Angelee Claudett delos Reyes answers her questions at Miss Philippines Earth 2013. Good job grrrl!

Hey you tree-hugging fans of Miss Philippines Earth, please check out my article in Rappler.com. I wrote this really LOOOONG article on why I believe Angelee Claudett delos Reyes won the Miss Philippines Earth 2013 crown and what her chances are when she represents the Philippines in Miss Earth 2013.

And since I’m sucking up to Rappler, please help me by leaving a VERRRY NICE comment on their site!?? AAHAAHAHA! Kapal muhks ko talaga ano? But go lang ng go! I love you all!!!

Click here to get to the article and… don’t forge the nice comment ok? LOLZ!

The 18 beauties at the prepageant of Mrs Globe Philippines 2013!

I’m having a lot of fun covering the Mrs. Globe Philippines 2013!

After getting to see all the contestants in their swimsuits during the Press Presentation, click here to see photos, the Mrs. Globe Philippines organization asked me to be one of the judges, not just for the coronation, but also for the pre-pageant event where we got to pick the brains of the 18 contestants vying for the crown. It was quite enjoyable because all of them spoke well and many knew the issues of the day.

We talked about children, husbands, 22-inch waist-lines, eye gel, stem cells, TV ads, husbands, regrets (nobody had any), careers, China vs the Philippines, rap music, cupcakes and ovens, winning pageants, losing pageants, make-up kits, food and exercise, issues surrounding Filipino nurses and the safety of eating tilapia vs galunggung! (Galunggong won out over Tilapia!)

These ladies could talk about anything under the sun! LOVE IT!

Coronation night takes place this Saturday evening, May 25, 2013 at the Sofitel Hotel. Thank you to Mrs Globe Philippines and MGP head Carla Cabrera Quimpo for inviting ABQ to help choose the next winner of Mrs Globe Philippines. The winner will compete in September in the Mrs Globe 2013 international pageant in China.

Judges – L-R Dr. Leslaw Rudy of Galderma, pageant directress Carla Cabrera Quimpo, me, Mei Afable from Make-up Factory and Sharon Hughes who was Bb. Pilipinas Young International 1982

ABQ Blog Author Joyce Burton Titular with Bb. Pilipinas International 1986 Alice Dixson…

I had an unplanned but most pleasant get-together with some of my FAVORITE beauty queens on the TV show “Bida ng Pagbabago” on 700 Club Asia last night (May 23, 2013)! We manned the phones to receive calls, accept pledged donations, pray for troubled hearts and give them counsel.

I’ve been doing this for several years now, so it was SO exciting to see actress Alice Dixson, our Bb. Pilipinas International in 1986, volunteering for the first time! Daisy Reyes, Bb. Pilipinas World 1996 was there too and my pageant seatmate Alma Concepcion. Another beauty queen was with us too – Camilla Kim Galvez who happens to be one of the hosts at 700 Club Philippines. Camilla is 2nd Runner-up Mrs. Universe 2009!

What have our queens been up to lately? Here’s the round-up:

Alice Dixson – FABULOUSA! The last time I saw Alice was at the Parade of Queens of Bb. Pilipinas Gold. It was a wonderful surprise to see her again at the 700 Club airing and we got to spend a few minutes bonding before the show began. Currently, Alice is in between shows having turned down a role from  TV5 to give herself a break. She badly needed some ‘me-time’. After a difficult time in her life last year, she admits being on a spiritual journey which has partly led her to get involved in charity work. But Alice Dixson fans don’t have to worry, they’ll be seeing her again on TV5 in June 2013.

Beauty Queens as volunteer counselors at The 700 Club Asia! Alice Dixson (seated – Bb. Pilipinas International 1986), Standing L-R Joyce Burton (blog author), Kata Inocencio (Broadcasting Beauty), Camilla Kim Galvez (Mrs. Universe 2009 2nd Runner-up) and Daisy Reyes (Bb. Pilipinas World 1996)…

Daisy Reyes – CHARMING COUNSELOR! Daisy walked into the studio looking as fresh as… well.. a Daisy! She looked fantastically slim and gorgeous. I asked her if she was continuing her political career. Last time we spoke, she was a Counselor in Pateros. I was so happy to hear that in the recent May 2013 elections, Daisy Reyes was voted in again so she’s serving her second term. I wonder if she’s going to move up to higher levels… she wouldn’t say

Loooove Alma Concepcion (in Blue)! She our Bb. Pilipinas International 1994…

Alma Concepcion – MIRACLE QUEEN! During the show, Alma Concepcion talked about her miracle healing: she was delivered from epilepsy, something she suffered from since her childhood. But last year, she was able to get off her daily medication and has been seizure-free. I’ve seen the ups and downs of Alma’s career and I’m just so elated to see that she is experiencing victory in her life! Another piece of good news from Alma: she’s almost done with her studies in Interior Design and will be graduating soon!

Camilla Kim Galvez – WEDDING ORGANIZER! What’s keeping this queen busy? Well, aside from her regular hosting stint at the 700 Club, Camilla Kim Galvez is quite occupied with the business that she shares with her darling hubby Raul Galvez. They own a wedding venue on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Its called Blue Gardens and she says it’s doing really well. For those of you who want a classy, worry-free yet affordable wedding, can contact Blue Gardens through the blog. Just click here!

Bb. Pilipinas winning beauty queens with Peter Kairuz, host of The 700 Club Asia. This was supposed to be a ‘wacky’ shot but two queens weren’t listening, LOLZ!

Mrs Philippines Globe 2013 Winner: #10 Ruby Jane Lehman (middle)

Woman of Substance – #15 Maria Rizza Padilla Singson (2nd from right)

1st Runner-up – #17 Maria Adelaida Paltu-ob (right-most beauty)

2nd Runner-up – #18 Rachel Ann Felix (2nd from left)

3rd Runner-up – #8 Jessica Eribal (left-most beauty)

Mrs Philippines Globe 2013 Top 10:

#4 Jane Dimaunahan
#18 Rachel Ann Felix
#9 Charina Clarin
#14 Jessie Lou Lucero
#8 Jessica Eribal
#10 Ruby Jane Lehman
#2 Nanette Ballono
#15 Maria Rizza Padilla Singson
#17 Maria Adelaida Paltu-ob
#5 Lubesly Tellidua

Mrs Philippines Globe 2013 Special Awards Winners:

Most Elegant Woman (Best in Long Gown) – #10 Ruby Jane Lehman

Designer of the Year – Pablo Cabahug

Wacoal Career Woman of the Year – #17 Maria Adelaida Paltu-ob

Solane Mother of the Year – #14 Jessie Lou Lucero

Life Story Award – #3 Michelle Garcia

Best In Talent – #17 Maria Adelaida Paltu-ob

Make-up Factory Most Beautiful Face – #18 Rachel Ann Felix

Restylane Body Beautiful – #15 Maria Rizza Padilla Singson

Mrs. Friendship – #7 Dra. Arah Ty

Peoples Choice (based on Facebook Votes) – #16 Ruby Salazar Papio

Steph Malibiran (left) and Lubesly Tellidua will represent the Philippines in the Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013 on June 16 in Malaysia!

The Mrs Philippines Globe franchise is proud to announce that it is sending two of its former contestants to the Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013 which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! The international pageant for married women is on its second year and is open to young wives, mothers and even grandmothers from Asian countries. Each country is allowed to send 5 contestants but we opted to send only two. Talk about confidence!

