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All posts for the month May, 2014

Myanmar’s May Myat Noe wins Miss Asia-Pacific World 2014

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

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May Myat Noe is visibly thrilled to win a crown for her country.

courtesy of Pageant Guru

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Miss Asia-Pacific World 2014 May Myat Noe of Myanmar.


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May Myat Noe of Myanmar after being crowned Miss Asia-Pacific World 2014

May Myat Noe gifted Myanmar with its biggest international pageant win in modern times after bagging the Miss Asia-Pacific World 2014 crown at the Grand Hilton in Seoul, Korea. She was actually one of the top favorites going into the finals and defeated an all-Asian Top 7 line-up that included 1st Runner-up Kim Eea of Korea, 2nd Runner-up Hio Man Cha of Macau, 3rd Runner-up Hillarie Parungao of the Philippines, 4th Runner-up Anukriti Gusain of India, 5th Runner-up Pooja Gill of Singapore and 6th Runner-up Nisanat Mongsai of Thailand.

Making up the rest of the Top 15 are: Lenka Josefiova of Czech Republic, Dianella Lopez of Ecuador, Johanna Acs of Germany, Natalia Coto of Honduras, Shanzay Hayat of Pakistan, Petra Tonhauserova of Slovakia, Amanda Silva of Sri Lanka and Tiffany Hunte of Trinidad and Tobago.

Kudos to the Philippine team that trained and polished May Myat Noe for the competition. Gouldian Atelier, which I blogged about a few days back, takes credit for that.

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Miss Philippines Hillarie Parungao during the finals.

By the way, Miss Philippines was also awarded Best in National Costume. And looks like Myanmar is on a roll after the country won its first male pageant via Mr. Global 2014 a few weeks back.

Congratulations to all the winners! 😀

Do you fancy watching Mr. World 2014 LIVE?

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

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The ticket prices are reasonable.

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John's photo on the Mr. World FB Page

If you want to buy tickets to watch Mr. World 2014 in Torbay, England on June 15, click HERE. Prices start at £10 (partially obstructed view) and £20 (better view). Not bad.

But here’s the thing. You will need to buy return airline tickets to London, pay for the return bus ride to Torbay and book accomodations on the English Riviera. Suddenly, the reasonable ticket prices become steep. Unless money is no object, then go ahead and support our very own John Spainhour in person. He will be most happy to see you there, not to mention having him focus his sights on you as one in a smaller group of Filipinos who will vacation in Torbay to cheer him on.

And since our Queen Megan is also being eyed to host the finals, it will be double the fun! 🙂

Important P.S.: Mr. World created a new page for John Spainhour as Mr. World Philippines 2014. Visit and like it HERE. Do it now!

Girl, un-Interrupted

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Valerie Weigmann during the Sparty of Jonas Gaffud (Photo credit: Gerry Diaz)

Valerie Weigmann during the Sparty of Jonas Gaffud (Photo credit: Gerry Diaz)

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During the Birthday Sparty of Jonas Gaffud at Bluewater Day Spa, Valerie Weigmann was such a lovely presence as she gamely joined in the fun, while delightfully and formally introducing herself to everyone in attendance.

It’s no secret that she will be fielded by Aces & Queens in Miss World Philippines 2014. The only other question that begs to be answered is whether she will be the solo entry of the beauty camp, or will there be a second possible bet waiting on the wings to be prepped for the same?

The excitement will further heat up soon.

Let’s watch out for further developments. 😉

Miss Asia Pacific World 2014 Live Streaming Links

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , .

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Tonight is the night for MAPW2014!

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Miss Philippines Hillarie Parungao during the MAPW2014 Fashion Show. (Photo credit: Missosology)

Want to watch how Miss Philippines Hillarie Parungao will fare in the competition finals at Grand Hilton in Seoul, Korea? Just keep in mind the time zone difference so you won’t miss the actual live streaming.

Live Broadcast (KST) is 7:00PM (6:00PM PHT).

Here are several Live Streaming links for tonight’s broadcast of Miss Asia Pacific World 2014:

Via USTREAM TV: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mapwtv

Via IBSTV Korea: http://ibstv.kr/new/

Via YuZoo: http://www.missapw.com/missangola2014

Via Official Web: http://www.missasiapacificworldstar.com

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Best of luck, Hillarie!

