What a beautiful day it was at the poolside of Solaire, which turned out to be such a huuuuge by-the-sea getaway with gorgeous coconut trees and lots of pool space for you to swim in! I did not realize just how gorgeous this place was having only seen the casino and ballroom.

Well, it became an even prettier place with the 49 official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 parading around in their Ricky Abad bikinis! Here are the photos I took… the girls that stood out are highlighted in RED… the girls highlighted in green were very intriguing…   ENJOY!

THE 11 ECO-WARRIOR BEAUTIES FROM SOUTH LUZON:

L-R – Kaycie Lyn Fajardo (Agoncillo, Batangas), Maria Jenny Bantug Gonzales (Cainta), Roanne Refrea (Cabuyao), Patrixia Sherly D. Santos (Daraga, Albay)

Kaycie Lyn Fajardo (Agoncillo, Batangas) - I’ve always been attracted to feline beauties and Kaycie Lyn is cat-like enough to rouse my interest. At 19 she is one of the youngest girls in the competition, she is a BS Customs Administration student at Adamson University.

Maria Jenny Bantug Gonzales (Cainta) - I can’t really explain it but she intrigues me like the way Janine Tugonon intrigued me the year she won. Because of that, this 24-year-old nurse gets a green mark from me!

Roanne Refrea (Cabuyao) – To me, this 24-year-old eco-warrior is a cross between MJ Lastimosa and Ali Forbes. Roanne’s college degree is International Business and Entrepreneurial Management.

Patrixia Sherly D. Santos (Daraga, Albay) - This municipality has been churning out beauties at an alarming rate! Alarming to the competition! Patrixia is only 21 years old and studying law at UP.

*****

L-R – Anna Czarina Regalado Buenviaje (Malinao, Albay), Nicole A. Grimalt (Rodriguez, Rizal), Christine Angel D. Ramos Alvaira (San Nicolas, Batangas) and Mary Rose Pujanes (Sto. Tomas, Batangas)

Anna Czarina Regalado Buenviaje (Malinao, Albay) – This is Anna Czarina’s second national pageant and she’s prettier than ever. Best asset is her smile! The 21-year-old archery buff is a Broadcast grad from Bicol University.

Nicole A. Grimalt (Rodriguez, Rizal) – Ah… a milkbath beauty. Love the way her mahogany tresses make her porcelain skin glow. Nicole happens to be Bb. Rodriguez 2012, is 19-years old and studying at the Our Lady of Fatima University.

Christine Angel D. Ramos Alvaira (San Nicolas, Batangas) – Christine Angel is one of the tallest girls in MPE 2014. This Fashion and Merchandising student of De La Salle College of St. Benilde is only 21 and is always ready with the sweetest smile!

Mary Rose Pujanes (Sto. Tomas, Batangas) – Also on her second national beauty pageant, 21-year-old Mary Rose is a treat for my hungry eyes! She is muy simpatica. The 2011 winner of the Miss Batangas title studied Accounting at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities.

*****

L-R – Diane Carmela Querrer (Tanauan), Anna Carmela Aquino (Taytay, Rizal) and Joselle Mariano (Trece Martires, Cavite)

Diane Carmela Querrer (Tanauan) – Ooooh… seems like her disqualification from Bb. Pilipinas this year (reportedly due to height issues) made her shine instead of whine! Now, Diane Querrer is turning out to be a tough contender for the MPE 2014 crown. This Broadcast graduate from UP Diliman is getting a lot of attention folks and I think its because she’s blossomed. Diane first competed in Miss Philippines Earth a few years back. Now that she’s 25 and about to age out, she’s taking one more aim at the MPE title!

Anna Carmela Aquino (Taytay, Rizal) – I’m pleased to note that this 23-year-old High School Math Teacher has more curves than angles, geometrically speaking. Love her body, one of the few bods that I really like in MPE 2014. Also loved her styling here.

Joselle Mariano (Trece Martires, Cavite) – Joselle brings a personal sun around with her wherever she goes! Her smile is positively powerful just like her swimmer’s shoulders. This Tourism student is only 18 years old…

1) The welcoming beauty of Mercegrace Racquel at Solaire!

What a lovely surprise to be greeted by the statuesque Mercegrace Raquel at the lobby of Solaire as I was making my way to the poolside to witness the press presentation of the Miss Philippines Earth 2014 contestants! Isn’t she a glorious sight in that bright yellow gown?

To refresh your memory, Mercegrace competed in Bb. Pilipinas Gold in 2013 where she was unplaced and in Miss World Philippines 2013 where she entered the Top 13.

She was supposed to compete at the Miss Humanity beauty pageant abroad but backed out of the chance. The international pageant has gotten severe criticism from previous Filipina candidates who have shared horror stories about the competition. One representative, whom I interviewed, told me that the screenings of our national pageants were far more classier than the coronation itself of Miss Humanity.

Anywhoooo…  I asked Mercegrace if she was planning to join again and she said perhaps next year. She is looking at joining Bb. Pilipinas again but nothing is concrete. At the moment, the 5’10″ stunner is enjoying her work as an ambassadress for Solaire. In the next few months she’ll be shifted to the front desk, something she is also looking forward to!

Me and My Lunch Mates – L-R – Lorraine Schuck, Zeny Seifert, Me, Kai Magsanoc and Raymond Golez

LORRAINE, FRESH FROM A US TRIP WITH DAUGHTER

It was a joy to hang out with Lorraine Schuck (Exec VP of Carousel Productions) and my dear pageant bffs – Zeny Seifert who is the mom of beauty queen Sandra Seifert, Kai Magsanoc of Yahoo Phils and Raymond Golez of Sash Factor. We all had a brief tête-à-tête and discovered that Lorraine had just flown in from the US! She went straight to Solaire from the airport to oversee the Presscon of Miss Philippines Earth 2014. WOW, now that’s STAMINA!

Lorraine says she was in the US to support her daughter who was representing the Philippines in an international debating cont

st for law students. Although her daughter’s team didn’t win, Lorraine said they reached runner-up level. Not bad!

DIANE CERVANTES, RECOVERING FROM ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

I also asked her the latest on elemental queen Diane Cervantes who was shot in the head by an unknown assailant but miraculously survived. Read the story here.

According to Lorraine, Diane is out of the hospital and recovering quite well but is experiencing memory lapses. News reports say she was shot in the head thrice. During her stay at the UST hospital, Diane was reportedly under tight guard due to concerns that the attack could have been politically motivated and that another attempt on her life could be made.

KIMVERLYN SUIZA HAD LORRAINE’S BLESSING TO JOIN BB PILIPINAS

I finally gathered the courage to ask Lorraine Schuck about Kimverlyn Suiza, last year’s Miss Philippines Air winner (1st Runner-up). You see, Kim resigned from MPE to join Bb. Pilipinas but unfortunately did not even enter the Top 15. A terrible disappointment for this blogger and for many pageant followers.

