Jamie Herrell, the new Miss Philippines Earth 2014 winner with her pageant trainer Rodgil Flores of KF or Kagandahang Flores

Well, it certainly was no surprise that the girl wearing the Cebu City sash, Jamie Herrell, ran off with the crown. From Day 1, her name was being bandied about as the girl to beat. I first heard the scuttlebutt when I took part as a critiquing judge at the Miss Philippines Earth 2014 Trash to Class fashion show. Jamie’s cute paper plate party dress placed 2nd in that challenge event.

But this is not a complaint! I’m over the moon with our new queen and here’s why:

Apart from her gorgeous face and well-toned body, I think Jamie’s secret winning power is her ability to balance her pageant experience (she’s competed in a few lesser-known pageants) with being somewhat ‘raw’. In other words, she is not too polished but shiny enough for the judges to pick as the apple of their eye.

And I think this is why Bianca Paz representing Gapan lost to Jamie and only placed 4th  – because she was just too polished for a panel of judges searching for someone closer to a diamond-in-the-rough, so to say.

Bianca Paz of Gapan in swimsuit (knock-out body!) and in her competition gown.

While I really liked Bianca during the swimsuit competition, I felt short-changed by her golden beige gown. Don’t get me wrong though – the gown was elegant and emphasized her curves in a way I liked but… I don’t know… I just wanted it to be sexier I guess. I can’t help but feel that gowns that cover you up are for regular formal events and that gowns used in pageants should reveal something apart from one’s face, LOL!

Jamie Herrel in her competition gown (va-va-va-voom!) and her bikini (rawr!)

Jamie Herrell’s gown though was fabulous. Solid coral pink with a fuzzy heart-like design on the chest. For me, the gown was a reflection of her personality – colorful and young…   but not too young. While she was not the most elegant in the pasarela, she did stand out for delivering a sweet, debutante-like walk.

Her swimsuit catwalk though was eye-popping. Now I can see why she won the Best in Swimsuit.

Elemental winner Diane Querrer (Fire) who placed 2nd, runs up to Jamie Herrell, the main winner for congratulatory hug!

BB. PILIPINAS DROP-OUT DIANE QUERRER – JAMIES BIGGEST RIVAL!

While this blogger thought the battle was between Jamie Herrell and Bianca Paz, it turns out that the dusky Diane Querrer who represented Tananuan was her biggest competition. Diane placed 2nd to Jamie.

For those of you not so familiar with Diane, she is a Miss Philippines Earth repeater having competed in 2011. But she is more famous for the dubious honor of being an official Bb. Pilipinas candidate for two days. Why two days? She was suddenly disqualified reportedly due to height issues. I finally got the story from Diane’s Mom (whom I met after Diane and Jamie were crowned) but unfortunately I’m not allowed to say anything except that all is forgiven.

Can I just crow a little here and say that I am absolutely delighted that Diane placed 2nd in Miss Philippines Earth? She deserves it after going through that rejection!

(Note that MPE considers all it’s elemental winners as equal winners but pageant fans feel that the later your name is called, the more valuable your crown is.)

Jamie Herrel representing Cebu wins Miss Solaire

VINDICATION PART 2!

Diane wasn’t the only one vindicated. Jamie Herrel herself is enjoying some vindication of her own. Prior to joining MPE, she was a candidate for Miss Resorts World last year (2013) but was unplaced. However, in MPE, Jamie won the special title given by Resorts World’s competitor – Solaire. So there!

The different faces of joy at the coronation of Miss Philippines Earth 2014! Winner Jamie Herrel in the middle with Kim Covert (Water) at the far left, Monique Manuel (Eco-Tourism) 2nd to the left, Bianca Paz (Fire) at the far right) and Diane Querrer (Air) 2nd to the right.

NEXT MISSION FOR JAMIE – GETTING READY FOR MISS EARTH 2014!

After Jamie was crowned, I was able to have a little chat with her sister who was happy to the point of tears. She said the whole family flew in to watch her and that Jamie deserved the title because she worked so hard for it!

Well… that’s good news. It means Jamie will work even harder as she gets ready to compete with international beauties in Miss Earth 2014 which will be held later this year. Although it’s too early to tell if Jamie could win, I think we do have a strong candidate this year and my bold prediction is that a semi-finalist position is assured.  Now some have pointed out that Jamie doesn’t have the towering height that beauty queens are known for. Well, we’ve seen shorter girls win over the giants so I’m not too worried about that.

Jamie, don’t drop the ball OR the crown!!! :)

The important thing is for Jamie not to let the ball drop. I’ve seen national winners ease up on training and it’s not a pretty sight. One winner, I shan’t name names, was in tiptop shape during the national pageant but then during the international competition she somehow lost muscle tone and looked ‘skinny-fat’. So Jamie’s challenge is to literally work her tail off.

As for her Q&A, Jamie did well in MPE 2014. She was asked by judge Risa Hontiveros her thoughts on whether people have been good children to mother earth or not. Jamie said no and admitted that people were the #1 cause of the earth’s problems today. Jamie neatly wrapped it up by saying that if we care for the earth, she will care for us.

Good job Jamie! Ending a negative answer with a positive thought and a hope for the future is precisely what a beauty queen would say.

“…but if we can only care for her (Mother Earth), then she will care for us…” Jamie Herrell, Miss Philippines Earth 2014

ABQ with Jamie Herrel, Miss Philippines Earth 2014!

This report sent to ABQ by Rudy Lacson who witnessed Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 at Resorts World Manila.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS:

Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 Winner – #17 Hazel Joy Ortiz!!!!!

1st Runner – up # 27 Jessica Arqueza

2nd runner-up – # 22 Roshiel Asingua

Thank you to Sash Factor for the photo!

ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOP 10:

#28 Joanna Tolledo

#17 Hazel Ortiz

#29 Nicandra de Castro

#10 Jessarie Dumaguing

#8 Yesley Cabanos

#16 Diane Garcia

#27 Jessica Arqueza

#20 Gazini Ganados

#25 Diana Mackey

#22 Roshiel Asingua

Special Awards: (Seven girls won special awards with candidate # 25 Diana Mackey three and # 17 Hazel Ortiz winning two.)

Ms Kontour – #25 Diana Mackey

Ms Personality – #5 Kristine Nolasco

Ms Internet Most Popular – #25 Diana Mackey

Ms Cogeniality – #19 Mariah Nilo

Best in Creative Posing – #17 Hazel Ortiz

Ms Photogenic – #27 Jessica Arqueza

Best in Long Gown -#25 Diana Mackey

Darling of the Crowd – #6 Justine Teng

Ms Great Face and Skin -#16 Diane Garcia

Best in National Costume – #17 Hazel Ortiz

Last year’s court of winners… Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013

So very excited for tonight’s Mrs Philippines Globe beauty pageant at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura (yes, they have one here that’s just as classy as the one next to MOA.) I hear that its going to be hard to choose a winner among the lovely wives and moms competing but that won’t be my problem since I’m not a judge like I was last year but I do have the honor of hosting tonight’s gala pageant. I only have Mrs Philippines Globe’s National Director Ms Carla Cabera Quimpo to thank for this opportunity!!!

With Marlo Javier at his shoppe in Moonwalk, Paranaque

I’ll be wearing a gown in black and beige by designer Marlo Javier with make-up artist Sonny de Leva in charge of my styling.

With Sonny de Leva… do you like his styling on me?

What makes the pageant even more exciting is that THE founder and president of Mrs. Globe, Dr. Tracy Kemble, is in town to judge! I just know that she’ll help the panel choose the right woman to represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Globe beauty pageant in Shenzhen, China later this November.

