(Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/OPMB Worldwide)
Amidst their tight schedules, the Bb. Pilipinas 2012 winners – Janine, Nicole, Katrina, Elaine and Ali – took time out to grace the AVON Fashion Show held at the SMX Convention Center and coinciding with Philippine Fashion Week.
How are you liking them now? See any improvements? 
Jessica Sanchez may have lost American Idol to Philip Phillips, but that doesn’t mean the end of the world for her. In fact, it could be a blessing in disguise for the 16 year-old’s singing career as she can now be signed up by other recording companies that won’t pigeon-hole her style and instead, give her more freedom to settle in her true niche as an artist. Spread your wings and for sure, you will soar higher. Mabuhay ka, Jessica! 
One more look at Jessica Sanchez’ incredible duet with THE Jennifer Holliday…’And I am Telling You’
courtesy of Boom Fiyahlver
Unless you’ve been living under the rock these past few months, the name Jessica Sanchez won’t ring a bell. But if you’re like hundreds of thousands of Filipinos around the world following Season 11 of American Idol, you should know by now that the Filipino-Mexican 16 year-old will be gunning for the top prize come May 23. Pitted against All-American Boy-Next-Door singer Philip Phillips, she is seen to establish new records should a well-deserved victory come her way – the first female contestant to win since Jordin Sparks, the first contestant of ethnic Asian-Latin background to take it all the way and the youngest ever winner of the 11-year old competition.
But for this to happen, your all-out support is a must. Here are the guidelines (courtesy of Justine Gutierrez):
First, please know that American Idol Finale will be on May 23, WEDNESDAY, 8-9AM Philippine Time. Therefore, online voting will open from 9 AM – 3 PM (for those who are outside Philippines, check out the posted time zones below). Here are the ways to vote (FREE!). They are divided into two time zones, let’s call them the EAST and the WEST.
1. EAST (9 AM – 1 PM)
a.) FACEBOOK (maximum votes/account=50)
a.1) http://apps.facebook.com/americanidolvoting/?ref=ts
a.2) or through http://www.americanidol.com/vote/b.) GLOBE/TM (maximum votes: unlimited!) TIP: 20 php maintaining balance and BE PATIENT!
HOW TO VOTE:
- Just DIAL 12800186643657+(#), example: 12800186643657-(01)
- Let’s wait for the assigned number of Jessica during the finals night.
- there’s a lot of hesitation with this, for fear of overseas call charge. Good news is, it’s FREE! Yes it’s absolutely free of charge (tried and tested)! And guess what, you can vote even if you are at work, in the MRT, or watching movies. For those who don’t have internet connection, this is a good option. So pass this info to all your relatives and friends. The only problem is, this is the most notorious for busy lines and call fails. When in doubt, refer to the TIP!c.) MAGIC JACK- lucky you! This is one of the easiest ways if you have this gadget. But before you vote, you might wanna check your own area code, if it belongs to EAST or WEST coast, and follow the schedule for your votes to be valid. Here’s the link: http://www.magicjacknumbers.com/
HOW TO VOTE:
- just dial 186643657-(#), example: 186643657-(01)2. WEST (11 AM – 3 PM)
a.) SKYPE
-this should be maximized during this time. This is the most popular for our kababayans overseas since everyone has skype account.HOW TO VOTE:
-Log in. Click for the dial pad on the upper right hand corner, and dial +186643657-(#), example: +186643657-(01) TIP: Put all her numbers into a group call so you can dial all of them at the same time.b.) You can still vote through Facebook, Globe/TM, Magic jack
You have to make time to vote and be patient. The lines will be busy especially in the first few hours of each time zone, but it doesn’t mean these ways don’t work. Understand that there are only 4 phone lines to accommodate millions of voters. Our kababayan is too close to winning American Idol season 11. And we can take part in making her the 1st FILIPINO-MEXICAN IDOL! Thank you!
Time zones:
Philippines: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (9AM-3PM)
Australia: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (11AM-5PM)
Abu Dhabi: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (5AM-11AM)
Canada, Toronto: Tuesday, 22 May 2012 (9PM-3AM)
Canada, Vancouver: Tuesday, 22 May 2012 (6PM-12MD)
China, Shanghai: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (9AM-3PM)
Dubai: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, (5AM-11AM)
Indonesia, Jakarta: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (8AM-2PM)
Japan, Tokyo: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, (10AM-4PM)
Korea, Seoul: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, (10AM-4PM)
Malaysia: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (9AM-3PM)
Mexico: Tuesday, 22 May 2012 (8PM-2AM)
Qatar: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, (4AM-10NN)
Paris: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (3AM-9AM)
Singapore: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 (9AM-3PM)
Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, (4AM-10AM)
Thailand: Wednesday, 23 May 2012, (8AM-2PM)
Should you have concerns, questions and the like, click on any of Jessica’s images above to go straight to the FB page where you can get clear answers.
This is it! Suportahan natin si Jessica Sanchez para kanyang mapagwagian ang American Idol!
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:
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
Good looks and a brainy mind…that’s Benjamin Alves for you! (Photo credit: Gabby Cantero)
(Photo credit: Gabby Cantero)
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. 
Thai transgender Treechada “Poy” Mamyaporn
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?
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!
Miss Tiffany Universe 2011 winners (L-R) 1st Runner-Up Saranrat “Nat” Chaiyakorn, winner Sirapasson “Sammy” Atthayakorn, and 2nd Runner-Up Tissanamadi “Gigi” Bunniyom.
Thank-you-girls in Miss Tiffany Universe 2011 Waranya “Tam” Wongchayanon (L) and Reya “Bank” Meelaksap are even more beautiful than their female counterparts in the Miss Thailand Universe last year.
Will Thais be the first Asians (or the first of any nationality in the world for that matter) to have a transgender Miss Universe bet? Stay tuned for more updates!
A picture of things to come in BBP2013?
How would you like to see the above photo of Luzelle Felipe become a reality in Bb. Pilipinas 2013? Well, it was a Santacruzan image alright, but who knows what fate awaits the lady who is taking a shine from BPCI. With more training and polishing (paging Carnegie!), this beautiful Bulakena should be ready to step up to the plate a 2nd time and hopefully show the real stuff she is made of.
What say you, dear readers?
For Mom, Mommy, Mama, Momsy, Nanay, Inay, Mamang…..whatever the terms of respect and endearment are…this wonderful day is for you!
Let me share a heartwarming Mother’s Day message from Pravs J.
Why Mothers Cry…
“Why are you crying?” he asked his mom. ”Because I’m a mother,” she told him. ”I don’t understand,” he said. His mom just hugged him and said, “You never will!”
Later the little boy asked his father why Mother seemed to cry for no reason. ”All mothers cry for no reason,” was all his dad could say.
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why mothers cry. So he finally put in a call to God and when God got on the phone the man said, “God, why do mothers cry so easily.”
God said, “You see son, when I made mothers they had to be special. I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times come from their children.”
“I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining.”
“I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very badly. This same sensitivity helps them to make a child’s boo-boo feel better and helps them share a teenager’s anxieties and fears.”
“I gave them a tear to shed. It’s theirs exclusively to use whenever it’s needed. It’s their only weakness. It’s a tear for mankind.”
To my dear readers, pay homage to the woman who carried you in her womb, nurtured you, and raised you. She deserves your undivided love and attention, at least for this special day.