Hard to imagine how this beauty did not enter the semi-finals… Kimverly Suiza at Bb. Pilipinas’ National Costume competition. Photo from Rappler

Photo from Rappler, click here for more.

According to Lorraine she gave Kim her blessing and allowed her to resign. Lorraine says, “I always support the girls if it’s something that will be good for their careers. So I was very very sad when Kim didn’t enter the Top 15.”

Since Kimverlyn had resigned, Lorraine and the MPE team moved Nancy Leonard to the Air position, Alma Cabasal to the Water title and then bumped up semi-finalist Athina Chia (representing Ipil) into the Fire position (3rd RU). Bernadette Aguirre, meantime, retained her Eco-Tourism sash.

Below is can see Athina Chia in red, the new addition to the Top 5 MPE 2013 winners’ circle:

Athina Chia (FIRE) is at the far left in the red gown. Next to her is Nancy Leonard (Air), Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (MPE 2013), Alma Cabasal (Water) and Bernadette Aguirre (Eco-Tourism) – all at the Prescon of MPE 2014 in Solaire

Halfway thru the kuwentuhan at our table, the 49 Miss Philippines Earth 2014 contestants joined us and the pressfolk at the Eclipse Cafe in Solaire. Here are some of the beauties that I captured on my lens:

Queens form 2013 – Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes (right) with MPE Water 2013 Alma Cabasal

Warm smiles from Phoebe Estoconing of Tampilisan (left) and Jennifer Kaye Allegro of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur

These pretties were tucked away in one corner:  (Who is the girl on the far left? Can’t see her sash…) Anna Czarinah Buenviaje (Malinao, Albay), Margie Alatan (Zamboanga City), Mary Laveryn Naluz (Las Pinas)

Carmen Baena representing the Filipino community in Melbourne, Australia answers a few questions…

The feline beauty of Kaycie Lyn Fajardo of Agoncillo, Batangas

They share the same last name: Jenn Kristel Gonzales of Mariveles, Bataan (left) and Cainta, Rizal rep Maria Jenny Feliz Gonzales.

Tanauan’s Diane Querrer being interviewed by a press member

Cuties! Jashmin Lyn Dimaculangan of Cainta (left) and Jodimay Megan Zervoulakos of Taguig

So pretty! Ma. Bencelle Bianzon representing Duenas, Ilo-ilo

Gorgeous gal from San Francisco – Rizza Belen Diaz! She eats CAREFULLY!

Press-favorite Jamie Herrel of Cebu City

Adorable in her floppy sun hat! Leslie Ann Pine of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Diane Querrer of Tanauan (left) with Davao City’s Janelle Tee… with a photobomb waiter in the background, aahahaha!

Three lovelies in a row: Crystal Star Aberasturi of Liloan, Cebu (left), Melanie Christine Balagtas of Sydney, Australia (middle) and Angelie Crizelle Ocampo of Sta. Rita, Pampanga

A smile from heaven! Joselle Mariano of Trece Martires, Cavite

The sultry Pia Pialago, TV reporter turned pageant babe.. representing Dalaguete, Cebu

A head-turner! Dumaguete’s Kimberly Covert!

Top contenders in MPE 2014 – Jamie Herrell of Cebu (left) and Bianca Paz (right). Will they be the last 2 women standing on coronation night?

Fabulous! Monique Manuel of Dinalupihan, Bataan and Diane Querrer of Tanauan…

What a sweetheart! Cesdianne Daung from Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay

Beauties on a break… Marjorie Acuna of Gerona Tarlac ((left) and Melissa Isabelle Arganda from Pateros, MM

Ma. Teresa Ocampo, a dusky babe from Laoag with one of my favorite pageant photogs…

One of the tallest girls in MPE 2014, Christine Angel Alvaira of San Nicolas, Batangas

Her smile is the cutest! Mary Laveryn Naluz…

A stunner from Daraga, Albay – Patrixia Sherly Santos

Vickie Marie Rushton… the prettiest housemate in this batch!

The country’s most popular reality tv show “Pinoy Big Brother” has a beauty queen as one its housemates – Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton!

Vickie Rushton, also known as “LADY MAHINHIN ng BACOLOD” is the bearer of several beauty titles including: Miss Western Visayas-Tourism 2009 and 2011 Mutya ng Pilipinas International, the plum prize of Mutya ng Pilipinas. At the time she joined Mutya ng Pilipinas, she was a 19-year-old in her third year of college taking up Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod.

Vickie Marie Rushton (center) on the night she was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas International!

Every housemate has a distinctive story to tell and it was presented thru video clips before the TV Hosts introduced the individual housemates to viewers. In Vickie’s case, she takes care of her Father (a foreigner) and her blind Mother including her younger sibling who’s a special child.

As a known beauty queen, she is active in the modeling industry but has taken a break from that to become an official housemate of this new season of Pinoy Big Brother.

Now on it’s 5th season (a combination of Teen Edition, Regular Season and Celebrity season ALL-in-one new season) the reality show opened last night in front of the PBB House in Quezon City.

Best of luck to Bacolod’s VICKIE Marie RUSHTON !!!

By ABQ Correspondent Ronald Villamor, Davao City

From beauty queen… to housemate!

What a beautiful day it was at the poolside of Solaire, which turned out to be such a huuuuge by-the-sea getaway with gorgeous coconut trees and lots of pool space for you to swim in! I did not realize just how gorgeous this place was having only seen the casino and ballroom.

Well, it became an even prettier place with the 49 official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 parading around in their Ricky Abad bikinis! Here are the photos I took… the girls that stood out are highlighted in RED… the girls highlighted in green were very intriguing…   ENJOY!

THE 8 ECO-WARRIOR BEAUTIES FROM VISAYAS:

L-R – Jamie Herrell (Cebu), Pircelyn Pialago (Dalaguete, Cebu), Ma. Bencelle Bianzon (Duenas, Ilo-ilo) and Kimberly Covert (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental)

Jamie Herrel (Cebu City) got the most applause from the crowd which was mostly made up of pageant journalists who voted her as their ‘Darling’. Whoever wins the Darling of the Press award will most likely enter the semi-finals and has a healthy shot at the Top 5, even the crown. This 19-year-old Cebuana owns a dance studio called the Mactan Dynamics Dance Company.

Pircelyn Pialago (Dalaguete, Cebu) was a an RPN9 News Watch reporter and we actually worked together for a couple years. When the channel closed, she went on to work as a reporter for another network. Though journalism is her passion, she is living out her other dream – competing in beauty pageant. 22-years-old and driven, lets see how far she goes in MPE 2014!

Ma. Bencelle Bianzon (Duenas, Iloilo) is back on the pageant stage after testing the waters last year in Bb. Pilipinas Gold. Her warm Pinay beauty and small-boned frame are her best assets, I think. This 24-year-old was a top-notch student who now works as an account manager for a tech solutions company.