I cannot wait to meet Dr. Tracy Kemble!

The 23 Official Candidates of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014

With 23 gorgeous and accomplished contestants to choose from, Dr. Kemble will have a tough time. But she will have help from an impressive panel of judges:

Aileen Damiles, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1996
Maricarl Tolosa, Bb. Piipinas International 2001
Monica Kline Kazas, Vice President of Mrs. Globe
Carla Cabrera Quimpo, National Pageant Director, Mrs Philippines Globe
Joyce Agsaway, Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 and Mrs. Globe Face of the YEAR 2012
Pinky Siva, Woman of Substance Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 and Associate Pageant Director of Mrs. Philippines Globe
Albert Andrada, internationally acclaimed Filipino fashion designer
Valerie Mae Batenga, Promotions and Research Manager, Solane
Come back to my blog later tonight to see more photos plus the winners of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014!

Blogger Joyce Burton Titular with the newly crowned Mrs Philippines Globe 2014 Stephanie Sitoy

Congratulations to the Stephanie Sitoy for winning Mrs Philippines Globe 2014 over 22 other beauties at the SMX Aura in Taguig City on the evening of May 17, 2014!!!

This is a blog post in progress as I am exhausted and can’t really exhume any energy to say anything except that I had too much fun hosting the pageant and that it was a blast seeing Stephanie Sitoy and the other girls crowned as the newest members of the MPG family!

Sigh… I may have to write an obituary for my feet after walking around for hours in my beige 6-inch stilts! So beauty sleep comes first then in the morning I’ll label the photos more accurately and tell you more about all the fun we had at the glitziest beauty pageant for moms and married women… see you in the morning!

The Top 5 winners with Stephanie Sitoy, Miss Philippines Globe 2014 in the middle

Winners of the Mrs Philippines Globe 2014 with the judges

That’s me doin’ my hosting chores. Marlo Javier did my gown and Sonny de Leva, my make-up and hair..

Dr. Tracy Kemble gives the opening word. She is the founder of Mrs. Globe and was in town to judge!

Dr. Tracy Kemble is into selfies! She took one with Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014 winners Stephanie Sitoy. Beauty queen and judge Aileen Damiles (left) joins the fun!

The Mentors Queens of Pinay Beauty Queen Academy – Clockwise from the top – Lara Quigaman, Joyce Ann Burton, Ali Forbes, Evangeline Pascual and Maribel Lopez

The year 2010 was a remarkable one for Pinoy pageant fans; that was when Venus Raj brought the Philippines back on the radar after placing 4th Runner-up in Miss Universe. Since then our beauties have been winning accolades in international beauty tilts and the question people often ask is why are we winning now?

My answer is this – we’re finally selecting and training our girls the right way! Becoming a beauty queen is no longer just a one time deal; it has become a career in our country. THAT’s why we are winning.

Enter: Pinay Beauty Queen Academy, a reality TV show that will show viewers just how strict the selection process of candidates is and just how rigorous the training can be for those who compete.

I’m proud to announce that I’ll be one of the beauty queen mentors along with my dear sisters:

Lara Quigaman now Alcaraz… Lara has the highest title among us with the Miss International 2005 crown. She is now juggles her time between being a mom and an actress in a fanta-serye.

Evangeline Pascual is the most senior and beauty among us. She was Miss World 1973 1st Runner-up and is currently chairman of the Actors’ Guild in the Philippines.

Ali Forbes is the youngest in our group. She who won 3rd Runner-up in Miss Grand International 2013 and was 1st Runner-up in Bb. Pilipinas 2012. I hear that she still has plans to compete again in Bb. Pilipinas.

Maribel Lopez – The most controversial queen in the group, she is an award-winning actress, a painter and curator of arts. Her title is Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1982.

ABQ blog author Joyce Burton Titular with singer comedienne Joy Viado

Pinay Beauty Queen Academy will also feature singer/comedienne/actress Joy Viado as the funny girl providing comic relief to make sure things don’t get boring. She certainly is the perfect foil to us queens as she is unafraid to say what’s on her mind and can get away with telling you to your face why you’re ugly!

But in fairness to Joy, she knows how to give praise but you have to deserve it to get good words from her. The queens had so much fun with her in the dressing room and on the set with all her antics and stories!

These photos, by the  were all taken during the 1st day of taping where we shot the teaser for Pinay Beauty Queen Academy. I’ll be posting more information on how you can join the competition but according to producer Robby Tarroza, the initial screening will be purely online and only those who pass the online screening will be invited to the first go-see.

The qualifications for joining are generally the same as those applying for Bb. Pilipinas, Miss World Philippines, Miss Philippines Earth or Mutya ng Pilpinas. I’ll be posting more details on the qualifications, the official website and what network will be showing PBQ Academy SOON!

TBQ withwith Lara Quigaman Alcaraz and Evangeline Pascual in the dressing room!

John Spainhour is Mr. World Philippines 2014

And lets all heave a corporate sigh of relief now that we finally have a Philippine rep to the 2014 Mr. World competition!

Congratulations to Fil-American John Spainhour for being THE guy and mostly, congratulations to Cory Quirino, franchise holder of Mr. World Philippines for another photofinish winner. Cory is gaining the reputation for holding pageants/screenings at the 11th hour and YET coming up with winners like Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss World 2011 1st Princess Gwen Ruais and Mr. World 2011 1st Runner-up Andrew Wolff!

And now we have John Spainhour!

John Spainhour… could he be the first Mr. World winner from the Philippines

Apart from his romantic-sounding name, John’s assets include a chiseled yet boyish face, rock hard muscles thanks to his military background and a hot 6’1″ presence on stage. He also is quite the boyscout being always prepared…. prepared enough to fly out the day after he was announced THE chosen one. The announcement that John was Mr. World Philippines was made on May 29, 2014, Thursday, at the Glorietta 5 Atrium in Makati.

In a phone conversation with Cory, she told me that May 30th was the very last day our contestant could fly off and arrive in time for the competition. In fact, John is already there and is busy getting to know his co-competitors as I type. The competition is two weeks long with the winner being announced on June 15, 2014.

John Spainhour (2nd from left) being announced as Mr. World Philippines 2014. Courtesy of Rappler.

Photo above from Rappler

So what are John Spainhour’s chances of winning?

This blogger thinks that the lowest he could get is a runner-up slot and yes, the possibility is high that he could win specially since he is not new to this kind of competition being a former Century Tuna Superbod winner. The Philippines has also gained much favor with Julia Morley, chairman of the Mr. World organization ever since Cory Quirino took the franchise.

With all that on our side, John Spainhour now has to do a Megan Young by stunning the judges and pageant organizers not just with his good looks (which the other contestants already have as well) but with his character, personality and willingness to rise above himself and serve others.

John Spainhour’s profiles fits perfectly with what Mr. World is all about!

Here’s the blurb on John Spainhour’s official contestant page in Mr. World 2014:

BIOGRAPHY
26 year old John was born in South Carolina, USA, growing up in Manila, Philippines. Describing himself as “Disciplined, hardworking and dedicated” John is a former Marine Corp Scout Sniper. Since finishing his service, he has worked as a fashion model, and is looking for new opportunities and adventures to pursue. In his spare time he likes to be in the outdoors, going camping, snowboarding and hiking. He is also a scuba diver and likes to play video games.

More Facts on John

- Current Occupation – Fashion Model

- John has two older brothers, with one working as a model in Thailand.

- When it comes to pop culture, John is a fan of all genres and styles.

