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

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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?

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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

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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?

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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!

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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.

Thai transgenders awaiting their fate for Miss Universe Thailand 2012!

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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.

My Bangkok mole (Sawasdee khap, Joey!) informed me that there are already a lot of Thai transgenders who have formally applied for Miss Universe Thailand 2012 which will have its coronation night on June 2, 2012. Right now, the status of their applications remain on hold until tomorrow, May 16, when Khun Dang (Thailand’s version of Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta) will announce once and for all if she will greenlight the joining of transgenders in the national pageant, i.e., after she has meticulously screened all the natural-born women entrants (which will wrap up today).

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! ;-)