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Beauty Queen Spotlight: Joyce Agsaway – Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012!

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Joyce Pascual Agsaway cried like a baby when she won Mrs. Globe Philippines 2012!

Joyce Pascual Agsaway cried like a baby when she won Mrs. Globe Philippines 2012!

It is NEVER too late for you to join a beauty pageant, thanks to the emergence of Mrs Pageants where married women and moms can fulfill their dreams of competing for a crown and scepter! ABQ got to meet and greet Joyce Agsaway, Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 who thought all her beauty queen dreams were put to rest when she settled down to have a family.  Here’s her story:

To join or not to join

When Joyce heard from a friend about the search for Mrs. Philippines Globe last year (2012), her heart skipped a few beats. Was this her chance to become a beauty queen? She had given up on the beauty queen dream in her youth because she was a UP Scholar and had no time for anything outside of her studies. After graduating, she got caught up in work and then eventually got married.

Hearing about the pageant revived her dreams of wearing a crown so Joyce mentioned it to her hubby Armand. He ended up getting more excited than her an told her to go for it. But she had one big obstacle – she still carried some ‘pregnancy weight’ after having their first child Clarence. She was about 165 lbs at the time and felt that she was too heavy. But she gathered up the guts (pun intended) to contact the pageant’s organizers who welcomed her just as she was. In fact, she was one of the last contestants to be screened.

Winning Mrs. Philippines  Globe 2012

“It was totally unexpected.” Joyce Agsaway gushes. “Happy na ako when I entered the Top 8. So when I was announced the winner, I couldn’t believe it! I cried like a baby so lahat ng coronation photos ko, umiiyak ako.” It was a tough competition for Joyce – she was up against former Bb. Pilipinas finalists and PMAP models while she had very little modeling experience.

But she knew what her assets were: her height of 5’10″ and great communication skills – two things she highlighted during the Q&A portion. “My question was: What do you think your edge is in this competition? Sabi ko – ‘Aside from being the tallest contestant, I embody the true essence of  woman. I am a good wife to my husband, a good Mom to my son. I have a great career and most of all, I have an amazing God!’”

Joyce Agsaway with her beautiful family!

Joyce Agsaway with her beautiful family! Armand, her hubby and Clarence, their son.

The Top 5 Reasons Why ABQ LOVES Joyce Agsaway:

1) Her skin is worthy of 10 billboards on Edsa! Joyce Pascual Agsaway has that perfect porcelain skin, blemish-free at glowing pa.

2) Maganda siya mag-bihis: Corporate but dressed-down for our interview. (Jacket top with jeans and flats. Pearls for accessories).

3) She quite the Amazon at 5’10″ and has that beauty queen dating.

4) Simple lang ang beauty niya pero captivating – mala Leah Salonga or Bernadette Allyson.

5) Joyce looks much younger than her age of 28 years.

Preparing for Mrs Globe 2012

Joyce Agsaway only had one month to get ready for the international pageant which was to be held in Rancho Mirage, a resort city in California. From 165lbs, she was able to whittle herself down to 140lbs by giving priority to breakfast and eating the right amount of food: a meal would consist of a palm-full of veggies, a fist of meat and 1/4 cup rice. Her choice of exercise was running and occasionally lifting weights.

Aside from the physical preparation, Joyce went through training under image consultant and beauty queen Patty Betita and Miss World Philippines Evangeline Pascual who happens to be her aunt. “Tita Evangeline did not know that I joined Mrs. Globe Philippines until a few days before coronation night. She was so happy kasi matagal na niyang dream na maging beauty queen ako!

Joyce adds that the support she got from the Mrs. Philippines Globe organizers was more than she expected. “They got three designers (Pablo Cabuhay Pablo Cabahug, Ronald Enrice and Edwin Uy) to make my entire wardrobe so everyday I had different outfits na planado.” She addeds that they even provided for her own make-up artist, Sonny Deleva, who flew with her to LA. She laughed adding, “Sonny and I would be up first thing in the morning just to do air-brush make-up!”

Joyce x 2 !!! ABQ Blog Author Joyce Burton Titular (left) with Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 Joyce Agsaway

Joyce x 2 !!! ABQ Blog Author Joyce Burton Titular (left) with Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 Joyce Agsaway

Competing at Rancho Mirage

There were about 40 countries competing at the Mrs. Globe 2012, Joyce says. She was pleasantly surprised because several of them were on the heavy side. Although glad that she was able to lose weight for the pageant, it was reassuring to know that Mrs. Globe was not just about having a small, sexy body. Joyce says, “dun ko na-realize that the pageant was really looking for women of stature AND substance. A woman with a great lifestory. It’s not just about the glamor and the glitz.”

Charity work is also an important value for the Mrs. Globe group. According to Joyce, Mrs. Globe’s charity is a project called WIN (Women in Need) and all the funds they raise go to that group. “As a hotelier,” she says, “I am active in CSR (corporate social responsiblity) projects. I am also a volunteer teacher for special children in a school in Paco, Manila.”

Winning the Face of the Year special award

It is not surprising that Joyce Agsaway won The Face of the Year award at the Mrs. Globe 2012. It happened to be the last special award announced highlighting it’s importance. “That award was judged based on photos and how we looked during rehearsals,” she said. “I also was in the Top 5 of the Peoples’ Choice Award. Nakakagulat because its $10 per vote and I entered the Top 5 with most of my votes coming from the US. ‘Di ko talaga ine-expect!”

Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 Joyce Agsaway (right) with Carla Cabrera Quimpo who won Director of the Year in the Mrs. Globe 2012 pageant held in California! Proud to be PINOY!

Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 Joyce Agsaway (right) with Carla Cabrera Quimpo who won Director of the Year in the Mrs. Globe 2012 pageant held in California! Proud to be PINOY!

Joyce’s Beauty Secrets

When it comes to beauty secrets here is what Joyce Agsaway has to say:  “A good day starts with a good night sleep. Appreciating what you have and being contented gives you a positive aura. Also, if I’m stressed up especially at work, I pause and isolate myself from the stressor and deal with it afterwards. For regimen, I remove make-up right away. Wash my face thoroughly and put Olay moisturizer at night. I don’t use heavy make-up everyday, just tinted moisturizer or BB Cream”

Passing on the crown

This year (2013) the Mrs. Philippines Globe organization will be choosing Joyce Pascual Agsaway’s successor sometime in May. Joyce is encouraging married women and single moms aged 26-45 to join saying, “don’t be afraid of joining kasi there is depth in a pageant like this. It’s really more about the camaraderie and sharing our stories. I made so many friends and I had a lot of fun!” She adds, “When I joined Mrs. Philippines Globe, I did it so that I could say that at least I tried to reach my dream. Even if I lost, at least masasabi ko na I tried.”

Well, she tried it and then won it!  But even if she didn’t win, Joyce has this to say: “It truly was a great experience that was both nerve-wracking and yet greatly satisfying. In fact, I became a better person and gained so many friends. I really hope Filipinas out there will give Mrs. Globe Philippines a chance. This is one beautiful life experience that you will never forget!”

The main cash prize for this year’s Mrs. Philippines Globe is P50,000 and the winner will be sent (all expenses paid) to represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Globe 2013 which will be held in Shenzhen, China.

If like Joyce Agsaway, you missed out on your dream to become a beauty queen, this might be your chance to give it a shot! Visit the website and fill out the registration form – www.mrsphilippinesglobe.com

MGPH13 Call eDM FINAL



ABQ Miss Talent Favorites in the Bb. Pilipinas Talent Show 2013!

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The 50 Bb. Pilipinas 2013 contestants at the Talent Show... beauty queens Nicole Schmitz, Janine Tugonon, Shamcey Supsup and Katrina Dimaranan up in front!

The 50 Bb. Pilipinas 2013 contestants at the Talent Show… beauty queens Nicole Schmitz, Janine Tugonon, Shamcey Supsup and Katrina Dimaranan up in front!

I have been dying to see all 50 girls in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 and I finally got my first glimpse of them all (as official candidates) in the Talent Show held last Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Gateway Mall Activity Center.

My first impression and predictions? I’ll tackle all that in my next posts.

For now, here are my thoughts on the 16 lasses who chose to present their talents:

Predictably, most contestants chose to sing. What can you do when we are a nation of songbirds and karaoke kings? The second popular talent presented was dancing. No surprise there either. Then there were a couple unexpected presentations: a hoola-hoop number and a magic show.

Then we had one declamation. We Pinoys LOVE declamation. I trace it back to all those declamation contests in elementary and high school; contests which our teachers seemed quite fond of. It was a great way to torture students who needed to improve their crappy grades, LOL!

But I wonder if any contestant ever won Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas history because of her declamation skills… hmmm… do any of you pageant history buffs know anything about this? Feeling ko wala pang nananalo dahil sa declamation…  but correct me please, if I’m wrong :)

As for my prediction for Bb. Pilipinas Talent 2013 – I can only guess. Unlike the three previous years where it was pretty clear to me who would win (Krista Kleiner in 2010, Shamcey Supsup in 2011 and Katrina Dimaranan in 2012) this year is a bit more difficult. No one had a presentation that really knocked me out. But I did enjoy each one!

Nevertheless, I shall hazard a guess – that Anna Carmina Antonio (#11, below) the contestant who did the magic show will win because it was the most unique presentation in the Talent Show and she was pretty good at her tricks. Most of all, she left me wondering how she fit into those tiny little silver shorts that looked no bigger than a hanky. I guess it’s just MAGIC, LOL! Okay, I’m just teasing!!! Anna Carmina Antonio really looked awesome in her magician’s outfit, for true!

Anna Carmina Antonio from Isabela - my pick for Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 for her skill in prestidigitation!

Anna Carmina Antonio from Isabela – my pick for Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 for her skill in prestidigitation!

My second choice for Miss Talent would be Theresa Marie Fenger (#35, below) who did a song number.  Miss Fenger happens to be the lead singer of the local group Eurasia. Out of all the singers she had the most polished  performance. It involved a lot of  shimmying and butt wiggling which left her breathless but still able to belt out her lines. If I tried that, I’d have an asthma attack in 30 seconds flat. But in Theresa Marie Fenger’s case, it was the audience who couldn’t breathe due to her electric grooves and mooves!

NOTE*** Miss Theresa Fenger was, unfortunately, disqualified from the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant. Please click here to read more about what happened.

Theresa Marie Fenger sings Rihanna songs!

Theresa Marie Fenger sings Rihanna songs! She reminds me of KC Concepcion in this shot…

My third choice is Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom (#44, below), the contestant who danced Flamenco. She TRULY had classic flamenco moves with fancy fingers, sinewy arms and snappy feet. She also had a very Flamenco look about her – intense and yet sexy at the same time. Flamenco is all about attitude and this girl had it nailed!

Gabrielle Monique Runnstron looks fierce in this bullfighting pose. She reminds me of Kuh Ledesma here...

Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom looks fierce in this bullfighting pose. She reminds me of Kuh Ledesma here…

Miss Talent Darkhorse: Maria Angelica de Leon (#31, below).  This gorgeous babe is capable of producing some awesome Soprano notes! Bravo to Mariel de Leon for giving us some REAL entertainment – the offspring of Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong sang an opera number that made me think of angels in the sky… but I’m sorry I can’t tell you what the song was since I’m not much of an opera fan (altho I appreciate it) and you know how opera singers are like rock stars? You can’t understand a single word they’re singing… heehehehe…  but in fairness, this girl is my Miss Talent Darkhorse. She could steal the special award from under our noses because some of the judges looked like opera fans to me…

The one and only opera number came from Maria Angelica de Leon

The one and only opera number came from Maria Angelica de Leon

Special mention: Christine Paula Love Bernasor (#18, below) from Ormoc, the contestant who did the modern Pandanggo sa Ilaw dance – she dropped one candle right after she placed it on her head, caught it quickly, mesmerized the audience with a naughty smile and gave a ‘give-me-one-more-try’ signal at us. I was automatically arrested by her charm! If there was a Miss Charming award, it would definitely go to her. AND, her choice of song – a Francis M  a Black Eyed Peas rap song titled Filipino (I think) Bebot, was a great idea!

Oooops! Christine Paula Love Bernasor drops her candle! She reminds me of Patty Betita...

Oooops! Christine Paula Love Bernasor drops her candle! She reminds me of Patty Betita…

And now for the rest of the talent contestants and my thoughts on their presentations:

Rea Nakpil cries Alms! Alms! in her declamation. Such fabulously fierce eyes on her. No beggar could ever look this beautiful!

Rea Nakpil cries Alms! Alms! in her declamation. Such fabulously fierce eyes on her. No beggar could ever look this beautiful!

I love this dramatic shot above of Rea Nakpil (#43) as she took on the role of a street beggar. Her flashing eyes are her best asset. It is just too bad that the sound system was malfunctioning so we did not get to hear her declamation clearly. However, when she got to the shouting parts, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a big solid voice (and not a shrieking one) come out of her. Watching her writhe, moan and beg on stage was a treat!

*****

Parul Shah gets the best abs award from ABQ for having no vestige of fat on her waistline!

Parul Shah gets the best abs award from ABQ for having no vestige of fat on her waistline! Doesn’t she remind you of actress Nanette Medved?

I was dismayed because most of the time, Parul Shah (#33) showed the audience her backside when her front side was far, FAR more interesting! Her abs are to die for. Her smile is a killing machine. And her hips have the sonic qualities of a Tahitian earthquake.

*****

Zandra Flores sings "Loving You" while the audience is loving her...

Zandra Flores sings “Loving You” while the audience is loving her…

Zandra Flores (#3) flowed onto the stage in a billowy blue gown and sang “Loving You,” that song with an ultra high note in it. And yes, she can hit that note like a prize fighter!

*****

Imelda Schwiegart (#45) sings Rihanna's Diamond in a glittery gown that had a hard time containing her sex appeal...

Imelda Schwiegart (#45) sings Rihanna’s Diamond in a glittery gown that had a hard time containing her sex appeal…

Thanks to her performance, my hubby and I suffered from LSS (last song syndrome) all night. We kept singing – “Shine bright like a diamond…” all night long and laughing our heads off. Anywhoo… Imelda Schwiegart (#45) looked dazzling in her imeldific gown which matched her song and made me think of Marilyn Monroe. Imelda wins the Sexiest Singer Award from ABQ!

*****

Angeli Dione Gomez shows off her Hoola Hoop tricks!

Angeli Dione Gomez shows off her Hoola Hoop tricks!

Angeli Dion Gomez (#48) showed us a thing or two about taming a wild Hoola Hoop! This was one of the more unique presentations at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show and an audience favorite!

*****

Count. One, two, three, four, five, six. SIX! Anna Carmela Aquino has SIX pots on her head!!!

Count. One, two, three, four, five, six. SIX! Anna Carmela Aquino has SIX pots on her head!!!

This number had me at the edge of my chair; I was so scared she’d drop her towering load of six pots! My seatmate started taking footage – ‘just in case she breaks them all,” he said. Very funny. Well, Anna Carmela Aquino (#10) did not break a single pot but she had me and the rest of the crowd squealing in fright because there were a few moments that looked scary. Good job with the pots, grrrrl!

*****

Nicole Donesa looks like a Disney Princess and sings like one too!

Nicole Donesa looks like a Disney Princess and sings like one too!

