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All posts for the month September, 2009

A Pinay in the remake of ‘Fame’ movie

Posted by Norman on September 30, 2009
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Don’t look now, but a Filipina has landed one of the plum roles in the ‘re-imagination’ (or remake if you will) of the hit 1980 movie “Fame” which opened in the U.S. last weekend. Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, granddaughter of one of Philippine TV’s classic music icons (Sylvia La Torre) and daughter of one-time showbiz personality Artie Perez de Tagle, is part of the youth-driven cast. She was ecstatic after getting the part.

“When I found out I got this role in “Fame,” I screamed at the top of my lungs! I even cried a little. I studied this role and worked so hard to impress the director, casting director and producers, so once I got the call, I was obviously very happy. At the same time I am so lucky and blessed to be a part of such a great movie and to be able to share the opportunity with an amazing cast tops it all.”

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle - Fil/Am but 100% Filipino in descent and proud of it.

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle - Fil/Am but 100% Filipino in descent and proud of it.

Anna Maria, who paid her dues in Hollywood by regularly appearing in such Disney shows like “Hannah Montana” (with Miley Cyrus) and “Camp Rock” (with one of the Jonas Brothers), landed what could be her biggest break on the big screen. She describes her role in the movie as follows:

“My character’s name is Joy. She’s the aspiring/exuberant actress who’s outgoing/outspoken and never second guesses herself. She is not afraid to say what’s on her mind. She’s a gregarious amped up talent who has a lot to say. In the beginning, Joy is like a spastic puppy and throughout the movie she matures into a young lady so you really see the character development in her.”

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle in a scene from Fame with co-stars Paul Iacono (right) and Paul McGill

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle in a scene from Fame with co-stars Paul Iacono (right) and Paul McGill

“It is my first feature film which is the most exciting part! I also get to showcase all my talents like singing, acting, and dancing. The audience and fans are used to seeing the comedic side of my acting – not only will they see that in this movie, but also more drama, like me crying and being more serious overall. Hopefully they will appreciate it, and see how much fun I had filming the movie.”

fame_poster03

Anna Maria co-stars with Kherington Payne, Kay Panabaker, Naturi Naughton, Collins Pennie, Walter Perez, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill and Asher Book, plus the senior members Megan Mullally, Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth, Charles S. Dutton and (from the original movie) Debbie Allen.

Do watch the movie and I’m sure it’s going to be a fun, music- and dance-filled retelling of the original!

Here’s the full trailer of “Fame”


video courtesy of YouTube/FilmCentralHD

Image from the film above and quotes from Anna Maria are courtesy of AnnaMariaPerezdeTagle.com

Miss Venezuela 2010: recap of winners!

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2009
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Marelisa Gibson Villegas, 20, from Miranda, was proclaimed Miss Venezuela Universe 2010 and will attempt for a back-to-back-to-back victory in the Miss Universe Pageant 2010 in a yet undisclosed venue. On the other hand, Adriana Vasini, 22, from Zulia, earned the right to represent her country in the Miss World 2010 in Nha Trang, Vietnam by virtue of winning the Miss Venezuela World crown, while Elizabeth Mosquera, 18, from Trujillo, was the 3rd victor after being named Miss Venezuela International and will gear up for next year’s Miss International to be held in Japan and China. Completing the Top 5 are 1st Runner-Up Mariangela Bonnani of Tachira and 2nd Runner-Up Jessica Guillen of Amazonas.

(L-R) Jessica Guillen of Amazonas, 2nd Runner-Up, Adriana Vasini of Zulia, Miss Venezuela World 2010, Marelisa Gibson of Miranda, Miss Venezuela Universe 2010, Elizabeth Mosquera of Trujillo, Miss Venezuela International 2010 and Mariangela Bonnani of Tachira, 1st Runner-Up

(L-R) Jessica Guillen of Amazonas, 2nd Runner-Up, Adriana Vasini of Zulia, Miss Venezuela World 2010, Marelisa Gibson of Miranda, Miss Venezuela Universe 2010, Elizabeth Mosquera of Trujillo, Miss Venezuela International 2010 and Mariangela Bonnani of Tachira, 1st Runner-Up

Actually, I was able to pick 4 of the 5 winners in a previous blog. I missed Elizabeth Mosquera (who I personally placed just in the Top 10) and thought that Flory Diez of Anzoategui would take at least a runner-up slot. Just the same, I think that the new set of winners will set a higher benchmark level for the next round of international finals in 2010.

