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All posts for the month September, 2012

Beautiful, powerful, 45-and-below…what more can they ask for?

Posted by Norman on September 30, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

15-20 years ago, the five ladies above would have joined beauty contests and won by the sheer amount of intelligence they individually possess. Not that they are less gorgeous than our perennial idea of how a beauty queen looks like, but they know how to fully utilize their smarts to get what they want.

Take for example Marissa Mayer, Yahoo President/CEO and only 37. She could easily pass off as Miss Wisconsin-USA 1997 and a Miss USA winner or finalist. And then there’s 42 year-old Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO. Back in 1992, she would’ve participated in Miss Florida and placed well. Being a great fitness buff then, her swimsuit presentation won’t get lost on the judges’ scorecards. Hispanic Gisel Ruiz, Wal-Mart US COO, is also another could-have-been for the Golden State in the 90s. And how about Transaero Airlines’ Olga Pleshakova? She may be 45, but I won’t be surprised if she secretly took part in Miss Russia 1991 and almost became a contender the year Lupita Jones took home the Miss Universe crown. I’m not even adding Ariston Investments’ Efrat Peled yet. She may not have been an Israeli beauty titleholder back in the mid-90s, although not an impossibility had she gamely took the route. She’s only 38 at the moment.

At any rate, these women upped the ante even more. They are part of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business, and the youngest may I add. In the US ranking, Sheryl Sandberg (#8), Marissa Mayer (#14) and Gisel Ruiz (#21) are forces to reckon with, just as Olga Pleshakova (#49) and Efrat Peled (#50) are in the international listing.

It cannot be denied that they still have the beauty and relative youthfulness to give our young titleholders a run for their money. What’s more, they have achieved the kind of power most of us can only dream of having. What more can they ask for? More power, of course! They’re not getting any younger, but in terms of clout and control, the years ahead are still sprawlingly rich. 😉

Movie Must-Watch: “Tiktik -The Aswang Chronicles”

Posted by Norman on September 30, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

I will let the images and the ‘uncensored’ full trailer of the movie speak for themselves. “Tiktik” – the Aswang Chronicles could be the most impressive Filipino horror flick ever produced. Aside from it being entirely shot against a green screen, the production people – led by Director Erik Matti – used the most advanced technology in filmmaking.

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The movie that could set the tone for a new advent in Pinoy digital filmmaking.


courtesy of AswangChronicles

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Notice the look and texture of the movie. Impressive!

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The eerieness is excellently captured in this shot alone.

Watch “Tiktik – the Aswang Chronicles – co produced by GMA Films, Agostodos Productions, Mothership and Reality Entertainment – and scheduled to open nationwide on October 17. The movie stars Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, Joey Marquez, Ramon Bautista, Janice de Belen and LJ Reyes.

Miss Universe 2012: the shortest, the longest and the latest

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

In what could be the most number of superlatives applied to the most popular beauty pageant in the world, Miss Universe 2012 is coming along nicely as a top contender.

Consider the following:

The Latest
– MU2012 is the only edition to be held latest in the year, much like the small Hollywood movies trying to make it to the red flight of theatrical release just to be included in a current year’s playdate. A December 19 is considered very late by everyone, but still qualifies as part of 2012.

– MU2012 is the latest to have a final venue confirmed. Usually, the host city is announced during the telecast of the previous year’s finals. Alternatively, it is revealed at least 8 months before. At the latest, it should have been disclosed during Miss USA. This year, Las Vegas was heralded less than three months from the coronation night.

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Leila Lopes can't wait to crown the next Miss U.

The Longest

– MU2012 has the honor of having an outgoing winner with the longest Miss Universe reign ever. Leila Lopes must feel so stretched and exhausted. I bet she will be way too excited crowning her successor on December 19.

– And don’t get 3/4 of the Official Candidates started on the longest wait because their patience has been tested to the limit waiting for their turn to compete. Just ask Venezuela’s Irene Esser, Puerto Rico’s Bodine Koehler Pena and Indonesia’s Maria Selena. These three are just some of the delegates who eclipsed the one-year mark from the time that they were crowned MU reps.

– The wait, of course, applies to us pageant-watchers and enthusiasts as well. At least we don’t need to diet to the max doing so.