- Personal Motto – “Find something that makes you happy”

Elmo Magalona and me… isn’t he the spitting image of his Dad, the late master-rapper Francis Magalona

Here is why I missed out on the coronation of Miss Teen Earth 2014 and the announcement of John Spainhour as our new Mr. World Philippines 2014 – I was busy shooting an indie film, my biggest role to date in a Cinemalaya sponsored movie. It’s called #Y (Hashtag Y) and stars Elmo Magalona with me as his Mom. It’s directed by Gino M. Santos, a young and really cute director who I think deserves to be in front of the camera and not just behind it, LOL!

I won’t give too many details except that the movie is about suicide, the youth and social networks. Expect more details in my interview with Elmo which I will release in the week leading up to the release of #Y and the opening of Cinemalaya which is in August, I believe.

For now, let me just say that Elmo Magalona was raised well by his parents – the late Francis Magalona and the gorgeous Pia Magalona nee Arroyo. Elmo NEVER complained on the set, never cracked bastos jokes or swore (in front of me at least, aahaha) and was very respectful to me as his #Y Mom.

My best moment was this one scene where we were required to hug for a long time. His Dad was a childhood friend and when we both grew up, I looked up to Francis as a Pinoy music icon. So I stood there with his boy in my arms and goosebumps all over me. All I could think was that Francis must be smiling in heaven knowing that Elmo is working hard in his craft as an actor and gaining the respect of people in the industry.

This is one of our ‘family picures’ in the Cinemalaya film #Y by Gino M. Santos. Apollo Abraham (left) plays the Dad of Elmo Magalona (his character is called Miles) while I play Elmo’s Mom.

Beyond Beauty – L-R back row – Joyce Ann Burton Titular, Gionna Cabrera, Emma Yuhico, Chiqui Brosas, Dang Cecilio Palanca, Teng Roma, Izza Gonzales and Desiree Verdadero. Front row – Gladys Duenas and Mama Renee Salud

Im SO excited tell you all about a project that Ive been working on together with other beauty queens! We call our group Beyond Beauty – a gathering of beauty queens and friends who love hanging out together.

Dang Cecilio explains, “we decided to put a deeper purpose into our get-togethers by doing outreach projects. We just want to share our success and go beyond ourselves.”

Just so you know, Beyond Beauty is not really a formal group with business papers, although at this point we believe it will lead to that. We are just a barkada of beauties who want to share our 3 T’s with those in need – Time, Treasure and Talents!

For our first outreach we visited Kanlungan ni Maria, a home for the aged in Antipolo. Father Dari Dioquno, the resident supervisor of the home says that many of the lolas and lolos living there are abandoned. Their stories are really sad but they still laughed and smiled with us. There were a few tears but it was the kind of crying that was good for the soul!

We brought the Kanlungan residents breakfast (courtest of Mama Renee) and hairdressers who gave them haircuts (courtesy of Teng Roma).

The beauty queens in attendance were

Dang Cecilio, Desiree Verdadero, Emma Yuhico, Gionna Cabrera, Izza Gonzales, Gladys Duenas and me.

Beauty Queens who are part of the group but couldn’t make it are Chiqui Brosas and Sharon Hughes. Alma Concepcion recently joined us and will be part of future Beyond Beauty outreach events and we hope to have more beauties join our endeavors!

Check out the video below. It’s a slideshow of what transpired during our visit:

Song: Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko sung by Noel Cabangon, composed by Rey Valera

Jamie Herrel (left) with bff Kim Covert (middle) and a friend. Both Jamie and Kim are Miss Philippines Earth titleholders. Jamie holds the main title while Kim is runner-up with the Miss Philippines Earth-Water elemental title.

Last night, as I was enjoying my Gai Mangosteen Curry at Simply Thai, one of the classy restaurants at Greenbelt 5, my hubby remarked to me that there were a couple of girls ‘making rampa’ at the outdoor area of the restaurant. I put on my glasses and was pleasantly surprised to recognize them as Miss Philippines Earth beauties – Jamie Herrel, the current MPE titleholder and Kim Covert, her runner-up and best friend who won the MPE Water 2014 title.

Click here to see Jamie and Kim on the night they won!

I walked out to say hi to both and they seemed happy to see me. Apparently, they were ‘making rampa’ and videoing it as part of a modeling requirement for a certain project.

As you can see in the photo, Jamie was glowing. Up close with light make-up she is stunning and her smile, vivacious. With her hair pulled back into a soft bun I could see just how perfect her skin was! And I totally approve of her blue top which offered a peek-a-boo view of her back. The floral and paisley long skirt finished her look giving her a breezy summer feel.

So what’s Jamie Herrel up to now, apart from modeling? Well, she says she’s going to start working out this week in preparation for the Miss Earth 2014 competition. Gold’s Gym will be taking care of her fitness regimen which will be 3 times a week. With a schedule like that, it sounds like the bulk of her workouts will involve weight training.

Although Jamie Herrel won the Best in Swimsuit at MPE 2014, she still has to work on improving her trim physique because she’ll be facing international beauties who will have cutting edge bodies.

Miss Earth this year, she says, will take place November/December and the coronation venue might be in Macau, China. If that doesn’t work out, it will be in Manila.

With five months to prepare, I think we can expect to see a stronger, better and sexier version of Jamie Herrel when she competes for the Miss Earth 2014 title!

John Spainhour

The sad news of the non-placement of Philippine candidate John Spainhour in Mr. World 2014 which concluded yesterday in Torbay, England, did not do anything to relieve my gastroenteritis which I was struggling with all weekend. I really thought John would have at least entered the Top 10. It must have been very sad for Megan Young, who was the emcee at the competition, to have to see her kababayan left out of the winning circle.

John Spainhour with Miss World 2013 Megan Young during a break at the Mr. World 2014 competition…

I guess this throws water on my belief that even if John was a last-minute candidate he still had a good chance of winning or placing high. He really just wasn’t prepared enough for this fight, as most of you pageant fans know. Imagine, the day after he was proclaimed Mr. World Philippines, he was sent flying to England for the international competition!

He most likely had NO time to develop a strategy and to assimilate all the information needed to compete in Mr. World 2014.

Although being a last-minute candidate did not did not stop Mr. World Philippines Andrew Wolff in 2012 from performing so well, the ‘last-minute style’ really shouldn’t be the way we do things. Thankfully, Andrew already had that outgoing and gregarious personality that is highly valued in Mr. World, so he placed 2nd.

John Spainhour (2nd from left) on the day he was proclaimed Mr. World Philippines 2014. Within 24 hours he was on a plane to England to compete in Mr. World 2014.

In fairness though to John Spainhour, he really was a gorgeous candidate with so much potential. From his ruggedly boyish looks, to his rock-hard 6’1″ frame… from his sweet personality to his experience in the modeling world…  John Spainhour was a great representative for our nation.

But he was plucked off the vine too early.

Nevertheless, I salute John for daring to take on such a difficult mission… thank you for representing us so well! You could have easily backed out of the challenge seeing that there was no time to prepare but you plowed on and did your best. Thank you John Spainhour for charging on where others fear to tread… MABUHAY KA!

John Spainhour celebrated Philippine Independence Day in the thick of Mr. World 2014

Mutya ng Pilipinas launches its Metro Manila search!

The Search is on for the 46th Mutya ng Pilipinas Crown! Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014, Metro Manila Screening will be on June 21 and  22, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 pm at Sequioa Hotel, Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City. For more details please visit their website http://www.mutyapilipinas.com

After scouring the provinces for possible beauties, Mama Renee Salud focuses her sights on Metro Manila lasses who are dreaming of the beauty queen life. The screenings are happening this weekend and I hope to be there to help choose this years’ crop of official candidates.

