Fanciful things I Fancy – Part 1

I discovered this Android app (also on the iPhone) that drives me to whimsical highs during lulls between work and play. It’s called Fancy. There’s really nothing of world importance in this one, except that it makes me discover some of the things I would love to own if money was no object. Well, some of the items are not really that expensive, but the ones I really fancy are the more steeply-priced ones. Here are some of them:

image I’ve always had this interest in expensive watches. Call it a family habit, but ever since I bought my first bling of a watch (a Rolex), I almost always find ways to save money for a next one (I now have a Cartier, an Omega, a Breitling and a Technomarine on top of a few mid-range brands). The IWC Aquatime Chronograph Edition Galapagos Islands makes me salivate, not only because it’s a limited edition, but it would really look good on my wrist.

image Unique accessories tickle me to no end. Aside from being quick subjects of conversation and attention, they give me some extra confidence to walk around. The Skeleton Hand Bracelet by Delfina Delettrez is a perfect example. Not that I will wear the same everyday, but it would surely make me stand out in a party. Don’t you agree? ;-)

image I’m a sucker for mid-rise boots, especially the ones that are impeccably-crafted and of excellent over-all workmanship. Wearing a pair adds a palpable air of dignity to my stride without fail. The Waxed Suede and Leather Boots by Maison Martin Margiela makes me drool just staring at the sleek curves and fine finish.

image How I wish I gifted my late dog, Fletcher, with a modern pet daybed just like the one pictured above. It would surely make him feel like a diva! I always tend to spoil my canine ally, reason why it’s taking me too long to get a new pooch. Once I settle on one, I’d ask my furniture-manufacturing friend to reproduce something like this opulent-looking resting place. So cute! :-D

image I may not be big on beaches, but show me the way to a hidden treasure of an alcove or trench and you got me hooked. To Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa is one such breathtaking spot I would love to spend a day or two basking in the cool water of this enclosed paradise. Who wouldn’t? Of course, it will send my heart a-fluttering if a special friend decides to come with me. ;-)

image Don’t get me wrong. I don’t wear nail polish, be it clear or colored. But seeing someone else’s nails painted with the Deborah Lippmann Flat Top Matte Topcoat is just pure eye candy.

I actually have more items on my list, but I decided to group them together in a second part so you can focus on the ones above first.

Download Fancy on your Android gadget or iPhone and check out the things or places that would steal your attention.

Sahar Biniaz: the woman who foiled Jenna Talackova’s dream

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Newly-crowned Miss Universe Canada 2012 Sahar Biniaz

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Sahar Biniaz after being crowned Miss Universe Canada 2012

Just when everyone in the pageant world (even outside) thought that Canada would produce the first-ever transgender Miss Universe candidate, here comes a real woman stealing the spotlight away from controversial Jenna Talackova. Sahar Biniaz, 26, was crowned Miss Universe Canada 2012 and will now represent the North American country in Miss Universe 2012 come December. She was followed by 1st Runner-Up Admoa Yamoah and 2nd Runner-Up Madj Soudi. Katie Starke and Kesiah Papasin rounded up the Top 5.

Now that Jenna did not even figure in the Top 3 (let alone the Top 5) of the national competition, where will the loss leave her biting the dust so to speak? I would have wanted her getting a decent placement (better than Top 12 and a Best in Swimsuit award) as consolation at the very least. But it seems that the Canadians are not yet ready to set a trend like this. Will Thailand be the one to finally lay claim to the record next year? Let’s wait and see. ;-)

Benjamin Alves: the ‘Summa cum Laude’ matinee idol-to-be

Good looks and a brainy mind…that’s Benjamin Alves for you! (Photo credit: Gabby Cantero)

(Photo credit: Gabby Cantero)

Seldom do we encounter showbiz personalities who pursue a career in film and television, yet managed to finish their university education (no home schooling or correspondence classes whatsoever) with flying colors. Benjamin Alves is one fine example. This exclusive contract artist of GMA-7 opted to complete all his academic requirements first before plunging into his commitments with the network. It takes a lot of discipline and perseverance to do just that. What makes it even more special is the fact that he is all set to graduate Summa cum Laude from the University of Guam with a degree in English Literature. I love it when someone has the good combination of killer looks and a beautiful mind. Co-manager Jonas Gaffud of Mercator must be grinning ear-to-ear that his ward has achieved the same.

Benjamin will take part in his graduation march come May 27. After that, it’s all systems go for his grooming as the next big Kapuso leading man. :-)

So have the Thai transgenders been allowed to join Miss Universe Thailand?

Thai transgender Treechada “Poy” Mamyaporn

Here’s an update on my earlier blog about Thai transgenders filing their application to participate in Miss Universe Thailand 2012. As usual, my friend Joey helped me. Well, as Khun Dang has finally stated, they won’t definitely be allowed to join this year. But so as not to close the doors on them, she added the following conditions that can possibly apply for 2013:

1) Transgenders can join Miss Universe Thailand 2013 if the Thai law of changing the ‘heading’ of their individual identification cards from Mr. to Miss will be approved. (This will include amendments in their passports and the like)
2) Transgenders should prove that they no longer have male genitals.

If these two conditions are met, then Khun Dang will openly accept Thai transgenders as candidates.

The first requirement is understandable. The second one is a bit amusing. No pre-op transgender will even entertain thoughts of enlisting for the pageant if he still has ‘remnants’ of what clearly identifies him as male.

Thoughts? ;-)

One more look at the lady who will never be a Binibini

Megan Lynne Young…buh-bye, Binibini

I just want to post one more photo of Megan Young, as she graced the cover of Circuit Magazine. She has already made it loud and clear that joining Binibining Pilipinas is not part of her future plans. “Walang bawian ha!”

We all know that she is a cinch to win a crown, but without the inner desire, motivation and fighting spirit to even screen for BBP, there is no chance that she will become a good rep for the country.

And so I say….next! ;-)

Irene Esser: Is she the one to beat for Miss Universe 2012?

Miss Venezuela Irene Esser has been waiting in the wings for more than a half a year now, and is about to have her patience tested even more since Miss Universe 2012 is coming in late with a December date pegged for the finals. Regardless, do you think she is a definite bet to become Venezuela’s 7th MU titleholder? Will she equal her namesake’s achievement (Irene Saez)? Will she make up for the failure of her predecessor – Vanessa Goncalves – to advance beyond the Top 16? Is it fair to say that she is setting an ultra-high benchmark for this year’s edition? Or are we hyping yet another candidate who will not shine well in Donald Trump’s eyes?

Survivor 25: Philippines – very interesting tribe names!


courtesy of SurvivorDylan

Survivor 25: Philippines – the US edition – will take place in breathtakingly raw Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur and should start airing this coming fall. What’s interesting here is the presence of three (3) tribes of castaways with tribal names of animals in Tagalog, i.e., Kalabaw (Carabao), Tandang (Rooster) and Matsing (Monkey). The cast and crew of this season started filming in the Philippines middle of March and should wrap up by early June. Some of you might be wondering why it took them almost three months to produce this one. Rumor has it that production covered two (2) seasons (25 and 26) instead of just one. This is to maximize the logistics and costings poured into the completion of one.

This should be an interesting watch for all Filipinos. Catch it on CBS by September/October and on the cable channel JackTV in the Philippines.