Last year, we sent one representative – Jennylyn Isherwood – who won 1st Runner-up in the Mrs. category. There also happens to be a Classic category for older ladies. Take note that the Mrs Asia International Pageant is different from other beauty contests – instead of just having one main winner, each category has 5 winners and two runners-up.

Click here to see all the winners from last year’s pageant. And here is the Facebook Page of Mrs. Asia International Pageant where you can see photos of this year’s contestants.

Coronation is on June 16, 2013 at the HGH Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

And now, lets meet our two representatives to the Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013!

Stephanie Malibiran

Steph Malibiran

Steph Malibiran, a 30-year old Medical Technician is no stranger to the pageant world. She began her pageant career at age 16 when she won Miss Teen Manila in the Miss Manila beauty pageant. In college she was also adjudged winner of Miss FEU Medical Technology  2001.

In 2005, Steph Malibiran tried her luck as an official candidate of the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant but she left the stage unplaced. At Miss Philippines Earth 2006, success finally arrived; Steph boomeranged into the Top 10, an honor that launched her career as a ramp model under the wing of choreographer Ogee Atos. Other credits include two television commercials (for VO5 Shampoo and San Miguel Beer) plus, every Pinay model’s dream: to be on a Billboard (for Metrobank) on Edsa, the busiest avenue in Metro Manila.

Getting married and having a baby girl took her away from all that but only for a while. But she did have to resign from her medical job as a researcher for the Tropical Disease Foundation at the Makati Med because she and her surgeon husband felt that working in an environment where she dealt with diseases like Denggue, TB, Malaria, HIV etc. was not safe for her and her daughter, Georgine Marie.

Last year, the hands-on Mom returned to the pageant stage after she joined Mrs. Philippines Globe 2012 winning the Most Beautiful Face title which is considered to be the pageant’s top special award giving her runner-up status. And now, Steph Malibiran will be flying off to Malaysia to compete at the Mrs. Asia International 2013. Her only misgiving is that she’ll miss her daughter’s first day at play school because of the pageant. But her hubby, Dr. Norberto Malibiran Jr., a general surgeon, is staying behind to mark the occasion.

When she gets back Steph hopes to move into a new career as a make-up artist. “I want to be like supermodel Lala Flores who is now a top make-up artist,” she says. “I just graduated from an intensive make-up course at the Cheryl Cabanos Make-up Academy in Quezon City so I know Basic, Advanced, High Fashion and even Prosthetic Make-up!” All that, combined with her experience as a model and beauty queen should be enough to spell SUCCESS!

Best wishes to Steph Malibiran as she vies for one of the crowns at Mrs. Asia International 2013!

**********

Lubesly Tellidua

Lubesly Tellidua

Lubesly Tellidua was most recently seen scorching the stage of Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013 where she entered the Top 10. This 33 year-old divine beauty from Cebu (she lives there) is a businesswoman and licensed SPED Teacher who conducts free lectures for children.  Lubesly Tellidua is a single mom with two lovely children: her daughter Kelly is 10 years old and her son Michael Jacobs is barely 3 years old. Her British fiance, who is based in Singapore, is totally supportive of her new-found career as a beauty queen.

After doing well in the Mrs. Philippines Globe 2013 beauty pageant, Lubesly was supposed to join the Ginang Alaska contest in Cebu but ditched that plan when the Mrs. Philippines Globe franchise contacted her and told her she was selected to compete in Mrs Asia International 2013.

Lubesly told ABQ, “I did not know how to walk or pose and I suffered from stage fright so answering questions in front of an audience was nerve-wracking for me. But thanks to the training we got from the Mrs. Philippines Globe team, I’m learning fast!” She adds, “I’m so grateful for the chance to compete abroad. Even if I don’t have much experience in pageants and modelling, they have faith in me.”

Speaking of faith, did you know that Lubesly Tellidua almost became a nun? The 5’4″ beauty was a scholar for 4 years at the Sisters of Mary School but her parents were cold to the idea of her joining a nunnery so instead, she devoted herself to charity work. But what the convent has lost is a gain for us pageant fans!  Hopefully, Lubesly will bring home one of the crowns from Mrs. Asia International 2013!!!

Mrs. Asia International Pageant 2013 Poster

Love this UNIQULO top and bottom combination… Diandra looks like she’s going horseback riding!

Taguig City, Philippines – Glitz, glamor and shopping ruled at the opening of UNIQLO at SM Aura!

ABQ correspondent (and model) Diandra Zach covered the event and witnessed top fashion bloggers and glitterati filling their UNIQLO shopping bags with fab apparel and accessories. She was pleasantly surprised to discover quality clothing at affordable prices!  UNIQLO is currently promoting it’s latest global concept called “LifeWear,” which describes the Japanese brand’s apparel as “clothes for a better life for everyone, everyday.”

Diandra spent most of her time fitting out Uniqlo’s stylish casual wear and taking photos inside the dressing room. Super fun! Scroll down to see more…

UNIQLO’s store in SM Aura is the 3rd one to open in the Philippines. The leading global Japanese franchise has more than 1,200 stores in 13 markets worldwide including Japan, China, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and the US.

To learn more about UNIQLO, visit their website HERE!

(Top photo) Society blogger Mike Lim of Fashion Pulis (right) with Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc. COO Katsumi Kubota. (Bottom-left photo) – Jam 88.3’s DJ Eric Tipan (left) together with Wave 89.1’s DJ Benjie. (Bottom-right photo, from left) – Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer, Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc.; Hans Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; and Geraldine Sia, General Manager, Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc. at the opening of UNIQLO’s newest store located at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.

So girly on the left… so casually relaxed on the right. Great fashion from Uniqlo!!

(Left photo) Tito Roxas of UNIQLO with Wave 89.1’s DJ Georgia. (Right photo) – Society columnist of the Philippine Star, Ms. Frannie Jacinto, with her UNIQLO shopping bags at the UNIQLO SM Aura Premier.

Pretty in a dress… nerdy in shades… sporty in pants… UNIQLO gives you lots of day-to-day fashion options!

ABQ correspondent Diandra (right) with Tito Roxas of UNIQLO. DONE SHOPPING!!!

Gusto Kong Maging Beauty Queen judges Gwen Ruais, Angel Jacob and Michael Carandang

Hey ABQ Readers, I’m not sure if you guys know that this pageant blogger moonlights as a voice talent… oh, wait, I think I have it mixed up… I’m a voice talent moonlighting as a pageant blogger! LOL! Whatever the case, I voiced this promo of a beauty pageant reality show called “Gusto Kong Maging Beauty Queen”. It’s in Taglish – I hope the Tagalog parts are okay. Check it out here:

“Gusto Kong Maging Beauty Queen” will feature 12 REAL women with REAL issues in a REALity show format. Love the show because it gives women who don’t fit the stereotypical beauty queen peg a chance to feel what it’s like to compete for a crown!

“Gusto Kong Maging Beauty Queen” will air on Studio 23 (if it isn’t yet!). Click here to check out the Facebook Page!

ABQ is available to do voice over projects for your telephone answering machine, audio visual presentations and even live events. You can reach me at jaedeelight@yahoo.com for inquiries!