The Shortest

– And to top it all, MU2012 added one more distinct feather to its cap as the edition that will have the shortest period of preliminary activities going into the finals – eight (8) days*. You heard it right, folks. The candidates will only need to arrive in Las Vegas on December 11, spend a few days for shoots along the strip (and the desert areas), plunge into the oh-so-crucial prelims thereafter, rehearse for the finals in whatever is left of their tight waking moments, and get themselves all heated up for the coronation just eight (8) nights after their arrival. Whirlwind is the word that best describes what will transpire during these fateful eight (8) days. It can’t be helped. Las Vegas – which thrives on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays – can only spare one (1) weekend for the whole thing. And we have to hand it to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for accepting the task of ‘freeing’ a good chunk of their rooms (for the delegates and MUO personnel) instead of making money out of it.

– Oh…and need I add that Miss Universe 2012 – whoever the winner will be – should console herself with the victory b ecause she will have the shortest reign ever? That is, unless a dethronement case cuts it even shorter and the 1st Runner-Up ends up with the short end of the bargain. Call it Justine Pasek 2.0 lite. Miss Universe 2013 is rumored to be scheduled middle of next year, so a six-month reign is in the works.

Care to add more to the list, dear readers? 😉

* – New developments have it now that the candidates’ arrivals in Las Vegas will be December 2-3, which add 9 extra days to the preliminary activities – still shorter than the usual month-long Funfare. See Global Beauties’ tweets below.
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The essential checklist for Miss Universe 2012

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of MissUniverse

The Checklist:

Have you already booked your flights to Vegas? If not, then start doing it now because the airfare won’t be cheap, regardless of where you’re coming from. Try American Airlines or JetBlue or Expedia. From Manila, the most convenient flight segments can be booked with either Philippine Airlines or Delta. On the other hand, the cheapest would be China Southern (via Guangzhou). No Chinese visa needed if transit time is within 24 hours of arrival.

Map courtesy of LasVegas.com

Have you already reserved a room at Planet Hollywood? If not, then boo-hoo! The promo codes may have already been fully used up by the early birds who took advantage of the super-discounted US$40.12/night weekday rate being offered right around the time MUO made the announcement online. Paris Las Vegas, Cosmopolitan, Vdara, Aria, Bally’s and Bellagio may be nearby, but there’s nothing like staying in the same hotel where the delegates will be billeted.

Have you already filed your vacation leave for the all-important date of December 19 (or the week/s surrounding it for those traveling to the US)? If not, then drop by the HR department pronto. You’ll be surprised how many other co-workers have jumped the gun on you and secured approval for theirs.

Now, if you have all areas covered by now, keep in mind that Las Vegas during December can be very cold. Pack your thermal undergarments as soon as you take out the luggage from its hiding place. And add up a few party attires as well. The strip is the place to spend hip, cool and fun-filled all-nighters.

Miss Universe 2012 is definitely on and what better time to witness this beauty spectacle than during the merriest season of the year! 😀

Marie Molo Peter vies for Miss Universe Norway 2012 tonight!

Posted by Norman on September 28, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , .

Tonight at the Kanonhallen in Oslo, one girl will be crowned Miss Universe Norway 2012 and represent the scandinavian nation in Miss Universe 2012 come December 11. What’s particularly interesting with this year’s contenders is the presence of Bb. Pilipinas 2012 candidate Marie Molo Peter in the line-up. You may remember her as the Filipina/Norwegian with pin #11 who was entered by famed Aces & Queens. She was not fortunate to land a crown, let alone a semifinal slot. But she was able to rise from that defeat. For awhile after, she was rumored as Norway’s bet to Miss Humanity International in Barbados. In the end, she opted to enlist for Miss Universe Norway 2012 instead.

From Binibining Pilipinas to Miss Universe Norway: a long-haul journey to achieve her beauty queen dreams.

So what happens if Marie bags the title and went on to compete in MU2012? Then, we will have two Filipinas vying for the Diamond Nexus Lab crown! What’s more, there will be two Aces & Queens-trained candidates in the same! Wouldn’t that be just cool?

Fay Teresa Valbekk: Marie Peter’s toughest opponent in the national finals.

But before that happens, she will have to compete hard because she is facing one tough challenger in the person of Fay Teresa Valbekk (photo left) who is just as determined to take the victory from all comers.

Let’s wish Marie the best of luck in tonight’s competition. 😉

Janine Tugonon is one happy Binibini!