Last year was a bumper year for Mutya ng Pilipinas with their two winners performing well in their respective international pageants.  Koreen Medina was 3rd Runner-up and Queen of Asia/Oceania in the Miss Intercontinental 2013 while Angeli Dione Gomez gave the Philippines a back-to-back win when she nabbed the main title of Miss Tourism International 2013/2014.

In case you are interested in joining, here are the pageant requirements:

Natural Born Female

Must be 18 but no more than 24 years old

Must be at least a high school graduate

Minimum height 5’5″

Must possess beauty of face and figure

Has an outstanding personality, is smart and witty

Must be single and never been married

Must be of Filipino ancestry with at least 1 grandparent in the direct paternal or maternal line possessing Filipino citizenship.

For those attending the screening please bring the ff:

One colored passport-sized photo, one colored head-shot and one colored full body shot in swimsuit.

Photocopy of birth certificate

Photocopy of high school diploma, if available

Overseas participants must submit proof of Filipino ancestry in the form of a certified true copy of the birth certificate of either the Filipino grandparents or parents.

Larah Lacap with Mama Renee Salud

Day 1 of the Metro Manila screenings of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 just concluded today at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City. Seventeen bright hopefuls came to present themselves to a panel of judges that included Mama Renee Salud, yours truly and beauty queens Kristine Caballero, Larah Lacap and THE Bong Dimayacyac!

Yes, Bong is in town with her hubby Vic on family business til the end of the month then they fly back home to Pasadena in California. Bong is of course our Miss Asia Pacific 1983, a top fashion model in her prime who pursued a successful acting career but left it all behind to focus on family when she moved to the US years ago.

ABQ Author Joyce Burton Titular with Bong Dimayacyac

Regal as ever, Bong attended the screening in a little gray and black dress showing off the same curves that stunned us in the 80s! Currently she works for a real estate company in the US.

At the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 screening, Day 1

Back to Mutya ng Pilipinas, I discovered from Mama Renee that this year, the franchise will be awarding only one title – the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014. The winner of that title will compete in the Miss Tourism International 2014 in Malaysia. Pageant fans will recall that Mutya ng Pilipinas used to hold the Miss Intercontinental Philippines franchise but it got transferred to Bb. Pilipinas earlier this year. A big disappointment for the Mutya group.

Screening applicants waiting for thier turn backstage….

But Renee Salud has moved on and is looking for ways to revive the Miss Asia Pacific beauty pageant which has been in the grave since it’s last pageant in 2007. Good news for pageant fans who remember the glory days of the Miss Asia Pacific brand!

So this year we can expect one Mutya ng Pilipinas winner, three runners-up and a special Mutya ng Oveseas Communities award. This is of course apart from the expected special awards and honors.

More Mutya ng Pilipinas hopefuls…

The ones I recognized among the contestants were:

Glennifer Perido is the girl on the far left…

Glennifer Perido (above) who has already competed in two national pageants – Bb. Pilipinas 2011 (unplaced) and Miss Philippines Earth 2012 (she won the Air elemental title)…

Beautiful, young and free Mary Eileen Gonzales

Mary Eileen Gonzales who used to be with Star Magic and has been seen in teleseryes including Be Careful With My Heart. She also competed in My Girl last year when Koreen Medina won. This is Mary Eileen’s first attempt to join a pageant.

That’s it for Day 1 at the Mutya 2014 screenings. Day 2 happens tomorrow and I’ll be there again! Please revisit my blog for a report on that….

Angela Nainang from Mabalacat (left) and Patrizia Garrido Bosco representing the Fil-Italian community (right) were introduced as official candidates

Day 2 at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Metro Manila screenings at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City was quite eventful with the announcement of 2 official candidates:

Angela Nainang from Mabalacat, Pampanga. She was chosen during a previous screening held in the province. Angela is a graduate of Medical Technology and passed the board exam earlier this year. She holds the title of Miss San Fransico 2013 and was 1st Runner-up in Miss Mabalacat 2014.

Patrizia Garrido Bosco who is based in Italy and will be representing the Fil-Italian community in this year’s competition. The half-Pinay, half-Italian head-turner works as a model (sfilata di moda) in Milan. She speaks English well but with a strong Italian accent and knows a few words in Pilipino.

These gorgeous girls all dream of becoming beauty queens…

Fifteen darlings showed up for today’s screening while yesterday’s haul was 17. Not as many girls as last year because another pageant seemed to have sucked up all the pretty girls in sight. It seems that this pageant is trying to get into the Guinnes Book of World Records by having some 200 contestants in its upcoming tilt!

No matter, Mutya ng Pilipinas has produced world-class beauties like Bea Santiago, Mutya Datul, Rizzini Gomez, Angeli Dione Gomez and Koreen Medina in recent years and we can expect the franchise to produce more international winners in spite of the low turn out.

As for me, I spotted at least 3 crown-worthy beauties who won’t disappoint us abroad! But I’m keeping my choices a secret since I’m part of the screening panel. If I do announce my favorites, it will be on the day before coronation…

Backstage as the girls wait for their turn to be presented…

Apart from scrutinizing the applicants on their physicality, the screening panel gets to dig into the minds of the girls during the one-on-one session. It can be very nerve-wracking for them but to be honest, I was pleased with this year’s batch – most of them handled our (sometime intrusive) questions quite well.

The style I prefer of course is the natural way of answering. I do not really find it attractive when contestants ‘speechify’ or talk as if they are declaiming or announcing big news. Unfortunately, speechifying is the trend among our contestants even up to now. While that sells in the Philippines, it doesn’t impress judges in big international pageants.

Cristine Racel from Olongapo was the most familiar face in today’s screening

The most notable applicant was Cristine Racel whom most pageant fans will remember as the first runner-up of Janicel Lubina in Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines 2013. In many ways, Cristine here is more blessed than Janicel because Simmer’s World was able to send her to the Miss Tourism Queen Asia 2013 in China where she placed 3rd Runner-up. But Janicel, who was supposed to compete in a pageant in Egypt earlier this year, did not get her visa so the opportunity ended up in smoke.

The 15 applicants on Day 2 of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014′s screening. The 2 girls in the foreground are official candidates…

I wonder if the winner of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 is somewhere in this photo above. Perhaps yes… perhaps no. We will find out on coronation night, August 8, 2014, Friday at Solaire. The pageant will be televised at a later date on GMA7.

We will know the official list of contestants on Day 3 of the screening which is set for Friday, June 27, 2014. For now, we can expect 30 girls on that list and you can expect to see their names on this blog as soon as I can post them. Here are more photos of what ABQ saw at today’s screening…

My seatmate on the screening panel – beauty queen Bong Dimayacyac, who is on vacation in Manila right now!

The official photographer of Mutya ng Pilipinas at work…

Mama Rene Salud and Lynette Padolina… screening judges!

Official Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Candidate Patrizia Bosco in the foreground with some of the applicants behind her.

Mama Rene Salud (middle), Lynette Padolina (right) and official Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 candidate Angela Nainang (left)… with some of the applicants.

Wow, I so DON’T remember this!!!

Imagine my surprise when a pageant follower named ER sent me the link to this Youtube video which features me and my batch of Miss Universe 1985 contestants during a photoshoot at a yacht club in Miami, Florida! Believe it or not, I don’t remember any of this but the video proves that I was CERTAINLY THERE!