The gorgeous Marelisa Gibson waves to the crowd after winning the top plum.

The gorgeous Marelisa Gibson waves to the crowd after winning the top plum.


Reigning Miss Universe and outgoing Miss Venezuela Universe Stefania Fernandez putting the sash on her successor, Marelisa Gibson. Do we see back-to-back-to-back wins in Miss Universe next year?

Reigning Miss Universe and outgoing Miss Venezuela Universe Stefania Fernandez putting the sash on her successor, Marelisa Gibson. Do we see back-to-back-to-back wins in Miss Universe next year?


A prophetic picture? Before the finals, these ladies were photographed together and all 3 of them ended up winning the national pageant. Left to right, Adriana Vasini of Zulia, Elizabeth Mosquera of Trujillo and Marelisa Gibson of Miranda.

A prophetic picture? Before the finals, these ladies were photographed together and all 3 of them ended up winning the national pageant. Left to right, Adriana Vasini of Zulia, Elizabeth Mosquera of Trujillo and Marelisa Gibson of Miranda.

Congratulations to all the winners! I’m dead sure that at least one of them will win one of the big crowns next year. I’m going for a gut-feel and predict that Marelisa Gibson might just score her country’s 7th Miss Universe title.

Typhoon Ondoy’s fury

Posted by Norman on September 28, 2009
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

The Philippines is one of the few countries I know that can take on a succession of storms and typhoons with nerves of steel and an unusual degree of calmness. But when the latest typhoon named “Ondoy” hammered its fury full force last Saturday, the results were damaging at the very least. Weather bureaus have stated that the amount of rain for the whole of September 26 equalled one month’s output. Hardest hit were Marikina City, Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Malabon plus the whole province of Rizal and parts of Bulacan topping the list of calamity-stricken areas. On top of the countless properties washed away by the rampaging flood waters, lives were also taken (more than a hundred as of the last update) and hundreds upon thousands left homeless – rich and poor.

flood
The images are heart-breaking. The floods literally came quick and unannounced.
floods2
A woman in Bocaue, Bulacan hanging on to dear life.
ondoy
A father and child wading in deep waters for survival.

Here is a video of Saturday’s furious Typhoon Ondoy:


video courtesy of YouTube/PinasWatchers

Even celebrities were not spared. Actress Cristine Reyes and her household members had to troop to the roof of their 2-storey house in Marikina’s Provident Village as water was uncontrollably rising. They stayed there wet and horrified from 1pm till close to midnight when they were rescued by Actor Richard Gutierrez (in a speedboat) and the actress’ brother in jetski. The same thing happened to mother-and-daughter celebrities Jean and Jennica Garcia whose house in Quezon City got flooded and had to seek temporary shelter in the house of co-actress Jennylyn Mercado. Everything was just so devastating.

Here is the video of actress Cristine Reyes crying for help while trapped on the roof of her house:


video courtesy of YouTube/PinasWatchers

I pray that nothing this strong a typhoon (or stronger) will hit the Philippines again. It is the worst I’ve seen in two decades. If you can find it in your heart to extend any kind of help and/or assistance – be it food, clothes or cash – you can contact any of the following numbers:

NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATING COUNCIL: 911-1873, 911-5061, 911-5296, 912-2665
MMDA: 136, 896-6000
PHILIPPINE COASTGUARD: 527-6136, 5276
RED CROSS: 143. Or via sms: text RED amount to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
ABS CBN’S SAGIP KAPAMILYA: 416-0387 or 413-2667
GMA’S KAPUSO HOTLINE: 981-1950-59
TULONG BAYAN: 913-7122, 913-6254, 913-3306, 0908-6579999
DSWD: 951-7119, 0918-4219780

You can drop off relief goods at all Petron branches, Manor Superclub (Eastwood City) Luca store (Powerplant Mall, Eastwood and Shangri-La Plaza Mall), Team Manila (Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air, Rockwell) Papemelroti (Ali Mall in Cubao, Glorietta 3 in Makati, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM Centerpoint, and SM Southmall), and Aranaz (Powerplant Mall). Rockwell and Greenbelt both in Makati will accept donations as well.

