauties to beat in Miss Earth 2013. Catharina Choi (Nunes) of KOREA is one of my bets for the crown. She actually holds the Miss Korea Brazil 2013 title and is part-Brazilian. She could very well be the first dual national to represent the very traditional nation of South Korea in an international beauty contest. Before becoming a beauty queen, Catharina worked in her Mom’s office. She is 23 years old and is 5’8″ (173 cms). Catharina replaces Han Soo-Min in this pageant: a worthy exchange if you ask me!

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Martinique’s Rani Charles, Mexico’s Yuselmi Cristal Silva, Panama’s Johana Batista, Philippines’ Angelee delos Reyes

MARTINIQUE – I thought Rihanna was back in Manila when MARTINIQUE’s Rani Charles stepped out on the platform! Even with her non-beauty-queen punk rock hair, Rani became an automatic ABQ favorite for her sassy syle and eye-catching smile. Oh, she also reminds me of Halle Berry. Rani Charles is 21 years old, a student and measures 5’7½” (172 cms).

MEXICO – It was hard to breath when it was the turn of Yuselmi Cristal Silva of MEXICO. For me she’s got a dash of Bollywood in her beauty. The 5’10″ (178 cms) dreamboat is studying business administration and has been modeling since age 16. She hopes to become a Victoria’s Secret model one day. Yuselmi is 21 years old.

PANAMA -  I don’t often pick this country as a personal favorite so I’m excited to include Johanna Batista of PANAMA in my list of girls who ‘delivered the goods’ during the press con of Miss Earth 2013. Johanna, you might want to know, is a law student who works part-time as a fashion model. She is 21 years old and is 5’7″ (170 cms).

PHILIPPINES – Angelee Claudett delos Reyes of the PHILIPPINES has got to have the most unbelievable curves on a woman! Although I hate her for being so curvy, (she makes us all look like sausages) she is one of my choices for the crown! If you want to know more about this 5’7½” Olongapo lass, click on this article that I wrote about her a few years back when she was Miss Bikini Philippines.

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Poland’s Aleksandra Szczesna, Reunion’s Christelle Abrantes, Russia’s Olesya Boslovyak, Serbia’s Andjelka Tomasevic

POLAND – Out of the four in this batch, it’s easy to see that Aleksandra Szczesna of POLAND is the most reserved. But holding back seems to work for the 5’9″ fashion model; she’s a favorite of pageant viewers and a dead-ringer for Selena Gomez. Aleksandra who is 20 years old is a student at the University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, a city in central Poland.

REUNION ISLAND – If there was an award for the warmest smile it would certainly go to REUNION’s rep Christelle Abrantes. And for that alone she makes it to this list! Christelle, who is only 19 years old, has put on hold her dream of becoming a nurse to compete in Miss Earth. This animal lover stands 5’7″ tall (170 cms).

RUSSIA – Doesn’t she sort of remind you of Jennifer Garner? RUSSIA’s Olesya Boslovyak is a full-time model and the only one in my list who wore a one-piece at the press con of Miss Earth 2013. She’s gifted in height standing above the competition at 5’11″ (180 cms). In the ME press release she lists her occupation as ‘singer’. She also competed in Super Model of the World 2005 where our very own Charo Ronquillo placed as a runner-up.

SERBIA – One of the flirty-est walkers in this year’s pageant, Andjelka Tomasevic of SERBIA looks like a winner and I’m thinking of putting her on my list of favorites for the crown. She was born in Kosovo and her sister Milica was Miss Kosovo 2011. Andjelka is a tourism student, stands 5’7″ tall and is 20 years old.

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Singapore’s Vanessa Hee, South Africa’s Ashanti Mbanga, Spain’s Cristina Martinez, Sweden’s Denice Andree

SINGAPORE – I really thought that the slightly lop-sided smile of Vanessa Hee of SINGAPORE looked really cute… not so beauty-queen-like but it could work. Vanessa Hee was Miss Singapore Seventeen 2008, an FHM SOL-diac Top 12 finalist in 2011 and was voted into Female Magazine’s 2012 list of “50 Gorgeous People” in Singapore. She used to be a bird trainer at the Jurong Bird Park but now works as a cabin crew member. She is 25 years old and stands 5’5″ (166 cms).