Miss Canada Universe 2013 is former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Housemaet Riza Santos!

Wow, it looks like ABQ will be rooting for 2 Pinays in the coming Miss Universe 2013 beauty pageant: Bb. Pilipinas winner Ara Arida and Riza Raquel Santos who won this year’s Miss Canada Universe!

Note*** There is a 3rd MU2013 contestant with Filipino roots that ABQ is supporting. Click here to find out more!

Filipinos might remember Riza Santos best as a Celebrity Housemate and the 2nd big placer in the 2nd season of Pinoy Big Brother in 2007.

Speaking of 2nds, Riza, who was raised in Calgary, actually came in 2nd during the coronation night of Miss Canada Universe 2013. The proclaimed winner was Denise Garrido. But then pageant organizer, Beauty of Canada revealed the following day that a human error was made in tabulating the Top 5 results. It turned out that Denise placed 4th and the rightful winner was our very own Riza Santos!

Riza, whose parents are from Bataan and Bulacan, will now compete against Ara Arida of the Philippines in the coming Miss Universe 2013! ABQ wishes Ara and Riza the best, may you both enter the Top 5!

Riza Santos, Miss Canada Universe 2013!

Fast Facts on Riza Raquel Santos:

2006 – Riza Santos wins Miss Canada Earth and competes in Miss Earth 2006 in Manila. She wins 2 special awards: Miss Fontana and Miss Photogenic.

2007 – She becomes Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Housemate for Season 2 and ends up the Second Big Placer.

2011 – Riza is crowned Miss World Canada and is sent to represent the nation in Miss World 2011. She makes it into the Top 30 among 113 delegates.

2013 – Riza Santos is proclaimed the rightful winner of Miss Canada Universe 2 days after Denise Garrido was mistakenly crowned.

With contrinution from Ronald D. Villamor of Toril, Davao City

Don’t expect to see any buxom beauty queens in bikinis like this at Miss World 2013!

Miss World organizers say Indonesian authorities have banned two-piece swimsuits, a sensitive subject for the highly conservative Muslim nation. Instead, the contestants will be competing in one-piece suits with sarongs. Read more about it in this Fox News article…

Cory Quirino, National Director for Miss World Philippines says, “This is to be expected because Indonesia is a Muslim country. But it will not affect how the Philippines chooses it’s winner. We will still have the same swimsuit competition with contestants in bikinis, but as you know we always do it tastefully.”

She adds, “We still have to choose a stand-out beauty with a great body because even if contestants will be wearing a one-piece suit with a sarong in Indonesia, you can still tell if they are well-toned or not. Besides, there might be a closed-door judging, who knows? If the rules allow that then the Philippine representative has to be really fit.”

L-R Cory Quirino (MWP Directress) Gwendoline Ruais (MW 1st Princess 2011), Miss World 2012 Wenxia Yu, Julia Morley (MW Founder) and Queenie Rehman (MWP2012) at Manila Hotel.

At the moment, Cory Quirino is busy with last minute preps for the Miss World Philippines 2013, the winner of which will be crowned in late August. “We don’t have much time for training the winner. Just one week and then she needs to fly to Indonesia for the Miss World 2013 in September.”

Does this mean that polished girls with extensive training are going to have an edge in the pageant? Cory Quirino says, “well, I’d love to have a polished winner, it will make training much easier. But if you are a newbie, don’t be afraid. You can still win. We need a stand-out beauty with a strong desire to win. If that describes you, then please go download an application form on the Miss World Philippines official website and send it in!”

So far, Cory says there will be at least one big pre-screening in a Metro Manila mall with the final screening to be held on July 30, 2013. She promises to cast a wider net next year to include Filipina contestants from the USA, Canada and Europe.

To go to the official website of Miss World Philippines click here!

Beautiful Jennifer Ondo gives off a Venus Raj vibe…

The Pinay is truly gorgeous and global!

Aside from the current Miss Universe Philippines Ariella “Ara” Arida and Miss Canada Universe 2013 Riza Santos (a Canadian-bred Filipina), another Pinoy pride, Miss Gabon 2013 Ruth Jennifer Ondo, will be competing in Miss Universe 2013!

Ruth Jennifer Ondo’s mother is a Filipina and her Father is Gabonese.
After checking out the online photos of the Fil-Gabonese beauty, ABQ is pleased to say that this blog is supporting her not just because of her Filipino connection but because of her stunning Venus Raj-ian features, her towering 5’11.5 frame and her long mermaid curves.

Jennifer Ondo… captivating from head to hips to toes…

With Jennifer Ondo in the fray we now have 3 Pinays set to compete in the 62nd Edition of the Miss Universe Pageant later this year. But that number could increase because there are at least 20 countries who have yet to select their MU 2013 representatives.

Its the second time that Gabon, a French Colony in Western Africa, will be sending a send Half-Pinay-Half Gabonese to an international pageant. In 2012, Channa Divouvi, Miss Gabon first runner-up represented the nation in both the 2012 Miss International and Miss Universe Beauty Pageants.

-With contribution from ABQ correspondent Ronald Villamor, Davao City

Janicel Lubina is Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2013!

I can clearly remember the first time I saw Janicel Lubina – it was during the Long Gown competition of Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2013. She floated on stage in a silvery white gown that made her cocoa-tinged skin glow. Her hair was up in a towering bun and she just stole the limelight. I thought to myself – I think I know who’s going to win this pageant. If it isn’t contestant #22, I’d have a fit!

Janicel Lubina the first time I laid eyes on her at the Long Gown competition of Miss Bikini Philipipnes 2013… thanks to Critical Beauty for the photo!

When pageant night came, #22 Janicel Lubina did win the crown as well as the key award – Best in Long Gown.  I was yelling like a hooligan in the audience when they announced her as the winner because she was my choice; she was my Cinderella.

POOREST OF THE POOR

Janicel says she comes from the poorest of the poor in Palawan. The town she grew up in, Narra, is a 2-hour drive from the island’s capital, Puerto Princesa. Her home is a ramshackle hut with no chairs, curtains, or beds. At night, she curls up on bamboo pallet that is half her height. There is no floor to speak of. Not even a single picture frame. Janicel says that her father Constantino Lubina, a gasoline boy and her mom, Nida, a house-helper never had enough to buy a camera. They never were interested in such things anyway. Survival on one meal a day was the mode and every single centavo they earned almost always went straight to that meal.

Because they also didn’t have a TV, Janicel would sneak off into her neighbor’s home to watch her favorite shows. She particularly loved watching the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant but her neighbors would often shoo her away. This didn’t stop her from daydreaming about a beauty queen life. “Nakatulala lang ako minsan, ini-imagine ko na beauty queen ako. O di kaya mayaman ako. Pero madalas iniisip ko din na paano kaya kung forever nalang ako mahirap.”

She smiles shyly and adds, “Mahilig talaga ako mag-imagine ng kung anu-ano. Pero wala akong lakas-loob noon na habulin ang mga pangarap ko. Pangit ako, maitim. Baduy pa. Ang tawag sa akin ng mga classmate kong lalake ay ‘tikbalang’ dahil mas mataas ako sa kanila.“

But the 5’8½” beauty laughs saying she’s forgiven them. “Naku po, nahihiya daw sila dahil di nila akalain na magiging beauty queen ako! Pero hindi ako galit sa kanila, ok na ako ngayon.“

ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular interviews Janicel Lubina, Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 at Cyma in Greenbelt 2, Makati…

THE ‘TIKBALANG’ BECOMES A TEEN QUEEN

Janicel Lubina’s simple life took a  major, major U-turn when she was spotted by Palawan make-up artist Romeo “Ruffa” Flores who brought her to Thom Favila, a young talent manager who is a top trainer of Palawan beauty queens. Thom told me that Janicel did not even know how to answer basic questions and would just sit there and cry out of confusion.