Kimberly Covert (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental). Her features jump out at you when she’s on stage… cuts you like a knife. She should do well as a model for glossy fashion spreads. And that’s EXACTLY what she does! This 19-year-old is a member of the Models Association of Cebu.

*****

L-R – Janica Ella Honrade (Iloilo), Crystal Star Aberasturi (Liloan, Cebu), Hannah Marie Caayon (Mandaue), Shaimaa Al Najjar (Rosario, No. Samar)

Janica Ella Honrade (Iloilo City) reminds me of another beauty that I love: Cindy Miranda. This fair Ilongga is only 21 years old but is already working as a science teacher. Her eco-passion is fighting for the preservation of the Iloilo River.

Crystal Star Aberasturi (Liloan, Cebu) was not really on my list of favorites the first time I saw her but upon closer examination, she lives up to her sparkly name. Her beauty is matched by her educational achievement as a registered medtech. For me, this 21-year-old has a Karla Henry aura about her.

Hannah Marie Caayon (Mandaue) has a fierce presence when she is on stage and walks really well. She’s 25 years old and works as a support analyst for NYSE Philippines Inc.

Shaimaa Alnajjar (Rosario, Northern Samar) is a pageant newbie from what this blogger knows. But this 24-year-old has been working as a model. Love her heavy-lidded eyes and pearly white skin.

*****

L-R – Pircelyn Pialago (Dalaguete), Kimberly Covert (Dumaguete), Crystal Star Aberasturi (Liloan), Hannah Marie Caayon (Mandaue), Janica Ella Honrade (Iloilo), Ma. Bencelle Bianzon (Duenas), Jamie Herrel (Cebu City)

It’s clear that the girl from Dumaguete, Kimberly Covert is the tallest in this group. Cebu’s Jamie Herrell (far right) meantime holds her chin up high to look as tall as poosible… loving Bencelle’s body (2nd from right).

Photo taken before Jordan was announced KBP 2014 Golden Dove Awardee for Best Radio Jock! L-R : My hubby Ron T, Jordan Escusa, his wife Ricci and me!

When my hubby Ron and I arrived at the Star Theater where the 22nd KBP Golden Dove Awards was being held, I wondered to myself if this time around, our radio son Jordan Escusa was going to finally win. You see, last year, he was nominated in the same category (Best Jock) but lost out to a DJ from Monster Radio. We were sad that night but still happy since our boy was nominated in the first place. Exactly the same feeling of the parents of a runner-up, I guess.

So this year, I was praying that he’d finally take the title. And as we waited for his category to be announced, I remembered the boy that I had met some 13 or 14 years ago…

THAT FATEFUL PHONE CALL…

It was 2001 then. I was a radio newscaster for NU107 and I hosted my own show every Monday night called “Against the Flow”. It was a Christian rock show. Jordan was one of the show’s avid listeners and one night he called. He had finally gotten through after an hour of dialing and was so excited. I don’t really remember what we talked about but I do remember a boyish voice with an American twang super-thrilled just to be talking to me.

As we continued to chat on the phone, something weird happened. I felt something in me say, “Invite him to the station.” So I blurted this out to the kid and he was left squeaking in disbelief. So was I, at least inside my head. Why did I invite this stranger over? What if he turns out to be some stalker from the loony bin? Well, it was too late to back out; I just told myself that if he turned out to be someone who belongs in a straightjacket then I’d have the guard deal with him.

One of the logo designs of Against the Flow… Jordan’s design, in fact!

MEETING JORDAN FOR THE FIRST TIME…

The day of his visit arrived and the kid, to my relief, turned out to be quite normal, cute too, but a little too chatty. So I took him for a tour of the NU107 studios; it was in Strata 2000, Ortigas Center at the time. The place used to be called Strata 200 until the millennium happened then they added a zero to be ‘in’ with the times.

Anyway, all throughout the tour, Jordan was gushing over everything – the DJ’s booth, the office section, the production room and even the cracks on the walls. Then he shared hes story: when he was 15 he had been forced by his parents to move from California to the Philippines as ‘disciplinary action’ for getting involved with the wrong crowd.

I never thought this kid would go so far! Look at him now! Jordan Escusa is a Golden Dove Awardee!

WHEN JORDAN MET JESUS…

In the beginning the Philippines truly felt like punishment, he said, but then after he arrived he had a spiritual revolution. He met Jesus. That was in May 1997 when he was only 15 or 16. He realized that he was all messed up and that his parents were right. Fast-forwad to 2001 – he was in my station telling me this story in his hip-hop twang. By that time he was 20 and studying to be a youth pastor for his church in Taytay, Rizal.

Suddenly, that voice inside me suddenly whispered, “Tell him that you want to train him. For radio. Tell him now.” I looked at this nobody kid from LA and told myself – now that is too much! He’s a spaced-out kid with an annoying accent and it would take years and years to train him to sound half-decent. You’re being emotional. So I opened my mouth and said: “Would you like to train to be a DJ?”

Again, the words came out of my mouth before I could stop them. ARGH!!! I had successfully trapped myself again! How would I get out of this one?

Ah… I’m sure he’ll trip up and eventually get bored with training, specially if I make it hard for him, I told myself. But as the training days went by, I just couldn’t find it in myself to make him suffer. I mean, how can you be so mean to a kitten you just adopted, right? He was a sweet and helpless little thing who was so eager to learn.

Wow, we look like babies in this photo!!!

JORDAN BECOMES MY CO-HOST ON “AGAINST THE FLOW”…

Jordan and me during our early Against the Flow days at NU107. My on-air name then was jaeDee. Some people call me that name to this day, including Jordan, and I just LOVE IT!

Before long, he was co-hosting Against the Flow with me. I forced him to read scripts, which he struggled with but did anyway. Later, I discovered that he was so much better when speaking from the heart with only bullet points to guide him. Different strokes for different folks right? So I started to give him more freedom, allowing him to deviate from script, choose songs, interview guests and occasionally be lead host on the program.

Little did I know that one day, God would move me on and put him in the driver’s seat.

In my 9th year at NU107, I had to resign due to changes in my life. Jordan had been my co-host for a handful of years by that time and could do the show single-handedly. He had grown from a squeaky-voiced kid to someone who could sound like Optimus Prime, I kid you not.

By that time he was a youth pastor giving talks not just in Metro Manila but for churches and ministry groups across the nation and even abroad. He also had gained a reputation for being a deft and extremely funny emcee/host. To me, he was as steady and reliable as a camel in the desert.

Jordan and I even hosted events together!

JORDAN’S SECOND RADIO PROGRAM: PERFECT RHYTHM

So, I handed in my resignation and passed on the baton to Jordan. He hosted Against the Flow alone and sustained it all the way until the death of NU107. In spite of that setback, Jordan continued his radio ministry through a second show that began in the year 2005.  World Missions Communications Asia-Pacific, a Christian ministry based in Taytay, Rizal asked him to host a radio program and that spelled the birth of “Perfect Rhythm”. The show is aired over DZAS 702 on the AM band and you can listen to Jordan host it every Saturday from 11:30am to 12:30pm, to this day.