Top Model Philippines on ABS-CBN

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

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Top Model Philippines will be hosted by Anne Curtis

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The older version of Philippines Next Top Model back in 2007 hosted by Ruffa Gutierrez

And since we are in the subject of Asia’s Next Top Model in the previous post, allow me to herald the big return of Top Model Philippines on local TV via ABS-CBN. While there was already a previous local adaptation back in 2007 (Philippines Next Top Model won by Grendel Alvarado) on the now defunct RPN-9 and a supposed second adaptation (but altogether cancelled before auditions) of Top Model Philippines on the ETC cable channel last 2012, this will be a totally fresh take on the reality model search that has made Tyra Banks a global name. Trust the network to inject its own innovations that might even surprise the original American host and creator of the same.

Audition dates and venues have yet to be finalized, but I will blog them as soon as all the details are provided. But one thing is for sure. Anne Curtis will be the host (actually, I would have preferred a taller lady like Bea Alonzo, but oh well…) and this should keep her away from doing all those sold-out concerts at the Araneta Coliseum in the meantime. 😉

The Post-AsNTM lives of Jodilly and Katarina

Posted by Norman on May 31, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Jodilly Pendre (left) and Katarina Rodriguez on the cover of Metro Magazine June 2014 issue

Jodilly Pendre (left) and Katarina Rodriguez on the cover of Metro Magazine June 2014 issue

Jodilly proudly showing off the Metro cover.

Jodilly proudly showing off the Metro cover.

Neither of them may have won Season 2 of Asia’s Next Top Model, but Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez are now in full fashion bloom. Last April, their 2nd and 3rd place respective finishes in the model search gave quite a backlash to the show’s producers that the Filipino fans and supporters pointed to an undue favoritism of Malaysian winner Sheena Liam. But all of that is now water under the bridge.

For starters, Jodilly Pendre is hell bent on achieving top supermodel status faster than anyone else in their batch. And she must be doing something right so far. Her harvest of bookings for ramp, editorial and print photography projects has never been so bountiful. She is proving that post-competition engagements are more important in sustaining the familiarity that the show established on her behalf. And she is working hard to hit it big internationally.

As for Katarina, she has been quite visible in the limelight ever since the show ended. Aside from being picked by TRESemme’ as an endorser, she also gets her good share of fashion projects that has been keeping her busy. Her portfolio has been getting thick and options for showbiz-related gigs are being seriously considered. While options of pursuing higher studies in Economics were previously thought of as immediately possible, she is now taking advantage of the opportunity to make it big as an international model. If she does, then there will always be time to plan about more serious academic stuff when she gets older (and perhaps, wiser).

Watch out for more of Jodilly and Katarina in the months to come. Season 3 of Asia’s Next Top Model may have already started auditions, but their efforts during the sophomore batch will never go unnoticed. 🙂

A Sparty for Jonas Gaffud

Posted by Norman on May 30, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

During Jonas Gaffud's Sparty at Bluewater Day Spa standing (L-R) Zahara Soriano, Valerie Weigmann, Gwen Ruais, Ara Arida, Mariel de Leon, Pia Wurtzbach, Venus Raj, Shaimaa Al-Najjar, Angelie Ocampo, Janelle Tee, Caloy Buendia and SF's Brix Vera; seated (L-R) OPMB's Jory Rivera, Yvethe Santiago, Jonas Gaffud, Gerry Diaz and Jimmy Estopace

During Jonas Gaffud’s Sparty at Bluewater Day Spa standing (L-R) Zahara Soriano, Valerie Weigmann, Gwen Ruais, Ara Arida, Mariel de Leon, Pia Wurtzbach, Venus Raj, Shaimaa Al-Najjar, Angelie Ocampo, Janelle Tee, Caloy Buendia and SF’s Brix Vera; seated (L-R) OPMB’s Jory Rivera, Yvethe Santiago, Jonas Gaffud, Gerry Diaz and Jimmy Estopace

Jonas Gaffud (center) blowing his birthday cake brought in by the staff of Bluewater Day Spa.

Jonas Gaffud (center) blowing his birthday cake brought in by the staff of Bluewater Day Spa.