Is this a Tikbalang? NO WAAAAY! This is Janicel when she just started competing in pageants in Palawan!

“Kahit simpleng tanong, di niya masagot. Pero sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Janicel, alam kong hindi ka bobo. Kaya mo ‘to. I-te-train kita.’” And so Thom started teaching her about the issues of the day, like – education, the environment, women’s rights, child labor, politics, etc. – concepts that Janicel hardly knew. But there was one issue that she was very familiar with – poverty.

Which is what she attributes her 21-inch waistline to. She often jokes that people should try the ‘poverty diet’ if they want to get thin. I shake my head at the joke; although she is laughing, my heart is breaking. I cannot imagine myself or anyone living off one frugal meal a day or less. But I guess it becomes easy to laugh at poverty once you’ve overcome it.

And Janicel is, indeed an over-comer. After winning 2 provincial pageants, the Baywalk Bodies 2012 and Mutya ng Palawan 2012, she flew to Manila to join Miss Scuba Philippines 2012. She won that pageant and got the chance to represent the Philippines in the Miss Scuba International 2013 in Bali, Indonesia. It was the first time for Janicel Lubina to step on a plane and visit another country! In spite of her ‘newbie-ness’ Janicel gave it her best and finished in the Top 5 of that international pageant. Not bad for a promdi from Palawan!

Janicel Lubina after winning Mutya ng Palawan (2nd from left). In the middle is Thom Favila, her handler and parent-figure. With them are other queens from Palawan.

WINNING SLIMMERS’ WORLD MISS BIKINI PHILIPPINES 2013

Thom told Janicel that she needed to get abs if she wanted to win Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2013. “Ang diet niya, simple lang, basta no rice. Every morning and every night, sit-ups hanggang ma-pagod. Tapos gym.” By March 2013, they were in Manila for the screening but they were deep in debt. They had borrowed P60,000 for their fare and other expenses, a huge gamble because if she lost then how would they pay it back?

But in the end it all worked out well. Janicel had the best body and the sleekest moves in her batch of beauties and was judged the winner of Miss Bikini Philippines 2013. With her cash prize, she was able to pay off the debt and even send money home to support the studies of her 3 brothers. The victory also gave her another chance to compete abroad, at the Miss Bikini International 2013 in China later this year.

Janicel Lubina during the Creative Posing Competition at Slimmers’ World Miss Bikini Philippines 2013

‘AMBISYOSA AKO!’

But not everything is perfect in Janicel’s new beauty queen life. Soon after she won, some people started complaining that she didn’t deserve it because she didn’t have the best answer. But Thom has this to say. “Bilang mentor ni Janicel, happy ako sa performance niya. Hindi nila kasi alam kung saan siya galing. Kung nakita lang nila ang improvement ni Janicel, ma-aapreciate nila ang pagkapanalo niya.”

Janicel Lubina is so ‘ambisyosa’ that even if English isn’t her best language she chose to answer her question during the pageant in English.

Janicel, herself, tries to stay positive amidst the criticism. After her interview on Bandila with Boy Abunda, someone commented online wondering how a ‘katulong‘ can win Miss Bikini Philippines.

“Tutoo naman talaga, katulong ako noon,” Janicel admits. She explains that as a child she would assist her Mom who was a house-helper. “Taga-laba din ako, taga-linis. Yun ang buhay ko noon.”  But she isn’t letting the comment bother her too much. “Ambisyosa kasi ako at mataas ang pangarap ko,” she proudly insists.

Speaking of dreams – her ultimate goal is to win Bb. Pilipinas Universe. “Yun talaga ang goal namin,” Thom says. In fact, when Janicel was in the middle of competing in Miss Bikini Philippines, they snuck off to Araneta Coliseum to watch Bb. Pilipinas Gold Edition because she was dying to watch it live. Who was Janicel’s choice among the contestants? “Ang favorite ko si Mutya Datul. Sobrang happy ako, nanalo siya sa Supranational title!”  Janicel hopes that one day she’ll be just like Mutya and walk the stage as a Bb. Pilipinas winner.

For a girl who has no childhood photos to boast of, being on the front page of a newspaper is a major victory…

MY CINDERELLA BARBIE DOLL

Life is amazingly different now for my Cinderella from Palawan.

Janicel Lubina, who has never had a Barbie Doll in her life, now looks like a living one!

On her 18th birthday, Janicel received her first-ever birthday cake and gift-wrapped presents. Thom says they had very little money at the time but he was able to scrounge up a Goldilocks cake and some food to celebrate with friends. Janicel got misty-eyed and said, “umiyak ako noon kasi never ako nagkaroon ng birthday party sa buong buhay ko. Kahit dress, magandang sapatos, laruan o Barbie, never ko na-experience yun. So na-touch ako sa cake at sa mga regalo. Ang sarap ng feeling!”

It also must feel good for a girl who never had nice clothes or childhood photos to become a fashion endorser and brand ambassadress.  Janicel Lubina recently signed up with Crissa Jeans so we’ll be seeing her soon in advertisements and who knows, maybe a billboard or two!

Aside from that gig, she’s been busy modeling (she was featured in the most recent Fashion Week) and doing photo shoots.  On June 19, 2013, she’ll be back in Palawan to take part in a fund-raising fashion show at the Skylight Convention Center. She hopes the money they raise will help girls like her reach their dreams in life.

But she won’t be staying in Palawan for too long. Janicel Lubina will be back in Manila to pursue her studies (she wants to take up English! Ambisyosa, talaga!) with the help of a scholarship at a local college. She will also be training hard for the Miss Bikini International which will be held in China in November 2013.

At the end of our converstaion, Janicel asked this former beauty queen for advice and here’s what I told her – it’s not about the crown, it’s about your character. Stay humble and you will be lifted up. Train hard and you will succeed. Care for others and you will be loved. Love God and the blessing is yours.

NOTE*** If anyone needs a translation of the Pilipino parts of the interview into English, leave a holler in the comments section.

Janicel Lubina’s crowning moment as Miss Bikini Philippines 2013… Congratulations from ABQ!

The Miss Universe 2013 is not the only international pageant that will be featuring at least 3 Pinay contestants. Miss Supranational 2013 will also  have a strong Filipino presence with 3 Pinays (to date) as well! They say that “three is a charm,” and I’m hoping that’s true for our contestants in both pageants.

And now, lets meet all 3 charmers who are set to compete in Miss Supranational 2013:

1) Mutya Johanna Datul – representing The Philippines.

Mutya Jahana Datul is crowned Supranational winner at the Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Gold Edition!

On April 14,2013 Bb.Pilipinas crowned Bb. #39 Mutya Datul as Miss Supranational Philippines 2013. The 5 ’8″  lass from Santa Maria Isabela was seen previously in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 where she won several special awards and finished as a semi-Finalist. It was disappointing though for ABQ who believed Mutya deserved one of the two crowns. But, that’s all water under the bridge now that she’s going to to compete for the Supranational crown in Minsk, Belarus this September (2013).