Perfect Rhythm on 702 DZAS every Saturday at 1130 am… tune in!

MY SCRUFFY KITTEN IS NOW A TIGER!

Jordan was like a scruffy little kitten when I picked him up so who’d think he’d turn into a roaring tiger? But in 13 years of radio, he had grown so influential that during his wedding, top Filipino singers like Gary V., Christian Bautista, Acel Bisa and Barbie Almalbis serenaded him and his wife!  Jordan has truly gone far, speaking God’s message to the world through the airwaves, playing music for the soul and being nominated for awards. And yes, also winning them!

Gary V. sings to the newlyweds:  Jordan and Ricci Escusa!

AND THE KBP AWARD FOR BEST RADIO JOCK GOES TO…

When the presenters at the 2014 KBP Golden Dove Awards finally got to the Best Jock category, Jordan was up against three or four other nominees, I can’t remember because I was just too nervous. When the presenters said: “and the winner is – Jordan Escusa!” I leaped out of my theater seat and bounded up the stage following Jordan, forgetting that I wearing 5-inch wedges!  Jordan had asked me and my hubby to come up on stage if he won (how sweet!). His wife Ricci and his WMC family went up too!

The best moment during Jordan’s speech was when the audience clapped and cheered after he mentioned Jesus as his Lord and personal savior. Almost all of the other award winners thanked God in their acceptance speeches but somehow Jordan was the only one who got a big reaction from the crowd for his thank you to Jesus. How COOL is that?

View from the back! Look carefully at Jordan’s bicep area, you’ll see a grinning Atom Henares, the owner of NU107.

A FAITH THAT MOVES IS A FAITH THAT BEARS FRUIT…

Sometimes I wonder, what if I didn’t pick up Jordan’s phone call? What if I followed my doubts? What if I gave in to my limited logic? Would today be wonderful as it is now? I think not.

So I often ponder upon that quiet little voice inside of me that urged me to move even if it didn’t seem to make sense. I followed it and moved in faith although it was a reluctant type of faith. But I moved anyway and now I see the fruit of it.

I guess this is how you know it’s God’s voice. When you follow it,  great things happen!

Jordan and wife Ricci right after recieving his Golden Dove!

Congratulations to you my radio son, Jordan Escusa. You have brought your mommy so much joy! It really must have been God telling me that He chose you. Can you imagine if I had ignored His voice? I don’t even want to go there. Just know that I’m so proud of you and am looking forward to more Golden Dove awards and even other honors for all the hard work you do in ministry. Thank you too for asking me and your daddy Ron to go up on stage, we were deeply touched. If we had known, he would’ve worn a suit and I a GOWN! Iguess this means next year, we will!!! Congrats anak, we love you!

Faithfulness brings this kind of fruit! Jordan Escusa with his Golden Dove!

Wow, Theresa Fenger, aka Lana Roi, performs at the 2014 KBP Golden Dove Awards

LANA ROI SIZZLES ON STAGE!

I was at the KBP Golden Dove Awards in support of my radio son Jordan Escusa when surprise! Lana Roi, also known as Theresa Fenger, was up on stage to do a song and dance number. Gee, I so forget the song but it was a bouncy dance tune that pageant fans like.

When Theresa first got on stage, it was dark and I could only see her silhouette but I was thinking to myself, ‘Wow! That girl is SEXY.”

Then when the host introduced her as “Lana Roi” I cheered! Diligent pageant followers know Lana Roi’s real name is Theresa Fenger. She is the girl who could’ve been a beauty queen but lost the chance. A photo spread that she did for a men’s magazine led to her disqualification (some stories say she resigned) as a Bb. Pilipinas 2013 official candidate.

I still feel that Theresa Fenger would have made a fine queen. She looked fantastic on stage at the Star Theater, even better than that short time she spent as a Bb. Pilipinas official candidate last year. Unfortunately, she has aged out and won’t qualify for any of the major pageants. Sigh…

LASCIVIOUS HOSTING???

Anyway, just a complaint here – after Theresa Fenger’s number, the young good-looking male host made a joke about how award-winning actor Joel Torre and a couple other men in the audience were salivating over Theresa. He didn’t use those exact words but that was the sense of it. I just HATE it when men make lascivious comments about women and make it seem like its okay. Well, it NOT okay. Specially not during a highly respected awards show. Specially when Joel Torre’s wife was there. Thankfully, she was VERY gracious and just laughed it off.

Jokes like these should stay in comedy bars and the like and should not ever be entertained at a prestigious event like the KBP Golden Dove Awards. If it was the scriptwriter who wrote it, shame on you. And to the host, next time, edit out the stupid stuff. And be considerate of women, no matter what their job is, what they wear or or what they look like. I bet that if you made a drooling comment about the female newscasters who sang that night, you’d be in deep doodoo. So please dude, just don’t do it ever again. Cute ka pa naman… grrrr…

Meantime, I’m praying that they edit out that part from the TV special.

To my readers, sorry about my long harangue. Its just that I never hear hosts talk like that about our contestants during beauty pageants. The most they might say is stuff like – “up next, the boys’ favorite portion – the bikini competition!”  And, I have so much respect for Theresa that I’m appalled that anyone would think that it is okay to blatantly drool over her and comment about it in public. So there. I’m done complaining.

Now, more photos of the fun I had at the 2014 KBP Golden Dove Awards:

Bugoy Carino (holding the award) and the rest of the kids on ‘Goin’ Bulilit receive a Golden Dove for their kiddie gag show

My radio son Jordan Escusa won the Golden Dove for Best Radio Jock!

One of the production numbers had a human dove dancing in the air!

Vina Morales in an earthy metallic gown…

Ogie Alcasid’s voice is pitch perfect! I so love this guy!

News Anchors can sing too you know!

This is hilarious! I’m with Empoy who is my current ulimate favorite comedian! Saw him in the hallway of the Star Theater. He was nominated for Best Comedian but Ogie Alcasid won over him… The funny thing is that Empoy went up to get Ogie’s award because Ogie was in the CR daw, aahahaha!

I even got to steal a photo with Ser Chief! He is actually a nice guy… and not bad looking at all!

With summer in full swing, Slimmers’ World is adding to the blistering heat with it’s 28 curvaceous contestants in this year’s Miss Bikini Philippines competition!

There were supposed to be 30 girls but one had to back out due to personal reasons and then the other had to have her appendix removed on the very same day of the Posing and Long Gown Competitions. In spite of the drop outs, the Miss Bikini Philippines doesn’t lack stunning contestants. Here are their official competition photos.

The grand coronation night of Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 is on May 13, 7pm at Resorts World Manila. For tickets contact: 536-3333  / 525-8771  /  091-SLIMMERS

Enjoy!

