Norman's Blog

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 winners during Philippine Fashion Week

Norman — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:53 +0000

(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.

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Here are my choices for Miss USA 2012

Norman — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I armchair-judged the candidates of Miss USA 2012 (scheduled to be crowned on June 3) and here are the dozen beauties who made it to my Top 12 (in alphabetical order):

(L-R) Katherine Webb of Alabama, Natalie Pack of California, Jasmyn Wilkins of Georgia, Rani Williamson of Maine, Nana Meriwether of Maryland and Kristen Danyal of Michigan

(L-R) Jade Keisall of Nevada, Michelle Leonardo of New Jersey, Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island, Taylor Neisen of South Dakota, Brittany Booker of Texas and Catherine Muldoon of Virginia.

From the 12 ladies above, I further trimmed the group to my Top 6. In what could be a preview of the glamshot theme for Miss Universe 2012, we can see the candidates donning roman-inspired gowns that remind me of Spartacus and the like. Once more in alphabetical order, they are:

(L-R) Kristen Danyal of Michigan, Jade Keisall of Nevada and Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island.

(L-R) Taylor Neisen of South Dakota, Brittany Booker of Texas and Catherine Muldoon of Virginia.

Finally, I am highlighting the three (3) state representatives who just might make up the top tier of the competition, in my order of preference this time around:

(L-R) Kristen Danyal of Michigan, Catherine Muldoon of Virginia and Brittany Booker of Texas.

So obviously, I am singling out Michigan’s Kristen Danyal as my choice to win Miss USA 2012.

In our hearts, you will remain the true American Idol!

Norman — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:00:26 +0000

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

My favorites for Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Norman — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

As is usual with Miss Philippines Earth 2012, I shall now present my Top 16 Favorites for the Finals scheduled this coming Sunday night (May 27) at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage. In alphabetical order, they are:

Miss Mun. of Alaminos, Ariella Arida

Miss Bacolod City, Dianne Dreyfus

Miss Fil-Belgium, Roxanne Corluy

Miss Mun. of Cabugao, Dorothy Joy Pagurayan

Miss Mun. of Daraga, Ina Dominica Guerrero

Miss Mun. of Indang, Jaydielou Dilidili

Miss Makati City, Abbygale Rey

Miss Mun. of Marilao, Aufelyn Zabala

Miss Muntinlupa City, Kathleen Subijano

Miss Negros Oriental, Glenna Christina Duch

Miss Quezon City, Stephany Dianne Stefanowitz

Miss Mun. of San Fernando, Romblon Margaret May Llavor

Miss Mun. of San Francisco, Cebu Princess Manzon

Miss San Juan City, Samantha Purvor

Miss Tabuk City, Glennifer Perido

Miss Vigan City, Candice Ramos

From this group of 16, it becomes fairly easy to come up with my Top 8 ladies, in random order:

Miss Vigan City, Candice Ramos

Miss Bacolod City, Dianne Dreyfus

Miss Negros Oriental, Glenna Christina Duch

Miss Tabuk City, Glennifer Perido

Miss Muntinlupa City, Kathleen Subijano

Miss Fil-Belgium, Roxanne Corluy

Miss San Juan City, Samantha Purvor

Miss Quezon City, Stephany Dianne Stefanowitz

Now here is where it gets tougher. Assigning Elements plus the Eco-Tourism title can be tricky because the final Q&A will most likely define the order by which the Five (5) winners will be ranked. But just to put in my prediction for the finals, my Top 5 would look like this:

My Predicted Winners:

Miss Philippines Earth 2012: SAMANTHA PURVOR

Miss Philippines Air 2012: GLENNIFER PERIDO
Miss Philippines Water 2012: STEPHANY DIANNE STEFANOWITZ
Miss Philippines Fire 2012: DIANNE DREYFUS
Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2012: GLENNA CHRISTINA DUCH

The circle of Top 5 can go different ways, so anybody among my personal 5 picks would make a deserving winner.

At this point, I can only wish the ladies the best of luck, and may the best environmentally-attuned beauty represent us in Miss Earth 2012 in Indonesia!

Miss World 2012 Schedule of Activities

Norman — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Miss World Philippines 2012 has not been chosen (let alone casted for the finals) yet, but Miss World 2012 has already released its schedule of activities for the candidates starting with the arrival on July 18 all the way to the Grand Coronation Night on August 18 and the departure from Ordos a day after. (See below)

Now the local organizers – headed by Ms. Cory Quirino – have to work double time screening the ladies, filtering them and coming up with a set of Official Candidates who are immediately battle-ready for Ordos. If the national finals are set for June, the crowned winner will have barely a month to prepare for the big one. And you know what that means? Our representative should be fit and fab right on coronation night because there’s very little time to shape up. Hopefully, they can come up with their own versions of Nicole Schmitz or MJ Lastimosa in the roster. Fingers crossed for that!

Are you ready to vote for Jessica Sanchez?

Norman — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:04 +0000

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!

Fanciful things I Fancy – Part 1

Norman — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Norman — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Newly-crowned Miss Universe Canada 2012 Sahar Biniaz

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

Norman — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:00:19 +0000

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?

Norman — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:35 +0000

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?