*****

2) Suzette Hernandez – Representing Canada 

ABQ author Joyce Burton Titular with Suzette Hernandez after placing 1st RU in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010

Suzette Hernandez is of Batangas stock and like Mutya Datul is a product of Mutya ng Pilipinas. She was 1st Runner up at the said pageant in 2010 and a favorite of ABQ.  In 2011, she competed in Bb. Pilipinas but was unplaced. Then in 2012 she competed in the Miss Universe Canada pageant and entered the Top 12 alongside the controversial transsexual contestant, Jenna Talackova.

This year Suzette was appointed Miss Supranational Canada 2013. The 22-year-old business student stands at 5’9″, is a ramp model and studies at the University of British Columbia.

*****

3) Marie Virgenia Cecilie Molo Peter – representing Norway

Marie Molo Peter

Just like the two beauties above, Marie Molo Peter is a Bb Pilipinas product. She competed in the said pageant as Bb. #11 in the year 2012 but was unplaced. When she returned to Norway she found better luck after joining the Miss Universe Norway 2012 pageant; Marie made it as 2nd Runner up giving her the right to represent Norway in the Miss Humanity International 2012 pageant in Barbados.

In an interesting twist of events, Marie Molo Peter ended up competing against her former Bb. Pilipinas 2012 roommate Ayelee Dasalla the Humanity pageant. Some websites claim that Marie Peter ended up not competing in Miss Humanity but according to a text message to me from Ayelee Dasalla, Marie was there and it was a great reunion for both of them! Click here to find out who won the Miss Humanity International 2012!

Now, Marie Peter, who is 22 years old, will represent Norway in the Miss Supranational 2013 pageant. She stands 5’8½” (altho some sites say she is 5’7″). She was born in Kalibo, Aklan to a Filipina Mom and Norwegian-German Dad. When she was 7, they all moved to Norway but she remains proud of her Filipino heritage.

*****

ABQ is hoping that Mutya, Suzette and Marie will be in the Final 5 in the forthcoming Miss Supranational 2013 Pageant. Coronation night is September 6, 2013 at the Sport’s Palace in Minsk, Belarus.

Best of luck to all our Pinay beauty queens!

With contribution from ABQ Correspondent Ronald Villamor, Davao

Dr. Shae Raymundo with her able staff at Dermalosophy!

Now, you too can have skin like a Beauty Queen!

Dr. Shae Raymundo of Dermalosophy is giving away a free Skin Care Package to one lucky ABQ reader! Aside from that, 4 other readers will also win one Diamond Peel  session each!!!

If you want to join ABQ’s “Skin Like A Beauty Queen” contest, all you have to do is ask Dr. Shae a question about your skin concerns. Just type your question in the comments section below and she will answer them. A raffle will be held to choose one major winner and 4 minor winners. Deadline for submission of questions is July 4, 2013. Scroll down to read mechanics.

Please feel free to ask questions about all kinds of skin problems, anti-aging procedures, beauty enhancements, weight control and the services they offer below:

Dr. Shae is busy answering all our questions. Her business partner Jane Umali (Mutya ng Pilipinas 1989 2nd Runner-up) is the lovely lady in the middle.

Dr. Shae Raymundo is a dermatologist who specializes in skin care and anti-aging. Her clinic, Dermalosophy is located at the Eton Corinthian Cyberpod, which is right across Robinson’s Galleria on Ortigas in Quezon City. Click here to visit Dermalosophy’s Facebook Page!

NOTE:

Non-residents of Metro Manila can still join. If they win, they can send the Gift Certificate to a friend or relative living in Metro Manila. GC holders have to be able to go to Dermalosohy’s clinic in Ortigas to avail of the services won.

That’s me under the meticulous hands of Dr. Shae Raymundo having a facial and Diamond Peel

Rules and Mechanics:

1)      This contest is open to all of ABQ readers, male or female, of legal age and sound mind.

2)      Please limit your questions to 3 per comment.

3)      You can enter this contest a maximum of 3 times.

4)      Only those with a valid email included in the comment will be included the raffle.

5)      For privacy reasons please do not leave a cell phone number in the comment.

6)      Deadline for submission of questions is July 4, 2013.

7)      A raffle will be held to choose the winners.

8)      One (1) main winner will receive a skin care package based on his or her skin concern or needs.

9)      Four (4) minor winners will win one Diamond Peel session each.

10)   Winners will be announced in a blog post on ABQ within a week of the deadline.

11)   Winners will be notified by ABQ’s author via email and will have one month to reply.

12)   GCs will be mailed to any point in Metro Manila only.

13)   Whoever uses the GCs must agree to be featured in this blog and on Dermalosphy’s Facebook page. This may include photos and an interview while availing of the derma service.

.

“3″ seems to be the number of the year for the Philippines! We have 3 Pinays competing in Miss Universe 2013, 3 Pinays in Miss Supranational 2013 and at the moment 3 Filipinas are competing in the Mrs. Asia International 2013 Pageant: Stephanie Malibiran and Lubesly Tellidua are two Mrs. Globe Phils. 2013 products and the third Pinay is AZRAH GAFOOR who is being sent by Ovette Ricalde’s group Megastar Philippines.

Click here to see photos of Steph and Lubesly.

All 3 ladies are representing the Philippines in 3 different categories. Mrs Asia International allows each participating nation to send up to 5 representatives.

Now what do we know about Azrah Gaffoor? She is a neophyte singer who has guested and performed on Kuya Germs show “Walang Tulugan”.

Azrah is married to an Egyptian and the couple are blessed with three kids.

Best of luck to gorgeous Pinay beauties : Steph, Lubesly and Azrah as they compete in Mrs. Asia International 2013! Coronation is on June 16, 2013 at the HGH Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With contribution from ABQ Correspondent Ronald Villamor, Davao

Adventures of a Beauty Queen eagerly welcomes the birth of a new pageant for our Chinese-Filipina beauties: The Miss Chinatown Philippines! What’s more exciting for ABQ is that the National Director of Miss Chinatown Philippines is Alexis Sy Go, a beauty queen herself who entered the Top 10 of Miss Philippines Earth 2009 and was one of my favorite contestants in that batch!

Alexis Sy Go says, “with Miss Chinatown Philippines 2013 we hope to celebrate the achievements and beauty of the modern Chinese-Filipino woman and to unify Chinese-Filipino communities to open doorways to work together for better business, cultural and artistic goals.”

Aside from a this, Alexis Sy Go says there will also be a Mr. Chinatown Philippines selected to be the counterpart of the lady who wins the crown!

If you want to see them in person, then drop by the Lucky Chinatown Mall at Divisoria on Reina Regente Street on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 5pm to watch them perform at the Talent Show!

Click here to see Norman’s photos taken during the Press Presentation!

The Grand Coronation night will be on June 30, 2013 at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Resorts World Manila. Mr. and Miss Chinatown Philippines 2013 will be telecast live on ABS-CBN!

And now, ABQ introduces the 16 beauties competing for the Miss Chinatown Philippines 2013 crown!

Keep track of Miss Chinatown Philippines via Facebook (click here) and Twitter (click here).