1. Camille Vinluan – 21 yo – 5’6.5″ – Slimmers’ Pasig

2. Lyka Johnson – 18 yo – 5’5.5″ – Slimmers’ Pasay

3. Rozette Pablo – 19 yo – 5’7″ – Slimmers’ Greenhills

5. Kristine Nolasco – 20 yo – 5’4″ – Slimmers’ Pasay Road

6. Justine Teng – 19 yo – 5’4.5″ – Slimmers’ Megamall

7. Martina McKinsey – 23 yo – 5’7.5″ – Slimmers’ SM City

8. Yesley Cabanos – 18 yo – 5’8″ – Slimmers’ Caloocan

9. Pamela De Leon – 24 yo – 5’6″ – Slimmers’ SM City

10. Jessarie Dumaguing – 18 yo – 5’6.5″ – Slimmers’ Trafalgar Bldg., Makati

11. Raschel Uy – 21 yo – 5’4″ – Slimmers’ Cebu

12. Kryzthine Daig – 21 yo – 5’5″ – Slimmers’ Adriatico

13. Sweetheart Ola – 19 yo – 5’6″ – Slimmers’ Binondo

15. Monica Misenas – 25 yo – 5’5.5″ – Slimmers’ Megamall

16. Diane Garcia – 20 yo – 5’5.5″ – Slimmers’ Subic

17. Hazel Ortiz – 19 yo – 5’8″ – Slimmers’ Megamall

18. Liza Link – 22 yo – 5’4″ – Slimmers’ Legaspi St., Makati

19. Mariah Nilo – 18 yo – 5’5.5″ – Slimmers’ Alabang

20. Gazini Ganados – 19 yo – 5’7″ – Slimmers’ Cebu

21. Cris Ann Leyson – 18 yo – 5’6″ – Slimmers’ Binondo

22. Roshiel Asingua -19 yo – 5’7″ – Slimmers Alabang

23. Princess Tecson – 18 yo – 5’7″ – Slimmers’ Subic

24. Mitsume Aguilar – 20 yo – 5’5″ – Slimmers’ Trafalgar Bldg., Makati

25. Diana Mackey – 17 yo – 5’7″ – Slimmers’ Adriatico

26. Jen Irish Abella – 18 yo – 5’6″ – Slimmers’ Greenhills

27. Jessica Arqueza – 22 yo – 5’8″ – Slimmers’ Legaspi

28. Joanna Tolledo – 21 yo – 5’4.5″ – Slimmers’ Caloocan

29. Nicandra de Castro – 20 yo – 5’4″ – Slimmers SM City

30. Karla Lasquite – 21 yo – 5’7.5″ – Slimmers’ Pasay Road

THE MISS BIKINI PHILIPPINES 2014 PAGEANT Is presented to you by:
SLIMMERS WORLD INTERNATIONAL and SLIMMERS WORLD FACE & SKIN CLINICS
In cooperation with:  KOJIE SAN KONTUR
Major Sponsors:
BROADMEDIC, DERMASIA, DIAMOND HOTEL, HOTEL LUNA, LE MONET HOTEL , SEQUOIA HOTEL
Participating sponsors:
GROSBY SHOES, the official rubbershoes of MBP 2014 Pageant
KAHUNA BEACH RESORT & SPA
BEST WESTERN PLUS LEX CEBU
SKYLIGHT HOTEL
SEDA ABREEZA HOTEL
SEDA CENTRIO HOTEL
INTERPARK HOTEL
OBBO SOCKS
SAPPE BEAUTI DRINK
CANMAKE
AFFINITY DENTAL CLINIC
FIGARO COFFEE COMPANY, you know coffee
ANGEL’S PIZZA
CHEF PATRICK’S KITCHEN
GERRY’S GRILL
RUFO’S FAMOUS TAPA
PEPSI PRODUCTS

Contestant #16 Diane Garcia wins 2 special awards during the Posing Competition of Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2014: Miss Canmake Tokyo and Miss OBBO

Congratulations to some of the early winners at Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2014!

DIANE GARCIA (RIGHT) IS MISS CANMAKE AND MISS OBBO!

Four special awards were given out yesterday, May 2, 2014 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila and contestant #16 Diane Garcia was awarded two of them making her the big winner of the day.

Diane won the Miss Canmake Tokyo and the Miss OBBO sashes!

Canmake is a Japanese make-up brand that specializes in make-up for teens and young adults. Looking a Diane Garcia, she is JUST PERFECT for Canmake and can be an ambassadress for the brand. Click here to see make-up by Canmake Tokyo!

OBBO meantime is a high-end crew sock brand that is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Strideline Philippines. These socks, known for their colorful designs, are a favorite among basketball players.

c Contestant #11 Raschel Uy is Miss Sappee Beauti

CONTESTANT #11, RASCHEL UY WINS MISS SAPPE BEAUTI !

The name “Sappe Beauti” might sound strange to westerners, but it’s actually a very interesting product.

Sappe Beauti is collagen Drink that’s supposed to give you better skin and hair thanks to the 1,000mg of marine collagen each bottle contains. I’ve seen Sappe Beauti available in groceries and even in the cold section of 7-11.

I was going to give the drink a try but since it contains sugar (which I totally avoid) I’ll just wait for them to release a sugar-free version.

Anyway, Raschel Uy was chosen as the winner of the Miss Sappe Beauti speacial award, congratulations!

Contestant #27 Jessica Arquiza wins the Miss Affinity special award for her stunning pearly whites!

CONTESTANT #27 JESSICA ARQUIZA’S WINNING SMILE!

#27 Jessica Arquiza is for me, the prettiest face in this year’s Miss Bikini Philippines and it seems that Affinity Dental Clinic, one of the sponsors of the pageant, agrees with me. But she won the special title Miss Affinity, not just for her pretty mug but for her sunny smile and stunning pearly whites!

The guy on the left is a Great Bodies title holder and the lady on the right is the dentist who own Affinity Dental Clinic.

Congratulations to all the winners!

The grand coronation of Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 will be held on May 13 at Resorts World Manila. Call the following numbers for tickets: 536 – 3333  /  525 – 8771  /  091 – SLIMMERS

That’s me, taking my ‘judge’s bow’ at the Posing Competition of Miss Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines

Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines is close to my heart because the pageant’s main theme – fitness and diet – are very important to me. I take my health seriously and exercise at least 3x a week and my close friends know just how anal I can be about the food I eat. So anal that I often bring my own ‘baon’ even to pageant event, just to make sure I am eating healthy.

Well, there were lots of fit beauties at the Creative Posing Competition, the segment that I was a judge in and I’d just like to share some of the best photos that my hubby Ron T. took that afternoon. The competition was held at high noon at the ballroom of the Diamond Hotel in Manila on May 2, 2014.

The grand coronation night of Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 is on May 13, 2014 at Resorts World Manila. For tickets contact -  536 – 3333  /  525 – 8771  /  091 – SLIMMERS

#2 Lyka Johnson

One of my co-judges was absolutely enamored of Lyka Johnson (above) for her flashy style and eye-catching ‘do! And she made sure to use her full curves during her posing routine! One of the more fun beauties in the batch!