Was this Sleeping Beauty singing a golden oldie? NO! It was Nicole Donesa (#4) warbling away…  “Someone to Waaaaaatch… Over Mmmeeeeeee… “

*****

Belly Dancing!!!  From Aiyana Mickiwicz...

Belly Dancing!!! From Aiyana Mickiwicz…

Belly dancing is always fun to watch! But when you don’t have much of a belly, how can you be a belly dancer? This is the question I wanted to ask Aiyana Mickewicz (#47) as she twirled around the stage in her golden costume…  LOL!

*****

Pia Wurtzbach mesmerizes with her eyes as she sang to the audience at the Bb. Pilipinas Talent Show 2013!

Pia Wurtzbach mesmerizes with her eyes as she sang to the audience at the Bb. Pilipinas Talent Show 2013!

Pia Wurtzbach (#15) walked on stage, pure vixen, and treated us to a rendition of “On My Own” from Le Miz. Her soulful eyes fit the song well!

*****

A dance interpretation from Jan Helen Villanueva... check out the Bb. crown, it's right on her head!

A dance interpretation from Jan Helen Villanueva… check out the Bb. crown, it’s right on her head!

We all felt bad for Jan Helen Villanueva (#40); because of a mix-up in her music, she ended up lying in a fetal position for several minutes on stage as she waited and waited and WAITED for her song to begin. You know how some dance numbers start with the dancer curled up on the floor? Anyway, when her song, Ave Maria, finally started playing, Jan Helen Villanueva was all over the stage leaping and twirling and doing high kicks. She also did a pretty neat flip at one point. Love it!

*****

Jacquline Alexandra Mayoralgo sings us some Phantom of the Opera...

Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo sings us some Phantom of the Opera…

It’s really wonderful when contestants choose great songs with depth to entertain us – Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo (#42) dished out “Think of Me” from the Phantom of the Opera and I’m sure she was hoping that the judges would think of her come coronation night on April 14, 2013!

*****


The Queens’ Reunion Party: Celebrating 50 Years of Bb. Pilipinas!

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Friday, March 15, 2013 – I woke up today feeling GOLDEN! All I could do was thank God for giving me a crown that changed my whole life when I was but a reluctant 18-year-old. Today, I celebrate that crown which has graced not just my head but that of 48 other beautiful women in the Philippines. Indeed, it feels wonderful to be part of such a small, elect and beaitiful group. I do not know if I have ever written about how I hated joining Bb. Pilipinas some 28 years ago. Mom made me join against my plans of studying medicine. But over the years I have gotten over it (it took more than a decade) and now I see just how wise my Mother was. She knew me before I knew myself. So today I can say – What was once rags to me has become my riches. Thank you Mom for all that tough love and all that pushing. I hated being out of my comfort zone but it was well worth it!

To BPCI, thank you for making the Bb. Pilipinas titles the most prestigious ones in the land. Our crowns are dust without your blood, sweat and tears… Thank you for the hard work you put in to make it number one. Happy Golden Anniversary!

To all the beauty queen makers, I know that when we are up on stage you are there with us too. You cry when we lose, you freak out like there’s no tomorrow when we win. We are nothing without you.

To the pageant fans, thanks for loving us throughout the years. Even the oldest queens, you ask for their autographs! (Kasama na ako dun, ahahaha!) Beauty Pageants would be boring without you, thank you for your devotion!

To all the Bb. Pilipinas Queens, whenever we are together, I feel like its a glimpse of what Heaven is going to be like: full of beauty, love, hope and joy – a celebration of how fantastic our Creator is!

I can’t wait to see all your beautiful smiles later at the Queens Reunion! See you my darlings!!!


ABQ’s Photos at the Bb. Pilipinas Queens’ Reunion 2013!

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Invitation to the Queens' Reunion!

Invitation to the Queens’ Reunion!

Helloooo ABQ Readers! Just want to share with you photos of the beauties at the Bb. Pilipinas Queens’ Reunion last March 15, 2013 at Madame Stella Marquez Araneta’s home which is fondly called the “Bahay na Puti” or the White House. There are two or three beauty queens that I failed to identify, if you recognize them please leave a comment.

According to Stella Marquez Araneta, the Queens’ Reunion is the first-ever official gathering of all past (and present) Bb. Pilipinas beauty queen title-holders over the past 50 years outside of coronation nights.

It was my first time to see Madame Stella’s sprawling mansion which is grand but simple. An elegant home with a touch of history in it. We all gathered in the entertainment hall in front of the swimming pool and then had a ‘class picture’ at the grand staircase.

Anyway, I’ve got a gazillion photos to share with you and I’ll just let them tell you the story of what happened at the Queens’ Reunion!

PS: To eagle-eyed pageant historians out there, please leave a comment if you spot any mistakes in titles, years, names, spelling, etc. I also was not able to identify three beauty queens, please help!!

Scroll down to the very bottom of this post to see our “beauty queen class photo” at the grand staircase!

Anette Liwanag and Chiqui Brosas

Anette Liwanag and Chiqui Brosas are batchmates from 1975. Anette was Bb. Pilipinas Miss Maja and placed 4th runner-up in her international pageant. Chiqui also placed 4th runner-up in Miss Universe, the same title that Venus Raj carries.

Betsy Hartendorp (3rd from right) painted this portrait of Madame Stella (3rd from left). Beauty Queens in photo - Lara Quigaman (left) with Miriam Quiambao beside her. Far left

Betsy Westendorp (lady in white jacket) painted this portrait of Madame Stella (lady in black). Beauty Queens in photo – Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman (left) with Miriam Quiambao (Miss Universe 1st RU 1999) beside her. Far left is actress Ruffa Gutierrez (Miss World 2nd Princess 1993), next to her is Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz. This portrait hangs in the formal dining hall of Madame Stella’s home.

Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt (left) with Sharon Hughes Miss Young International  1982. Both Queens did not compete in their respective international pageants as Jane had entry problems and there was no international pageant held in Sharon's year.

Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt (left) with Sharon Hughes, Miss Young International 1982. Both Queens did not compete in their respective international pageants as there was none during the year of Sharon while Jane had entry problems. But Jane got sent instead to compete in the Miss Maja 1984 where she placed as a semifinalist.

Kate Manalo!

Kate Manalo, Top 10 in Miss World 2002!

Katrina Dimaranan (in white) and Nicole Schmitz

Current Queens (at time of photo) – Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan (in white) and Nicole Schmitz, Top 15 Miss International 2012!

Lovely Lara Quigaman...

Lara Quigaman Miss International 2005! She’s a new mom and you can see the glow of it on her lovely face…

Lovely smile from Miriam Quiambao...

Lovely smile from Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe 1st RU 1999…

L-R Evelyn Camus, (can someone remind me who the lovely lady in white is), Sharon Hughes, Izza Gonzales and ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

L-R Miss International 2nd RU 1971 Evelyn Camus, former consul to Morocco Fortune Aleta Ledesma (she was a runner-up in the year of Nini Licaros 1968), Miss Young International Philippines 1982 Sharon Hughes, Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales and ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1985

L-R Izza Gonzales, Karen Agustin, Jennifer Barrientos, Lian Ramos, Mafae Yunon, Madame Stella, Lara Quigaman, Ruffa Gutierrez and Elaine Kay Moll.

L-R Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos, Miss Universe Photogenic 2006 Lian Ramos, Miss World 4th RU 2003 Mafae Yunon, Madame Stella Araneta, Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Miss World 2nd RU 1993 Ruffa Gutierrez and Miss Supranational 3rd RU 2012 Elaine Kay Moll.

L-R Patty Betita, Marina Benipayo, Desiree Verdadero, Jane Brumitt and does someone know the lady at the far right

L-R Miss International 1991 Top 15 finalist Patty Betita, Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1992 Marina Benipayo, Miss Universe 3rd RU 1984 Desiree Verdadero, Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt and Ma. Bella Nachor – Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1984!

Mafae Yunon!

Miss World 2003 4th RU Mafae Yunon! Sexy forevah!

Manalo sisters - Pamela Biance (left) and Kate!

The Manalo sisters – Pamela Bianca (left) and Kate! Pamela won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 2009 while Kate was a semifinalist in Miss World 2002!

Maricarl Tolosa (left) and Karen Agustin

Bb. Pilipinas International 2001 Maricarl Tolosa (left) and Karen Agustin, 2002 Bb. Pilipinas Universe…

My dream photo! Here I am (in the white and green dress) with our most recent Miss Universe winners Shamcey Supsup (left), Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon (right).

My dream photo! Here I am (in the white and green dress) with our most recent Miss Universe winners Shamcey Supsup (left, 3rd RU Miss Universe 2011), Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th RU 2010) and Janine Tugonon (right, Miss Universe 1st RU 2012). Happiness!

Pamela Bianca Manalo! My blog began during her year!

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2009 Pamela Bianca Manalo is dear to my heart because we share the same title and my blog ABQ began during her year!

Pretty Peachie Sacasas!

One of my favorite-ever Bb. Pilipinas International winners, Peachy Sacasas! She placed in the Top 15 of Miss International in 1981, the same year I won Miss Young Philippines. We also happen to be church-mates at Union Church of Manila!

Sharon Hughes (left) with Izza Gonzales

I LOVE THESE QUEENS! Miss Young International Philippines 1982 Sharon Hughes (left) with my batch mate Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales!

Warm hug between Madame Stella (left) and Ruffa Gutierrez

Warm hug between Queen of Queens Madame Stella (left) and actress Ruffa Gutierrez who did the country proud when she won 2nd RU in Miss World 1993!

(Can't remember the name of the lady seated far left.) Next to her is Sharon Hughes, then Izza Gonzales, and Mafae Yunon (far right)

L-R Former Consul to Morocco Fortune Aleta Ledesma, Miss Young International Philippines 1982 Sharon Hughes, then Miss Maja 2nd RU 1981 Izza Gonzales, and Miss World 4th RU 2003 Mafae Yunon (far right)

A beautiful grin from Ana Igpit!

A beautiful grin from Ana Igpit, Bb. Pilipinas World 2006!

Artist Betsy Hartendorp (left) with Vida Doria (middle) and Madame Stella Marquez Araneta

L-R Artist Betsy Westendorp (she is often a judge at Bb. Pilipinas and is the bff of Madame Stella), Miss Universe Photogenic 1971 Vida Doria and Madame Stella Marquez Araneta…

 

Desiree Verdadero (top), Jane Brumitt (left)... can anyone tell me the name of the lady in the foreground

Miss Universe 3rd RU 1984 Desiree Verdadero (top), Bb. Pilipinas International 1984 Jane Brumitt (left) and in the foreground – Ma. Bella Nachor – Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1984…

Jeanette Fernando  (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 1993 Jeanette Fernando (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular…

Jennifer Barrientos (left) and Lian Ramos

L-R – Two Bb. Pilipinas Universe winners: Jennifer Barrientos (2008) and Lian Ramos (2006, Miss Universe Photogenic winner)

Just look at these beautiful smiles from the Philippines! L-R Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Isabella Manjon, Czarina Gatbonton, Dianne Necio and I'm not quite sure who is at the right en

Just look at these beautiful smiles from the Philippines! L-R Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon, Bb. Pilipinas World 2010 Czarina Gatbonton, Miss International Top 15 in 2011 Dianne Necio and Danielle Castano Bb. Pilipinas World 2008!

Karla Bautista

Karla Bautista, 4th RU Miss World 2004!

Mafae Yunon (left) with Karen Agustin and Lara Quigaman (right)

Miss World 4th RU 2003 Mafae Yunon (left) with Bb. Pilipinas 2002 Karen Agustin and Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman (right)…

Maricarl Tolosa (left) with Karen Agustin

Bb. Pilipinas International 2001 Maricarl Tolosa (left) with Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin…

Maricarl Tolosa lookin' atcha!

Bb. Pilipinas International 2001 Maricarl Tolosa lookin’ atcha!

Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1992 Marina Benipayo taking a photo of me taking a photo of her!

Bb. Pilipinas Maja 1992 Marina Benipayo taking a photo of me taking a photo of her!

Our 1st-ever Miss Universe Gloria Diaz speaks to the beauty queen crowd. Behind her are Shamcey Supsup (left), Janine Tugonon and Venus Raj (right).

Our 1st-ever Miss Universe Gloria Diaz (1969) speaks to the beauty queen crowd. Behind her L-R are Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 3rd RU 2011), Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 1st RU 2012 and Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th RU 2010). When will the Philippines ever grab that elusive Miss Universe 2nd runner-up title? aahahaahaha!

Patricia Fernandez!

Miss International Top 15 in 2008, Patricia Fernandez!

Ruffa Gutierrez (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular

Actress (and Miss World 2nd RU 1993 Ruffa Gutierrez (left) with ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular. We actually shot a movie together – “Binibini ng Aking Panaginip” (I was contrabida, Ruffa was lead) together with basketball player Jayvee Gayoso. Did I get his name right?

Shamcey Supsup (left), Madame Stella Marquez Araneta (with mic), Janine Tugonon (in brown) , and Venus Raj (far right)

Madame Stella Araneta Marquez, the beauty and brains behind the highly successful Bb. Pilipinas franchise greets the beauty queens. Behind her L-R are Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 3rd RU 2011), Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 1st RU 2012 and Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th RU 2010).

Class Photo of the Bb. Pilipinas Queens Reunion 2013 courtesy of Felix Manuel

Class Photo of the Bb. Pilipinas Queens Reunion 2013 courtesy of Felix Manuel


Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation: Candidates 41 – 50 !!!

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Dear ABQ Readers:

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation held at the ballroom of the Makati Shangril-La Hotel on March 18, 2013 was a blast! All 50 contestants have leveled up since the Talent show a week ago and I expect them to keep leveling-up as coronation night approaches!

But I am still having a hard time choosing my favorites for the 3 crowns that will be awarded come coronation night in mid-April. In the years of Venus and Shamcey, I spotted my winners fast. Specially with Shamcey – she was my winner the moment I set eyes on her. But in the year of Janine, it was not easy for me to pick my favorites and this 2013 is the same! Too many beautiful women to choose from!

Anyway, here are the 50 contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 (in batches of 10) at the Press Presentation. Those highlighted in Red were the ones I liked the most. Unless specifically mentioned, they are not necessarily my Top Choices yet, but for me, they did outshine the others at the Press Presentation!

CONTESTANTS 41-50

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 - Contestants 41 to 50

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 – Contestants 41 to 50

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41. Ariella Arida - 24 yrs - Laguna

41. Ariella Arida – 24 yrs – Laguna

Ariella Arida has a South American vibe to her. She reminds me of that petite Filipina model/socialite from the 70s or 80s – she is now a shoe designer (you see her designs in SM and Robinson’s etc) and her last name starts with a P. I just can’t seem to remember her name! Anyway, Ariella Arida’s strongest features are her piercing eyes. Her lean, athletic body comes from all the running she does; in fact, she recently completed her first-ever 21k marathon! This 24 year old comes from Laguna and is a Chemistry grad.

