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All posts for the month May, 2012

The new and improved Elaine Kay Moll

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , .

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 1st Runner-Up Elaine Kay Moll during the Jag Collection Fashion Show at the SMX Convention Center. (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/OPMB Worldwide)

Aside from Katrina Dimaranan, 1st Runner-Up Elaine Kay Moll seems to be getting good makeovers. Makes me want to think that she is being groomed for a 2013 comeback with a big bang. While that possibility sits fine with me, I’m just wondering why we’re not noticing more marked improvements in Janine Tugonon yet? Could it be that she will ‘disappear’ in the next few months only to resurrect as the best-ever version of herself in time for Miss Universe? Hmmm…

But back to Elaine, I really adore this girl’s height. And her finely-toned legs add to the more queenly stature that she can project given sharper trainings. I’m not sure if BPCI will field her abroad for one of the less-popular beauty contests, but I am more confident that she will take part in BBP2013.

Like? 😉

The return of Miss International to Japan

Posted by Norman on May 30, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Bb. Pilipinas-International 2012 Nicole Schmitz: ready to conquer Japan (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/OPMB Worldwide)

The decades of staging Miss International in Japan were not the most memorable, save for the years that the Philippines actually won. The pageant itself was either lackluster or tacky at times. But then again, that is the culture of Japan working in all the nooks and crannies of the beauty congress. And when the hosting duties were transferred to mainland China (with Macau taking charge last 2008), the production was not any better. It slowly descended into one of those dime-a-dozen tilts being invented and staged by the Chinese. So when news about the return of the same to Japan were validated, there were shouts of joy and alleluia everywhere in the country. Aside from our candidate not being politicized because of the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China over Scarborough Shoal, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2012 Nicole Schmitz has fond memories of the Land of the Rising Sun and would love to reunite with its language and culture one more time.

What lies ahead of our bet? Bright possibilities, I must say. Aside from Nicole being a near-perfect fit for Miss International, she has this natural spirit of competitiveness that can never go unnoticed. All things being equal, that is.

So come Autumn (around late September-mid October), all eyes will be on Okinawa, Japan for Miss International 2012! 🙂

The new and improved Katrina Jayne Dimaranan

Posted by Norman on May 29, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

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2012 Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism Katrina Dimaranan during the Jag Collection Fashion Show at SMX (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova/OPMB Worldwide)

image Call it a healthy spike in inner confidence after winning one of the three Bb. Pilipinas 2012 crowns, but Katrina Dimaranan is glowing nowadays and how! Her oft-unruly hair – albeit long and shiny – has evidently become more compliant as it parts in a more balanced section of her head. The traces of a girly stance (she’s only 18 after all) a couple of months back are almost gone. In its place is a more arresting presence that highlights her exotic Pinay features even more. And the way she glides the runway has clearly improved as well. Her gait is more secure and calculated.

Which brings me back to my old question about her scheduled representation abroad – supposedly for Miss Tourism Queen International but not anymore due to franchise kinks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she finally gets to be sent to Miss Supranational in Poland as the Official Philippine rep. Otherwise, she would end up being just a wasted beauty.

Thoughts, my dear readers? 🙂

Stephany Stefanowitz wins Miss Philippines Earth 2012!

Posted by Norman on May 27, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

(L-R) MP Eco Tourism Candice Ramos of Vigan, MP Water Samantha Purvor of San Juan City, MP Earth Stephany Stefanowitz of QC, MP Air Glennifer Perido of Tabuk City, and MP Fire Thoreen Halvorsen of Puerto Princesa (Photo credit: Melvin Sia/OPMB Worldwide)

Stephany reacts after being announced winner of Miss Philippines Earth 2012 (Photo credit: Melvin Sia/OPMB Worldwide)

Stephany Stefanowitz of Quezon City is the new Miss Philippines Earth. She bested 46 other lovelies on the way to earning the right to represent the country in Miss Earth 2012 to be held in Indonesia. The 5’8″ beauty broke the pattern of petite winners for the pageant after Psyche Resus and Athena Imperial in 2010 and 2011. The finals, held at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage, was quite a successful event.

Together with her court of elements, Stephany has always been a favorite to win, alongside Miss Air Glennifer Perido of Tabuk City, Miss Water Samantha Purvor of San Juan City and Miss Eco-Tourism Candice Ramos of Vigan. The one surprise Top 5 placer was Thoreen Halvorsen of Puerto Princess who copped Miss Fire.

The other ladies who made it to the Top 10 are Glenna Christina Duch of Negros Oriental, Princess Manzon of SFO Cebu, Jaydielou Dilidili of Indang, Kathleen Subijano of Muntinlupa City and Roxanne Corluy of Fil-Belgium.

Congratulations, Stephany! 🙂

Miss Universe Thailand 2012 Official Candidates

Posted by Norman on May 27, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Gearing up for the national finals on June 2, the 44 Official Candidates of Miss Universe Thailand 2012 are being prepped up for the glitz and glamour of the competition. Coronation Night will be held at the fab Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theatre of Siam Paragon. At the moment, all hopefuls are based in Phitsanulok before eventually moving to Bangkok for final rehearsals and the like. Last year’s winner – Chanyasorn Sakornchan – will be on hand to crown her successor who will compete in Miss Universe 2012 this coming December.

Click on the images above if you want to scrutinize each delegate better. So far, the five girls I’m liking are pictured below.

(L-R) #43 Farida Waller, #31 Waratthaya Wongchayaporn, #10 Supattra Jucharoen, #14 Mukanda Art-ong and #34 Nattanankarn Reejinda. (Photo credit: MUT website)

image But the one who I think has the upper hand right now is #3 Sirin Praiwutpipatkul, 21, 5’11” and studying to become a Doctor. Let’s see if she can be molded into a Farung Yuthitum. 😉

Rizzini Alexis Gomez: a potential MWP in the making?

Posted by Norman on May 26, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , .

Rizini Alexis Gomez: could she be the one?

Her name is Rizzini Alexis Gomez. A 1st Runner-Up of Miss Cebu 2009, she stands 5’10” and is a registered nurse by profession. Earlier this year, the 21 year-old screened for Bb. Pilipinas 2012 but was not fortunate enough to make the cut of Official Candidates. When Maxine Medina was disqualified, it was thought that she would take over the vacated slot. But it wasn’t meant to be. This time, she is putting her bets on Miss World Philippines 2012. Do you think she has the makings of a beauty queen? Or does she have meager offerings outside of an impressive height? We’ll see what’s in store for her in this competition. 😉

Rizzini Alexis Gomez (R) with MWP2011 1st Princess Nicolette Henson during the MWP2012 screenings where the former enlisted.

Bb. Pilipinas 2012 winners during Philippine Fashion Week

Posted by Norman on May 25, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

(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? 😉

Here are my choices for Miss USA 2012

Posted by Norman on May 25, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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!

Posted by Norman on May 24, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

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

Posted by Norman on May 24, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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! 😉