*****

#5 Kristine Nolasco

I always look at the hands of beauty contestants to see if they are truly graceful. I’ve seen many girls walk beautifully but hold their hands in an awkward way. Kristine Nolasco here knows how to position her hands creatively and you can see what I mean!

*****

#6 Justine Teng

Justine Teng’s warrior bikini pose! Love the way she lifts up her ribcage to show off her tight abs. Nice rear is brought out with that arch. This pose enlongates the leg and draws the eye to her face. I like the choice of bikini color and cut, as well. Too bad there’s a slight bruise on her thigh but otherwise, this is a fantastic view of Justing Teng.

*****

#10 Jessarie Dumaguing

This girl had one of the best routines in the bunch! She not only poses well, she also walks like a queen. And just look at her! From the smile to the point of her toe, Jessarie Dumaguing looks like she’s having more fun than all the other girls…

#15 Monica Misenas

Lovely, lovely pose by Monica Misenas. She looks good on her knees, doesn’t she? What I would give for a body like that! One of the fiercest girls in Miss Bikini Philippines 2014, she will eat you ALIVE!

*****

#16 Diane Garcia

No, this is not a cosplay. This is Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 and yes one of the girls looks like she could pass for one of those cute anime cosplay characters! Diane Garcia might not have the traditional beauty queen look but she is a fresh addition to the pageant giving it a very youthful vibe! She’s also already won a couple special awards, click here to find out more…  (love the hula-hoop, btw!)

*****

#17 Hazel Ortiz

This dangerous pose is supposed to break your back and expose all the fat you have on one side of your body. Please do not try this at home. But just so you know, Hazel Ortiz is still alive and yes, there is no fat on her. This stunner reminds me of last year’s winner – Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 Janicel Lubina. Check out Janicel’s look during her creative posing last year and you’ll see the similarity. Just click here.

*****

#22 Roshiel Asingua

…Rosh hit the flo, she hit the flo… next thing you know… the judges said woah woah woah woah woah WOAH! Roshiel Asingua dares to get on the floor without breaking a sweat or her smile…

*****

#29 Nicandra de Castro

Stretching out your long limbs always help make your limbs look… well… REALLLLY LONG! Nicandra de Castro has the poutiest lips in the pack and is a deadringer for Lara Quigaman.

#30 Karla Lasquite

This is a classic body builder’s pose by Karla Lasquite with a beauty queen twist to it. Instead of over-flexing her muscles, she partly flexes them to give definition minus the strain and veins. During her routine she did some really good lip-syncing to her song and I actually liked it…

*****

Thanks to my hubby Ron T. for these shots! If you want to see all the contestants of Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philipipnes 2014, click here to see their official photos!

What a beautiful day it was at the poolside of Solaire, which turned out to be such a huuuuge by-the-sea getaway with gorgeous coconut trees and lots of pool space for you to swim in! I did not realize just how gorgeous this place was having only seen the casino and ballroom.

Well, it became an even prettier place with the 49 official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 parading around in their Ricky Abad bikinis! Here are the photos I took… the girls that stood out are highlighted in RED… the girls highlighted in green were very intriguing… ENJOY!

L-R – Janelle Tee (Davao City), Rosebel Bastasa (Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte), Trixie Aira Hipolito (Kidapawan) and Phoebe Estoconing (Tampilisan)

Janelle Lazo Tee (Davao City), for me, is the prettiest chinita girl in MPE 2014. I also find her absolutely photogenic. The 23-year-old masscom student of Ateneo de Davao is a host, model and dancer.

Rosebel Cenas Bastasa (Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte) is a regional beauty queen with titles like Miss Dapitan 2012 and Miss Casino Filipino Cebu 2013.  She is 21 years old and works as an instructor at STI in Dipolog. She certainly moves around!

Trixie Aira Hipolito (Kidapawan) is one of the underrated beauties in MPE 2014. Look at her photos and vids; Trixie has an exquisite face and angelic cheekbones! She’s 23 but still in college taking up Marketing.

Phoebe Estoconing (Tampilisan, Zambaonga del Norte). Sweet-faced with shapely legs, Phoebe is like a wild sunflower growing in a field. She is 20 years old and studying Tourism.

L-R – Jennifer Kaye Allegro (Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur), Cesdianne Daung (Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay) and Margie Alatan (Zamboanga City)

Jennifer Kaye Allegro (Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur) is a dead-ringer for celebrity mom Christine Bersola Babao! The 21-year old is a true daughter of Mindanao having grown up in the region, finishing her Hotel Restaurant Management course in Mindanao State U, Marawi City.

Cesdianne Daung (Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay) was born for the pageant stage. She competed in her first one when she was in Grade 4 and kept on joining until she reached high school. Now, the 19-year-old Office Management student is in the big league with her foray into MPE 2014!

Margie Alatan (Zamboanga City) is already a beauty queen having won the Miss Zamboanga title. The 20 year old nursing student was once a national athlete in Taekwondo. Don’t mess with her!

The 7 Mindanao Eco-Warriors in Miss Philippines Earth 2014

Most of our Mindanao beauties are mestizas! Hard to tell though who are the tallest ones in this batch…

Me with Janicel Lubina, Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 at Diamond Hotel

I ran into one of my favorite beauty queens, Janicel Lubina, at the Creative Posing Competition of Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 where I was invited to help judge. It seems the Palawan beauty queen has moved on from a missed opportunity to compete in a pageant in Egypt. There was very little sign of disappointment on her face when I asked what went wrong. She just said, ‘security concerns’ got in the way.

So for now she plans take time off from competing and focus on studies instead.

But Janicel admits being nervous about enrolling in her course of choice which is Mass Communications because she feels that she won’t qualify. She comes from a poor family and did not have the best elementary and high school education. I can sympathize with that. Competition, whether on the pageant stage or in the academic world, can make you lose your nerve.

Nevertheless, she’ll be giving it a shot and applying at one of the universities in Metro Manila. All I can say is that with her amazing life experience of rising from poverty and succeeding in the world of pageants, any college would be stupid not to take her.

Janicel Lubina laughs in the middle of an interview with a TV network

Meantime, what are Janicel Lubina’s pageant plans?

Right now, all I can tell you is that she will be back to compete but it won’t be soon. Apart from focusing on her studies,  Janicel wants to finish her double reign as Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 and Miss World Philippines’s 1st Princess 2013 before joining any other pageant.

She has been accused by haters for being ‘swapang‘ for joining so many pageants and winning them! But in her defense, I have to say that being a beauty queen is now a legitimate career in the Philippines. However, just like many Olympic athletes, their careers are short ones because they age out in their mid 20s and can no longer compete.

With such a short time for a career, a girl who feels that pageant competition is her calling should be strategically joining as many competitions as she can while she is still young. Just my humble opinion.