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42. Jacquline Alexandra Mayoralgo - 24 years - Makati

42. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo – 24 years – Makati

This soprano is a heavy-weight not just in singing but also in lifting weights. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo loves going to the gym and you can see it in her well-defined, trim legs. In the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show, she was the last contestant to perform- she sang something from her favorite musical, Phantom of the Opera. I like her hair and styling better in the Press Presntation (than in the Talent Show) because it made her look more model-like. Check out my blog post on the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show here…

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43. Rhea Nakpil - 23 years - San Mateo, Rizal

43. Rhea Nakpil – 23 years – San Mateo, Rizal

Actress/Model Rhea Nakpil just has that over-all bright feeling when she is on stage. Like as if she’s just happy to see everyone. However, this lady is truly a thespian at heart – she showed us her ‘dark’ side at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show when she took on the character of a beggar and did a declamation piece crying, “Alms, alms, alms!” I have a stunning dramatic shot of her in my blog post for the Talent Show. Just click on the link! While she’s got a terrific smile, I personally prefer her dramatic look over her sweet and bubbly one…

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44.Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom - 19 years - Las Pinas

44.Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom – 19 years – Las Pinas

If I were to give out a special award for the most adorable catwalk at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation, it would have to go to Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom. She just kept throwing us one flirtatious smile after another and it made her stand out in her set of 10 contestants. We first met this half-Swedish Kuh Ledesma look-alike at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show where she showed off her Flamenco Skills which I really liked because she can move like a real Spanish dancer… And from what we can see in the collage above, Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom has a pageant-worthy body!

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45. Imelda Schweighart - 17 - Puerto Princesa

45. Imelda Schweighart – 17 – Puerto Princesa

Every time Imelda Schweighart comes out on stage, I think of the late Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas International 2009. Both are half-German. But while Melody was more of the Disney Princess type, Imelda sizzles like Marilyn Monroe – hot, hot, HOT!  IMHO, Imelda had the sexiest performance at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show (she sang Rihanna’s Diamonds) and I think she has a strong chance of winning the International crown. (Unfortunately, she’s only 17 so that cancels her out for the Universe title which has 18 as it’s minimum age.) If she wins the International title, I’d have her work hard on losing just a few more strategic pounds and toning up the legs a bit. Imelda Schweighart is definitely in my list of favorites!

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46. Amanda Noelle Navasero - 21 years - Makati

46. Amanda Noelle Navasero – 21 years – Makati

Many newbies have to try and try again just to qualify as an official Bb. Pilipinas candidate. Others join local pageants first before giving the Philippines’ number 1 pageant a try. But Amanda Noelle Navasero is one of those few girls who come out of nowhere and then suddenly, she’s in the list! Amanda Noelle Navasero has a sweet smile that I adore – for me, it is her best asset. Her slight frame gives her that ramp-model look; I can see this College of St. Benilde tourism student burning up the catwalk in the future at Fashion Week!

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47. Aiyana Mickiewicz - 3 years - Baguio City

47. Aiyana Mickiewicz – 23 years – Baguio City

Aiyana Mickiewicz. Love the contrasting porcelain skin and red lipstick. That never fails to capture my attention. Although she looked good at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show where she did a Belly Dancing number, I loved her look more here at the Press Presentation because she had a more queenly aura. Even if she is as pale as a Twilight vampire, it suits her beauty. Her penchant for working out in the gym has paid off; Aiyana Mickiewicz looked hot in her swimsuit!

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48. Angeli Dione Gomez - 19 years - Cebu City

48. Angeli Dione Gomez – 19 years – Cebu City

One of my favorite faces in Bb. Pilipinas 2013! Angeli Dione Gomez has the perfect look for television; I can already see her as a news presenter or a show host. She definitely exudes intelligence and sharpness. And I imagine she is well-spoken coming from a highly respected family in the Queen City of the South, Cebu. Good legs, tight body, thanks to horse-back riding. But an accident forced her to stop ‘horsing around’ so she now sticks to Poi, juggling and hoops. She did a nifty Hoola Hoop number at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show, click here to see more!

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49. Herlie Kim Artigue - 22 years - Cebu City

49. Herlie Kim Artigue – 22 years – Cebu City

Love this girl, what a smile! Pinay beauty talaga… Herlie Kim Artigue’s best asset is her gorgeous Filipina smile which exudes warmth and hospitality. Beauties like her belong on tourism advertisements for the Philippines. She’ll make everyone abroad think it’s really fun in the Philippines (and it is, if you’re hanging out with the right people!) Herlie Kim Artigue comes to Bb. Pilipinas with a 4th RU achievement in the Miss Cebu 2012. Not baaaad, Herlie gurlie!

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50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual - 21 years - Taytay, Rizal

50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual – 21 years – Taytay, Rizal

Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual‘s nickname’ Krisma’ fits her well because she got tons of Charisma with a capital C! For me, she looks like a cross between sexy actress Carmi Martin and the late Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas International 2009. What do you think? I’m loving the photogenic smile and the curves on this Miss PSBA 2012 winner and even is she is not as tall as some of the Eiffel towers in this batch, Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual might just sneak past them into the Semi-finals!

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The coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, the Gold Edition will be on April 14, 2013. It will be aired live on ABS-CBN. But I hope you’ll step out of your homes that night to watch the show live with us at the Araneta Coliseum. It IS the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas after all! You can get tickets at TicketNet – hope to see you there!

 

 


Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation: Candidates 31 – 40 !!!

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Dear ABQ Readers:

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation held at the ballroom of the Makati Shangril-La Hotel on March 18, 2013 was a blast! All 50 contestants have leveled up since the Talent show a week ago and I expect them to keep leveling-up as coronation night approaches!

But I am still having a hard time choosing my favorites for the 3 crowns that will be awarded come coronation night in mid-April. In the years of Venus and Shamcey, I spotted my winners fast. Specially with Shamcey – she was my winner the moment I set eyes on her. But in the year of Janine, it was not easy for me to pick my favorites and this 2013 is the same! Too many beautiful women to choose from!

Anyway, here are the 50 contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 (in batches of 10) at the Press Presentation. Those highlighted in Red were the ones I liked the most. Unless specifically mentioned, they are not necessarily my Top Choices yet, but for me, they did outshine the others at the Press Presentation!

CONTESTANTS 31-40

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation, Contestants 31 - 40

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation, Contestants 31 – 40

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31. Maria Angelica de Leon - 19 years - Las Pinas

31. Maria Angelica de Leon – 19 years – Las Pinas

Okay, actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong really know how to make good-looking babies. This offspring of theirs, Maria Angelica de Leon (nicknamed Mariel) already caught my eye even before I discovered that she was their daughter. Her Opera singing is excellent and it’s too bad that the Miss Universe and Miss International don’t have talent competitions because she’d be a good candidate for either pageant and her singing would make her shine more. Although between the two pageants, mas-prefer ko ang International for her. Some have criticized this angel for being a little ma-bilbil with a squarish jaw. However, with time on her side, she can lose weight and firm up more. As for the jawline, I love it because it literally gives her beauty an edge to it. Another good nickname for Mariel would be ‘baby doll’, don’t you think?

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32. Cindy Abundabar - 24 years - Camarines Sur

32. Cindy Abundabar – 24 years – Camarines Sur

Wunderbar! Cindy Abundabar’s beautiful abs and legs remind me of Queenie Rehman who won best in Swimsuit at the Bb. Pilipinas 2011. I wonder if this year’s set of judges will like her lean, athletic look as well? Perhaps a Best in Swimsuit award for Cindy Abundabar? Pwede! This Bicolana is a denizen of beauty pageants in her province but the Bb. Pilipinas is her first ever National pageant.

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33. Parul Shah - 24 years - Baguio City

33. Parul Shah – 24 years – Baguio City

Parul Shah so reminds me of actress Nanette Medved except she is the Morena version. Parul, like Miss Universe 4th RU 2010 Venus Raj is half-Indian, however she’s got this Dom Rep vibe that I think Donald Trump is going to love. I’m lining up this Nursing grad as one of my favorites for Bb. Pilipinas Universe. Best asset is her stunning smile. Plus, she looks gorgeous without make-up! I know she feels her legs aren’t long enough but from what I saw at the Press Presentation, Parul Shah has a competitive body and only needs some tweaking in the gym. Shah na kaya? Shah na nga!

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34. Grace Yann Apuad - 25 years old - Agusan del Sur

34. Grace Yann Apuad – 25 years old – Agusan del Sur

I’m not sure if you pageant fans are familiar with Julianne Tarroja, the girl-with-a-guitar singer, but Grace Yann Apuad reminds me of her. Grace comes to the Bb. Pilipinas with a few feathers in her cap – she’s the Miss Photogenic in Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines and a semi-finalist in a teen pageant. Grace Yann Apuad is also not new to the camera having acted in a movie with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. She is one of the taller contestants in the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 golden batch – some websites say she’s 5’9″ tall!

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35. Theresa Marie Fenger - 25 years old - Quezon City

35. Theresa Marie Fenger – 25 years old – Quezon City

NOTE*** Bb. Pilipinas disqualified Theresa Marie Fenger one week after the Press Presentation, reportedly for a sexy photo spread she did for for a men’s magazine. She was replaced by KC Cahandig of General Santos City. See a photo of KC and an article on the disqualification here!

I first saw Theresa Marie Fenger when she competed at the Century Tuna Superbods 2009 contest.  This half-German babe was one of my choices and she won! Although she looked thinner then, I prefer her slightly fuller look now. Many pageant fans are rooting for her to win Miss Talent in the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 after she gave a polished performance (she sang a couple Rihanna songs) at the Talent Show in Gateway last week. She is, after all, the lead singer of the all-girl group Eurasia where her ‘stage name’ is Lana Roi. To have someone who already has a career as a singer join the Bb. Pilipinas is a testament to the pageant’s prestige!

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37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay - 22 years - Laguna

36. Angel May Villafuerte – 21year – Naga City

Just look at the photo of Angel May Villafuerte on the left. She’s got these undulating long-ish legs and a slightly short torso – that combination, for me, is extremely attractive! I’d say that Angel May Villafuerte has one of the best, if not THE best proportions in the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant. Her smile is also another thing that I like – it sort of reminds me of Miss Universe 3rd RU 2011 Shamcey Supsup’s winning smile. After reading her bio, I discovered that she certainly lives up to her name – Angel May is a charity worker. She’s a volunteer teacher for the Kariton Movement and is involved in a weaving project for indigent women in Naga City. I am a FIRM believer that beauties should do charity work even before they join a pageant. Love you Angel May Villafuerte, MAY you always be an ANGEL!

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37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay - 22  years - Laguna

37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay – 22 years – Cabanatuan City/Laguna

I first met Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay at the Miss World Philippines 2012 final selection of candidates. I liked her immediately and even included her in my list of favorites. However, she did not place in that pageant, a disappointment for me, as I am sure it was for her. But, I am glad it did not stop her from pushing on and running the race again. She is looking more gorgeous now than ever and I have high hopes that this time around, Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay will place in the semi-finals. At the very least. Click here to read the short bio I wrote on her when she was competing in Miss World Philippines 2012.  Note* Alaine and contestant #39 Mutya Datul look like sisters!

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38. Mariz Ong - 21  years - Isabela

38. Mariz Ong – 21 years – Isabela

Mariz Ong is another familiar face for ABQ readers. We last saw her compete at the Miss World Philippines 2012 where she finished unplaced. But, I promise you, she looks fantastic now, what a level-up! While I found her cheek contouring to be a little too strong or ‘bronzy’ during the Press Presentation, I totally approve of the sexier look she carries now as opposed to the ‘sweet artista beauty‘ attack she had in MWP 2012. Mariz Ong also walked far more confidently – thanks to all the training she went through before trying out for Bb. Pilipinas 2013.

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39. Mutya Johanna Datul - 20 years - Isabela

39. Mutya Johanna Datul – 20 years – Isabela

Oooooh, this girl over-arches a little too much but DANG! It just makes her look sexier! I have been, admittedly, a fan of Mutya Johanna Datul from the time I laid my eyes on her at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 beauty pageant. Unfortunately, Mutya Johanna Datul did not win a Mutya crown like I predicted. A major, major disappointment for me, I kid you not. In this article, I wrote down a few reasons why I felt she didn’t win. And I gave her some advice, one of which I think she followed – I told her to get more fit and judging by the collage above, she has far more shapely legs and fab abs, but I still find her arms to be on the thin side. Click here to see a photo of how ‘not fit’ she was at the Mutya ng Pilipinas. Big improvement sa physique, congrats to you Mutya. Remember what I said – work hard on the Q&A and speak in Pilipino if you have to. With all that said, I’d bestow the Tourism crown on her. She is also a possibility for the Universe crown. Supranational too, if they decide to give that title out. I can’t really see her win the International title though, but if she does, I’d be happy as a lark!   Note* Mutya and contestant #37 Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay look like sisters!

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40. Jan Helen Villanueva - 20 years - Bulacan

40. Jan Helen Villanueva – 20 years – Bulacan

And the winner of the Best Complexion award goes to….  Jan Helen Villanueva of Bulacaaaan! Don’t you just love her color and skin? This is the tan I wanted to have but could not achieve when I joined my own Bb. Pilipinas pageant in 1985! I also love her proportions and prefer her with her hair down here as compared to the up-do she had in the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show. But she had to have her hair up because she did an interpretative dance number while wearing a ballet-like dress. Good presence on stage, Jan Helen Villanueva, you are oozing with sex appeal…

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The coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, the Gold Edition will be on April 14, 2013. It will be aired live on ABS-CBN. But I hope you’ll step out of your homes that night to watch the show live with us at the Araneta Coliseum. It IS the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas after all! You can get tickets at TicketNet – hope to see you there!


Bb. Pilipinas Press Presentation 2013: Candidates 21 to 30

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Dear ABQ Readers:

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation held at the ballroom of the Makati Shangril-La Hotel on March 18, 2013 was a blast! All 50 contestants have leveled up since the Talent show a week ago and I expect them to keep leveling-up as coronation night approaches!

But I am still having a hard time choosing my favorites for the 3 crowns that will be awarded come coronation night in mid-April. In the years of Venus and Shamcey, I spotted my winners fast. Specially with Shamcey – she was my winner the moment I set eyes on her. But in the year of Janine, it was not easy for me to pick my favorites and this 2013 is the same! Too many beautiful women to choose from!

Anyway, here are the 50 contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 (in batches of 10) at the Press Presentation. Those highlighted in Red were the ones I liked the most. Unless specifically mentioned, they are not necessarily my Top Choices yet, but for me, they did outshine the others at the Press Presentation!

CONTESTANTS 21 to30

Contestants 21-30 Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation: Contestants 21 to 30

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21. Lourenz Grace Remetillo - 25 - Iligan Ciy

21. Lourenz Grace Remetillo – 25 years – Iligan Ciy

What a feline beauty this Lourenz Grace Remetillo is! An alumna of the Miss Supranational 2011 (she represented the Philippines but was unplaced), what are her chances of entering the Top 5 in Bb. Pilipinas 2013 and being selected to represent the country again in the Miss Supranational beauty pageant? Your guess is as good as mine! But it seems Bb. Pilipinas is proud that a former Supranational contestant is in their roster of candidates because it is mentioned in the profile that Bb. Pilipinas gave us at the Press Presentation.

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22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan - 26 years - Las Pinas

22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan – 26 years – Las Pinas

Love the legs on this vixen. Ellore Noelle Punzalan used them to sail on stage and strut her stuff. She also brought a big dose of sunshine along with her! I’m sure she gets her legs from all the sporty things she does: basketball, volleyball and Taekwondo…  great anatomy on this licensed medtech. If she does well in Bb. Pilipinas 2013,Ellore Noelle Punzalan will just have to put her medical studies on hold for a year or two… a sacrifice which is for me, well worth it!