What’s really flattering is that ER said I was featured prominently and after viewing the video, he was right! I several great moments. But be warned…. there is a lot of HAIR in the video, LOL!

View it here:

Footage courtesy of film producer and director Ural Morris

The Battle of the Binibini Alumnae – Angelia Ong vs Ja Flores for Miss Manila 2014!

After checking out the landscape at Miss Manila 2014, I honestly think that the fight is between two girls and two girls alone – Ja Flores (Julian Aurine Flores) and Angelia Ong.

Ja Flores, I would say, is the more doll-like beauty while Angelia Ong looks more ‘real’. Both are equally gorgeous in their own way.

I’m guessing the fight will be a close one because from what I’ve seen so far, both are effortlessly shining above the 28 other contestants.  Now if the judges go for picture-perfect looks, Ja Flores is the top choice but if they want the girl-next-door beauty then Angelia would be the perfect pick.

Beauty queen Jewel Lobaton, the woman behind Miss Manila 2014 gives us a clue as to kind of winner they are looking for. Jewel says, “Her heart should be right. She is compassionate because she is a woman for others. She carries herself with confidence and grace grounded with values of a true Filipina. She inspires us all as a queen of the hearts of every Manileño and Filipino.”

Meantime, lets get to know Julian and Angelia:

Julian Aurine Flores… ravishing beauty… polished to perfection!

Julian Aurine Flores made a splash (at least in my world) when she joined Bb. Pilipinas 2014 and instantly became a favorite of mine. She had the unenviable task of opening the pageant as contestant #1. Nevertheless, she did a great job and entered the Top 15.

Before joinig Bb. Pilipinas Ja Flores tried her luck at Miss Resorts World 2012 and won the Darling of the Press award. She is a Hotel and Travel Management grad from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and works as a professional model.

Angelia Ong… fresh as morning dew… a bridal beauty!

Angelia Ong, meantime, was unplaced in Bb. Pilipinas 2011 even if she won a special award “People’s Choice for the Face of Bb. Pilipinas 2011.”

She tried out for MYX’s VJ search in 2011 and made it to the finals but when she tried out again this year, 2014, she was left out of the finals which I find weird. I’m suspicious it’s because MYX doesn’t like her job as a reporter for a gambling news site with roots in Macau. Yes, there is a group called calvinayre.com that gives news on what’s going on in the world of gambling and she’s the Asian correspondent. She flies to Macau quite often to do reports. Perhaps MYX has a thing against gambling? Just a suspicion on my part… I don’t like gambling myself but I certainly like Angelia!

Anyway, this beauty was born in Tondo, Manila but grew up in Sampaloc, Manila. She’s currently a Marketing Management student at St. Benilde where she also happens to be the current Ambassadress of the School of Management and Information Technology. She’s also a Color Manila Run Ambassadress and has been since 2012.

Princess Angela Abello… head-snapping looks… a stunner on stage!

But wait! I’m not yet through! There’s a 3rd girl who could steal the crown – Princess Angela Abella. She is a proven winner with two titles under her belt – Miss Resorts World 2011 and Miss Bikini Philippines 2010. In the Miss Bikini International 2010 that was held in China, Princess won the Miss Charming special award.

Princess was born in Brunei, raised in Cebu and now lives in Manila.

My honest opinion is this, even with her experience and titles, Princess faces an uphill battle. The nursing grad and struggling actress just isn’t shining as brightly as Ja and Angelia are.

But I could be wrong. Lets see what happens tonight when the city of Manila chooses the next Miss Manila 2014 at the PICC!

I’m as sad as a lion in a cage just sitting here at home dealing with Amoebiasis. I think I got it from a bad Turkey Burger. So now my original plan of going with Maribel Lopez to watch Miss Manila 2014 at the PICC has been scuttled. But that’s okay, my friend Rudy Lacson is watching on my behalf.

Here’s Rudy’s Report:

Miss Manila 2014 WINNER’S CIRCLE:

Krischelle Halili is Miss Manila 2014!

Miss Manila 2014 WINNER #25 Krischelle Halili

On the strength of her answer, Krischelle Halili pulls a fast one in Miss Manila 2014 upsetting several favorites pegged to win the title. Right on the spot she came up with a snazzy slogan for the city – “Manila, Where Life Happens!” You can’t expect less from someone who enjoys writing literary pieces. Congratulations Ms Halili, you rock!

Krischelle Halili is originally from Tarlac. The 23 year old beauty is a medical student with the aim of becoming a doctor. She lists UST and CEU Manila as her universities. The 5’6½” Bb. Pilipinas alumna is also a big fan of the World Wrestling Federation. As Miss Manila 2014, Krischelle Halili will represent the city in official functions and events.

1st Runner-up #18 Princess Angela Abella

2nd Runner-up #9 Angelia Gabrena Ong

3rd Runner-up #6 Kayesha Chua

4th Runner-up #7 Julian Aurine Flores

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Final Question Segment:

#7 – Julian Aurine Flores – What would Rizal say to the youth if he were still alive today? She stuttered, then mentioned serving others, serve their fellowmen.

#9 – Angelia Gabrena Ong – What is the biggest problem of women today? Believing that they are beautiful. No need to wait for others to tell them how beautiful they are. Just believe.

#18 – Princess Angela Abella – If you would win, what would you do during your reign? She’d do her best to serve with passion.

#6 Kayesha Chua – What is your personal view of man and marriage? They should go together. Marry the right man and share your love story.

#25 Krischelle Halili – Tourist slogan for Manila? “Manila, Where Life Happens!” because of the schools, businesses and Malacanang, the seat of power.

#7 and #18 went over the 30 second time limit. The other three got huge applause although #18 also got some applause because she mentioned President Estrada as saying, “Ang Manileño ay mabait,” and some other good traits in Tagalog.

Miss Manila 2014 Top 5:

#7 – Julian Aurine Flores (Bb. Pilipinas Alumna 2014, Top 15)

#9 – Angelia Gabrena Ong (Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Alumna and Face of Bb. Pilipinas 2011)

#18 – Princess Angela Abella (Miss Bikini Philippines 2010 winner and Miss Resorts World 2011 winner)

#6 Kayesha Chua (a Boy Abunda-managed beauty)

#25 Krischelle Halili (Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Alumna)

Miss Manila 2014 TOP 15:

#9 – Angelia Gabrena Ong (Bb. Pilipinas 2011 Alumna and Face of Bb. Pilipinas 2011)

#28 -  Arielle Tumanut

#17 – Bernadette Paez

#29 -  Cheska Laurente

#7 – Julian Aurine Flores (Bb. Pilipinas Alumna 2014, Top 15)

#13 – Justine Felizarta

#6 Kayesha Chua (a Boy Abunda-managed beauty)

#25 Krischelle Halili (Bb. Pilipinas 2014 Alumna)

#14 Mharyel Tapia (Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 Alumna)

#27 – Michelle Abcedre

#18 Princess Angela Abella (Miss Bikini Philippines 2010 winner and Miss Resorts World 2011 winner)

#5 – Samantha Page Haire

#30 Sheila Mae Morales

#22 Shyrmain Macasio

#16 Susanne Stefanowitz (sister of Miss Earth Philippines 2013 Stephanie Stefanowitz)

Miss Manila 2014 Panel of Judges:

Gretchen Barretto

Francis Libiran

Gloria Diaz (chairperson)

April Love Jordan

Ernesto Bong Sta. Maria

Raymond Isaac

Danny Dolor

Sen. Tito Sotto

Nathalie Den Dekker

Michael Carandang

Dr. Steve Mark Gan

Dra. Luisa Aquino

Dennis Perez

Jose Pardo

Hon. Fan Peng

Cong. Sherwin Gatchalian

Miss Manila 2014 Special Awards:

Best in Swimsuit #18 Princess Angela Abella (She is Miss Bikini Philippines 2010 so this award proves her bikini-worthiness, indeed!)