L-R #1 Jerene Tan, #2Robyn Tan, #3 Michelle Marie Sy and #4 Rolini Lim Pineda

Candidate #1 is Jerene Tan. She is a product of of Immaculate Concepcion Academy in Greenhills and is currently taking up AB Psychology at La Salle Taft. Her height is 5’4″

Candidate#2 is Robyn Tan. This graduate of Grace Christian College is studying an entrpreneurial management course at University of Asia & the Pacific. She’s 5’4″ tall.

Candidate#3 is Michelle Marie Sy. She studied at Grace Christian College and is now taking up BS Entrepreneurship at La Salle Taft. She stands at 5’5″.

Candidate#4 is Rolini Lim Pineda. She is a product of the Philippine Institute of Quezon City. At the moment she is in her 3rd year of Interior Design at the Philippine School of Interior Design. Rolini is 5’7″.

*****

L-R #5 Jamie Chua Reyes, #6 Lhowelle Lyka Tan, #7 Sheryl Elaine Q. Chua and #8 Samantha Jade Dy

Candidate#5 is Jamie Chua Reyes. She studied at Saint Joseph School in Naga City and is now a BS Interior Design student at UST. Jamie is 5’6½”

Candidate #6 is Lhowelle Lyka Tan, a 2nd year student Centro Escolar University. Lhowelle’s course is BS Tourism Management. Her height is 5’7″.

Candidate#7 is Sheryl Elaine Q. Chua, a product of Hope Christian High School who is now studying BS in Management with a Minor in Chinese Studies at the Ateneo de Manila. She is 5’7″ tall.

Candidate#8 is Samantha Jade Dy. This graduate of Grace Christian College is now taking up Fashion Design and Merchanidising at the College of St. Benilde. She is one of the tallest girls in this batch at 5’9″.

*****

L-R #9 Maricon Cho, #10 Hannah Dy, #11 Frances Elaine T. Cham and #12 Kimberly Nicole Ang Mas

Candidate#9, Maricon Cho is a graduate of Assumpta Academy in Bulacan. She is now a student of the Philippine School of Business Administration in Manila studying Human Resource Development and Management. One of the tallest in this contest, Maricon is 5’9″.

Candidate#10 is Hannah Dy. She is from Immaculate Concepcion Academy of Greenhills and is now studying Interior Design at UST. Hannah towers at 5’8″.

Candidate#11 is Frances Elaine T. Cham who is a product of Jubilee Christian Academy. She is now a Bachelor of Science Major in Interior Design student at UST. Another tall candidate at 5’8″.

Candidate#12 is Kimberly Nicole Ang Mas who is a graduate of Immaculate Concepcion Acedemy of Greenhills. Her college course now is Bachelor of Arts in Animation at the College of St. Benilde. She is 5’7″ tall.

*****

L-R #13 Aeryka Chu, #14 Catrina Mika De Guzman Ang, #15 Catherine Yao and #16 Anna Patricia Baesa Tan

Candidate#13 is Aeryka Chu who is a Business Management graduate from Chiang Kai Shek College. Aeryka stands 5’6″ tall.

Candidate# 14, Catrina Mika De Guzman Ang is a graduate of Grace Christian College. She is now a 2nd year student at the College of Saint Benilde studying Human Resource Management. She’s 5’5″.

Candidate#15, Catherine Yao graduated from the Malayan High School of Science. She’s now a 3rd year student at the Philippine School of Interior Design. Catherine is 5’5″ in height.

Candidate #16 is Anna Patricia Baesa Tan who finished her secondary studies at De La Salle, Lipa. She is now a 4th year student at UST taking up Pharmacy. She is 5’4″.

*****

Finally, after 26 years, we’re together again! Sabrina Artadi (International), Tina Alcala (Young), Izza Gonzales (Maja) and blog author Joyce Ann Burton (Universe) had a wonderful dinner at Va Bene Restaurant with our host, Atty. Monchit.

Sabrina Artadi now has a Cooking Show on the Asian Food Network; she also designs Kaftans (the white Kaftan I’m wearing was made by her). She promises to guest me, Tina and Izza on her show, wahoooo!

Tina Alcala is happily married with kids and lives in Indonesia but was in town for a routine surgery so we were impressed to see her in killer heels just days after being under the surgeon’s knife!

Izza Gonzales (the most disciplined Queen in our batch) is a Yoga student and designer of Yoga-Wear. She is already a golden girl but still actively models and was lead model in Resorts’ Worlds’ first commercial (I think it was the first one.)

And me? Well, I blog about beautiful queens like Sabrina, Tina and Izza…

Cheers!

L-R – Lubesly Tellidua, Carla Cabrera Quimpo and Steph Malibiran – Congratulations GIRLS!!!

Good news! Two Filipinas – Lubesly Tellidua and Steph Malibiran – scored big at the recent Mrs Asia International 2013 beauty pageant. I got this FB message and photo from Carla Cabrera Quimpo who sponsored our two candidates. Here’s the message from Carla:

oh yeah we bagged it girls! suuuper proud of my queens, steph as mrs asia intl tourism 2013 titleholder, most elegant, mrs occidental beauty and bess who won Ist Runner-Up, best natl costume, 1st runner-up in best in kebaya!!!! hoot! hoot!!! thanks to team phils, marlo,danny, coleen and sanny!!!!

Lubesly, Steph, Carla and the team are flying back from Malaysia tonight (June 20,2013) and I’ll be getting some comments from them over the weekend. Stay tuned to ABQ!

Congratulations to the new Mister International Philippines 2013 titleholder, Gil Wagas! One of the tallest in the batch, Gil Wagas bested 23 other hunks at the prestigious male pageant which was held at the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan City on the evening of June 21, 2013!

Gil will have more than 4 months now to prepare for the Mister International 2013 male pageant which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 21, 2013. ABQ wishes Gil Wagas the best; bring home the crown!!!

6’3″ Hunk from Lapu-Lapu City, Gil Wagas, is Mister International Philippines 2013!!

**********

Here’s the blow by blow account of Raymond Golez, correspondent for ABQ, who witnessed the competition. (Photos from the Mister International Philippines Facebook Page)

Program started at 8:56pm with a song and dance number from an unknown performer. (Can anyone help identify?) Ron The, Mr. International Singapore, gave a welcome intro then next was the individual self-intro of all 24 candidates in their regional costumes.

The current winner Ali Hammoud of Lebanon presented after the regional costume and greeted everyone in Filipino: “Magandang gabi Pilipinas, magandang gabi San Juan, mahal ko kayong lahat!” Hosts for tonight are Chico Garcia of RX 93.1 and Miss Philippines EArth 2012 Steph Stefanowitz. They presented the cause of Mister International Philippines.

Official tabulator: Informatics.

Panel of Judges: Lilibeth Pernecita, Cary Santiago, Albert Andrada, Czarina Gatbonton, John and Paul Herrera, Aaron Lim, Ron Teh, Ali Hammoud, Alex Moico, Dr. Radi Apostol, Renee Salud and Jim Acosta.

BEST NATIONAL COSTUME: Gil Wagas of Lapu-Lapu City

Gil Wagas – Lapu-Lapu City – 21 yo – 6’3″ – Best in National Costume

Swimwear Competition now on-going. Contrary to the slow-paced National Costume competition, Swimwear is so fast-paced, done very dynamically.