SOUTH AFRICA – Loved the blue flower on her bikini top! Ashanti Mbanga of SOUTH AFRICA brought a special kind of sweetness with her on stage along with her towering height of 6′ (182 cms). Ash, as she is fondly called, is 24 years old and completing her education in transport economics. Her goal is to pursue a political career in the transport sector of South Africa and maybe even become minister one day.

SPAIN – This green-eyed brunette is a top fashion model in Valencia and has posed for prestigious names in the circuit. Cristina Martinez of SPAIN, juggles her modeling career with her studies in marketing and administrative management. She also works as a part-time host. Cristina Martinez is 22 years old and is 5’10″ tall (177 cms).

SWEDEN – Loving the girl from SWEDEN! Denice Andree is a fitness freak and works as a physical therapist and nutritionist. When not sweating in the gym, the 5’10″ (178 cms) beauty works as a model. Denice also keeps a  blog that talks about her everyday live, the PT school where she trains students and her Miss Earth 2013 journey. Check it out by clicking HERE! (It’s in Swedish guys and gals so use Google Translate…)

ABQ Swimsuit Favorites – Tanzania’s Clara Noor, Thailand’s Punika Kunsuntornrat, Turkey’s Ezgi Avci, Ukraine’s Anastasia Sukh

TANZANIA – When Clara Noor of TANZANIA sailed out on stage, my co-blogger who runs “The Beauty of Almost Everything” kept saying that she looked like the Sphinx. I couldn’t have agreed less. With her hair folded over like an Egyptian headdress and her look as mysterious as the Saharan desert, Clara piqued our interest. Even more mysterious is that there’s very little information on the Mwanza native in her Miss Earth bio or online. If I get a chance, I’ll try to ask her a few questions…

THAILAND – After my recent 3-week mission trip to Thailand, I was eager to see that nation’s rep to Miss Earth 2013 and I’m happy to say that she didn’t disappoint! Punika Kunsuntornrat of THAILAND came out on stage like a fierce tigress with her tresses sleeked back in a wet look. The 5’9″ (175 cms) Miss Pattaya Motor Show 2013 is studying agriculture in a Bankok university. She’s 21 years old.

TURKEY – A newbie to the world stage of pageants Ezgi Avci of TURKEY finds herself more comfortable on a volleyball court. The 5’10″ (179 cms) delight is a volleyball player at Florida Tech University. Her goal is to get into TV as an anchor once she’s done with her studies. I like this 21-year old babe for her natural and fresh beauty.

UKRAINE – Wow, it seems like this country is always making it into my list of favorites.  UKRAINE’s Anastasia Sukh is one of the youngest contestants in Miss Earth 2013 at 18 years old. She is replacing the equally beautiful Natalia Varchenko; no reason has been given for the change but if anyone knows why, leave a comment please! Anastasia Sukh is a student and stands 5’10″ (177 cms) tall.

 

ABQ’s Swimsuit Favorites – USA’s Nicolle Velez, Venzuela’s Alyz Henrich, Zambia’s Atieno Kabwe, Zimbabwe’s Samantha Dika

USA -This year’s girl from the US is a Hispanic New Yorker who was born in Pennsylvania. USA’s Nicolle Velez, 22 years old, is an accounting grad and is working towards her CPA. The 5’7″ model happens to be a pageant junkie who started joining beauty contests as a child. For me, she’s got an Olivia Culpo thing going on. What do you think?

VENEZUELA – Okay, I hate to say this to all of you who hope that the Philippines will be the big star of pageants this 2013 but Venezuela might steal the show. I adore this vivacious vixen who sashayed all over the stage throwing winks and kisses at the audience. I strongly believe that VENEZUELA’S Alyz Henrich is a contender for the Miss Earth 2013 crown. The 22 year-old Falcón native works as a modeling teacher, holds a degree in Social Communications and can speak Spanish and Italian. She just gorgeous at 5’9″ (176 cms).

What does it take to design the crown of a prestigious international pageant like Miss Earth? For Ramona Haar its passion and a love for the the elements of the earth.

“Designing crowns might just be my hobby but it is a hobby that I’m serious and passionate about,” the Florida-based Pinay jewelry designer says. “For the 2013 pageant, Miss Earth asked me to redesign the elemental crowns to be worn by the runners-up. The winner’s crown remains the same.”

Ramona adds, “All the new elemental crowns are made of 100% recycled sterling silver. Air stones are citrine and yellow Cubic Zirconia with pavé set white Zirconia. Fire stones are set with Rhodolites, Ruby birth stone & orange Cubic Zirconia. Also pavé set with white Zirconia. Water stones are blue Topaz, Sapphire birth stones & blue Zirconia.”