Best in Evening Gown #9  – Angelia Gabrena Ong

Texter’s Choice #6 – Kayesha Chua

Choice of the Press #9 – Angelia Gabrena Ong

Miss Photogenic #7 – Julian Aurine Flores

Best Talent #30 – Sheila Mae Morales

Miss Congeniality #4 – Queenie Bautista

Miss Beautiful Skin #18 Princess Angela Abella

Miss Cream Silk #22 – Shyrmain Macasio

Hosts are:

Edu Manzano and Derek Ramsay with Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago

The 7 shortlisted Metro Manila candidates are L-R Cristine Racel, Analita Vizcarra, Yesly Cabanos, Rosette K. Pablo, Sheryl Chen, Nikka dela Cruz and Glennifer Perido

Last Friday, June 27, 2014, Mutya ng Pilipinas held it’s final screening for Metro Manila candidates at the Sequioa Hotel in Quezon City. Seven girls (out of a total 46 who came to all 3 days of screenings) were proclaimed shortlist candidates and they are in the photo above.

Looks like tall girls ruled in the Metro Manila screening of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014. None of the less tall girls I favored made it into the 7 shortlist candidates. But overall, I am pleased with the seven choices in the photo above!

Pageant organizers explained that five of the girls in the shortlist are already official candidates with the other 2 being reserve candidates just in case one of the contestants from the overseas or the regional categories back out. The target is to have 30 official candidates – 11 from overseas, 14 from the provinces and 5 from Metro Manila.

Lets get to know each of the 7 girls in the shortlist:

Cristine “Cheeny” Racel

Cristine Racel at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 screening

Cristine ‘Cheeny Racel’ competed and placed in Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 (top right) and Miss Tourism Queen Asia 2013 (bottom right).

Cristine “Cheeny” Racel is a Fil-Am lass from Olongapo and a pageant junkie. She has joined (and won) several pageants and admits being addicted to joining beauty pageants. She is Miss Silka Zambales 2011, Bb. Olongapo 2012 and Bb. Zambales 2013 2nd Runner-up and is best remembered for being the first runner-up of Janicel Lubina in Miss Bikini Philippines 2013.

But her biggest achievement in pageant competition is placing 3rd Runner-up at the Miss Tourism Queen Asia 2013 held in Xitang, China. She represented Cebu (odd don’t you think?) in that international pageant.

She works as a model and is currently one of the A-Plus All Weather Paint Girls.

During our Q&A , I found Cheeny to be a good conversationalist, ready to answer even our craziest questions! Her strong personality will take her far in Mutya ng Pilipinas.

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Annalita Vizcarra

Annalita Vizcarra

Annalita Vizcarra… belongs on the pages of a fashion magazine… ty to Jear de Mc Cuttac for the purple gown photo

The one thing Annalita Vizcarra loves to boast about is that she is a self-supporting professional model… with major emphasis on ‘self-supporting’. The Negros Occidental beauty was a Top 10 placer in the Lin-ay sang Negros 2014 pageant but has transplanted herself to Cavite and calls it her current home.

Annalita was an early bird at the screening, arriving on Day 1 and was the second girl the judges met. She’s done a lot of work as a ramp and print model mostly for high fashion projects.

I really adore her fierce temptress and think she’s hotter when she’s not smiling.

Her most recent victory is placing in the Top 8 of Bodyshots 2014. Hoping this stunner makes it as an official Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 contestant!

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Yesley Cabanos

Yesley Cabanos

Yesley Cabanos seems much taller than the male winner (bottom right) in the Mr and Miss Hataw Tabloid contest.

If the judges at the screening panel had to give out a best swimsuit award to one of the 7 shortlisted Mutya 2014 contestants, it would most likely go to Yesley Cabanos. The head-snapping beauty seems born for the bikini with her guitar-shaped figure and long lean legs.

With a body like that it’s no surprise that she qualified for the Miss Bikini Philippines 2014 and placed in the Top 10. I saw her compete in that pageant and she’s improved her catwalk skills but has room for growth. The Maxene Magalona look-alike is a Miss Hataw Tabloid winner and a Tourism student.

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Rozette Kaey Pablo

Rozette Kaey Pablo

Rozette Kaey Pablo. The top right photo is from her stint at Mutya ng Gerona 2013

Rozette Kaey Pablo who describes herself as a singer is a welcome addition to this shortlist of semi-official candidates. The dusky Filipina beauty is from Gerona, Tarlac and is a Runner-up of Mutya ng Gerona 2013.

Rozette tried her luck at the Slimmer’s World Miss Bikini Philippines earlier this year but fate left her empty-handed on coronation night. This did not prevent her though from moving on and trying out for Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014. Now that she’s shortlisted, lets see if she will make the cut as an official candidate!

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Sheryl Chen

Cheryl Chen

Cheryl Chen wants to win! Photo on the left by Josef Karl Lopez…

Cheryl Chen made it clear and simple when she came up to the microphone to introduce herself. She said, “I want to win!” And if its any indication that she will fight tooth and nail for the crown, the Youtube video of her talent presentation when she competed in Miss Moncada 2010, shows she will go the distance to get what she wants.

Aside from Miss Moncada 2010, the Fil-Chinese stunner competed in Miss Silka Tarlac 2012 (I’m not so sure but I think she was unplaced) and won Miss SABM Naturale in 2012, an online competition for girls who looks great with little or no makeup. Indeed, her Facebook photos show that even without cosmetic help, Cheryl Chen has gorgeous features and glowing skin!

I wonder if you’ve noticed that she’s also a dead-ringer for last year’s Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental winner Koreen Medina?!

As for her profession, Cheryl Chen studied Hospitality and Tourism Management and worked for Emirates as a check-in counter agent.

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Nikka dela Cruz

Nikka dela Cruz

The photos at the bottom were taken when Nickah dela Cruz was competing in Miss Philippines Earth 2009. She was only 18 years old then.

During the one-on-one we had with Nickah dela Cruz, I discovered that she is no stranger to pageants. She mentioned joining Lakan at Lakambini ng Bulacan in 2006 (unplaced), Bb. Bulacan in 2008 (she holds the winning title) and Miss Philippines Earth 2009 (unplaced) where she represented Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Nickah, who is quite fluent in English, is most proud of being an OFW. She worked in Kuwait as an outpatient nurse in one of the big hospitals there. But since she is currently unemployed, she is seeking a change of pace by joining Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014.

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Glennifer Perido

Glennifer Perido

Glennifer Perido… made up of beuaty queen stardust…

Looking at Glennifer Perido, you can’t help but hear her DNA screaming “BEAUTY QUEEN” through and through which is why it is a pity that she was relatively ignored during the Bb. Pilipinas 2011 beauty pageant. But that was a tough year. The year when Shamcey Supsup won. The year that included three Bb. Pilipinas Universe winners – Shamcey, Janine Tugonon (2012) and MJ Lastimosa (2014).

But enough of other girls, Glennifer is, for me, the prettiest face on this shortlist! And this is the third attempt of the Tabuk, Kalinga native at a national pageant. After Bb. Pilipinas 2011, she tried out for Miss Philippines Earth 2012 and almost won the title. She instead received the Miss Air Elemental title which is considered by fans to be equivalent to the 1st Runner-up position.