Posted by Norman on September 28, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

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Miss Universe Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon (Photo credit: Noli Berioso/OPMB Worldwide)

2012 Miss Universe Philippines Janine Tugonon is on Cloud 9 after learning that Las Vegas has officially been declared as host of Miss Universe 2012 once more. And why not? She knows for a fact that the support of thousands of US-based Filipinos is priceless. Looking back at the Venus Raj experience last 2010, she is well aware that her efforts will be tremendously boosted by the presence of her kababayans aside from those who will travel all the way to the mainland just to see her compete in both the preliminaries and finals.

And because of this, she has upped her motivation even more in training real hard for the competition. Her sessions in the gym and at the Gateway Suites are definitely not for the weak-willed. The pressure is on big time.

So if our bet is happy with the recent turn of Miss Universe events, you should be happier that the chances of achieving a three-peat after Venus and Shamcey has gotten stronger. Who knows? She might even end up exceeding their placements. 😉

Ganbatte, Nicole Schmitz!

Posted by Norman on September 27, 2012
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

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Send-off pictures and solo shots on a grid with Nicole Schmitz. (Photo credit: OPMB Worldwide)

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During Nicole Schmitz' send off to Miss International 2012 earlier.

Ganbatte is the Japanese term for Good Luck/Keep your chin up/Do your best. And that is exactly what I’m wishing for our representative to Miss International 2012 in Okinawa, Japan. Nicole Schmitz was earlier feted by BPCI to a formal send-off which was made more special by the presence of fellow Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens. Come Monday morning, she will be boarding her flight to the Land of the Rising Sun and start a journey that should hopefully see a 5th Miss International win for the Philippines by October 21.

Suiri no tame ni, Nicole! (For the win, Nicole!) 😀

Back to Vegas Miss Universe goes!

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

I hope this ends all talks about where Miss Universe 2012 will be held. Paula Shugart of MUO has already spoken.

And it’s confirmed. The new date will be December 19 with the specific venue being Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the strip. ‘Nuff said. 😉

Saving oceans through beauty, Miss Scuba Philippines is.

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


image Top row (L-R): Therese Fleur Ostil, Maria Espinoza, Raizza Guerra
Bottom row (L-R): Hannah Joy Demit, Jhona Milla Montalbo, Janicel Lubina

image Top (L-R): Christine Paula Love Bernasor and Karla Camille Mangalonzo
Bottom (L-R): Jane Mai Cuyugan and Charisse Marie Sisperez

When I stated in an earlier post that a participating Filipina in Miss Scuba International is capable of wiping out the competition, my confidence wasn’t shattered when I finally saw the ten (10) ladies competing for Miss Scuba Philippines 2012. At least half of the group is strong enough to wrest the title once fielded in the world finals to be held in Bali, Indonesia come November 30.

I can see any one among Janicel Lubina, Hannah Joy Demit, Christine Paula Love Bernasor, Raizza Guerra and Maria Espinoza as potential winners of the local contest, and easily stand out against the delegates from other countries (which include Australia, Belgium, China, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, San Marino, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States).

One of them will be crowned winner on October 27 at the Toyota Asian Cultural Center inside the UP Campus in Diliman. Whoever she is will travel to Bali to participate in diving expeditions and marine conservation projects prior to the coronation night at the Samur Paradise Hotel. My Top 2 picks are obviously Janicel and Hannah Joy. Hopefully, one of them comes out on top. 😉

Miriam Jimenez for Miss International Queen 2012

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

Miriam Jimenez will represent the Philippines in Miss International Queen 2012 in Pattaya, Thailand.

Come November 2, 2012, the Philippines will be represented in Miss International Queen 2012 in Pattaya, Thailand not by one but two beautiful candidates. One of them is 24 year-old Miriam Jimenez who I personally met two weeks back during the meet-and-greet with MWP2012 Queenie Rehman. When she arrived at Izakaya that night, I was – quite simply – floored by her presence. She personifies an exotic quality that can never be ignored. Her pictures may still be dead giveaways for some, but in person, she is all-woman in impact. In fact, I initially mistook her as Mary Ann Ross Misa, but quickly regained my composure when she found a seat across us in the table where I was able to scrutinize her better.

I’m pretty sure Miriam will be able to stand her own against the lovely Thai candidates in Miss International Queen. I won’t be surprised as well if she ends up winning the same. Let’s wish our rep the best of luck in the competition! 😉