To all my friends in the U.S., Canada, Spain, Australia and Thailand, please help. And to the daily followers of my blog, your prayers (or assistance) will be greatly appreciated.

Images above are courtesy of timesonline.co.uk, xinhua.net and stuff.co.nz

Miss Venezuela is Miss Intercontinental 2009!

Posted by Norman on September 28, 2009
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , .

After the Miss Universe finals just over a month ago, another Venezuelan made it! Hannelly Quintero, 23, was proclaimed Miss Intercontinental 2009 last night. She bested more than 60 other delegates from around the world to capture the 38th edition of the pageant held at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk, Belarus.

Hannelly Quintero of Venezuela shouts for joy after being announced as Miss Intercontinental 2009

Hannelly Quintero of Venezuela shouts for joy after being announced as Miss Intercontinental 2009


Newly-crowned Miss Intercontinental Hannelly Quintero beams after her selection

Newly-crowned Miss Intercontinental Hannelly Quintero beams after her selection


Miss Intercontinental 2009 and her court (photo courtesy of www.antonmotolko.com)

Miss Intercontinental 2009 and her court (photo courtesy of http://www.antonmotolko.com)


Hannelly Quintero is all smiles after continuing the Venezuelan tradition of excellence in beauty pageants (photo courtesy of www.antonmotolko.com)

Hannelly Quintero is all smiles after continuing the Venezuelan tradition of excellence in beauty pageants (photo courtesy of http://www.antonmotolko.com)

Maryia Yesman of Belarus placed 1st Runner-Up.

More details to follow.

Are you for Airai or Koror?

Posted by Norman on September 27, 2009
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

I follow Survivor Philippines Palau every night (M-F) at 10pm on GMA-7. I enjoy watching how the producers were able to ‘filipinize’ the franchise in its 2nd season, especially the different reward (and the prizes that come with it) and immunity challenges (as against the first season which copied most of its tasks from the US version.) By this time, the castaways are down to 10 but with an 11th (Justine) waiting over at Isla Purgatoryo (or Snake Island – the place where those voted off in previous weeks are given a second chance at getting back into the main camp for the tribal merge happening in a week or two) for the chance to re-join the competition.

surv

A number of twists happened early on in the game such as the 3rd-week shuffling of tribes, a sudden tribal mix during one reward challenge and the secrets of Isla Purgatoryo (only cast-offs are aware of its existence) that made the reality show more engaging.

The original Koror tribe (clockwise from left): Suzuki, Carol, Louie, Marvin, Charles, Echo, Tara and Justine

The original Koror tribe (clockwise from left): Suzuki, Carol, Louie, Marvin, Charles, Echo, Tara and Justine

The post-tribal shuffle Koror tribe (Marvin, Suzuki, Echo, Shaun, Amanda and Jef) is enjoying immense popularity among viewers, especially that its members have won one challenge after another and were able to hold on to the immunity idol more times than Airai which gradually depleted the latter’s manpower in successive tribal councils. Koror is also endearing in the sense that they are more organized as a team, more orderly in the upkeep of their camp and (much) less friction (and clash) among personalities. It also helps that the blooming romance between Marvin and Jef added a dash of romantic angle to an otherwise challenge-filled stay in the islands.

The original Airai tribe (clockwise from left): Cris, Mika, Shaun, Amanda, Vlad, Troy, Maya and Jef

The original Airai tribe (clockwise from left): Cris, Mika, Shaun, Amanda, Vlad, Troy, Maya and Jef

On the other hand, the remains of the post-tribal shuffle Airai Tribe (Cris, Mika, Tara and Charles) are always on the losing end with their struggling teamwork, constant backbiting, and disorderly camp surroundings. Sure, Airai makes for good TV viewing, but in the end, its the more positively-directed tribe that will most likely carry itself solid to the tribal merge.

Last week, a new twist was introduced – camp switching. To the dismay of the Koror tribe, they discovered how messy and unkempt the Airai camp was. Despite such, they pooled their efforts to clean up and make the place more liveable. The experience of Airai, though, was more heavenly because they tremendously enjoyed the very clean grounds, the sleeping beds (with foam mattresses won from a challenge) and adequate food supply at Koror camp. I’m sure this new development is meant to create some kind of a war between tribes which will augur well come the unification of the two.