ABQ had the chance to have lunch with Ramona after the Press Con of Miss Earth last Nov. 21, 2013. Zeny Seifert, mom of Miss Earth beauty queen Sandra Seifert, was with us. Lorraine Schuck, founder of the Miss Earth franchise stopped by for a moment to look at the crowns and try them out.

Another project that Ramona divulged over our meal was a coffee table book featuring all the crowns she has designed. “If all goes well, the book will be launched next year in LA,” she gushed. “In the meantime I’m working on an educational video about the history of Filipino goldsmiths.”

Now, its time to check out the details of the new Miss Earth elemental crowns; check out the collage below:

Mutya ng Pilipinas threw its send-off party for its two queens today, Nov. 23, 2013 at the Midas Hotel on Roxas Blvd.

Koreen Medina, Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific 2013 will be flying off on Dec. 3 to represent the Philippines in the Miss Intercontinental 2013 to be held in Germany. She faces 60 rivals for the crown. The winner will be chosen on Dec. 14, 2013.

Meantime, Angeli Dione Gomez, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2013, will be leaving on Dec. 8, 2013 for Malaysia. She’ll be representing the Philippines in the Miss Tourism International 2013 which has attracted over 70 nations. Coronation night is New Year’s Eve so Angeli will be spending the holidays away from family this year!

Reigning Miss Tourism International 2012 Rizzini Alexis Gomez (Philippines) graced the occasion. She’ll be flying to Malaysia after Christmas day to relinquish her crown to the next queen and we’re all hoping that it’ll be a back-to-back win for the Philippines. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to see Rizzini crown Angeli Dione?

It would also be fantastic to see Koreen win the Miss Intercontinental title! If she does, she’ll be the first-ever Filipina to do so.

Best wishes to Koreen Medina and Angeli Dione Gomez! You’ve both prepared and trained hard for this moment and we know you’ll both do the nation proud in your respective international pageants!

More photos to follow…

Megan Young, Miss World 2013. Photo from Hola Magazine Philippines

The Philippines very first Miss World winner Megan Young is set to arrive within the hour (ETA 6:54pm, Nov. 23, 2013) at the NAIA airport on a mission to bring aid to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban and surrounding areas. Megan has been raising funds in New York and LA since Super-Typhoon Yolanda devastated the eastern block of the Visayas region. She flies in from Jakarta via Hong Kong.

In a phone call with Miss World Philippines Director Cory Quirino, ABQ gleaned that Megan was not scheduled to return to Manila until sometime mid-December for her Christmas break. But with the shocking typhoon that knocked the Philippines down to its knees in early November 2013, the Miss World organization decided to rework her schedule so she could come home and participate in relief efforts.

Cory says, “right after she exits the plane, we will meet the press at the airport. Then Megan will be whisked off to a briefing with the Red Cross so that she can have better understanding of the situation. Our home base will be in Cebu but she will definitely set foot on Tacloban together with a team from Red Cross.”

Knowing Megan Young, it will be a very emotional trip for the actress-turned beauty queen. She is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve and for crying at the drop of a hat. She will definitely need that briefing from Red Cross and maybe even a second briefing after the visit.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young flanked by Miss World Philippines National Director Cory Quirino (left) and Miss World chairwoman Julia Morley (right). Photo taken during Megan’s homecoming Press Con at Solaire.

MEGAN’S ITINERARY:

According to Cory our Miss World 2013 will leave for Cebu tomorrow, Nov. 28, 2013 for the humanitarian mission and will return to Manila on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013.

On Sunday, Dec 1, 2013 Megan will be attending the Kuya Germs Walk of Fame event at Eastwood at 5pm.

Then on Monday, Dec 2, 2013 Cory says they will announce Megan’s first major, major product endorsement (in the Philippines) as Miss World 2013. She gave this author no clues but I have a strong feeling it’s a skin or hair product.

Megan Young departs Manila on Dec 3, 2013 for the UK where Miss World Chairwoman Julia Morley  is still recuperating from a seriously fractured hip. Cory says that Julia will be unable to return to work for 2 months as her hip heals.

The good news is Megan will be back in Manila on Dec. 15, 2013 (tentatively scheduled) to start her Christmas break. I’m sure she’s dying to spend time with her family and friends over the holiday and fans will get to see her as well on TV and in public events.

Welcome back home Megan!!!