French-Polynesian at its finest, this Hinarani

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Hinarani on the cover of Fenua 'Orama

With a neo-exotic name like Hinarani de Longeaux, how can Miss Universe France 2013 go wrong? The Tahitian beauty, who placed 1st Runner-Up in Miss France 2013, earned the ticket to this year’s MU after the winner – Marine Lorphelin – was given the Indonesia-bound Miss World 2013 assignment instead. And with a good French-Polynesian mix working to her advantage, I am not surprised that she is constantly topping (or occupying a high spot) in most pre-arrival hot picks.

The 23 year-old who stands 5’10.5″ is fast becoming a favorite to nail a Miss Universe crown for France. While the competition is still months away (the host city has not even been announced yet), there is much excitement and anticipation as to how she will shine alongside the other contenders for Miss Universe 2013. Unlike the Latina regulars who are being meticulously styled and made over, Hinarani remains true to her physical self. There is a perfectly imperfect vibe surrounding her aura, and that adds up to the special qualities that could make her stand out without really trying.

I will definitely keep a watchful eye on her, especially when MU time comes. ;-)

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Want to catch Nina Garcia LIVE?

Posted in 2 Shout-out-Looks by

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Tonight at 6:00PM, Project Runway’s Nina Garcia (Creative Director of Marie Claire Magazine) will be the special guest of Philippine Fashion Week for #JAGorigins

I’m sure it will be another standing-room-only event. But if you want to try your luck and see her talk and answer questions in person, then head over to SMX Convention Center. Early, I must add. ;-)

Tale of a back tattoo

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You don't need to read what's etched on her back. It's still a hard-to-hide tattoo. (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

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Notice the tattoo peeking from her right shoulder? (Photo credit: Critical Beauty)

I may not have one permanently inked on my skin ever, but tattoos – especially the skillfully and beautifully made ones – are considered works of art which I don’t mind looking at and appreciating. Not on our Bb. Pilipinas winners, though.

While an unwritten rule, Bb. Pilipinas traditionally frowns at ladies with obvious tattoos on any part of their bodies. The latter may be accommodated up to a certain extent, but not to the point of actually becoming a crowned winner.

Such is what may have dealt a heavy blow on Anna Fernandina Buquid’s (mis)fortune with Bb. Pilipinas 2013. The lady stunned everyone with her towering height, lithe body and smooth catwalk skills. She may not have the killer looks to come with it. But still, she is capable of commanding attention and breezing her way to the list of favorites. However, she found herself unplaced last April 14. She wasn’t even called to the Top 15, let alone a minor special award.

I can’t say if the horizontal back tattoo was the only cause for the snub. But in any case, it is the indelible mark that will keep her from becoming a Bb. Pilipinas. I’m not certain if Miss World Philippines or Mutya ng Pilipinas would ignore the same, but chances are, they might also mind.

So where could she possibly join and not be held against for literally having a long statement roped across her upper back? I can only think of the all-things-blind Miss Multinational. But do we even have a local franchise holder for this one?

Michael Cinco for Philippine Fashion Week/Holiday 2013

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Supermodel Charlene Almarvez in a Michael Cinco creation (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

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Supermodel Charo Ronquillo in a Michael Cinco gown. (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

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Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Candidate Cassandra Naidas in a Michael Cinco original (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

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Backstage with some of Michael Cinco's models (Photo credit: Phil. Fashion Week on Facebook)

Michael Cinco's visions in black (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/Status Magazine)

Michael Cinco’s visions in black (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/Status Magazine)

Michael Cinco's visions in light (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/Status Magazine)

Michael Cinco’s visions in light (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/Status Magazine)

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Michael Cinco backstage (Photo credit: Phil. Fashion Week on Facebook)

It was full house (actually more than) when our favorite fashion designer Michael Cinco presented during Philippine Fashion Week at the SMX Convention Center yesterday. And why not? He always dazzles the audience with his dramatic, intricate and awe-inspiring creations. With the help of carefully-handpicked wearers – including familiar faces in the supermodel and beauty pageant worlds, his latest collection (initially paraded during Dubai’s Fashion Forward event) left a lasting impression to say the least.