Janicel Lubina will be passing on her Miss Bikini Philippines crown to a new queen on May 13, 2014 at the Resorts World Manila and although she is sad to end her reign she is excited for what the future holds for her!

Beautiful Janicel Lubina wants to focus on her studies before she joins another pageant!

What a beautiful day it was at the poolside of Solaire, which turned out to be such a huuuuge by-the-sea getaway with gorgeous coconut trees and lots of pool space for you to swim in! I did not realize just how gorgeous this place was having only seen the casino and ballroom.

Well, it became an even prettier place with the 49 official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 parading around in their Ricky Abad bikinis! Here are the photos I took… the girls that stood out are highlighted in RED… the girls highlighted in green were very intriguing… ENJOY!

L-R – Ashlejane Alcancia (Brussels), Jennifer Hunt (Gold Coast), Carmen Baena (Melbourne), Rizza Belen Diaz (San Francisco) and Melanie Christine D. Balagtas

Ashelejane Alcancia (Brussels, Belgium) has one of the sweetest faces in MPE 2014. She’s only 18 and an Education Student in UP Diliman so I guess it’s safe to say that this sweety is extremely smart!

Jennifer Hunt (Gold Coast, Australia) this 25 year old beauty involved in Community Development never fails to mention that she spent her youth playing lots of different sports. Like Netball, Soccer, Touch Football, Baskeball and Volleyball. Oh also, Tennis, Squash and Badminton. Whoah!

Carmen Baena (Melbourne, Australia) is currently a Visual Arts student in Melbourne but decided to come home to Manila to see if MPE was something for her. The 20 year old has gorgeous porcelain skin and a smile that can melt an icecube…

Rizza Belen Diaz (San Francisco, USA) is my favorite among the Fil-International beauties because she has this intelligent look about her. Her photos online also show that she’s quite photogenic! Rizza is 25 and a banker for Chase.

Melanie Christine Dizon Balagtas (Sydney, Australia) really knows how to play with the expressions on her face. I really like that in models. 22 year old Melanie is a Primary School teacher whose experience includes teaching special needs students how to read and write. She happens to be Miss Philippines Australia 2013.

The 5 Eco-Warrior Beauties from the Fil-International Communities – L-R – Jennifer Hunt (Gold Coast, Australia ), Rizza Belen Diaz (San Francisco, USA), Melanie Balagtas (Sydney, Australia), Carmen Baena (Melbourne, Australia) and Ashlejane Alcancia (Brussels, Belgium)

What a beautiful day it was at the poolside of Solaire, which turned out to be such a huuuuge by-the-sea getaway with gorgeous coconut trees and lots of pool space for you to swim in! I did not realize just how gorgeous this place was having only seen the casino and ballroom.

Well, it became an even prettier place with the 49 official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 parading around in their Ricky Abad bikinis! Here are the photos I took… the girls that stood out are highlighted in RED… the girls highlighted in green were very intriguing… ENJOY!

L-R Amanda Arbitrario (Caloocan), Mary Laveryn Naluz (Las Pinas), Mary Ann Ross Misa (Makati), Michelle Karen dela Paz (Marikina)

Amanda Arbitrario (Caloocan) is a pageant junkie having joined Miss Panglao Bohol in 2011 (she placed 2nd), was a Miss Sophie 2012 finalist, competed in Miss Lions’ Club Int’l, is the reigning Miss Caloocan and won Miss Dunkin Donuts Ambassadress in Tagbilaran some four years ago. This 22 year old IT student doesn’t look like she eats too many donuts though!

Mary Laveryn Naluz (Las Pinas) caught my attention first with her tawny shade. Then her smile hit me; the corners of her lips tilt up in a delicious way! Third thing I liked – her hourglass figure. Very pretty! She is 24 years old and works for SM as an HR Supervisor.

Mary Ann Ross Misa (Makati) towers over the competition not just because she’s one of the tallest, but because she is  a possibility for Top 5 circle, maybe even the crown, given her fierce stage presence and experience as a model and pageant title holder. This will be her last competition though. The 25 year old Account Executive dedicates this last hurrah to her Mom.

Michelle Karen dela Paz (Marikina) has smile so stunning that it makes you forget she has other body parts! The 23 year old beauty actually took the place of the original Marikina candidate Akiko Centeno who reportedly took a nasty fall and had to pull out of the pageant.

L-R Sarah Stewart (Muntinglupa), Jashmin Lyn Dimaculangan (Pasig), Melissa Isabelle Arganda (Pateros) and Jodimay Megan Zervoulakos (Taguig)

Sarah Theresa Stewart (Muntinglupa) has soulful eyes that I think are her best asset. The 20 year old is a Psychology grad of De La Salle and attributes her fitness to being a varsity softball player in her college years.

Jashmin Lyn Dimaculangan (Pasig) is like an exquisite Asian Barbie Doll with her pert face, svelte limbs and dark silky tresses. She’s only 18, a Commerce student at UST and a runner-up in the Thomasian Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress 2013 competition.

Melissa Isabelle Arganda (Pateros) has that perfect crescent moon shaped smile and when she smiles, it reaches her eyes! Melissa is 22 and works as a Marketing Assistant for a talent studio.

Jodimay Megan Zervoulakos (Taguig) makes me want to break a plate and say, “Oppa!” Then down a glass of Greek Ouzo. Love her thick luscious lips and the way her locks tumble down to frame her face. The 19 year old beauty is a student of fashion design.

L-R Amanda Arbitrario (Caloocan), Ross Misa (Makati), Sarah Stewart (Muntinglupa), Melissa Arganda (Pateros), Jodimay Zervoulakos (Taguig), Jashmin Lyn Dimaculangan (Pasig), Michelle Karen dela Paz (Marikina) and Mary Laveryn Naluz (Las Pinas)

Ross Misa of Makati (2nd from left) rises above the others with her elegant height but Pasig’s Michelle Karen dela Paz has the loveliest pose and shapeliest legs.

Left – Pircelyn Pialago who made the ‘passed away’ faux pas. Top right – Leslie Pine, the first contestant to faint at Miss Philippines Earth 2014. Bottom right, Bencelle Bianzon, the second one to faint.

It was another field day for pageant fans and non-fans when a contestant in Miss Philippines Earth 2014, Pircelyn Pialago of Dalaguete said her roommate ‘passed away‘ due to hunger. The girl whom she claimed ‘passed away’ was Fil-Am beauty Leslie Pine of Nueva Ecija, who, I must quickly add, did NOT pass away but instead passed OUT after over-dieting.

Days later, another contestant, Bencelle Bianzon of Duenas, Iloilo fainted during the swimsuit competition also due to over-dieting. But in spite of the fainting spell, she did have the presence of mind to say, “Nag pass-out ako, hindi ‘passed-away!”