Apart from those attempts, the registered nurse has competed abroad in the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2011 in Yingtan, China where she was unfortunately unplaced.

But instead of bringing her down, such frustrations seem to have sharpened Glennifer. She’s blooming like never before so perhaps this is her year and Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 is her pageant to rule. However, she’s got one more hurdle to make since she’s only on the shortlist. Lets all hope makes it as an official candidate!

The 30 Official Candidates of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 presented to the media at Hotel H20 in Manila on July 23, 2014

Hello ABQ readers! After a long hiatus, (been busy preparing for a teleserye) I’m back (sort of) to share with you my thoughts on the newest batch of babes competing in the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 beauty pageant.

Previously, I reported that there would only be one title given away this year but after chatting with members of the board, it seems that they will still give out TWO major titles just like last year: Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International and Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International. But only one of the two will compete abroad as of now.

There will be a third title, the Mutya ng Pilipinas Overseas Communities which will go to one of the ‘imports’ from Filipino communities abroad. So far there are 6 girls in that category.

And now, lets talk about the candidates who won awards and got the most attention at the Press Presentation of Mutya this year!

There were three special awards given out – Miss Ivana, Miss H20 and Darling of the Press. (Ivana is the fragrance brand of Tupperware. Yes, the company is not satisfied with just storing your food; they want you to smell good while you’re at it!)

#26 Glennifer Perido representing the Cordilleras won the Miss Ivana honor while Miss H20 went to #4 Ma. Jackielyn Dulay. The Darling of the Press award went to #25 Patrizia Bosco from the Fil Community in Milan, Italy.

The 3 special award winners at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 Press Presentation – L-R – #4 Jackielyn Dulay of Nueva Ecija (Miss H20), #25 Patrizia Bosco of Milan (Darling of the Press) and #26 Glennifer Perido of the Cordilleras (Miss Ivana)

Personally, I consider the Darling of the Press Award the most important out of the three because media folk are kings! And they are very astute at picking winners. Does this mean Press Darling #25 Patrizia Bosco has a big chance of winning one of the main titles? I certainly think so. From the first time I saw her at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 screening in Metro Manila, I had her pegged as strong contender in whatever pageant she joined.

But it won’t be a walk in the park for Patrizia. The contenders in Mutya ng Pilipinas this year are fierce and the lovely Fil-Italian can’t afford to sit on her laurels and just be beautiful. She has to put her best foot forward and DELIVER! Lets she how she does in the coming days…

Apart from the above-mentioned beauties, there was another girl who did not win any of the special awards but got lots of attention from the press and that was #9 Cristine Racel of Olongapo who was Miss Bikini Philippines 1st runner-up last year.

Enjoy my photos!

#9 Cristine Racel (far left) may not have won a special award at the Press Presentation but she got lots of attention from the media.

The 6 six beauties above turned out to be the most popular ones! LOL! Including ME! (I’m in the blue paisley dress…) Oh, the girl in white dress next to me is none-other than the Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific 2013 Koreen Medina who did the Philippines proud when she landed the 3rd Runner-up place in Miss Intercontinental 2013 which was held in Germany.

IMHO, Koreen Medina looks more like a beauty queen now than when she won last year! She somehow managed to shed off her cute-sie ‘artistahin‘ look replacing it with the gloss and shimmer of a queen. Made me wonder if she had plans of joining another beauty pageant. When I asked her, she didn’t deny or admit anything but she did agree with me that at a youthful age of 19 she’s got many years ahead for competition.

#25 Patrizia Bosco (Milan, Italy) wins Darling of the Press! Flanking her are Jefferson and Jacqueline Tan of Mutya ng Pilipinas. On the far right is Koreen Medina, Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2013

One of the key strengths of #25 Patrizia Bosco, apart from looking like the girlfriend you can never have, is that she answers questions so naturally. Altho she was already an official candidate, the judges had a one-to-one interview with her during the Metro Manila screening and it turned out to more of a conversation rather than a Q&A.

#25 Patrizia Bosco (Milan, Italy) wins Darling of the Press

6) #26 Glennifer Perido (Cordilleras) wins Miss Ivana Fragrance by Tupperware

#26 Glennifer Perido is another strong contender in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014. Biggest strength is her stunning Barbie-doll face!

7) #4 Ma. Jackielyn Dulay wins Miss Hotel H20

#4 Ma. Jackielyn Dulay’s winning asset is her bright smile. You can see it reach all the way to her eyes!

TV reporter Mario Dumaual zeroes in on the two stunners – #25 Patrizia Bosco (left) and #26 Glennifer Perido…

I always keep an eye on the contestants that Mario Dumaual of ABS-CBN interviews. He always features the girls who end up winning or at least entering the runner-up circle. Just be careful when being interviewed by him… you might just end up passing out or passing away, LOL!

(Sorry, if you didn’t get that inside joke, it’s alright, I still love you… LOLZ!)

The hottest girls in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014?

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest of them dolls…

Ako siyempre ang pinkamaganda, aahaha!

So, that was my experience at the Press Presentation of the 30 official candidates of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 at Hotel H20 in Luneta, Manila. Coronation night is on August 8, 2014… best wishes to all the candidates!

Dear ABQ readers and pageant fanatics:

As you may have noticed, this BQ has been blogging less as of late but I assure you its for a good reason. I have gotten the break that I had prayed for and worked hard for the past 4 years!!! I’m now part of the main cast of an upcoming teleserye on GMA7 called, “Ang Lihim ni Anasandra”!!!

It is a dream-come true for me since I had wasted my chance at an acting career in the mid-80s (long story), but God is good and has shown me that even if I am at the threshold of my golden years, He can bless me in a world dominated by youngsters. Furthermore, to be a newbie at my age is fabulous – I get to feel giddy again and feel butterflies in my stomach… wheeeeee!!!

Oh, my role is: CONTRABIDA MOM! Don’t you just lahhhhv it? And I assure you that my lines are so evil that I might need to hire a bodyguard to protect me from over-zealous fans when I go to the mall!

Anyway, enough of my gushing… today the cast drove up to the hills of Norzagaray, Bulacan to shoot still photos for the press releases and the TV plug for the soap!!! Just want to share photos that I took and show you what it was like…

Love,
Joyce

1) Befriending a horse…

The very first thing I did when I got to the Bitbit River in Norzagary, Bulacan was befriend a horse that I saw grazing by the river. I love horses and took riding classes in my teens!

2) These rock formations adorn the Bitbit River…

Golly, I never knew we had rivers this beautiful in the Philippines! This particular river has not yet been invaded by tourism so I’m glad I got to see it undisturbed by commerce!

3) The tent city of the cast and crew of Ang Lihim ni Anasandra

Amazing how the GMA7 team set up our temporary living quarters by the Bitbit River. They are efficient and a very respectful. I think I’m going to enjoy working with these guys!

4) I’m being dolled up now!

Here I am with my make-up artist, Joey. My role in Ang Lihim ni Anasandra is the contrabida, as a I mentioned earlier. I play the role of Hazel Benitez, a former beauty queen (how hard is that? LOL!) who is now a derma-surgeon with her own clinic. I am the mother of William Benitez (Mikael Daez) who is a player but ends up falling for… well… I better keep my mouth shut. Don’t want to spoil it for you!

5) Our star of the show is the dusky Andrea Torres – she plays Anasandra

Seated next to me in make-up was Andrea Torres, the star of the show. She plays Anasandra. What could her secret be? Well, you’ll just have to watch the soap when it comes out on GMA7… ABANGAN!