But they will be in for another surprise as the surviving cast-off from Isla Purgatoryo (which should be known right before the merge) will come reeling his/her ugly head to join the fray once more. The transsexual Justine (who was the first to be voted out) is holding strong to this second opportunity as she has already defeated five cast-offs while waiting for the next one (Louie, whose flame was extinguished by host Paolo Bediones last Friday night, was her latest victim) later this week to hopefully make it six-in-a-row. She and Jumbo (a golden retriever who accompanies the cast-off on Snake Island) have gotten along so well with each other that it will sadden me if they part ways after more than two weeks of togetherness.

In answering my own blog question, I am a Koror fan through and through. Right now, my Top 2 bets to take it all the way to the finals are Marvin and Echo, barring any unforeseen circumstances that could go against their favor.

To GMA-7, more surprises please!

Here’s a video of a previous episode of Survivor Philippines Palau which introduced Isla Purgatoryo to the TV audience:


video courtesy of YouTube/gmapublicaffairs

images above courtesy of SurvivorPhilippines.tv

Who are the 50 Most Powerful (Business) Women in the World?

Posted by Norman on September 26, 2009
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

According to the latest issue of Fortune Magazine, the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business (both in the U.S. and International) were revealed. My blog will focus on the international list since it includes women from different countries around the world. They represent a heightened level of women empowerment and make men think twice about their real worth as the supposed movers and shakers in the business arena.

It is interesting to note that 15 Asians are included, including the Philippines’ Teresita Sy-Coson of SM Investments. With the endless commercial and residential businesses & infrastructures of SM around the Philippines and China alone, I am not surprised that she consistently secures a slot in the Top 50.

#40 on the list: Teresita Sy-Coson of SM Investments, Philippines

#40 on the list: Teresita Sy-Coson of SM Investments, Philippines

To think that she is such a low-profile individual, Ms. Sy-Coson exemplifies the old adage “still waters run deep.”

The French, on the other hand, captured 12 of the Top 50 slots which set them at the forefront of world businesses with women at the helm. However, the Brits did not let their guards down as Cynthia Carroll (CEO, Anglo-American) topped the list and towed 5 other countrymen into the same. What could be amusing to some is the fact that only one American (#12 Maureen Kempston Darkes) made it, considering the fact that the world looks up to the U.S. as a superpower in business. However, Cynthia Carroll is also born American but runs a British company.

She's #1 on the list: Cynthia Carroll of Anglo-American (a London UK Mining Company which is the world's largest platinum producer)

She's #1 on the list: Cynthia Carroll of Anglo-American (a London UK Mining Company which is the world's largest platinum producer)


Here are the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business (International) listed by country:

Britain
#1 Cynthia Carroll (CEO, Anglo-American)
#3 Marjorie Scardino (CEO, Pearson)
#23 Katrina Landis (CEO, Alternative Energy, BP)
#24 Angela Ahrendts (CEO, Burberry)
#31 Kate Swann (CEO, W.H. SMith)
#32 Isabelle Ealet (Global Head of Commodities, Goldman Sachs)

France
#4 Anne Lauvergeon (CEO, Areva)
#5 Barbara Dalibard (President and CEO, Orange Business Services)
#16 Patrizia Barbizet (CEO, Artemis Holdings)
#18 Dominique Senequier (CEO, AXA Private Equity)
#21 Dominique Reiniche (President, Coca-Cola Europe)
#27 Maureen Chiquet (Global CEO, Chanel)
#34 Clara Gaymard (National Executive, GE France)
#38 Virginie Morgon (Director of Investments, Eurazeo)
#41 Dominique Heriard Dubreuil (Chairman, Remy Cointreau)
#42 Francoise Gri (President, Manpower France)
#47 Marie-Christine Caubet (Chairman, Volkswagen France)
#48 Valerie Hermann (CEO, Yves Saint Laurent)

India
#15 Chanda Kochar (Managing Director and CEO,ICICI Bank)
#37 Neelam Dhawan (Managing Director, HP India)
#43 Shobhana Bhartia (Chairperson, HT Media)
#46 Preetha Reddy (Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals)

China
#17 Yang Mianmian (President, Haier Group)
#20 Sun Yafang (Chairman, Huawei Technologies)
#30 Dong Mingzhu (Vice Chairman and President, Gree Electric Appliances)
#39 Marjorie Yang (Chairman, Esquel Group)
#44 Wei Christianson (SVP, Greater China, Morgan Stanley)
#49 Jing Ulrich (Managing Director, J.P. Morgan)

Chua Sock Koong of SingTel is the highest-ranked Asian on the list at #14.