Now here’s what’s interesting: no one got upset over the news that pageants were reportedly starving contestants. Instead, online viewers had a heyday with Pircelyn Pialago’s faux pas and now the term ‘passed away’ is trending and has become a major, major joke, ha-ha.

Without passing judgment on pageant organizers and dieting beauties let me pass on some wisdom. Here are 5 ways to make sure contestants don’t pass out or pass away during a pageant:

1) Get a Doctor’s Certificate. – Pageant organizers should really make medical certificates a requirement for contestants. They need to be fit to compete! Why? Because pageants are physically demanding. Just like going to war, you have no time for beauty sleep and the enemy is all around you. And then you have to wear those 6-inch heels to battle, yikes!

World Peace my butt! It’s a WAR out there!

2) Do NOT accept pageant applicants that obviously have to diet. – If they don’t have to diet then there’s no need to force them to diet. Savvy? Of course, the downside to this is that you might only have 4 or 5 contestants in your pageant.

3) If you DO accept heavy girls then let them BEAT (be and eat.) – This is a politically correct move that will gain you a lot of pogi points with the Fat Acceptance folks and give you extra media mileage. Besides, it’s best to let the girls decide for themselves if they should go on a diet – it is, after all, their butts on the line. Literally.

Big girls are beautiful TOO!

4) Get a Fitness Expert from Century Tuna - Have you seen John Lloyd’s first ever shirt-less billboard after his Century Tuna fitness program! Not bad ha? No need to Photoshop his abs anymore, click here to see what  I mean! Another good thing about having a fitness expert on hand is that if a contestant faints anyway, you can ‘pass the buck’ and have someone else to blame.

5) Make sure the girls have good grammar – so that in a worst-case scenario, they simply pass out and not pass away.

Dove has something cool going on for Moms this Mothers’ Day weekend!

If you’re in the Pasig area or nearby, drop in on the event at Podium from May 9-11, 2014, 2nd Level Atrium from 10am to 10pm.

See you there!!!

Meantime, check out the Dove ad below featuring my voice! I’ve been voicing most of Dove’s ads in the Philippines for the past few years and love working for the brand because I SO support their ‘Real Beauty’ campaign!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5J-gEKwaHHs

My MPE 2014 Top 8 – Clockwise from top left – Ross Misa (Makati), Bianca Paz (Gapan), Jamie Herrell (Cebu City), Crystal Star Aberasturi (Liloan), Angelie Crizelle Ocampo (Sta. Rita, Pamapanga), Monique Manuel (Dinalupihan), Patrixia Sherly Santos (Daraga) and Diane Querrer (Tanauan)

After going through photos and reviewing my notes on each girl, I’ve come to my final choices for Miss Philippines Earth 2014. Although traditionally, MPE chooses a Top 10, I only have 8 girls in my list because I think they are clearly the top performers and are almost sure to enter the semi-finals.

JAMIE THE NEWBIE VS BIANCA THE VETERAN

While last year it was a breeze to choose my favorite for the crown, this year I find myself torn between a newbie and a veteran. Jamie Herrell of Cebu City and Bianca Paz of Gapan, respectively.

My top 2 favorites in Miss Philippines. Jamie Herrell of Cebu City on the left and Bianca Paz of Gapan on the right. Will they be the last two women standing?

Jamie Herrell has been winning several special awards including Best in Swimsuit and Darling of the Press. This  is a strong indicator that she is the front-runner for the title. Her waterloo though is that she is new in the world of pageants and has yet to master the art of delivering different kinds facial expression. She only has two kinds of smiles if you look closely at her online photos. However, she is whip smart and can talk about environmental issues until the sun goes down; an important asset for a Miss Philippines Earth winner.

Bianca Paz for this blogger is Jamie’s biggest contender. Bianca is the polished competitor who knows exactly how to pose, which smile to deliver and how to give a good answer without looking overly prepared. She is also taller and although Jamie won the Best in Swimsuit, this author prefers the curves of Bianca. She also extensive experience in pageant competition which gives her the edge and IMHO, Bianca will have a better chance than Jamie at the international competition.

With all the above said, I would be pleased if either Jamie Herrel or Bianca Paz won the title.

The other 8 girls in my list are:

Ross Misa. Another pageant veteran, Ross could snatch the crown from my two favorites given her fantastic stage presence and towering height.

Diane Querrer. After competing several times, Diane has finally discovered her beauty and is in full bloom. The way she moves on stage is fascinating and her dark cocoa tan is a plus.

Angelie Crizelle Ocampo. She is aptly named. Angelie has an angel face and for me has the most doll-like beauty in this year’s competition.

Monique Manuel. A pageant veteran, Monique Manuel has learned how to shine above the others. Her cameo-like face is quite unforgettable.

Crystal Star Aberasturi. Her Karla Henry-ish vibe is her strongest asset. While her photos are pretty, she is far more enchanting up close which is a major plus when coming face-to-face with judges.

Patrixia Sherly Santos. Young and fresh with beautiful porcelain skin. She quickly caught my attention during the Press presentation for her moves and bright smile.

ABQ’s message to all the girls competing in Miss Philippines Earth 2014 is this:

Good luck!

Cebu gives us another beauty queen winner in the person of Jamie Herrel our new Miss Philippines Earth 2014

More Photos to follow!!!!

Winner of Miss Philippines Earth 2014 – Cebu City – Jamie Herrel

Air – Tanauan – Diane Querrer

Water – Dumaguete – Kim Covert

Fire – Gapan – Bianca Paz

Eco- Tourism – Dinalupihan – Monique Manuel!!!

L-R Kim Covert (Water), Monique Manuel (Eco-Tourism), Jamie Herrell (winner, Miss Philippines Earth 2014), Diane Querrer (Air) and Bianca Paz (Fire)

Top 10
Gapan – Bianca Paz
Cebu City – Jamie Herrell
Tanauan – Diane Querrer
Dinalupihan – Monique Manuel
Duenas, Iloilo – Bencelle Bianzon
Dumaguete – Kim Covert
Cainta – Jenny Gonzales
Liloan, Cebu – Crystal Star Aberasturi
Sta. Rita, Pampangga – Angelie Ocampo
Sydney, Australia – Melanie Balagtas

Top 15
Dinalupihan – Monique Manuel
Duenas, Iloilo – Bencelle Bianzon
Brussels, Belgium – Ashley Alcancia
Makati – Ross Miss
Cainta – Jenny Gonzales
Gapan – Bianca Paz
Liloan, Cebu – Crystal Star Aberasturi
San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija – Leslie Pine
Dumaguete – Kim Covert
Sydney, Australia – Melanie Balagtas
Tanauan – Diane Querrer
Sta. Rita, Pampangga – Angelie Ocampo
Cebu City – Jamie Herrell
Muntinglupa – Sarah Stewart

SPECIAL AWARDS given on coronation night:

Miss Hana – Davao – Janelle Ty

Miss Solaire – Cebu City – Jamie Herrell

Miss SM Markets – Dumaguete – Kim Covert