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23. Leona Paula Santicruz - 21 years - Aurora

23. Leona Paula Santicruz – 21 years – Aurora

Gee, so many distinctive beauties in this year’s batch! Leona Paula Santicruz is one of them, with her strikingly bold widow’s peak, perky eyes and sunny smile. It is odd that such a beauty works at the Bureau of Customs but then again, maybe they use her beauty to arrest smugglers? If I were a guy, I wouldn’t mind being handcuffed by this gorgeous gal!

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24. Cassandra Naidas - 22 years - Antipolo

24. Cassandra Naidas – 22 years – Antipolo

I’m thinking that this Lasalle Psych grad kind of looks like Solenn Heusaff. What do you think? Some have said Gloria Diaz. But whatever the case, Cassandra Naidas DOES have a stately beauty that makes her stand out. For me, Cassandra Naidas would fit the Bb. Pilipinas International title or the Supranational (if given out).

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25. Merry Joyce Respicio - 18 years - Bulacan

25. Merry Joyce Respicio – 18 years – Bulacan

Merry Joyce Respicio‘s toothy grin reminds me of Gem Padilla! And I like the cheekbones. Remarkable cheekbones are usually the hallmark of top models so I wasn’t surprised to find out that Merry Joyce Respicio had already been featured in Fashion Week, Cosmo Philippines and Metro Wear. She’s got the look of someone born for the runway!

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26. Anna Fernandina Buquid - 22 years - Quezon City

26. Anna Fernandina Buquid – 22 years – Quezon City

I overheard one of the pressfolk in the crowd say that Anna Fernandina Buquid is the tallest contestant in this year’s batch of Bb. Pilipinas contestants. Unfortunately, not all the contestants’ heights were listed in the press kit so can any of my dear ABQ readers confirm this? Anywhooo… in the photo of her at the very right – the facial close-up  she reminds me of the tall and willowly Lingling Gonzales whom I used to model with in the late 80s. Dindi (as she is fondly called) is into Airsoft, volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee!

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27. Vania Valiry Vispo - 24 years - Batangas

27. Vania Valiry Vispo – 24 years – Batangas

It is really good to see Vania Valiry Vispo (my Triple V girl) back on the pageant runway! This San Beda ICT grad has leveled-up since I last saw her at the Miss World Philippines 2012 beauty pageant where she entered the Top 12 and won the Smart People’s Choice award . Click here to read my article on Vania Valiry Vispo during the MWP competition. Her styling and walk are the most obvious improvements – she looks more polished on stage and has a leaner look.  The Bb. Pilipinas press kit listed her at 5’11″ – another asset. Watching her glitter on stage makes it hard to believe that this girl considers herself an introvert.

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28. Mercegrace Raquel - 19 years - Nueva Ecija

28. Mercegrace Raquel – 19 years – Nueva Ecija

Aha! I’m not the only beauty queen blogger in town. Mercegrace Raquel also has her spot in the blogosphere – just click here to get there! In her blog, she openly shares her hurts and pains including being dumped by a boyfriend and surviving it. Mercegrace Raquel also shares pageant photos and candid shots of herself. Check it out. Two things this girl is totally proud of: her burnished Morena complexion and her mathematical mind. She’s studying to be a Math and Science teacher and comes from a family of professors. But I can’t imagine having a teacher as gorgeous as her; I’d be distracted to the point of failure!

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29. Pauline Quintas - 17 years - Marikina

29. Pauline Quintas – 17 years – Marikina

Is she 18 or is she 17 years old? The question is important if Pauline Quintas hopes to win the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title because I think you have to be at least 18 to qualify. While the press kit of Bb. Pilipinas lists her as 17, her official FB site says she is 18. Hmmmm…  another question: Pauline Quintas is believed to be related to Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1995 and Miss Tourism International 1997 Joanne Quintas; what is their relationship? Maybe one of ABQ’s well-informed readers can drop a note and tell us more? What I DO know is that this working student is taking up Tourism with dreams of becoming a flight attendant.

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30. Maria Theresa Gorgonio - 25 - Cebu City

30. Maria Theresa Gorgonio – 25 years – Cebu City

Not a Gorgon this one, but she can melt you down with just one look! Maria Theresa Gorgonio is a certified Cebu top model, a Miss Teen Philippines 2005 finalist and Miss Cebu 2007 3rd runner up. After 3 years of working as a flight attendant, Matet feels she’s ready for the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant. I so like the slight figure of this photography hobbyist and the vague Chat Silayan-ness of her smile.

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The coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, the Gold Edition will be on April 14, 2013. It will be aired live on ABS-CBN. But I hope you’ll step out of your homes that night to watch the show live with us at the Araneta Coliseum. It IS the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas after all! You can get tickets at TicketNet – hope to see you there!


Bb. Pilipinas Disqualifies Theresa Fenger Due to Racy Photos?

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The disqualified Theresa Fenger (left) has been replaced by KC Cahandig

The disqualified Theresa Fenger (left) has reportedly been replaced by KC Cahandig who is now the new Binibini #35 (KC’s photo from Missosology.info)

Update: According to the blogsite Fashion Pulis, Theresa Fenger voluntarily resigned from her candidacy at Bb. Pilipinas 2013.  She reportedly discovered too late, the rule that girls who’ve done sexy photos for men’s magazines automatically lose any chance of joining the pageant. Click on the link above to read the story.

Received the disturbing news from an ABQ reader yesterday that pageant favorite Theresa Fenger (aka Lana Roi of the all-girl group Eurasia) has been disqualified from the roster of official candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2013 due to the discovery of racy photos she did for a magazine. This news was supported by some pageant fans close to the Bb. Pilipinas camp as well as Missosology.info.

While I don’t argue much with Bb. Pilipinas’ policy of not accepting candidates who have posed for such photo spreads, it breaks my heart to see Theresa Fenger go. And I was going to put her in ABQ’s Top 15!

Grrrrr…..

In cases like this, I just wish that it would not reach the point of disqualification. It’s embarrassing for the girl and makes Bb. Pilipinas look like a killjoy. If only such details came out during the screening so you can deal with issues as early as possible.

Remember the case of Sandra Seifert? She got disqualified 2 days before coronation in the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 pageant because of a similar photo spread that she had done for a magazine. However, Sandra went on to join and win the Miss Philippines Earth pageant later that year.

Will Theresa Fenger do a Sandra Seifert and seek vindication by joining either Miss World Philippines or Miss Philippines Earth? It’s unlikely. Theresa Fenger is already 25 years old, a year too old for Miss World Philippines and her handler is reportedly not inclined to send her to Miss Philippines Earth (reportedly due to certain affiliations). Of course, Theresa can always go independent and join on her own. Sandra Seifert was also 25 years old when she won MPE 2009.

But the story is not entirely that sad because one woman’s loss is another one’s gain. Replacing Theresa Fenger is KC Cahandig from General Santos City (where Shamcey Supsup is from). I can just imagine her surprise at the unexpected turn of events. Wouldn’t it be wild if she performs so well that she grabs one of the crowns? We’ll see what happens on April 14, 2013… can’t wait for it!



Bb. Pilipinas Press Presentation 2013: Contestants 11 to 20!

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Dear ABQ Readers:

As supporters of contestant Theresa Fenger (an ABQ favorite) continue to reel from her shocking disqualification from Bb. Pilipinas 2013 (read more here) the pageant takes a short hiatus for the Holy Week break. I’m sure the girls won’t go on hiatus though – they’ll be training, dieting and working out as much as they can.

In the meantime, ABQ continues with it’s review of the contestants and their performance at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation held at the ballroom of the Makati Shangril-La Hotel on March 18, 2013.

In this post are my thoughts on Contestants 11 to 20. There are a total of 50 contestants, just scroll down to see my thoughts on them.  Those highlighted in Red were the ones I liked the most. Unless specifically mentioned, they are not necessarily my Top Choices yet, but for me, they did outshine the others at the Press Presentation!

CONTESTANTS 11 TO 20

Contestants 11-20 Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation

Contestants 11-20 Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation

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11. Anna Carmina Antonio - 22 years - Isabela

11. Anna Carmina Antonio – 22 years – Isabela

Anna Carmina Antonio has the curves that I would like to have if I were reincarnated. The way her waist tucks in…   how her hips slighty flare out…  and the flat abs that leave me lacking for words! And she’s got that wholesome way of carrying her kittenish beauty. Anna Carmina Antonio happens to be one of my bets for Miss Talent in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. She did a smooth magic tricks performance; click here to see photos of the talent show! Anna Carmina Antonio, who works as a Hotel Front Desk officer, comes to this pageant with 2 local honors: The Miss Tourism title in the Philippines Youth Pageant 2008 and the Bb. Isabela title in 2009. 

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12. Camille Carla Nazar - 23 years - Bulacan

12. Camille Carla Nazar – 23 years – Bulacan

With Janine Tugonon’s 1st RU placement in Miss Universe last year, we are seeing more Morenas coming out of the woodwork to try their luck at the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant. Camille Carla Nazar is one of those lovely Morenas – sun-kissed skin with a sparkling smile that will surely stun the judges this year. But she’s not just about skin-deep beauty; she’s also smart with a heart. Camille Carla Nazar loves children and is studying to become an Elementary School Teacher (golly do we need more of them!) so that she can nurture and mentor our young ones. 

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13. Charmaine Elima - 20 years - Binangonan, Rizal

13. Charmaine Elima – 20 years – Binangonan, Rizal

If our beauty queens were like coffee, Charmaine Elima would be a dark and fruity blend of Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon. With that said, Charmaine is one of my front-runners for Bb. Pilipinas Universe this year, however, it would be interesting to see her win any other crown. Some advice: I think Charmaine Elima has to walk the footsteps of Venus and Janine by staying friendly, humble and teach-able but with that indomitable Pinay fighting spirit. Her strongest asset is her doll-like face but it could also turn out to be her weakness because her cheekbones and jawline are too strong. At least for me. She needs to be softened down with some smart make-up tactics. And avoid facial expressions that are too strong. Body is excellent just keep working out and staying trim. I’m not surprised that Charmaine Elima already has 2 local titles: Miss Rizal 2012 and Miss Mandaluyong 2013. Winner!

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14. Mary Rose Pujanes - 20 years - Batangas

14. Mary Rose Pujanes – 20 years – Batangas

This Miss Batangan 2011 title holder brought summer into the cool ballroom of the hotel when she got on stage! (Batangan, btw, means “Batangas Tagalog” which is the dialect spoken  in most of Batangas. Mary Rose Pujanes ‘ 1st RU in Miss Batangan 2011 happens to be contestant #27 – Vania Valiry Vispo) What do I like about Mary Rose Pujanes? Well, just look at those dark gorgeous pools that make up her eyes. And the sultry lips that sizzle. And that brain which can figure out all those numbers! LOL! Yes, Mary Rose Pujanes took up Accounting at a college in Tanuan, Batangas. 

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15. Pia Wurtzbach - 23 years - Cagayan de Oro

15. Pia Wurtzbach – 23 years – Cagayan de Oro

Rising up from the ashes like a phoenix, actress Pia Romero returns to the limelight as Pia Wurtzbach, Contestant #15 in the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauty pageant. Pang-TV talaga ang beauty ni Pia – she was a former ABS-CBN talent but now dreams of doing a Ruffa Gutierrez – succeeding not just as a TV talent but as a beauty queen. This Filipina-German has appeared in several Kapamilya shows like “K2BU,” “ASAP,” “Your Song,” and “Aryana.”  Pia Wurtzbach’s stunning face is the first thing that grabbed my attention mostly because of her piercing eyes. Although I wished there was more meat on her, I can’t deny that her muscular frame looked fab in the bikini she wore at the Press Presentation. Me likey this grrrl!

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16. Joana Cindy Miranda - 20 years - Nueva Ecija

16. Joanna Cindy Miranda – 20 years – Nueva Ecija

Imagine that! Quitting as a co-host on Wiltime Good Time just to she how far she can go at Bb. Pilipinas. Joanna Cindy Miranda, who was also a Pinoy Big Brother housemate, is taking a risk but not an unfounded one. With her camera-perfect face, she has a big chance of stealing the thunder from any of the front-runners in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. AND, win or lose, Joanna Cindy Miranda easily return to TV where a face this telegenic deserves to be!  

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17. Carin Adrianne Ramos - 24 years - San Pedro, Laguna

17. Carin Adrianne Ramos – 24 years – San Pedro, Laguna

Ah, yes, even prettier than when I saw her first at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012. Carin Adrianne Ramos was in my Top 12 favorites during that pageant and I’m happy to say that this professional nurse entered the semi-finals and won a minor title – Mutya ng Informatics. For your… ehrm… informatics…  Carin Adrianne Ramos’ Mom joined Bb. Pilipinas in 1984 (the year of Desiree Verdadero) but backed out because she fell in love. (Thankfully, these days, falling in love and being a beauty queen can go hand in hand.) So Carin Adrianne Ramos is just out to finish where her Mom left off. Don’t you just love stories like that? 

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18. Christine Paula Love Bernasor - 25 years - Ormoc City

18. Christine Paula Love Bernasor – 25 years – Ormoc City

On her Pinterest site, Christine Paula Love Bernasor describes herself as a, “Foodie. Social Nerd. Art Lover. Trying to rule the world one day at a time…”  This Registered Nurse  has looks that could give her patients a heart attack: tall, tan and lovely, just like the song says. Although Christine Paula Love Bernasor was a victim of bullying as a child, she has grown to be compassionate towards those who are bullied and have less in life. As a result, she spends her free time as a volunteer for feeding programs. Interestingly enough, Christine Paula Love Bernasor is a a member of Couchsurfing; people who travel and sleep on other people’s couches, what an oddball group! BTW, Christine Paula Love Bernasor gave a wicked Pandanggo sa Ilaw performance at the Talent Show of Bb. Pilipinas 2013. Check it out here!

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19. Hannah Ruth Sison - 24 years - Makati

19. Hannah Ruth Sison – 24 years – Makati

There’s so much to like about Hannah Ruth Sison – starting with her ‘long-legged’ as Melanie would say. Her looong legs give her that svelte look and her clean type of beauty makes it easy to change her look depending upon the styling, the need and maybe even the weather! Hannah Ruth Sison happens to be a pastor’s kid. Her Dad, Pastor Gani Sison (who is thrilled that his daughter might just become a Bb. Pilipinas winner) heads a missions organization called ITeams or International Teams Philippines. This Isabelle Daza look-a-like is gifted in the arts – she does multimedia art (animation and graphics media) and is an instructor at College of Saint Benilde. 

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20. Bea Rose Santiago - 23 years - Masbate

20. Bea Rose Santiago – 23 years – Masbate

When you first meet Bea Rose Santiago, you think, wow! Nice! Pretty girl! But when you see her on stage, she transforms into a queen…  like in a jaw-dropping way. Effortless siya mag-project at napaka-regal ng kanyang galaw. Talo sila sa walk ni Bea Rose Santiago! So it’s no wonder she placed in the Top 10 of the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2012. Bea, who was Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas 2011, got assigned by the Mutya organization to compete in that pageant. I can see her doing well for the nation if she wins Bb. Pilipinas International. Pwede din sa Tourism or Supranational (if that title is given out). Click here to read my article on Bea Rose Santiago where she talks about her favorite hobby/sport – backpacking!