Now, the hosts are interviewing the judges on their perception of each candidates’ performance during the Swimwear Competition. Swimwear designer: Sherwin Limon.

Now on-going, the Barong Tagalog Competition.

BEST IN BARONG: Gil Wagas of Lapu-Lapu City

MISTER ENVY ME SALON: Troy Cuizon of Cainta, Rizal

MISTER LANCASTER HOTEL: Troy Cuizon of Cainta, Rizal

MISTER PSALMSTRE: Gil Wagas of Lapu-Lapu City

MISTER SHOWBIZ SOSYAL: John Edward Custodio of Quezon City

MISTER INFORMATICS: Gil Wagas of Lapu-Lapu City

MISTER PHOTOGENIC: Billy Villeta of Negros

MISTER FRIENDSHIP: Jeffrey Yamanouchi of the Fil-Japan Community

MISTER SWIMWEAR: Jeffrey Yamanouchi of the Fil-Japan Community

Best in Swimwear – Jeffrey Yamanouchi – Fil-Japan Community – 22 yo – 5’10″

**********

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MISTER INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES TOP 12:

CAINTA (Troy Cuizon)
QUEZON CITY (John Edward Custodio)
FIL- JAPAN (Jeffrey Yamanouchi)

CEBU (John Paul Preston)
DUMAGUETE (Wilfred Placencia)
LAPU LAPU (Gil Wagas)
PILA LAGUNA (Ronald Kim Legaspi)
NEGROS (Billy Villeta)
SURIGAO DEL NORTE (Frenchie Bonn Petallo)
BACOLOD (Jeffrey Sanchez)
BUKIDNON (William Goniabo)
CAVITE (via online voting – Bon Edouard Quinto)

Top 12 Mister International Philippines 2013!!!

**********

All scores went back to ZERO after the Q&A (some questions were taken from Bb. Pilipinas). Top 12 again all paraded in black and blue swimwear by Sherwin Limon. Next: Top 12 in Formal Wear (Tuxedo.)

From the FaceBook page of Mister International Philippines: LAPU-LAPU NAILED IT!!!  OTHERS WHO NAILED THE QUESTION AND ANSWER WERE CEBU, CAINTA AND NEGROS!

**********

TOP 6 IN THE MISTER INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES 2013:

Cainta (Troy Cuizon)

Cebu (John Paul Preston)

Lapu-Lapu (Gil Wagas)

Dumaguete (Wilfred Placencia)

Bacolod (Jeffrey Sanchez)

Bukidnon (William Goniabo)

Top 6 Mister International Philippines 2013!!!

(At this point, my correspondent, Raymond Golez is seriously disappointed that Billy Villeta of Negros was not in the Top 6. He did nail the Q&A and is one of the cutest guys in this batch. Hmmmmm…. maybe we should do a Canada and recount the scores…)

Billy Villeta of Negros was a favorite of pageant pundits however he only made it to the Top 12. Sayang naman this cutie!

**********

FINAL RANKING IN MISTER INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES 2013:

2nd Runner-up: Bacolod (Jeffrey Sanchez)

1st Runner-up: Dumaguete (Wilfred Placencia)

Mister International Philippines 2013 Winner: Gil Wagas of Lapu-Lapu City!!!

Gil Wagas is Mister International Philippines 2013!!! He towers over the rest of us at 6’3″… my advice: add some 20lbs of muscle on the legs, chest and arms… Gil has more than 4 months to do this, I know it’s a tall order but just eat more protein, avoid aerobics and lift weights! Congratulations Gil, great job!!!

Glenah Slaton before (top)… Glenah Slaton Azurin today (bottom)

I was the first to arrive at Mesa, a Filipino restaurant in Greenbelt 5, for my slated interview with Glenah Slaton. (Thanks to Izza Gonzalez for setting it up and joining us!)  Well, it wasn’t really a formal interview with Glenah; the three of us just wanted to get together to catch up on life.

To refresh your memory, Glenah Marie Valmonte Slaton (pronounced SLAY-tun) was in my Bb. Pilipinas batch in 1985. She won the coveted Miss Photogenic award and placed 1st Runner-up. The following year, Glenah joined Mutya ng Pilipinas and was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia 1986. She represented the Philippines in the Miss Asia Pacific 1986 and did the nation proud by entering the semi-finals.

Glenah Slaton is also remembered for what is believed to be the first ever kissing scene in a TV commercial in the Philippines (please correct me if I’m wrong) for White Castle Whiskey.

And now, my impression of Glenah Slaton after 26 years of not seeing her…

Ahhh… colorful, flowing top. A designer bag gently plopped on the seat next to her. Light make up with no eye-liner. Bright red dragon-lady nails that look like an arsenal of deadly weapons. Her eyes? Still the same deep-set pair that I knew long ago and her nose is still cutely tilted up in a snobbish way. No, she’s not snobbish but her nose is. As the lunch wore on, I became mesmerized by the myriad expressions on her face as she told us about all the things that happened to her since her days in Bb. Pilipinas and Mutya.

Glenah Slaton says she stays slim by eating small meals and drinking lots of Green Tea. What you see on her plate (Crispy Catfish) is all she ate during our lunch date/interview…

BITTERNESS

Ah yes, this story begins with a tale of bitterness. Glenah says that both the Bb. Pilipinas and Mutya pageants left her feeling like the ‘odd-girl-out’. She admitted not being able to bond well with her co-contestants, including me. I was just too talkative, she said, and a little over-bearing. (I must say that I am guilty as charged!)

Glenah Slaton in Bb. Pilipinas 1985 (left) and as Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia 1986 titleholder (right)

Thank you to Tony Paat for pageant photos of Glenah Slaton!

The province lass from Bacnotan, La Union was painfully shy and not used to the ‘teasing’ culture that city girls seemed to thrive on. Glenah added that even the older beauty queens would laugh at her because she was ‘promdi’. Even more hurtful was how some pageant organizers treated her Mom. “I won’t go into details but they were so bastos to my Mom. And that was so painful for me then,” she said.

“To make matters worse, I fell in love with a man who was so abusive. I was turned into a house helper for him AND his family. But I was so in love then; I was even pregnant with his child when I crowned my successor in Mutya ng Pilipinas!”  The fruit of that relationship was a daughter named Kathleen. Glenah says, “Kathleen is now 25 years old. I know where she lives and works but unfortunately we don’t talk. There are issues here but I hope one day it will be fixed.”

Living through all that hurt and pain only served to make Glenah Slaton stronger. “It reached a point where I was depressed and suicidal but I thankfully I was able to leave that relationship and move on with my life. I learned how to fight back.  Ngayon, wala na akong pakialam; I don’t care what people say about me anymore.” She laughed and said, “Yes, I was hurt but that’s the past. I am now content and peaceful in my heart. I can’t ask for more because now I have a perfect husband and great kids!”

FAMILY BRINGS HEALING

Glenah Slaton can’t help but gush about her family. “Kenneth is already 21, Abigail is 18 and Francesca is my youngest at 7. I’m a hands-on Mom so they all keep me busy!”

All three of them live with her in Los Angeles where has been based for many years now. As for her husband Gus Azurin, Glenah coyly describes him as, ‘romantico.’