Chua Sock Koong of SingTel is the highest-ranked Asian on the list at #14.


Singapore
#14 Chua Sock Koong (CEO, Singapore Telecommunications)
#19 Deb Henretta (Group President, Asia, Procter & Gamble)
#50 Olivia Lum (Group CEO, Hyflux)

Germany
#6 Barbara Kux (Head of Supply Chain Management, Siemens)
#36 Nicola Leibinger-Kammuller (Chairman and President, Trumpf)

Sweden
#7 Annika Falkengren (President and CEO, SEB)
#22 Antonia Ax:son Johnson (Chairman, Axel Johnson Group)

Netherlands
#13 Nancy McKinstry (Chairman and CEO, Wolters Kluwer)
#25 Ann Pickard (EVP Upstream International, Royal Dutch Shell)

Gail Kelly of Westpac may be the only one from Australia on the list, but she ranks #2, just like last year.

Gail Kelly of Westpac may be the only one from Australia on the list, but she ranks #2, just like last year.


Australia
#2 Gail Kelly (Managing Director and CEO, Westpac)

Turkey
#8 Guler Sabanci (Chairman and Managing Director, Sabanci Holding)

South Africa
#9 Maria Ramos (Group CEO, ABSA)

Italy
#10 Marina Berlusconi (Chairman, Fininvest)

Spain
#11 Ana Patricia Botin (Executive Chairman, Banesto)

General Motors' Maureen Kempston Darkes is the only one representing a U.S. company at #12

General Motors' Maureen Kempston Darkes is the only one representing a U.S. company at #12


U.S.
#12 Maureen Kempston Darkes (President, GM Latin America, Africa & Middle East)

Mexico
#26 Maria Aramburuzabala de Garza (Vice-President, Grupo Modelo)

Switzerland
#28 Monika Ribar (CEO, Panalpina)

Saudi Arabia
#29 Lubna Olayan (CEO, Olayan Financing)

Denmark
#33 Christine Bosse (CEO, Trygvesta)

Yoshiko Shinohara is the President of Tempstaff and the only Japanese on the list at #35

Yoshiko Shinohara is the President of Tempstaff and the only Japanese on the list at #35


Japan
#35 Yoshiko Shinohara (President, Tempstaff)

Philippines
#40 Teresita Sy-Coson (Vice Chairman, SM Investments)

Israel
#45 Ofra Strauss (Chairperson, Strauss Group)

It is quite clear that these ladies achieved their business prominence as individuals and with no allusion to their specific countries of citizenship. I doff my hat to all 50 of them!

Source of ranking: Fortune Magazine (Asia-Pacific Edition)

The Angelic Voices of Libera

Posted by Norman on September 25, 2009
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the singing voices of this boys’ choir in the past but just couldn’t point out the name of the group. You must’ve chanced upon their version of Orinoco Flow or Sanctus – probably on the radio or somewhere calm and peaceful like a spa or retreat center. Well, these angels – collectively called Libera – will be flying over to Manila for a concert organized by the British Embassy Manila, British Council, British Alumni Association and BOC Philippines in celebration of RP-UK Friendship Week 2009.

Album cover of one of Libera's CD

Album cover of one of Libera's CD

From the group’s website, this is how they are described:

“…The distinctive sound of Libera has travelled the world in the last several years. The group’s albums have topped both mainstream and classical charts in many countries, including the USA and the UK, where the recording spent several weeks in the top three alongside Bocelli and Pavarotti. The talented singers of Libera come from a variety of different schools and backgrounds and join together at a church in South London, where they rehearse and perform for many hours each week. The youngest is seven. The oldest members are fourteen, but many remain to sing with the lower voices of the group. Alongside their unique Libera music, the boy singers enjoy a wide repertoire from classical and cathedral pieces to works for pop and media productions. In recent years they have sung on films like ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Hannibal’ and with singers like Bjork, Elton John & Pavarotti. On TV and Radio they have appeared with Dame Edna, Cliff Richard and Russell Watson, and even recorded music for a forthcoming Playstation game…”

Details of Libera's upcoming concert in Manila

Details of Libera's upcoming concert in Manila

If you enjoy listening to Libera, then you should mark the date – October 25 at the PICC – which is exactly a month from now. It will be such an unforgettably unique concert experience.