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The coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, the Gold Edition will be on April 14, 2013. It will be aired live on ABS-CBN. But I hope you’ll step out of your homes that night to watch the show live with us at the Araneta Coliseum. It IS the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas after all! You can get tickets at TicketNet – hope to see you there!

 

 


Bb. Pilipinas Press Presentation 2013: Contestants 1 to 10!

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Dear ABQ Readers:

As supporters of contestant Theresa Fenger (an ABQ favorite) continue to reel from her shocking disqualification from Bb. Pilipinas 2013 (read more here) the pageant takes a short hiatus for the Holy Week break. I’m sure the girls won’t go on hiatus though – they’ll be training, dieting and working out as much as they can.

In the meantime, ABQ continues with it’s review of the contestants and their performance at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Press Presentation held at the ballroom of the Makati Shangril-La Hotel on March 18, 2013.

In this post are my thoughts on Contestants 1 to 10. There are a total of 50 contestants, just scroll down to see my thoughts on them.  Those highlighted in Red were the ones I liked the most. Unless specifically mentioned, they are not necessarily my Top Choices yet, but for me, they did outshine the others at the Press Presentation!

BTW, thanks to our lovely hosts for the evening: Bb. Pilipinas International 2012 Nicole Schmitz, Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012 Katrina Dimaranan and Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-up Janine Tugonon!

L-R Nicole Schmitz (Bb. Pilipinas International 2012), Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012 !st Runner-up) and Katrina Dimaranan (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012)

L-R Nicole Schmitz (Bb. Pilipinas International 2012), Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-up) and Katrina Dimaranan (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2012)

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And now for my thoughts on

CONTESTANTS 1 TO 10…

1. Ria Rabajante - 23 years - Pasig City

1. Ria Rabajante – 23 years – Pasig City

Ria Rabanjante woke up a sleepy crowd at the Makati Shang-ri La with a spicy walk and a neat, pulled-back look while throwing smiles at the audience. Some pageant pundits in the crowd were whispering that Ria Rabajante was looking finer than ever saying they preferred this clean look of hers. Ria, who aims to become a film director one day, recieved loud applause during her solo walk in the Press Presentation – music to her ears I’m sure, because it’s always been her dream to join Bb. Pilipinas from the time she watched Miriam Quiambao place 2nd in Miss Universe 1999! For me, she’s a cross between Bb. Pilipinas World 2010 Czarina Gatbonton and Miss Univerwse 1st RU Janine Tugonon…

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2. Ma. Bencelle Bianzon - 23 years - Quezon City

2. Ma. Bencelle Bianzon – 23 years – Quezon City

Ma. Bencelle Bianzon admits that her prominent ears and dark complexion made her a frequent target of bullies in school. They called her ugly. I wonder what those bullies are saying now? Just look at Ma. Bencelle Bianzon: glittering smile, mysterious eyes and not a single ugly bone in her body!  Golly, she should just beat them up since she’s an Philippines Army Reservist. But, I guess bullies are not worth half the attention you’d give to a fly. In her profile she says: I decided to join Bb. Pilipinas 2013 to prove that I can succeed in spite of what other people are saying behind my back. IMHO, Ma. Bencelle Bianzon has already proven it by qualifying to be one of the 50 official contestants this year!

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3. Zandra Flores - 24 years - Pangasinan

3. Zandra Flores – 24 years – Pangasinan

I saw this on Zandra Flores’ Model Mayhem page: Been in TV Commercials: The Range, United Carpets and Beds and DFS Dining. As a front cover of EONA by Alison Goodman. Modelled sportswear for Sports Direct and Asian clothings for an Asian Catalogue. Recently crowned as Miss Philippines Commonwealth International 2010 and Queen of Friends of Commonwealth International 2010. I’m thinking that all of the above happened in the UK since I don’t recognize the brand names. Why the UK? Because that’s where she studied Cellular Pathology. At University of Bradford. Isn’t that so trippy in a CSI way? AND, this beauty doesn’t only have brains, she also has talent! Zandra Flores sang “Loving You” at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show - click here to read more about it.

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4. Nicole Donesa - 18 years - Quezon City

4. Nicole Donesa – 18 years – Quezon City

Which Disney Princess does this fair maiden remind you of? Sleeping Beauty I say! Nicole Donesa‘s princess-like beauty has already gotten her a few TV commercials (in the US and Philippines) and couple lead roles in indie films. Nicole Donesa is primarily based in California (her family is all there) but she’s in Manila to vie for one of the three Bb. Pilipinas crowns. I first laid my eyes on her at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent show where she sang “Someone to Watch Over Me”.

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5. Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen - 23 years - Marikina

5. Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen – 23 years – Marikina

I kept wondering where I saw Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen first… I thought she was friend of my daughter. Then I remembered – Miss Philippines Earth 2010! Maria Mustonen was Contestant #9, click here to see. Unfortunately, she was unplaced and I think it was because neneng-nene pa siya noon. But she has shed all vestiges of her little girl charm and has blossomed into a fierce femme. Maria Mustonen is now pagean-ready…  at angat ang beauty niya, this time around. She gets her well-toned legs from playing soccer competitively and is a student at Benilde studying Diplomatic and Consular Affairs.

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6. Yvette Chantal Mildenberger - 19 years - Legazpi City, Albay

6. Yvette Chantal Mildenberger – 19 years – Legazpi City, Albay

I have had the pleasure of meeting Yvette Chantal Mildenberger – by phone – when I interviewed her prior to her flight to South Korea to compete in the 23rd World Miss University pageant in December 2010. In the article I wrote for her, you’ll find out more about her German-Filipino roots, her teacher parents, the local pageants she has joined and won, her two Pitbulls and the training she had to go thru for the So. Korean pageant. Yvette Chantal Mildenberger plans to put up her own travel agency – a perfect choice since she studied Tourism at Aquinas, Legazpi City. I love her stately aura and can see her succeeding as an ambassadress for the Philippines!

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7. Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales - 24 years - Quezon City

7. Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales – 24 years – Quezon City

In some of her earlier photos online, you’ll see that Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales was a ‘metal-mouth’ but now that she’s taken off her dental braces, you can see the power of her brilliant smile! Depending on her styling, this Ateneo law-student sometimes reminds me of Janine Tugonon our Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner-up. But Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales still has a beauty of her own that is truly Pinay!

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8. Abbygale Monderin - 20 years - Antipolo City

8. Abbygale Monderin – 20 years – Antipolo City

Some very interesting things about Abbygale Monderin: she is a Sunday School teacher who is active in ministry. She is also the winner of Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2012, click here to see my article on that pageant!  Abbygale Monderin has a very unassuming style and a relaxed walk, like as if she were on the beach simply enjoying herself and not in a pageant competing with 49 other babes. Abbygale is a very focused girl with clear goals in life: She is an HRM student (with Academic distinction) at World Citi Colleges and aims to work for Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s 8-Star Hotel.

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9. Katherine Anne Enriquez - 23 years - San Mateo, Rizal

9. Katherine Anne Enriquez – 23 years – San Mateo, Rizal

“Take all avenues to success!” seems to be the motto of Katherine Anne Enriquez. In her quest for fame and glory she’s now trying the beauty pageant road. Before joining Bb. Pilipinas, Kate Enriquez was an aspiring actress having appeared on some ABS-CBN shows and even landing a small role in the movie “Sisterakas”.  She was also a Marketing Coordinator for an events firm but left that job to join the pageant. The smile is what i love best on Katherine Anne Enriquez; she reminds me of singer Acel Bisa and gives a fresh vibe to this year’s batch of Bb. Pilipinas beauties!

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10. Anna Carmela Aquino - 22 years - Isabela

10. Anna Carmela Aquino – 22 years – Isabela

Anna Carmela Aquino gets that lovely lean look not just from her DNA but from working as a member of the Kislap Sining Dance Troupe of Philippine Normal University. She even won the troupe’s Female Dancer of the Year award in 2010. In the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Talent Show, Anna Carmela Aquino had me seated on the edge of my chair as she danced with 6 pots all balanced on her head! If I had known that this Math Major was a professional dancer who even traveled abroad to perform, then I wouldn’t have been so nervous. Suffice it to say, none of the pots broke and she left stage with vigorous applause from the audience. Her best assets for me: The eyes and the leggy-look.

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The coronation night of Bb. Pilipinas 2013, the Gold Edition will be on April 14, 2013. It will be aired live on ABS-CBN. But I hope you’ll step out of your homes that night to watch the show live with us at the Araneta Coliseum. It IS the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas after all! You can get tickets at TicketNet – hope to see you there!


ABQ’s Cellphone Review: My Best Photos on the HTC 8x!

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When HTC asked me to try out their new HTC 8x phone, I quickly agreed. I was already a fan and user of HTC: I had bought my hubby an HTC Desire a couple years ago and I got myself an HTC Radar which I adored. I couldn’t imagine anything better than my Radar but the HTC 8x lived up to it’s promise of taking better pics with it’s ultra-wide angle front and back cameras.

You can check out the specs of the HTC 8x here!

Basically, I needed a phone that could take fantastic photos that I could upload on the spot to my WordPress blog and Facebook. Let me show you some of the amazing photos I’ve been able to take since I got my HTC 8x a month and a half ago:

Love my blue HTC 8x Celphone!

Meet my blue HTC 8x Cellphone! Classy with Gorilla Glass 2 and a matt rubber-like casing that handles falls very well. Best feature – the 8 Megapixel Camera!

*****

The Titular Family at CalloSpa in Antipolo

The Titular Family at CalloSpa in Antipolo

The HTC 8x is pretty good at taking photos even in low light. The Jacuzzi room on the left was quite dim, there were no lights in the room except for the sun streaming in from outside. And if you take advantage of back-lighting you can come up with some dramatic shots like the two on the right. CallosSpa is one of our favorite Spas…

*****

With my friend Krissy at Italliani's. The shrimp dish is for me!

With my friend Krissy at Italliani’s. The shrimp dish is for me!

I love taking photos of food and posting them on my Facebook and sometimes I like to include the company I’m having in my food photos! So here you see a slightly blurred Krissy in the background but a clear Shrimp Aglio and Iced Tea in the foreground. With the HTC 8x camera, you can tap anywhere on the screen and it will take the photo. However, the look changes depending on where you tap. To achieve this kind of depth of field, I tapped on the image of the shrimp dish. If I tapped on Krissy’s face, then she wouldn’t be blurry.

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The Titular Family out for a Swim at Club Manila East!

The Titular Family out for a Swim at Club Manila East!

Using odd angles often results in very interesting shots. The one where Ron and I are canoodling (bottom right) – that was a stolen shot that our daughter Diandra (you can see her hair in the photo) took at a low angle – worm’s eye view. She just stuck the camera below us, estimated the angle and clicked on the button (yes, aside from tapping on the screen, there is a button that you can click on to take shots).

The top photo of me and Diandra has beautiful muted colors and that Bokeh effect (ethereal balls of light). It was achieved using the Fhotoroom App which you can download for free on your HTC 8x.

The funny faces photo on the bottom left has no effects except for what we did with our faces! LOL!

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The HTC 8x camera allows you to manipulate the White Balance.

The HTC 8x camera allows you to manipulate the White Balance.

You can change the White Balance on your HTC 8x; there are several settings. In the photo above, I used the Daylight setting and the one at the bottom had a Flourescent setting. The other White Balance Settings are Auto (the default setting), Cloudy and Incandescent. You might be wondering if this phone camera is too complicated but it isn’t because you can always just ignore the setting and click away. It still takes great shots! I am not a photographer and yet with a little creativity I can come up with some cool shots.

Other camera setting that you can fiddle around with are:

Effects (Available settings are: Grayscale, Negative, Sepia and Solarize)

Resolution (You can lower the 8 Megapixels to 6,5, 4, 3 or 2 Megapixels. VGA is also available)

Exposure, Contrast, Saturation and Sharpness.

ISO (The choices are Auto (default), 100, 200, 400 and 800)

It also has a Face Detecting option.

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Me with the Top 3 beauty queens of the Philippines Shamcey Supsup, Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon!

Me with the Top 3 beauty queens of the Philippines Shamcey Supsup, Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon!

Alright, this is not one of my best photos, mostly because I had to ask someone else to take it. The original shot is on the left – it’s got an unfriendly bluish tone because it must have been on a bad White Balance setting. But I was able to improve it and inject some life by using the Warmify effect on Picasa – as you can see in the photo on the right. Picasa is like an easy-to-use type of Photoshop and is free to download online.

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Jericho Rosales (left) and Julianne Tarroja performing at the Hot Air Baloon Fest in Clark Airbase. Took these with my HTC 8x!

Jericho Rosales (left) and Julianne Tarroja performing at the Hot Air Baloon Fest in Clark Airbase. Took these with my HTC 8x!

I had the chance to watch the concert at the Hot Air Baloon Fest and here are a couple gorgeous shots of some of the performers. I was right in front of the stage so I was able to take good enough photos. I used the Fhotoroom App to jazz up the two shots above.

The HTC 8x has a zoom function but as you zoom in, the photo quality goes down. And if they’re moving, it’s difficult to take a clear photo using the zoom function. It’s really best to come in as close as possible. Below is a lucky shot I got of Julianne using the zoom function. I took so many zoom photos but they all looked blurry or too bright. This one somehow came out quite nice. So if you’re planning to take photos of a concert with your HTC 8x, I suggest you get front row tickets.

Julianne Tarroja sings. I zoomed in using my HTC 8x.

Julianne Tarroja sings. I zoomed in using my HTC 8x.

Gary V. at the top, Yeng Constantino at the bottom

Gary V. at the top, Yeng Constantino at the bottom

If you want great photos, you have to take LOTS of shots, specially if your subject can move like Gary V. I must have taken 30 shots before I got the one above. With Yeng, I was walking backwards while in front of her also taking a bazillion photos, snapping away over and over. Out of a dozen shots only one came out worthy – the one above. Once again, I used the Fhotoroom App to enhance the shots.

Other apps that I love to use on photos: Lomogram, Photo Enhancer, Phototastic Free and Photogrid.

*****

Diandra serves as the backdrop for my Eggs Benedict...

Diandra serves as the backdrop for my Eggs Benedict…

Nice effect here. Clear Eggs, blurry daughter. LOL! How I achieved this practical effect with my HTC 8x: Without telling my daughter, I surreptitiously took out my phone, aimed it and then tapped on the Eggs. I tapped several times on the eggs to get several shots while she was moving around. This was the best shot out of about 4 shots.

*****

Contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013

Contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013

The HTC 8x is great for taking solo shots and group shots. This here are some of the contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. The two at the bottom, Parul Shah (left) and Charmaine Elima are my Top 2 favorites… my 3rd favorite is the girl on the far left in the group photo – she’s got the face of a doll! Mariel de Leon is her name, daughter of Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong. These photos were all taken in incandescent lighting using the incandescent setting on my HTC 8x. I needed no photo apps to get these beautiful warm colors. I used the same setting, Incandescent, in the photo below except the lighting was morning sunlight coming in from a huge window.

Enjoying a Salad for Brunch!

Enjoying a Salad for Brunch!

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Papparazzi are after me!

Papparazzi are after me!