How much more time does BPCI need in order to give this national pageant supporter the opportunity to dress our Miss Universe Philippines? If Alfredo Barraza is non-negotiable, then a compromise can be made somewhere. Why not allow our rep to wear Michael’s evening gown during Preliminaries in order to insure that Ara Arida stands out? Or better yet, give him 2013 as test year to see how things will pan out during the actual period of competition itself.

Are you still with us, Michael Cinco? :-)

Do you think Ara will stand out in Gold for MU2013?

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Gold is the color of Bb. Pilipinas 2013. And even Donald Trump himself is aware of the fact, after having sent a congratulatory message that was printed in the opening pages of the souvenir programme. So wouldn’t it be appropriate that Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida wears the color in her evening gown for Miss Universe 2013?

Consider the options below. Which do you prefer? And should you have another style and design in mind, how do you visualize her owning it? ;-)

A wishful rendition of Ara Arida in Gold. (Photo credit: Philippines Pageants on FB)

A wishful rendition of Ara Arida in Gold. (Photo credit: Philippines Pageants on FB)

Or she could also try on designs like these.

Or she could also try on designs like these.

She could also look drop dead gorgeous in this Sherri Hill creation.

She could also look drop dead gorgeous in this Sherri Hill creation.


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Or a grand entrance in a gown like this would just be stunning to the max! (Photo credit: Stylish Eve)

…or by special request, in this Michael Cinco gown wishfully rendered for Ara.
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Vietnam won’t be hosting Miss International 2013 after all

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mi2 The Miss International website is clearly stating that all information regarding Vietnam as this year’s host country is unfounded. It could only mean that Japan is still likely to be the (default) organizer of the 2013 edition if no official announcement is made on where the pageant will be traveling to. Rumors floated in recent months that the Philippines was being considered, but the wild talks died down after awhile. Some people are saying that the presence of ICA (International Culture Association) Head Hirofumi Hashimoto during the finals of Bb. Pilipinas 2013 hinted on the possibility. But then again, it was only because of the national pageant’s 50th Anniversary that he agreed to judge the finals.

Nothing is clear so far. Bb. Pilipinas-International 2013 Bea Santiago will have to wait a little more. ;-)

Miss Philippines Air 2013 Kimverlyn Suiza: this beauty is no airhead

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Miss Philippines Air 2013 Kimverlyn Suiza: no lightweight beauty this lady is.

image Kimverlyn Suiza, the 24 year-old pride of Nagcarlan, Laguna, may have lost the top prize to fellow candidate Angelee de los Reyes – but not after giving the latter a nail biting fight-to-the-finish for the title of Miss Philippines Earth 2013.

You see, the Top 10 Question-and-Answer gave Kim the chance to shine so bright. Her reply to the environment-related query of judge Gina Lopez about the connection between environment and the quality of life could’ve been answered by a less-articulate contestant in a tentative manner. With her, the thoughts came rushing out fluidly and sensibly at that. And I reckon that the panel must’ve deliberated long and hard on who to give the #1 spot up to the time that the winner’s name will be printed and sealed inside an envelope by the auditors.

She did edge Angelee a bit with her fluent command of English, but it was the fierceness of the eventual winner that left her holding on to First Runner-Up position – #2 but very close to upsetting the choice of the majority.

At her near-ripe age, Kim could still give Bb. Pilipinas one clean attempt if she chooses to take that route. But with her now-existing contract with Carousel Productions, chances are that she may not be able to grab that opportunity anymore. And since the pageant does not field second-placers to any international competition, she will have to console herself with the fact that her Miss Philippines Air title carries a year-long responsibility to promote the causes of Mother Earth.


Courtesy of Sash Factor

Not a bad performance for a first-time joiner who is more used to work behind the camera as a TV segment producer for noontime variety show ‘Eat Bulaga!‘. I hope to see more of her in the upcoming months. ;-)