Here’s a video of the group singing “Orinoco Flow”


video courtesy of YouTube/skypilot87uk

Thank God it’s Friday! Have a cool weekend!

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Updates

Posted by Norman on September 24, 2009
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

I finally checked on the website of the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA) and the city of Minsk and found updates on the ongoing Miss Intercontinental 2009 they are hosting. There’s really not much to source from the net – be it images or bits of news – but I was still able to gather the following:

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Candidates in Belarus

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Candidates in Belarus

From the Minsk City Executive Committee, here’s the press release:

MISS INTERCONTINENTAL 2009

THE MISS INTERCONTINENTAL 2009 beauty pageant will take place in Minsk. The most beautiful girls from all over the world will come to Minsk on 10-13 September. Shortly after the arrival of the beauties a tour around Belarus will be organized for the participants of the contest. The final of the MISS INTERCONTINENTAL 2009 will take place in Minsk on September, 27, 2009.

The MISS INTERCONTINENTAL contest, which started off in 1971, is in the top five of the most prestigious beauty competitions in the world. The challenge prize – a crown made of platinum with 720 diamonds, worth about $361 thousand, is thought to be the most expensive crown of all beauty pageants.

The MISS INTERCONTINENTAL 2009 contest will take place in a hall for 4,000 spectators with a big stage and the most modern stage, light and sound equipment. The presentation and broadcasting of the Final will be accomplished in Russian and English.

Belarusian pop stars Dmitry and Georgy Koldun and 2006’s “Supermodel of the World” Ekaterina Domankova will be the MISS INTERCONTINENTAL 2009 show presenters.

Among the guests of the Final will be the winner of the EUROVISION 2009 contest Alexander Rybak, the winner of the EUROVISION 2008 contest Dima Bilan, Arash, Morandi, Lou Bega.

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Candidates in one of their pre-pageant activities

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Candidates in one of their pre-pageant activities

On the other hand, the BelTA National Source of News reports:

Miss Intercontinental 2009 final to be host by Koldun brothers

Dmitry Koldun and Georgy Koldun will host the Miss Intercontinental 2009 final on 27 September, BelTA learnt from Alina Provotorova, spokeswoman for ONT TV Channel.

Initially, ONT TV Channel asked Alexander Rybak, winner of Eurovision 2009, to host the international beauty contest. However, the singer declined the offer.

The two brothers will share the stage with the Belarusian beauty Ekaterina Domankova, winner of the Supermodel of the World 2006 contest.

The script of the show is underway. It will be sent to the World Beauty Organization soon.

Apart from the beautiful girls from 60 countries, the show will be attended by the Eurovision 2008 and 2009 winners Dima Bilan and Alexander Rybak, Arash and Aysel, F.R.David from France and Morandi from Romania.

The name of the Belarusian representative at the contest is still unknown. “It is a very prestigious contest, which will be aired to all the countries of the world. It is important that a Belarus’ representative not only take part in the contest, but also impress the jury. That is why we should find a girl who will attract attention. That is why the jury is so meticulous,” Alina Provotorova noted.

Finally, the Official Site of Miss Intercontinental has this update:

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Candidates in one of their pre-pageant activities

Miss Intercontinental 2009 Candidates in one of their pre-pageant activities

Just A Few Days To Go

Back to Minsk, we just have a few days to go to the Grand Finale of Miss Intercontinental 2009 in the Football. 250 Journalists from around the world will attend the show which is to be seen worldwide via Satellite and on air in over 32 countries.

After the show, all candidates will have a “meet and greet” with Belarus President Alexander Lukaschenko.

The stage is ready to set and Rehearsals are beginning.