Papparazzi-style photos are so in fashion! All I do is put on classy shades, bring my dogs to Bonifacio High Street and ask my husband to ‘secretly’ follow me while taking photos with my HTC 8x. This one was taken a bit far so I had to crop it. It still came out clear. Then I used the Lomogram App to shade it a bit then I used my favorite Fhotoroom app to add a very light Bokeh effect. Yes, you can use different Apps to ‘fix’ one photo! Love it!

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ABQ with the cast and prod team of La Salle student film, Egay

ABQ with the cast and prod team of La Salle student film, Egay

Not one of my best photos. In fact it was a bit blurred (because someone else was taking the photo) so I had to sharpen it on Picasa. But what I wanted to emphasize were two things: 1) This camera can take good shots of huge groups – you see all faces and enough of the background. 2) It takes good low light shots. This room was very dim. Our only source of light was an open door behind the camera man. We had to turn off the flourescent light inside room because it was sending out an ugly flare.

But in the photo below, you’ll see just how flares can be really pretty. We took this ‘self-portrait’ with the 4pm sun right behind us, shining in it’s full glory. Diandra (she’s on the left) was holding the camera at a low angle – she’s really good at estimating camera angles in self-portraits, a skill that is worth mastering if you want to take interesting shots. The top photo is the original, untouched photo. The one at the bottom was ‘fixed’ by Diandra using Fhotoroom. She added a vintage effect and a rugged-looking frame.

My beautiful family!

My beautiful family!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my photos and my review of the HTC 8x. Thanks to HTC for letting me try out  this cool toy! Click here to check out the specs of the HTC 8x.

My photo adventure is not over tho… I still have to experiment with Lens Apps, Saturation, Exposure, ISO, etc. etc…  and with the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant just a couple weeks away (ABQ is covering it of course!) I’ll be needing my HTC 8x to instantly upload photos from backstage and frontstage. FUN! So stay tuned!

 


Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Contestants Present: Pitoy Moreno’s Collection!

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Just wanted to share with you the photos my hubby took at the Bb. Pilipinas Fashion show held April 11, 2013 at the Araneta Coliseum featuring all 50 candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2013. I am missing one candidate tho – I feel really bad about it but somehow we missed taking a shot of her – #21 Lourenz Remetillo. And she looked fabulous at the show!

If anyone has a photo of Lourenz Remetillo and wouldn’t mind seeing it in my blog, please email it to jaedeelight@yahoo.com and I will make sure to credit you for it! Maraming Salamat!

And now, here are the 49 candidates wearing the collection of Asia’s ashion Tzar, Pitoy Moreno:

Those highlighted in red are the girls that stood out for me. If you see any mistakes in names, numbers, spelling, grammar etc. please drop me a comment!

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Fashion Show at Araneta Coliseum!

The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Fashion Show at Araneta Coliseum!

1. Ria Rabajante

1. Ria Rabajante

Ria Rabajante, who is one of ABQ’s favorites, did very elegant hand movements while presenting this Sulu-Sea-Inspired outfit. It must be difficult being the first contestant in a pageant, but it is wise to put strong girls at the start and end of a pageant line-up.

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2. Bencelle Bianzon

2. Bencelle Bianzon

The coral and shell headdress on this Pitoy Moreno creation is stunning! I wonder just how heavy it is… but Bencelle Bianzon showed now sign of difficulty; she carried it gracefully to the end.

*****

3. Zandra Flores

3. Zandra Flores

Loving Zandra Flores here. Excellent hand movements and expressive projection. And even if she’s wrapped in that shiny sarong, her curves stand out!

*****

4. Nicole Donesa

4. Nicole Donesa

Nicole Donesa walked down the ramp just like a princess! She seemed to be a crowd favorite; the audience cheered for her the second she got on stage.

*****

5. Maria Mustonen

5. Maria Mustonen

ABQ favorite Maria Mustonen swept the stage like a lioness on the hunt! Each time I see her, I like her a little bit more…

*****

6. Yvette Mildenberger

6. Yvette Mildenberger

This grey-silver outfit really goes well with Yvette Mildenberger’s fair looks. She was one of the more graceful contestants with hands that flowed like water. To me, she is like a wild gazelle let loose on the plains…

*****

7. Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales

7. Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales

This gorgeous outfit made me wonder if Pitoy Moreno was ever commission to do uniforms for flight attendants. Doesn’t Maria Ivy Kristel look like she’s about to ask you if you want the chicken or the fish? Just kidding! But I do love her serious model look; it is truly difficult to fabulous without smiling.

*****

8. Abbygale Monderin

8. Abbygale Monderin

Beautiful contrasting colors on this skirt and jacket with cap ensemble! They go well with the sleek beauty of Abbygale Monderin.

*****

9. Katherine Anne Enriquez

9. Katherine Anne Enriquez

Katherine Anne Enriquez slowly burned in this bright orange Filipiniana dress. And I just love the way her face reflects the feminine moodiness of a supladang Pinay!

*****

10. Anna Carmela Aquino

10. Anna Carmela Aquino

The dusky beauty of Anna Carmela Aquino is further enhanced by the deepness of this pink/fuschia Filipiniana creation by Pitoy Moreno. She carried the outfit with gentle grace.

*****

11. Anna Carmina Antonio

11. Anna Carmina Antonio

Although Anna Carmina Antonio seems dead serious in this shot, she did shower the audience with toothy smiles from time to time. From my perspective, this girl was enjoying herself on stage, proud to be a Binibini wearing Pitoy Moreno.

*****

12. Camille Carla Nazar

12. Camille Carla Nazar

Beautiful tribal patterns over bright orange. And doesn’t that cap look so classy on Camille Carla Nazar? She cretainly knows how to carry high fashion…

*****

13. Charmaine Elima

13. Charmaine Elima

I love the baby tassels on this outfit! Makes me think of jesters in a King’s court. Well, a Queen’s court, I should say. Charmaine Elima lived up to her name and did a charming job; she captivated this blogger’s heart as she worked the stage with her awesome walk!

*****

14. Mary Rose Pujanes

14. Mary Rose Pujanes

Mary Rose Pujanes just keeps getting better each time I see her. She took the stage confidently in this orange number and walked like as if she already had the crown on her head!

*****

15. Pia Wurtzbach

15. Pia Wurtzbach

Although I prefer a smiling Pia Wurtzbach, it was interesting to see her do the “you-better-not-mess-with-me” runway look. Pia is one of the hottest contestants in this batch with a following that stretches longer than Edsa.

*****

16. Joanna Cindy Miranda

16. Joanna Cindy Miranda

Haaaay, the face! The beautiful face!!! And the lips like sugar… Joanna Cindy Miranda is really captivating when she smiles. Loved watching her having the time of her life on stage!

*****

17. Carin Adrianne Ramos

17. Carin Adrianne Ramos

Loved the bouncy walk of Carin Adrianne Ramos in this portion of the show! She did fantastic as she showed off the more fun side of Pitoy Moreno’s design!

*****

18. Christine Paula Love Bernasor

18. Christine Paula Love Bernasor

Christine Paula Love Bernasor got to show off her playful side (and gorgeous long legs) as she twisted and turned on stage to some Roaring 20s music!

*****

19. Hannah Ruth Sison

19. Hannah Ruth Sison

Hannah Ruth Sison showed us that you can still have fun even if you’re wearing shocking pink leggings and petticoat! Hannah really is very graceful and her face is just full of expression. She remains an ABQ favorite!

*****

20 Bea Santiago

20. Bea Santiago

A grinning Bea Santiago hogged our attention, not because she was trying hard to steal the limelight; she just simply is an eye-catching beauty! No matter where I look, my eyes inadvertently go back to her…

*****

21. LOURENZ REMETILLO

We weren’t able to take a photo of Lourenz, but if you have one, please send it to jaedeelight@yahoo.com and I’ll stick in here. I really loved her performance and am dismayed that we missed her! Thanks!

*****

22. Ellore Noell Punzalan

22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan

Oooh, this was one of my favorite outfits!  And it was JUST perfect for Ellore Noelle Punzalan – the gold and orange just made her tan sexier. Nice arms and shoulders too…

*****

23. Leona Paula Santicruz

23. Leona Paula Santicruz

That black and red corset gown looked really great on Leona Paula Santicruz. She gave the costume a little extra attitude with her moody look and elegant gait…

*****

24. Cassandra Naidas

24. Cassandra Naidas

This number on Cassandra Naidas made me think of peacocks… if you see what I mean. Cassandra was bubbling under with a smile that warmed my heart. I really like this girl!

*****

25. Merry Joyce Respicio

25. Merry Joyce Respicio

Stunning on stage! That’s what Merry Joyce Respicio is! I previously said that she reminded me of Gem Padilla but in the fashion show, I started thinking Lou Bunyi. Anyway, Merry Joyce has brilliant cheekbones that make her look good even when her hair is pulled back in a bun. This is one beauty that really excites me!

*****

26. Anna Buquid

26. Anna Buquid

Anna Buquid enthralled the crowd with her savvy runway skills! Standing half an inch shy of 6 feet, this goddess had every eye in the coliseum trained on her as she dominated the stage…

*****

27. Valiry Vispo

27. Valiry Vispo

Valiry Vispo started her walk with a dramatic pose that betrayed underlying grace. She is a joy to watch – full of confidence and so focused on giving her best to the crowd as she presented her Pitoy Moreno design.

*****

28. Mercegrace Racquel

28. Mercegrace Racquel

Tiger, tiger, burning bright… that’s all I could think of when Mercegrace Racquel stepped on stage in this deep orange long gown. A smouldering beauty…

*****

29. Pauline Quintas

29. Pauline Quintas

I just noticed that the mask (which is really cute) kind of looks like Pauline Quintas, what do you think? Pauline has that kind of charming beauty that you can’t say no to. Simple and sweet!

*****

30. Maria Teresa Gorgonio

30. Maria Teresa Gorgonio

Doesn’t this cool aqua shade look fabulous on Maria Teresa Gorgonio? I just love it on her and what I love even more is the intense expression on her face. She makes a perfect runway model!

*****

31. Mariel de Leon

31. Mariel de Leon

Everybody loves Mariel de Leon with her baby doll face and sweet looks. But at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013, I finally saw the fierceness that I was looking for! There is a ‘leon‘ buried somewhere inside of her and I caught a glimpse of it during the show. Mariel de Leon… an ABQ favorite!

*****

32. Cindy Abundabar

32. Cindy Abundabar

Ahh… really like this Filipiniana design by Pitoy Moreno. It looks really good too on Cindy Abundabar who carried it with the sweet modesty of an old-fashioned Filipina.

*****

33. Parul Shah

33. Parul Shah

Simplicity was Parul Shah‘s peg all night. This ABQ favorite glided across the stage with muted drama. A very different performance compared to the Press Presentation where she was flirty and bouncy. Nice to see the quiet and elegant side of Parul!

*****

34. Grace Yann Apuad

34. Grace Yann Apuad

Grace Yann Apuad flowed on stage in this billowy Pitoy Moreno gown. And even if she was in all black, Grace’s smile lit up the stage – a beautiful contrast!

*****

35. KC Cajandig

35. KC Cajandig

Oh my, what a surprise! The girl who replaced Maria Teresa Fenger (who dropped out of the pageant due to photos in a men’s magazine) was fabulous on stage! Well, I really shouldn’t be surprised since KC Cajandig is a Supermodel runner-up. KC has this gorgeous mournful look that only top runway models know how to produce. She was one of the best, if not the best girl on stage at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Fashion Show!

*****

36. Angel May Villafuerte

36. Angel May Villafuerte

Angel May Villafuerte smiled all the way, up and down the catwalk as she gracefully carried her lacy Pitoy Moreno gown. She does smile like an angel, doesn’t she?

*****

37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay

37. Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay

Alaine Baccay was THE PERFECT girl for this beautiful ruffled serpentina gown! She looked like a queen with her high bun and delicately positioned hands. I did not realize Alaine could walk and look so regal. After this walk of hers, I am a FAN forever!!!

*****

38. Mariz Ong

38. Mariz Ong

Mariz Ong showed her reserved side in this eclectic creation by Pitoy Moreno. She looks so different when her hair is pulled back this way – I like this different look of hers! Very conservative yet so attractive…

*****

39. Mutya Datul

39. Mutya Datul

Mutya Datul was all smiles as she twirled around the stage in her Cinderella-like ballgown. She is really going for the crown, giving it her best, dimples and all! Bravo!!!

*****

40. Jan Helen Villanueva

40. Jan Helen Villanueva

This gown made me think of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Two things that I think Jan does NOT have.Unless it’s pride over wearing a Pitoy Moreno creation. But she does have the elegance to carry a gown as poofy as this. Excellent walk!

*****

41. Ariella Arida

41. Ariella Arida

Ariella Arida was stunning in this emerald gown which made me think of Origami art. She is just getting fiercer and fiercer as the competition heats up!

*****

42. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo

42. Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo

Lovely sweet smile from Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo. This Pitoy Moreno gown becomes her, methinks.

*****

43 Rhea Nakpil

43 Rhea Nakpil

This particular Pitoy Moreno gown was a good choice for Rhea Nakpil – the butterfly sleeves give her a conservative appeal but the sash around the waist shows her sexy silhouette. Beautiful!

*****

44. Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom

44. Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom

Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom was reserved in this royal purple creation by Pitoy. Normally vivacious, Gabrielle this time around, showed us her regal self. But I could see that deep down inside that she wanted to unleash the butterfly in her!

*****

45. Imelda Schweighart

45. Imelda Schweighart

Is it Imelda Schweighart’s debut? It sure looks like it! She is only 17 after all! So young and so beautiful, this half-German sweetheart walked like a princess on stage and charmed us all!

*****

46. Amanda Noelle Navasero

46. Amanda Noelle Navasero

Perfect styling on Amanda Noelle Navasero! And beautiful poise too. I did not know that she could move so elegantly. I could hardly take my eyes off of her! This serpentina gown suits her to a tee and I hope that on coronation night, she wears something just as fab…

*****

47. Aiyana Mickiewicz

47. Aiyana Mickiewicz

This gown could have been created for Aiyana Mickiewicz – it suits her so well! The pink shade and feathers complement her fair complexion and the hair off to one side gives her a youthful appeal.

*****

48. Angeli Dione Gomez

48. Angeli Dione Gomez

Pretty Angeli! She gave us her best beauty queen smile as she paraded down the ramp in a pastel and blue Pitoy Moreno terno…

*****

49. Herlie Kim Artigue

49. Herlie Kim Artigue

A stunning creation by Pitoy Moreno on an equally stunning Herlie Kim Artigue. Gown and girl complement each other, I am impressed!

*****

50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual

50. Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual

Last girl in the line-up happens to be one of the more striking beauties in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. Krisma Pascual looked like she was born to wear this floral terno by Pitoy Moreno!

*****

Hope you enjoyed the photos we took at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 fashion show! Thanks to my hubby Ron T. for taking all these great shots. Love you my sweetie…

 


Bb. Pilipinas Queens’ Parade Rehearsal Photos!

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Dear ABQ Friends:

After a full night’s rest, I can finally have the energy to upload some of the photos I took on my HTC 8x Phone Camera during the rehearsals for the Queen’s Parade last night.