6) That’s my eyeshadow palette by Smashbox…

7) I’m finally done! That’s Joey my make-up artist in the lower right photo!

I just have to say that the earrings that they made me wear, completed my look. I fell in love with them but my stylist refuses to sell them to me! Well, I will hound him like the contrabida that I am and he will eventually give in and let me have them for a good price, mwaahaahaha!

8) With Maribel Lopez!

Another beauty queen is in the cast of Ang Lihim ni Anasandra – Maribel Lopez – who also is a dear friend of mine!

9) Like my legs?

The riverside was so maputik that we had to trawl thru the mud in our boots to get to the photo site. It was raining on and off the whole morning! It was an adventure… of a beauty queen… LOL!

10) I haven’t forgotten how to POSE!

12) I almost slipped a few times!

13) The sun came out!

14) Peeking thru the talahib in my fancy outfitt, aahaha

15) Do you like my piercing look?

17) Oooooh… Erica Padilla plays the bff of Anasandra… what a stunning beauty!

18) Done with the shoot! Walking back to make-up with my stylist Kevin…

19) The handsome male stars of Ang Lihim ni Anasandra

I’m back at make-up and guess who I see? My ‘son’ Mikael Daez with Pancho. Aren’t they just adorable?

20) With the gorgeous Erica Padilla!

ABQ (that’s me) with actor Elmo Magalona at the recent Yahoo Awards at the SMX Convention Center…

Tonight, (Aug 6, 2014) is the gala premiere of #Y (Hash Tag Y), one of the new-breed films being showcased by Cinemalaya at the CPP this year. Though I am part of the cast – I play the Mom of the lead actor, Elmo Magalona – I won’t be able to attend  due to schedule constraints, ARGH!!!!

But I do have this little interview with Elmo which I recorded during his 4th day on the set of #Y.

The interview was recorded on the set, literally… in the ‘bedroom’ of his character Miles.

SPOILER ALERT! This interview gives a few details about the story so beware!

ABQ: It’s Day 4 for you, kamusta …

ELMO MAGALONA: I’ve done my scenes with my friends, my barkada… then the next few days are… ako lang, then with you – my parents – and when I’m being interviewed (by the psychiatrist) about my situation.

Me with Apollo Abraham. We play the parents of Elmo Magalona’s character Miles in #Y and it is very interesting because our names are never mentioned in the movie. Apollo and I happen to be colleagues in the voicing industry as well! We are both professional voice talents… this photo was taken right before we shot our first scene on the actual set of #Y.

ABQ: Your role a Miles is a heavy one and he struggles with depression and suicidal tendencies. How was it like preparing for the role?

ELMO: I like thinking about what would my character think of… what would he feel during this moment.. like let’s say im just at home watching a movie or eating food, like what would he be thinking at this moment? That’s how I prepared.

There are scenes here where I have to show off my body so I also had to prepare for that. Before I started filming I had gained weight. Fat weight. I stopped working out late last year. I gained probably 10 to 15 lbs. It was all going to be seen on screen and I would be the one to suffer. I didn’t want that so… Miles as a person doesn’t really have to have a nice body… but visually I just wanted it to be a good project that I want to watch when I grow older.

ABQ: What was your regimen like?

Diet. It was more on cutting down on rice and then I enjoy eating veggies and fruits now and I usually run. More on running rather than lifting.

Elmo Magalona during his breaktime. Intently studying the script of #Y. It was quite obvious to me that he was taking this movie very seriously.

ABQ: Can you empathize with Miles? Or was it a difficult stretch for your imagination to think of yourself as suicidal.

ELMO: As myself I wouldn’t think of suicide. But I get why he thinks he wants to kill himself and its not even… not everyone’s going to understand him but I do. On a personal level. He just doesn’t feel happy. Some people are just really like that, you can’t explain it and you shouldn’t explain it.

ABQ: You accepted a role in a movie that deals with suicide among other issues that the youth deal with nowadays. Some people think that this may hurt your ‘squeaky clean’ image. I heard several actors were approached but ayaw nilang gawin kasi nga controversial, why did you accept?

ELMO: Because its an experiment since people nga aren’t used to seeing me doing projects like this, I just really want to challenge myself. And I’m ready to hear the criticism from others. That’s what I want and that’s how I’m going to grow.

This is one of our ‘family picures’ in the Cinemalaya film #Y by Gino M. Santos.

ABQ: How do you deal with criticism, haters and bashers?

ELMO: I’m very open naman when it comes to criticism as long as its constructive… as long as there’s a reason and its not on a personal level that they’re criticizing me. Im usually open naman to the feedback that people give me and I think that’s how I’m going to grow, that’s how I’m gonna learn when they finally watch the movie and tell me how they liked it.

ABQ: This movie is in the middle of being shot and people are already talking about you… that this is your most daring movie… that you’re going to do your first screen love scene. What do you think of that?

ELMO: It’s a very overwhelming situation but I try not to think about it since it’s just going to bother my head while shooting the film. I don’t want to lose focus. I haven’t shot the love scenes yet. I don’t know if they are holding on to that for that last day of shoot. But I’m excited. It’s my first time to work with Sophie Albert and… I’m not really sure what Direk Gino wants to do with scene…

Click here to find out more about Sophie Albert

#Y stars Sophie Albert & Elmo Magalona Cinemalaya X running from August 1-10, 2014 in CCP will have satellite venues: Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and Fairview Terraces. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Photo above found on Jude Bautista’s blog – click here if you want to find out more details about #Y, the cast and director and see more great photos.

ABQ: What do you think your biggest challenge will be in the love scene?

ELMO: Maybe… feeling ‘conscious’, I guess. Because there’s a camera in front of me. I just want them to capture me as Miles and him experiencing his deep, deep love for Lia (played by Sophie Albert).

ABQ: What lessons have you learned from Miles?

ELMO: He doesn’t know what he has. He kind of takes advantage of his life because he’s living a normal life, a privileged life, in fact. Maybe because of that nothing excites him anymore about life and that led him to suicide.

ABQ: If you as Elmo could talk to Miles, what would you tell him?

ELMOl I would give advice but I wouldn’t bet on him listening to me because he doesn’t really listen to anyone. He just… when he’s made up his mind he’s clear about it and he doesn’t want to lose focus on it as well. Like that.

I’m really excited to see the whole thing. They actually showed some of the scenes we shot the first two days. I can say that it might shock a lot of people.

Elmo Magalona (right) with his Dad, the master rapper, FrancisM when he still walked this earth…  isn’t it amazing that they look and seem just like brothers? CUTIES!

Photo above from this post on MYX Philippines’ website. Click here to check it out…

ABQ: Do you think your Dad (the late Francis M.) will be proud of this?

ELMO: I think so. Because it’s me… experimenting. And it’s me exploring.

ABQ: Well your dad was experimenter and he was an explorer.

ELMO: As well… as well… because he started out and people weren’t really accepting of him in the beginning.

ABQ: So what do you hope to achieve with #Y?

ELMO: Basically I just want to be different from other artists and I hope this movie shows that.

ABQ: Thank you very much Elmo, it was a pleasure!

#Y cast from left: Slater Young, Coleen Garcia, Director Gino M. Santos, Kit Thompson, foreground: Sophie Albert and Elmo Magalona. Cinemalaya X running from August 1-10, 2014 in CCP will have satellite venues: Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and Fairview Terraces. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Photo above taken from Jude Bautista’s blog… click here to read more about #Y as well as the other new breed films in Cinemalay 2014!