Cha Ye Lin (Miss Korea) celebrated her birthday during the Miss Intercontinental 2009 pre-pageant

Cha Ye Lin (Miss Korea) celebrated her birthday during the Miss Intercontinental 2009 pre-pageant

Who will win the 38th edition of Miss Intercontinental? I cannot even hazard a guess at the moment, but let’s hope that Miss Philippines – Fil-German beauty Jacqueline Schubert – will figure out well in the finals this coming Sunday, September 27. The group shots of the candidates above were taken from a distance so it’s hard spotting our bet even after some major eye-squinting. Anyways, the finals will take place in front of a crowd of 4,000 at the National School of Beauty in Minsk, Belarus.

Miss Belarus Maria Yesman of the host country with Miss Latvia Anita Baltruna and Miss Lithuania Aiste Karanauskyte

Miss Belarus Maria Yesman of the host country with Miss Latvia Anita Baltruna and Miss Lithuania Aiste Karanauskyte

Images courtesy of Miss Intercontinental website while the last photo is courtesy of Russian Brides and More

“Ded Na Si Lolo” is RP bet to the Oscars

Posted by Norman on September 23, 2009
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

In a personally surprising decision made by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Oscar Committee, APT Entertainment’s “Ded Na Si Lolo” (Grandfather is Dead) was picked to represent the Philippines in the Foreign Language Film derby of the Oscars slated for the 1st quarter of next year. It outvoted other local films shortlisted for consideration such as the curiously-titled-for-comparison “Lola” (Grandmother) by Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza, Maryo delos Reyes’ “Kamoteng Kahoy” (Sweet Potato), Mark Meily’s “Baler“, Francis Pasion’s “Jay”, Mel Chionglo’s “Bente” (Twenty), Chris Martinez’ “100” and Ronaldo Bertubin’s “Last Viewing.”

"Ded Na Si Lolo" directed by Soxie Topacio

"Ded Na Si Lolo" directed by Soxie Topacio

The Soxie Topacio-written and directed flick is a comedy about a hilariously dysfunctional family dealing with the death of their father (grandfather to the son of one of the siblings) and all the odd Filipino practices and superstitions that go with the 6-day wake and burial. It stars Gina Alajar, Elizabeth Oropesa, Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes, Rainier Castillo, Dick Israel, Perla Bautista and BJ Forbes as the grandson who doubled as the narrator and whose character uttered the title. It was part of the Sine Direk series which was commercially exhibited on a limited one-week run a few months back.

Here is the official trailer of “Ded Na Si Lolo“:


video courtesy of YouTube/mhaye97

Director Soxie Topacio was both tense and amused when his film was selected by the FAP. He admitted that he initially rushed completion of the script (so he can comply with the requirements of DGPI – Directors’ Guild of the Philippines – for the Sine Direk series) before principal photography started. He also added that the shoot was such a breeze since everyone had fun while doing the same.

Here’s wishing that “Ded Na Si Lolo” achieves what its predecessors failed to do, i.e., make it to the Top 5 (or at least the pre-final shortlist) of the Oscar’s Best Foreign Language Award.

Must-buy (or pre-order) CD: Jason Castro’s debut album

Posted by Norman on September 22, 2009
Posted in: 8 CD Watch. Tagged: , , , , , .

Just got an update from JasonCastromusic.com (which Jason Castro himself posted) that his debut album will officially come out on November 17. Can’t wait for the release date because I know that I will enjoy listening to his songs. I made a previous blog about his first single “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again” and if this is the type of music I can expect, then I’d love to hear more!

Here’s a teaser photo of the dreadlock-haired Jason Castro from the digital download package available with the CD pre-order.

Isn't this just a cool image of Jason Castro?

Isn't this just a cool image of Jason Castro?

If you pre-order the digital pack priced at US$9.99, you’ll get the following bundle:

Jason Castro Digital Pack (pre-order)

Jason Castro Digital Pack (pre-order)


* Digital download of the entire album 24 hours before release on November 17th, 2009
* Instant MP3 download of “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again”
* Instant download of Jason Castro photo book, includes never-before-seen pictures

But if you’re a true fan of the guy, you can consider getting the Limited Edition Pack which includes an autographed limited edition poster, t-shirt, 2010 calendar, video message from Jason Castro plus extra video content of Jason from the studio and on the road. This pack is pricier (US$79.99) but well worth the freebies that come with it.

Here’s a video of Jason Castro’s live acoustic version of another (new) song titled “It Matters to Me.”


video courtesy of YouTube/jasoncastropexthread

Images (plus some details of the pre-order packs) courtesy of JasonCastromusic.com