Confession: it was so hard to focus on our blocking because we were so busy chatting, laughing and catching up with each other! I sure hope that the lady who was directing the parade did not get too exasperated with us. The Queens were saying backstage how patient she was because many of us were horsing around, even on stage, most especially me!

Anyway, coronation is tonight and I am a bundle of mixed emotions – overjoyed that I will be on stage with the most beautiful women in the Philippines and thrilled to find out who our winners will be!

And as we count the minutes down to Bb. Pilipinas 2013′s show time, enjoy these photos!

***note:  Not so familiar with some of the queens so if you can help me identify the ones I can’t, please leave a note in the comments section!

1) ABQ (left) with my Bb. Pilipinas 1985 Batch: Tina Alcala (green) and Izza Gonzales… having a quick lunch before rehearsals at Araneta Coliseum!

2) L-R: Jane Brumitt, Alice Discon, Tina Alcala, Izza Gonzales and TBQ at the South Gate entrance of Araneta Coliseum

3) TBQ with Venus Raj, isn’t she just GORGEOUS!?

4)  Jean Saburit (left) with Tina Alcala

5) Lourdes Enriquez (left) with Joanne Alivio…

5) Lia Andrea Ramos (left) and Jennifer Barrientos who looks fab even with hardly any make-up on!

6) L-R Maggie Wilson, Maricarl Tolosa, Anna Igpit

 

7) When the Queens’ arrived, the contestants were still rehearsing onstage! That’s Krisma Pascual, the last contestant, in giant rollers!

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8) Waiting for rehearsals to start! L-R Peachie Sacasas, Jean Saburit, Carmencita Avecilla , Nini Ramos Licaros, Erlynne Bernardez

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9) Bininbini #27 Valiry Vispo practices her intro as the Queens look on…

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10) Queens in the audience! Waiting for rehearsals to begin…

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11) The first and the last Miss Young Philippines’ title holders: Carmencita Avecilla (white) and Tina Alcala

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12) L-R Carin Adrianne Ramos, Desiree Verdadero and Joanna Cindy Miranda… Desiree was giving both girls tips when I rudely interrupted them for a photo, aahaha!

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13) Finally! We begin rehearsing for the Queens’ Parade. L-R Bella Nachura, Engr. Muriel Moral, Desiree Verdadero and Alice Dixson.

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14) Posing in front of the stage… L-R Simonette delos Reyes, Jean Saburit, Erlynne Bernardez, Chiqui Brosas, Dang Cecilio and Sharon Hughes

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15) On stage with… (L-R) Erlynne Bernardez, Chiquie Brosas, Peachie Sacasas, Simonette delos Reyes, Dang Cecilio and Sharon Hughes

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16) Sitting in front – me and Gem Padilla. Middle Row – Sarah Jane Paez,  Joanne Alivio, Lourdes Enriquez, Patty Betita and Engr. Muriel Moral. At the back: another beauty that I’m not so familiar with and Desiree Verdadero…

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17) A bevy of beauties, can you identify them all?

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18) L-R Simonette delos Reyes, Pilar Pilapil, Nini Ramos and Camencita Avecilla… hanging out backstage at the Araneta Coliseum.

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19) Waiting for their turn on stage… L-R Tina Alcala, Izza Gonzales, Gem Padilla and Sarah Jane Paez.

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20) The pretty lady on the left is Selina Manalad. Next to her is Desiree Verdadero then Patty Betita, Izza Gonzales and Isabella Manjon.

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21) Who’s the pretty face at the very left? It’s Carlene Ang Aguilar! Beside her is Miriam Quiambao then  Katherine Manalo, Karen Agustin, Isabella Manjon, Alma Concepcion and Nina Ricca Alagao!!!

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22) Beautiful smiles! L-R Engr. Muriel Moral, Bella Nachura, Jane Brumitt and Sharon Hughes

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23) Moi with Direk Johnny Manahan! I worked with him ages ago for the comedy TV show Chika Chika Chicks when I was a mainstay… He’s directing the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 presentation…

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24) The younger Queens, L-R Dianne Necio, Isabella Manjon, can’t see the next 3 girls clearly, then there’s Ana Igpit in the white dress, Maggie Wilson and two more beauties.

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25) The contestants rush up to stage as Chiqui Brosas (left) and Simonette delos Reyes beside her watch on. The blurry babe is Mutya Datul, an ABQ favorite…

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26) My other favorite is Charmaine Elima. Next to her, with her face half-hidden is my other bet Mariel de Leon. Behind them on the left, Chiqui Brosas! Who is the other girl in the back?

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27) Some of this year’s contestants: L-R  Krisma Pascual, Amanda Noelle Navasero, Angeli Dione Gomez, Grace Yann Apuad, Parul Shah and KC Cajandig (that’s KC right?)

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28) The Bb. Pilipinas 2013 contestants waiting for the past Queens to finish rehearsals! Beautiful faces of the Philippines!

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29) Hanging out with Engr. Muriel Moral after rehearsals. She is based in Bicol but often comes up to Manila for business as well as Bb. Pilipinas events…

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31) The gorgeous Hannah Ruth Sison, one of the strongest candidates in Bb. Pilipinas 2013, practicing her self-introduction!

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31) One of the taller contestants, Valiry Vispo, doing her self-introduction!

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32) What the stage looked like the day before rehearsals…. and a schedule that we had a hard time following, aahahaha!


Can You Identify Which Beauty Queens Attended Rehearsals for the Queens’ Parade?

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I just got back from rehearsals at the Araneta Coliseum! My feet are killing me – not used to walking on 5 inch heels anymore… ugh. But it will all be worth it because tomorrow we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas! The good news is we will be having a red carpet entrance aside from the Queen’s Parade which is supposed to kick off the show. Martin Nievera is reportedly going to sing the Bb. Pilipinas theme song while we glide on stage in our gowns.

Anyway, just want to share with you our ‘class photo’ of beauty queens who attended the rehearsals today. Lets see if you can identify all of us!

Beauty Queens at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 rehearsals for the Queens' Parade!

Beauty Queens at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 rehearsals for the Queens’ Parade!


Who’s Designing my Gown at the Queens’ Parade? Eric delos Santos!

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I have been dying to show you the sketch and fitting shots of my gown by Eric delos Santos! But I was told to keep it a secret until coronation day in case of copy cats out to destabilize me, AAHAHAHA! Well, it is definitely a gown worth copying!

Thanks to Eric delos Santos for designing just for me. He is also designing Patty Betita’s gown as well as Marina Benipayo’s. The 3 of us cover most of the major titles of Bb. Pilipinas – I’m Universe and Young, Patty is International and Marina is Maja and World. (If I remember correctly.)

Eric is thrilled to be doing our gowns but I’m ten times more thrilled to be wearing his creation! Here are the pics, tell me what you think!

Eric delos Santos' sketch of my gown. I still can't get over how quickly he can sketch something as beautiful as THIS!

Eric delos Santos’ sketch of my gown. I still can’t get over how quickly he can sketch something as beautiful as THIS!

Eric at work. I interrupted his sketching for this photo op, aahaha!

Eric at work. I interrupted his sketching for this photo op, aahaha!

Patti Betita was at Eric delos Santos' shop at the same time I was there for my measurements!

Patti Betita was at Eric delos Santos’ shop at the same time I was there for my measurements!

Left photo - First Fitting. Right photo 2nd Fitting - I was a few pounds lighter. If you notice, the gown is more brilliant; Eric added more glitz to it!

Left photo – First Fitting… not bad. Right photo – 2nd Fitting a week and a half later. I am a few pounds lighter here. If you notice, the gown is more brilliant; Eric added more glitz to it! I hope you like it :)

I have two hours and half before call time at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Red Carpet at the Green Gate of Araneta Coliseum. I am beginning to feel the butterflies in my belly; geez, I haven’t felt this way in a loooong time. Like as if I’m competing again. But not really. I’m already a Queen after all… see you later the the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 coronation! Happy 50th Anniversary to us all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Winners of Bb Pilipinas 2013: Arida, Santiago, Miranda and Datul!

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Here is the complete list of winners at the Bb Pilipinas 2013 held at the Araneta Coliseum on April 14, 2013:

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 winners - L-R  Pia Wurtzback (Runner-up), Cindy Miranda (Tourism), Ariella Arida (Universe), Bea Santiago (International) and Mut

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 winners – L-R Pia Wurtzback (Runner-up), Cindy Miranda (Tourism), Ariella Arida (Universe), Bea Santiago (International) and Mut

Miss Universe Philippines 2013 – 41 Ariella Arida
Bb Pilipinas International 2013 – Bea Rose Santiago (ABQ’s favorite for International)
Bb Pilipinas Tourism 2013 – 16 Cindy Joanna Miranda (ABQ favorite)
Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2013 – 39 Mutya Datul (ABQ favorite for a crown)
1st Runner up – 15 Pia Wurtzbach (ABQ favorite)

The Top 15 of Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013

The Top 15 of Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013

Top 15: (Red names are ABQ favorites)
41 Ariella Arida
45 Imelda Schweighart
39 Mutya Datul
34 Grace Apuad
13 Charmaine Elima
43 Rhea Nakpil
46 Amanda Noelle Navasero
22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
20 Bea Santiago
16 Cindy Joanna Miranda
12 Camille Nazar
31 Mariel de Leon
25 Merry Joyce Respicio
15 Pia Wurtzbach
33 Parul Shah

Second set of special award winners L-R... Cindy Miranda, Bea Santiago, Ariella Arida, Mutya Datul,  Imelda Schweighart, Nicoel Donesa,Pia Wurtzbach

Second set of special award winners L-R… Cindy Miranda, Bea Santiago, Ariella Arida, Mutya Datul, Imelda Schweighart, Nicoel Donesa,Pia Wurtzbach

Bb Creamsilk Beyond Beautiful: : 16 Cindy Miranda
Bb San Mig Fit & Sexy Body: 15 Pia Wurtzbach
Bb. Avon: 20 Bea Rose Santiago
Bb. Philippine Airlines: 4 Nicole Donesa
Bb. Pagcor: 45 Imelda Schweighart
Best in Swimsuit: 42 Ariella Arida
Best in Long Gown: 39 Mutya Datul

First Set of Special Award Winners at Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013 L-R Lourenz Remetillo, Alaine Baccay, Cindy Miranda, Mutya Datul, Ellore Noelle Punzalan and Anna Carmela Aquino

First Set of Special Award Winners at Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013 L-R Lourenz Remetillo, Alaine Baccay, Cindy Miranda, Mutya Datul, Ellore Noelle Punzalan and Anna Carmela Aquino

Miss Friendship: 21 Lourenz Grace Remetillo
Miss Talent: 10 Anna Carmela Aquino
Best in National Costume: 37 Alaine Baccay
Bulletin’s Readers Choice: 22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
Bb. Petron: 16 Cindy Miranda
Miss Photogenic: 39 Mutya Datul (ABQ’s Choice for Photogenic!)


ABQ’s Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Post-Pageant Thoughts

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Out of all the Bb. Pilipinas pageants, the 50th Anniversary offering (also known as Bb. Pilipinas Gold) – has got to be the most fabulous one! BPCI whipped out it’s most powerful weapon – it’s rich history of beauty queens and international winners starting with Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969) and ending with Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012 First Runner-up).

Many of my blog readers had said that they were more thrilled about the Parade of Queens rather than the contest itself. The Parade of Queens was the opening number that featured some 70 past queens with host Martin Nievera singing the Binibining Pilipinas theme song. For old school pageant fans, it was a dream come true to see their favorite Queens all together on stage; for the younger ones, it was an elegant lesson in history.

Now, there are 5 new winners added to the rich history of Bb. Pilipinas – Ariella Arida (Universe), Bea Santiago (International), Joanna Miranda (Tourism), Mutya Datul (Supranational) and Pia Wurtzbach (1st Runner-up). But before I share my thoughts on the Top 5, let me just say that adding a Supranational crown is an excellent development. More crowns means more girls get that once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete on the international level!

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Bb. Pilipinas 2013 winners – L-R Pia Wurtzback (Runner-up), Cindy Miranda (Tourism), Ariella Arida (Universe), Bea Santiago (International) and Mutya Datul (Supranational)

Ariella Arida. Miss Philippines Universe 2013.

The winner of the Miss Universe Philippines 2013 title was not in my original list of favorites, however, this Chemistry grad landed on my list of best answers given during the Q&A portion. When PNP Director General Gen. Allan Purisima asked her what lesson about life could a woman teach a man she answered – being sensitive. She explained herself in a simple and straightforward way. Most importantly, she made sense.

Although not a favorite to win the crown, Ariella Arida was able to capture the hearts of the judges with her elegant bearing and piercing eyes. But I believe it was her simple but solid answer that gave her the edge above the favored ones.

How will she do in Miss Universe? Well, Janine Tugonon will be a tough act to follow. But Ariella Arida has a way of growing on you. Plus, her Asian vibe with Latina undertones should easily get her noticed by the judges. Did I mention that I love her body which is well-toned from all the marathon running she does?

Bea Santiago. Bb. Pilipinas International 2013.

Bea, from the very start of the pageant was a stand out in terms of stage presence and performance. Most pageant fans agree that this Canadian-based Pinay was clearly earmarked by fate for the Bb. Pilipinas International crown. Bea is really just a simple girl who loves the freedom of backpacking across the countryside but when you put her on stilettos on a stage, she morphs into a catwalk wonder.

Her chances in the Miss International beauty pageant I’d say are very good. Semi-finalist, runner-up or maybe even the crown! I’m confident because of two things: Bea Santiago has already been tried and tested on the international level having entered the Top 10 in the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2012. Second – the Japanese contingent from Miss International seemed to be very impressed by our Bea. In fact the judge who asked her her question was Hirofumi Hashimoto, the Chairman of Miss International himself!

Joanna Cindy Miranda. Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013.

One of the prettiest faces in this batch of beauties, Cindy Miranda edged her way into the Top 5 with an ‘unstoppable’ answer. The Pinoy Big Brother housemate and ex-Wiltime Good Time host described herself as unstoppable when judge Liliana Marquez Zawadsky asked her what was one personal quality that most people remember about her. While Cindy had a strong start, unfortunately, she ended her answer weak. Fortunately, Cindy wasn’t lying when she said she was unstoppable so even her weak ending answer did not stop her from landing one of the 4 crowns.

So what are the chances of Cindy in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2013?

Well… it really depends on wheter there will be a pageant this year. Last year the franchise cancelled the pageant due to not-so-clear circumstances. Now if they DO have a pageant this year, it will most likely be held in China since all past MTQI pageants have been held there. Our territorial dispute with China will most likely taint the chances of any candidate we send. However, we have two strengths: the Philippines already has one MTQI winner – Justine Gabionza in 2006 (that gives us a good sash-factor) and Cindy Miranda is just so darned pretty and unstoppable!

Mutya Datul. Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2013.

Mutya Datul’s victory is sweet vindication. After a disappointing loss in the Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant last year, Mutya has boomeranged back winning one of the prized crowns in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. She deserves it! When she’s out on stage, you can’t see anybody else beyond her gracious smile. And she moves like a dancer too.

But what on earth is the Miss Supranational? Good question. It’s a very young pageant (on it’s 5th year) with about 50 countries competing. Their slogan is “Unite Our World with Beauty” and the pageant venue is normally Poland, but this year they migrate to Belarus.