Glenah with her lovey-dovey romantico hubby Gus Azurin…

“Gus is a purser for Philippine Airlines so he travels a lot but every time he’s back home in LA, loving-loving na kami!”  Parang honeymoon nanaman! He leaves roses for me on the bed, sweet notes in the bathroom and makes breakfast for me in the morning.”  The two met on a PAL  flight from Tokyo to Manila more than 2 decades ago. Gus was a steward on the flight and she was a passenger. “I was only 24 years old then! Pareho kaming broken-hearted, but somehow we both found love again.”

I sat there thinking how happy she looked just talking about Gus and the kids. Perhaps they are the real secret to her untarnished beauty.

PSYCHIC QUEEN

Even if Glenah has her plate full with family matters, she still has time for her business (she sells second-hand designer bags) and her career as a Spiritual Adviser. Indeed, that title made me raise more than just one eyebrow but she explained, “The company I work for in the US believes in my abilities to discern the true nature of the groups they plan to do business with. In other words, I tell my employers whom they can trust. I have this gift of ‘reading’ people, situations,  documents and other things. I can even see the future, 20 to 50 years from now.”

This revelation spooked me a bit so I asked if she was ‘reading’ me at the moment. “Well, my gift is on 24/7,” Glenah said, “but I don’t indulge in reading someone without their permission. It’s too personal. However, if something is bothering me, I will take a ‘look’ and give unsolicited advice. People always thank me because my readings are accurate.”

At this point, Izza Gonzales asks for a reading while I watch on. Then Glenah turns to hold my hand as if to ‘read’ me but I freeze and tell her that I’d rather take my punches and prizes as life gives them. Awkward moment. But Glenah was so gracious and said that it was alright, she understood how I felt. I was so relieved that she didn’t take offense but I just didn’t want to stay up all night because of something she said.

L-R- Izza Gonzales, blog author Joyce Ann Burton and Glenah Slaton

But that didn’t stop me from asking more questions about her gift. Did she ever use it to help solve a crime? “Oh yes, I’ve worked with authorities here in the Philippines. I sometimes help them with profiling criminals. “  Then she went on to share some of the lurid details of investigations that she was involved in. Glenah says some of these heinous crimes could have been solved if not for politics.

Out of everything Glenah told us that day, there was one thing that I quietly tucked into my heart. She said, “What hurts me the most is when people forget God. I can sense it when I do readings. And for me, the biggest failing people have is they leave their faith behind. So I tell them, ‘Go back to your faith! Pray! Love God! Because ultimately, He holds your future.’” I nodded my head at these words and reminded myself to get on my knees before hitting the sack that night.

Before long, it was time to say goodbye. I hugged Glenah and said sorry for being a brat during our Bb. Pilipinas pageant. She brushed it off and said, “Don’t apologize, it’s nothing. Anukaba?” I laughed at that. Then suddenly, she blurted out, “I just have to tell you that all I can see is good things happening to you. And an award. You’ll be receiving an award.” Glenah gives me one more hug and we part ways.

And as she walked off into the distance I wondered if that award was the renewed friendship between me and Glenah.

Gorgeous Glena Slaton

Winners of Body Shots X 2013 – Ariane Gargonio and Cedric Evan Vergonia… Congratulations from ABQ!

Adventures of a Beauty Queen congratulates our two winners – Miss Body Shots X 2013, #5 – Ariane Gargonio and Mr.Body Shots X 2013 – #30 – Cedric Evan Vergonia!!!

Here is the account of ABQ Correspondent Raymond Golez who attended the Body Shots X’13 Finals at the Newport Theatre, Resorts World Manila:

BOARD OF JUDGES -
Rufino Abad,
Nelson Villarica,
Louie Ignacio,
Gerald Magtoto,
Danica Magpantay,
Tessa Prieto-Valdez,
Archie Nicasio,
Christian Espiritu,
Edgar San Diego,
Marina Benipayo,
JB Abesamis.

Program will start @ 8pm! I’m seated at the front most row seat and literally beside the catwalk ramp!

PROGRAM START: Intro by host Issa Litton. Then the latest Body Shots winners 2008 Jobo Roa and Hazel Santos. Then this year’s candidates walked the ramp in group then individually.

SPECIAL AWARDS:
Congeniality award: 20-Mahroon;
Photogenic award: 5-Ariane (the host mistakenly called #4 first then corrected it), 30- Cedric …

Awards presentors: Jonie Abad & Richard Papa ;

Official Tabulator: Mapua Institute of Technology

CASUAL WEAR:
The female candidates ramped in Casual Wear by Paul Chua, Adin Lara, Karen Carlos, Nicky Martinez, and Peri Diaz.

The men wore Ulysses King, Aan Pineda, Boyet Dysangco, Ricky Abad and Edwin Uy.

Body Shots X 2013 Swimwear Competition

SWIMWEAR COMPETITION:
The candidates strut their sexy bodies and physique in Swimwear all designed by Ricky Abad in Pink and Yellow theme.

Body Shots X 2013 Swimwear Competition

SECOND SET OF SPECIAL AWARDS:
Mr.&Ms. Mel Pageant.tv-5-Arianne and 17-Allen;

Mr.&Ms.Resorts World Manila: 5-Arianne and 30-Cedric (award presentor:Bryan Angelo Garcia, RWM PR Officer);

Mr.&Ms.Calayan: 9-Natasha and 18-Daniel (presentor: Selena);

Mr.&Ms. Slimmers World Best in Physique: 8-Imari and 16-Nate (presentor: Janicel Lubina)

Mister and Miss Slimmers World Best in Physique 8-Imari and 16-Nate. Miss Bikini Philippines 2013 Janicel Lubina (in light blue gown) was the presenter.

FORMAL WEAR PORTION:
Now, the candidates in Formal Wear designed by Gerry Katigbak, Doc Marlon Pecjo, Henry Posadas & Nelson Villarica.
#13 tripped and fell off the ramp but stood up gracefully and was applauded by the audience (obviously she was upset as seen from her facial expression)…16, 22, 18, 5, 15, 9 stood out in this round!

She may have fallen but in this photo it looks really cool. As if she were praying…

Beautiful space age suits at Body Shots X 2013

BODY SHOTS 2013 TOP TEN:  Top 10 were selected fast as tabulated by Mapua and they are:
5-Arianne,
2-Angelyn,
14- MJ,
9-Natasha,
15-Paula;
17-Allen,
30-Cedric,
18-Daniel,
22-Jayson,
16-Nate

BODY SHOTS ALUMNI PARADE:
After the announcement of Top 10, the alumni of Body Shots paraded and walked the ramp, with the likes of Marina Benipayo, Lorna Legaspi, Patty Betita, Ricardo Cepeda, Jeanne Harn, etc.

Marina Benipayo, Body Shots Aluma, never ceases to amaze when on the stage…

GRAND WINNERS OF BODY SHOTS: Final walk of Top 10, then immediately the announcement of the Grand Winners:

Ms.Body Shots X’13 – #5: Arianne Gargonio, a student ;
Mr.Body Shots X’13 – #30 – Cedric Evan Vergonia, a fresh graduate of BS Entrepreneurship from PUP, and from Sta.Rosa, Laguna

Ariane Gargonio and Cedric Evan Vergonia – winners of Body Shots X 2013!

Photo above from OPMB Worldwide!