As most of you know, Mercator and A&Q’s Jonas Gaffud celebrated his nth birthday last Monday, May 26. He actually had daily celebrations since then. But it was only last night when he spent quality birthday time with the ladies and men of Aces & Queens. And the theme was a Sparty held at the cool and comfy Bluewater Day Spa in Ortigas (very near Greenhills Shopping Center). There was sumptuous food served, a private movie screening (if they so wish) and a relaxing VIP foot spa for the ladies and some of the guys who opted to have one.

Some of the ladies getting ready for the VIP Foot Spa

Some of the ladies getting ready for the VIP Foot Spa

I received a personal invite from Jonas himself. Sadly, something very urgent came up at the last minute and I had to go back to Paranaque right after the Mr. World Philippines event at the Glorietta 5 Atrium.

Sigh. I’m kicking myself for missing all the fun. But a dutiful son has got to do his important obligations for the family over anything else.

Anyways, Happy Birthday once more, Jonas! 😀

P.S. All images above are courtesy of Gerry Diaz.

Why does Miss Grand Thailand 2014 have better candidates?

Posted by Norman on May 30, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Six of the stand-out candidates of Miss Grand Thailand 2014. And there's more among the remaining 44 to choose from. (Photo credit: Missosology)

Six of the stand-out candidates of Miss Grand Thailand 2014. And there’s more among the remaining 44 to choose from. (Photo credit: Missosology)

Here's a 7th standout.

Here’s a 7th standout.

mgi2014a1 It is quite interesting to note how more superior the quality of candidates of Miss Grand Thailand 2014 are, compared to those who took part in Miss Universe Thailand 2014. Perhaps, the bigger come-on for the lovelier contenders is the fact that five (5) titles will be handed out for automatic representation in Miss Grand International, Miss Earth, Miss Supranational, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Tourism International. And the winners will not be known as mere runners-up, but specific titleholders. It could also be possible that Nawat Itsaragrisil – Head of Miss Grand Thailand Organization – is a far more flexible and open-minded overseer who doesn’t think twice about taking productive inputs from his team and even international associates.

The winners won’t be known until June 17. But this early, the prospects of seeing the five new queens training here in the Philippines under Gouldian Atelier are very bright. 🙂

And Mr. World Philippines 2015 is Sam Ajdani

Posted by Norman on May 30, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

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Mr. World Philippines 2015 Sam Ajdani and his intellectual look.

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Sam Ajdani (right) for 2015 with John Spainhour for 2014

Look who got chosen as Mr. World Philippines 2015 in a rare two-winners-for-two-consecutive-years-in-one pageant selection. Ms. Cory Quirino surely knows how to drum up a last-minute explosion for the male pageant. Not only did she make the audience gasp in awe by presenting two outstanding choices. She also made them both winners.

Now, Sam (who is with Mercator) will be scheduled for military training with the Philippine Army. And he will have lots of time to prepare for next year’s Mr. World which will become an annual event starting 2015.

Actually, a little birdie whispered to my ear that Sam was supposed to be the 2014 choice and John Spainhour for 2015. But since the latter is already 26 years old and with certified military training, it was decided that the Fil-Persian-Japanese hunk would be a better fit for next year’s edition.

Regardless, we have excellent Mr. World bets already locked in for 2014 and 2015. And I daresay that Mr. World Philippines 2016 will be a more outstanding male pageant production with the long lead time ahead.

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Sam Ajdani showing off his glorious six-pack abs a la Superman!

Congratulations, Sam! 🙂

All images above are courtesy of Melvin Sia.

And the final Mr. World Philippines 2014 is John Spainhour!

Posted by Norman on May 29, 2014
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

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The search stops here. My wish finally granted! John Spainhour is Mr. World Philippines 2014.

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Look who got the much-anticipated selection as Mr. World Philippines 2014. John Spainhour!

John will now start packing his bags and boarding that flight to London this weekend. From there, he will be transported to Torbay in the English Riviera to join the other candidates of Mr. World 2014.

Our bet counts on his military training with the US Marines as the biggest advantage going into the competition. He will definitely have his hands full with the new responsibility and is hoped to do one step better than his predecessor, Andrew Wolff, and finally clinch the Mr. World title from reigning winner Francisco Parra of Colombia.

Best of luck, John!

Godspeed! 😀

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John is elated to be chosen Mr. World Philippines 2014!