Mutya Datul has a good shot at winning the title. At the very least, I can see  her in the semi-finals. The Philippines has a strong sash-factor with last year’s representative, Elaine Kay Moll, placing 3rd Runner-up. The interesting thing is that  Miss Supranational doesn’t really have a Q&A portion. According to Elain, she only had to go through a casual interview. That takes a lot of pressure off Mutya who can now focus on the physical aspect of competing. But, my advice, is to STILL train for Q&A. The best communicators always shine!

Pia Wurtzbach. Runner-up.

Many pageant fans thought she deserved a crown. But I think landing the Runner-up spot is still a sweet deal for the former Kapamilya actress. Why? Pia will be getting the same training that the 4 crowned winners get. Then, while she’s at it, she has one year to decide if she is going to join Bb. Pilipinas again. If she does join again, I believe there’s a big chance she’ll land a crown!

Why Didn’t They Win?

13. Charmaine Elima

13. Charmaine Elima

Charmaine Elima, Candidate #13 was a strong favorite for any of the crowns but I think the judges found her beauty a bit too angular. She also struggled through the Q&A portion and I believe that that shaved off major points for her.

33. Parul Shah

33. Parul Shah

Parul Shah, Candidate #33.  I still am trying to figure out why this top-notch beauty didn’t make it into the Top 5. The only thing I can think of is this: she’s not yet quite there yet in terms of confidence. Personally, I think she should try again – if not Bb. Pilipinas, perhaps another beauty contest.

31. Maria Angelica  de Leon

31. Maria Angelica de Leon

Mariel de Leon #31 had the crowd roaring every time she set foot on stage. I had high hopes for this one but perhaps the judges did not appreciate her type of beauty? She has a strong jawline that some might not like. What made me sadder was seeing her parents, actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, in a melancholy hug backstage.

Conclusion.

In spite of the disappointments (there are actually more, I just wanted to spare you the details) this is still the best ever Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant that I have ever attended…  after the one I won. (LOL!) Bringing in the past Queens gave the pageant depth and a feeling of royalty. I hope and pray that BPCI will come up with new ways to involve all of the Queens in future pageants so that the young girls coming into the world of Binibining Pilipinas will have mentors to look up to and examples to follow. Old school meets new school.

As for the winners, I am satisfied over-all and believe that we will see some wonderful honors coming from these girls in 2013. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Queens Backstage Before the Parade at Bb. Pilipinas 2013!

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If you’re a solid Bb. Pilipinas pageant fan, then I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the Queens’ Red Carpet entrance and our glorious Parade! But I’m guessing there are not too many backstage photos out there (although I know that Alma Concepcion was uploading backstage shots on Instagram).

Anyway, here are a handful of photos I took while we were waiting backstage for the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 to start with the Parade of Queens…

Again, I will need help identifying a Queen or two, just leave a comment or a correction! Thanks for the help :)

Desiree Verdadero (far left) shows off lots of leg and her golden gladiator heels! She is the Queen with the most character! Next to her, Dianne Necio, Anna Igpit, Maggie Wilson, IzzaGonzales, Patti Betita, Selina Manalad and Sarah Jane Paez!

1) Desiree Verdadero (far left) shows off lots of leg and her golden gladiator heels! She is the Queen with the most character! Next to her, Dianne Necio, Anna Igpit, Maggie Wilson, IzzaGonzales, Patti Betita, Selina Manalad and Sarah Jane Paez!

Beauties taking a breather before our big number! L-R Krista Kleiner, Danielle Castano, a beautiful queen in red and Czarina Gatbonton...

Beauties taking a breather before our big number! L-R Krista Kleiner, Danielle Castaño, Marie Ann Umali (whom I did not recognize because she looked SO SLIM) and Czarina Gatbonton…

My seatmate Pilar Pilapil (black) with Carmencita Avecilla

My seatmate Pilar Pilapil (black) with Carmencita Avecilla

Jean Saburit (left) fiddling around with her phone while Peachy Sacasas (makes kwento). In lavender is Simonette delos Reyes, I think...

Jean Saburit (left) fiddling around with her phone while Peachy Sacasas (makes kwento). In lavender is Annette Liwanag.

Beautiful Queens in a row... L-R Sarah Jane Paez, Anna Igpit, Maggie Wilson, Izza Gonzales, Patty Betita, Selina Manalad, Desiree Verdadero and gorgeous queen in purple...

Beautiful Queens in a row… L-R Sarah Jane Paez, Anna Igpit, Maggie Wilson, Izza Gonzales, Patty Betita, Selina Manalad, Desiree Verdadero and Abbygale Arenas!


Were You Happy with the Q&A Portion at Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013?

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Winning candidate Ariella Arida  with host Martin Nievera in the Q&A portion of Bb. Pilipinas 2013.

Winning candidate Ariella Arida with host Martin Nievera in the Q&A portion of Bb. Pilipinas 2013.

Just some of my thoughts on the Q&A portion…

To be honest, I wasn’t satisfied, in general, with the answers of our Top 15 contestants in Bb. Pilipinas 2013. Many of them had a strong start but then nerves would take over then they’d start rambling or not making sense. However, there were a few girls who did shine bright!

#41 Ariella Arida – the winner of the Universe Philippines title. The question was about what lesson about life can women teach men. Her answer was – sensitivity. She had one of the better answers and deserved to win based on that. But she still needs to train in the interview portion because it still is an important factor in the Miss Universe pageant. Bravo Ariella Arida Arriba!

#45 Imelda Schweighart – Her question was connected to the Beatles song, “All You Need Is Love” – was that a true or false statement? She answered the question in a roundabout way saying that what we need is to do is spread world peace and positive things and then that will spread love to others. One pageant fan told me that he never ever thought anyone in this day and age would use the ‘world peace’ card. But still, for me, Imelda Schwieghart gave one of the better answers!

Mutya Datul and Martin Nievera duing a light moment in the Q&A portion...

Mutya Datul and Martin Nievera duing a light moment in the Q&A portion…

#39 Mutya Datul – She was asked what advocacy would she pursue after her reign. She replied that wanted to extend help to those in need adding that the BPCI charity arm would be her choice. How I wished she answered in Filipino because her content was GOOD but her mastery in English was not the best. Nevertheless, I believe that choosing her for Supranational was EXCELLENT! I believe her beauty will stand out in Belarus (Europe) where the pageant will be held this year. Bravo Mutya!

# 13 Charmaine Elima – one of my favorite girls was asked what should be kept private in light of the digital age. It breaks my heart to say that she didn’t really make much sense. The last thing I remember her saying was – our personal intentions should be made private. With that said, I STILL believe that Charmaine Elima is a very intelligent young woman, she just got rattled. Of course, host Martin Nievera’s snide comment afterwards (I don’t remember exactly what he said but I remember not feeling good about it) was not kind. We need hosts who will help the girls, not act like they are challenged in the brain department, even if they are.

#43 Rhea Nakpil – her question was about what Filipino trait makes us succeed or shine. She began really well by identifying honesty as the root to our success and heroism. But I think she began to ramble at this point. An okay answer but could be better.

#46 Amanda Navsero – poor Amanda got the worst question of the lot. “Do you think you could be a good Catholic if you believe in the RH Bill?” It is so unfair to be the only contestant to get a politically-tinged question that assumes she is Catholic or understands the Catholic mindset. A bad question, truly. IMHO, lets ditch questions involving politics AND religion. Now to make things worse, the bad question got Amanda all nervous and her answer ended weak with this statement – The RH Bill is good, we should know about it.

Grace Apuad's turn to answer...

Grace Apuad’s turn to answer…

#34 Grace Apuad – I think she gave the best answer out of all the contestants. She was asked what her greatest contribution would be to her local community and she said: Inspiration to the youth. Then she told the story of how she independently took care of herself, even without the help of her parents and was able to finish school. Stories are ALWAYS wonderful tools when answering in the Q&A portion. The key is keeping the short and sweet. Which is what Grace did.

#22 Ellore Punzalan – The Bulletin Reader’s choice winner had a strong start but dropped the ball and ended weak. Her question was about what she would tell the new Pope (Francis) if she had the opportunity to meet him. She began by saying she would congratulate him first then ask him to pray for the Filipino people. BRAVO on that start! But then she began to ramble and lose steam. I think sometimes our girls get nervous because of the crown reaction. They get cowed by the sounds they hear coming from the audience.

#20 Bea Santiago – my favorite girl and winner of the International Philippines title. She gave a middling answer, kind of so-so, but I have interviewed this girl and know that she is smart and ma-chika. She was asked to describe the ideal Filipino and she said that the ideal Filipino is both proud and happy and that they love the Philippines so much and come back all the time because Filipinos always feel at home in the Philippines.

Cindy Miranda... beautiful face, worthy of the Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 title!

Cindy Miranda… beautiful face, worthy of the Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 title!

#16 Cindy Miranda – the winner of the Tourism Philippines title and another favorite of ABQ. Oooh she had a good answer to the question – What is a personal quality that most people remember about you. Cindy said – I’m unstoppable. She added that everything in life she wanted, she did it, even without the permission of parents and friends etc. etc. and this is where her answer began to dwindle. However, she wasn’t lying when she said she was unstoppable because she went on to win one of the 4 crowns.

#12 Camille Nazar – she got the 2nd to the worst question – What country aside from the Philippines fascinates you and why? Ugh. Why would a candidate for a Philippine title talk about another country? Anyway, Camille Nazar spoke in Filipino (I approve) and said that while she doesn’t want to drop the Philippines she chose the US because it is a prosperous nation with a strong President. Funny though because she accidentally referred to Obama as ‘our President’. I’m sure there’s a better way to answer a tough question like this. Any suggestions?

#13 Mariel de Leon – got Boy Abunda as the judge to ask her her question. (How appropriately showbiz, LOL) Question was: Are the best things in life really for free? Mariel enumerated love, family and happiness as things that can’t be bought and that you get them thru respect and love. Speaking of love, I loved her answer and the quality of her voice. Sayang, she did not win a title. But I hope she will get up, dust her knees and move on to a new thing. I’m just wondering… if you were to give her advice on whether to join again or not, what would you say?

#25 Merry Joyce Respicio  – wins the cutest answer award from ABQ! Merry Joyce is an ABQ favorite because of her classic cheekbones and tall frame. Her question: If you were to break one bad habit what would it be? She grinned and said that since she was only 18 years old, she loves eating junk food. It’s one thing she’s like to break because it’s not healthy. Good and simple answer that had the audience chuckling.

Pia Wurtzbach mesmerizes the judges with her piercing eyes and strong answer. She won the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Runner-up title.

Pia Wurtzbach mesmerizes the judges with her piercing eyes and strong answer. She won the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Runner-up title.

#15 Pia Wurtzbach – Ah… here is ANOTHER excellent answer. She was asked – What do you think is the greatest achievement of Bb. Pilipinas? Pia replied – the candidates. Not just the winners, she explained, but all of them. She added that their lives change after joining the pageant and then they go on to inspire people. An answer that deserved a crown but winning Runner-up is still an excellent achievement in my book. She now gets top level training and can spend the year considering another shot at a Binibini crown next year.

#33 Parul Shah – my super favorite contestant. She got a question on bullying – What would she tell a child who is being bullied. Parul got off to a good start saying that she would tell the child not to never look down and to respect everyone around you and have humility because this will eradicate the bullies. I think thats how she ended. Another powerful start that ended weak. How I wish she won a crown but the judges have spoken and I abide by that. Now my question regarding Parul is this – is it wise for her to join again?

Well, that wraps up my thoughts on the Q&A. I just wonder if there are ways and techniques of helping our candidates improve in the Q&A area. How do we teach them how to deal with the nervousness and turn it into positive and not negative energy?  I know this is not a nice thing to say, but when I judge at gay beauty pageants, their contestants often do better in the Q&A and are more confident. If the gay beauties can do it well, I so believe the girls can do it well too!

What do you think?

The Top 15 of Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013

The Top 15 of Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013

 

 

 

 


Photos of the Queen’s Parade in Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013!

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If you were there backstage at the start of the Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013 beauty pageant, then you would have heard some 85 beauty queens whooping for joy! When the music started playing, we all started shouting and screaming even. The contestants, who were behind us, also began to shout (out of nervousness and excitement) as well. It was a beautiful moment to be with all my beauty queen sisters, watching the monitors backstage, hearing the audience roaring and clapping and thumping their feet. Then before I knew it, it was my turn to climb the stairs up onto the Bb. Pilipinas stage!

It was a memorable event that I will never EVER forget!

Once again, help me identify the Queens I am not familiar with or can’t see too well…

Recent Queens... can you name them all?

Recent Queens… can you name them all?

Queens from teh 90s - There's Daisy Reyes at the far left, beside her is Alma Concepcion... who are the two girls after her ... then Jewel Lobaton and Abbygale Arenas...

Queens from the 90s – There’s Daisy Reyes at the far left, beside her is Alma Concepcion… Karen Agustin and Gladys Dueñas … then Jewel Lobaton and Abbygale Arenas…

 

Queens from the 80s L-R Selina Manalad, two beauty queens that can't bee seen, Tina Alcala, Me in gold, Izza Gonzales in Peach, Gem Padilla in yellow and Sarah Jane Paez in

Queens from the 80s L-R Selina Manalad, two beauty queens that can’t bee seen, Tina Alcala, Me in gold, Izza Gonzales in Peach, Gem Padilla in yellow and Sarah Jane Paez in Purple…

Beauty Queens from the 80s and 90s - L-R - Selina Manalad, Patty Betita, Bella Nachor, Desiree Verdadero, Engr. Muriel Moral, Alice Dixson, Joanne Alivio and Jane Brumitt

Beauty Queens from the 80s and 90s – L-R – Selina Manalad, Patty Betita, Bella Nachor, Desiree Verdadero, Engr. Muriel Moral, Alice Dixson, Joanne Alivio and Jane Brumitt

Queens from the 70s and 80s - L-R - Peachy Sacasas, Erlynne Bernardez, Chiqui Brosas, Dang Cecilio, Sharon Hughes, can't remember the Queen in green and Anette Liwanag...

Queens from the 70s and 80s – L-R – Peachy Sacasas, Erlynne Bernardez, Chiqui Brosas, Dang Cecilio, Sharon Hughes, Jean Saburit and Anette Liwanag…

Queens from the 60s and 70s - L-R Simonette delos Reyes, Vida Doria, Pilar Pilapil, Nini Licaros, Carmencita Avecilla and Evelyn Camus

Queens from the 60s and 70s – L-R Simonette delos Reyes, Vida Doria, Pilar Pilapil, Nini Licaros, Carmencita Avecilla and Evelyn Camus

And the first Queen to rule them all! Gloria Diaz!!! Being serenaded by Martin Nievera...

And the first Queen to rule them all! Gloria Diaz!!! Being serenaded by Martin Nievera…

The Tableau of Queens at the Queens' Parade, April 14, 2013 - Bb. Pilipinas Gold at Araneta Coliseum!

The Tableau of Queens at the Queens’ Parade, April 14, 2013 – Bb. Pilipinas Gold at Araneta Coliseum!

Card from BPCI... it's my honor to be part of the Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013!

Card from BPCI… it’s my honor to be part of the Bb. Pilipinas Gold 2013!

Lovely little gift from BPCI - a gold ribbon brooch...

Lovely little gift from BPCI – a gold ribbon brooch…


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